| Number One: SCAFFOLDING.
The lodging industry has a minimal exposure. However, where scaffolding is involved,
remember you are responsible for the contractor's compliance; so be sure the contractor is aware
of and in compliance with the requirements under 1926.451 If you are doing scaffolding inhouse,
watch for:
fall protection
inadequate platform construction
lack of proper access
inadequate support
failure to install adequate guardrail system
Number Two: HAZARD COMMUNICATION:
Here, the lodging industry is vulnerable.
Failure to have a written program in current status; shared with employees.
Failure to have an up-to-date labeling program
Failure to have a Material Safety Data Sheet for each hazardous chemical in use on the
property
Failure to maintain a master folder of all MSDS Sheets; including a set at the front desk
to be shared with responders in an emergency
Failure to have a set of MSDS available in the department office 24/7
Number Three: FALL PROTECTION - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:
Slips and falls continue as a problem in the lodging industry. Basic to the problem is failure to
maintain walking/working surfaces dry and hole and tripping hazard-free.
Number Four: RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
This is a weak link in the lodging establishment's personal protective equipment. Frequently
there is no program in place. The property has failed to provide a medical examination to
determine whether the employee has the ability to use a respirator. The employer has failed to
provide a respirator when requested (A properly fitted unit costs in the $2,000 range.) . When a
respirator has been provided, it has not been properly fitted nor test-fitted at least annually.
Finally, the employer has failed to provide an appropriate respirator based upon respiratory
hazards on the property.
Number Five: LOCKOUT/TAGOUT
This standard requires a program that will develop, document and utilize procedures for the
control of potentially hazardous energy. A program for periodic inspection of energy control
procedures is lacking. A training program to prepare an employee is not in place whereby the
employee knows how to ascertain power sources and the method for locking out and tagging that
source while working upon properly de-energized equipment. A written program has not been
implemented and employees are not aware of the danger of not respecting a locked-out or
tagged-out energy source with possibly fatal danger to the employee working on equipment.
There has been a failure to ensure tagout devices have been affixed in such a manner that will
hold energy-isolating devices in a safe, de-energized "off" position.
Number Six: ELECTRICAL - WIRING METHODS
This standard establishes the correct and safe method for the grounding of electrical equipment,
wiring, and insulation. It further mandates acceptable practices for temporary wiring and
splicing of flexible cords and cables. All too often a maintenance man is assigned to a task that
requires an electrician.
Number Seven: POWERED INDUSTRIAL TRUCKS
In establishments with extensive convention facilities or large properties with need for storage
and product movement, a major problem is the assumption that an employee who can drive a
motor vehicle can handle a powered industrial truck. WRONG! An employee must be trained
and certified to a specific type of industrial truck and must be recertified at least once every three
years. The truck must be examined (pass a checklist inspection) before being placed in service
and must be taken out of service when damaged.
Number Eight: LADDERS
This standard is frequently violated in the lodging industry. The employee fails to place the
ladder so it has a minimum of three feet on the side rails extending over the level being accessed.
The ladder is used for a purpose other than the ladder is designed for. Standing on the top step.
Failure to place the ladder on a level and stable surface. Failure to remove ladders from service
when defective and failure to tag such a unit.
Number Nine: MACHINE GUARDING - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
This standard is violated when a guard is not provided or the employee does not use the guard or
bypasses it. There is a failure to guard the point of operation including blades.
Number Ten: ELECTRICAL - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Electrical equipment is improperly installed and maintained and there is a failure to maintain
clear work spaces. An extension of Number Nine through failure to guard the electrical
equipment. Equipment is used in spite of unprotected recognized hazards. There is a failure to
identify disconnecting means and circuits. |
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