OSHA Inspection: CENTRAL VERMONT PUBLIC SERVICE CORP.

Issued

Aug 10, 1998

Abate by

Sep 2, 1998

Penalty

Initial $4,500 · Current $4,500

General-duty citation text

21 VSA title 23, Chapter 3, Sub-chapter 5, Section 223(a): 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
high voltage electrical
hazards when working in a 47 kV sub-station without adequate supervision
as outlined in ANSI
C2-1990, section 421, para. (A), (1) and (2).
Location:  Woodstock sub-station
Violation:  The employer had not developed or implemented a system of
supervision for
subordinate employees by on site supervisory employees, at multi-employee
worksite.
Employees working in the sub-station were not adequately supervised by the
2 supervisory
personnel in the area to insure that all employees were properly
instructed as to the job
requirements; properly briefed on the work to be accomplished; safe work
areas
were properly
identified; proper safety precautions were enforced and subordinate
personnel were monitored
for unsafe practices when working in an energized sub-station.  Among
other methods, one
feasible and acceptable method to correct this hazard is to provide
administrative
controls/guidance for 1st line supervisors/person in charge to adopt a
program as outlined in
ANSI C2-1990, section 421, para. (A), (B) and (C).
ABATEMENT SCHEDULE
Step 1 -Develop a training program for all First Level Supervisor/Person
in charge to
insure compliance with ANSI C-2, section 421, para A
a.Adopt such precautions as are within the individual's authority to
prevent
accidents.
b.See that the safety rules and operating procedures are observed by the
employees
under the direction of the supervisor/person in charge.
c.Make all necessary records and reports, as required.
d.Prevent unauthorized persons from approaching places where work is being
done.
e.Prohibit the use of tools or devices unsuited to the work at hand, or
which have
not been tested or inspected as required.
Step 2 -Train all first level supervisors/persons in charge on the
contents of the training
program and document all applicable training.
Step 3 -Abatement shall have been completed by implementation of feasible
administrative
controls/applicable training.