OSHA Inspection: BENCHMARK WIRELINE PRODUCTS

Issued

Aug 26, 2010

Abate by

Sep 28, 2010

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $2,700 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 the
hazard of struck-by:
On or about May 14, 2010, where a quarter-ton Abell Howe base-
mounted Pillar jib crane with a BADA electric chain hoist was used to lift
a Mayfran International minitote conveyor, weighing approximately 438
pounds.  The load shifted, and an employee was struck in the chest by
the conveyor.  The employer did not protect employees from the
recognized hazard of being struck by equipment.
a)This violation most recently occurred at the Benchmark Wireline
Products facility in Simonton, Texas on May 14, 2010, and at
times prior thereto, when the employer failed to conduct initial,
frequent and periodic inspections to the Abell Howe base-mounted
crane.
ABATEMENT NOTES: Among other methods, one feasible
method of abatement to reduce this hazard is to: Follow the
requirements of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers
ASME B30.16-1998, 16-2.1.1 Inspection Classification Guidelines.
These include an initial Inspection. Prior to initial use, all new,
altered, or modified hoists shall be inspected by a designated
person to verify compliance with the applicable provisions of this
volume.
b)The employer failed to maintain records of inspections of the Abell
Howe base-mounted jib crane and hoist; This violation most
recently occurred at the Benchmark Wireline Products facility in
Simonton, Texas on May 14, 2010, and times thereto, when the
employer failed to maintain records of inspections.
ABATEMENT NOTES: Among other methods, one feasible
method of abatement to reduce this hazard is to follow the
requirements of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers
ASME B30.16-1998 Guidance document. Section 16-2.1.5
addresses Inspection Records and states that Dated inspectionreports and
records should be maintained at time intervals specified
in para 16-2.1.2(b)(2). Records should be stored where they are
available to appointed persons. A long-range rope or chain
inspection program should be established and should include
records on examination of ropes or chains removed from service so
a relationship can be established between visual observation and
actual condition of the rope or chain.
c)The employer failed to conduct a load test after installation of the
Abell Howe base-mounted jib crane and hoist. This violation most
recently occurred at the Benchmark Wireline Products facility in
Simonton, Texas on May 14, 2010, and times thereto.
ABATEMENT NOTES: Among other methods, one feasible
method of abatement to reduce this hazard is to: Follow the
requirements of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers
ASME B30.16-1998 Guidance Document. Section 16-2.2.2
addresses Electric- or Air-Powered Hoists.A hoist in which load-
suspension parts have been altered, replaced or repaired should be
statically or dynamically load tested.
d)The employer failed to remain within the load limits of the hoist on
the Abell Howe base-mounted jib crane. This violation most
recently occurred at the Benchmark Wireline Products facility in
Simonton, Texas on May 14, 2010, and times thereto.
ABATEMENT NOTES: Among other methods, one feasible
method of abatement to reduce this hazard is to: Follow the
requirements of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers
ASME B30.16-1998 Guidance Document. Section 16-3.2 addresses
Handling the Load. Specifically, section 16-3.2.1 indicates the hoist
shall not be loaded in excess of its rated load except for test
purposes as provided in para 16-2.2.2 or for planned engineered
lifts as provided in para. 16.3.2.2. Planned engineered lifts are
only applicable to powered hoists having a load rating of 5 tons and
above.
Disclaimers:
1.You are not limited to the abatement methods suggested above;
2.The methods explained are general requirements and may not be
effective in all cases;
3.The employer is responsible for selecting and carrying out an
appropriate and effective method of abatement.
Pursuant to 29 CFR 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement
date of this citation, the employer must submit documentation of compliance
with the standard, including describing the steps taken to ensure that
inspections
and a load test are conducted and recorded; and the hoist shall not be
loaded in
excess of its rated load limits.

Issued

Aug 26, 2010

Abate by

Sep 28, 2010

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $2,700 Reduced

Issued

Aug 26, 2010

Abate by

Sep 28, 2010

Penalty

Initial $300