OSHA Inspection: PENNSYLVANIA ELECTRIC COMPANY

Issued

Mar 31, 1994

Abate by

Apr 23, 1994

Penalty

Initial $6,300

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 serious physical harm to employee in that persons were
exposed to serious injuries from falls while climbing poles and/or
structures during evaluation/training:
a)Penelec Training Center, Philipsburg, PA  Persons were
required to climb a 40 foot high pole and an Hstructure
to a height of approximately 30 feet while using only a
lineman's body belt/safety belt; there was no personal
fall arrest equipment worn or utilized and a "buddy
system" of rescue was not utilized.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method
to correct this hazard would be:
1)  Persons undergoing training in climbing heights in excess of 4
feet be required to use personal fall arrest equipment.
2)  Use of a "buddy system" so as the person climbing is monitored
by another person in the immediate vicinity who is equipped with
climbing gear to assist in the event of distress.
IN THE ALTERNATIVE...
29 CFR 1910.132(a):  Protective equipment was not used when
necessary whenever hazards capable of causing injury and impairment
were encountered:
a)Penelec Training Center, Philipsburg, PA  Persons
were required to climb a 40 foot high pole and an
Hstructure to a height of approximately 30 feet
while using only a linesman's body belt/safety
belt; there was no personal fall arrest equipment
worn or utilized and a "buddy system" of rescue was
not utilized.