OSHA Inspection: PUBLIC SERVICE OF N.H.

Issued

Aug 16, 1990

Abate by

Sep 4, 1990

Penalty

Initial $560 · Current $560

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The
employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were
free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death
or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to
hazards of shocks and electrocution:
a) On or about March 15, 1990, and at times prior thereto at Switch
Cabinet number 3, located on the east side of Chestnut Street and
on the north side of the Coheco River in Dover, NH, foremen, linemen,
and electricians were exposed to shocks and possible electrocution
while troubleshooting underground distribution cabes in that the
employees with no protective equipment were permitted to approach
electrical conductors which were live or where the condition of the
conductors was not known.
ABATEMENT: A feasible and acceptable abatement method, among others, to
correct this hazard is to permit only the minimum number of qualified
persons, and preferably one person, with appropriate protective
equipment, to approach the hazardous area and all others maintain the
minimum established distances for the voltage being worked.