OSHA Inspection: SRI FIRE SPRINKLER CORP.

Issued

Jul 13, 1992

Abate by

Jul 16, 1992

Penalty

Initial $900 · Current $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 the hazard of being pulled into and crushed by the rotating
parts of a pipe threader:
(a)  5/26/92, First floor inside, employees were operating a
Ridgid brand pipe threading machine Model 300 S/N 7597577
which was activated by an on-off switch that would not
automatically shut off the machine if its operator was
inadvertently caught up in its rotating parts.
Among other methods, one feasible method to reduce this
hazard is to establish and enforce safe operating pro-
cedures such as those specified in ANSI B208.1-1982.
Portable pipe threading machines.  Elements essential
to an acceptable safe operating procedure include at a
minimum:
1) Installation of a momentary contact device (Deadman Foot
Pedal) to control power input to the machine.This device
would automatically stop the machine and the rotating pipe
if the operators foot were removed from the foot pedal/
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 thyp of machinery.