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

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 hazards of mobile equipment: a) Blast Furnace Department - The K73 Mack dump truck, (chassis DM686SX-1856) was driven on November 11, 1994 with a defective back-up alarm (PRECO Model 45AA) in a high noise work environment. The employer did not implement alternative safe work measures, such as the use of a truck walker (safety spotter), to assure the safety of employees while the dump truck backed up to, and underneath a material chute. This dump truck had a significant restricted view. Additionally, the K73 dump truck did not have a white, rear-mounted lamp to visually indicate that the transmission was in reverse gear. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is to establish and implement a truck walker to guide the dump truck as the truck was backed under the chute and to inform all ground personnel to be alert for moving vehicles. A truck walker would function as a safety spot measure or alternative to the back-up alarm when the truck backs up in a noisy environment. b) Blast Furnace Department - The leased Caterpillar front end loader (Model 950; Serial 8156591) that was used throughout this department and plant areas was observed operating with a defective horn and defective rear brake lights, thus exposing employees to motor vehicle safety hazards. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct this hazard would be to repair the horn and brake lights so that they are functional.