OSHA Inspection: UNITED STATES FIRE PROTECTION, INC.

Issued

Dec 4, 2009

Abate by

Dec 17, 2009

Penalty

Initial $2,500 · Current $2,500

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
exposed to caught-in
hazards while using a pipe threading machine to make or break fittings.
Employee was operating a Ridgid Power Drive, Model 300-12, S/N ED86075
0104, pipe
threading machine to screw on a "T" fitting to a pipe.  The wrench snagged
on the pipe
and pinched the employee's finger between the machine and the wrench
resulting in a
partial amputation of the employee's finger tip.
Among other methods, feasible and acceptable means to correct this hazard
is to use a
safer alternate method such as:
(a)Follow the instructions stated in the Ridgid Tool Company Operator's
Manual for
the 300 Power Drive. In the Specific Safety Instructions it states, "Keep
hands
away from rotating pipe and fittings.  Stop machine when screwing fittings
on
pipe or wiping threads.  Do not use this machine to make or break
fittings."
(b)Make and break fittings manually.
Certification, and documentation/evidence of abatement is required.
Certification of abatement is required by 29 CFR Part 1903 and is to be
submitted within ten (10)
calendar days after the abatement date.ment