OSHA Inspection: EGBD, INCORPORATED D/B/A BLUE DIAMOND

Issued

Feb 4, 2005

Abate by

Mar 24, 2005

Penalty

Initial $1,500 · Current $1,500

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety & 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 dealth or serious physical harm to employees,
in that employees were
exposed to fall hazards, while utilizing a rope descent system supported
from inadequate
anchorage:
Location:  495 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02210.
On 10/14/04, the anchorage for a primary support line and life line were
both anchored to a 4
wheeled portable support device which was not properly tied off nor was it
properly rigged for
a 4 to 1 safety factor from overturning exposing employees to fall hazards
of 9 stories.  The life
line and the primary support line were also attached to the same
carabiner.  The counter weights
were not properly attached to the portable support device so as to assure
proper 4 to 1 counter
weight.
Feasible abatement methods include but are not limited to the following:
1.  Implement a comprehensive safety program that includes hands on
employee training in the
proper use of anchorage, approved rigging, fall protection systems, and
rescue techniques.
2.  Ensure that all employees are trained regarding company safety
training
manual,
manufacturer's instructions, warnings and design limitations of the Rope
Descent Systems (RDS)
equipment, ANSI/IWCA 1-14.1 2001 Standard, and related safety regulations.
3.  Ensure that all lines installed for employees suspension rigging are
firmly attached to
substantial anchor points capable of sustaining a minimum tensile load of
5,000 pounds.
4.  Ensure that a competent person inspects all anchor points and rigging
being used prior to the
start of work, before each use, and ensure all work practices and
procedures for window
cleaning operations are performed under supervision of a competent person.
5.  Ensure that employees utilize approved portable support devices and
that they are assembled
according to manufacturer's instructions and specifications to provide a
minimum 4 to 1 ratio
against overturning.
6.  Ensure that all primary lines, lifelines and tie-backs lines are
attached
with minimal slack to
an identified anchorage in line (within 15 degrees of perpendicular) with
the area being accessed.
7.  Submit a Plan of Service to the building owner or his agent to address
all safety concerns
and to identify the use of anchorage points, prior to the service being
performed.

Issued

Feb 4, 2005

Abate by

Mar 24, 2005

Penalty

Initial $1,500 · Current $1,500