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 in that employees were exposed to crushing hazards while working under automotive lifts. Worksite Location: Service Bay, 519 Front Street, Chicopee, MA; Employees were required to work under fully extended hydraulic lifts with defective safety latches, that had not been inspected or maintained, exposing them to crushing hazards. Additionally, the employees were permitted to make modifications to the lifts without ensuring they met manufactures specifications. Two automobile lifts were in use with safety locks that were not operational, one lift having a long-time hydraulic leak that was not repaired, and two lifts having safety lock mechanisms that were replaced with incorrect locally-made parts. One feasible and acceptable means of abatement includes, but is not limited to, following the American National Standards Institute / Automotive Lift Institute Standard for Automotive Lifts- Safety Requirements for Operation, Inspection, and Maintenance, ANSI/ALI ALOIM-2008 to ensure training is provided for all lift operators 2) operators inspect the lift safety features daily, 3) qualified Inspectors perform periodic inspections 4) qualified maintenance personnel perform scheduled and repair maintenance in accordance with manufactureres specifications. In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation and in addition, documentation that abatement is complete must be included with your certification. This documentation may include, but is not limited to, evidence of the purchase or repair of the equipment, photographic or video evidence of abatement, or other written records.