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 crushing hazards: At 3100 Wharf Rd, Galveston TX on or about 11 October 2006, employees were exposed to crushing hazards when the conveyor belt BC (13) inadvertently started without any alerts by an audible signal or by a designated person. The warning device/ horn was not operational and where the BC13 started while employees were located on the conveyor. Among other methods,one feasible and acceptable abatement method is to: Ensure that the procedures in American National Standards Institute (ANSI), Safety Standards for Conveyors and Related Equipment,ANSI B20-1976, Paragraph 5.11.2.2, is followed: Employees in the area are alerted by signal or a designated person that the conveyor is about to start; The audible device shall be provided which could be clearly heard at all points along the conveyor where the employees are present; The warning device shall be actuated by the controller device starting the conveyor and shall continue for a required period of time before the conveyor starts; Use a flashing light or similar visual warning may be used in conjunction with or in place of the audible device more effective in particular circumstances. DISCLAIMERS: 1) You are not limited to the abatement methods suggested above. 2) The methods explained are general and may not be effective in all cases. 3) The employer is responsible for selection and carrying out an appropriate abatement method.