OSHA Inspection: MEDINA BLANKING INC.

Issued

Apr 26, 2002

Abate by

May 29, 2002

Penalty

Initial $1,700 · Current $850 Reduced

General-duty citation text

5(a)(1):  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.
Below-the-hook lifting devices, were not inspected on a frequent basis, to
ensure serviceability.  The below-
the-hook lifting device, serial number BLP0902-P, manufactured by
Mazzella, located in the transfer area, was
missing the lifting beam end plates.  On March 10, 2002, an employee was
exposed to a crushing hazard
associated with the adjustable lifting forks falling from the ends of the
lifting beam.  Among other methods,
one feasible method of abatement is to: Conduct frequent inspections of
the lifting devices as described in
ASME B30.20-1999, Below-The-Hook Lifting Devices.
NOTE: Table 1 in ASME B30.20 addresses the Minimum Inspection For
Below-The-Hook Lifting Devices.
The frequent visual inspections to be done by an operator or designated
person include the following items:
(a) Structural Deformation, cracks or excessive wear of any part of the
lifter;
(b) Loose or missing guards,
fasteners, covers, stops, or nameplates; and (c) All functional operating
mechanisms and automatic hold and
release mechanisms for misadjustments interfering with operation.  It also
states in paragraph 20-1.3.2
Frequent Inspection that, "In addition, visual observations should be
conducted during regular service for any
damage or evidence of malfunction that appears between regular
inspections.  Any deficiencies, such as listed
below, shall be carefully examined, and determination made as to whether
they constitute a hazard."  The
items listed are the same ones listed above in Table 1.

Issued

Apr 26, 2002

Abate by

May 29, 2002

General-duty citation text

5(a)(1):  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.
Below-the-hook lifting device operators were not trained and qualified to
operate below-the-hook lifting
devices.  On March 10, 2002, an employee was exposed to a crushing hazard
associated with the adjustable
lifting forks falling from the ends of the lifting beam.  Among other
methods, one feasible method of
abatement is to: Instruct the operator in the use of the below-the-hook
lifting devices as described in ASME
B30.20-1999.
NOTE: In ASME B30.20-1999, Section 20-1.6: Operation, paragraph 20-1.6.1
Operators states, "Below-the-
hook lifting devices shall be operated only by appointed personnel."
Paragraph 20-1.6.2 Qualifications states,
"Qualifications for operators of below-the-hook lifting devices are as
follows.
(a) The operator shall be instructed in the use of the device by a
designated person.  Instructions should
include, but not be limited to, the following:
(1) application of the lifter to the load and adjustments, if any, that
adapt the lifter to various sizes or
kinds of loads;
(2) any special operations or precautions;
(3) condition of the load itself required for operation of the lifter,
such as balance, degree of order of
stacked loads, surface cleanliness, bending, load thickness, etc.'
(4) storage of the lifter to protect it from damage; and
(5) not exceeding the rated load of the lifting device nor the capacity of
the hoisting equipment by the
combined weight of the load, the lifting device, and rigging.
(b) The operator shall demonstrate the ability to operate the lifter as
instructed before assuming responsibility
for using the lifter."
In paragraph 20-1.6.3 Conduct of Lifting Device Operators, sub-paragraph
(e) states, "The operation of the
lifter shall be observed before use and during a shift.  A defect observed
shall be carefully examined by an
appointed person.  If the defect constitutes a hazard, the lifter shall be
removed from service."

Issued

Apr 26, 2002

Abate by

May 9, 2002