OSHA Inspection: INNOVATIVE MECHANICAL SERVICES, INC

Issued

Oct 2, 2007

Abate by

Oct 5, 2007

Penalty

Initial $2,000 · Current $1,400 Reduced

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 a potential fall hazard:
a) On or about 5/9/07, at the 6th floor of 5820 Main Street,
Williamsville, NY.
Employee(s) servicing the roof top HVAC unit were required to access the
roof by a
fixed ladder while carrying about a half dozen replacement HVAC filters.
An employee
fell approximately 20 feet.
AMONG OTHER METHODS, ONE FEASIBLE AND ACCEPTABLE METHOD TO
CORRECT THIS HAZARD IS TO FOLLOW THE AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARDS
INSTITUTE FOR FIXED LADDER SAFETY REQUIREMENTS, SECTION 9.2.1 WHICH
REQUIRES A THREE-POINT CONTACT AND SECTION 9.2.2 WHICH STATES THAT
BOTH HANDS WILL REMAIN FREE WHILE CLIMBING.  THE USE OF A POUCH OR
ROPE TO CARRY OR HAUL THE HVAC FILTERS TO THE ROOF WOULD BE
ACCEPTABLE.
NO ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION REQUIREDATION