OSHA Inspection: READES SERVICES, INC.

Issued

Dec 11, 2001

Abate by

Dec 14, 2001

Penalty

Initial $4,200 · Current $4,200

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 the hazard of falling while utilizing a descent control
device to wash windows:
(a) Location - 52 Second Avenue, Waltham, MA:
On or about 07/20/2001, an employee was working from a "Sky Genie"
seatboard
utilizing a descent control device called a "Rack". The unit was hung from
a
single 5/8 inch nylon braided rope that was placed directly over the edge
of a 24"
parapet wall. The rope was looped around a four inch diameter galvanized
pipe
approximately sixteen inches high with no projections.
(b) Location - 52 Second Avenue, Waltham, MA:
On or about 07/16/2001 and 07/20/2001, an employee was working from a "Sky
Genie" seatboard utilizing a descent control device called a "Rack". The
unit
was
hung from a single 5/8 inch nylon braided rope that was tied back to a
"Bosuns
Mate" outrigger beam. The life line the employee was utilizing was tied
back to
the outrigger.
Among other means, Feasible means of abatement would be to :
1) Train employees in the use of Sky Genie Seatboard and descent devices
including, but
not limited to, the "Rack" and the "Bosuns Mate".
2) Inspect rope, descent equipment, and Sky Genie Seatboard each day
before use; and
3) Ensure proper rigging, including sound anchorages and tie backs, in all
cases with
particular emphasis on providing tiebacks when outrigger beams along with
counterweights or cornice hooks, or similar non permanent anchorage
systems are used;
and
4) Ensure that all lines installed, (with knots, swages, eye splices, or
similar methods
with rigging descent control devices), are capable of sustaining the
tensile loads imposed.
A tensile load strength of 5000 pounds is considered adequate; and
5) Ensure all ropes are effectively padded where they contact edges of the
building,
anchorage, obstructions, or other surfaces which might cut or weaken the
rope;and
6) Ensure a separate personal fall arrest system is used, such as a full
body harness, rope
grab or a similar device with lifeline anchorage points independent of the
friction device,
support seat (or harness), support line or anchorage system so that any
failure of the
system will not effect the ability of the fall arrest system to operate
and quickly stop the
employees fall.yees