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 employees were exposed to the hazard of amputation: (a) On or before February 28, 1998, in the pill press area, the selector controls and the physical barrier guards for the #4 hydraulic pill press were not controlled or supervised by the employer. The press operators had control of the "key" which allowed them to open the plastic guard and enter the point-of-operation area. Also, the selector modes of operation were not controlled by management. American National Institute Standards (ANSI) B11.2-1982, paragraph 5.3.4.1 (3) states: "Barrier guards shall be fastened so that they are not readily removable by the operator and/or interlocked with the press control to prevent slide(s) motion if the guard is removed or opened." Abatement Note: Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct the hazard is to ensure that the barrier guards are not readily removable by the operator and the interlocks are all in proper working order and checked for proper operation at least at the start of every shift by management. Abatement Note: Abatement certification and documentation are required for this item (see enclosed "Sample Abatement Certification Letter").tion