OSHA Inspection: MILHOFF STEEL PRODUCTS CO.

Issued

Nov 6, 1998

Abate by

Nov 10, 1998

Penalty

Initial $375 · Current $262 Reduced

General-duty citation text

Minn. Stat. 182.653 subd. 2:  The employer did not furnish to each
employee, conditions of
employment and a place of employment free from recognized hazards which
caused or were
likely to cause death or serious injury to employees;
Minn. Rules 5205.1200 subp.3: Cranes and hoists were not frequently
inspected for defects at
daily to monthly intervals as indicated, and deficiencies corrected,
before placing the units in
service; and
Minn. Rules 5205.1200 subp.4: Complete inspections of cranes and hoists
were not performed
at intervals of 1 to 12 months and deficiencies corrected before placing
the units in service:
The 4-ton Lo-Hed Material Handling hoist and related crane in the lathe
area of the shop
had not been thoroughly inspected in the six months preceding this
inspection. The wire
rope of the hoist had numerous broken wires that had gone unrecorded, and
the rope was
still in service without a determination made of its suitability for
continued use. Signed
reports of hook inspections were not made.
Abatement Guidelines: Inspections shall be conducted on the following
hoist components:
a.All functional operating mechanisms for maladjustment interfering with
proper operation
- daily;
b.Lines, tanks, valves, drain pumps, and other part of air or hydraulic
systems for
deterioration or leakage - daily;
c.Hooks, with deformation or cracks - visual inspection daily; monthly
inspection with
signed reports;
d.Hoist chains, including end connections, for excessive wear, twist,
distorted links, or
stretch beyond manufacturer's recommendations - visual inspection daily;
e.All functional operating mechanisms for excessive wear recommendations;
f.Rope reeving for noncompliance with manufacturer's recommendations.
Abatement Guidelines: Inspections shall be conducted at one month to
twelve month intervals
depending on type of use, severity of service and environmental factors
which may effect wear
on hoist components:
a.for deformed, cracked, or corroded members;
b.for loose bolts or rivets;
c.for cracked or worn sheaves and drums;
d.for worn, cracked, or distorted parts such as pins, bearings, shafts,
gears, rollers, and
locking and clamping devices;
e.for excessive wear on brake system parts, linings, pawls, and ratchets;
f.load, wind, and other indicators over their full range, for any
significant inaccuracies;
g.gasoline, diesel, electric, or other power plants for improper
performance or
noncompliance with applicable safety requirements;
h.for excessive wear of chain drive sprockets and excessive chain stretch;
and i.electrical apparatus, for signs of pitting or any deterioration of
controller contractors,
limit switches, and push-button stations.