OSHA Inspection: CHERMAC BUILDERS, INC.

Issued

Jan 21, 2014

Abate by

Feb 18, 2014

Penalty

Initial $2,800 · Current $2,100 Reduced

General-duty citation text

Nevada Revised Statute 618.375(1): Duties of employers. Every employer
shall: Furnish
employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized
hazards that are causing
or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his or her
employees
At Chermac Builders, Inc., work site located at 2215 Armacost Drive,
Henderson, Nevada
89074, a ladder being used in the living room area by employees, was not
secured from slipping
while working on a slippery surface. The ladder was used at an angle of
inclination of
approximately fifty nine (59) degrees and did not maintain the proper
angle of inclination as
required by ANSI 14.5 - 2000.
References:
1)  American National Standards Institute (ANSI): ANSI 14.5 American
National
Standard for Ladders-Portable Reinforced Plastic-Safety Requirements.
- Paragraph 5.8 Angle of inclination. The angle of inclination for single
and
extension ladders articulated ladders , and combination ladders when used
as a
single ladder, Shall be 75-1/2 degrees. The angle of inclination for
articulated
ladders using rungs, when used as a single or extension ladder shall be
75-1/2
degrees, but the tread portion is not required to be horizontal. For
articulated or
combination ladders using steps, this angle may range from 70 degrees to
75-1/2
degrees, to the extent necessary to permit the tread portion of the steps
to be
horizontal (level).
- Paragraph 9.3.4 Footing Support. The ladder base shall be placed with a
secure
footing on a firm, level support surface. Ladder levelers may be used to
achieve
equal rail support on uneven surfaces. Devices such as shoes, spurs,
spikes,
combinations thereof, or similar devices of substantial design should be
installed
where required for slip resistance and bearing area. Where ladders with no
safety
shoes, spurs, spikes, or similar devices are used, a foot ladder board or
similar
device may be employed. Ladders shall not be used on ice, snow, or slippery
surfaces unless suitable means to prevent slipping are employed. Ladders
shall not
be placed on boxes, barrels, or other unstable bases to obtain additional
height.
2) Werner Fiberglass Ladder Technical Manual (Make: Werner Electro-Master
Non-
Conductive Fiber Glass Type: IA Model #: D6124-2)
- Pitch: Portable non-self supporting ladders are to be erected at an
angle of 75-
1/2 degrees from horizontal. Combination ladders are to be erected so that
the top
surface of the steps are parallel to the surface supporting the base
section. A
simple rule for setting up a non-self-supporting ladder at the proper
angle is to
place the base a distance from the vertical support equal to one fourth the
effective working length  of the ladder. The effective working length is
the
distance along the side rails from the bottom to the top support points. A
simple
procedure for setting a ladder up properly is as follows:
- Footing Support: The bottom ends of the ladder must be placed with a
secure
footing on a firm level base. On firm but uneven ground, ladder levelers
may be
used. Safety shoes, spurs, spikes, or similar devices of good substantial
design
are installed on all Werner Co. Ladders. Ladders without safety shoes,
spikes,
spurs, slip resistant pads or similar devices shall not be used. Do not
use ladders
on ice, snow, or slippery surfaces, unless suitable means to prevent
slipping are
employed. Do not place ladders on boxes, barrels, or other unstable bases
to
obtain additional height.
ONE FEASIBLE MEANS OF ABATEMENT WOULD BE TO:
1. Have one employee hold the ladder to prevent it from slipping.
2. Place the ladder at a 75-1/2 degree angle and follow the requirements
of ANSI
15.5 - 2000.