OSHA Inspection: PROLEC-GE WAUKESHA, INC.

Issued

May 16, 2025

Abate by

Jun 20, 2025

Penalty

Initial $10,050 · Current $10,050

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.28(b)(1)(i):Except as provided elsewhere in this section 29 CFR 1910.28, the employer did not ensure that each employee on a walking-working surface with an unprotected side or edge that is 4 feet (1.2 m) or more above a lower level is protected from falling by one or more of the systems described in 29 CFR 1910.28(b)(1)(i):  (a) On or about January 30, 2025, and dates prior, in the transformer "Sound Room" test area and other test areas,  employees did not use fall protection while performing "Heat Run" tests, exposing employees to a fall hazard of up to 15 feet, when walking and working on the top of the transformer as part of the "Heat Run" test job task.

Issued

May 16, 2025

Abate by

Jun 20, 2025

Penalty

Initial $16,550 · Current $16,550

General-duty citation text

1910.333(b)(2)(iv)(A)  Before circuits or equipment were worked as deenergized, a qualified person did not operate the equipment operating controls or otherwise verify that the equipment could not be restarted:(a) (LOCATION) (IDENTIFY SPECIFIC OPERATIONS AND/OR CONDITIONS) 1910.333(b)(2)(iv)(A):   A qualified person shall operate the equipment operating controls or otherwise verify that the equipment cannot be restarted.  (a) On or about December 7, 2024, and days prior at the generator/ transformer and the lines used to transmit electrical energy from the generator to equipment in the "Sound Room" test area, the employer did not verify the main aisle switch was deenergized and in the open position to render the circuit inoperable.  This exposed employees to electrical hazards.

Issued

May 16, 2025

Abate by

Jun 20, 2025

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

1910.333(b)(2)(iv)(B)  A qualified person shall use test equipment to test the circuit elements and electrical parts of equipment to which employees will be exposed and shall verify that the circuit elements and equipment parts are deenergized. The test shall also determine if any energized condition exists as a result of inadvertently induced voltage or unrelated voltage backfeed even though specific parts of the circuit have been deenergized and presumed to be safe. If the circuit to be tested is over 600 volts, nominal, the test equipment shall be checked for proper operation immediately after this test. 29 CFR  1910.269(m)(3)(vi): After the applicable requirements in paragraphs (m)(3)(i) through (m)(3)(v) of this section have been followed and the system operator gives a clearance to the employee in charge, the employer shall ensure that the lines and equipment are deenergized by testing the lines and equipment to be worked with a device designed to detect voltage.   (a) On or about December 7, 2024, and days prior, at the generator/ transformer and the lines used to transmit electrical energy from the generator to equipment in the "Sound Room" test area,  the employer did not require  and ensure verification of de-energization  of the circuit  by testing the circuit with electrical test equipment.  This exposed employees to electrical hazards.

Issued

May 16, 2025

Abate by

Jun 20, 2025

Penalty

Initial $10,050 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.333(a)(1): Live parts that the employee was exposed to were not de-energized before the work began in or near them.  (a) On or about December 7, 2024, and dates prior in the "Sound Room" test area, employees engaged in activities that included working inside the open and energized 110/208 single phase control panel for the transformer being tested, were exposed to electrical shock  hazards when the panel was not de-energized and locked-out prior to work being conducted on the control panel.

Issued

May 16, 2025

Abate by

Jul 30, 2025

Penalty

Initial $10,050 · Current $10,050

General-duty citation text

1910.305(a)(2)(x)  Flexible cords and cables shall be protected from accidental damage, as might be caused, for example, by sharp corners, projections, and doorways or other pinch points. 1910.333(b)(2)(iv)(B):   A qualified person shall use test equipment to test the circuit elements and electrical parts of equipment to which employees will be exposed and shall verify that the circuit elements and equipment parts are deenergized. The test shall also determine if any energized condition exists as a result of inadvertently induced voltage or unrelated voltage backfeed even though specific parts of the circuit have been deenergized and presumed to be safe. If the circuit to be tested is over 600 volts, nominal, the test equipment shall be checked for proper operation immediately after this test.   (a) On or about December 7, 2024, and dates prior in the "Sound Room" test area,  employees were exposed to electrical shock  hazard, and trip and fall hazard when the temporary cable wiring feeding the transformer control panel and unit ground wires were laid on the floor work area and not sufficiently protected against damage, accidental interruptions, and other hazards prior to work being conducted on and around the open 110/208 volt single phase control panel.