small-business

Small Business Handbook









Small Business Safety and

Health Management Series



OSHA 2209-02R 2005

Employers are responsible for providing a safe and Employers cannot be cited under the General Duty

healthy workplace for their employees. OSHA’s role Clause in Section 5(a)(1) of the Act for failure to fol-

is to promote the safety and health of America’s low recommendations in this handbook.

working men and women by setting and enforcing The materials in this handbook are based upon

standards; providing training, outreach and educa- Federal OSHA standards and other requirements in

tion; establishing partnerships; and encouraging effect at the time of publication and upon generally

continual improvement in workplace safety and accepted principles and activities within the job

health. safety and health field. They should be useful to

small business owners or managers and can be

About this Handbook adapted easily to individual establishments.

It is important to point out that 24 states, Puerto

This handbook is provided to owners, propri- Rico and the Virgin Islands operate their own

etors and managers of small businesses by the OSHA-approved safety and health programs under

Occupational Safety and Health Administration Section 18 of the Act. While the programs in these

(OSHA), an agency of the U.S. Department of State Plan States may differ in some respects from

Labor. For additional copies of this publication, Federal OSHA, this handbook can be used by

write to the U.S. Government Printing Office, employers in any state because the standards

(GPO), Superintendent of Documents, Mail Stop imposed by State Plan States must be at least as

SDE, 732 N. Capitol Street, NW, Washington, DC effective as Federal OSHA standards. A list of

20401, or call the OSHA Publications Office at (202) states that operate their own safety and health pro-

693-1888, or fax (202) 693-2498 for ordering infor- grams can be found on OSHA’s website at

mation. Please note that the entire text of the www.osha.gov.

Small Business Handbook is available on OSHA’s Material in this publication is in the public

website at http://www.osha.gov/Publications/ domain and may be reproduced, fully or partially,

osha2209.pdf. without permission. Source credit is requested but

The handbook should help small business em- not required.

ployers meet the legal requirements imposed by This information will be made available to sen-

the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (the sory impaired individuals upon request by voice

Act), and achieve an in-compliance status before an phone (202) 693-1999 or teletypewriter (TTY) (877)

OSHA inspection. An excellent resource to accom- 889-5627.

pany this information is OSHA’s Safety and Health

Program Management Guidelines, (54 Federal Please Note: The small business employer seeking

Register 3904-3916, January 26, 1989), also avail- information on procurement or contracting with the

able on OSHA’s website. Department of Labor or OSHA should contact the

This handbook is not a legal interpretation of the Department of Labor’s Office of Small Business

provisions of the Act and does not place any addi- Programs, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room C-

tional requirements on employers or employees. 2318, Washington, DC 20210.

Small Business Handbook

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

U.S. Department of Labor



OSHA 2209-02R

2005









U.S. Department of Labor

www.osha.gov

Contents

PREFACE 4

Office of Small Business Assistance 4

Cooperative Programs 4

State Plans 4

Office of Training and Education 4

OSHA’s Website 5

Safety and Health Add Value 5



INTRODUCTION: The Value of a Safety and Health Management System 6

A Profit and Loss Statement 6

Developing a Profitable Strategy for Handling Occupational Safety and Health 6



A FOUR-POINT WORKPLACE PROGRAM: The Basis of a Plan 8

Using the Four-Point Program 8

MANAGEMENT COMMITMENT AND EMPLOYEE INVOLVEMENT 8

WORKSITE ANALYSIS 9

HAZARD PREVENTION AND CONTROL 9

TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES, SUPERVISORS AND MANAGERS 10

Documenting Your Activities 11

Safety and Health Recordkeeping 11

INJURY/ILLNESS RECORDS 11

EXPOSURE RECORDS AND OTHERS 12



STARTING A SAFETY AND HEALTH MANAGEMENT SYSTEM: Creating a Plan 13

Decide to Start Now 13

Designating Responsibility 13

Ask for Help 13

Organize the Workplace 14

Start Gathering Specific Facts About Your Situation 14

Establish a Four-Point Safety and Health Program 15

Develop and Implement Your Action Plan 15



SELF-INSPECTION 17

Self-Inspection Scope 17

Self-Inspection Checklists 18

EMPLOYER POSTING 18

RECORDKEEPING 18

SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM 18

MEDICAL SERVICES AND FIRST AID 19

FIRE PROTECTION 19

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING 20

GENERAL WORK ENVIRONMENT 20

WALKWAYS 21

FLOOR AND WALL OPENINGS 21

STAIRS AND STAIRWAYS 22

ELEVATED SURFACES 22

EXITING OR EGRESS - EVACUATION 22

EXIT DOORS 23

PORTABLE LADDERS 23

HAND TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT 24

PORTABLE (POWER OPERATED) TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT 24

ABRASIVE WHEEL EQUIPMENT GRINDERS 24

POWDER-ACTUATED TOOLS 25

MACHINE GUARDING 25

LOCKOUT/TAGOUT PROCEDURES 26

WELDING, CUTTING AND BRAZING 27

COMPRESSORS AND COMPRESSED AIR 28

COMPRESSORS/AIR RECEIVERS 28

COMPRESSED GAS CYLINDERS 29

HOIST AND AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT 29

INDUSTRIAL TRUCKS - FORKLIFTS 29

SPRAYING OPERATIONS 30

ENTERING CONFINED SPACES 30

ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS 31

FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS 32

HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL EXPOSURE 33

HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES COMMUNICATION 34

ELECTRICAL 35

NOISE 37

FUELING 37

IDENTIFICATION OF PIPING SYSTEMS 37

MATERIALS HANDLING 38

TRANSPORTING EMPLOYEES AND MATERIALS 38

CONTROL OF HARMFUL SUBSTANCES BY VENTILATION 38

SANITIZING EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING 39

TIRE INFLATION 39



ASSISTANCE IN SAFETY AND HEALTH FOR SMALL BUSINESSES 40

OSHA Assistance 40

OSHA’S OFFICE OF SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE 40

ON-SITE CONSULTATION 40

OTHER COOPERATIVE PROGRAMS 41

VOLUNTARY PROTECTION PROGRAMS (VPP) 42

OSHA STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM (OSPP) 42

OSHA ALLIANCE PROGRAM 42

States with Approved Plans 42

OSHA Publications 42

Other Sources of Assistance 43

VOLUNTARY PROTECTION PROGRAMS PARTICIPANTS’ ASSOCIATION (VPPPA) 43

SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTERS 43

NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH (NIOSH) 44

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION CARRIERS AND OTHER INSURANCE COMPANIES 44

TRADE ASSOCIATIONS AND EMPLOYER GROUPS 44

TRADE UNIONS AND EMPLOYEE GROUPS 44

THE NATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL AND LOCAL CHAPTERS 44

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS 44

SPECIFIC MEDICAL CONSULTATION 44

YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY 45

FINANCING WORKPLACE IMPROVEMENT 45

ADDITIONAL WEB PAGES OF INTEREST TO SMALL BUSINESSES 45



Appendix A: Overall Action Plan Worksheet 46



Appendix B: Model Policy Statements 48



Appendix C: Codes of Safe Practices 49



Appendix D: OSHA Job Safety and Health Standards, Regulations

and Requirements 50



Appendix E: Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (SBREFA) 51



OSHA Regional Offices 52



OSHA’s Non-Retaliation Policy inside back cover

4 PREFACE

American employers and workers want safe and sector and other government entities lead to

healthful places in which to work. They want improved safety and health. As a result, OSHA

everyone on the job to go home whole and healthy continues to expand its cooperative programs

each day. Determined to make that dream possi- which currently include the free and confidential

ble, OSHA is committed to assuring – so far as pos- Consultation Program, the Voluntary Protection

sible – that every working man and woman in the Programs, the Strategic Partnership Program and

nation has safe and healthful working conditions. OSHA’s newest addition, Alliances. For a more

OSHA believes that providing workers with a safe detailed description of each of these programs,

workplace is central to their ability to enjoy health, please see pages 40- 42.

security and the opportunity to achieve the Small businesses are encouraged to investigate

American dream. the full array of cooperative programs offered by

OSHA seeks to cut unnecessary rules, regula- OSHA. Participation can be on an individual com-

tions and red tape. It is eliminating thousands of pany basis or through an industry association.

pages of outdated regulations and continues to Detailed information on each program is also avail-

rewrite standards in plain English. OSHA is paring able on OSHA’s website at www.osha.gov, by con-

down its regulatory agenda so that it more accu- tacting any OSHA office, or by calling (800) 321-

rately reflects realistic goals that best serve the OSHA.

needs of American employers and employees.

Confronted by the realities and demands to State Plans

keep pace with the workforce and problems of the

future, OSHA is developing new strategies to OSHA has important partnerships with the 24

reduce occupational fatalities, injuries and illness- states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands that oper-

es. Coupled with strong, effective and fair enforce- ate their own OSHA-approved safety and health

ment, OSHA strives to provide improved outreach, programs. State workplace safety and health pro-

education and compliance assistance to America’s grams frequently lead the way in developing inno-

employers and employees. vative approaches to making America’s workplaces

safer and healthier.

Office of Small Business Assistance States that operate their own worker safety and

health plans must provide worker protection that is

OSHA wants to provide quality service to our “at least as effective as” the Federal program.

small business customers. In October 2002, OSHA However, because their standards and other proce-

created the Office of Small Business Assistance to dures may vary, businesses should become famil-

provide small business direction, to facilitate infor- iar with their state regulations and agencies. See

mation sharing and to help in finding and achieving OSHA’s website for a list of State Plan States.

regulatory compliance. The office also works to

educate small businesses on using up-to-date tools Office of Training and Education

and materials, and facilitates opportunities to com-

ment on OSHA’s regulatory agenda. The Office of OSHA’s Office of Training and Education

Small Business Assistance maintains OSHA’s spe- provides training and instruction in all facets of

cialized small business web pages found at http:// occupational safety and health. OSHA’s Training

www.osha.gov/dcsp/smallbusiness/index.html. Institute, located in Arlington Heights, IL, provides

The Office of Small Business Assistance can be training for OSHA compliance safety and health

contacted by telephone at (202) 693-2220 or by officers as well as for the general public and safety

writing to: Director, Office of Small Business and health staff from other Federal agencies. In

Assistance, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room addition to OSHA’s Training Institute, there are 32

N-3700, Washington, DC 20210. additional education sites located throughout the

country. These OSHA education centers operate in

Cooperative Programs conjunction with universities, colleges and learning

centers to conduct OSHA courses for the private

Years of experience show us that voluntary col- sector and other Federal agencies, making safety

laborative relationships between OSHA, the private and health training and education more accessible







OSHA HANDBOOK FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

5



to those who need it. There are tuition fees for pri- If you would like to receive regular updates

vate sector students. For more information about from OSHA about new programs, tools, best prac-

OSHA’s Training Institute, OSHA’s education cen- tices and other useful information, subscribe to the

ters, or to obtain training catalogs with course agency’s e-news memo, QuickTakes. QuickTakes is

schedules, write the OSHA Training Institute, 2020 issued twice monthly to subscribers and is always

South Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL available online. You can subscribe to OSHA’s

60005 or call (847) 297-4810. The information is QuickTakes at www.osha.gov.

also fully accessible on the Internet at

www.osha.gov. Safety and Health Add Value



OSHA’s Website Addressing safety and health issues in the work-

place saves the employer money and adds value to

OSHA has made every effort to continuously the business. Recent estimates place the business

expand and improve its website. OSHA’s extensive costs associated with occupational injuries at close

website provides employers and employees with to $170 billion–expenditures that come straight out

practical, easy-to-understand and up-to-date guid- of company profits.

ance on regulations, compliance assistance and When workers stay whole and healthy, the

learning how to identify and control hazards. Each direct cost-savings to businesses include:

OSHA cooperative program has individual web I lower workers’ compensation insurance costs;



pages describing program elements and highlight- I reduced medical expenditures;



ing successes of the participants. Several pages I smaller expenditures for return-to-work



are devoted to small business, technical links, news programs;

items, publication lists and an inventory of compli- I fewer faulty products;



ance assistance tools, including expert advisors I lower costs for job accommodations for



and eTools. eTools are “stand-alone” interactive, injured workers;

web-based training tools on occupational safety I less money spent for overtime benefits.



and health topics. Regulations, standards, direc-

tives and interpretations relating to OSHA can be Safety and health also make big reductions in

found as well. There is a Spanish version of the indirect costs, due to:

OSHA website, and many posters and some publi- I increased productivity;



cations are also available in Spanish. I higher quality products;



OSHA’s web pages include MyOSHA, which I increased morale;



allows users to create their own personalized I better labor/management relations;



OSHA web page with customized content and I reduced turnover;



links. Quick Start is another tool on OSHA’s I better use of human resources.



Compliance Assistance web page that allows the

user to identify many of the major OSHA require- Employees and their families benefit from

ments and guidance materials that apply to their safety and health because:

individual workplaces or industry sectors. I their incomes are protected;



Through its website, OSHA invites citizens to e- I their family lives are not hindered by injury;



mail questions that can be routed to appropriate I their stress is not increased.



agency officials for response. Any communication

conducted via the “Contact Us” link on the OSHA Simply put, protecting people on the job is in

website is considered an informational exchange everyone’s best interest–our economy, our commu-

rather than an official communication with the nities, our fellow workers and our families. Safety

Department of Labor. For an official response to a and health add value to businesses, workplaces

question or concern, inquiries should be submitted and lives.

in writing.









Occupational Safety and

Health Administration

6 INTRODUCTION: The Value of a Safety and Health Management System

A Profit and Loss Statement Developing a Profitable Strategy for

Handling Occupational Safety and Health

As a small business owner, you are, by nature,

a risk taker. You wager your business acumen Nobody wants accidents to happen in his or her

against larger, perhaps more heavily financed cor- business. A serious fire, a permanent injury, or the

porate groups and other free-spirited, self-employ- death of an employee or owner can cause the loss

ed individuals like yourself. There is excitement of profit or even an entire business. To prevent

and challenge in such a venture, but to succeed such losses, you don’t have to turn your business

you need good management information, an ability upside down. You may not have to spend a lot of

to be a good manager of people and the intelli- money, either. You do need to use good business

gence and inner strength to make the right deci- sense and apply recognized prevention principles.

sions. There are reasons why accidents happen.

Thousands of workers die each year and many, Something goes wrong somewhere. It may take

many more suffer injury or illness from conditions some thought, and maybe the help of friends or

at work. But how often does an owner or manager other trained people, to figure out what went

like you actually see or even hear about work-relat- wrong, but an accident always has a cause–a rea-

ed deaths, serious injuries or illnesses in the busi- son why. Once you know why an accident hap-

nesses with which you are familiar? How often has pened, it is possible to prevent future incidents.

your business actually sustained this type of loss? You need some basic facts and perhaps some help

In most small businesses, the answer is rarely. from others who already know some of the an-

For this reason, many owners or managers do not swers. You also need a plan–a plan to prevent

understand why there is controversy about the accidents.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration Not all dangers at your worksite depend on an

(OSHA), job safety and health standards, inspec- accident to cause harm, of course. Worker expo-

tions, citations, etc. sure to toxic chemicals or harmful levels of noise

But others have learned why. Unfortunately, or radiation may happen in conjunction with rou-

they have experienced a loss. These owner/man- tine work as well as by accident. You may not real-

agers will tell you that it is too late to do anything ize the extent of the exposure or harm that you and

once a serious accident happens. They have learn- your employees face. The effect may not be imme-

ed that prevention is the only real way to avoid this diate. You need a plan that includes prevention of

loss. these health hazard exposures and accidents. You

Reducing losses is a goal that you as an owner need a safety and health management system.

or manager share with us in OSHA. While we may It is not difficult to develop such a plan. Basi-

see this goal in a slightly different light, it remains cally, your plan should address the types of acci-

a common bond. dents and health hazard exposures that could hap-

We have learned from small employers, like pen in your workplace. Because each workplace is

you, that you place a high value on the well-being different, your program should address your spe-

of your employees. Like many small businesses, cific needs and requirements.

you may employ family members and personal There are four basic elements to all good safety

acquaintances. And, if you don’t know your em- and health programs. These are as follows:

ployees before they are hired, then chances are

that the very size of your workplace will promote 1. Management Commitment and Employee

the closeness and concern for one another that Involvement. The manager or management team

small businesses value. leads the way, by setting policy, assigning and sup-

Assuming that you are committed to safe and porting responsibility, setting an example and in-

healthful work practices, OSHA wants to work with volving employees.

you to prevent all losses. We believe that, when you

make job safety and health a real part of your every- 2.Worksite Analysis. The worksite is continually ana-

day operations, you will not lose in the long run. lyzed to identify all existing and potential hazards.

Investing in safety and health activity now will better

enable you to avoid possible losses in the future. 3. Hazard Prevention and Control. Methods to pre-







OSHA HANDBOOK FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

7



vent or control existing or potential hazards are put It will certainly give you a way to express and doc-

in place and maintained. ument your good faith and commitment to protect-

ing your workers’ health and safety.

4.Training for Employees, Supervisors and This approach usually does not involve large

Managers. Managers, supervisors and employees costs. Developing a health and safety protection

are trained to understand and deal with worksite plan does not have to be expensive and generally

hazards. does not require additional employees, especially

in smaller businesses. Safety and health can be

Regardless of the size of your business, you integrated into your other business functions with

should use each of these elements to prevent work- modest effort on your part.

place accidents and possible injuries and illnesses. The key to the success of a safety and health

Developing a workplace program following plan is to see it as a part of your business opera-

these four points is a key step in protecting you tion and to see it reflected in your day-to-day oper-

and your workers’ safety and health. If you already ations. As you implement the plan and incorporate

have a program, reviewing it in relation to these it into your business culture, safety and health

elements should help you improve what you have. awareness will become second nature to you and

Following this four-point approach to safety and your employees.

health in your business may also improve efficien- The next section provides short descriptions

cy. It may help you reduce insurance claims and and illustrations of each element. Since most

other costs. While having a safety and health plan employers, like you, are pressed for time, these

based on these four elements does not guarantee descriptions will assist you in getting started on

compliance with OSHA standards, the approach your own approach.

will help you toward full compliance and beyond.









Occupational Safety and

Health Administration

8 A FOUR-POINT WORKPLACE PROGRAM: The Basis of a Plan

The Four-Point Workplace Program described assets you have. Their safety, health and goodwill

here is based upon the Safety and Health Program are essential to the success of your business. Hav-

Management Guidelines issued by OSHA in ing them cooperate with you in protecting their

January 1989. (For a free copy of the guidelines, safety and health not only helps to keep them

go to OSHA’s website at www.osha.gov, write to healthy–it makes your job easier.

OSHA Publications, U.S. Department of Labor, P.O. Here are some actions to consider:

Box 37535, Washington, DC 200013-7535, or call

(202) 693-1888.) Although voluntary, these guide- I Post your policy on worker safety and health

lines represent OSHA’s policy on what every work- next to the Job Safety and Health Protection

site should have in place to protect workers from Poster where all employees can see it. (See

occupational hazards. The guidelines are based Appendix B, Model Policy Statements.)

heavily on OSHA’s experience with its Voluntary

Protection Programs (VPP), which recognize excel- I Hold a meeting with all employees to commu-

lence in workplace safety and health management. nicate your safety and health policy, and dis-

For more information on these guidelines and cuss your objectives for safety and health.

OSHA’s cooperative programs, contact OSHA’s

Office of Small Business Assistance, U.S. I Make sure that your support is visible by get-

Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, ting personally involved in the activities that

NW, Room N-3700, Washington, DC 20210, (202) are part of your safety and health program.

693-2220. For example, personally review all inspection

and accident reports and ensure that follow-

Using the Four-Point Program up occurs when needed.



As you review this publication, we encourage I Ensure that you, your managers and your

you to use the Action Plan Worksheet in Appendix supervisors follow all safety requirements that

A to jot down the things you want to do to make apply to all employees, even if you are only in

your workplace safe for your employees. Noting an area briefly. If, for instance, you require a

those actions as you go along will make it easier hard hat, safety glasses and/or safety shoes in

to assemble the total plan you need. an area, wear them yourself when you are in

that area.

MANAGEMENT COMMITMENT AND

EMPLOYEE INVOLVEMENT I Take advantage of your employees’ special-

As the owner or manager of a small business, ized knowledge and encourage them to buy

your attitude toward job safety and health will be into the program by having them make in-

reflected by your employees. If you are not inter- spections, conduct safety training, or investi-

ested in preventing employee injury and illness, gate accidents.

your employees will probably not give safety and

health much thought either. I Make clear assignments of responsibility for

Therefore, it is essential that you demonstrate at every part of your safety and health program,

all times your personal concern for employee safety and make sure everyone understands them.

and health, and the priority you place on them in The more people who are involved, the better.

your workplace. Your policy must be clear. Only you A good rule of thumb is to assign safety and

can show its importance through your own actions. health responsibilities in the same way you

You can demonstrate the depth of your commit- assign production responsibilities. Make it a

ment by involving your employees in planning and special part of everyone’s job to work safely.

carrying out your efforts. If you seriously involve

your employees in identifying and resolving safety I Give those with safety and health responsibili-

and health problems, they will bring their unique ty enough people, time, training, money and

insights and energy to achieving the goals and authority to get the job done.

objectives of your program. The men and women

who work for you are among the most valuable I Don’t forget your safety and health program







OSHA HANDBOOK FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

9



after you make assignments; make sure the ards. The checklists (at pages 18-39) provide a

job gets done. Recognize and reward those starting point. Your state consultant can assist

who do well and correct those who don’t. you in establishing an effective system.



I At least once a year, review what you have I Make sure your employees feel comfortable in

accomplished in meeting your objectives and alerting you or another member of manage-

reevaluate whether you need new objectives ment when they see things that look danger-

or program revisions. ous or out of place.



I Institute an accountability system where all I Learn how to conduct a thorough investiga-

personnel will be held accountable for not fol- tion when things go wrong. This will help you

lowing work rules designed to promote work- develop ways to prevent recurrences. Exten-

place safety and health. sive information can be found on OSHA’s

website under “Accident Investigation” in the

WORKSITE ANALYSIS index.

It is your responsibility to know what items or

substances you have in your workplace that could I Review several years of injury or illness rec-

hurt your workers. Worksite analysis is a group of ords to identify patterns that can help you

processes that helps you make sure that you know devise strategies to improve your safety and

what you need to keep your workers safe. For help health program. Periodically review several

in getting started with these processes, you can call months of experience to determine if any new

on your state on-site Consultation Program and patterns are developing.

have an experienced health and safety professional

visit your workplace for free and confidentially. HAZARD PREVENTION AND CONTROL

Locations for each state are listed on OSHA’s web- Once you have identified your existing and

site. Also, OSHA’s booklet, Job Hazard Analysis, potential hazards, you are ready to implement the

may be helpful. (See OSHA Publications at page systems that prevent or control those hazards.

42 for ordering information.) Your state Consultation Program can help you do

Here are some actions to consider: this. Whenever possible, hazards should be elimi-

nated. Sometimes that can be done through sub-

I Request a consultation visit from your state stitution of a less toxic material or engineering con-

on-site Consultation Program covering both trols. When you cannot eliminate hazards, systems

safety and health to get a full survey of the should be established to control them.

hazards that exist in your workplace and those Here are some actions to consider:

that could develop. You can also contract for

such services from expert private consultants I Set up safe work procedures based on an

if you prefer. analysis of the hazards in your workplace and

ensure that employees understand and follow

I Establish a way to get professional advice them. It is a good idea to involve employees

when you make changes to procedures or in the analysis that results in those procedures.

equipment, to ensure that the changes are not (See Appendix C, Codes of Safe Practices.)

introducing new hazards into your workplace.

Find ways to keep current on newly recog- I Be ready to enforce the rules for safe work

nized hazards in your industry. procedures. Ask your employees to help you

establish a disciplinary system that will be fair

I Periodically review with employees each job, and understood by everyone.

analyzing it step-by-step to see if there are any

hidden hazards in the equipment or procedures. I Where necessary, ensure that personal protec-

tive equipment (PPE) is used and that your em-

I Set up a self-inspection system to check your ployees know why they need it, how to use it

hazard controls and evaluate any new haz- and how to maintain it.







Occupational Safety and

Health Administration

10



I Provide for regular equipment maintenance to first aid. First-aid supplies must be readily

prevent breakdowns that can create hazards. available for emergency use. Arrangements

Ensure that preventive and regular mainte- for this training can be made through your

nance are tracked to completion. local Red Cross chapter, your insurance carri-

er, your local safety council, and others.

I Plan for emergencies, including fire and natu-

ral disasters. Conduct frequent drills to en- I Check battery charging stations, maintenance

sure that all employees know what to do operations, laboratories, heating and ventilat-

under stressful conditions. ing operations and any corrosive materials

areas to make sure the required eyewash facil-

I Ask your state consultant to help develop a ities and showers are operational.

medical program that fits your worksite. In-

volve nearby doctors and emergency facilities I Consider retaining a local doctor or an occu-

by inviting them to visit your workplace and pational health nurse on a part-time or as-

help you plan the best way to avoid injuries needed basis for advice on medical and first

and illness during emergency situations. aid planning.



I Ensure the ready availability of medical per- TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES, SUPERVISORS

sonnel for advice and consultation on matters AND MANAGERS

of employee health. This does not mean that An effective accident prevention program re-

you must provide health care, but you must quires proper job performance from everyone in

be prepared to deal with medical emergencies the workplace.

or health problems connected to your work- As an owner or manager, you must ensure that

place. all employees know about the materials and equip-

ment they work with, known hazards and how to

To fulfill the above requirements, consider the control the hazards.

following: Each employee needs to know that:

• no employee is expected to undertake a job

I Develop an emergency medical procedure to until he or she has received job instructions

handle injuries, transport ill or injured workers on how to do it properly and is authorized to

and notify medical facilities. Posting emer- perform that job. Also,

gency numbers is a good idea. • no employee should undertake a job that

appears unsafe.

I Survey the medical facilities near your place You may be able to combine safety and health

of business and make arrangements for them training with other training, depending upon the

to handle routine and emergency cases. Co- types of hazards in your workplace.

operative agreements may be possible with Here are some actions to consider:

nearby larger workplaces that have on-site

medical personnel and/or facilities. I Ask your state consultant to recommend train-

ing for your worksite. The consultant may be

I Ensure that your procedure for reporting able to conduct training while he or she is

injuries and illnesses is understood by all there.

employees.

I Make sure you have trained your employees

I Perform routine walkthroughs of the worksite on every potential hazard that they could be

to identify hazards and to track identified haz- exposed to and how to protect themselves.

ards until they are corrected. Then verify that they really understand what

you taught them.

I If your business is remote from medical facili-

ties, you are required to ensure that adequate- I Pay particular attention to your new employ-

ly trained personnel are available to render ees and to employees who are moving to new







OSHA HANDBOOK FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

11



jobs. Because they are learning new opera- INJURY/ILLNESS RECORDS

tions, they are more likely to get hurt. OSHA rules for recording and reporting occupa-

tional injuries and illnesses affect 1.4 million estab-

I Train your supervisors to understand all the lishments. Small businesses with 10 or fewer

hazards faced by the employees and how to employees throughout the year are exempt from

reinforce training with quick reminders and most of the requirements of the OSHA recordkeep-

refreshers, or with disciplinary action if neces- ing rules, as are a number of specific industries

sary. in the retail, service, finance, insurance and real

estate sectors that are classified as low-hazard.

I Make sure that your top management staff Detailed information about OSHA recordkeeping

understand their safety and health responsibil- rules can be found at http://www.osha.gov/record-

ities and how to hold subordinate supervisory keeping/index.html or refer to 29 Code of Federal

employees accountable for theirs. Regulations (CFR) 1904 for the specific exceptions.

OSHA recordkeeping can help the small busi-

Documenting Your Activities ness employer evaluate the success of safety and

health activities. Success can be measured by a

Document your activities in all elements of the reduction or elimination of employee injuries and

Four-Point Workplace Program. Essential records, illnesses during a calendar year.

including those legally required for workers’ com- The OSHA recordkeeping system has five steps:

pensation, insurance audits and government in-

spections must be maintained as long as the actual 1. Obtain a report on every injury or job-related ill-

need exists or as required by law. Keeping records ness requiring medical treatment (other than basic

of your activities, such as policy statements, first aid).

training sessions, safety and health meetings,

information distributed to employees, and med- 2. Record each injury or job-related illness on

ical arrangements made, is greatly encouraged. OSHA Form 300 (Log of Work-Related Injuries and

Maintaining essential records also will demonstrate Illnesses) using the instructions provided.

sound business management as supporting proof

for credit applications, for showing “good faith” in 3. Prepare a supplementary record of occupational

reducing any proposed penalties from OSHA injuries and illnesses for recordable cases on OSHA

inspections, for insurance and other audits, and aid Form 301 (Injury and Illness Incident Report).

efficient review of your current safety and health

activities for better control of your operations and 4. Every year, prepare an annual summary using

to plan improvements. OSHA Form 300A (Summary of Work-Related

Injuries and Illnesses). Post it no later than

Safety and Health Recordkeeping February 1, and keep it posted until May 1. A good

place to post it is next to the OSHA Workplace

Records of sales, costs, profits and losses are Poster.

essential to all successful businesses. They enable

the owner or manager to learn from experience 5. Retain these records for at least five years.

and to make corrections for future operations.

Records of accidents, related injuries, illnesses and Periodically review these records to look for any

property losses can serve the same purpose, if they patterns or repeat situations. These records can

are used in the same way. The primary purpose of help you to identify high-risk areas that require

OSHA-required recordkeeping is to retain informa- your immediate attention.

tion about accidents that have happened to help

determine the causes and develop procedures to Basic OSHA recordkeeping requirements

prevent a recurrence. address only injuries and illnesses, so you might

consider expanding your own records to include all









Occupational Safety and

Health Administration

12



incidents, including those where no injury or illness EXPOSURE RECORDS AND OTHERS

resulted. This information may assist you in pin- In addition to injury/illness records, certain

pointing unsafe conditions and/or procedures. OSHA standards require records on the exposure

Safety councils, insurance carriers and others can of employees to toxic substances and hazardous

assist you in instituting such a system. exposures, physical examination reports and

The employer is required to report to OSHA employment records.

within eight hours of the accident, all work-related As you identify hazards, you will be able to

fatalities or multiple hospitalizations that involve determine whether these requirements apply to

three or more employees. your workplace. Your records should be used in

Even if your business is exempt from routine conjunction with your control procedures and with

recordkeeping requirements, you may be selected your self-inspection activity. They should not be

by the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) or considered merely as bookkeeping.

a related state agency for inclusion in an annual

sample survey. You will receive a letter directly from

the agency with instructions, if you are selected.









OSHA HANDBOOK FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

STARTING A SAFETY AND HEALTH MANAGEMENT SYSTEM: Creating a Plan 13



You can use this handbook to create a basic Designating Responsibility

plan of action for starting a safety and health

management system at your business. The action You must decide who in your company is the

plan described in this section provides the most most appropriate person to manage your safety

direct route to getting yourself organized to com- and health system. Who can ensure that the pro-

plete the Four-Point Program outlined in the previ- gram will become an integral part of your busi-

ous section. ness? In many cases it will be you, the owner.

Sometimes it will be a plant manager or key super-

Decide to Start Now visor. It could even be an engineer, personnel spe-

cialist, or other staff member.

The time to start your safety and health man- Whoever you choose should be committed to

agement system is now. You have a better picture workplace safety and health, have the time to de-

of what constitutes a good safety and health pro- velop and manage the program, and be willing to

gram. Now you can address the practical concerns take on the responsibility and accountability that

of putting these elements together and coming up goes with operating an effective program. The

with a program to suit your workplace. individual will need your full cooperation and sup-

Hopefully, you have been taking notes for your port, but the ultimate responsibility for safety and

action plan as you reviewed the preceding de- health in your workplace rests on you.

scription of the Four-Point Program. You should

now be ready to decide what you want to accom- Ask for Help

plish and to determine what steps are necessary

to achieve your goals. Next you need to deter- Federal occupational safety and health law

mine how and when each step will be done and allows a state to develop and operate its own occu-

who will do it. pational safety and health program in place of the

Your plan should consider your company’s Federal OSHA program. It is possible that the reg-

immediate needs and provide for ongoing, long- ulatory aspect of the law (setting of mandatory

lasting worker protection. Once your plan is minimum standards and conducting inspections of

designed, it is important to follow through and workplaces) is being operated by your state gov-

use it in the workplace. You will then have a pro- ernment as opposed to Federal OSHA.

gram to anticipate, identify and eliminate condi- One of the first things to learn is which branch

tions or practices that could result in injuries and of government, Federal or state, has current juris-

illnesses. diction over your business. If you are not sure

If you have difficulty deciding where to begin, a what agency is responsible for administering work-

phone call to your state Consultation Program will place safety and health in your state, contact the

help get you started. A state consultant will survey nearest OSHA Area Office to find out. (See

your workplace for existing or potential hazards. www.osha.gov). You will need certain Federal

Then, if you request it, he or she will determine OSHA publications (or comparable state publica-

what you need to make your safety and health pro- tions) for use in your safety and health activities,

gram effective. The consultant will work with you such as:

to develop a plan for making these improvements

and to keep your program effective. I Job Safety and Health Protection - OSHA

Whether you choose to work with a consultant 3165. You must display the Federal or state

or to develop your program yourself, many publi- OSHA poster in your workplace. This poster

cations are available from your state on-site Con- is also available in Spanish (Job Safety and

sultation Program or from OSHA that spell out in Health Protection OSHA 3167).

greater detail the steps you can take to create an

effective safety and health program for your work- I OSHA standards that apply to your business.

place. The rewards for your efforts will be an effi- You need to have a copy of all OSHA stan-

cient and productive workplace with a low level of dards that apply to your type of business

loss and injury. available for reference. (See Appendix D.)









Occupational Safety and

Health Administration

14



Standards are the regulations that OSHA uses vey should focus on evaluating workplace condi-

to inspect for compliance and should be the tions with respect to safety and health regulations

baseline for your inspections in determining and generally recognized safe and healthful work

what to do when hazards are identified. Most practices. It should include checking on the use of

businesses fall under OSHA’s General Industry any hazardous materials, observing employee work

Standards. If you are involved with construc- habits and practices, and discussing safety and

tion or maritime operations, you will need the health problems with employees. See the Self-

standards that apply to these classifications. Inspection Checklists (at pages 18-39), to help you

(In states with state-run occupational safety get a good start on creating this initial survey.

and health programs, use the appropriate

state standards.) 2. The second major activity is to assess your

existing safety and health program and identify

I Recordkeeping requirements and the neces- areas that work well and those that need improve-

sary forms. ment. You should gather as much information as

you can that relates to safety and health manage-

I Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. ment in your workplace. You should include the

You may want a copy of this legislation for following in this review:

reference.

I Safety and health activities. Examine ongoing

Organize the Workplace activities as well as those tried previously,

company policy statements, rules (both work

Poor housekeeping can contribute to low and safety), guidelines for proper work prac-

morale and sloppy work. Most safety action pro- tices and procedures, and records of training

grams start with an intensive cleanup campaign in programs.

all areas of the workplace.

Get rid of unecessary items; provide proper I Equipment. List your major equipment, what

waste containers; store flammables properly; make it is used for and where it is located. Special

sure exits are not blocked; mark aisles and pas- attention should be given to inspection sched-

sageways; provide adequate lighting, etc. ules, maintenance activities, and plant and

Get everyone involved and impress upon em- office layouts.

ployees that you want to make your workplace

safer, more healthful and more efficient. I Employee capabilities. Make an alphabetical

list of all employees, showing the date hired,

Start Gathering Specific Facts their job descriptions, and experience and

About Your Situation training.



Before making changes in your safety and I Accident and injury/illness history. Review

health operations, you should gather information first-aid cases and workers’ compensation

about the current conditions and business practices insurance payments and awards, and review

that comprise your safety and health program. your losses. Compare your insurance rate

This information can help you identify problems with others in your group. Give special atten-

and determine what is needed to solve them. tion to recurring accidents, types of injuries,

Your workplace assessment should be conduct- etc.

ed by the person responsible for your safety and

health management system and/or a professional After gathering facts, see if any major problem

safety and health consultant. The assessment con- areas emerge such as interruptions in your normal

sists of two major activities: operations, too many employees taking too much

time off due to illness or injury, too many damaged

1. A comprehensive safety and health survey of products, etc. General help with this kind of prob-

your entire facility will identify any existing or lem identification can often be obtained from com-

potential safety and health hazards. This initial sur- pensation carriers, local safety councils, trade asso-







OSHA HANDBOOK FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

15



ciations, state agencies, major suppliers or similar- Establish and regularly conduct a worksite

ly situated businesses in the same industry. analysis. A successful safety and health program

If you discover a major problem, see what can depends on an accurate identification of all the haz-

be done to solve it. Once a problem is identified, ards and potential hazards in your workplace. This

you can work on the corrective action or a plan to is an ongoing process that includes routine self-

control the problem. Take immediate action and inspections.

make a record of what you have done. Even if you Create systems and procedures to prevent and

find no major problems, don’t stop there. Now it is control hazards identified through your worksite

time to develop a comprehensive safety and health analysis. OSHA standards can be helpful because

program to avoid any major problems in the future. they address controls in order of effectiveness and

preference. The hierarchy of controls is engineer-

Establish a Four-Point Safety and ing, administrative, work practice and PPE. When-

Health Program ever feasible, engineering, administrative or work

practice controls should be instituted even if they

The success of any workplace safety and health do not eliminate the hazard or reduce exposure.

program depends on careful planning. This means Use of such controls in conjunction with PPE will

that you must take the time to analyze what you help reduce the hazard or exposure to the lowest

want to accomplish and develop an action plan in practical level. Where no standard exists, creative

order to attain your goals. From this standpoint, problem-solving and consultant resources may

you can design a step-by-step process to take you help you create effective controls. The basic for-

from the idea stage to an effective safety and mula for controlling workplace hazards, in order of

health management system. preference, includes:

The best way to create a safe and healthful

workplace is to institute the Four-Point Program I Eliminating the hazard from the machine, the

discussed at page 8 of this handbook. method, the material or the facility.

Establish your management commitment and

involve your employees. No safety and health I Abating the hazard by limiting exposure or

program will work without this commitment and controlling it at its source.

involvement. The first step is to designate a person to

be responsible for your safety and health program. I Training personnel to be aware of the hazard

Involve your employees as widely as possible and to follow safe work procedures to avoid it.

from the beginning. They are most in contact with

the potential and actual safety and health hazards I Prescribing PPE for protecting employees

at your worksite and will have constructive input against the hazard and ensuring that they not

on the development of your program. The ultimate only use it, but that they know how to use it

success of your safety and health program will correctly.

depend on their support.

Make sure your program assigns responsibility Establish and provide ongoing training for

and accountability to all employees in your organi- employees, supervisors and managers to ensure

zation. A good safety and health program makes it that everyone at your worksite can recognize haz-

clear that each and every employee, from you ards and how to control them.

through the supervisory levels to the line worker, These points are crucial to a safe and healthful

carries responsibility for his or her part of the pro- workplace for you and your employees, making it

gram. Make safety and health duties clear and more difficult for accidents to occur and for work-

hold every individual accountable for his or her related health problems to develop.

safety- and health-related duties.

Refer to the recommended actions to take in the Develop and Implement Your Action Plan

Worksite Analysis paragraph at page 9. These will

help start your program off on the right track. You Developing an action plan to build a safety and

will be building the foundation for a successful health program around the four points can serve as

safety and health program. a “road map” to take your program to where you







Occupational Safety and

Health Administration

16



want it to be. An action plan tells you what has to Remember, a safety and health program is a plan

be done, the logical order in which to do it, who is put into practice. Keep your program on track by

responsible and where you want to be when you periodically checking its progress and by calling on

finish. It describes problems and solutions, but is a state consultant when you need assistance.

not ironclad. An action plan can and should be Any good management system requires period-

changed to correspond with changes in the work- ic review. Take a careful look at each component of

place. your safety and health program to determine what

A good action plan has two parts: is working well and what changes are needed.

Once again, a state consultant can assist you in this

1. A list of major changes or improvements to area. Any necessary improvements can be turned

make your safety and health program effective. into new safety and health objectives for the com-

Each item should be prioritized, have a target date ing year. Developing new action plans to imple-

for completion and identify who is responsible for ment these improvements will continue progress

implementation. toward an effective safety and health program,

reduce your safety and health risks, and increase

2. A specific plan to implement each major change efficiency and profit.

or improvement, including what you want to Remember that it is important to document

accomplish, the steps required, who will be your activities. The best way to evaluate the suc-

assigned to do what and a schedule for comple- cess of your safety and health program is to have

tion. documentation of what you have done, which pro-

vides guidance on how you can make it work even

A worksheet to help you design an overall better.

action plan and describe specific action steps Technical assistance may be available to you as

appears in Appendix A. a small business owner or manager through your

Once a plan is established, put it into action, insurance carrier; your fellow businesspeople; sup-

beginning with the highest priority item. Ensure pliers of your durable equipment and raw materi-

that it is realistic, manageable and addresses the als; the local safety council; and many local, state

steps you have planned for that item. A detailed and Federal agencies, including the state on-site

description of the steps required will help you keep Consultation Programs and closest OSHA Area

track of your progress. Keep in mind that you can Office.

work on more than one item at a time and that pri- Establishing a quality safety and health man-

orities may change as other needs are identified or agement system will take time and involve some

as your company’s resources change. resources, but you should be pleased with the

Open communication with your employees is results. Employees will feel reassured because of

crucial to the success of your efforts. Their cooper- your commitment to their safety and health on the

ation depends on them understanding what the job. You may save money through increased pro-

safety and health program is all about, why it is ductivity and reduced workers’ compensation in-

important to them and how it affects their work. surance costs. You may gain increased respect in

The more you do to involve them in the changes you your community. The tangible and intangible re-

are making, the smoother your transition will be. wards for a solid safety and health program far

Putting your action plan into operation at your outweigh the cost of an accident, injury or work-

workplace will be a major step toward implement- place fatality.

ing an effective safety and health program.









OSHA HANDBOOK FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

SELF-INSPECTION 17



The most widely accepted way to identify haz- I Building and Grounds Conditions – floors,

ards is to conduct safety and health inspections walls, ceilings, exits, stairs, walkways, ramps,

because the only way to be certain of an actual sit- platforms, driveways, aisles.

uation is to look at it directly from time to time.

Begin a program of self-inspection in your own I Housekeeping Program – waste disposal,

workplace. Self-inspection is essential if you are to tools, objects, materials, leakage and spillage,

know where probable hazards exist and whether cleaning methods, schedules, work areas,

they are under control. remote areas, storage areas.

This section includes checklists designed to

assist you in self-inspection fact-finding. The I Electricity – equipment, switches, breakers,

checklists can give you some indication of where to fuses, switch-boxes, junctions, special fixtures,

begin taking action to make your business safer circuits, insulation, extensions, tools, motors,

and more healthful for all of your employees. grounding, national electric code compliance.

These checklists are by no means all-inclusive

and not all of the checklists will apply to your busi- I Lighting – type, intensity, controls, conditions,

ness. You might want to start by selecting the diffusion, location, glare and shadow control.

areas that are most critical to your business, then

expanding your self-inspection checklists over time I Heating and Ventilation – type, effectiveness,

to fully cover all areas that pertain to your busi- temperature, humidity, controls, natural and

ness. Remember that a checklist is a tool to help, artificial ventilation and exhausting.

not a definitive statement of what is mandatory.

Use checklists only for guidance. I Machinery – points of operation, flywheels,

Don’t spend time with items that have no appli- gears, shafts, pulleys, key ways, belts, cou-

cation to your business. Make sure that each item plings, sprockets, chains, frames, controls,

is seen by you or your designee and leave nothing lighting for tools and equipment, brakes, ex-

to memory or chance. Write down what you see or hausting, feeding, oiling, adjusting, mainte-

don’t see and what you think you should do about it. nance, lockout/tagout, grounding, work space,

Add information from your completed checklists location, purchasing standards.

to injury information, employee information, and

process and equipment information to build a I Personnel – training, including hazard identifi-

foundation to help you determine what problems cation training; experience; methods of check-

exist. Then, as you use the OSHA standards in ing machines before use; type of clothing;

your problem-solving process, it will be easier for PPE; use of guards; tool storage; work prac-

you to determine the actions needed to solve these tices; methods for cleaning, oiling, or adjust-

problems. ing machinery.

Once the hazards have been identified, insti-

tute the control procedures described at page 9 I Hand and Power Tools – purchasing stan-

and establish your four-point safety and health dards, inspection, storage, repair, types, main-

program. tenance, grounding, use and handling.



Self-Inspection Scope I Chemicals – storage, handling, transportation,

spills, disposals, amounts used, labeling, toxi-

Your self-inspections should cover safety and city or other harmful effects, warning signs,

health issues in the following areas: supervision, training, protective clothing and

equipment, hazard communication require-

I Processing, Receiving, Shipping and Storage – ments.

equipment, job planning, layout, heights, floor

loads, projection of materials, material han- I Fire Prevention – extinguishers, alarms, sprin-

dling and storage methods, training for mate- klers, smoking rules, exits, personnel assign-

rial handling equipment. ed, separation of flammable materials and

dangerous operations, explosion-proof fix-







Occupational Safety and

Health Administration

18



tures in hazardous locations, waste disposal appropriate information concerning employee

and training of personnel. access to medical and exposure records and

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) been

I Maintenance – provide regular and preventive posted or otherwise made readily available to

maintenance on all equipment used at the affected employees?

worksite, recording all work performed on the

machinery and by training personnel on the

proper care and servicing of the equipment.

J Are signs loading, biohazards, exposures to x-

ties, floor

concerning exit routes, room capaci-



ray, microwave, or other harmful radiation or

I PPE – type, size, maintenance, repair, age, stor- substances posted where appropriate?

age, assignment of responsibility, purchasing

methods, standards observed, training in care J Is the Summary of Work-Related Injuries and

Illnesses (OSHA Form 300A) posted during the

and use, rules of use, method of assignment.

months of February, March and April?

I Transportation – motor vehicle safety, seat belts,

vehicle maintenance, safe driver programs. RECORDKEEPING



I First-Aid Program/Supplies – medical care J Are occupational injuriesonlyillnesses, except

minor injuries requiring

or

first aid, recorded

facilities locations, posted emergency phone

as required on the OSHA 300 log?

numbers, accessible first-aid kits.



I Evacuation Plan – establish and practice pro-

J Are employee medical hazardous substances

employee exposure to

records and records of



cedures for an emergency evacuation, e.g., or harmful physical agents up-to-date and in

fire, chemical/biological incidents, bomb compliance with current OSHA standards?

threat; include escape procedures and routes,

critical plant operations, employee accounting

following an evacuation, rescue and medical

J Are employee training records kept and acces-

sible for review by employees, as required by

duties and ways to report emergencies. OSHA standards?





Self-Inspection Checklists J Have arrangements been made to retaineach

records for the time period required for

specific type of record? (Some records must

These checklists are by no means all-inclusive. be maintained for at least 40 years.)

You should add to them or delete items that do not

apply to your business; however, carefully consider

each item and then make your decision. You

J Areitems suchpermits and records up-to-date

for

operating

as elevators, air pressure tanks,

should refer to OSHA standards for specific guid- liquefied petroleum gas tanks, etc.?

ance that may apply to your work situation. (Note:

These checklists are typical for general industry but SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM

not for construction or maritime industries.)



EMPLOYER POSTING J Do you have an active safety and health safety

gram in operation that includes general

pro-





J Is the required OSHA Job Safety and Health

Protection Poster displayed in a prominent loca-

and health program elements as well as the

management of hazards specific to your work-

tion where all employees are likely to see it? site?





J Are emergency telephone found in case of

where they can be readily

numbers posted J Is one person clearly responsible for the safety

and health program?

emergency?

J Do youup of management and laborgroup

made

have a safety committee or

represen-

J Where employees mayphysical agents,toxic

substances or harmful

be exposed to

has

tatives that meets regularly and reports in

writing on its activities?





OSHA HANDBOOK FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

19





J Do you have a working procedure to handle

in-house employee complaints regarding safe-

J If employees have hadpathogens, was an im-

involving bloodborne

an exposure incident



ty and health? mediate post-exposure medical evaluation and

follow-up provided?

J Are your employees the safety and health pro-

advised of efforts and

accomplishments of

gram made to ensure they will have a work-

J Are medicalconsultationreadily availableemploy-

advice and

personnel

on matters of

for



place that is safe and healthful? ees’ health?



J Have you consideredexcel in reducing work-

or workgroups who

incentives for employees J Are emergency phone numbers posted?

place injury/illnesses? J Areeach work area,first aid kits easily accessible

to

fully supplied

periodically inspected and

replenished as needed?

MEDICAL SERVICES AND FIRST AID

J Havephysician, indicating that they are ade-

first aid kits and supplies been approved

J Is there a hospital, clinic, or infirmary for med-

ical care near your workplace or is at least one

by a

quate for a particular area or operation?

employee on each shift currently qualified to

render first aid? J Is there an eye-washorstation or sink available

for quick drenching flushing of the eyes and

J Have all employees emergencies as part of

respond to medical

who are expected to body in areas where corrosive liquids or mate-

rials are handled?

their job responsibilities received first aid

training; had hepatitis B vaccination made FIRE PROTECTION

available to them; had appropriate training on

procedures to protect them from bloodborne J Is your local fire department familiar with your

facility, its location and specific hazards?

pathogens, including universal precautions;

and have available and understand how to use

appropriate PPE to protect against exposure to

J If you have aand tested annually?is it certified

as required

fire alarm system,



bloodborne diseases?*

*Pursuant to an OSHA memorandum of July 1,

J If youinspected regularly? and valves, are

they

have interior standpipes



1992, employees who render first aid only as a col-

lateral duty do not have to be offered pre-exposure J If youflushedoutside privateafire hydrants,aare

they

have

at least once year and on rou-

hepatitis B vaccine only if the employer includes

tine preventive maintenance schedule?

and implements the following requirements in

his/her exposure control plan: (1) the employer

must record all first aid incidents involving the

J Are fire doors and shutters in good operating

condition?

presence of blood or other potentially infectious

materials before the end of the work shift during J Are fire doors andobstructions, including and

protected against

shutters unobstructed

their

which the first aid incident occurred; (2) the em-

counterweights?

ployer must comply with post-exposure evaluation,

prophylaxis and follow-up requirements of the J Are fire door and shutter fusible links in place?

Bloodborne Pathogens standard with respect to

“exposure incidents, ” as defined by the standard; J Are automatic sprinkler systemcheckedcontrol

valves, air and water pressure

water

period-

(3) the employer must train designated first aid ically as required?

providers about the reporting procedure; (4) the

employer must offer to initiate the hepatitis B vac-

cination series within 24 hours to all unvaccinated

J Is the assigned to responsible persons or to a

tems

maintenance of automatic sprinkler sys-



first aid providers who have rendered assistance in sprinkler contractor?

any situation involving the presence of blood or

other potentially infectious materials.

J Are sprinkler heads protected bydamage?

if exposed to potential physical

metal guards









Occupational Safety and

Health Administration

20



Pathogens standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030(b), for

J Is proper clearance maintained below sprinkler

heads?

the definition of “other potentially infectious

materials. ”

J Are portable fire extinguishers provided inin

adequate number and type and mounted J Are hard hats required, providedexists?worn

and

where danger of falling objects

readily accessible locations?



J Are fire extinguishers recharged regularly with J Are hard hats periodically inspected for dam-

age to the shell and suspension system?

this noted on the inspection tag?



J Are employees periodically instructed in the J Is appropriate footfoot injuriesrequired where

there is the risk of

protection

from hot, corro-

use of fire extinguishers and fire protection sive, or poisonous substances, falling objects,

procedures? crushing, or penetrating actions?



PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

AND CLOTHING

J Are approvedCFR 1910.134provided when need-

ed? (See 29

respirators

for detailed infor-

mation on respirators or check OSHA’s website

J Has the employer determined whether hazards

that require the use of PPE (e.g., head, eye,

at www.osha.gov).



face, hand, or foot protection) are present or J Is allreadymaintained in a sanitary condition

and

PPE

for use?

are likely to be present?



J If hazards or the likelihood of hazards are J Are food or beverages consumed only in areas

where there is no exposure to toxic material,

found, are employers selecting appropriate

blood, or other potentially infectious materials?

and properly fitted PPE suitable for protection

from these hazards and ensuring that affected

employees use it?

J Is protection against thesound levels exceed

al noise provided when

effects of occupation-



those of the OSHA Noise standard?

J Have trained on PPE procedures,employeesPPE

both the employer and the

been i.e., what

is necessary for job tasks, when workers need

J Are adequate work procedures,whenand other

equipment provided and used

PPE

cleaning

it, and how to properly wear and adjust it? up spilled hazardous materials?



J Areand worn where there is any danger of fly-

ed

protective goggles or face shields provid- J Areorappropriate procedures in place to dispose

of decontaminate PPE contaminated with,

ing particles or corrosive materials? or reasonably anticipated to be contaminated

with, blood or other potentially infectious

J Are approved safetyareas where thereto berisk

worn at all times in

glasses required

is a

materials?

of eye injuries such as punctures, abrasions,

GENERAL WORK ENVIRONMENT

contusions, or burns?



J Are employees who wear correctivewith harm-

lenses J Are all worksites clean, sanitary and orderly?

(glasses or contacts) in workplaces

ful exposures required to wear only approved J Are work surfaces kept the surfaces are slip-

means taken to assure

dry and appropriate



safety glasses, protective goggles, or use other resistant?

medically approved precautionary proce-

dures? J Are all spilled hazardous materials or infec-

including blood and other potentially

liquids,



J Are protective gloves,required where employ-

means provided and

aprons, shields, or other tious materials, cleaned up immediately and

according to proper procedures?

ees could be cut or where there is reasonably

anticipated exposure to corrosive liquids,

chemicals, blood, or other potentially infec-

J Is combustible scrap, debrisfrom the worksite

stored safely and removed

and waste



tious materials? See the OSHA Bloodborne promptly?









OSHA HANDBOOK FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

21





J Is all regulated waste, asstandard (29the OSHA

Bloodborne Pathogens

defined in

CFR

J Are spilled materials cleaned up immediately?

1910.1030), discarded according to Federal, J Are changes of direction or elevations readily

identifiable?

state and local regulations?



J Are accumulations ofelevated surfaces includ-

combustible dust rou- J Areoperating machinery,that pass near moving

or

aisles or walkways

welding operations,

tinely removed from

or similar operations arranged so employees

ing the overhead structure of buildings, etc.?

will not be subjected to potential hazards?

J Is combustible dustsuspension ofwith a particles

system to prevent

cleaned up

dust

vacuum

J Is adequate headroomwalkway? for the entire

provided

length of any aisle or

in the environment?



J Is metallic or conductive dustor around electri-

prevented from J Are standard guardrails provided wherever

aisle or walkway surfaces are elevated more

entering or accumulating on

than 30 inches (76.20 centimeters) above any

cal enclosures or equipment?

adjacent floor or the ground?

J Are covered metal waste cans used for oily or

paint-soaked waste? J Are hazards?provided over conveyors and sim-

bridges

ilar

J Are allfailure controls todevices equipped with

flame

oil and gas-fired

prevent flow of fuel if FLOOR AND WALL OPENINGS

pilots or main burners are not working?



J Are paint spray booths, dip tanks, etc., cleaned J Are floor openings guardedall sides (except at

guardrail, or equivalent on

by a cover, a



regularly? stairways or ladder entrances)?

J Are facilities provided and maintained in wash-

ing

the minimum number of toilets and

a J Are toeboards installed around the edges of

permanent floor openings where persons may

clean and sanitary fashion? pass below the opening?

J Are all work areas adequately illuminated? J Areatskylight screens able to kilograms)? load

withstand a

J Are pits and floor openings covered or other- of least 200 pounds (90.7

wise guarded?

J Is thesubjectin windows,human glass walls,suf-

glass doors,

J Have all confined29 CFR 1910.146? (Permit-

compliance with

spaces been evaluated for etc., to possible impact, of

ficient thickness and type for the condition of

required confined spaces.) use?



WALKWAYS J Are gratessuchsimilar type covers over floor

openings

or

as floor drains designed to

allow unimpeded foot traffic or rolling equip-

J Are aisles and passageways kept clear and

marked as appropriate?

ment?



J Are wet surfaces covered with non-slip mate- J Are in use either covered or protected bypits

not

unused portions of service pits and

rials?

guardrails or equivalent?

J Are surfaceinrepaired properly, covered, orwalk-

ing

holes the floor, sidewalk, or other

oth- J Are manholetheir supports designedandcarry a

covers, trench covers similar

covers, and to

erwise made safe?

truck rear axle load of at least 20,000 pounds

J Is there safe clearance for walking in aisles

where motorized or mechanical handling

(9,072 kilograms) when located in roadways

and subject to vehicle traffic?

equipment is operating?



J Are materials or equipment stored in such a

J Are floor provided with doorsfire-resistant con-

struction

or wall openings in

or covers com-

way that sharp projections will not interfere patible with the fire rating of the structure and

with the walkway?





Occupational Safety and

Health Administration

22



provided with a self-closing feature when

appropriate? J Do stairwaydirection of traveldimension meas-

ured in the

landings have a

at least equal to

STAIRS AND STAIRWAYS the width of the stairway?





J Do standardatstair rails orrisers? on all stair-

handrails J Is thelimited todistance(3.6576 meters) or land-

ings

vertical

12 feet

between stairway

less?

ways have least four



J Are all stairways at least 22 inches (55.88 cen-

timeters) wide?

ELEVATED SURFACES





J Do incheshave landing platformsthe direction

stairs not less than

J Are elevated surface loadappropriate, showing

the

signs posted, when

capacity?

30 (76.20 centimeters) in

of travel and extend 22 inches (55.88 centime- J Are surfaces that are elevated more with stan-

inches (76.20 centimeters) provided

than 30

ters) in width at every 12 feet (3.6576 meters)

or less of vertical rise? dard guardrails?



J Do stairsdegrees? more than 50 and no less

angle no J Are or machinerysurfacesbe exposed to falling

ple

all elevated

could

beneath which peo-

than 30

objects provided with standard 4-inch (10.16-

J Are stairs of hollow-pan typethe panand land-

ings filled to the top edge of

treads

with solid

centimeter) toeboards?



material? J Is a permanent means of access and egress

provided to elevated storage and work sur-

J Are step risers on stairs uniform from top to

bottom?

faces?





J Are steps slip-resistant? J Is required headroom provided where neces-

sary?



J Are stairway handrails located between 30

inches (76.20 centimeters) and 34 inches

J Is materialinon manner to preventpiled, stacked,

or racked a

elevated surfaces

it from tip-

(86.36 centimeters) above the leading edge of ping, falling, collapsing, rolling, or spreading?

stair treads?



J Do stairway handrails have at least 3 inches

J Are dock boards or bridge plates usedand

transferring materials between docks

when



(7.62 centimeters) of clearance between the trucks or railcars?

handrails and the wall or surface they are

mounted on? EXITING OR EGRESS - EVACUATION



J Where doors or gates open so the swing stair-

way, is a platform provided

directly on a

of J Are all exits amarked with an exit sign and illu-

minated by reliable light source?

the door does not reduce the width of the plat-

form to less than 21 inches (53.34 centime-

ters)?

J Are the directions to exits, when notsigns?

ately apparent, marked with visible

immedi-





J Are stairway handrails(90.7 kilograms), applied

a load of 200 pounds

capable of withstanding J Are doors, passagewaysto exits, but could are

neither exits nor access

or stairways that

be

within 2 inches (5.08 centimeters) of the top mistaken for exits, appropriately marked “NOT

edge in any downward or outward direction? AN EXIT, ” “TO BASEMENT, ” “STORE-

ROOM, ” etc.?

J Where stairsvehicles may be operated,into ade-

area where

or stairways exit directly

are

any

J Are exit signs labeled with(12.70word “EXIT” in

the

quate barriers and warnings provided to pre- lettering at least 5 inches centimeters)

vent employees from stepping into the path of high and the stroke of the lettering at least l/2-

traffic? inch (1.2700 centimeters) wide?



J Are exit doors side-hinged?



OSHA HANDBOOK FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

23





J Are all exits kept free of obstructions? J Where panic hardware it allow the on a to

required exit door, will

is installed

door

J Are atelevated platforms, pits, or rooms where

from

least two means of egress provided

open by applying a force of 15 pounds (6.80

kilograms) or less in the direction of the exit

the absence of a second exit would increase

traffic?

the risk of injury from hot, poisonous, corro-

sive, suffocating, flammable, or explosive sub-

stances?

J Are doors on cold storage rooms provided

with an inside release mechanism that will

release the latch and open the door even if the

J Are there sufficient exits to permit prompt

escape in case of emergency?

door is padlocked or otherwise locked on the

outside?

J Are special during construction and repair

employees

precautions taken to protect

J Where alley,doors open directly onto any may

exit

street, or other area where vehicles

operations?

be operated, are adequate barriers and warn-

J Is the number of exits from each floor of a

building and the number of exits from the

ings provided to prevent employees from

stepping into the path of traffic?

building itself appropriate for the building

occupancy load? J Are locatedthat swingrooms where thereandfre-

are

doors

between

in both directions

is

J Are exit stairwaysparts of arequired to be sepa-

rated from other

that are

building enclosed

quent traffic provided with viewing panels in

each door?

by at least 2-hour fire-resistive construction in

buildings more than four stories in height, and PORTABLE LADDERS

not less than 1-hour fire-resistive construction

elsewhere? J Are allbetween maintainedsidegood tight, all

joints

ladders

steps and

in

rails

condition,



J Where ramps are usedthe part ofslope limited

ing from a building, is

as

ramp

required exit-

hardware and fittings securely attached, and

moveable parts operating freely without bind-

to 1 foot (0.3048 meter) vertical and 12 feet

ing or undue play?

(3.6576 meters) horizontal?



J Where glass exit doors, storm frameless glass

exiting will be through J Arerung ladder, andfeet provided on each metal

or

non-slip safety

are ladder rungs and steps

doors, doors, etc., are

free of grease and oil?

the doors fully tempered and meet the safety

requirements for human impact? J Are in front of doors opening toward thealad-

der

employees prohibited from placing lad-



EXIT DOORS der unless the door is blocked open, locked, or

guarded?

J Are doorsand constructed so that theaspath of

designed

that are required to serve exits

J Are employees barrels, or other placing lad-

prohibited from

ders on boxes, unstable bases

exit travel is obvious and direct?

to obtain additional height?

J Are windows that could be mistaken for exit

doors made inaccessible by means of barriers J Are employees required to face the ladder

when ascending or descending?

or railings?



J Are exit doors able to be opened from of a key

the J Are employees prohibited from usingrungs, or

that are broken, have missing steps,

ladders

direction of exit travel without the use

cleats, broken side rails, or other faulty equip-

or any special knowledge or effort when the

ment?

building is occupied?



J Is a revolving,serving asoraoverheadexit door?

sliding, door pro- J Are employees instructed notastoause the top

step of ordinary stepladders step?

hibited from required









Occupational Safety and

Health Administration

24





J When portable rung ladders are used to gain

access to elevated platforms, roofs, etc., does

J Are tool cutting edges kept sharp so theskip-

will move smoothly without binding or

tool



the ladder always extend at least 3 feet (0.9144 ping?

meters) above the elevated surface?

J Are tools stored in abedry, secure location

J Are employees required to secure the base of

a portable rung or cleat type ladder to prevent

where they cannot tampered with?



slipping, or otherwise lash or hold it in place? J Is eye andor tempered studs or when driving

hardened

face protection used

nails?

J Are portable metal ladders- Do Not marked with

signs reading “CAUTION

legibly

Use Around PORTABLE (POWER OPERATED) TOOLS

Electrical Equipment” or equivalent wording? AND EQUIPMENT



J Areguys, braces,prohibited from using ladders

as

employees

skids, gin poles, or for other J Are grinders, saws and safety guards? pro-

vided with appropriate

similar equipment



than their intended purposes?



J Are employees instructed toat a base (not

only adjust exten- J Are power attachments, as proper shields, by

guards, or

tools used with

recommended

sion ladders while standing the manufacturer?

while standing on the ladder or from a posi-

tion above the ladder)? J Are portable circular sawsthe base shoe?

guards above and below

equipped with



J Are metal ladders inspected for damage? J Are circular saw guards checked theensure that

to

J Areinches (30.48 centimeters) centerspaced at

12

the rungs of ladders uniformly

to center?

they are not wedged up, leaving

portion of the blade unguarded?

lower





HAND TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT J Are rotatingprevent physical contact?

guarded to

or moving parts of equipment





J Are all tools and equipment (both company

and employee-owned) used at the workplace J Are alland equipment effectively grounded or

cord-connected, electrically operated

tools

in good condition?

of the approved double insulated type?

J Are hand tools, such as chisels, punches, etc.,

which develop mushroomed heads during J Are effectiveand sprockets onover belts, pul-

guards in place

leys, chains equipment such

use, reconditioned or replaced as necessary?

as concrete mixers, air compressors, etc.?

J Are broken or fractured handles on hammers,

axes and similar equipment replaced promptly? J Are portable fans provided with full guards or

screens having openings 1/2 inch (1.2700 cen-

J Are worn or bent wrenches replaced? timeters) or less?



J Are tools? handles used on files and sim-

ilar

appropriate J Is hoisting equipmentand are hoist ratingsfor

lifting heavy objects,

available and used

and

characteristics appropriate for the task?

J Are employees aware of hazards caused by

faulty or improperly used hand tools? J Areall temporary circuit interrupters provided

on

ground-fault

electrical 15 and 20 ampere

J Are appropriate using hand tools or shields,

etc., used while

safety glasses, face

equipment

circuits used during periods of construction?

that might produce flying materials or be sub-

ject to breakage?

J Are pneumatic checked regularly foron power-

operated tools

and hydraulic hoses

deteriora-

tion or damage?

J Are in good operating condition? ensure they

are

jacks checked periodically to



ABRASIVE WHEEL EQUIPMENT GRINDERS

J Arealltool handles wedged tightly into the heads

of tools? J Is the work rest used and kept adjusted to within

1/8 inch (0.3175 centimeter) of the wheel?







OSHA HANDBOOK FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

25





J Is the adjustable tongue on the topwithinof the

grinder used and kept adjusted to

side

1/4

J Are powder-actuatedeach day before for ob-

structions or defects

tools inspected

use?

inch (0.6350 centimeters) of the wheel?

J Do powder-actuated tool operatorshats, safety

have and

J Do sideand 75 percentthethe wheelnut and

flange

guards cover

of

spindle,

diameter?

use appropriate PPE such as hard

goggles, safety shoes and ear protectors?



J Are bench and pedestal grinders permanently

mounted?

MACHINE GUARDING





J Are goggles or face shields always worn when

grinding?

J Is theresafe methods of machine operation?

ees on

a training program to instruct employ-





J Is the maximum revolutions per minute (rpm)

rating of each abrasive wheel compatible with

J Is there adequate supervision machine operat-

employees are following safe

to ensure that



the rpm rating of the grinder motor? ing procedures?



J Are fixed ortopermanently mounted grinders

connected their electrical supply system

J Is there a regular program of safety inspection

of machinery and equipment?

with metallic conduit or other permanent

wiring method? J Is all machinery and equipment kept clean and

properly maintained?

J Does each switch? have an individual on and

off control

grinder

J Is sufficient clearance provided safe opera-

between machines to allow for

around and





J Is each electrically operated grinder effectively

grounded?

tions, set up and servicing, material handling

and waste removal?



J Are new abrasive wheels visually inspected

and ring tested before they are mounted?

J Is equipment andprevent tipping or other

and anchored to

machinery securely placed



movement that could result in personal injury?

J Are dust collectorsused powered exhaustspro-

vided on grinders

and

in operations that

pro-

J Is thereoperator’s shut-off switch within reach

a power

duce large amounts of dust? of the position at each machine?



J Are splash guards mountedcoolant from reach-

use coolant to prevent the

on grinders that J Canfor maintenance, repair,machine be locked

out

electric power to each

or security?

ing employees?

J Are the noncurrent-carrying metal partsand of

J Is cleanliness maintained around grinders? electrically operated machines bonded

grounded?

POWDER-ACTUATED TOOLS

J Are foot-operated switches guarded or by per-

ranged to prevent accidental actuation

ar-



J Are employees who operate powder-actuated

tools trained in their use and required to carry

sonnel or falling objects?

a valid operator’s card? J Are manually operated valves and switches

controlling the operation of equipment and

J Is eachcontainer when not being used?its own

locked

powder-actuated tool stored in

machines clearly identified and readily acces-

sible?

J Is a10 inches (25.40inches (17.78 centimeters)

by

sign at least 7

centimeters) with bold face J Are all emergency stop buttons colored red?

type reading “POWDER-ACTUATED TOOL IN

USE” conspicuously posted when the tool is

J Are all pulleys floorbelts within level properly

meters) of the

and

or working

7 feet (2.1336



being used? guarded?



J Are powder-actuatedused? left unloaded until

they are ready to be

tools J Are all moving chains and gears properly

guarded?









Occupational Safety and

Health Administration

26





J Are splash guards mountedcoolant from reach-

use coolant to prevent the

on machines that J If the power disconnect electrical control cir-

not also disconnect the

for equipment does



ing employees? cuit, are the appropriate electrical enclosures

identified and is a means provided to ensure

J Are methods providedintothe machine operator

and other employees

protect the

area

that the control circuit can also be disconnect-

ed and locked out?

from hazards created at the point of operation,

ingoing nip points, rotating parts, flying chips

and sparks?

J Is the locking outpower disconnectsinstead of

locking out main

of control circuits

prohibited?



J Are machinecause a hazard whilearranged so

they do not

guards secure and

in use?

J Are allwith a means for locking out? pro-

vided

equipment control valve handles





J If special hand toolsdo they protect the opera-

removing material,

are used for placing and J Does the lockout procedure requireetc.) be re-

energy (mechanical, hydraulic, air,

that stored



tor’s hands? leased or blocked before equipment is locked

out for repairs?

J Are revolving drums, barrels andinterlocked

containers

guarded by an enclosure that is

with the drive mechanism so that revolution

J Are appropriatepersonal safety locks? with indi-

vidually keyed

employees provided



cannot occur unless the guard enclosure is in

place? J Are of their key(s) while they have safety locks

trol

employees required to keep personal con-





J Do arborsand are they free from play? secure

bearings,

and mandrels have firm and in use?



J Is itthe hazardthat only the employee exposed

required

J Are provisions made to prevent machines

from automatically starting when power is

to

lock?

can place or remove the safety



restored after a power failure or shutdown?

J Is itthe lockoutthat attempting acheck theafter

required employees safety

J Are machines constructed so as to be free

from excessive vibration when the largest size

of by

making sure no one is exposed?

startup



tool is mounted and run at full speed?

J Are employeesstop button to always push the

instructed

J If machinery is cleaned with compressed air, is

air pressure controlled and PPE or other safe-

control circuit prior to re-energiz-

ing the main power switch?

guards utilized to protect operators and other

workers from eye and body injury? J Is there a meansare working on locked-out all

employees who

provided to identify any or





J Are fan blades protectedl/2 inchguard having

openings no larger than

with a

(1.2700 cen-

equipment by their locks or accompanying

tags?

timeters) when operating within 7 feet (2.1336

meters) of the floor? J Are a or tags and safety of accident prevention

signs

sufficient number

padlocks provided for

J Are sawsdevices and spreaders? with anti-

kickback

used for ripping equipped any reasonably foreseeable repair emergency?



J When machineoperator to leave the control

operations, configuration, or

J Are radial will gently so arranged that the cut-

ting head

arm saws

return to the back of the

size require an

station and part of the machine could move if

table when released? accidentally activated, is the part required to

be separately locked out or blocked?

LOCKOUT/TAGOUT PROCEDURES

J If equipment ortagged, is a safeshutprocedure

lines cannot be down,



J Is all machinerytoorbeequipment capable of move-

ment required de-energized or disengaged

locked out and job

established and rigidly followed?

and blocked or locked out during cleaning, serv-

icing, adjusting, or setting up operations?







OSHA HANDBOOK FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

27



WELDING, CUTTING AND BRAZING

J Is red used to identifyfor the oxygen(and other

the acetylene

J Are only authorized and trained personnel per-

mitted to use welding, cutting, or brazing

fuel-gas) hose, green hose and

black for inert gas and air hoses?

equipment?

J Are gas and pressures for which they are in-for

pressure-reducing regulators used only

J Does each operator have a copy of and follow

the appropriate operating instructions?

the

tended?



J Are compressed gas cylinders regularlyrusting,

ined for obvious signs of defects, deep

exam- J Is open circuit (no-load) voltage possible and

and cutting machines as low as

of arc welding



or leakage? not in excess of the recommended limits?



J Is caresafety valves, reliefand storage of cylin-

ders,

used in handling

valves, etc., to pre-

J Under wet conditions,voltage used? controls

for reducing no-load

are automatic



vent damage?

J Is grounding of the machine frame and safety

J Areair or oxygen takenflammable gases, except

of

precautions

with

to prevent the mixture ground connections of portable machines

checked periodically?

at a burner or in a standard torch?

J Are electrodes removed from the holders

J Are only approved apparatuses (torches, regu-

lators, pressure reducing valves, acetylene

when not in use?



generators, manifolds) used? J Is itshut off when no one is in attendance?

be

required that electric power to the welder





J Are cylinders kept awaygangways? of heat

and elevators, stairs, or

from sources

J Is suitable fire extinguishing equipment avail-

able for immediate use?

J Is it prohibited to use cylinders as rollers or

supports? J Is the welder forbidden hiscoil or loop welding

to

electrode cable around body?

J Are empty cylinders appropriately marked and

their valves closed? J Are wetuse? thoroughly dried and tested

machines

before

J Are signs posted reading “DANGER, NO ” or

SMOKING, MATCHES, OR OPEN LIGHTS, J Are work and wear and damage, andfrequently

electrode lead cables

inspected for replaced

the equivalent? when needed?

J Are cylinders,and apparatuses couplings,ofregu-

lators, hoses

cylinder valves,

kept free oily J Are cable connectors adequately insulated?

or greasy substances? J When the objecthazardswelded cannot be

moved and fire

to be

cannot be removed,

J Is care taken not to drop or strike cylinders? are shields used to confine heat, sparks and

J Are regulators removed and valve-protection

caps put in place before moving cylinders,

slag?



unless they are secured on special trucks? J Are fireis performed in locations where a seri-

cutting

watchers assigned when welding or





J Do cylindersnon-adjustablewheels have keys,

handles, or

without fixed

wrenches on stem

ous fire might develop?



valves when in service? J Are combustible floors kept wet, covered with

damp sand, or protected by fire-resistant

J Are liquefiedvalve covers inand shipped valve-

end up with

gases stored

place?

shields?



J Areshock whenprotected from possible electri-

personnel

J Are employees trained never to of ignition?

gas cylinder valve near sources

crack a fuel cal floors are wet?



J Arethe other sidetaken to protectwhen welding

precautions combustibles

J Before and gas released? is the valve

closed

a regulator is removed, on

is underway?

of metal walls









Occupational Safety and

Health Administration

28





J Are used drums, barrels, tankssubstances con-

tainers thoroughly cleaned of

and other

that

J When usingwear protective chipcleaning, do

employees

compressed air for

guarding and

could explode, ignite, or produce toxic vapors PPE?

before hot work begins?

J Are safety chains or other suitable locking

J Do eye protection, helmets, hand shields and

goggles meet appropriate standards?

devices used at couplings of high-pressure

hose lines where a connection failure would

create a hazard?

J Arewelding, cutting, or brazing operations pro-

employees exposed to the hazards created

by

tected with PPE and clothing?

J Before compressedthe safe working pressure

tainers of liquid, is

air is used to empty con-



of the container checked?

J Is a check made for or cutting ventilation in

adequate

and where welding is performed? J Whencleaning equipment, is the operating

blast

compressed air is used with abrasive



J When working in confined places, are environ-

mental monitoring tests done and means pro-

valve a type that must be held open manually?

vided for quick removal of welders in case of

an emergency?

J Whenare a clip-on chuck usedan inline regula-

tires,

compressed air is

and

to inflate auto



tor preset to 40 psi required?

COMPRESSORS AND COMPRESSED AIR

J Are employeesclean up or move using com-

prohibited from



J Are compressors equipped with pressure relief

valves and pressure gauges?

pressed air to combustible

dust if such action could cause the dust to be

suspended in the air and cause a fire or explo-

J Are compressorto ensure that only clean,

equipped so as

air intakes installed and sion hazard?



uncontaminated air enters the compressor? COMPRESSORS/AIR RECEIVERS



J Are air filters installed on the compressor

intake? J Is everyand one orequipped with a pressure

receiver

gauge more automatic, spring-

J Are compressorsthe manufacturer’s recom-

accordance with

operated and lubricated in loaded safety valves?



mendations? J Is the able to preventcapacity ofin the receiver

valve

total relieving

pressure

the safety



J Are safety devices on compressed air systems

checked frequently?

from exceeding the maximum allowable work-

ing pressure of the receiver by more than 10

percent?

J Before aiscompressor’s bled off and the system

pressure system is re-

paired, the pressure

locked out?

J Is every airatreceiver provided for the drain pipe

and valve the lowest point

with a

removal

of accumulated oil and water?

J Are signs postedoftothe compressors?

warn of the automatic

starting feature

J Are compressed air receivers periodically

drained of moisture and oil?

J Is theprotection for the front, back, top and pro-

belt drive system totally enclosed to

vide

sides?

J Aredetermine whether they areregular intervals

to

all safety valves tested at

in good operat-

ing condition?

J Are compressedstrictly prohibited from direct-

employees

ing air towards a person?

J Is there a current operating permit?

J Are employees prohibited from using highly

compressed air for cleaning purposes?

J Is thefree ofofaccumulated oil and carbonaceous

kept

inlet air receivers and piping systems



materials?

J When compressed air is used to clean clothing,

are employees trained to reduce the pressure to

less than 10 pounds per square inch (psi)?





OSHA HANDBOOK FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

29



COMPRESSED GAS CYLINDERS

J Is thevisible to theofoperator? legibly marked

rated load each hoist

J Are cylinders with a water weight capacity

over 30 pounds (13.6 kilograms) equipped

and



with a means to connect a valve protector J Aretrolley provided at the safe limits of travel

for

stops

hoists?

device, or with a collar or recess to protect

the valve? J Are the controls of hoiststravel or marked to

indicate the direction of

plainly

motion?

J Are type of gas? marked to clearly identify

the

cylinders legibly

J Is each cage-controlled hoist equipped with an

effective warning device?

J Are compressedexternal heat sources such as

protected from

gas cylinders stored in areas

J Are close-fitting guardshoist to ensure that

or other suitable de-

flame impingement, intense radiant heat, elec- vices installed on each

tric arcs, or high-temperature lines? hoist ropes will be maintained in the sheave

grooves?

J Are cylindersbe damaged by passing orwhere

they will not

located or stored in areas

falling J Are all hoistfull range ofropes long enough to

chains or

objects or subject to tampering by unautho- handle the movement of the

rized persons? application while maintaining two full wraps

around the drum at all times?

J Are to preventstored from creating ainhazard by

ner

cylinders

them

or transported a man-

J Are guards provided for nipand sheaves per-

points or contact

tipping, falling, or rolling? points between hoist ropes

manently located within 7 feet (2.1336 meters)

J Are cylinders containingaliquefied fuelthat the

stored or transported in position so

gas of the floor, ground, or working platform?



safety relief device is always in direct contact

with the vapor space in the cylinder?

J Are employees prohibited from usingand pro-or

rope slings that are kinked or twisted

chains



hibited from using the hoist rope or chain wrap-

J Are valve protectors always not in use cylin-

ders when the cylinders are

placed on

or con-

ped around the load as a substitute for a sling?



nected for use? J Is the operator instructed to avoid carrying

loads above people?

J Are all valves closed off before a cylinderatisthe

moved, when the cylinder is empty and

INDUSTRIAL TRUCKS - FORKLIFTS

completion of each job?



J Are low-pressure fuel gas cylindersdistortion,

periodically for corrosion, general

checked J Are type of industrial truck they operate? of

the

employees properly trained in the use



cracks, or any other defect that might indicate

a weakness or render them unfit for service?

J Are only trained personnel allowed to operate

industrial trucks?



J Doescylinders include a close inspection of the

gas

the periodic check of low-pressure fuel

J Is substantialhigh lift rider equipment?

provided on

overhead protective equipment



cylinders’ bottoms?

J Areand enforced?lift truck operating rules post-

ed

the required

HOIST AND AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT



J Is each overhead electric hoist equipped with a J Is directional lighting provided on each less

trial truck that operates in an area with

indus-



limit device to stop the hook at its highest and than 2 footcandles per square foot of general

lowest point of safe travel? lighting?

J Will load up to 125 percent ofstoprated load if

any

each hoist automatically

its

and hold

J Does each industrial or other device that can

horn, whistle, gong,

truck have a warning



its actuating force is removed? be clearly heard above normal noise in the

areas where it is operated?







Occupational Safety and

Health Administration

30





J Arebringing the on eachto a complete and safe

of

the brakes

vehicle

industrial truck capable J Is the20 feetarea free of hotfrom flames, at

least

spray

(6.096 meters)

surfaces and



stop when fully loaded? sparks, operating electrical motors and other

ignition sources?

J Does thethe vehicle fromofmoving when unat-

parking brake the industrial truck

prevent

tended?

J Are portable lamps usedatohazardous location?

areas suitable for use in

illuminate spray





J Are industrial vapors,that operate where flam-

mable gases,

trucks

combustible dust, or

J Is approved respiratory equipment provided

and used when appropriate during spraying

ignitable fibers may be present approved for operations?

such locations?

J Do solvents used for Fahrenheit (deg.flash

cleaning have a

J Are motorized hand and hand/rider trucks

designed so that the brakes are applied and

point to 100 degrees

more?

F) or



power to the drive motor shuts off when the

operator releases his or her grip on the device J Are fire control sprinkler heads kept clean?

that controls the truck’s travel? J Are “NO SMOKING”paint booths and spray

areas, paint rooms,

signs posted in

paint

J Are industrialare operatedinternal combustion

engines that

trucks with

in buildings or

storage areas?

enclosed areas carefully checked to ensure

that such operations do not cause harmful

J Is the spray area kept clean of combustible

residue?

concentrations of dangerous gases or fumes?

J Are spray or otherconstructed noncombusti-

booths of metal,

J Areelevated ramps and platforms? the edges

of

safe distances maintained from masonry,

ble material?

substantial





J Are employeeselevated portionsstanding or

passing under

prohibited from

of trucks,

J Are spray booth floors and baffles noncom-

bustible and easily cleaned?

whether loaded or empty?

J Is infrared drying apparatusoperations and is

kept out of the

J Are unauthorized employees prohibited from

riding on trucks?

spray area during spraying

the spray booth completely ventilated before

using the drying apparatus?

J Are operators prohibited of a fixed object?to

anyone standing in front

from driving up

J Is the electric drying apparatus properly

grounded?

J Are arms and legs kept inside the running

lines of the truck? J Are lightingbooth with the interior lighted

fixtures for spray booths located

outside the

J Areofloadstruck? only within the rated capac-

ity the

handled

through sealed clear panels?





J Are trucks in need of repair removed from J Are the electric or ducts? exhaust fans placed

outside booths

motors for

service immediately?



SPRAYING OPERATIONS

J Are belts and pulleys inside the booth fully

enclosed?



J Is adequate ventilation provided before spray- J Do ducts have access doors to allow cleaning?

ing operations are started?

J Do all drying spaces have adequate ventilation?

J Is mechanical ventilation provided when spray-

ing operations are performed in enclosed areas? ENTERING CONFINED SPACES



J When mechanical ventilationso provided dur-

ing spraying operations, is it

is

arranged that

J Are confined spaces thoroughly emptiedsuch

any corrosive or hazardous substances,

of



it will not circulate the contaminated air? as acids or caustics, before entry?







OSHA HANDBOOK FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

31



equipment such as salamanders, torches, fur-

J Are alltoxic, flammable, or space thatmaterials

inert,

lines to a confined

corrosive

contain naces, etc., in a confined space, is sufficient air

provided to assure combustion without reduc-

valved off and blanked or disconnected and ing the oxygen concentration of the atmos-

separated before entry? phere below 19.5 percent by volume?

J Are alland equipment insideor other moving

parts

impellers, agitators,

confined spaces J Whenever combustion-type equipment is to used

in a confined space, are provisions made

locked out if they present a hazard? ensure the exhaust gases are vented outside

J Is either natural or mechanicalentry? pro-

vided prior to confined space

ventilation of the enclosure?



J Is each confined space checked for may pro-

decaying

J Arecheck for oxygen deficiency, toxic sub-

to

appropriate atmospheric tests performed vegetation or animal matter which

duce methane?

stances and explosive concentrations in the

confined space before entry? J Is the confined space checkedcontain toxic

industrial waste which could

for possible





J Is adequate illuminationconfined space? work

to be performed in the

provided for the properties?



J If the confined space is below ground and near

J Is the atmosphereor continuously monitored

frequently tested

inside the confined space areas where motor vehicles will be operating,

is it possible for vehicle exhaust or carbon

during work? monoxide to enter the space?



J Is there a trained and outside thestandby

employee positioned

equipped

confined

ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS



space, whose sole responsibility is to watch

the work in progress, sound an alarm if neces-

J Are all work areas properly illuminated?

sary and render assistance? J Are employees instructed in proper first aid

and other emergency procedures?

J Is theequipped to handle an emergency?trained

and

standby employee appropriately

J Are hazardous substances, blood and other

potentially infectious materials, which may

J Are employees prohibited from entering the

confined space without lifelines and respira-

cause harm by inhalation, ingestion, or skin

absorption or contact, identified?

tory equipment if there is any question as to

the cause of an emergency? J Are employees aware of thethey may involved

with the various chemicals

hazards

be ex-

J Is approved respiratorythe confinedrequired if

the atmosphere inside

equipment

space can-

posed to in their work environment, such as

ammonia, chlorine, epoxies, caustics, etc.?

not be made acceptable?



J Is all portable electrical equipment used inside

J Is employee exposure acceptable levels?

workplace kept within

to chemicals in the



confined spaces either grounded and insulated

or equipped with ground fault protection? J Can a less harmful method or product be

used?

J Are confined space? bottles forbidden inside

the

compressed gas

J Is the work area ventilation system appropriate

for the work performed?

J Before gas welding or burning is started in a

confined space, are hoses checked for leaks, J Are spray painting operations performed in

torches lighted only outside the confined area spray rooms or booths equipped with an

and the confined area tested for an explosive appropriate exhaust system?

atmosphere each time before a lighted torch is

taken into the confined space?

J Is employee exposureusewelding fumes expo-

trolled by ventilation,

to

of respirators,

con-



sure time limits, or other means?

J If employees will be using oxygen-consuming

Occupational Safety and

Health Administration

32





J Arewith flashand other nearby workers provid-

ed

welders

shields during welding opera-

J Are employees’ assigned capacities assessed

before they are

physical

to jobs requiring

tions? heavy work?



J If forklifts andenclosed areas,are usedcarbon

ings or other

other vehicles

are the

in build- J Are for lifting heavy objects? the proper man-

ner

employees instructed in



monoxide levels kept below maximum accept-

able concentration? J Wherebeen provided with have cooling or air

areas

heat is a problem,

spot

all fixed work





J Hasinthere facilitiesdetermination that noise lev-

els the

been a

are within acceptable lev-

conditioning?



els? J Are employees screened before ifassignment to

areas of high heat to determine their health

J Are steps beingexcessiveuse engineering con-

trols to reduce

taken to

noise levels?

might make them more susceptible to having

an adverse reaction?



J Are proper precautions being taken when han-

dling asbestos and other fibrous materials?

J Are employeesexposed to the hazards of traffic

ways who are

working on streets and road-



required to wear bright colored (traffic orange)

J Are cautionsubstances (e.g., asbestos)warn of

hazardous

labels and signs used to

and bio-

warning vests?

hazards (e.g., bloodborne pathogens)? J Are exhaustcontaminated air will not be re-so

that nearby

stacks and air intakes located



J Are wet the emission ofwhen practicable, to

prevent

methods used,

airborne asbestos

circulated within a building or other enclos-

ed area?

fibers, silica dust and similar hazardous mate-

rials? J Is equipment producing ultraviolet radiation

properly shielded?

J Are engineering controlsscheduled basis?main-

examined and

tained or replaced on a J Are universalexposure to blood or other po-

occupational

precautions observed where



J Is vacuuming with appropriate equipment

used whenever possible rather than blowing

tentially infectious materials can occur and in

all instances where differentiation of types of

or sweeping dust?

body fluids or potentially infectious materials

J Are grinders, saws and other machinesindustri-

produce respirable dusts vented to an

that is difficult or impossible?



al collector or central exhaust system? FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS



J Are all local exhaust ventilationflow and vol-

signed to provide sufficient air

systems de-

J Are combustible scrap, debris and covered

waste

materials (oily rags, etc.) stored in

ume for the application, and are ducts not

metal receptacles and promptly removed from

plugged and belts not slipping?

the worksite?

J Is PPE provided, used and maintained wherev-

er required? J Is proper storagespontaneousminimize the risk

practiced to

of fire, including combustion?

J Are there the selection andoperating proce-

dures for

written standard

use of respirators J Are approved containers andand combustible

tanks used to

store and handle flammable

where needed?

liquids?

J Are restrooms and washrooms kept clean and

sanitary? J Are allpiping, vapor on drums and combustible

connections

liquid and liquid tight?

J Is all water provided for drinking, washing and

cooking potable? J Are all flammableinliquids(e.g., parts cleaning

kept in closed con-

tainers when not use

J Are all outlets for water that is not suitable for

drinking clearly identified?

tanks, pans, etc.)?









OSHA HANDBOOK FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

33





J Are bulk drumscontainers during dispensing?

and bonded to

of flammable liquids grounded J Where sprinkler systemsheadspermanently or

installed, are the nozzle

are

so directed

arranged that water will not be sprayed into

J Do storage rooms forexplosion-proof lights

bustible liquids have

flammable and com-

operating electrical switchboards and equip-

ment?

and mechanical or gravity ventilation?



J Is liquefiedinpetroleum gas stored, practices

handled J Arecombustible liquidsfor dispensingofflammable

or

safety cans used

at the point use?

and used accordance with safe

and standards? J Are all spills of flammable or combustible liq-

uids cleaned up promptly?

J Are “NO SMOKING” and inpostedwhere flam-

signs on liquefied

petroleum gas tanks areas

mable or combustible materials are used or

J Are storage tanks adequately vented to pre- or

vent the development of excessive vacuum

stored? pressure as a result of filling, emptying, or

atmosphere temperature changes?

J Areprevent damage fromstorage tanks guarded

liquefied petroleum

to vehicles? J Are storage tanksrelieve excessiveemergency

venting that will

equipped with

internal

J Are all solvent wastescovered containers until

kept in fire-resistant,

and flammable liquids

pressure caused by fire exposure?

they are removed from the worksite? J Are rulesofenforced in areas involving storage

and use hazardous materials?

J Is vacuuming or sweeping combustiblerather

than blowing

used whenever possible

dust?

HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL EXPOSURE

J Arecombustibles or flammables that are stack-

of

firm separators placed between containers

J Are employeessafe handling practices for situ-

aware of the potential hazards

ed one upon another to ensure their support and trained in

and stability? ations involving various chemicals stored or

used in the workplace such as acids, bases,

J Are fuel gas cylinders and oxygen cylinders

separated by distance and fire-resistant barri-

caustics, epoxies, phenols, etc.?



ers while in storage? J Is employeelevels? to chemicals kept within

acceptable

exposure



J Arethe types of materials in theand provided

for

fire extinguishers selected

areas where J Are eye-wash fountains and safety chemicals

showers

they are to be used? provided in areas where corrosive

are handled?

Class A - Ordinary combustible material fires.



Class B - Flammable liquid, gas or grease fires.

J Are all containers,their contents,storage tanks,

etc., labeled as to

such as vats,

e.g., “CAUS-

TICS”?

Class C - Energized-electrical equipment fires.



J Are appropriate fire extinguishers mounted

J Are all employees required to use personal

protective clothing and equipment when han-

within 75 feet (22.86 meters) of outside areas dling chemicals (gloves, eye protection, respi-

containing flammable liquids and within 10 rators, etc.)?

feet (3.048 meters) of any inside storage area

for such materials? J Are flammable or whenchemicals kept in

closed containers

toxic

not in use?

J Are extinguishers free from obstructions or

blockage? J Aretheir content? systems clearly marked as

chemical piping

to

J Are all extinguishers serviced, maintained and

tagged at intervals not to exceed one year? J Where corrosive liquids are frequently handled

in open containers or drawn from storage ves-

J Are all extinguishers fully charged and in their

designated places?

sels or pipelines, are adequate means readily







Occupational Safety and

Health Administration

34



available for neutralizing or disposing of spills or

overflows and performed properly and safely? J Do employees complain aboutordizziness,

headaches, nausea, irritation, other factors

J Are standard being followed when cleaning up

and are they

operating procedures established of discomfort when they use solvents or other

chemicals?

chemical spills?



J Are respirators stored in a convenient, clean

J Is there a dermatitis problem? Do employees

complain about dryness, irritation, or sensitiza-

and sanitary location, and are they adequate tion of the skin?

for emergencies?



J Are employees prohibited from eating in areas

J Have you or environmental health specialist

hygienist

considered having an industrial



where hazardous chemicals are present? evaluate your operation?



J Is PPE used and maintained whenever neces-

sary?

J If internal combustion engines are used, is car-

bon monoxide kept within acceptable levels?



J Are there the selection andoperating proce-

dures for

written standard

use of respirators

J Is vacuuming used rather possible for cleanup?

sweeping dust whenever

than blowing or



where needed?



J If you have a respirator protection the correct

program,

J Are materials that give offfumes asphyxiant,

suffocating, or anesthetic

toxic,

stored in

are your employees instructed on remote or isolated locations when not in use?

usage and limitations of the respirators?

Are the respirators National Institute for HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES COMMUNICATION

Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-

approved for this particular application?

Are they regularly inspected, cleaned, sani-

J Is there a list of hazardous substancesavailable

your workplace and an MSDS readily

used in



tized and maintained? for each hazardous substance used?



J If hazardous substances are used in your pro-

cesses, do you have a medical or biological

J Is there a currentexposureexposure control plan

for occupational

written

to bloodborne

monitoring system in operation? pathogens and other potentially infectious

materials, where applicable?

J Arepermissible exposure limits of airborne con-

or

you familiar with the threshold limit values

J Is there a written hazard communication pro-

taminants and physical agents used in your gram dealing with MSDSs, labeling and

workplace? employee training?



J Have appropriate controlmaterials, including

instituted for hazardous

procedures been J Is each container for a hazardousetc.) labeled

(i.e., vats, bottles, storage tanks,

substance



safe handling practices and the use of respira- with product identity and a hazard warning

tors and ventilation systems? (communication of the specific health hazards

and physical hazards)?

J Whenever possible, designed and exhausted

handled in properly

are hazardous substances

J Is there substances that includes: for haz-

an employee training program

booths or similar locations? ardous



J Do you usesystems to control dusts,exhaust

ventilation

general dilution or local

vapors,

I an explanation of what an MSDS is and how

to use and obtain one;

gases, fumes, smoke, solvents, or mists that

may be generated in your workplace?

I MSDS contents for each hazardous substance

or class of substances;

J Is operational ventilation equipment provided

for removal of contaminants from production I explanation of “A Right to Know”;

grinding, buffing, spray painting, and/or vapor

degreasing?

I identification of where an employee can see









OSHA HANDBOOK FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

35



the written hazard communication program; I information on post-exposure evaluations and

follow-up; and

I location of physical and health hazards in par-

ticular work areas and the specific protective I an explanation of signs, labels and color

measures to be used; and coding.



I details of the hazard communication program,

including how to use the labeling system and

J Are employees trained in:

I how to recognize tasks that might result in

MSDSs.

occupational exposure;



J Does the employee training program on the

bloodborne pathogens standard contain the

I how to use work practice, engineering con-

trols and PPE, and their limitations;

following elements:

I an accessible copy of the standard and an I how to obtain information on the types, selec-

explanation of its contents; tion, proper use, location, removal, handling,

decontamination and disposal of PPE; and

I a general explanation of the epidemiology and

symptoms of bloodborne diseases; I who to contact and what to do in an emer-

gency.

I an explanation of the modes of transmission

of Bloodborne Pathogens; ELECTRICAL

I an explanation of the employer’s exposure

control plan and the means by which employ- J Do youfor all contract electrical work? stan-

dards

require compliance with OSHA



ees can obtain a copy of the written plan;



I an explanation of the appropriate methods for

J Are all employeesor property in connection

ous hazard to life

required to report any obvi-



recognizing tasks and the other activities that with electrical equipment or lines as soon as

may involve exposure to blood and other possible?

potentially infectious materials;



I an explanation of the use and limitations of

J Are employees instructed to make preliminary

inspections and/or appropriate tests to deter-

methods that will prevent or reduce exposure, mine conditions before starting work on elec-

including appropriate engineering controls, trical equipment or lines?

work practices and PPE;

J When electrical equipment or linesare neces-

serviced, maintained, or adjusted,

are to be

I information on the types, proper use, location,

sary switches opened, locked out or tagged,

removal, handling, decontamination and dis-

whenever possible?

posal of PPE;



I an explanation of the basis for selection of

J Are portable electrical toolsinsulated type?

grounded or of the double

and equipment



PPE;



I information on the hepatitis B vaccine;

J Are electrical appliances suchmachines, etc.,

cleaners, polishers, vending

as vacuum



grounded?

I information on the appropriate actions to take

and persons to contact in an emergency in- J Do extension cords have a grounding con-

ductor?

volving blood or other potentially infectious

materials;

J Are multiple plug adaptors prohibited?

I an explanation of the procedure to follow if an

exposure incident occurs, including the meth-

J Areeach temporary 15 orinterrupters installed

on

ground-fault circuit

20 ampere, 120 volt

ods of reporting the incident and the medical alternating current (AC) circuit at locations

follow-up that will be made available; where construction, demolition, modifications,







Occupational Safety and

Health Administration

36



alterations, or excavations are being per-

formed? J Are all electrical raceways and enclosures

securely fastened in place?

J Are all temporary circuits protected by suitable

disconnecting switches or plug connectors at J Are all energized parts of electrical circuits and

the junction with permanent wiring? equipment guarded against accidental contact

by approved cabinets or enclosures?

J Do you have electrical installations in haz-

ardous dust or vapor areas? If so, do they J Is sufficient access and working space provid-

meet the National Electrical Code (NEC) for ed and maintained around all electrical equip-

hazardous locations? ment to permit ready and safe operations and

maintenance?

J Are exposed insulation repairedwithreplacedor

deteriorated

wiring and cords

or

frayed

J Are all unusedelectrical enclosures and fittings

openings (including conduit

promptly? knockouts) in

closed with appropriate covers, plugs, or

J Are flexible cords and cables free of splices or

taps?

plates?





J Areflexible cords or cables at plugs, recepta-

clamps or other securing means provided

J Are electrical enclosures such as switches, re-

ceptacles, junction boxes, etc., provided with

on tight-fitting covers or plates?

cles, tools, equipment, etc., and is the cord

jacket securely held in place? J Are disconnectingofswitches for electrical to

motors in excess two horsepower able

J Are alland secure? and raceway connections

intact

cord, cable open the circuit when the motor is stalled

without exploding? (Switches must be horse-



J In wet or damp appropriate forelectrical tools

and equipment

locations, are

the use or loca-

power rated equal to or in excess of the motor

rating.)

tion or otherwise protected?

J Is low voltagemotors driving machines orcon-

protection provided in the



J Is the location of electrical powerunder and

cables (overhead, underground,

lines

floor,

trol device of

equipment that could cause injury from inad-

other side of walls, etc.) determined before vertent starting?

digging, drilling, or similar work is begun?

J Is each motor disconnectingof the motor con-

switch or circuit



J Aresimilar devices withtapes, ropes, hand-lines

or

metal measuring

metallic thread woven

breaker located within sight

trol device?

into the fabric prohibited where they could

come in contact with energized parts of equip-

J Is eachor is thelocated within sight of its con-

troller

motor

controller disconnecting means

ment or circuit conductors? able to be locked open or is a separate discon-



J Is the use of metal ladders prohibited where

the ladder or the person using the ladder

necting means installed in the circuit within

sight of the motor?

could come in contact with energized parts of

equipment, fixtures, or circuit conductors?

J Is thehorsepowerfor each motor or above the

two

controller

rated equal to

that exceeds





J Are all disconnecting switches and circuit rating of the motor it serves?

breakers labeled to indicate their use or equip-

ment served?

J Are employees who regularly work on or lines

around energized electrical equipment or



J Are disconnecting means always opened

before fuses are replaced?

instructed in cardiopulmonary resuscitation

(CPR)?



J Do allfor grounding metal parts of electrical

sions

interior wiring systems include provi- J Areenergized lines or equipmentworking alone

on

employees prohibited from

over 600

raceways, equipment and enclosures? volts?









OSHA HANDBOOK FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

37



NOISE

J In fueling operations,containeralways metal

is there

J Are there areas in the workplace where contin-

uous noise levels exceed 85 decibels?

contact between the

tank?

and the fuel





J Is there an ongoing preventivelevels ofprogram

to educate employees in safe

health

noise,

J Are fueling hoses designed to handle the spe-

cific type of fuel?

exposures, effects of noise on their health and

the use of personal protection? J Are employees prohibited from handling or

transferring gasoline in open containers?

J Have work areas where noise levels make dif-

voice communication between employees J Are equipment prohibited nearsparking,or arc-

open lights, open flames, or

ing fueling

ficult been identified and posted? transfer of fuel operations?

J Are noise levels measured with a sound level

meter or an octave band analyzer and are J Is smoking prohibited in the vicinity of fueling

operations?

records being kept?



J Have engineeringnoise levels? Wheretoengi-

controls been used J Areother enclosed areasprohibitednot buildings

or

fueling operations

that are

in

specifical-

reduce excessive ly ventilated for this purpose?

neering controls are determined to be infeasi-

ble, are administrative controls (i.e., worker

rotation) being used to minimize individual

J Where fueling or transfer of fuelare done

through a gravity flow system,

is

the nozzles

employee exposure to noise? self-closing?



J Is approved hearing protective equipment

(noise attenuating devices) available to every

IDENTIFICATION OF PIPING SYSTEMS



employee working in noisy areas?

J When nonpotable water ispostedthrough a

piped



J Have you tried isolating noisy machinery from

the rest of your operation?

facility, are outlets or taps to alert

employees that the water is unsafe and not to

be used for drinking, washing, or other per-

J If you use and protectors,in their use? prop-

erly fitted

ear

instructed

are employees sonal use?





J Are employees intestingnoise areas that you

high given peri- J When hazardous substances are transported

through above-ground piping, is each pipeline

odic audiometric to ensure identified at points where confusion could

have an effective hearing protection system? introduce hazards to employees?



FUELING J When pipelines are the bandsby color painted

bands or tapes,

are identified

or tapes located

J Are employees prohibited from fueling an

internal combustion engine with a flammable

at reasonable intervals and at each outlet,

valve, or connection, and are all visible parts

liquid while the engine is running? of the line so identified?



J Are fueling operations performed to minimize

spillage?

J Whencode posted atidentified by color, isconfu-

color

pipelines are

all locations where

the



sion could introduce hazards to employees?

J When is the spilled fuel washed awayopera-

spillage occurs during fueling

tions, com-

pletely, evaporated, or are other measures

J When theor name abbreviation,arethe informa-

by name

contents of pipelines

is

identified



taken to control vapors before restarting the tion readily visible on the pipe near each valve

engine? or outlet?



J Are fuel the engine? and secured before

starting

tank caps replaced J When pipelines carrying hazardousconstructed

are identified by tags, are the tags

substances



of durable materials, the message printed









Occupational Safety and

Health Administration

38



clearly and permanently, and are tags installed

at each valve or outlet? J Are securing chains, ropes, chockers, or slings

adequate for the job?

J When pipelines external source, are suitable

steam, or other

are heated by electricity,

J Are provisions made to ensureor equipment?

that no one is

warning signs or tags placed at unions, valves, below when hoisting material

or other serviceable parts of the system?

J Are MSDSssubstances? employees handling

hazardous

available to



MATERIALS HANDLING

TRANSPORTING EMPLOYEES AND MATERIALS

J Is there safe clearance for equipment through

aisles and doorways?

J Do employees have operate vehicleslicenses?

thoroughfares

who

valid operator’s

on public



J Are aisleways unhindered passage? and kept

permanently marked

clear to allow

J When sevenin amore bus, or truck, is regularly

transported

or

van,

employees are

the oper-

J Are motorized vehicles and mechanized equip-

ment inspected daily or prior to use? ator’s license appropriate for the class of vehi-

cle being driven and are there enough seats?

J Are vehicles shut off and brakes set prior to

loading or unloading? J Are vehicles used to transporthorns, mirrors,

employees

equipped with lamps, brakes,

J Are containersstacked while being moved,

mables, when

of liquid combustibles or flam- windshields and turn signals, and are they in

good repair?

always protected by dunnage (packing materi-

al) sufficient to provide stability? J Are transport vehicles provided with handrails,

steps, stirrups, or similar devices, placed and

J Are dockorboards (bridge plates) usedtaking

loading unloading operations are

when arranged to allow employees to safely mount

or dismount?

place between vehicles and docks?



J Are trucks and trailers secured from move-

J Aretimes with at least two reflective-type at

all

employee transport vehicles equipped



ment during loading and unloading opera- flares?

tions?



J Are dock plates and loading ramps construct-

J Is a fully charged fire extinguisher, in main-

condition, with at least a 4 B:C rating

good



ed and maintained with sufficient strength to tained in each employee transport vehicle?

support imposed loading?



J Are hand trucks maintained in safe operating

J When cutting passenger compartmentsedges

are carried in

tools or tools with sharp

of

condition? employee transport vehicles, are they placed



J Are chutes equipped with sideboardsbeing

cient height to prevent the materials

of suffi- in closed boxes or containers that are secured

in place?

handled from falling off?

J Areany load thatprohibited from riding other-

employees on top



J Are chutessecured to prevent sections firmly

placed or

and gravity roller

displacement?

of could shift, topple, or

wise become unstable?



J Arethe handled materialsbrake the movementof

of

provisions made to

at the delivery end

CONTROL OF HARMFUL SUBSTANCES

BY VENTILATION

rollers or chutes?



J Are palletsmoved? inspected before being

usually J Is the volume sufficient to gatherin each ex-

haust system

and velocity of air

the dusts,

loaded or

fumes, mists, vapors, or gases to be controll-

J Are safety latches and othermaterialsbeing

used to prevent slippage of

devices

off of

ed, and to convey them to a suitable point of

disposal?

hoisting hooks?







OSHA HANDBOOK FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

39





J Are exhaust inlets, ductssupported to prevent

signed, constructed and

and plenums de- J When clothing intoare requiredclothing, is from

street

employees

protective

to change

a

collapse or failure of any part of the system? clean change room with a separate storage

facility for street and protective clothing pro-

J Are clean-out ports12 feet (3.6576 meters)inter-

vals not to exceed

or doors provided at

in all

vided?

horizontal runs of exhaust ducts? J Are employees required to shower aand wash

their hair as soon as possible after known

J Wherecontrolled through the operations are

being

two or more different

same exhaust

contact with a carcinogen has occurred?

system, could the combination of substances

involved create a fire, explosion, or chemical

J Wheninto or removed from aorcarcinogen-reg-

taken

equipment, materials, other items are



reaction hazard in the duct? ulated area, is it done in a manner that will not

contaminate non-regulated areas or the exter-

J Is adequate makeup air provided to areas

where exhaust systems are operating?

nal environment?



J Is theonly clean, fresh air, free ofair located so

that

source point for makeup

contaminants

TIRE INFLATION



will enter the work environment? J Where tires are mounted and/or inflated on

drop center wheels or on wheels with split

J Where two orismore ventilationsuch that serve

a work area, their operation

systems

one

rims and/or retainer rings, is a safe practice

procedure posted and enforced?

will not offset the functions of the other?



SANITIZING EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING

J Does each tireleast 2.54 hose have a clip-on

chuck with at

inflation

inches (6.45 centime-

ters) of hose between the chuck and an in-line

J Is required personal protective clothing or

equipment able to be cleaned and disinfected

hand valve and gauge?



easily? J Doesshuttire inflation control valve valve is

cally

the

off the air flow when the

automati-



J Are employees prohibited fromequipment,

personal protective clothing or

interchanging released?



unless it has been properly cleaned? J Is aotherrestrainingmeans used while cage, rack,

or

tire

effective

device such as a

inflating

J Are machines and equipment that process,

handle, or apply materials that could injure

tires mounted on split rims or rims using

retainer rings?

employees cleaned and/or decontaminated

before being overhauled or placed in storage? J Are employees prohibited afrom while it is

directly over or in front of tire

standing



J Are employees prohibitedcontaminants are

eating in any area where

from smoking or being inflated?



present that could be injurious if ingested?









Occupational Safety and

Health Administration

40 ASSISTANCE IN SAFETY AND HEALTH FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

OSHA Assistance needs and set up a visit date based on the priority

assigned to your request, your work schedule and

OSHA’S OFFICE OF SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE the time needed for the consultant to prepare ade-

OSHA created the Office of Small Business quately to serve you. OSHA encourages a com-

Assistance to help small business employers plete review of your firm’s safety and health situa-

understand their safety and health obligations, tion; however, if you wish, you may limit the visit

access compliance information, provide guidance to one or more specific problems.

in regulatory standards, and to educate them about Opening Conference. When the consultant

cost-effective means for ensuring the safety and arrives at your worksite for the scheduled visit, he

health of worksites. or she will first meet with you in an opening con-

OSHA’s Office of Small Business Assistance can ference to briefly review the consultant’s role and

be contacted by telephone at (202) 693-2220 or by the obligations you incur as an employer.

writing to the U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Walk-through. Together, you and the consultant

Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N-3700, will examine conditions in your workplace. OSHA

Washington, DC 20210. strongly encourages maximum employee partici-

pation in the walk-through. Better informed and

ON-SITE CONSULTATION alert employees can help you identify and correct

Using the free and confidential on-site consulta- potential injury and illness hazards in your work-

tion service largely funded by the Federal OSHA, place. Talking with employees during the walk-

employers can find out about potential hazards at through helps the consultant identify and judge the

their worksites, improve their occupational safety nature and extent of specific hazards.

and health management systems, and even qualify The consultant will study your entire workplace,

for a one-year exemption from routine OSHA in- or only those specific operations you designate,

spections. and discuss applicable OSHA standards. The con-

The service is delivered at your workplace by sultant also will point out other safety or health

state governments using well-trained professional risks which might not be cited under OSHA stan-

staff. Most consultations take place on-site, though dards, but which nevertheless may pose safety or

limited services away from the worksite are avail- health risks to your employees. He or she may

able. suggest and even provide measures such as self-

Primarily targeted for smaller businesses, this inspection and safety and health training that you

safety and health Consultation Program is com- and your employees can apply to prevent future

pletely separate from OSHA’s enforcement efforts. hazardous situations.

It is also confidential. No inspections are triggered A comprehensive consultation also includes: (1)

by using the Consultation Program and no citations appraisal of all mechanical and environmental haz-

are issued or penalties proposed. ards and physical work practices; (2) appraisal of

Your name, your firm’s name and any informa- the present job safety and health program or help

tion you provide about your workplace, plus any in establishing one; (3) a conference with manage-

unsafe or unhealthful working conditions that the ment on findings; (4) a written report of recom-

consultant uncovers, will not routinely be reported mendations and agreements; and (5) training and

to the OSHA enforcement staff. assistance with implementing recommendations.

Your only obligation will be to commit to cor- Closing Conference. The consultant will then

recting serious job safety and health hazards dis- review detailed findings with you in a closing con-

covered -- a commitment that you are expected to ference. You will learn not only what you need to

make prior to the actual consultation visit. If haz- improve but what you are doing right, as well. At

ards are discovered, the consultant will work with that time you can discuss problems, possible solu-

you to ensure they are corrected in a reasonable tions and abatement periods to eliminate or control

timeframe agreed upon by all parties. any serious hazards identified during the walk-through.

Getting Started. Since consultation is a volun- In rare instances, the consultant may find an

tary activity, you must request it. Your telephone “imminent danger” situation during the walk-

call or letter sets the consulting machinery in through. In that case, you must take immediate

motion. The consultant will discuss your specific action to protect employees. In certain other situa-







OSHA HANDBOOK FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

41



tions–those that would be judged a “serious viola- that may introduce new hazards. Employers who

tion” under OSHA criteria–you and the consultant meet these specific SHARP requirements may be

must develop and agree to a reasonable plan and removed from OSHA’s programmed inspection list

schedule to eliminate or control that hazard. The for one year.

consultant will offer general approaches and op-

tions to you. He or she may also suggest other The on-site consultants will:

sources for technical help.

Abatement and Follow-through. Following the I help you recognize hazards in your workplace,

closing conference, the consultant will send you a

detailed written report explaining the findings and I suggest general approaches or options for

confirming any abatement periods agreed upon. solving a safety or health problem,

The consultant may also contact you from time to I identify kinds of help available if you need fur-

time to check your progress. You, of course, may

ther assistance,

always contact him or her for assistance.

Ultimately, OSHA does require hazard abate- I provide you with a written report summarizing

ment so that each consultation visit achieves its findings,

objective–effective employee protection. If you fail

to eliminate or control identified serious hazards I assist you in developing or maintaining an

(or an imminent danger) according to the plan and effective safety and health program,

within the limits agreed upon or an agreed-upon

extension, the situation must be referred from con-

I provide training and education for you and

sultation to an OSHA enforcement office for appro- your employees,

priate action. This type of referral is extremely rare. I recommend you for a one-year exclusion from

Benefits. Knowledge of your workplace hazards OSHA programmed inspections, once pro-

and ways to eliminate them can only improve your gram criteria are met.

own operations–and the management of your firm.

You will get professional advice and assistance on The on-site consultants will not:

the correction of workplace hazards and benefit

from on-site training and assistance provided. The I issue citations or propose penalties for viola-

consultant can help you establish or strengthen an tions of OSHA standards,

employee safety and health program, making safe-

ty and health activities routine rather than crisis- I report possible violations to OSHA enforce-

oriented responses. ment staff,



I guarantee that your workplace will “pass” an

In many states, employers may participate in

OSHA inspection.

OSHA’s Safety and Health Achievement

Recognition Program (SHARP). This program is For a list of consultation projects in each state,

designed to provide incentives and support to see the OSHA website at www.osha.gov/dcsp/

smaller, high-hazard employers to develop, imple- smallbusiness/consult_directory.html.

ment and continuously improve effective safety

and health programs at their worksite(s). SHARP OTHER COOPERATIVE PROGRAMS

provides recognition of employers who have Information about OSHA’s different cooperative

demonstrated exemplary achievements in work- programs is available from any OSHA Regional

place safety and health, beginning with a compre- Office, OSHA Area Office, or by contacting OSHA’s

hensive safety and health consultation visit, correc- Directorate of Cooperative and State Programs at

tion of all workplace safety and health hazards, the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety

adoption and implementation of effective safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution

and health management systems, and agreement Avenue, NW, Room N-3700, Washington, DC

to request further consultative visits if major 20210, phone (202) 693-2200.

changes in working conditions or processes occur









Occupational Safety and

Health Administration

42



VOLUNTARY PROTECTION PROGRAMS (VPP) These state plans operate under authority of state

OSHA’s VPP provide an opportunity for labor, law and are required to be, in structure and per-

management and government to work together formance, “at least as effective as” the Federal

cooperatively to further the goal of providing effec- OSHA Program. Although many states have

tive safety and health protection in the workplace. adopted standards and procedures identical to

The VPP grant recognition to worksites that provide Federal standards, states may have different or

or are committed to providing effective protection additional requirements parallel to those described

for their employees through implementation of in the Federal program.

systematically managed safety and health pro- To determine which set of standards and regula-

grams. The Star Program is for worksites that have tions apply to you, you need to know whether you

at least one year’s experience with an effectively are covered by a state plan or subject to Federal

implemented safety and health program. The OSHA. Please visit http://www.oshaslc.gov/fso/osp

Merit Program is for worksites working toward an /index.html, call the OSHA Area Office nearest you,

effectively implemented program. The Star or (800) 321-OSHA to obtain this information.

Demonstration Program is for worksites with pro- If you are subject to state enforcement, the

grams at Star quality but with some aspect of their OSHA Area Office will refer you to your state office

program that requires further study by OSHA. All which can provide all relevant information, such as

participants work in partnership with OSHA and whether the state is using the Federal standards,

provide models for OSHA and for their industries. information on the poster and recordkeeping

requirements, and special services available to

OSHA STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM (OSPP) small businesses. The state office also can provide

OSPP is designed to enable groups of employ- you with further assistance, including directing you

ers, employees and employee representatives to to the free, on-site consultation services described

partner with OSHA and enter into an extended, vol- above.

untary, cooperative relationship in order to encour- See the list of OSHA-approved state plans at

age, assist and recognize efforts to eliminate seri- www.osha.gov.

ous hazards and achieve a high level of worker

safety and health. OSHA Publications

A single free copy of the following materials can be

OSHA ALLIANCE PROGRAM obtained from the OSHA Area or Regional Office,

Alliances are goal-oriented written agreements or contact the OSHA Publications Office, U.S.

between OSHA and organizations to work together Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue,

to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses. Organ- NW, N-3101, Washington, DC 20210, or call (202)

izations include employers, employees, labor unions, 693-1888, or fax (202) 693-2498.

trade or professional groups, educational institu-

Access to Medical and Exposure Records –

tions and government agencies. Alliances focus on

OSHA 3110

one or more of the following goals: training and

education, outreach and communications, and pro- All About OSHA – OSHA 3302

moting the national dialogue on occupational safe-

Asbestos Standard for the Construction Industry –

ty and health.

OSHA 3096



States with Approved Plans Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout) –

The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 OSHA 3120

encourages states to develop and operate their Employee Workplace Rights – OSHA 3021

own job safety and health programs. OSHA

approves and monitors state plans and provides up Employer Rights and Responsibilities Following

to 50 percent of an approved plan’s operating costs. an OSHA Inspection – OSHA 3000

Twenty-four states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin (Spanish version 3195)

Islands currently operate approved state plans. Hand and Power Tools – OSHA 3080









OSHA HANDBOOK FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

43



How to Plan for Workplace Emergencies and For further information on any OSHA program,

Evacuations – OSHA 3088 contact your nearest OSHA Area or Regional Office

or call (800) 321-OSHA.

Job Safety and Health Protection Poster –

OSHA 3165

Other Sources of Assistance

Job Hazard Analysis – OSHA 3071

VOLUNTARY PROTECTION PROGRAMS

Model Plans & Programs for the OSHA Bloodborne

PARTICIPANTS’ ASSOCIATION (VPPPA)

Pathogens and Hazard Communications Standards

The VPPPA is a private organization made up of

– OSHA 3186

VPP participant companies. The VPPPA has mem-

Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act – bers in most states where the Federal OSHA pro-

OSHA 2001 gram operates and in many states where state

Personal Protective Equipment – OSHA 3151 plans are in force. The VPPPA is willing to provide

information, outreach, and mentoring to help work-

Servicing Single-Piece and Multi-Piece Rim Wheels – sites improve their safety and health programs.

OSHA 3086 Chapters of the national association have been

The following publications are available from formed in most OSHA regions. Members of these

the U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO), chapters also are willing to provide the kind of

Superintendent of Documents, Washington, DC assistance provided by the national organization.

20402, phone toll-free (866) 512-1800, fax (202) 512- To contact your regional chapter of the VPPPA, call

2250. Include GPO Order Number and make or write the OSHA Regional Office listed in the back

checks payable to Superintendent of Documents. of this publication for the address and telephone

All prices are subject to change by GPO. number of the chapter in your region. To contact

the VPPPA national organization, please call (703)

Hazard Communication: A Compliance Kit – 761-1146 or write to the following address:

OSHA 3111

Order No. 029-016-00200-6. Cost: $21.00 Voluntary Protection Programs Participants’

Construction Industry Digest – OSHA 2202 Association

Order No. 029-016-00212-0. Cost: $8.00 7600 East Leesburg Pike, Suite 440

Falls Church, VA 22043

Materials Handling and Storing – OSHA 2236 (703) 761-1146

Order No. 029-016-00215-4. Cost: $3.75

Internet—There is an enormous amount of compli- SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTERS

ance assistance information on OSHA’s website The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

that can be useful to the small business owner, administers the Small Business Development

found at http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/compliance_ Center Program to provide management and tech-

assistance/index.html. OSHA standards, interpreta- nical assistance to current and prospective small

tions, directives and additional information are business owners. There is a Small Business

also available at http://www.osha.gov/ and Development Center (SBDC) in every state, the

http://www.osha-slc.gov/. District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, Samoa,

and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with more than 1,000

CD-ROM—A wide variety of OSHA materials, service centers across the country. SBDC assis-

including standards, interpretations, directives, and tance is tailored to the local community and the

more, can be purchased on CD-ROM from the U.S. needs of individual clients and designed to deliver

Government Printing Office, Superintendent of up-to-date counseling, training, and technical assis-

Documents, phone toll-free (866) 512-1800. tance. Services could include helping small busi-

Emergencies—For life-threatening situations, call nesses with financial, marketing, production,

(800) 321-OSHA. Your call will be directed to the organization, engineering, and technical problems.

nearest OSHA Area or state office for help.









Occupational Safety and

Health Administration

44



NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR OCCUPATIONAL THE NATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL AND

SAFETY AND HEALTH (NIOSH) LOCAL CHAPTERS

NIOSH is a research agency in the U.S. The National Safety Council (NSC) has a broad

Department of Health and Human Services. (OSHA range of information services available. If you

is a regulatory agency in the U.S. Department of have a local chapter of the NSC in your area, you

Labor). NIOSH conducts research and makes rec- can call or visit to see how you can use materials

ommendations to prevent work-related illness and pertaining to your business. If there is no chapter

injury. NIOSH has produced a useful guide, Safety nearby, you can write to:

and Health Resource Guide for Small Businesses,

with telephone numbers, e-mail and Internet ad- National Safety Council

dresses, and mailing information to enable small 1121 Spring Lake Drive

businesses to contact government agencies, pri- Itasca, IL 60143-3201

vate organizations, consultants, and others who

can help with occupational safety and health is- PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

sues. The NIOSH toll-free phone number is (800) The following professional associations are an

356-4674, and its website address is www.cdc. additional resource that may be able to provide

gov/niosh. assistance to you:



WORKERS’ COMPENSATION CARRIERS AND American Society of Safety Engineers

OTHER INSURANCE COMPANIES 1800 East Oakton Street

Many workers’ compensation carriers, as well Des Plaines, IL 60018-2187

as many liability and fire insurance companies,

conduct periodic inspections and visits to evaluate American Industrial Hygiene Association

safety and health hazards. Managers of small and 2700 Prosperity Avenue

medium-sized businesses need to know what serv- Suite 250

ices are available from these sources. Contact your Fairfax, VA 22031-4319

carrier and see what it has to offer.

American Conference of Governmental

TRADE ASSOCIATIONS AND EMPLOYER GROUPS Industrial Hygienists

Because of the increase in job safety and health 1330 Kemper Meadow Drive

awareness resulting from OSHA activities, many Cincinnati, OH 45240

trade associations and employer groups have put a

new emphasis on safety and health matters to bet- SPECIFIC MEDICAL CONSULTATION

ter serve their members. If you are a member of Talk to your local doctors or clinics for advice on

such a group, find out how it is assisting its mem- workplace medical matters on a consulting basis.

bers. If you are not a member, find out if these Contact your local Red Cross chapter for assistance

groups are circulating their materials to nonmem- in first-aid training. If you cannot identify a local

bers, as many do. chapter, call (800) 667-2968 or write to:



TRADE UNIONS AND EMPLOYEE GROUPS American National Red Cross

If your employees are organized, set up some National Headquarters

communications, as you do in normal labor rela- Safety Programs

tions, to get coordinated action on hazards in your 2025 E Street, NW

business. Safety and health is one area where Washington, DC 20006

advance planning will produce action on common

goals. Many trade unions have safety and health YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY

expertise that they are willing to share. Many local or university libraries contain infor-

mation on specific safety and health subjects per-









OSHA HANDBOOK FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

45



taining to your business. These materials are usu- Interest rate information on SBA loans may be

ally in reference rooms or technical subject areas. obtained from any SBA office. They fluctuate but

Ask your librarian what is available. The library are generally lower than you can obtain elsewhere.

may be able to obtain materials for you through You may wish to consult your own bank. It pays to

inter-library loan, purchase, etc. shop around for loans.

Two basic publications of the National Safety Don’t forget to check with your accountant at

Council will give you many sources of technical income tax time, since safety and health improve-

information. The Accident Prevention Manual for ments can often be expensed or depreciated.

Industrial Operations is a basic reference book

for all safety and health work. The second book, ADDITIONAL WEB PAGES OF INTEREST

Fundamentals of Industrial Hygiene, contains excel- TO SMALL BUSINESSES

lent information on toxic materials and recom- (Internet websites change frequently; these list-

mended health and hygiene practices. Both of ings may not be current.)

these references list other sources at the end of

each chapter that may help you in solving specific http://www.firstgov.gov

problems. A website for all agencies of the Federal govern-

ment.

FINANCING WORKPLACE IMPROVEMENT

The SBA is authorized to make loans to assist http://www.sba.gov

small businesses with meeting OSHA standards. The U.S. Small Business Administration’s home

Because SBA’s definition of a “small” business page.

varies from industry to industry, contact your local

SBA field office to determine whether you qualify. http://www.businesslaw.gov

A helpful hint: if you decide to apply for an SBA Legal and regulatory information for small busi-

loan, experience indicates that most delays in pro- nesses by state.

cessing SBA/OSHA loans are because applications

(1) do not adequately describe each workplace con- http://www.regulations.gov

dition to be corrected and identify one or more A site to enable small business owners to find all

OSHA standards applicable to the condition to be Federal regulations that are open for comment, to

corrected, or (2) do not provide a reasonable esti- read them and to submit their views.

mate of the cost to correct each condition.

In most cases, safety hazards can be corrected http://www.assistancecenters.net/

without financial assistance. Health hazards may For help with understanding environmental regula-

be more costly to correct. The age and condition tions that relate to the operation of your business.

of the building and equipment are major factors to

be considered. http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/index.html

This Internal Revenue Service website offers indus-

try- and profession-specific tax information and

guidelines.









Occupational Safety and

Health Administration

46 Appendix A: Overall Action Plan Worksheet



Major Action Steps to be Taken Priority Projected Actual

(Assign each Completion Completion

Step a Number) Date Date





1.









2.









3.









4.









5.









6.









7.









8.









9.









10.









OSHA HANDBOOK FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

Action Steps 47



Description of Action to be Taken:









Specific Steps Required Persons Projected Problems/ Actual

Assigned Completion Delays Completion

Date Encountered Date





1.









2.









3.









4.









5.









Occupational Safety and

Health Administration

48 Appendix B: Model Policy Statements

The following statements provide examples that “Our safety and health program will include:

can be used or modified by employers to help pre-

vent employee injury and illness. I Providing mechanical and physical safeguards

to the maximum extent possible.

“The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970

clearly states our common goal of safe and health- I A program of safety and health inspections to

ful working conditions. The safety and health of identify and eliminate unsafe working condi-

our employees continues to be the first considera- tions or practices, to control health hazards,

tion in the operation of this business. ” and to comply fully with the safety and health

standards for every job.

“Safety and health in our business must be a part

of every operation. Without question it is every I Training all employees in good safety and

employee’s responsibility at all levels. ” health practices.



“It is the intent of this company to comply with all I Providing necessary personal protective

laws. To do this we must constantly be aware of equipment and instructions for its use and

conditions in all work areas that can produce in- care.

juries. No employee is required to work at a job he

or she knows is not safe or healthful. Your cooper- I Developing and enforcing safety and health

ation in detecting hazards and, in turn, controlling rules and requiring that employees cooperate

them is a condition of your employment. Inform with these rules as a condition of employ-

your supervisor immediately of any situation ment.

beyond your ability or authority to correct. ”

I Investigating, promptly and thoroughly, every

“The personal safety and health of each employee accident to find out what caused it and to cor-

of this company is of primary importance. The rect the problem so that it won’t happen again.

prevention of occupationally-induced injuries and

illnesses is of such consequence that it will be I Setting up a system of recognition and

given precedence over operating productivity awards for outstanding safety service or per-

whenever necessary. To the greatest degree possi- formance. ”

ble, management will provide all mechanical and

physical facilities required for personal safety and “We recognize that the responsibilities for safety

health in keeping with the highest standards. ” and health are shared:



“We will maintain a safety and health program con- I The employer accepts responsibility for lead-

forming to the best practices of organizations of ership of the safety and health program, for its

this type. To be successful, such a program must effectiveness and improvement, and for pro-

embody the proper attitudes toward injury and ill- viding safe conditions.

ness prevention on the part of supervisors and

employees. It also requires cooperation in all safe- I Supervisors are responsible for developing

ty and health matters, not only between supervisor the proper attitudes toward safety and health

and employee, but also between each employee in themselves and in those they supervise,

and his or her co-workers. Only through such a and for ensuring that all operations are per-

cooperative effort can a safety program in the best formed with the utmost regard for the safety

interest of all be established and preserved. ” and health of all personnel involved, including

themselves.

“Our objective is a safety and health program that

will reduce the number of injuries and illnesses to I Employees are responsible for compliance

an absolute minimum, not merely in keeping with, with all rules and regulations and for continu-

but surpassing, the best experience of operations ously practicing safety while performing their

similar to ours. Our goal is zero accidents and in- duties. ”

juries. ”





OSHA HANDBOOK FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

Appendix C: Codes of Safe Practices 49



This is a suggested code. It is general in nature lines in a manner not within the scope of their

and includes many types of small business activi- duties, unless they have received instructions from

ties. It is intended only as a model that you can their supervisor/employer.

customize to describe your own work environment.

10. All injuries shall be reported promptly to the

supervisor/employer so that arrangements can be

General Policy

made for medical and/or first-aid treatment. First-

1. All employees of this firm shall follow these safe aid materials are located in ____________; emer-

practice rules, render every possible aid to safe gency, fire, ambulance, rescue squad, and doctors’

operations, and report all unsafe conditions or telephone numbers are located ___________; and

practices to the supervisor/employer. fire extinguishers are located at ___________.

2. Supervisors shall insist that employees observe

Suggested Safety Rules

and obey every rule, regulation, and order neces-

sary to the safe conduct of the work and take such I Do not throw material, tools, or other objects

action necessary to obtain compliance. from heights (whether structures or buildings)

until proper precautions are taken to protect

3. All employees shall be given frequent accident

others from the falling object hazard.

prevention instructions. Instructions, practice drills,

and articles concerning workplace safety and I Wash thoroughly after handling injurious or

health shall be given at least once every _____ poisonous substances.

working days. I Gasoline shall not be used for cleaning purposes.

4. Anyone known to be under the influence of alco- I When using a ladder, always face the steps

hol and/or drugs shall not be allowed on the job

and use both hands while climbing.

while in that condition. Persons with symptoms of

alcohol and/or drug abuse are encouraged to dis-

Use of Tools and Equipment

cuss personal or work-related problems with the

supervisor/employer. I Keep faces of hammers in good condition to

avoid flying nails and bruised fingers.

5. No one shall knowingly be permitted or required

to work while his or her ability or alertness is im- I Files shall be equipped with handles; never

paired by fatigue, illness, or other causes that use a file as a punch or pry.

might expose the individual or others to injury. I Do not use a screwdriver as a chisel.

6. Employees should be alert to see that all guards I Do not lift or lower portable electric tools by

and other protective devices are in proper places

the power cords; use a rope.

and adjusted, and they shall report deficiencies.

Approved protective equipment shall be worn in I Do not leave the cords of tools where cars or

specified work areas. trucks will run over them.



7. Horseplay, scuffling, and other acts that tend to

Machinery and Vehicles

endanger the safety or well-being of employees are

prohibited. I Do not attempt to operate machinery or

equipment without special permission unless

8. Work shall be well planned and supervised to

it is part of your regular duties.

prevent injuries when working with equipment and

handling heavy materials. When lifting heavy I Loose or frayed clothing, dangling ties, finger

objects, employees should bend their knees and rings, etc., must not be worn around moving

use the large muscles of the legs instead of the machinery or other places where they can get

smaller muscles of the back. Back injuries are the caught.

most frequent and often the most persistent and I Machinery shall not be repaired or adjusted

painful type of workplace injury. while in operation.

9. Workers shall not handle or tamper with any

electrical equipment, machinery, or air or water







Occupational Safety and

Health Administration

50 Appendix D: OSHA Job Safety and Health Standards,

Regulations and Requirements

OSHA has four separate sets of standards: General knows that the standard does not adequately

Industry (29 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] address the hazard.

1910), Construction (29 CFR 1926), Maritime

Employment (29 CFR 1915-1919), and Agriculture General Industry, Maritime, and Construction

(29 CFR 1928). OSHA has regulations on posting OSHA standards are available at www.osha.gov.

and other administrative matters in 29 CFR 1903

and on recording and reporting of injuries and ill- After you have obtained a copy of the current stan-

nesses in 29 CFR 1904. dards, identify those that apply to your business by

a process of elimination. Read the introduction to

The OSH Act also has a general duty clause, sec- the subpart heading, and then analyze the possible

tion 5(a)(1), 29 U.S.C. 654(b)(1), which provides hazards in terms of your workplace, your equip-

that: ment, your materials and of your employees. For

example, if you are engaged in retail trade or serv-

(a) Each employer – – ice and you do not have compressed gases, flam-

mables, or explosives on your premises, you can

(1) shall furnish to each of his employees employ- eliminate Hazardous Materials (Subpart H) as not

ment and a place of employment which are free applying to your business.

from recognized hazards that are causing or are

likely to cause death or serious physical harm to If you have any questions in determining whether a

his employees. standard is applicable to your workplace, you may

contact the nearest OSHA Area Office for assis-

A recognized hazard is a danger recognized by the tance. Staff there should be able to answer any

employer’s industry or industry in general, by the questions you may have about standards and pro-

employer, or by common sense. The general duty vide general guidelines on methods of implemen-

clause does not apply if there is an OSHA standard tation in your workplace. Small businesses are

dealing with the hazard, unless the employer encouraged to participate in the development of

standards.









OSHA HANDBOOK FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

Appendix E: Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (SBREFA) 51



In 1996, Congress passed the Small Business an electronic comment/complaint with the SBA

Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act, or SBREFA, Ombudsman over the Internet at:

in response to concerns expressed by the small http://www.sba.gov/ombudsman/comments/com-

business community that Federal regulations were mentform1.html

too numerous, too complex and too expensive to Or you may contact the SBA's Office of the

implement. SBREFA was designed to give small National Ombudsman by:

businesses assistance in understanding and com-

plying with regulations and more of a voice in the I Toll-Free Phone: (888) REG-FAIR (734-3247)

development of new regulations. Under SBREFA,

the Occupational Safety and Health Administration I Fax: (202) 481-5719

(OSHA) and other Federal agencies must: I E-mail: ombudsman@sba.gov

I Produce Small Entity Compliance Guides for I Mail: Office of the National Ombudsman

some rules; U.S. Small Business Administration

409 3rd Street, S.W., MC2120

I Be responsive to small business inquiries

Washington, DC 20416-0005

about compliance with the agency’s regula-

tions; To view the SBREFA Act in its entirety, please

visit the following web link:

I Submit final rules to Congress for review;

http://www.sba.gov/advo/laws/sbrefa.html

I Have a penalty reduction policy for small busi-

nesses; and For more information on SBREFA the following

web links may prove helpful:

I Involve small businesses in the development http://www.sba.gov/ombudsman/

of some proposed rules through Small http://www.sba.gov/ombudsman/dsp_overview.html

Business Advocacy Review Panels. http://www.sba.gov/ombudsman/dsp_faq.html

http://www.sba.gov/advo/

Commenting on Enforcement Actions http://www.sba.gov/advo/laws/is_oshapanel.html



Under a law passed by Congress in 1996, the Small NOTE: Filing a complaint with the SBA

Business Administration (SBA) has established an Ombudsman does not affect any obligation that

SBA Ombudsman and SBA Regional Fairness you may have to comply with an OSHA citation or

Boards to investigate small business complaints other enforcement action. Nor does it mean that

about Federal agency enforcement actions. you need not take other available legal steps to

If you are a small business and believe that you protect your interests.

have been treated unfairly by OSHA, you may file









Occupational Safety and

Health Administration

52



OSHA Regional Offices Region VIII

(CO, MT, NO, SO, UT,* WY*)

Region I 1999 Broadway, Suite 1690

(CT,* ME, MA, NH, RI, VT*) PO Box 46550

JFK Federal Building, Room E340 Denver, CO 80202-5716

Boston, MA 02203 (720) 264-6550

(617) 565-9860

Region IX

Region II (American Samoa, AZ,* CA,* HI,* NV,* and Guam,

(NJ,* NY,* PR,* VI*) the Northern Mariana Islands and American

201 Varick Street, Room 670 Samoa)

New York, NY 10014 90 7th Street, Suite 18-100

(212) 337-2378 San Francisco, CA 94103

(415) 625-2547

Region III

(DE, DC, MD,* PA, VA,* WV) Region X

The Curtis Center (AK,* ID, OR,* WA*)

170 S. Independence Mall West 1111 Third Avenue, Suite 715

Suite 740 West Seattle, WA 98101-3212

Philadelphia, PA 19106-3309 (206) 553-5930

(215) 861-4900

* These states and territories operate their

Region IV own OSHA-approved job safety and health pro-

(AL, FL, GA, KY,* MS, NC,* SC,* TN*) grams and cover state and local government

61 Forsyth Street, SW, Room 6T50 employees as well as private sector employees.

Atlanta, GA 30303 The Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and

(404) 562-2300 Virgin Islands plans cover public employees only.

States with approved programs must have stan-

Region V dards that are identical to, or at least as effective

(lL, IN,* MI,* MN,* OH, WI) as, the Federal OSHA standards.

230 South Dearborn Street Note: To get contact information for OSHA Area

Room 3244 Offices, OSHA-approved State Plans and OSHA

Chicago, IL 60604 Consultation Projects, please visit us online at

(312) 353-2220 www.osha.gov or call us at 1-800-321-0SHA.



Region VI Contact Information

(AR, LA, NM,* OK, TX)

525 Griffin Street, Room 602 The most complete and current information and e-

Dallas, TX 75202 mail addresses for OSHA Regional and Area

(972) 850-4145 Offices and the state Consultation Projects can be

found on OSHA’s website at www.osha.gov/html/

Region VII oshdir.html or by contacting:

(IA,* KS, MO, NE)

Two Pershing Square U.S. Department of Labor

2300 Main Street, Suite 1010 Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Kansas City, MO 64108-2416 Directorate of Cooperative and State Programs

(816) 283-8745 Office of Small Business Assistance

200 Constitution Ave., NW

Washington, DC 20210

(800) 321-OSHA









OSHA HANDBOOK FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

OSHA’s Non-Retaliation Policy



The Occupational Safety and Health Administration

(OSHA) has a long-established policy that informa-

tion inquiries received by the agency regarding

safety and health regulations or other safety-related

subjects shall not trigger an inspection. This policy

is outlined in OSHA Instruction CPL 02-00-103 (CPL

2.103), Field Inspection Reference Manual, Section 5

- Chapter I, B.4.b. The exact wording is:



Employer Contacts. Contacts for information initiat-

ed by employers or their representatives shall not

trigger an inspection, nor shall such employer

inquiries protect them against regular inspections

conducted pursuant to guidelines established by

the agency. Further, if an employer or its represen-

tatives indicates that an imminent danger exists or

that a fatality or catastrophe has occurred, the Area

Director shall act in accordance with established

inspection priority procedures.



While exceptions to this policy exist, such as the

presence of an imminent danger or the occurrence

of a fatality, OSHA policy is to provide assistance to

help employers prevent and reduce workplace

fatalities, illnesses and injuries.