Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 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: (a) Ten Allegheny Center, West Allegheny Square, Pittsburgh, PA 15212; Employees engaged in window cleaning activities were exposed to fall hazards up to 95 ft. The following defects existed relating to the descent control systems used in the window cleaning operation: 1. Employees were not adequately trained in the proper/safe use of all equipment provided them nor did the employer adequately supervise the use of the equipment to ensure that safe working practices were observed. 2. Improper rigging. 3. An employee was not using an independent fall arrest system. 4. No pre-work rescue provisions were made. 5. No padding was provided for support ropes where the ropes contacted the edge of the building and the metal duct work and bracket. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is to: 1. Develop and implement a formal training program in accordance with ANSI standards and industry practice. In addition, provide supervision of the equipment to ensure that safe working practices are being followed. 2. Install proper rigging. 3. Implement an independent fall arrest system. 4. Develop and implement pre-work rescue provisions. 5. Provide padding for support ropes where the ropes contact building edge and other surfaces.