OSHA Inspection: EXECUTIVE WINDOW CLEANING & HIGH REACH SPECIALISTS

Issued

May 19, 2008

Abate by

Jun 21, 2008

Penalty

Initial $375 · Current $225 Reduced

General-duty citation text

Nevada Revised Statute 618.375(1):  The employer failed to furnish
employment and a place of
employment which was free from recognized hazards that were causing or
were likely to cause
death or serious physical harm to his employees:
The employer failed to ensure that the place of employment was free from
recognized hazards,
as follows:
a.Panorama Tower II.  4575 S. Dean Martin Drive, Las Vegas, NV.  During
window cleaning operations, two employees using a "Rope Descent Systems
(RDS)" were not properly trained.  Employees interviewed thought the
anchorage
and seatboard in use were proper but they were not.  Employees descended
from
the top of a 35 story building that was more than 300 feet in elevation.
Reference:  ANSI/IWCA I-14.1-2001; "Window Cleaning Safety", Section
5.7.2; Rope
Descent Systems (RDS).  Employees shall be trained in the use and care of
rope descent
systems before they are permitted to use such equipment.  Training shall
include but not
limited to understanding the manufacturer's instructions, inspection of
components,
accepted rigging practices, identifying anchorages, descending, fall
arrest requirements,
rescue consideration and a full understanding of safe working conditions
considering as
a minimum, correct rigging, rope use, inspection and care the effects of
wind on
suspended operations.
One feasible means of abatement is to follow the requirements of ANSI/IWCA
I-14.1-
2001; "Window Cleaning Safety".

Issued

May 19, 2008

Abate by

May 22, 2008

Penalty

Initial $375 · Current $225 Reduced

General-duty citation text

Nevada Revised Statute 618.375(1):  The employer failed to furnish
employment and a place of
employment which was free from recognized hazards that were causing or
were likely to cause
death or serious physical harm to his employees:
The employer failed to ensure that the place of employment was free from
recognized hazards,
as follows:
a.Panorama Tower II.  4575 S. Dean Martin Drive, Las Vegas, NV.  During
window cleaning operations, an employee was using a "Rope Descent System
(RDS)"to access the windows.  The seatboard of one of the RDS systems was
wrapped with duct tape.  When the duct tape was removed, the seatboard was
deteriorated and modified.  The employee descended from the top of a 35
story
building that was more than 300 feet in elevation.
Reference: ANSI/IWCA I-14.1-2001; "Window Cleaning Safety", Section 3.2;
Equipment Design Requirements.  All equipment shall be engineered,
designed and
approved by the manufacturer for use in window cleaning conforming with the
requirements of Part B of this Standard.  Alterations to the
characteristics of a unit's
design or capacity to safely support the equipment and its operators shall
be prohibited
unless specifically approved in writing by its original manufacturer or a
registered
professional engineer.
Section 14.3(d);  Any finish or covering on the wood product shall be
transparent.
One feasible means of abatement is to follow the requirements of ANSI/IWCA
I-14.1-
2001; "Window Cleaning Safety".

Issued

May 19, 2008

Abate by

Jun 21, 2008

Penalty

Initial $375 · Current $225 Reduced

General-duty citation text

Nevada Revised Statute 618.375(1):  The employer failed to furnish
employment and a place of
employment which was free from recognized hazards that were causing or
were likely to cause
death or serious physical harm to his employees:
The employer failed to ensure that the place of employment was free from
recognized hazards,
as follows:
a.Panorama Tower II.  4575 S. Dean Martin Drive, Las Vegas, NV.  The "Rope
Descent Systems (RDS)" and independent lifeline anchorage points were not
certified under the supervision of a registered professional engineer.
They used
a rope that was wrapped around a steel beam instead of approved anchorages
and
snap hooks.  Employees descended from the top of a 35 story building that
was
more than 300 feet in elevation.
Reference:  ANSI/IWCA I-14.1-2001; "Window Cleaning Safety", Section 3.9;
Anchorages.  Building owners and window cleaning contractors shall not
allow
suspended work to be performed unless it has been determined that the
building has
provided , identified and certified anchorages complying with section 9 or
10 for:
independent safety lines; tie-backs; parapet clamps and cornice hooks;
primary
support
anchorages for powered and manual boatswain's chair; primary support for
rope descent
systems; horizontal (rope) lines or lifelines; and whatever else required.
Section 9.1.8
Anchorages and Fall Protection.  Each anchorage shall be identified in the
work plan
in accordance with section 1.7.
One feasible means of abatement is to follow the requirements of ANSI/IWCA
I-14.1-
2001; "Window Cleaning Safety".