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 operating and working in/on an unsafe freight elevator: (a)Plant: On or about 20 May 1999, and at times prior thereto, employees were exposed to the hazards of an elevator that did not meet the requirements of the American Standards Association Safety Code for Elevators (ASA A17.1-1937): 1. The freight elevator was not installed in a fire-resistant hoistway. (See RULE 100 a.) 2. Fire-resistance doors were not provided at all landing openings. (See RULE 100 b.) 3. The electrical interlock did not prevent employees from opening the gate when the elevator car was outside the landing zone. NOTE: Section 3 defines the landing zone as within 18 inches above or below the landing. (See RULE 121 a. 2.) 4. Hoistway doors and gates were not installed and therefore, could not guard the full width and height of landing openings.(See RULE 124 d.) 5. The elevator car was not enclosed with solid metal enclosures to a height of at least 6 feet. (See RULE 212 a.) The car gates and doors did not guard the full opening to a height of 6 feet. (See RULE 212 g.) 6. An elevator car safety or safeties was not provided or attached to the car frame. The safety or safeties must be capable of stopping and sustaining the car. (See RULE 215 a.) The guide rails shall be capable of withstanding the application of the safety for a fully loaded car. (See RULE 200 b. 2.) (b)Plant: On or about 20 May 1999, and at times prior thereto, employees were exposed to the hazards of an elevator that was not properly inspected per the requirements of the American Society of Mechanic Engineers Inspectors' Manual for Electric Elevators (ASME A17.2.1-1997.): 1. The cable hoist drum located in the elevator machine room was cracked and the elevator had not been placed out-of-service. (See 2.18.1) 2. The employer had not conducted a comprehensive periodic annual inspection by a competent person. NOTE: Only items required by ASA 17.1-1937 shall be subject to inspection in accordance with ASME A17.2.2-1997 Note: Abatement certification and supporting documentation are required for this item.