Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard: GUARDING

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 machine operators were exposed to an amputation hazard; a) In the End Line Department while operating the Chicago mechanical press brake, serial #: P-8185 due to the light curtains inadvertently ceasing to function properly, i.e. not detecting motion in the point of operation so that the down-stroke of the power press brake would continue in a downward direction if an operator's hand/fingers happened to be in the point of operation. In addition, other press brakes used in the Sheet Metal Shop and elsewhere throughout the plant which use light curtains for point of operation guarding are not being inspected on a periodic and regular basis to ensure their proper/safe operation. While ultimate responsibility for correcting the hazard rests with the employer, given his/her superior knowledge of the work place, feasible and acceptable methods to correct this hazard, among others are: 1) Follow guidelines listed in the American National Standard Institute(ANSI) B11.3, Safety Standard for Power Press Brakes, section 5.1.4, Inspection and Maintenance Records," requiring periodic and regular inspections of power press brakes to ensure that all of their parts, auxiliary equipment, and safeguards are in safe operating conditions and adjustment." 2) Follow guidelines and recommendations provided by the manufacturer of Rockwell light curtains regarding the care and maintenance of their product. Abatement certification and abatement documentation is required for this violation. The documentation should include written verification of abatement, applicable measurements or monitoring results, and photographs or videos which you believe will be helpful. The abatement certification sheet is enclosed with the citations(s).