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 laceration hazards: a) Bravo Marble and Granite: The employer did not ensure that the saw blade was replaced as necessary to prevent continuing breakage exposing employees to laceration hazards. The individual acting as a supervisor on site operated an Express 3200 water fed automated bridge saw to cut granite stone slabs. Two teeth and a portion of a third tooth on the saw blade were missing and the supervisor continued to use the blade to cut the granite stone slabs. Another employee's hands were placed in immediate proximity of the saw blade while it was operating. On or about May 2, 2011. Among other methods, feasible means of abatement were to: a) Comply with the requirements of Marble Technical Institute of America Module, Safety in the Stone Business including the requirements of Section VII (Equipment Operations Procedures), Part A (Saws), "Never use a damaged blade. If the blade is cracked, the core excessively worn, warped or out of round, segments are missing or the arbor hole is worn or damaged, the blade is unsafe to use". b) Institute an inspection process which requires employees to inspect the automated bridge saw blade prior to use at the beginning of each work shift and provide employees with procedures for replacement of the blade as necessary. NOTE: DOCUMENTATION OF ABATEMENT OF THIS CONDITION IS REQUIRED.