OSHA Inspection: ALLIANCE ELEVATOR DBA UNITEC ELEVATOR

Issued

Jun 21, 2004

Abate by

Jul 9, 2004

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $3,500

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The
employer did not
furnish to each of his employees 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 an unsafe
elevator:
Location: 123 W 13th Street, New York, N.Y.
On or about 04/21/04.
a)A small elevator, manufactured by Inclinator (Elevette model) fell 12
feet to the base
of the shaft at the 16th floor. It fell because the suspension cables
broke and the
backup safety device known as the Slack Rope Safety failed to catch the
elevator car
as it was designed to do if the cables fail.
The employer had provided maintenance for the elevator under a standing
contract
with the building owner. The following deficiencies were observed:
1)U-bolt cable clips were used to fasten the elevator suspension cables to
the elevator
car. U-bolt clips are not designed for this purpose and can weaken the
cables.
2)Rope tags were not provided when the 1/4 inch dia wire rope suspension
cables were
replaced on May 1, 2001.
3)The main guide channel had lubricating grease on it which is not
permitted by the
equipment manufacturer and can interfere with the ability of the teeth on
the slack
rope safety device to bite into the metal of the guide channel as it is
designed to do in
order to stop the car if the cables break.
Among other methods, the following feasible and acceptable method(s) to
correct this hazard
are:
1)Comply with ANSI Standard A17.1(2000) Part 2.20.9.1(c) which states
"U-bolt
type
rope clamps or similar devices shall not be used for suspension rope
fastenings". And
provide acceptable fittings or use cables supplied by the manufacturer
which are
equipped with swaged shackle ends.
2)Provide wire rope tags when suspension ropes are replaced as required by
ANSI
A17.3 part 3.12.2.
3)Comply with ANSI standard A17.3.5.6 and ensure that lubricants do not
reduce the
holding power of elevator safeties. Which is also required in the
manufacturers'
installation instruction manual which states in the "Oiling" paragraph:
"The main
guide rail should remain dry and free from oil".
Note:  The employer is required to submit abatement certification for this
item in accordance
with 29  CFR 1903.19.ce