City Officially Responds To OSHA Citations|ABC News 4

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City Officially Responds To OSHA Citations

posted 6:12 pm Tue October 02, 2007 - Charleston, SC

tags: osha • citations • city • fire

Tuesday, the city officially responded to some of the citations OSHA hit them with a few weeks ago.

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The city says that by no means is this over. They were required to turn in documents showing they fixed the problems they were cited with on twoof OSHA's citations. Otherwise, they would have faced more fines and penalties.

But, the city says they still want answers from OSHA to make sure those citations are just. The two citations the city responded to: nine firefighters not wearing protective gear during the fire, and four firefighters not wearing their breathing apparatus at all times.

In the documents sent to OSHA, the city says they've reinforced policy requirements with all fire department employees, but they couldn't be more specific because they're still waiting for information from OSHA.

"How are we to abate the specific individuals without the names? Are they prepared to give us the names? It'd be interesting to see if they can just get them for us," said one of the city's attorney's, Sandra Senn.

But, an OSHA spokesman says the city doesn't need the names to address the problem. They just need to assure the rules are followed by everyone.

The city has until October 10 to officially file the appeal for a hearing.

The city says they will wait for OSHA to answer specifics, which they say they will get the day before the twenty days are up.

"This is not supposed to be trial by ambush. If they really are an instructive agency and their supposed to instruct us as how to better fight fires, then its not supposed to be an ambush. They have to tell us ahead of the hearing so that we can be prepared to defend it," said Senn.

Senn added, the city is definitely going to file an appeal on the citation that states the city willfully ignored regulations in line with their command system the night of the fire.

Senn says they will decide whether or not to move forward with appeals of the other three citations, once they see the details from OSHA.

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