This case makes two (2) decisions that on the surface appear to be a step backwards – but readers should not read anything into these decisions! The refrigerator in the power strip was lost merely because the CSHO did NOT document the power pull the refrigerator was putting on the power strip. So before we go thinking that we can plug our refrigerators into power strips SAFELY or use zip ties to fasten our power stips to the building – think TWICE.
Complainant alleged a serious violation of the Act in Citation 1, Item 2 as follows:
29 CFR 1910.303(b)(2): Listed or labeled electrical equipment was not used or installed in accordance with instructions included in the listing or labeling:
a) Kitchen area: On June 3, 2013 and at times prior, employees were exposed to fire and shock hazards from overloading a relocatable power tap used to energize a “True Manufacturing” food preparation table/refrigerator. Relocatable power taps are only listed to be used for low ampere devices such as computers and their peripherals.