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

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 likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to: (a).In operating the Weaver Lifts and Maxon Lift, since the arm locks, which prevent the arms from moving/swinging, were missing or disengaged on all lifts, which could allow a vehicle to fall from the lift. (b).In operating the Weaver Lifts, since employees were allowed to strike the arms of the lifts holding vehicles in order to reposition lifting pads, in lieu of lowering the vehicle and repositioning. On April 13, 1999 an employee, using the Weaver AFH 90B to elevate a "stretch" (120" extension) limousine, attempted to move the lifting pad supporting a limousine by striking the lifting arm with a two-pound sledge hammer when the lifting arm pad moved out from underneath the limousine causing the limousine to fall and crush the employee. (c).In operating the Maxon TPO-7 lift, since the lift had been modified by lengthening the retractable (telescoping) extension arms so as to handle longer vehicles, and by enlarging the lifting pad, without the manufacturer's stated approval. (d).While using the Lincoln Jack Stands intended for supporting vehicle components, since employees were permitted to use the jack stands to lift vehicles off automotive lifts in order to reposition lifting pads. While ultimate responsibility for correcting the hazards rests with the employer, given his superior knowledge of the workplace, feasible and acceptable methods, among others, to correct these hazards, are: (a). Ensure the arm locks on all lifts are in place and in good working conditions and that no lifts be performed without the locks engaged. (b). Prohibit any employee from hammering or attempting to adjust any pad or lift arm while the vehicle is suspended by the automotive lifts. (c). Implement a thorough scheduled preventative maintenance program as well as pre-lift inspections and tests as prescribed by the American National Standards Institute/Automotive Lift Institute in the American National Standard for Automotive Lifts - Safety Requirements for Construction, Testing and Validation or ANSI/ALI ALCTV-1998. (d). Prior to any modification of the Maxon TPO-7 or the Weaver Lifts, gain written authorization by a duly authorized representative of the manufacturer or registered professional engineer. (e). Use automotive jack stands manufactured for the purpose of lifting and supporting an automobile. Note-Abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET), and in addition, documentation demonstrating that abatement is complete must be included with your certification. The documentation may include, but is not limited to, evidence of the purchase or repair of the equipment, photographic or video evidence of abatement, or other written records.