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

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 being caught by rotating machine parts: a) Equitable Bldg 50th floor: On or about February 10, 2006. Employees who were performing pipe threading were exposed to contacting and being caught by the rotating parts of a cord and plug connected Ridgid model 300 Pipe Threading Machine which had no foot switch. Employees caught by the rotating parts may be unable to reach the control switch that was located on the machine body in order to stop the machine before serious injury or death occurs. b) Equitable Bldg 12th floor near the bottom of the stairs: On or about February 17, 2006. Employees who were performing pipe threading were exposed to contacting and being caught by the rotating parts of a cord and plug connected Ridgid model 300 Pipe Threading Machine which had no foot switch. Employees caught by the rotating parts may be unable to reach the control switch that was located on the machine body in order to stop the machine before serious injury or death occurs. ABATEMENT NOTE Among others, a feasible method to eliminate or to materially reduce this hazard is to use a foot switch. NOTE: THE EMPLOYER IS REQUIRED TO SUBMIT ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION FOR THIS ITEM IN ACCORDANCE WITH 29 CFR 1903.19.