Text For Citation: 02 Item/Group: 001 Hazard: LIFTING

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: Potential falls in excess of 400 feet. Jesse Craig Painting Company, Inc., approximately 18 miles west of Monahans, TX., in Ward County, approximately 1/4 mile north of I-20, at exit 58 on Wilson Ranch, for the period of time from October 26 to October 29, 2000: Deficiencies included, but were not limited to the following: 1. The employer allowed two employees to ride, together at the same time, on a 1/2 inch nylon rope load line connected to the load line at a hand-tied loop. Additionally, materials were being hoisted connected to the same loop. 2. The employer allowed two employees to ride, together at the same time, on a 1/2 inch nylon rope load line that was wrapped around a "Capstan Head" which was bolted to the left rear wheel of a pick-up truck. The wheel had been jacked off the ground and the "Capstan Head" was being used as a friction winch, and is not approved for hoisting people. 3. There was no redundant automatic emergency break in use on the "Capstan Head" hoist. 4. There was no line speed indicator on the "Capstan Head" hoist to determine rate travel. 5. Anti two-blocking was not provided for the hoist line used to raise personnel. 6. Two pieces of 1/2 inch nylon climbing rope had been used to secure a 3 inch McKissick snatch block in place, across the face of the tower, at approximately the 475 foot level of the tower. The snatch block was being used to carry the load line. Neither the rope nor the McKissick snatch block maintained the 5000 pound requirements for lifting personnel. 7. The employer did not ensure that proper fall arrest equipment was provided to all employees who worked on the tower. That equipment would include, shock absorbing lanyards and full body harnesses. Among other methods, feasible and acceptable methods to correct the hazardous conditions may include: Ensure the design and use of the base-mounted dual-drum hoist used to lift employees to and from their workstations aloft be in accordance with OSHA Compliance Directive CPL 2-1.29, or utilize an approved personnel platform with the use of a crane in accordance with 29 CFR1926.550(g). Conduct pre-lift inspections, meetings, trial lifts to assure all systems, controls and safety devices are activated and functional, and/or: Utilize an approved safety climbing device or personal fall arrest system while climbing a tower and enforce use of approved fall protection equipment, that will insure 100% fall protection, when working from a tower, and: Assure employees are trained on precautions and safe practices for proper use of climbing and Personal Fall Arrest equipment in accordance to written manufacturer's instructions. Assure employees and materials are not lifted on the same load line at the same time.