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 serious physical harm to employee in that persons were exposed to serious injuries from falls while climbing poles and/or structures during evaluation/training: a)Penelec Training Center, Philipsburg, PA Persons were required to climb a 40 foot high pole and an Hstructure to a height of approximately 30 feet while using only a lineman's body belt/safety belt; there was no personal fall arrest equipment worn or utilized and a "buddy system" of rescue was not utilized. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard would be: 1) Persons undergoing training in climbing heights in excess of 4 feet be required to use personal fall arrest equipment. 2) Use of a "buddy system" so as the person climbing is monitored by another person in the immediate vicinity who is equipped with climbing gear to assist in the event of distress. IN THE ALTERNATIVE... 29 CFR 1910.132(a): Protective equipment was not used when necessary whenever hazards capable of causing injury and impairment were encountered: a)Penelec Training Center, Philipsburg, PA Persons were required to climb a 40 foot high pole and an Hstructure to a height of approximately 30 feet while using only a linesman's body belt/safety belt; there was no personal fall arrest equipment worn or utilized and a "buddy system" of rescue was not utilized.