OSHA Inspection: L & D RELOAD INC

Issued

2002-09-24 00:00:00

Abate by

2002-10-28 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $1500.00 · Current $1500.00

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: crushing/amputation  hazards
when applying
brakes to rail cars.  On 9/6/02, employees were exposed to an amputation
hazard associated with
uncontrolled, rolling, rail cars.   The accident occurred while in the
process of moving rail cars
in the company's rail yard.  The employer's rail yard track is on a low
grade, allowing the cars
to gravity roll to the North end of the track.  An employee moved three
rail cars, and was in
the process of applying the brake on the rail car on the South end.  The
rail car on the North
end came uncoupled from the last two.  The Office Manager who was in the
yard taking
inventory saw the car uncouple and attempted to apply the brake before the
rail car could contact
a conveyor across the tracks.  The brake on the uncontrolled rail car was
located on the North
end, placing the office manager in front of the moving rail car when the
amputation occurred.
Among other methods, feasible and acceptable methods to control the
hazards are: (1) Develop
and implement a process or procedure, such as a matrix, that would provide
specific guidance
in determining the appropriate number of hand brakes to apply, considering
grade, tonnage, and
other local conditions prevalent at the time of securement.  This is
described in the Notice of
Safety Advisory 97-2 published by the Federal Railroad Administration,
which addresses safety
practices to reduce the risk of casualties from runaway locomotives, cars,
and trains caused by
a failure to properly secure unattended rolling equipment.  (2) Utilize a
positive method of rail
car control, such as a dedicated locomotive or car mover to move rail cars
in the rail yard.  (3)
Train employees to inspect couplers to make sure they are fully fastened
and in good working
condition prior to moving the rail cars.  (4) Develop and implement a
process or procedure to
remove equipment from the tracks when not in use.
Abatement certification and abatement documentation is required for this
violation. The
documentation should include written verification of abatement, applicable
measurements or
monitoring results, and photographs or videos which you believe will be
helpful. The abatement
certification sheet is enclosed with the citations.ion