OSHA Inspection: WEST TEXAS FILTERS

Issued

2013-03-05 00:00:00

Abate by

2013-03-15 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $1200.00 · Current $720.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1):   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 fall hazards due to improper use of ladders:    On October 23, 2012, in the rear of the building at 409 E. State Road 114, Levelland, TX, an employee used a stepladder improperly. The step ladder was positioned and climbed in the closed position, and the employee stood on the top cap of the step ladder to gain access to a fixed ladder on the building, exposing the employee to a fall of approximately six feet.    One feasible and acceptable method to correct this condition, among others, would be to utilize portable ladders as outlined in the manufacturer's fiberglass ladder technical manual. These instructions include the following: USE OF LADDERS: General. Restrict ladder usage to the purpose for which the ladder is designed. Self-supporting ladders, such as stepladders and platform ladders, are not to be used as single ladders, that is, in the closed position.Climbing and Working Locations: Never stand on the ladder top cap, the first step below the top cap, the bucket shelf, or the rear section of a step or platform ladder (unless the rear section has been specifically designated and stated for this purpose by the manufacturer). The highest standing level on a stepladder is two steps down from the top. Werner Ladders also provides a document entitled "Do's and Don'ts for Safe ladder use, which contains the same prohibition against using a self-supporting ladder in the closed position, and prohibiting stepping, standing or sitting on the top cap of the ladder.