OSHA Inspection: BETHLEHEM STEEL CORP., BETH. FORGE DIVISION

Issued

Sep 11, 1991

Abate by

Sep 23, 1991

Penalty

Initial $2,500 · Current $2,500

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 mobile equipment:
The alleged violations below have been  grouped  because  they  involve
similar or related hazards that may increase the potential  for  injury
resulting from an accident.
a)  M.C.R.F. Dept 416 - The 35 ton Euclid dump truck (#351)
was operated between dates 4/1/91 and 5/13/91 periodically
without a functioning back-up alarm nor functioning turn
signals, 5/16/91.
Among others , one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct
this hazard is to repair back-up alarm and turn signals.  Also establ-
ish and enforce a daily mobile equipment inspection program to note any
safety deficiencies and to remove such vehicles from service until
deficiencies are repaired.
b)  Coke Works, Coal Handling Area 512 - Employees operated a
Terex scraper (Model TS24, Co# 6TS36) without a functioning back-up
alarm, thereby exposing employees, particularly those on the
scraper fueling area, to injury from being struck by the
scraper, 4/22/91.
Among others, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct
this hazard is to repair back-up alarm, and establish and enforce a
daily mobile equipment inspection program to note any safety de-
ficiencies and to remove such vehicles from service until deficiencies
are repaired.
c)  Coke Works, Coal Handling Area - Employees operated a
Terex scraper (Co# 7TS36) without a functioning back-up
alarm, thereby exposing employees, particularly those on the
scraper fueling area, to injury from being struck by the
scraper, 4/22/91.
Among others one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this hazard is to repair back-up alarm, and establish and
enforce a daily mobile equipment inspection program to note any safety
deficiencies and to remove such vehicles from service until de-
ficiencies are repaired.
d)  Maintenance Department 417 - The Dodge Ram 350 custom
van (Co#950) was used by employees to travel to the B.O.F.
to perform janitorial services.  The van, which travels over
in-plant roadways, had no functioning turn signals and the
left back-up light was not operational, 4/25/91.
Among others one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct
this hazard is to repair the turn signals, and back-up light,  and
establish and enforce a daily mobile equipment inspection program to
note any safety deficiencies and to remove such vehicles from service
until deficiencies are repaired.

Issued

Sep 11, 1991

Abate by

Sep 16, 1991

Issued

Sep 11, 1991

Abate by

Sep 16, 1991

Penalty

Initial $2,000 · Current $2,000

Issued

Sep 11, 1991

Abate by

Sep 14, 1991

Penalty

Initial $35,000 · Current $20,500 Reduced

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 mobile equipment:
The alleged violations below have been  grouped  because  they  involve
similar or related hazards that may increase the potential  for  injury
resulting from an accident.
a)  M.C.R.F. Department 416 - A Euclid 35 ton off road dump
truck (#355) was operted with poor brakes for the period
4/15/91 through 4/21/91.  The truck was used to haul material
throughout the faciltiy over in-plant roadways, 4/30/91.
Among others, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct
this hazard is to repair truck brakes.  Also, establish and enforce a
daily mobile equipment inspection program to note any safety deficienc-
ies and to remove such vehicles from service until deficiencies are
repaired.
b)  Yard Department 353 - Employees operated a Clark 175C
Michigan loader (#2622) to move material in various areas
of the mill.  The loader had no functional back-up alarm.
A severly damaged step which operator used to access the
engine compartment, and the left rear brake light was not
operational, 5/16/91
Among others, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct
this hazard is to repair the back-up alarm, hand brake, brake light,
and step on rear of loader.  Also, establish and enforce a daily mobile
equipment inspection program to note any safety deficiencies and to
remove such vehicles from service until deficiencies are repaired.
c)  Yard Department 353 - Employees operated a Terex 72-61
rubber tired loader (#1L22) to move material in various
areas of the mill.  The loader had no functional back-up
alarm, no functional horn, no seat belts, and the left brake
light was not operational, 4/25/91.
Among others, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct
this hazard is to repair the horn, back-up alarm, and brake light, and
install seat belts.  Also, establish and enforce a daily mobile equip-
ment inspection program to note any safety deficiencies and to remove
such vehicles from service until deficiencies are repaired.
10. IMPLEMENTATION OF PERIODIC TRAINING SESSIONS RELATIVE TO CONFINED
11. WHERE INDICATED BY THE NATURE OF THE POTENTIAL HAZARDS INSIDE THE
CONFINED SPACE, USE OF ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT WHICH IS INTRINSICALLY
SAFE OR APPROVED FOR HAZARDOUS (CLASSIFIED) LOCATIONS.
4) Implementaion of lockout and isolation procedures, where applicable,
prior to confined space entry.
5) When indicated by the nature of the potential hazards inside the
confined space (including carbon monoxide from the internal
combustion type compressor), use of atomospheric testing procedures
to determine the pressence of toxic air contaminants and oxygen
deficient atmosphere prior to entry.
6) Where it has been determined that the confined space may contain a
hazardous air contaminant and/or an oxygen deficiency, use of
mechanically induced ventilation in the confined space before
entry and during occupancy and the use of respiratory protective
equipment which provides adequate protection against the hazards
encountered.
7) Use of apropriate protection clothing, where applicable.
8) Provisions for a standby observer located immediately outside the
confined space with a means of communciaton with the worker inside
the confined space and means of obtaining immediate help in an
emergency.
9) Provisions and procedures for readily available emergency standby
equipment consisting of a safety line and harness and suitable
respiratory protection equipment approved by the National Institute
for Occupational Safety and Health, (NIOSH)
10)Implementation of periodic training sessions relatieve to confined
space entry.
11)Where indicted by the nature of the potential hazards inside the
confined space, use of electrical equipment which is intrinsically
safe or approved for hazardous (classified) locations.

Issued

Sep 11, 1991

Abate by

Sep 16, 1991

Issued

Sep 11, 1991

Abate by

Sep 16, 1991