OSHA Inspection: ALMAR PLUMBING & HEATING

Issued

Oct 28, 1994

Abate by

Nov 2, 1994

Penalty

Initial $175 · Current $125 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 was free from
recognized
hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical
harm to employees
in that employees were exposed to the hazard of being pulled into and
crushed by the
rotating parts of a pipe threading machine:
(a) On or about 8/25/94,
Basement of RHCF - employees were operating a rigid 300 # 1206 pipe
threader
which was started with a toggle switch that would not automatically shut
the
machine off if its operator was inadvertently cuaght in the rotating parts
ABATEMENT NOTE:  Among other methods, one feasible method to reduce this
hazard is to establish and enforce adequate safe operating procedures.
Procedures
such
as those stipulated in American National Standard for portable Pipe
Threading
Machines (ANSI B208.1 1982).  Elements essential to an acceptable safe
operating
procedure include at a minimum:
1.Installation of a monetary contact device (deadman foot switch) to
control
power input to the machine.  This device would automatically stop the
machine and the rotating pipe if the operator's foot was removed from the
foot switch for any reason.
2.Provide training and education to the machine operators concerning all
the
appropriate procedures for the safe operation and use of this type of
machinery.

Issued

Oct 28, 1994

Abate by

Nov 2, 1994

Penalty

Initial $175 · Current $100 Reduced