OSHA Inspection: SOLAR SOLUTION

Issued

Sep 14, 2012

Penalty

Initial $5,600 · Current $2,800 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.501(b)(13):     "Residential construction." Each employee engaged in residential construction activities 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above lower levels shall be protected by guardrail systems, safety net system, or personal fall arrest system unless another provision in paragraph (b) of this section provides for an alternative fall protection measure. Exception: When the employer can demonstrate that it is infeasible or creates a greater hazard to use these systems, the employer shall develop and implement a fall protection plan which meets the requirements of paragraph (k) of 1926.502.      a) On or about July 26, 2012; on the low slope roof of the residential home; employees were not protected by a personal fall arrest system that would prevent them from falling 38-40ft during the installation process of the solar equipment.      SOLAR SOLUTIONS WAS PREVIOULY CITED FOR A VIOLATION OF THIS OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARD OR ITS EQUIVALENT STANDARDS 1926.501(b)(13) WHICH WAS CONTAINED IN OSHA INSPECTION NUMBER 316227354 CITATION NUMBER 01, ITEM 002 ISSUED ON 3/05/2012 WITH RESPECT TO A WORKPLACE LOCATED AT 5114 41st NW,  WASHINGTON DC 20015

Issued

Sep 14, 2012

Penalty

Initial $1,200 · Current $600 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(1):     When portable ladders are used for access to an upper landing surface, the ladder side rails shall extend at least 3 feet (.9 m) above the upper landing surface to which the ladder is used to gain access; or, when such an extension is not possible because of the ladder's length, then the ladder shall be secured at its top to a rigid support that will not deflect, and a grasping device, such as a grabrail, shall be provided to assist employees in mounting and dismounting the ladder. In no case shall the extension be such that ladder deflection under a load would, by itself, cause the ladder to slip off its support.    a) On or about July 26, 2012; rear area (Southside) of the residential home; employees were accessing the lower roof by an extension ladder that was extended 18 inches above the platform/roof exposing them to 30ft fall to ground level while accessing the ladder or roof.    b) On or about July 26, 2012; rear area (Southside) of the residential home; employees were accessing the upper roof by an step ladder that was extended 6 inches below the platform/roof exposing them to 10 foot fall to the lower platform while accessing the ladder or roof.