OSHA Inspection: BRANDT ENGINEERING CO., INC.

Issued

2000-04-06 00:00:00

Abate by

2000-04-18 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $3500.00 · Current $2100.00 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.  On or about February 9,2000, at the GM-800 Conversion Project
construction site
at the General Motors Truck Plant, Arlington, TX, the employer did not
protect employees from
the recognized hazard of a fall from a height of approximately 30 feet
when using Skyjack
Model SJ3381 scissors lifts which had been modified by the addition of
material supports (pipe
racks).  The modifications, which were made without the approval of the
manufacturer and did
not conform the manufacturer's requirements for the design and use of pipe
racks, created a
potential tipping hazard when these scissors lifts were used to raise
sections of pipe for overhead
installation.
Among other methods, some feasible and acceptable methods to correct this
hazard
are:
1.Obtain pipe racks, and any changes in operating procedures necessitated
by the use of
pipe racks, from the manufacturer of the scissor lift.  Train all
operators on any changes
in operating procedure.
2.Develop and implement a company policy for modification of scissors
lifts to ensure
compliance with ANSI/SIA A92.6-1999 Self-Propelled Elevating Work
Platforms.
Specifically:
- Provide the manufacturer of the scissors lift with a detailed
explanation of the
intended use of the scissors lift and the requirements for pipe racks.
- Obtain the design specifications for the pipe racks, and any changes in
operating
procedures necessitated by the use of pipe racks, from the manufacturer of
the
scissor lift.
- Obtain written permission from the manufacturer for the fabrication and
intended use of the pipe racks.
- Train all operators on any changes in operating procedures.
3.Use equipment specifically designed for material handling to raise and
position piping for
overhead installation.