OSHA Inspection: UNITED GROUP SERVICES, INC.

Issued

Aug 28, 2009

Abate by

Sep 2, 2009

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $2,300 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) On or about April 6, 2009 located in various areas in or adjacent to
building 413,
employees performing water line replacement associated operations from
within a
Marklift Model J25 series self-propelled scissors type aerial lift
platform were exposed
to a potential crushing hazard from being pinned between the guardrail
system/control
panel of the scissors lift and piping or structures above.
Among other methods one feasible and acceptable method to correct this
hazard would
be to:
-Follow ANSI A92.6-1979 which requires that controls be protected against
inadvertent contact and be clearly marked (Section 7 Controls) and that
work
platforms be provided with an appropriate manual (Section 11
Operating/Maintenance Manual) and inspected in accordance with the
manufacturer's operating/maintenance manual (Section 12.1 Inspection and
Maintenance); and
-Ensure that operator(s) receive appropriate training in accordance with
ANSI
A92.6-1979 which specifies that before operation, the operator(s) are to
read and
understand or be trained by a qualified person on the manufacturer's
operating
instructions and safety rules (Section 14 Operation) and follow ANSI
A92.6-2006
(Section 8.5.3 Familiarization) which requires that before an operator is
directed
to operate an aerial platform he/she is not familiar with, the operator
shall receive
instructions regarding the purpose and function of all controls and the
safety
devices and operating characteristics specific to the aerial platform
being utilized.