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

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 hazard of falling: a) Location - 210 Broadway, Cambridge, MA: On or about August 13, 2007, an employee using a rope descent system while window washing was exposed to a fall of approximately 35 feet. The employee's safety line was connected to the unsecured roof rigger. b) Location - 210 Broadway, Cambridge, MA: On or about August 13, 2007, an employee using an unsecured rope descent system for window washing was exposed to a fall of approximately 35 feet. c) Location - 210 Broadway, Cambridge, MA: On or about August 13, 2007, an employee using an improperly counterweighted rope descent system for window washing was exposed to a fall of approximately 35 feet. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable means of abatement of this hazard is: 1. Ensure employee's set-up and use window washing rope descent systems in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and ANSI/IWCA 1-14.1 2001. Section 14.6.2 requires anchorage used for personal fall arrest system to be independent from the anchorage used for the suspension system. Section 17.5.1(b) requires each outrigger be designed to support a load of not less than 4 times the rated load. Section 17.5.5(h) requires the outrigger to be tied back to a certified anchorage on the building. 2. Train employees in the use of the Sky Genie Seatboard and descent system devices before use. Section 3.4 requires employees be proficient in safe working procedures and proper use of equipment. The Cliffhangers, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this Occupational Safety and Health standard or its equivalent standard Section 5(s)(1) which was contained in OSHA Inspection Number 309983575, Citation Number 01, Item Number 01, Issued on 11/24/2006 with respect to a workplace located at 29 Sawyer Road, Waltham, MA.