Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 003 Hazard: LOCKOUT

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: The employer failed to provide adequate protection, instruction and equipment to prevent serious injury or death by permitting employees to utilize unsafe work practices which needlessly exposed them to a potential fall of 80 feet. On or about 8 February, 2006 at Beaumont Towers, Beaumont, TX, employees were working from the top of elevator # 3 at heights that were greater than 80 feet to check/adjust the governor wheel. This task is normally performed with the elevator cab at ground level. Among other methods,one feasible and acceptable abatement method is to:Follow the instruction of stop switch procedures in the Elevator Industry Field safety Hand book,Paragraph 8.1.2, Page 37: insure that the employees are familiar with the position of the car and the counter weights of the car being accessed as well as any other cars /counter weights in the vicinity and take appropriate measure to keep your self and others away from hazards. Personal Fall Arrest System Paragraph 4.1 Page 21 and Lockout/Tagout procedures Section 7, Paragraph 7.3, Page 32: Never access the hoistway unless you have a reliable method of controlling the car. Paragraph 7.1, Page 32: Where accidental starting of the equipment could create a hazard- open mainline power disconnect switch to shut off the power. 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.