OSHA Inspection: MILLAR ELEVATOR SERVICE, INC.

Issued

Nov 24, 2000

Abate by

Dec 27, 2000

Penalty

Initial $2,125 · Current $500 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 being struck by a travelling elevator cable improperly
secured to
the underside of an elevator:
a) Freight Elevator No.8 - An elevator mechanic, installing new elevator
travelling cables, was struck by a cable which was not properly secured to
the
underside of the elevator. The steel center strain of the travelling cable
was tied
to a cable hanger rod on the underside of the elevator by means of a clove
hitch
(knot) which became undone at approximately the 17th floor. The cable end
fell
and whipped around in the elevator pit striking the mechanic who was
observing
the cable to ensure that it was tracking correctly.
ABATEMENT NOTE: Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement
method to correct this hazard is to develop and implement procedures for
the
installation of traveling cables which would address the proper methods of
supporting and securing the cables, pre-hanging and hanging the cables, and
protecting the cables.  Employees should be trained in these procedures
prior to
performing these duties and periodically thereafter on a routine basis.
NOTE: ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION REQUIRED