Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001A Hazard: FALLING

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: 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 the hazard of falling while working on a powered platform: a)On or about October 17, 2003, and at times prior, employees were exposed to falls when they were working on a powered platform when the power to the motor failed. The employees had not been appropriately trained in emergency descent procedures and one employee scaled down the side of the building and fell sustaining serious injuries. Among other methods, some feasible and acceptable methods to correct this hazard are as follows: a)Follow training and certification requirements as described in ASME A120.1- 2001 "Safety Requirements for Powered Platforms for Building Maintenance" Section 4.2.1. b)Follow the training guidelines as described in IWCA I-14.1-2001 "Window Cleaning Safety" Section 5.8.2. c)Institute a comprehensive training program prior to the use of any mechanical equipment, and ensure that employees can demonstrate proficiency, including what to do in emergency situations. Abatement Note: Abatement certification and documentation is required for this item (see enclosed "Sample Abatement-Certification Letter").