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

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 crushing hazard created by the sudden and unpredictable descent of vehicles elevated by automotive lifts: a)Bay 1, on or about 9/10/98: VBM Challenger Plus alignment lift, Serial #260056 had one of the locking devices tied down, making it inoperative, and no inspections were conducted of the lift, exposing employees to being struck by the vehicle should the lift fail. b)Bay 2, on or about 9/10/98: Weaver twin piston hydraulic lift had hydraulic leaks, no locking devices and no inspections were conducted of the lift, exposing employees to being struck by the vehicle should the lift fail. c)Bay 3, on or about 9/10/98: Weaver single piston hydraulic lift had no locking devices and no inspections were conducted of the lift, exposing employees to being struck by the vehicle should the lift fail. Among other methods, several feasible and acceptable methods to correct these hazards are to: 1.Install and/or repair mechanical locking devices. 2.Repair hydraulic leaks. 3.Establish a periodic inspection procedure as recommended by the manufacturer to ensure the safe operation of the lift. 4.Instruct all employees in the safe use and operation of the automotive lifts and their safety devices and ensure their routine use. Abatement documentation must be submitted for these items.