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)North Side of Building, Hamot Medical Center - Employee(s) engaged in window cleaning activities were exposed to fall hazards up to 80 feet. The following industry recognized practices were not in place on or about October 21, 1994: 1.Employee(s) 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 insure that the safe working practices were observed according to the ASME/ANSI A-39.1-1987, Safety Requirements for Window Cleaning. 2.The "A" frame apparatus (mule) that supported the boatswain chair was not securely anchored to the roof. 3.An employee was not using an independent fall arrest system that was properly secured to the structure. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct this hazard is to: a.Implement a safety training program meeting ASME/ANSI A-39.1-1987, Safety Requirements for Window Cleaning that includes at least the following: 1.Training of employees in the use of the equipment before is used; 2.Inspection of equipment each day before use; 3.Proper rigging, including sound anchorages and tiebacks, in all cases, with particular emphasis on providing tiebacks when counterweights, cornice hooks, or similar non-permanent anchorage systems are used; 4.Use of a separate fall arrest system (including bodybelt, sit harness, or full body harness; rope grab or similar device; lifeline; and anchorage (all of which are completely independent of the friction device and it's support system)), so that any failure in a friction device, support seat (or harness), support line, or anchorage system will not affect the ability of the fall arrest system to operate and quickly stop the employee's fall; 5.All lines installed (such as by using knots, swages or eye splices) when rigging descent control devices shall be capable of sustaining a minimum tensile load of 5,000 pounds; 6.Provisions are made for rescue; 7.Ropes are effectively padded where they contact edges of the building, anchorage, obstructions, or other surfaces which might cut or weaken the rope; 8.Provisions are made for intermittent stabilization for descent in excess of 130 feet.