OSHA Inspection: U.S. POSTAL SERVICE - MAIL PROCESSING ANNEX (PMA)

Issued

Sep 11, 2000

Abate by

Sep 15, 2000

Penalty

Initial $1,350 · Current $540 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:
(a)The hazard of moving parts, rotating parts, pinch, nip, squeeze injury
due to
lack of audible/visual restarts devices installed on the conveyor system
to alert
personnel working around the conveyor line of start-ups and restarts.
One feasible method to correct this hazard would be to provide restarts
warning
devices and so arranged to warn personnel working around the conveyor line
of start-ups and restarts and to train personnel of the function of such
devices.
(b)The hazard of moving parts, rotating parts, pinch, nip, squeeze injury
due to
lack of emergency stop devices to permit free access for personnel in case
of
and emergency stop.
One feasible method to correct this hazard would be to provide emergency
stop
devices and so arranged to permit personnel ready access in case of a
emergency stop
and to train personnel in the safe operation of such devices.
5(a)(l): Elements
(1)  The employer failed to keep the workplace free of hazards to which
employees of
the employer were exposed to moving, rotating parts, pinch, nip personal
injury due
to lack of conveyor audible/visual restart devices.
(2)  The hazard is a recognized hazard in that an American National
Standard (ASME
B20.1-1996-Safety Standard For Conveyors And Related Equipment)- 5.11.2
Control
Station. It states: "When a conveyor that would cause injury when is
automatically
controlled or must be controlled from a remote location, an audible device
or devices
shall be provided that can be clearly heard at all hazardous points along
the conveyor
where personnel may be present".
(3)  The hazard is causing or likely to cause serious physical harm due to
an
unexpected contact with moving, rotating parts, pinch, nip conveyor
elements.
(4)  One feasible method to correct this hazard would be to provide
restarts warning
devices and so arranged and maintained to warn personnel working around the
conveyor line of start-ups and restarts.
Abatement Note:  Abatement certification is required for this item (see
enclosed "Sample
Abatement-Certification Letter").

Issued

Sep 11, 2000

Abate by

Nov 30, 2000

Penalty

Initial $1,350 · Current $100 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:
(a)The hazard of being struck by uncontrolled free falling bulk mail while
lifting
the commodity trailer door to unload mail onto the hopper.
Among others, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this
hazard is
to provide a commodity trailer door that will prevent personnel from
entering the
hazardous unloading/dumping hopper area.
5(a)(l)  Elements
(1)  The employer failed to keep the workplace free of hazards to which
employees of
the employer were exposed to the hazard of an unexpected uncontrolled free
falling
of
bulk material that would create an impact personal injury.
(2)  The hazard is a recognized hazard in that an American National
Standard (ASME
B20.1-1996-Safety Standard For Conveyors And Related Equipment).5.13 (a)
and (b)
It states:  "At transfer, loading, and discharge points where unconfined
and
uncontrolled free fall or material can result from flooding, ricocheting,
overloading
trajectory, leakage, or a combination thereof, such unconfined and
uncontrolled free
fall of material shall be prevented if it would create a hazard to
personnel".  (b) In
the absence of a guard or barrier specifically erected to protect
personnel, warnings
shall be provided to restrict unauthorized personnel from entering
hazardous loading,
unloading, and transfer areas".
(3)  The hazard is causing or likely to cause serious physical harm due to
an
unexpected uncontrolled free falling of bulk material resulting in an
impact personal
injury.
(4)  One feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard
is to provide
a commodity trailer door which will prevent personnel from entering the
hazardous
unloading/dumping hopper area.
Abatement Note:  Abatement certification is required for this item (see
enclosed "Sample
Abatement-Certification Letter").