OSHA Inspection: ARDENT MILLS, LLC

Issued

Mar 10, 2016

Abate by

May 30, 2016

Penalty

Initial $4,250 · Current $2,125 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.27(d)(2): When ladders were used to ascend to heights exceeding 20 feet (except on chimneys), landing platforms were not provided for each 30 feet of height or fraction thereof, except that, where no cage, well, or ladder safety device is provided, landing platforms were not provided for each 20 feet of height or fraction thereof. Each ladder section shall be offset from adjacent sections. Where installation conditions (even for a short, unbroken length) required that adjacent sections be offset, landing platforms shall be provided at each offset:    (a) Ardent Mills, LLC @ 4545 East 64th Ave. Commerce City, Colorado 80022. On or before September 18, 2015 employees were allowed to ascend and descend the approximately 100 feet fixed ladder to gain access to the Gallery Floor of the flour elevator mill without any landing platforms provided for each 30 feet of height or fraction thereof, except that, where no cage, well, or ladder safety device is provided, landing platforms were not provided for each 20 feet of height or fraction thereof. This condition exposed employees to the hazard of falling when ascending and descending the egress fixed ladder.    Abatement note:  OSHA STD 1-1.12 dated 6/20/1983 provides under Section G, Guidelines:  "3. Fixed ladders not equipped with cages, landing platforms, ladder safety devices, or other forms of employee protection, in some situations may be allowed as a means of access for fire fighters and other emergency personnel, or escape for employees in fire and other emergency situations. These guidelines are provided because it may be more hazardous to comply with 29 CFR 1910.27 than not to comply."    It is noted that this guideline applies only to emergency access and egress.  This guideline does not apply to non-emergency access and egress.