Calif. Dept. Settles OSHA Case Over Rooftop Inspection
Source The Press Democrat, Santa Rosa, Calif.
State workplace safety officials have reduced a proposed fine against the Santa Rosa Fire Department from $2,700 to $300.
Cal-OSHA officials had proposed the larger fine after spotting a photograph of Santa Rosa firefighter Toby Rey inspecting a solar array on a roof without the gear required to protect him from a fall.
Roofing contractors and solar installers are required to wear the gear, but local fire officials questioned whether the rules applied to firefighters, who have extensive training on rooftop safety.
The violation was initially dubbed a serious safety hazard. The city appealed the ruling, the violation was reduced to a general violation, and the case is now resolved, Fire Chief Mark McCormick said.
Cal-OSHA agreed to reduce the fine because Rey was not working "directly under a supervisor with knowledge of regulations," according to spokesman Peter Melton.
The department has agreed that its fire inspectors will wear the required gear in the future, McCormick said. City building inspectors have since taken over responsibility for inspecting solar array roof setbacks.
Copyright 2012 - The Press Democrat, Santa Rosa, Calif.
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
