OSHA Inspection: COKEN COMPANY, INC.

Issued

Jan 16, 1998

Abate by

Jan 22, 1998

Penalty

Initial $1,125 · Current $563 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 threading machine:
a)Federal Courthouse, basement, north side - Employees were
observed operating a Ridgid 300 Power Drive Pipe Threading
machine (serial number 780541) which was activated by a toggle
switch that would not automatically shut the machine off if its
operator was inadvertently caught up in its rotating parts.  On or
about 1/8/98.
ABATEMENT NOTES:
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 the Ridgid 300 Power Drive Operator's Manual.  Elements
essential to an acceptable safe operating procedure include at a minimum:
1.Installation and use of a momentary contact device (deadman foot
switch) to control power input to the machine as recommended by page
4 of the Operator's Manual.  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, and
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, including the use of a foot switch.