OSHA Inspection: ALERT WINDOW & BUILDING CLEANING LTD.

Issued

Jul 29, 1993

Abate by

Aug 12, 1993

Penalty

Initial $1,500 · Current $1,000 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
was exposed to hazards:
a)  U.S. Custom House, 2nd & Chestnut St., Phila, Pa. 19103 -An
employee doing window washing operations using the Sky Genie
Descent System was not adquately trained in proper rigging
procedures,
in that improper rigging practices were being utilized.
Observed 6/3/93
NOTE: One useful and feasible means of abatement would be to
conduct training on proper rigging practices for each location
prior to starting the job.
b)  U.S. Custom House, 2nd & Chestnut St., Phila, Pa. 19103 -An
employee doing window washing operations using the Sky Genie
Descent System was not adquately trained in proper rigging
procedures.
Observed 6/3/93
NOTE: One useful and feasible means of abatement would be to
conduct training on proper rigging practices for each location
prior to starting the job.
c)  U.S. Customs House, 2nd & Chestnut St., Phila, Pa. 19103 - The
4th floor railing used as the attachment point for both primary
and secondary lnes was not tested to determine if it would support
loads imposed on it.
NOTE:  One useful and feasible means of abatement would be to
determine if roof attachment points will support loads imposed
on them (at least 5400 pounds).
d)  U.S. Customs House, 2nd & Chestnut Sts., Phila, Pa. 19103
The lines used by the employee passed over sharp building edges
in four places.  The ropes were protected in only two of the
places.
NOTE:  One useful and feasible means of abatement would be to
insure that all lines are protected anywhere they are subjected
to damage.
e).  U.S. Customs House, 2nd & Chestnut Sts., Phila, Pa. 19103
- An employee was observed not using an independent life line even
though it was provided.  Employees was exposed to falls of 30-40
feet in the event of the failure of the primary descent line.
NOTE:  One useful and feasible means of abatement would be to
insure that employees always use a second independently rigged
safety  line.