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Occupational Safety

TIN SHING CHAO

Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, State of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii

AHMAD C. K. YU

Aloha Hawaii Enterprises, LLC, Keaau, Hawaii

I. INTRODUCTION

II. CONGRESSIONAL FINDINGS AND PURPOSE

III. THE ACTA. The Act Coverage

IV. OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH LAW

V. OSHA INSPECTIONA. Inspection PrioritiesB. Opening ConferenceC. The Inspection ProcessD. Closing Conference

VI. MOST CITED STANDARDS RELATED TO SAFETY AND HEALTH HAZARDS INTHE WORKPLACEA. Section 5(a)(1). General Duties ClauseB. 29 CFR Part 1903. Inspection, Citations, and Proposed PenaltiesC. 29 CFR Part 1904. Recording and Reporting Occupational Injuries and Illness

VII. 29 CFR PART 1910—OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDSA. Section 1910.20—Keeping Medical RecordsB. Subpart D—Walking-Working SurfacesC. Subpart E—Means of EgressD. Subpart G—Occupational Health and Environmental ControlE. Subpart H—Hazardous MaterialsF. Subpart I—Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)G. Subpart J—General Environmental ControlsH. Subpart K—Medical and First AidI. Subpart L—Fire ProtectionJ. Subpart O—Machinery and Machine Guarding

Copyright © 2001 by Marcel Dekker, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

K. Subpart P—Hand and Portable Powered ToolsL. Subpart Q—Welding, Cutting, and BrazingM. Subpart S—Electrical SafetyN. Subpart Z—Toxic and Hazardous Substances

VIII. SUGGESTED ELEMENTS OF AN EFFECTIVE SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAMA. Management Commitment and Worker InvolvementB. Work Site AnalysisC. Hazard Prevention and ControlD. Safety and Health Training

IX. SAFETY RULES AND PRACTICES IN MEAT CUTTING AND MEAT PROCESSINGOPERATIONSA. Employee ResponsibilitiesB. Protective Equipment and ClothingC. Handling of Tools

X. SOME PHYSICAL HAZARDS THAT A WORKER COULD ENCOUNTER AT THEWORKPLACEA. Electrical HazardsB. NoiseC. Pneumatic StuffersD. RetortsE. Boiler FeedwaterF. ConveyorsG. Lifts and Hoists

XI. SOME CHEMICAL HAZARDS THAT A WORKER COULD ENCOUNTER AT THEWORKPLACEA. Anhydrous AmmoniaB. Hydrogen SulfideC. Liquid Petroleum (LP)-GasD. MethaneE. Carbon DioxideF. Carbon MonoxideG. NitrogenH. Plastic Fumes

XII. CONCLUSIONS

REFERENCES

I. INTRODUCTION

More than 90 million Americans spend their days at a job. They are the most important as-sets of this country. Yet, before 1970, there were no uniform and comprehensive provisionsfor their safety and protection against workplace hazards.

On December 29, 1970, the Senate and House of Representative of the 91st Congressenacted Public Law 91-596. It is also known as the Williams-Steiger Act, or may be citedas the “Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970.” The Act was later amended by Pub-lic Law 101-552, Section 3101, November 5, 1990.

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II. CONGRESSIONAL FINDINGS AND PURPOSE

The Congress finds that personal injuries and illnesses arising out of work situations im-pose a substantial burden upon, and are a hindrance to, interstate commerce in terms of lostproduction, wage loss, medical expenses, and disability compensation payments.

The Congress declares that its purpose and policy is to assure, so far as possible, ev-ery working man and woman in the nation safe and healthful working conditions, to pre-serve our human resources, and to provide for the general welfare of all working people.This is enacted through regulation of commerce among the several States and with foreignnations in several areas (1):

1. by encouraging employers and employees in their efforts to reduce the numberof occupational safety and health hazards at their places of employment, and tostimulate employers and employees to institute new and to perfect existing pro-grams for providing safe and healthful working conditions

2. by providing that employers and employees have separate and independent re-sponsibilities and rights with respect to achieving safe and healthful workingconditions

3. by authorizing the Secretary of Labor to set mandatory occupational safety andhealth standards applicable to businesses affecting interstate commerce and bycreating an Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission for carryingout adjudicatory functions under the Act

4. by building upon advances already made through employer and employee ini-tiative for providing safe and healthful working conditions

5. by providing for research in the field of occupational safety and health, includ-ing the psychological factors involved, and by developing innovative methods,techniques, and approaches for dealing with occupational safety and healthproblems

6. by exploring ways to discover latent diseases, establishing causal connectionsbetween diseases and work in environmental conditions, and conducting otherresearch relating to health problems often different from those involved in oc-cupational safety

7. by providing medical criteria which will assure insofar as practicable that noemployee will suffer diminished health, functional capacity, or life expectancyas a result of his work experience

8. by providing for training programs to increase the number and competence ofpersonnel engaged in the field of occupational safety and health

9. by providing for the development and promulgation of occupational safety andhealth standards

10. by providing an effective enforcement program which shall include a prohibi-tion against giving advance notice of any inspection and sanctions for any in-dividual violating this prohibition

11. by encouraging the States to assume the fullest responsibility for the adminis-tration and enforcement of their occupational safety and health laws by provid-ing grants to the States to assist in identifying their needs and responsibilities inthe area of occupational safety and health, to develop plans in accordance withthe provision of this Act, to improve the administration and enforcement of

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State occupational safety and health laws, and to conduct experimental anddemonstration projects in connection therewith

12. by encouraging joint labor management efforts to reduce injuries and diseasearising out of employment (moved to p. 607)

III. THE ACT

The purpose of the Act is to assure safe and healthful working conditions for working menand women. It is enacted by authorizing enforcement of the standards developed under theAct; by assisting and encouraging the States in their efforts to assure safe and healthfulworking conditions; and by providing for research, information, education, and training inthe field of occupational safety and health (1).

A. The Act Coverage

The Act extends to all employers and employees in all fifty States, the District of Columbia,Puerto Rico, and all other territories under the Federal Government jurisdiction. Coverageis provided either by Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) orapproved State programs. The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 encouragesStates to develop and operate their own job safety and health plans. States with approvedplans under section 18(b) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act must adopt standardsand enforce requirements that are as effective as federal requirements. There are currently25 state plan states: 23 of these states administer plans covering both private and public(state and local government) employees; the other two states, Connecticut and New York,cover public employees only. Plan states must adopt standards comparable to Federal re-quirements within 6 months of a Federal standard’s promulgation. Until such time as a statestandard is promulgated, Federal OSHA provides interim enforcement assistance, as ap-propriate, in the states. Criteria for state plans is listed under 29 CFR Part 1902—state plansfor the development and enforcement of state standards (1).

An employer is any person engaged in a business affecting commerce who has em-ployees, but this does not include the United States or any State or political subdivision ofa State. The following are not covered under the act: (a) self-employed persons; (b) farmsat which only immediate members of the farm employer’s family are employed; and (1)working conditions regulated by other Federal agencies under other Federal statutes.

IV. OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH LAW

The Code of Federal Regulations is a codification of the general and permanent rules pub-lished in the Federal Register by the Executive departments and agencies of the Federal Gov-ernment. The Code is divided into 50 titles, which represent broad areas subject to Federalregulation. Each title is divided into subchapters covering specific regulatory areas. Title 29refers to Labor laws. It is composed of nine volumes. The Occupational Safety and HealthLaws are recorded under 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Parts 1900–1910.999, Parts1910.1000 to end, Parts 1911–1925, Part 1926, and Parts 1927 to end (2).

V. OSHA INSPECTION

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 Act, the Occupational Safety andHealth Administration (OSHA) is authorized under the Act to conduct workplace inspec-

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tions to determine whether employers are complying with the OSHA standards issued bythe agency for safe and healthful workplaces. OSHA also enforces Section 5(a)(1) of theAct, also known as the “General Duty Clause,” which requires that every working man andwoman be provided with a safe and healthful work place.

Workplace safety and health inspections are performed by OSHA compliancesafety and health officers who are knowledgeable and experienced in the occupationalsafety and health field, and who are trained in OSHA standards and in the recognition ofsafety and health hazards. Similarly, states with their own occupational safety and healthprograms must conduct inspections using qualified state compliance safety and healthofficers.

Inspections are usually conducted without advance notice. In fact, alerting an em-ployer without proper authorization in advance of an OSHA inspection can bring a fine upto $1,000 and/or a 6-month jail term. This is true for federal OSHA compliance officers aswell as state inspectors. There are, however, special circumstances under which OSHAmay give advance notice to the employer, but such a notice will normally be less than 24hours. If an employer refuses to admit an OSHA compliance officer or if an employer at-tempts to interfere with the inspection, the Act permits appropriate legal action, such as ob-taining a warrant to inspect (3).

A. Inspection Priorities

Not all 6.2 million workplaces covered by the Act can be inspected immediately. The worstsituations need attention first. OSHA, therefore, has established a system of inspectionpriorities.

Imminent danger situations are given top priority. An imminent danger is any condi-tion where there is reasonable certainty that a danger exists that can be expected to causedeath or serious physical harm immediately or before the danger can be eliminated throughnormal enforcement procedures.

Second priority is given to investigation of fatalities and accidents resulting in hos-pitalization of three or more employees. Such catastrophes must be reported to OSHA bythe employer within 8 hours. OSHA will investigate and determine the cause of such acci-dents and whether existing OSHA standards were violated.

Third priority is given to formal employee complaints of alleged violations or stan-dards, or of unsafe or unhealthful working conditions, and to referrals from other govern-ment authorities about specific workplace hazards. The Act gives each employee the rightto request an OSHA inspection when the employee believes he or she is in imminent dan-ger from a hazard, or when he or she thinks that there is a violation of an OSHA standardthat posts physical harm. OSHA will maintain confidentiality if requested, and will informemployee of any action it takes regarding the complaint.

Next in priority are programmed inspections aimed at specified high-hazard indus-tries, workplaces, occupations, or health substances, or other industries identified inOSHA’s current inspection procedures.

Industries are selected for inspection on the basis of factors such as the injury inci-dent rates, previous citation history, employee exposure to toxic substances, or random se-lection. Special emphasis programs also may be developed and may be regional or nationalin scope, depending on the distribution of the workplaces involved. Comprehensive safetyinspections in manufacturing will be conducted normally in those establishments with lost-workday injury rates at or above the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) national rate for man-



ufacturing currently in use by OSHA. States with their own occupational safety and healthprograms may use somewhat different systems to identify industries for inspection.

An establishment can expect a follow-up inspection if an OSHA violation has beenissued to the establishment. A follow-up inspection determines if previously cited viola-tions have been corrected. If an employer has failed to abate a violation, the compliance of-ficer informs the employer that he or she is subject to “Failure to Abate” alleged violationsand proposed additional daily penalties while such failure to abate or violation continues(3).

B. Opening Conference

When the OSHA compliance officer arrives at the establishment, he or she will display of-ficial credentials and ask to meet with an appropriate employer representative. In the open-ing conference, the compliance officer will explain how the establishment was selected.The compliance officer also will ascertain whether an OSHA-funded consultation visit isin progress or whether the facility is pursuing or has received an inspection exemptionthrough the consultation program. If so, the inspection may be terminated. Before the in-spection, the compliance officer explains the purpose of the visit, the scope of the inspec-tion, and the standards that apply. The employer will be given information on how to ob-tain a copy of applicable safety and health standards as well as a copy of any complaint thatmay be involved (with the employee’s name deleted.)

The employer will be asked to select an employer representative to accompany thecompliance officer during the inspection. An authorized employee representative also isgiven an opportunity to attend the opening conference and to accompany the complianceofficer during the inspection. If a recognized bargaining agent represents the employees,the agent ordinarily will designate the employee representative to accompany the compli-ance officer. The Act does not require an employee representative for each inspection.Where there is no authorized employee representative, the compliance officer must consultwith a reasonable number of employees concerning safety and health matters in theworkplace (3).

C. The Inspection Process

The compliance officer determines the route and duration of the inspection. While talkingwith employees, the compliance officer makes every effort to minimize any work inter-ruptions. The compliance officer observes safety and health conditions and practices; con-sults with employees privately, if necessary; take photos and instruments readings, exam-ines records, collects air samples, measures noise levels, and surveys existing engineeringcontrols; and monitors employee exposure to toxic fumes, gas, and dusts.

An inspection tour may cover part or all of an establishment, even if the inspectionresulted from a specific complaint, fatality, or catastrophe.

Trade secrets observed by the compliance officer will be kept confidential. An in-spector who releases confidential information without authorization is subject to a $1,000fine and/or 1 year in jail. The employer may require that the employee representative haveconfidential clearance for any area in question.

Employees are consulted during the inspection tour. The compliance officer may stopand question workers, in private, about safety and health conditions and practices in theirworkplaces. Each employee is protected under the Act from discrimination by the employerfor exercising his or her rights.

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During the course of inspection, the compliance officer will point out to the employerany unsafe or unhealthful working conditions observed. At the same time, the complianceofficer will discuss possible corrective action if the employer so desires.

Some apparent violations detected by the compliance officer can be corrected im-mediately. When they are corrected on the spot, the compliance officer records such cor-rections to help judging good faith in compliance. Although corrected, the apparent vio-lations may still serve as the basis for citation and if appropriate, a notice of proposedpenalty (3).

D. Closing Conference

At the conclusion of the inspection, the compliance officer conducts a closing conferencewith the employer and the employee representative. It is a time for free discussion of prob-lems and needs, a time for frank questions and answers.

The compliance officer also will give the employer a copy of the employer rights andresponsibilities following an OSHA inspection and will discuss briefly the information inthe booklet and will answer any questions. The compliance officer discusses with the em-ployer all unsafe or unhealthful conditions observed during the inspection and indicates allapparent violations for which a citation and a proposed penalty may be issued or recom-mended. The employer is informed of appeal rights. During the closing conference, the em-ployer may wish to produce records to show compliance efforts and to provide informationthat can help OSHA determine how much time may be needed to abate all allegedviolation.

When appropriate, more than one closing conference may be held. This is usuallynecessary when health hazards are being evaluated or when laboratory reports are re-quired.

If an employee representative does not participate in either the opening or the clos-ing conference held with the employer, a separate discussion is held with the employee rep-resentative, if requested, to discuss matters of interest to employees (3).

VI. MOST CITED STANDARDS RELATED TO SAFETY AND HEALTHHAZARDS IN THE WORKPLACE

For the purpose of this chapter, the Standard Industry Code (SIC) 2011 meat packingplants, and SIC 2013 sausage and other prepared meat products, SIC 2015 poultry slaugh-tering and processing are covered under 29 CFR Parts 1902–1908, Regulatory Standardsand Parts 1910 Occupational Safety and Health Standards. It is also commonly known asthe General Industry Standard. Most common violations and standards will be discussedbelow based on data collected from inspections of 271 establishment between January 1,1998, to March 23, 1999 (4).

A. Section 5(a)(1). General Duties Clause

Section 5(a)(1) is commonly known as the general duties clause. It is used when no appli-cable standards could be found to cite a particular hazard. Section 5(a)(1) of the Act stateseach employer shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employ-ment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause deathor serious physical harm to his employees.



B. 29 CFR Part 1903. Inspection, Citations, and Proposed Penalties

The purpose of part 1903 is to prescribe rules and to set forth general enforcement policiesrather than substantive or procedural rules. Such policies may be modified in specific cir-cumstances where the Secretary of Labor or his designee determines that an alternativecourse of action would better serve the objective of the Act.

1. Section 1903.2

This standard requires each employer to post and keep posted a notice informing employ-ees of the protections and obligations provided under in the Act, and for assistance and in-formation, including copies of the Act and of specific safety and health standards. If thereis any question, employees should contact the employer or the nearest office of the De-partment of Labor. Such notice shall be posted by the employer in each establishment in aconspicuous place or places where notices to employees are customarily posted. This posteris commonly known as the OSHA poster. This standard also requires the employer, whohad obtained copies of the Act and applicable rules and regulations, to make such rules andregulations available upon request from any employee or their authorized representative.Any employer failing to comply with the provision of this section may be subject to cita-tion and penalty.

2. Section 1903.8

This section requires the employer to allow a representative of the employees an opportu-nity to accompany the compliance safety and health officer during the physical inspectionof any workplace for the purpose of aiding such inspection.

3. Section 1903.19

OSHA’s inspections are intended to result in the abatement of violations of the Occupa-tional Safety and Health Act of 1970. Within 10 calendar days after the abatement date, theemployer must certify to OSHA (state plans may vary) that each cited violation has beenabated. The employer’s certification that abatement is completed must include, for eachcited violation, the following information:

1. the employer’s name and address;2. the inspection number to which the submission relates;3. the citation and item numbers to which the submission relates;4. a statement that the information submitted is accurate;5. the signature of the employer or authorized representative.

There are times abatement plans may be required as is indicated on the citation andthe employer must submit an abatement plan for each cited violation within 25 calendardays (state plans may vary) from the final order of the date. An employer who is requiredto submit an abatement plan may also be required to submit periodic progress reports foreach cited violation as it will be indicated on the citation. The date on which an initialprogress report must be submitted may be no sooner than 30 calendar days after submis-sion of abatement plan (states plans may vary).

The employer is also required to inform affected employees and their representa-tive(s) about abatement activities by posting a copy of each document submitted to theAgency or a summary of the document near the place where violation occured.

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C. 29 CFR Part 1904. Recording and Reporting Occupational Injuriesand Illness

The purpose of Part 1904 is to provide guidance on the record keeping of the variousincidences.

1. Section 1904.2

Each employer is required to maintain the log of occupational injuries and illnesses and en-ter each recordable injuries and illnesses on the log and summary as early as practicable butno later than 6 working days after receiving information that a recordable injury or illnesshas occurred. This form is commonly known as the OSHA 200 Log.

2. Section 1904.4

In additional to the OSHA 200 Log the employer is required to keep the workmen’s com-pensation, insurance, or other reports or records if they contained the information requiredby Form OSHA101.

3. Section 1904.5

Each employer is required to post an annual summary of the occupational injuries and ill-nesses log for each establishment. The summary shall be compiled by February 1 of thenext calendar year and shall be posted for the entire month of February of that year.

4. Section 1904.6

The employer is required to retain records provided for in Section 1904.2, 1904.4, and1904.5 in each establishment for 5 years following the end of the year to which they relate.

VII. 29 CFR PART 1910—OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTHSTANDARDS (11)

Section 6(a) of the Williams-Steiger Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 allowsthe Secretary of Labor to promulgate occupational safety and health standards. 29 CFR1910 is commonly known as the General Industry Standards.

A. Section 1910.20—Keeping Medical Records

Section 1910.20 discusses the requirements on how the employer shall keep medicalrecords.

1. Section 1910.20(d)(1)(i)

This standard requires the employer to preserve and maintain medical records for each em-ployee for at least the duration of employment plus 30 years. Exception to this paragraphinclude health insurance claims records maintained separately from the employer’s medi-cal program and its records, first aid records if made on-site by a non-physician and main-tained separately from the employer’s medical program and its records. The medicalrecords of employees who have worked less than one year for the employer are provided tothe employee upon termination of employment.



2. Section 1910.20(d)(1)(ii)

This standard requires the employer to preserve and maintain each employee’s exposurerecord for at least 30 years. Exceptions to this paragraph includes:

1. background data to environmental (workplace) monitoring or measuring, such aslaboratory reports and work sheets

2. material safety data sheets and records concerning the identity of a substance oragent

3. biological monitoring results designed as exposure records by specific occupa-tional safety and health standards, which shall be preserved and maintained asrequired by the specific standard.

3. Section 1910.20(g)(1)(i)

This standard requires the employer to inform current employees upon their first enteringinto employment and at least annually thereafter, of the existence, location, and availabil-ity of any records covered by 29 CFR 1910.20.

B. Subpart D—Walking-Working Surfaces

Slips, trips, and falls are among of the most reported causes of occupational injuries. Fallsare not always from elevation. Many falls are at the same level from slips and trips.

1. Section 1910.22(a)(1)

This standard requires all places of employment, passageways, storerooms, and services bekept clean and orderly and in a sanitary condition. Poor housekeeping could be one of thebiggest elements contributing to an unsafe working place.

2. Section 1910.22(a)(2)

This standard requires the floor of every workroom be maintained in a clean and, so far aspossible, a dry condition.

3. Section 1910.22(d)(1)

This standard requires every building or structure used for mercantile trade, business, in-dustrial use, or storage to post the load limit signs approved by the building official in aconspicuous place in each space to which they relate.

4. Section 1910.23(a)(1)

This standard requires every stairway floor opening be guarded by a standard railing.

5. Section 1910.23(c)(1)

This standard requires every open-sided floor or platform that is 4 feet or more above theadjacent floor or ground level be guarded by a standard railing.

6. Section 1910.23(c)(3)

This standard requires open-sided floors, walkways, platforms or runways which are aboveor adjacent to dangerous equipment, pickling or galvanizing tanks, degreasing units, andother similar hazards be guarded with a standard railing and toe board. This is regardless ofheight.

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7. Section 1910.23(d)(1)

This standard requires that every flight of stairs having four or more risers be equipped withstandard stair railings or handrails, the requirements as listed under Section 1910.23(d)(1)(i)–(v).

8. Section 1910.24(b)

This standard requires fixed stairs be provided for access from one structure to anotherwhere operations necessitate regular travel between levels, and for access to operating plat-forms at any equipment which requires attention routinely during operations. Fixed stairsshall also be provided:

1. where access to elevation is daily, or at each shift, for such purposes as gauging,inspection, regular maintenance, etc.

2. where such work may expose employees to acids, caustics, gases, or other harm-ful substances, or

3. for which purpose the carrying of tools or equipment by hand is normallyrequired.

9. Section 1910.25

This section is intended to prescribe rules and establish minimum requirements for the con-struction, care and the use of the common types of portable wood ladders.

10. Section 1910.25(b)(2)(xv)

This standard requires that a ladder, which is used to gain access to roof, shall extend atleast 3 feet above the point of support, at cave, gutter, or roofline.

11. Section 1910.26

This standard requires metal ladders be designed without structure defects, or accident haz-ards such as sharp edges, burrs, etc. The metal selected shall be of sufficient strength tomeet the test requirements, and shall be protected against corrosion unless inherently cor-rosion-resistant.

C. Subpart E—Means of Egress

A means of egress is a continuous and unobstructed way of exit travel from any point in abuilding or structure to a public way. This consists of three separate and distinct parts: theway of exit access, the exit, and the way of exit discharge. A means of egress comprises thevertical and horizontal ways of travel and shall include intervening room spaces, doorways,hallways, corridors, passageways, balconies, ramps, stairs, enclosures, lobbies, escalators,horizontal exits, courts, and yards.

1. Section 1910.37(f)(1)

This standard requires all exits shall be so located and exit access be arranged so that exitsare readily accessible at all times. The most common problem found was blocked exitswhich were not readily accessible.



2. Section 1910.37(f)(6)

This standard requires the minimum width of any way of exit access shall in no case be lessthan 28 inches.

3. Section 1910.37(q)

This standard requires exits shall be marked by a readily visible sign. Any door, passage,or stairway which is neither an exit nor a way of exit access, which is so located or arrangedas to be likely to be mistaken for an exit, shall be identified by a sign reading “Not an Exit”or similar designation. It can also be identified by a sign indicating its actual character, suchas “To basement,” “Storeroom,” “Linen Closet,” or the like.

4. Section 1910.38(a)

This standard applies to all emergency action plans required by a particular OSHA stan-dard. The emergency action plan shall be in writing except for those employers with 10 orfewer employees, who may communicate the plan orally to employees. The following ele-ments at a minimum shall be included in the plan:

1. emergency escape procedures and emergency escape route assignments2. procedures to be followed by employees who remain to operate critical plant op-

erations before they evacuate3. procedures to account for all employees after emergency evacuation has been

completed4. rescue and medical duties for those employees who are to perform them5. the preferred means of reporting fires and other emergencies6. names or regular job titles of persons or departments who can be contacted for

further information or explanation of duties under the plan.

5. Section 1910.38(a)(5)

This standard requires that the employer, before implementing the emergency action plan,shall designate and train a sufficient number of persons to assist in the safe and orderlyemergency evacuation of employees.

6. Section 1910.38(b)

This standard applies to all fire prevention plans required by a particular OSHA standard.The fire prevention plan must be in writing, except for employers with 10 or fewer em-ployees, who may communicate the plan orally to employees. The following elements at aminimum shall be included in the plan:

1. a list of major workplace fire hazards and their proper handling and storage po-tential ignition sources and their control procedures, and the type of fire protec-tion equipment or systems which can control a fire involving them

2. names or regular job titles of those personnel responsible for maintenance ofequipment and systems installed to prevent or control ignitions or fires;

3. names or regular job titles of these personnel responsible for control of fuelsource hazards.

7. Section 1910.38(b)(4)

This standard requires the employer to apprise employees of the fire hazards of the materi-als and processes to which they are exposed. The employer shall also review with each em-

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ployee upon initial assignment those parts of the fire prevention plan for which the em-ployee must know to protect the employee in the event of emergency.

D. Subpart G—Occupational Health and Environmental Control

1. Section 1910.95

Protection against noise exposure shall be provided when employees are being exposed tosound level exceeding an 8-hour Time-Weighted Level of 85 decibels (the Action Level)or an 8-hour Time-Weighted Level of 90 decibels (the Permissible Exposure Level). Theemployers are required to monitor to determine if employees are being exposed to noiseover the action level. The employer shall notify each employee exposed at or above the ac-tion level. The employers are required to establish and maintain an audiometric testing pro-gram and establish a valid baseline audiogram within 6 months of an employee’s first ex-posure at or above the action level. At least annually after obtaining the baseline audiogram,the employer shall obtain a new audiogram for each affected employee. Hearing protectorsshall be available to all employees exposed to an 8-hour Time-Weighted Level of 85 deci-bels or greater at no cost to employees. Hearing protectors shall be replaced as necessary.The employer shall institute an annually repeated training program for the employees whoare exposed to noise at or above the action level and to ensure employee participation insuch training program.

2. Section 1910.95(c)

This standard requires the employer to administer a continuing, effective hearing conser-vation program whenever employees’ noise exposures equal or exceed an 8-hour Time-Weighted Level of 85 decibels measured on the A scale or, equivalently, a dose of fifty per-cent. The requirements are listed in 29 CFR Section 1910.95(c)–(o).

E. Subpart H—Hazardous Materials

1. Section 1910.101(a)

This standard requires the employer to determine whether compressed gas cylinders un-der their control are in a safe condition to the extent that can be determined by visual in-spection. Visual and other inspections shall be conducted as prescribed in the hazardousregulations of the Department of Transportation (49 CFR parts 171–179 and 14 CFR part103). Where those regulations are not applicable, visual and other inspections shall beconducted in accordance with Compressed Gas Association Pamphlets C-6-1968 and C-8-1962.

2. Section 1910.101(b)

This standard requires the employer to follow the Compressed Gas Association PamphletP-1-1965 for the in-plant handling, storage, and utilization of all compressed gases in cylin-ders, portable tanks, rail tankcars, or motor vehicle cargo tanks.

3. Section 1910.106

This section talks about the flammable and combustible liquids separated into differentclasses, their handling and storage requirements.



4. Section 1910.119

This standard, commonly known as the Process Safety Management (PSM) standard orPSM, contains the requirements for preventing or minimizing the consequence of catas-trophic releases of toxic reactive, flammable, or explosive chemicals. These releases mayresult in toxic, fire, or explosive hazards. There are 137 chemicals listed in Appendix A tothis section that are regulated by this standard and their total quantity; if exceeded, the al-lowed amount will be subjected to all requirements of the standards. Many companies willtry to substitute lesser hazardous chemicals in order to avoid complying with this standardbecause compliance requires much work and it is often quite expensive to comply. Whenthey have to have one of the 137 regulated chemicals on site they will try to keep their to-tal quantity lower than the regulated level so that the standard will not be applied. Thosewho have operations covered under this standard are subjected to all the requirements ofthis standard:

1910.119 (c) Employee participation1910.119 (d) Process safety information1910.119 (e) Process hazard analysis1910.119 (f) Operating procedures1910.119 (g) Training1910.119 (h) Contractors1910.119 (i) Pre-start up safety review1910.119 (j) Mechanical integrity1910.119 (k) Hot work permit1910.119 (l) Management of change1910.119 (m) Incident investigation1910.119 (n) Emergency planning and response1910.119 (o) Compliance audits1910.119 (p) Trade secrets

5. Section 1910.120

This standard is commonly known as the Hazwooper Standard. This section covers:

1. clean-up operations required by a governmental body—whether Federal, State,local, or other—involving hazardous substances. These include clean-ups con-ducted at uncontrolled hazard waste sites, any site on the state priority sites list,sites recommended for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) NationalPriorities List (NPL), and sites which are identified for initial government in-vestigation before substance has been ascertained

2. corrective actions involving clean-up operations at sites covered by the Re-sources Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976

3. voluntary clean-up operations at sites recognized by Federal, State, local or othergovernmental bodies as uncontrolled hazardous waste sites

4. operations involving hazardous waste that are conducted at treatment, storage,disposal (TSD) facilities regulated by 40 CFR parts 264 and 265 pursuant to Re-source Conversation and Recovery Act (RCRA); or by agencies under agree-ment with USEPA to implement RCRA regulations and

5. emergency response operations for release of, or substantial threats of releasesof, hazardous substances without regard to the location of the hazard

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Most commonly used chemicals that are used as refrigerants, such as anhydrous ammonia,and chemicals used as cleaning-in-process (CIP) for clean up processes, such as chlorine orozone, could be subjected to 1910.119 and 1910.120 requirements.

F. Subpart I—Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

This standard requires the employer to provide protective equipment including personalprotective equipment (PPE) for eye, face, head, and extremities. Protective clothing, res-piratory devices and protective shields and barriers shall be used, and maintained in asanitary and reliable condition wherever it is necessary. Such equipment protects indi-viduals from process or environmental hazards, chemical hazards, radiological hazards,or mechanical irritants encountered in a manner capable of causing injury or impairmentin the function of any part of the body through absorption, inhalation, or physical con-tact.

1. Section 1910.132(d)(1)

This standard requires the employer to assess the workplace to determine if hazards are pre-sent, or are likely to be present, which would necessitate the use of personal protectiveequipment. If such hazards are present, or likely to be present, the employer shall:

1. select and have each affected employee use the type(s) of PPE that will protectthe affected employee from the hazard identified in the hazard assessment

2. communicate selection decision to each affected employee3. select PPE that properly fits each affected employee

2. Section 1910.132(d)(2)

This standard requires the employer to verify that the required workplace hazard assess-ment has been performed through a written certification. This certification should includethe name of the person certifying that evaluation has been performed; the date(s) of haz-ard assessment; and a title that identifies the document as a certification of hazard as-sessment.

3. Section 1910.132(f)

This standard requires the employer to provide training to each employee who is requiredby 29 CFR 1910.132 to use PPE. These employees shall be trained to know at least thefollowing:

1. when PPE is necessary2. what PPE is necessary3. how to properly don, doff, adjust, and wear PPE4. the limitation of PPE5. the proper care, maintenance, useful life, and disposal of the PPE

4. Section 1910.133

This standard requires the employer to ensure that each affected employee uses appropri-ate eye or face protection when exposed to eye or face hazards from flying particles, moltenmetal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, or potentially in-jurious light radiation. Protective devices purchased after July 5, 1994 shall comply withAmerican National Standard Institute (ANSI) Z87.1-1989



5. Section 1910.134

This section deals with the control of those occupational diseases caused by breathing aircontaminated with harmful dusts, fogs, fumes, mists, gases, smokes, sprays, or vapors. Theprimary objective is to prevent atmospheric contamination. This shall be accomplished asfar as feasible by accepted engineering control measures. When effective engineering con-trols are not feasible or while they are being instituted, appropriate respirators shall be usedpursuant to the requirements of this standard.

6. Section 1910.135

This standard requires the employer to ensure that each affected employee wears a protec-tive helmet when working in areas where there is a potential for injuries to the head fromfalling objects. Protective helmets purchased after July 5, 1994 shall comply with ANSIZ89.1-1969.

7. Section 1910.136

This standard requires the employer to ensure each affected employee uses protectivefootwear when working in areas where there is a danger of foot injuries due to falling orrolling objects, or objects piercing the sole, and where such employees feet are exposed toelectrical hazards. Protective footwear purchased after July 5, 1994 shall comply withANSI Z41.1-1967.

8. Section 1910.138

This standard requires the employer to select and require employees to use appropriatehand protection when employees’ hands are exposed to hazards such as those from skin ab-sorption of harmful substances; severe cuts or lacerations; severe abrasions; punctures;chemical burns; thermal burns; and harmful temperature extremes.

G. Subpart J—General Environmental Controls

1. Section 1910.141

This standard requires permanent places of employment to meet the minimum require-ments of sanitation facilities.

2. Section 1910.146

This standard contains the requirements for practice and procedures to protect employeesin general industry from any operation of the workplace that contains the hazards of entryinto permit-required confined spaces. This section does not apply to agriculture, to con-struction, or to shipyard employment.

A confined space means a space that is (a) large enough and so configured that anemployee can bodily enter and perform assigned work; (b) has limited or restricted meansfor entry or exit; and (c) is not designed for continuous employee occupancy.

A permit-required confined space means a confined space that has one or more of thefollowing characteristics:

1. contains or has a potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere2. contains a material that has the potential for engulfing an entrant

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3. has an internal configuration such that an entrant could be trapped or asphyxi-ated by inwardly converging walls or by a floor which slopes downwards and ta-pers to a smaller cross-section or

4. contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazards

If such a hazard exists in the workplace, the employers are required to comply withthis standard.

1910.146(d) requires the employer to establish a permit space program1910.146(e) requires the employer to document the completion of measurements re-

quired by 29 CFR 1910.146(d)(3) by preparing entry permits before entry1910.146(f) requires the employer to establish entry permit documents compliance

of this section1910.146(g) requires the employer to provide training so that all employees whose

work is regulated by this standard acquires the understanding, knowledge, andskills necessary for the safe performance of the duties assigned under this standard

1910.146(h) requires the employer to train authorized entrants to understand theirduties

1910.146(i) requires the employer to train the attendant to understand their duties1910.146(j) requires the employer to train the entry supervisor to understand their

duties1910.146(k) requires the employers to train employees who are entering the permit

space to perform rescue services and make training available to have persons otherthan their employees perform permit space rescue

3. Section 1910.147

This standard is commonly known as the control of hazardous energy Lockout/Tagout(LOTO) Standard. This standard covers the servicing and maintenance of machines andequipment in which the unexpected energization or start up of the machines or equipment,or release of stored energy, could cause injury to employees. This standard establishes theminimum performance requirements for the control of such hazardous energy. Appendix Ato 1910.147 states a typical minimal lockout procedure for reference.

4. Section 1910147(c)(1)

This standard requires the employer to establish a program consisting of energy controlprocedures, employee training and periodic inspections. Such a program ensures that all en-ergy sources are isolated before any employee performs servicing or maintenance on a ma-chine or equipment, where the unexpected energizing, start up or release of stored energycould occur and cause injury to employee.

5. Section 1910.147(c)(7)

This standard requires the employer to train and to ensure that the purpose and function ofthe energy control program is understood by employees and that the knowledge and skillsrequired for the safe application, usage, and removal of the equipment are acquired byemployees.



H. Subpart K—Medical and First Aid

1. Section 1910.151

This standard sets requirements for medical and first aid.

2. Section 1910.151(c)

This standard requires the employer to provide suitable facilities for quick drenching orflushing of the eyes or body when the eyes or body may be exposed to injuries from corro-sive materials.

I. Subpart L—Fire Protection

1. Section 1910.155

This standard sets the requirements for fire brigades, and all portable and fixed fire sup-pression equipment, fire detection system, and fire or employee alarm system installed tomeet the fire protection requirements of 29 CFR 1910.

2. Section 1910.156

This standard contains the requirements for the organization, training, and personal pro-tective equipment of fire brigades whenever they are established by an employer.

3. Section 1910.157

This standard applies to the placement, use, maintenance, and testing of portable fire ex-tinguishers provided for employee use. Where the employer has an emergency action planand a fire prevention plan which meets the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.38 then only therequirements of 1910.157(e) and (f) applies.

4. Section 1910.159

This section sets the requirements for all automatic sprinkler systems installed to meet theparticular OSHA standard.

5. Section 1910.164

This standard requires all automatic fire detection systems installed to meet the require-ments of the OSHA standard.

6. Section 1910.165

This standard applies to all emergency employee alarms installed to meet a particularOSHA standard. The requirements are that maintenance, testing and inspection shall ap-plied to all local fire alarm signaling systems used to alert employees, regardless of otherfunctions of the system.

J. Subpart O—Machinery and Machine Guarding

1. Section 1910.212(a)(1)

This standard requires the employer to provide one or more methods of machine-guardingto protect the operator and other employees in the machine area from hazards such as thosecreated by point of operation, in-going nip points, rotating parts, flying chips, and sparks.

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2. Section 1910.212(a)(2)

This standard requires the guards for the machine be affixed to the machine where possi-ble, or secured elsewhere if for any reason attachment to the machine is not possible. Theguard shall be such that it does not offer an accident hazard in itself.

3. Section 1910.215

This standard sets the minimum requirements for safeguarding of abrasive wheels. Specificrequirements for maximum exposure angles, tongue guard, tool rests, and other minimumsafety requirements are listed in different tables and figures in this standard.

4. Section 1910.219(d)(1)

This standard sets the guarding requirements for pulleys that are 7 feet or less from the flooror working platform. Where the point of contact between belt and pulley is more than 6inches from the floor or platform, it may be guarded with a disk covering the spokes.

5. Section 1910.219(e)(1)

This standard covers and ropes guards on horizontal belts and ropes. On horizontal beltsand ropes, where both runs of horizontal belts are 7 feet or less from the floor level, theguard shall extend to at least 15 inches above the belt or to a standard height as listed inTable O-12 (Table of Standard Materials and Dimensions) (6). However, when both runsof a horizontal belt are 42 inches or less from the floor, it shall be fully enclosed.

6. Section 1910.219(i)(1)

This standard requires all revolving collars including split collars, be cylindrical, and crewsor bolts used in collars shall not project beyond the largest periphery of the collar.

7. Section 1910.219(i)(2)

This section requires the couplings shall be so constructed as to present no hazard frombolts, nuts, setscrews, or revolving surfaces. Bolts, nuts, and setscrews will, however, beallowed where they are covered with safety sleeves or where they are used parallel with theshafting and are countersunk or else do not extend beyond the flange of the coupling.

K. Subpart P—Hand and Portable Powered Tools

1. Section 1910.242

This standard requires the employer to be responsible to the safe condition of the tools andequipment used by employees, including tools and equipment which may be furnished byemployees.

2. Section 1910.243

This standard requires the guarding of all portable, power driven circular saws having ablade diameter greater than 2 inches. It shall be equipped with a guard above and below thebase plate or shoe. The upper guard shall cover the saw to the depth of the teeth, except forthe minimum arc required to permit the base to be tilted for bevel cuts. The lower guardshall cover the saw to the depth of the teeth, except for the minimum arc required to allowproper retraction and contact with the works. When the tool is withdrawn from the workarea, the lower guard must automatically and instantly return to covering position.



L. Subpart Q—Welding, Cutting, and Brazing

1. Section 1910.252

This standard provides the basic precautions and special precautions of the fire protectionand prevention responsibilities of welders and cutters, their supervisors, which includesoutside contractors and those in management on whose property cutting and welding is tobe performed. The standards for fire prevention in use of cutting and welding processes arelisted under National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 51B, 1962, which is in-corporated as reference as specified in 29 CFR 1910.6.

2. Section 1910.253(b)(2)(ii)

This standard requires that cylinders kept inside buildings be stored in a well-protected,well-ventilated, dry location at least 20 feet from high combustibles such as oil or excel-sior. Assigned storage spaces shall be located where cylinders will not be knocked overor damaged by passing or falling objects, or subject to tampering by unauthorizedpersons.

3. Section 1910.253(b)(4)(i)

This standard requires that oxygen cylinders not be stored near highly combustible mate-rial, especially oil and grease; or near reserved stocks of carbide and acetylene or other fuel-gas cylinders, or near any other substance likely to cause or accelerate fire; or in an acety-lene generator compartment.

4. Section 1910.253(b)(4)(iii)

This standard requires the storage of oxygen cylinders to be separated from fuel-gas cylin-ders or combustible materials by a minimum of 20 feet or by a non-combustible barrier atleast 5 feet high, having a fire resistant rating of at least one-half hour.

5. Section 1910.253(b)(5)

This standard requires cylinders, cylinder valves, couplings, regulators, hoses, and similarapparatus be kept free from oily or greasy substances. Organic materials such as oil andgrease can cause oxygen to self ignite and will be an explosion hazard.

M. Subpart S—Electrical Safety

This subpart addresses electrical safety requirements that are necessary for the practicalsafeguarding of employees in their workplaces and is divided into four major divisions asfollows:

1. Design safety standard for electrical systems contained in Sections 1910.302through 1910.330

2. Safety-related work practices contained in Sections 1910.331 through 1910.3603. Safety-related maintenance requirements contained in Sections 1910.361

through 1910.3804. Safety requirements for special equipment contained in Sections 1910.381

through 1910.398

Definitions applicable to each division are contained in Section 1910.399.

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1. Section 1910.303(b)(1)

This standard requires the employer to perform inspections to identify hazards. It requireselectrical equipment to be free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or se-rious physical harm to employees.

2. Section 1910.303(b)(2)

This standard requires listed or labeled equipment to be used or installed in accordance withany instructions included in the listing or labeling.

3. Section 1910.303(e)

This standard requires that electrical equipment may not be used unless the manufacturer’sname, trademark, or other descriptive marking which may identify the organization re-sponsible for the product is placed on the equipment. Other markings shall be provided giv-ing voltage, current, wattage, or other rating as necessary.

4. Section 1910.303(f)

This standard requires each disconnecting means be legibly marked to indicate its purpose,unless located and arranged so the purpose is evident. Each service, feeder, and branch cir-cuit, and its disconnecting means shall be legibly marked to indicate its purpose.

5. Section 1910.303(g)

This standard requires that for equipment rated 600m volts, normal, sufficient access andworkspace shall be provided and maintained to permit ready and safe operation and main-tenance of such equipment.

6. Section 1910.304(a)(2)

This standard requires no ground conductor may be attached to any terminal or lead so asto reverse designated polarity.

7. Section 1910.304(f)(4)

This standard requires the path to ground from circuits, equipment and enclosures be per-manent and continuous.

8. Section 1910.305(a)(2)(iii)(F)

This standard requires that lamps used for general illumination be protected from acciden-tal contact or breakage. Protection shall be provided by elevation of at least 7 feet from nor-mal working surface or by a suitable fixture or lamp holder with a guard.

9. Section 1910.305(b)(1)

This standard requires conductors entering any box, cabinets, or fittings be protected fromabrasion, and any openings through which conductors enter shall be effectively closed. Ac-cumulated dust will cause an arc between conductors and will then cause an electrical fire.

10. Section 1910.305(b)(2)

This standard requires all pull boxes, junction boxes, and fittings to be provided with cov-ers approved for the purpose. If metal covers are used, they must be grounded.



11. Section 1910.305(e)(1)

This standard requires that cabinets, cutout boxes, fittings, boxes, and panel board enclo-sures in damp or wet locations be installed so as to prevent moisture or water from enter-ing and accumulating within the enclosures. In wet locations the enclosures shall be weath-erproof.

12. Section 1910.305(g)

This standard sets the requirement for the use of flexible cords and cables. The most com-monly found violation, which is in Section 1910.305(g)(1)(iii) includes: flexible cords andcables used as a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure:

1. flexible cords and cables running through holes in walls, ceilings, or floors2. flexible cords and cables running through doorways, windows, or similar

openings3. flexible cords and cables attached to building surfaces4. flexible cords and cables concealed behind buildings, walls, ceilings, or floors

13. Section 1910.332(a)

This standard requires the employer to train employees who face a risk of electrical shockthat is not reduced to a safe level by the electrical installation requirements of Sections1910.303 through 1910.308.

14. Section 1910.322(b)(1)

This standard requires the employer to train employees in and become familiar with thesafety-related work practices required by Sections 1910.331 through 1910.335.

15. Section 1910.322(b)(2)

This standard sets additional requirements for the employer to train unqualified employeeswho are covered by Section 1910.322(a), but who are not qualified persons. They shall betrained and be familiar with any electrically related safety practices not specifically ad-dressed by Sections 1910.331 through 1910.335 but which are necessary for their safety.

16. Section 1910.334(a)(2)(ii)

This standard requires the employer, during visual inspection, to remove any defective ordamaged equipment that might expose an employee to injury. No employees may use it un-til appropriate repairs and tests are done to render the equipment safe.

N. Subpart Z—Toxic and Hazardous Substances

1. Section 1910.1030

This standard is commonly known as the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard. It applies to alloccupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials as defined in1910.1030(b). This standard also covers but is not limited to first responder, and employ-ees who are designated as a first-aid provider in their job description.

2. Section 1910.1030(c)

This standard requires employers to establish a written exposure control plan designed toeliminate or minimize employee exposure;

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3. Section 1910.1030(d)

This standard discuss the different methods of compliance such as universal compliance,engineering and work practice controls;

4. Section 1910.1030(f)

This standard requires the employer to make available the hepatitis B vaccine and vacci-nation series to all employees who have occupational exposure, and postexposure evalua-tion and follow-up to all employees who have had an exposure incident.

5. Section 1910.1030(g)(1)

This standard requires the employer to affixed warning labels and signs to containers ofregulated waste, refrigerators and freezers containing blood or other infectious materials;and other containers used to store, transport, or ship blood or other potentially infectiousmaterials.

6. Section 1910.1030(g)(2)

This standard requires employers to ensure all employees with occupational exposure par-ticipate in a training program, which must be provided at no cost to the employee and dur-ing working hours. Such training shall be repeated annually. The elements of the minimumtraining program requirements are listed under Sections 1910.1030(g)(2)(vii) A–N.

7. Section 1910.1030(h)

This standard requires the employer to establish and maintain accurate records for each em-ployee with occupational exposure, in accordance with 29 CFR Section 1910.20 which isthe duration of employment plus 30 years.

8. Section 1910.1200

This standard is commonly known as the hazard communication standard or employeeright-to-know standard. The purpose of this standard is to ensure that the hazards of allchemicals produced or imported are evaluated, and that information concerning their haz-ards is transmitted to employers and employees. This is the most cited standard that topsany other OSHA citations.

9. Section 1910.1200(e)(1)

This standard requires the employer to develop and maintain at each workplace, a writtenhazard communication program which describes the criteria set in 29 CFR Sections1910.1200 (f), (g), and (h) for labels and other forms of warning, material safety datasheets, and employee information and training.

10. Section 1910.1200(f)(5)

This standard requires the employer to ensure that each container of hazardous chemicalsin the workplace is labeled, tagged, or marked with the following information:

1. identity of the hazardous chemical(s) contained therein2. appropriate hazard warnings; or words, pictures, symbols, or combination

thereof, which provide at least general information regarding the hazards of thechemicals; and which, in conjunction with other information immediately avail-able to employees under the hazard communication program, provide employees



with specific information regarding the physical hazards of the hazardouschemical(s)

11. Section 1910.1200(g)(8)

This standard requires the employer to maintain in the workplace copies of the required ma-terial safety data sheets for each hazardous chemical, and shall ensure that they are readilyaccessible during each work shift to employees when they are in their work area(s).

12. Section 1910.1200(h)(1)

This standard requires the employer to provide employees with effective information andtraining on hazardous chemicals in their work areas at the time of their initial assignment,and whenever a new physical or health hazard the employees have not previously beentrained about is introduced into their work area. The elements of minimum training re-quirements are listed under 29 CFR Sections 1910.1200(h)(3)(i)–(iv).

The above discussion represents some of the most cited violations during an OSHAinspection at the workplace. An effective safety and health program could also contributeto a safer workplace (6).

VIII. SUGGESTED ELEMENTS OF AN EFFECTIVE SAFETY ANDHEALTH PROGRAM

Here are some suggested elements of an effective safety and health program:

A. Management Commitment and Worker Involvement

1. Visible top management leadership2. Employee involvement in structure and operation of program and in decisions

that affect their safety and health3. Clear work site policy on safe and healthful work and working conditions4. Goal(s) for safety and health program objectives for meeting goal(s)5. Assignment and communication of responsibility for all aspects of program6. Adequate authority and resources for parties to meet assigned responsibilities7. Managers, supervisors, and employees accountable for meeting responsibilities8. Annual program review to evaluate success in meeting goal(s) and objectives

B. Work Site Analysis

1. Regular site safety and health inspection2. Reliable system for employees to report hazards and receive timely and appro-

priate response

C. Hazard Prevention and Control

1. Facility and equipment maintenance to prevent hazardous breakdowns2. Medical programs to minimize injury and illness3. Emergency plan and drills so that response of all parties will be “second nature”

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D. Safety and Health Training

1. Training for managers on their safety and health responsibilities2. Training for supervisors on their safety and health responsibilities and reasons

for them3. Training for employees on general safety and health rules of work site, specific

site hazards, safe work practice to control exposure, and role in emergencysituations

IX. SAFETY RULES AND PRACTICES IN MEAT CUTTING AND MEATPROCESSING OPERATIONS

A. Employee Responsibilities

Under 29 CFR 1960.10, Employee Responsibilities and Rights, the Occupational Safetyand Health Act requires each employee to comply with the standards, rules, regulations andorders issued by the agency in accordance with Section 19 of the Act. Executive order12196 held employees responsible for their own actions and conduct. Employees shall alsouse safety equipment, personal protective equipment, and other devices and proceduresprovided or directed by the agency and necessary for their protection.

Employee shall have the right to report unsafe and unhealthful working conditions toappropriate officials. They are protected by law from being discriminated against by theiremployer if they chose to exercise this right.

B. Protective Equipment and Clothing

Proper protective equipment and clothing can avoid many accidents. Many companies haveformulated a program of safety for their employees and mandate the use of safety equip-ment in job performance. Safety equipment should meet the requirements of the AmericanNational Standard Institute (ANSI) requirement for safety equipment. Efficiency of per-formance can be increased and operating cost reduced by the application of proper trainingof workers.

Safety equipment such as safety helmets (hats), must be worn for all jobs where car-casses or products are conveyed on non-captive overhead rails, where carcasses are lugged,and where employees drive ride-on industrial tractors. Helmets are recommended for alldressing floor and cooler operations. Safety glasses or a face shield should be used for theprotection of eyes or face from damage or destruction by physical or chemical agents or byradiant energy. This is an integral part of any good industrial safety program. Hand protec-tion can be achieved by using metal mesh gloves. These gloves are made from stainlesssteel that conforms to the shape of the hand and the fingers to eliminate cutting injuries ofworkers’ hand. Various kinds of protective footwear are available on the market but steel-toe safety shoes are the best for impact protection. For work done under wet conditions,rubber boots or rubber shoes are available with steel box toes having similar impact speci-fication set by ANSI for foot protection.

C. Handling of Tools

There are many good reasons for the proper instruction and training of workmen regardingtheir handling of both hand and power tools.



The knife is one of the most commonly used tools in meat cutting. The careful use ofthe knife and observation of safe practices in meat cutting will prevent accidents. The handsaws usually come in two sizes, small and large. It is important not to use excessive forcewhen using the hand saws. Excessive force may cause the blade to bind, jump, and strikethe free hand, causing an injury. Cleavers are mainly used to cut through the backbone ofcarcasses. It is important to keep the hands and fingers away from the path of the cleavers.Do not attempt to use cleaver as a mallet or hammer. Abuse of cleavers may lead to aninjury.

Automated and hand-powered equipment play a very important role in the food in-dustry, and the meat industry in particular. Powered circular saws should be positioned onretractable power lines. This will keep the equipment high above the head of the workerwhen not in use. Accidents are often caused by slipping, which throws the worker into thesaw. Grease and meat scraps should be removed from the floor at regular intervals. Salt orother skid prevention materials should also be used to prevent slipping.

Band saws generally have two pulley wheels with a saw blade circulating around thetwo wheels. Operators should know the safety factors as well as the care and maintenanceof the saw. Not paying attention to the moving and working parts of the band saw is oftenthe cause of accidents. Safety factors concerning the operation of the band saw should ob-served. Factors needing attention include adjustment of the saw blade tension, adjustmentof blade guides, adjustment of the upper guide assembly and back-up blade support, anduneven wear of the movable carriage or meat table. Uneven wear will cause side play of thecarriage or meat table.

Manufacturers produce a wide variety of grinders for the food services industry. Themost important safety measure for meat grinders is to never operate a grinder without a feedpan or tray. When operating a large grinder, a fork or scoop should be used for feeding orloading. A slicing machine should be used to cut chilled and frozen boneless meats into thinslices. It is important to remember to use the product pusher plate to slice end cuts. Fingersmust be kept clear of the path of the blade. Do not disregard safety for speed, either. Beforecleaning the slicing machine be sure the power control is shut off to prevent accidentalstarting by touching the control switch.

X. SOME PHYSICAL HAZARDS THAT A WORKER COULDENCOUNTER AT THE WORKPLACE

A. Electrical Hazards

All portable hand tools and production tools should be equipped with polarized groundedreceptacles. All extension cords should be the three-wire type designed to fit the polarizedreceptacles. In most operations OSHA laws may require a lock-out tag-out program to beimplemented to prevent unexpected energization or startup of the machines or equipmentor release of stored energy.

B. Noise

Noise has been recognized as one of several causes of deafness. Employers should performnoise monitoring as required by law to determine if employees are being exposed to an 8-hour Time-Weighted Level of 85 decibels or more. If so, a hearing conservation programshould be implemented and personnel protective equipment should be provided.

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C. Pneumatic Stuffers

Pneumatic stuffers have enough wall thickness to withstand normal stuffing pressure.Older stuffers are sometimes reamed or honed as interior walls become pitted or irregular.State and federal laws require annual inspection of such devices to prevent explosion of thestuffers.

D. Retorts

Hot water circulation lines should be periodically checked for hammering problems and todetermine the loss of wall thickness. All retort attachments should be periodically inspectedfor wear or cracking. Accumulation of water in insulated retorts will cause early deteriora-tion of the lower metal portions.

E. Boiler Feedwater

Boiler care and maintenance procedures will vary with size and type of installation. Be-cause water treatment chemicals are an extremely important consideration in both safetyand life of boilers, qualified inspectors should be used to check the boiler regularly.

F. Conveyors

Conveyors present a special kind of hazard. Many conveyors are installed to transfer prod-ucts from one place to another or from live to a dead roller section. Guarding of the nippoint of the rollers on the conveyors is necessary. It is also required by law to safeguardconveyors. All conveyors should be equipped with covers or electronically interlocking de-vices to prevent injury to workers’ hands.

G. Lifts and Hoists

Movement of material by lifts, hoists, and cranes requires careful safety scrutiny. Hoistingapparatus has been used sparingly in the meat industry. Most hoisting equipment found inthe market conform with ANSI standards. Some common causes of breakdown of hoistsare overloading, improvised or makeshift slinging, using the wrong type cables for the sizelifted. It is important to select the correct chain for the job. Most new chains have built-insafety and have a breaking point several times greater than the work load limits. Frequentinspection and replacement of non-function parts could make a difference in preventingaccidents.

XI. SOME CHEMICAL HAZARDS THAT A WORKER COULDENCOUNTER AT THE WORKPLACE

All chemical hazards are covered under 29 CFR Section 1910.1200 Hazard Communica-tion Standard, and the employer is required by law to educate employees on the health andphysical hazards of the chemicals they use at their workplace.

A. Anhydrous Ammonia

Anhydrous ammonia is used as a refrigerant because of its efficiency in absorbing heat, itseconomy, and plentiful supply. Anhydrous ammonia has a powerful corrosive action on tis-sue. Starting at 20 part per million (ppm), one could smell odor. At 40 ppm, a few individ-



uals could suffer slight eye irritation. At 100 ppm, noticeable eye and upper respiratory tractirritation may occur. At 700 ppm, severe eye irritation may occur. At 5000 ppm seriousedema, strangulation, and asphyxia may occur.

B. Hydrogen Sulfide

Hydrogen sulfide gas frequently accumulates in grease interceptor basins or in placeswhere there are large surface areas of low-grade fats. Locations where this gas may accu-mulate should have good ventilation.

C. Liquid Petroleum (LP)-Gas

Liquid petroleum torches are frequently used in the meat industry. One great hazard of LP-gases is that they are heavier than air and tend to pocket or cloud. A source of ignition willproduce a serious explosion from a leaking container. All LP-gases should be stored in awell-ventilated place.

D. Methane

Sewer gas or methane gas frequently accumulates in manholes. Therefore, before enteringsuch confined space one should follow proper procedures to check for atmospheric hazardbefore entering. 29 CFR Section 1910.146 covers the requirements of entering a confinedspace.

E. Carbon Dioxide

It is also known as CO2 and tends to accumulate at low levels and at the bottoms of enclo-sures such as pits, silos, tanks, and the like. It is sometimes used in the packing industry forimmobilizing animals, and for quick-freezing or cooling fresh meats. Adequately venti-lated areas will disperse the gas and prevent accumulation.

F. Carbon Monoxide

It is also known as CO. It is a colorless, tasteless, and odorless gas, slightly lighter than air.It is formed by incomplete combustion of organic materials. Exposure of approximately200 ppm will result in headache and nausea. Overexposure could result in death.

G. Nitrogen

Nitrogen is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. Nitrogen is frequently used for gas-flushing certain packaged products to exclude oxygen. Adequate ventilation should be pro-vided when this gas is used.

H. Plastic Fumes

Fumes are generated when flexible plastic fumes used in packing are heat-sealed. Thefumes tend to accumulate in the immediate vicinity of heat elements. The fumes containsmethylethyl ketone (MEK), toluene, propylacetate, or other solvents. Both MEK andtoluene are known cancer-causing agents. These fumes are irritating to eyes and mucousmembranes, and in high concentration can cause headache and drowsiness. Proper ventingshould be employed at the sealing area.

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XII. CONCLUSIONS

There are many hazards at the workplace, such as ergonomics and workplace violence, thathave not been addressed by a specific standard. Those hazards, however, if found, will becovered under Section (5)(a)(1), the general duties clause. Currently, there are only limitednumbers of Federal and State OSHA inspectors and certainly not enough to cover inspec-tion of each and every workplace. In real-life situations, different factors could contributeto an unsafe workplace or to a safer workplace. Safety is not the safety officer’s sole re-sponsibility. Everyone in the company, from the president to each employee, is responsi-ble for participating and contributing in his or her own way to make the workplace safer foreveryone. Keeping everyone safe at work will preserve America’s most important asset—its people—and keep America’s workforce in a position of world leadership.

REFERENCES

1. Public Law 91-596, Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970.2. Code of Federal Regulation 29 CFR 1910.3. U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration publication—OSHA

2098 1998 (revised).4. Anonymous. www.osha.gov.5. U.S. Department of labor Occupational Safety and Health Standard for General Industry (29

CFR Part1910) with amendment as of February 3, 1997.6. U.S. Federal Register, volume 37 number 202, October 18, 1972. Page 22292.



www.osha.gov.


Education

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