Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard: STRUCK BY

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 on or about December 30, 2002 employees were exposed to: engulfment, hazardous atmospheres and struck- by hazards. ANSI B30.16, 1973 American National Standard for Overhead Hoists; Inspection, Frequent Inspection, Section 16-2.2.1.2.e. Frequent Inspection states - Load-carrying ropes or chains: Visual-inspection daily for wear, twist, distortion or improper dead-ending to the hoist drum and other attachments. (a)On or about December 30, 2002 a 3 ton trolley winch crane in use disengaged from the over head rail system and fell into a grain bin discharge shoot blocking the exit out of the storage bin and trapping four employees accomplishing work inside the bin. The three ton trolley winch crane was not inspected before use. The employer did not advise employees that daily inspections of cranes and hoists needed to be accomplished. ANSI B30.16, 1973 American National Standard for Overhead Hoists; Inspection, Frequent Inspection, Section 16-2.3.2.3.d. Operation - Moving the Load states: Hoist shall not be operated until the hoist unit is centered over the load except when specifically authorized to do so by an appointed person who has determined that the components of the hoist and its mounting will not be over stressed. (b)On or about December 30, 2002, a 3 ton trolley winch hoist was operated without centering the hoist over the load. The unit was used in a capacity that placed a side load on the winch and trolley causing it to disengage from the overhead rail system. ABATEMENT METHODS Among other methods, feasible and acceptable abatement methods to correct these hazards are to establish and enforce an adequate inspection and operating procedure such as that stipulated by ANSI B30.16-1973, section 16, para 2.2.1.2.e and para 2.2.1.2.d, American National Standard for overhead hoists. Essential elements of the procedure would include: 1.Establish a frequent inspection program for load-carrying ropes or chains, and a daily visual inspection program for wear, twist, distribution or improper dead ending to the hoist drum and other attachments; and, 2.Establish an operating procedure to prevent operating the hoist until the hoist is centered over the load except when specifically authorized to do so by an appointed person who has determined that the components of the hoist and its mounting will not be over stressed. Certification, and documentation/evidence of abatement is required. Certification of abatement is required by 29 CFR Part 1903 and is to be submitted within ten (10) calendar days after the abatement date.ment