www.osha.gov
Small Business Handbook
Small Business Safety and
Health Management Series
OSHA 2209-02R 2005
Employers are responsible for providing a safe and Clause in Section 5(a)(1) of the Act for failure to fol-
healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA’s low recommendations in this handbook.
role is to assure the safety and health of America’s The materials in this handbook are based upon
workers by setting and enforcing standards; provid- Federal OSHA standards and other requirements in
ing training, outreach and education; establishing effect at the time of publication and upon generally
partnerships; and encouraging continual improve- accepted principles and activities within the job
ment in workplace safety and 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.
Employers cannot be cited under the General Duty
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
POWER-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 53
4 PREFACE
American employers and workers want safe sector and other government entities lead to
and 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 achiev- OSHA’s website for a list of State Plan States.
ing 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 s lower workers’ compensation insurance costs;
pages describing program elements and highlight- s reduced medical expenditures;
ing successes of the participants. Several pages s smaller expenditures for return-to-work
are devoted to small business, technical links, news programs;
items, publication lists and an inventory of compli- s fewer faulty products;
ance assistance tools, including expert advisors s lower costs for job accommodations for
and e-tools. E-tools are “stand-alone” interactive, injured workers;
web-based training tools on occupational safety s 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- s increased productivity;
cations are also available in Spanish. s higher quality products;
OSHA’s web pages include MyOSHA, which s increased morale;
allows users to create their own personalized s better labor/management relations;
OSHA web page with customized content and s reduced turnover;
links. Quick Start is another tool on OSHA’s s 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. s their incomes are protected;
Through its website, OSHA invites citizens to e- s their family lives are not hindered by injury;
mail questions that can be routed to appropriate s 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 abili- upside down. You may not have to spend a lot of
ty 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 acci-
understand why there is controversy about the dents.
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- s Post your policy on worker safety and health
lines represent OSHA’s policy on what every work- next to the OSHA Workplace Poster where
site should have in place to protect workers from all employees can see it. (See Appendix B,
occupational hazards. The guidelines are based Model Policy Statements.)
heavily on OSHA’s experience with its Voluntary
Protection Programs (VPP), which recognize excel- s 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. s 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 s 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 s 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. s 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 s 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 s 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.
s At least once a year, review what you have s Make sure your employees feel comfortable in
accomplished in meeting your objectives and alerting you or another member of manage-
re-evaluate whether you need new objectives ment when they see things that look danger-
or program revisions. ous or out of place.
s Institute an accountability system where all s 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 s 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-
s 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 s 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
s 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- s 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
s 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. s Where necessary, ensure that personal protec-
tive equipment (PPE) is used and that your em-
s 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
s 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.
s Plan for emergencies, including fire and natu-
ral disasters. Conduct frequent drills to en- s 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 eye-wash
s Ask your state consultant to help develop a facilities and showers are operational.
medical program that fits your worksite. In-
volve nearby doctors and emergency facilities s 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.
s 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
s 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.
s 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. s Ask your state consultant to recommend train-
ing for your worksite. The consultant may be
s Ensure that your procedure for reporting able to conduct training while he or she is
injuries and illnesses is understood by all there.
employees.
s Make sure you have trained your employees
s 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.
s If your business is remote from medical facili-
ties, you are required to ensure that adequate- s 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-
s 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.
s Make sure that your top management staff Detailed information about OSHA recordkeeping
understand their safety and health responsi- rules can be found at http://www.osha.gov/record-
bilities and how to hold subordinate supervi- keeping/index.html or refer to 29 Code of Federal
sory 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, train- first aid).
ing sessions, safety and health meetings, informa-
tion distributed to employees, and medical 2. Record each injury or job-related illness on
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
inspections, for insurance and other audits, and aid OSHA 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 indi-
with a program to suit your workplace. vidual will need your full cooperation and support,
Hopefully, you have been taking notes for your but the ultimate responsibility for safety and health
action plan as you reviewed the preceding de- 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. s OSHA Workplace Poster (Job Safety and
Whether you choose to work with a consultant Health Protection - OSHA 3165). You must dis-
or to develop your program yourself, many publi- play the Federal or state OSHA poster in your
cations are available from your state on-site Con- workplace. This poster is also available in
sultation Program or from OSHA that spell out in Spanish (Job Safety and Health Protection
greater detail the steps you can take to create an OSHA-3167).
effective safety and health program for your work-
place. The rewards for your efforts will be an effi- s OSHA standards that apply to your business.
cient and productive workplace with a low level of You need to have a copy of all OSHA stan-
loss and injury. dards that apply to your type of business
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 exist-
ing safety and health program and identify areas
s Recordkeeping requirements and the neces- that work well and those that need improvement.
sary forms. You should gather as much information as you can
that relates to safety and health management in
s Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. your workplace. You should include the following
You may want a copy of this legislation for in this review:
reference.
s Safety and health activities. Examine ongo-
Organize the Workplace ing 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 s 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. s 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 s 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 formu-
from the idea stage to an effective safety and la 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 s 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 s 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. s 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 s 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 make area. Any necessary improvements can be turned
your safety and health program effective. Each into new safety and health objectives for the com-
item should be prioritized, have a target date for ing year. Developing new action plans to imple-
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 business-people; 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- s 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 s 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 check- s Electricity – equipment, switches, breakers,
lists 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- s 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 s 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. s 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 s 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 s 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 s 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-
s Processing, Receiving, Shipping and Storage – ments.
equipment, job planning, layout, heights, floor
loads, projection of materials, material han- s 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
s 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.
❏ Are signs loading, biohazards, exposures to x-
ties, floor
concerning exit routes, room capaci-
ray, microwave, or other harmful radiation or
s PPE – type, size, maintenance, repair, age, stor- substances posted where appropriate?
age, assignment of responsibility, purchasing
methods, standards observed, training in care ❏ 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?
s Transportation – motor vehicle safety, seat belts,
vehicle maintenance, safe driver programs. RECORDKEEPING
s First Aid Program/Supplies – medical care ❏ 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.
s Evacuation Plan – establish and practice pro- ❏ 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
❏ 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 ❏ Have arrangements been made to retain each
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 should
❏ Areitems suchpermits and records up-to-date
for
operating
as elevators, air pressure tanks,
refer to OSHA standards for specific guidance that liquefied petroleum gas tanks, etc.?
may apply to your work situation. (Note: These
checklists are typical for general industry but not for SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM
construction or maritime industries.)
EMPLOYER POSTING ❏ Do you have an active safety and healthsafety
gram in operation that includes general
pro-
❏ 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?
❏ Are emergency telephone found in case of
where they can be readily
numbers posted ❏ Is one person clearly responsible for the safety
and health program?
emergency?
❏ Do youup of management and laborgroup
have a safety committee or
❏ Where employees mayphysical agents,toxic
substances or harmful
be exposed to
has
made represen-
tatives that meets regularly and reports in
writing on its activities?
OSHA HANDBOOK FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
19
❏ Do you have a working procedure to handle
in-house employee complaints regarding safe-
❏ If employees have hadpathogens, was an im-
involving bloodborne
an exposure incident
ty and health? mediate post-exposure medical evaluation and
❏ Are your employees the safety and health pro-
advised of efforts and
follow-up provided?
accomplishments of
gram made to ensure they will have a work-
❏ Are medicalconsultationreadily available for
advice and
personnel
on matters of employ-
place that is safe and healthful? ees’ health?
❏ Have you consideredexcel in reducing work-
incentives for employees ❏ Are emergency phone numbers posted?
or workgroups who
place injury/illnesses? ❏ Areeach work area,first aid kits easily accessible
to
fully supplied
periodically inspected and
replenished as needed?
❏ Havephysician, indicating that they are ade-
MEDICAL SERVICES AND FIRST AID
first aid kits and supplies been approved
❏ 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? ❏ Is there an eye-washorstation or of the eyes and
for quick drenching flushing
sink available
❏ 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 ❏ 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
❏ If you have aand tested annually?is it certified
as required
fire alarm system,
bloodborne diseases?*
*Pursuant to an OSHA memorandum of July 1,
❏ 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 ❏ 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
❏ 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 ❏ 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 ❏ Are fire door and shutter fusible links in place?
Bloodborne Pathogens standard with respect to
“exposure incidents,” as defined by the standard; ❏ Are automatic sprinkler systemcheckedcontrol
valves, air and water pressure
water
periodi-
(3) the employer must train designated first aid cally 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
❏ 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.
❏ 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
❏ Is proper clearance maintained below sprinkler
heads?
the definition of “other potentially infectious
materials.”
❏ Are portable fire extinguishers provided inin
adequate number and type and mounted ❏ Are hard hats required, providedexists?worn
and
where danger of falling objects
readily accessible locations?
❏ Are fire extinguishers recharged regularly with ❏ Are hard hats periodically inspected for dam-
age to the shell and suspension system?
this noted on the inspection tag?
❏ Are employees periodically instructed in the ❏ 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
❏ Are approvedCFR 1910.134provided when need-
ed? (See 29
respirators
for detailed infor-
mation on respirators or check OSHA’s website
❏ Has the employer determined whether hazards at www.osha.gov).
that require the use of PPE (e.g., head, eye,
face, hand, or foot protection) are present or ❏ Is allreadymaintained in a sanitary condition
and
PPE
for use?
are likely to be present?
❏ If hazards or the likelihood of hazards are ❏ 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?
❏ Is protection against thesound levels exceed
al noise provided when
effects of occupation-
❏ Have trained on PPE procedures,employeesPPE
both the employer and the
those of the OSHA Noise standard?
been i.e., what
is necessary for job tasks, when workers need
❏ Are adequate work procedures,when and other
equipment provided and used
PPE
cleaning
it, and how to properly wear and adjust it? up spilled hazardous materials?
❏ Areand worn where there is any danger of fly-
ed
protective goggles or face shields provid- ❏ Areorappropriate procedures in place to dispose
of decontaminate PPE contaminated with,
ing particles or corrosive materials? or reasonably anticipated to be contaminated
❏ Are approved safetyareas where thereto berisk
worn at all times in
glasses required
is a
with, blood or other potentially infectious
materials?
of eye injuries such as punctures, abrasions,
GENERAL WORK ENVIRONMENT
contusions, or burns?
❏ Are employees who wear correctivewith harm-
lenses ❏ Are all worksites clean, sanitary and orderly?
(glasses or contacts) in workplaces
ful exposures required to wear only approved ❏ Are work surfaces kept the surfaces are slip-
means taken to assure
dry and appropriate
safety glasses, protective goggles, or use resistant?
other medically approved precautionary proce-
dures? ❏ Are all spilled hazardous materials or infec-
including blood and other potentially
liquids,
❏ 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-
❏ 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
❏ Is all regulated waste, asstandard (29the OSHA
defined in ❏ Are spilled materials cleaned up immediately?
Bloodborne Pathogens CFR
1910.1030), discarded according to Federal, ❏ Are changes of direction or elevations readily
identifiable?
state and local regulations?
❏ Are accumulations ofelevated surfaces includ-
combustible dust rou- ❏ 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?
❏ Is combustible dustsuspension ofwith a particles
system to prevent
cleaned up
dust
vacuum
❏ Is adequate headroomwalkway? for the entire
provided
length of any aisle or
in the environment?
❏ Is metallic or conductive dustor around electri-
prevented from ❏ 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?
❏ Are covered metal waste cans used for oily or
paint-soaked waste? ❏ Are hazards?provided over conveyors and sim-
bridges
ilar
❏ 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?
❏ Are paint spray booths, dip tanks, etc., cleaned ❏ Are floor openings guardedall sides (except at
guardrail, or equivalent on
by a cover, a
regularly? stairways or ladder entrances)?
❏ Are facilities provided and maintained in wash-
ing
the minimum number of toilets and
a ❏ Are toeboards installed around the edges of
permanent floor openings where persons may
clean and sanitary fashion? pass below the opening?
❏ Are all work areas adequately illuminated? ❏ Areatskylight screens able to kilograms)? load
withstand a
❏ Are pits and floor openings covered or other- of least 200 pounds (90.7
wise guarded?
❏ Is thesubjectin windows,human glass walls,suf-
glass doors,
❏ 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 ❏ Are gratessuchsimilar type covers over floor
openings
or
as floor drains designed to
❏ Are aisles and passageways kept clear and
marked as appropriate?
allow unimpeded foot traffic or rolling equip-
ment?
❏ Are wet surfaces covered with non-slip mate- ❏ Are in use either covered or protected bypits
not
unused portions of service pits and
rials?
guardrails or equivalent?
❏ Are surfaceinrepaired properly, covered, orwalk-
ing
holes the floor, sidewalk, or other
oth- ❏ 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
❏ 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?
❏ Are floor provided with doorsfire-resistant con-
equipment is operating?
or wall openings in
❏ Are materials or equipment stored in such a
way that sharp projections will not interfere
struction or covers com-
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? ❏ Do stairwaydirection of traveldimension meas-
ured in the
landings have a
at least equal to
STAIRS AND STAIRWAYS the width of the stairway?
❏ Do standardatstair rails orrisers? on all stair-
handrails ❏ Is thelimited todistance (3.6576 meters) or land-
ings
vertical
12 feet
between stairway
less?
ways have least four
❏ Are all stairways at least 22 inches (55.88 cen-
timeters) wide?
ELEVATED SURFACES
❏ Do incheshave landing platformsthe direction
stairs not less than
❏ Are elevated surface loadappropriate, showing
the
signs posted, when
capacity?
30 (76.20 centimeters) in
of travel and extend 22 inches (55.88 centime- ❏ 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?
❏ Do stairsdegrees? more than 50 and no less
angle no ❏ Are or machinerysurfacesbe exposed to falling
ple
all elevated
could
beneath which peo-
than 30
objects provided with standard 4-inch (10.16-
❏ Are stairs of hollow-pan typethe panand land-
ings filled to the top edge of
treads
with solid
centimeter) toeboards?
material? ❏ Is a permanent means of access and egress
provided to elevated storage and work sur-
❏ Are step risers on stairs uniform from top to
bottom?
faces?
❏ Are steps slip-resistant? ❏ Is required headroom provided where neces-
sary?
❏ Are stairway handrails located between 30
inches (76.20 centimeters) and 34 inches (86.36
❏ Is materialinon manner to preventpiled, stacked,
or racked a
elevated surfaces
it from tip-
centimeters) above the leading edge of stair ping, falling, collapsing, rolling, or spreading?
treads?
❏ Do stairway handrails have at least 3 inches
❏ Are dock boards or bridge plates usedand
transferring materials between docks
when
.62
(7 centimeters) of clearance between the trucks or railcars?
handrails and the wall or surface they are
mounted on? EXITING OR EGRESS - EVACUATION
❏ Where doors or gates open so the swing stair-
way, is a platform provided
directly on a
of ❏ 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)?
❏ Are the directions to exits, when notsigns?
ately apparent, marked with visible
immedi-
❏ Are stairway handrails(90.7 kilograms), applied
a load of 200 pounds
capable of withstanding ❏ 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,” “STOREROOM,”
❏ Where stairsvehicles may be operated,into ade-
or stairways exit directly any
etc.?
area where are
quate barriers and warnings provided to pre-
❏ Are exit signs labeled with the word “EXIT” in
lettering at least 5 inches (12.70 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?
❏ Are exit doors side-hinged?
OSHA HANDBOOK FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
23
❏ Are all exits kept free of obstructions? ❏ Where panic hardware it allow the on a to
is installed
❏ Are atelevated platforms, pits, or rooms where
from
least two means of egress provided
required exit door, will door
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?
❏ Are doors on cold storage rooms provided
with an inside release mechanism that will
❏ Are there sufficient exits to permit prompt
escape in case of emergency?
release the latch and open the door even if the
door is padlocked or otherwise locked on the
outside?
❏ Are special during construction and repair
employees
precautions taken to protect
❏ Where alley,doors open directly onto any may
exit
street, or other area where vehicles
operations?
be operated, are adequate barriers and warn-
❏ 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?
❏ Are locatedthat swingrooms where thereandfre-
building itself appropriate for the building
doors in both directions
occupancy load?
are between is
❏ 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? ❏ Are allbetween maintainedsidegood tight, all
joints
ladders
steps and
in
rails
condition,
❏ 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?
❏ Where glass exit doors, storm frameless glass
exiting will be through ❏ 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? ❏ 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?
❏ Are doorsand constructed so that theaspath of
designed
that are required to serve exits
❏ Are employees barrels, or other placing lad-
prohibited from
ders on boxes, unstable bases
exit travel is obvious and direct?
to obtain additional height?
❏ Are windows that could be mistaken for exit
doors made inaccessible by means of barriers ❏ Are employees required to face the ladder
when ascending or descending?
or railings?
❏ Are exit doors able to be opened from of a key
the ❏ 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?
❏ Is a revolving,serving asoraoverhead exit door?
sliding, door pro- ❏ Are employees instructed notastoause the top
step of ordinary stepladders step?
hibited from required
Occupational Safety and
Health Administration
24
❏ When portable rung ladders are used to gain
access to elevated platforms, roofs, etc., does
❏ 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?
❏ Are tools stored in abedry, secure location
❏ Are employees required to secure the base of where they cannot tampered with?
a portable rung or cleat type ladder to prevent
slipping, or otherwise lash or hold it in place? ❏ Is eye andor tempered studs or when driving
hardened
face protection used
nails?
❏ Are portable metal “CAUTION - Domarked
with signs reading
ladders legibly
Not Use PORTABLE (POWER OPERATED) TOOLS
Around Electrical Equipment” or equivalent AND EQUIPMENT
wording?
❏ Areguys, braces,prohibited from using ladders
employees ❏ Are grinders, saws and safety guards? pro-
vided with appropriate
similar equipment
as skids, gin poles, or for other
than their intended purposes? ❏ Are power attachments, as proper shields, by
guards, or
tools used with
recommended
❏ Are employees instructed toat a base (not
sion ladders while standing
only adjust exten- the manufacturer?
while standing on the ladder or from a posi-
tion above the ladder)?
❏ Are portable circular sawsthe base shoe?
guards above and below
equipped with
❏ Are metal ladders inspected for damage? ❏ Are circular saw guards checked to ensure that
they are not wedged up, leaving the lower
❏ Areinches (30.48 centimeters) centerspaced at
12
the rungs of ladders uniformly
to center?
portion of the blade unguarded?
HAND TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
❏ Are rotatingprevent physical contact?
guarded to
or moving parts of equipment
❏ Are all tools and equipment (both company ❏ Are alland equipment effectively grounded or
tools
cord-connected, electrically operated
and employee-owned) used at the workplace
of the approved double insulated type?
in good condition?
❏ Are hand tools,mushroomed heads during
such as chisels, punches, etc., ❏ Are effectiveand sprockets onover belts, pul-
leys, chains
guards in place
equipment such
which develop
as concrete mixers, air compressors, etc.?
use, reconditioned or replaced as necessary?
❏ Are broken or fractured handles on hammers, ❏ Are portable fans provided with full guards or
screens having openings 1/2 inch (1.2700 cen-
axes and similar equipment replaced promptly?
timeters) or less?
❏ Are worn or bent wrenches replaced? ❏ Is hoisting equipmentand are hoist ratingsfor
available and used
❏ Are tools? handles used on files and sim-
ilar
appropriate lifting heavy objects, and
characteristics appropriate for the task?
❏ Are employees aware of hazardstools? by
faulty or improperly used hand
caused
❏ Areall temporary circuit interrupters provided
on
ground-fault
electrical 15 and 20 ampere
❏ Are appropriate using hand tools or shields,
safety glasses, face
circuits used during periods of construction?
etc., used while equip-
ment that might produce flying materials or be
❏ Are pneumatic checked regularly foron power-
operated tools
and hydraulic hoses
deteriora-
subject to breakage? tion or damage?
❏ Are in good operating condition?ensure they
are
jacks checked periodically to
ABRASIVE WHEEL EQUIPMENT GRINDERS
❏ Arealltool handles wedged tightly into the heads
of tools?
❏ Is the work rest used and kept the wheel? within
1/8 inch (0.3175 centimeter) of
adjusted to
OSHA HANDBOOK FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
25
❏ Is the adjustable tongue on the topwithinof1/4
grinder used and kept adjusted to
side the ❏ Are power-actuated tools inspected for ob-
structions or defects each day before use?
inch (0.6350 centimeters) of the wheel?
❏ Do power-actuated tool operators hats, safety
have and
❏ Do sideand 75 percentthethe wheelnut and
flange
guards cover
of
spindle,
diameter?
use appropriate PPE such as hard
goggles, safety shoes and ear protectors?
❏ Are bench and pedestal grinders permanently
mounted?
MACHINE GUARDING
❏ Are goggles or face shields always worn when
grinding?
❏ Is theresafe methods of machine operation?
ees on
a training program to instruct employ-
❏ Is the maximum revolutions per minute (rpm)
rating of each abrasive wheel compatible with
❏ Is there adequate supervision machine operat-
employees are following safe
to ensure that
the rpm rating of the grinder motor? ing procedures?
❏ Are fixed ortopermanently mounted grinders
connected their electrical supply system
❏ Is there a regular program of safety inspection
of machinery and equipment?
with metallic conduit or other permanent
wiring method? ❏ Is all machinery and equipment kept clean and
properly maintained?
❏ Does each grinder have an individual on and
off control switch? ❏ Is sufficient clearance provided safe opera-
between machines to allow for
around and
❏ Is each electrically operated grinder effectively
grounded?
tions, set up and servicing, material handling
and waste removal?
❏ Are new abrasive wheels visually inspected
and ring tested before they are mounted?
❏ Is equipment andprevent tipping or other
and anchored to
machinery securely placed
movement that could result in personal injury?
❏ Are dust collectorsused powered exhaustspro-
vided on grinders
and
in operations that
pro-
❏ Is there a power shut-off switchmachine? of
within reach
duce large amounts of dust? the operator’s position at each
❏ Are splash guards mountedcoolant from reach-
use coolant to prevent the
on grinders that ❏ Canfor maintenance, repair,machine be locked
out
electric power to each
or security?
ing employees?
❏ Are the noncurrent-carrying metal partsandof
❏ Is cleanliness maintained around grinders? electrically operated machines bonded
grounded?
POWER-ACTUATED TOOLS
❏ Are foot-operated switches guarded or by per-
ar-
❏ Are employees who operate power-actuated
tools trained in their use and required to carry
ranged to prevent accidental actuation
sonnel or falling objects?
a valid operator’s card? ❏ Are manually operated valves and switches
❏ Is each container when not being used? own
locked
power-actuated tool stored in its
controlling the operation of equipment and
machines clearly identified and readily acces-
sible?
❏ Is a10 inchesleast 7 inches (17.78 centimeters)
by
sign at
(25.40 centimeters) with bold face ❏ Are all emergency stop buttons colored red?
type reading “POWER-ACTUATED TOOL IN
USE” conspicuously posted when the tool is
❏ Are all pulleys floorbelts within 7 feetproperly
meters) of the
and
or working level
(2.1336
being used? guarded?
❏ Are power-actuated tools left unloaded until
they are ready to be used?
❏ Are all moving chains and gears properly
guarded?
Occupational Safety and
Health Administration
26
❏ Are splash guards mountedcoolant from reach-
use coolant to prevent the
on machines that
❏ If the power disconnect electrical control cir-
not also disconnect the
for equipment does
ing employees? cuit, are the appropriate electrical enclosures
❏ Are methods providedintothe machine operator
and other employees
protect the
area
identified and is a means provided to ensure
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?
❏ Is the locking out power disconnectsinstead of
locking out main
of control circuits
prohibited?
❏ Are machinecause a hazard whilearranged so
they do not
guards secure and
in use?
❏ Are allwith a means for locking out? pro-
vided
equipment control valve handles
❏ If special hand toolsdo they protect the opera-
removing material,
are used for placing and
❏ Does the lockout procedure requireetc.) be re-
energy (mechanical, hydraulic, air,
that stored
tor’s hands? leased or blocked before equipment is locked
❏ Are revolving drums, barrels andinterlocked
containers
out for repairs?
guarded by an enclosure that is
with the drive mechanism so that revolution
❏ Are appropriatepersonal safety locks? with indi-
vidually keyed
employees provided
cannot occur unless the guard enclosure is in
place? ❏ Are of their key(s) while they have safety locks
trol
employees required to keep personal con-
❏ Do arborsand are they free from play? secure
and mandrels have firm and in use?
bearings,
❏ Is itthe hazardthat only the employee exposed
required
❏ Are provisions made to prevent machinesis
from automatically starting when power
to
lock?
can place or remove the safety
restored after a power failure or shutdown?
❏ Is itthe lockoutthat attempting acheck theafter
required employees safety
❏ 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?
❏ Are employeesstop button to always push the
instructed
❏ 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? ❏ Is there a meansare working on locked-out all
employees who
provided to identify any or
❏ Are fan blades protectedl/2 inch guard 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? ❏ Are a or tags and safety of accident prevention
signs
sufficient number
padlocks provided for
❏ Are sawsdevicesfor ripping equipped with anti-
used any reasonably foreseeable repair emergency?
kickback and spreaders?
❏ When machine operator to leave the control
operations, configuration, or
❏ 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
❏ If equipment ortagged, is a safe shutprocedure
lines cannot be down,
❏ Is all machinerytoorbe de-energized or disengaged
ment required
equipment capable of move- 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
❏ Is red used to identifyfor the oxygen(and other
the acetylene
❏ 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?
❏ Are gas and pressures for which they are in- for
pressure-reducing regulators used only
❏ Does each operator have a copy of and follow
the appropriate operating instructions?
the
tended?
❏ Are compressed gas cylinders regularlyrusting,
ined for obvious signs of defects, deep
exam- ❏ 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?
❏ Is caresafety valves, reliefand storage of cylin-
ders,
used in handling
valves, etc., to pre-
❏ Under wet conditions,voltage used? controls
for reducing no-load
are automatic
vent damage?
❏ Is grounding of the machine frame and safety
❏ 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?
❏ Are electrodes removed from the holders
❏ Are only approved apparatuses (torches, regu- when not in use?
lators, pressure reducing valves, acetylene
generators, manifolds) used? ❏ Is itshut off when no one is in attendance?
be
required that electric power to the welder
❏ Are cylinders kept awaygangways? of heat
and elevators, stairs, or
from sources
❏ Is suitable fire extinguishing equipment avail-
able for immediate use?
❏ Is it prohibited to use cylinders as rollers or
supports? ❏ Is the welder forbidden hiscoil or loop welding
to
electrode cable around body?
❏ Are empty cylinders appropriately marked and
their valves closed? ❏ Are wetuse? thoroughly dried and tested
machines
before
❏ Are signs posted reading “DANGER, NO or
SMOKING, MATCHES, OR OPEN LIGHTS,” ❏ Are work and wear and damage, andfrequently
electrode lead cables
inspected for replaced
the equivalent? when needed?
❏ Are cylinders,and apparatuses couplings,ofregu-
lators, hoses
cylinder valves,
kept free oily ❏ Are cable connectors adequately insulated?
or greasy substances? ❏ When the objecthazardswelded cannot be
moved and fire
to be
cannot be removed,
❏ Is care taken not to drop or strike cylinders? are shields used to confine heat, sparks and
❏ Are regulators removed and valve-protection slag?
caps put in place before moving cylinders,
unless they are secured on special trucks? ❏ Are fireis performed in locations where a seri-
cutting
watchers assigned when welding or
❏ Do cylindersnon-adjustablewheels have keys,
without fixed ous fire might develop?
handles, or
valves when in service?
wrenches on stem
❏ Are combustible floors kept wet, covered with
damp sand, or protected by fire-resistant
❏ Are liquefiedvalve covers inand shipped valve-
gases stored shields?
end up with place?
❏ Areshock whenprotected from possible electri-
personnel
❏ Are employees trained never to of ignition?
crack a fuel cal floors are wet?
gas cylinder valve near sources
❏ Arethe other sidetaken to protectwhen welding
precautions combustibles
❏ Before and gas released? is the valve
closed
a regulator is removed, on
is underway?
of metal walls
Occupational Safety and
Health Administration
28
❏ Are used drums, barrels, tankssubstances con-
tainers thoroughly cleaned of
and other
that
❏ When usingwear protective chip cleaning, do
employees
compressed air for
guarding and
could explode, ignite, or produce toxic vapors PPE?
before hot work begins?
❏ Are safety chainscouplings suitable locking
or other
❏ Do eye protection, helmets, hand shields and
goggles meet appropriate standards?
devices used at of high-pressure
hose lines where a connection failure would
❏ Arewelding, cutting, or brazing operations pro-
employees exposed to the hazards created
create a hazard?
by
tected with PPE and clothing?
❏ Before compressedthe safe working pressure
tainers of liquid, is
air is used to empty con-
❏ Is a check made for adequate ventilation in of the container checked?
and where welding or cutting is performed?
❏ Whencleaning equipment, is the operating
compressed air is used with abrasive
❏ When working in confined places, are environ-
mental monitoring tests done and means pro-
blast
valve a type that must be held open manually?
vided for quick removal of welders in case of
an emergency?
❏ Whenare a clip-on chuck and an inline regula-
tires,
compressed air is used to inflate auto
tor preset to 40 psi required?
COMPRESSORS AND COMPRESSED AIR
❏ Are employeesclean up or move using com-
prohibited from
❏ 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-
❏ Are compressorto ensure that only clean,
equipped so as
air intakes installed and sion hazard?
uncontaminated air enters the compressor? COMPRESSORS/AIR RECEIVERS
❏ Are air filters installed on the compressor
intake? ❏ Is everyand one orequipped with a pressure
receiver
gauge more automatic, spring-
❏ Are compressorsthe manufacturer’s recom-
operated and lubricated in loaded safety valves?
❏ Is the able to preventcapacity ofin the receiver
accordance with
total relieving the safety
mendations?
valve pressure
❏ Are safety devices on compressed air systems
checked frequently?
from exceeding the maximum allowable work-
ing pressure of the receiver by more than 10
❏ Before aiscompressor’s bled off and the system
pressure system is re- percent?
paired, the pressure
locked out?
❏ Is every airatreceiver provided for the drain pipe
and valve the lowest point
with a
removal
❏ Are signs postedoftothe compressors?
warn of the automatic of accumulated oil and water?
starting feature
❏ Are compressed air receivers periodically
❏ Is theprotection for the front, back, top and pro-
belt drive system totally enclosed to drained of moisture and oil?
vide
sides?
❏ Aredetermine whether they areregular intervals
to
all safety valves tested at
in good operat-
❏ Are compressedstrictly prohibited from direct-
employees ing condition?
ing air towards a person?
❏ Is there a current operating permit?
❏ Are employees prohibited from using highly
compressed air for cleaning purposes?
❏ Is thefree ofofaccumulated oil and carbonaceous
kept
inlet air receivers and piping systems
❏ When compressed air is used to clean clothing,
are employees trained to reduce the pressure to
materials?
less than 10 pounds per square inch (psi)?
OSHA HANDBOOK FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
29
COMPRESSED GAS CYLINDERS
❏ Is thevisible to theofoperator? legibly marked
rated load each hoist
❏ Are cylinders with a water weight capacity and
over 30 pounds (13.6 kilograms) equipped
with a means to connect a valve protector ❏ Aretrolley provided at the safe limits of travel
for
stops
hoists?
device, or with a collar or recess to protect
the valve? ❏ Are the controls of hoiststravel or marked to
indicate the direction of
plainly
motion?
❏ Are type of gas? marked to clearly identify
the
cylinders legibly
❏ Is each cage-controlled hoist equipped with an
effective warning device?
❏ Are compressedexternal heat sources such as
protected from
gas cylinders stored in areas
❏ Are close-fittingonguardshoist to ensure that
or other suitable de-
flame impingement, intense radiant heat, elec- vices installed each
tric arcs, or high-temperature lines? hoist ropes will be maintained in the sheave
grooves?
❏ Are cylindersbe damaged by passing orwhere
they will not
located or stored in areas
falling ❏ Are all hoistfull range of movement of the to
chains or ropes long enough
objects or subject to tampering by unautho- handle the
rized persons? application while maintaining two full wraps
around the drum at all times?
❏ Are to preventstored from creating ainhazard by
ner
cylinders
them
or transported a man-
❏ 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)
❏ 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?
❏ Are employees prohibited from usingand pro-or
rope slings that are kinked or twisted
chains
hibited from using the hoist rope or chain wrap-
❏ Are valve protectors always placed on cylin-
ders when the cylinders are not in use or con-
ped around the load as a substitute for a sling?
nected for use? ❏ Is the operator instructed to avoid carrying
loads above people?
❏ Are all valves closed off before a cylinderatisthe
moved, when the cylinder is empty and
INDUSTRIAL TRUCKS - FORKLIFTS
completion of each job?
❏ Are low-pressure fuel gas cylindersdistortion,
periodically for corrosion, general
checked ❏ 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?
❏ Are only trained personnel allowed to operate
industrial trucks?
❏ Doescylinders include a close inspection of the
gas
the periodic check of low-pressure fuel
❏ Is substantialhigh lift rider equipment?
provided on
overhead protective equipment
cylinders’ bottoms?
❏ Areand enforced?lift truck operating rules post-
ed
the required
HOIST AND AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT
❏ Is each overhead electric hoistatequipped with a ❏ Is directional lighting provided on with less
trial truck that operates in an area
each indus-
limit device to stop the hook its highest and than 2 footcandles per square foot of general
lowest point of safe travel? lighting?
❏ Will load up to 125 percent ofstoprated load if
any
each hoist automatically
its
and hold
❏ 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
❏ Arebringing the on eachto a complete and safe
of
the brakes
vehicle
industrial truck capable
❏ 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
❏ Does thethe vehicle fromofmoving when unat-
parking brake the industrial truck
ignition sources?
prevent
tended?
❏ Are portable lamps usedatohazardous location?
areas suitable for use in
illuminate spray
❏ Are industrial vapors,that operate where flam-
mable gases,
trucks
combustible dust, or
❏ Is approved respiratory equipment provided
and used when appropriate during spraying
ignitable fibers may be present approved for operations?
such locations?
❏ Do solvents used for Fahrenheit (deg.flash
cleaning have a
❏ 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 ❏ Are fire control sprinkler heads kept clean?
that controls the truck’s travel? ❏ Are “NO SMOKING”paint booths and spray
signs posted in
❏ Are industrialare operatedinternal combustion
engines that
trucks with
in buildings or
areas, paint rooms,
storage areas?
paint
enclosed areas carefully checked to ensure
that such operations do not cause harmful
❏ Is the spray area kept clean of combustible
residue?
concentrations of dangerous gases or fumes?
❏ Are spray or otherconstructed noncombusti-
booths of metal,
❏ Areelevated ramps and platforms? the edges
of
safe distances maintained from masonry,
ble material?
substantial
❏ Are employeeselevated portionsstanding or
passing under
prohibited from
of trucks,
❏ Are spray booth floors and baffles noncom-
bustible and easily cleaned?
whether loaded or empty?
❏ Is infrared drying apparatusoperations and is
kept out of the
❏ Are unauthorized employees prohibited from
riding on trucks?
spray area during spraying
the spray booth completely ventilated before
❏ Are operators prohibited of a fixed object?to
anyone standing in front
from driving up
using the drying apparatus?
❏ Is the electric drying apparatus properly
❏ Are arms and legs kept inside the running
lines of the truck?
grounded?
❏ Are lightingbooth with the interior lighted
fixtures for spray booths located
❏ Areofloadstruck? only within the rated capac-
ity the
handled
outside the
through sealed clear panels?
❏ Are trucks in need of repair removed from ❏ Are the electric or ducts? exhaust fans placed
outside booths
motors for
service immediately?
SPRAYING OPERATIONS
❏ Are belts and pulleys inside the booth fully
enclosed?
❏ Is adequate ventilation provided before spray- ❏ Do ducts have access doors to allow cleaning?
ing operations are started?
❏ Do all drying spaces have adequate ventilation?
❏ Is mechanical ventilation provided when spray-
ing operations are performed in enclosed areas? ENTERING CONFINED SPACES
❏ When mechanical ventilation so provided dur-
ing spraying operations, is it
is
arranged that
❏ 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-
❏ 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?
❏ Are alland equipment insideor other moving
parts
impellers, agitators,
confined spaces ❏ 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
❏ Is either natural or mechanical ventilation pro- of the enclosure?
vided prior to confined space entry?
❏ Is each confined space checked for may pro-
decaying
❏ 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? ❏ Is the confined space checkedcontain toxic
industrial waste which could
for possible
❏ Is adequate illuminationconfined space? work
provided for the properties?
to be performed in the
❏ If theareas where motorbelow groundbe oper-
confined space is and
❏ Is the atmosphereor continuously monitored
frequently tested
inside the confined space near vehicles will
ating, is it possible for vehicle exhaust or car-
during work? bon monoxide to enter the space?
❏ 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-
❏ Are all work areas properly illuminated?
sary and render assistance? ❏ Are employees instructed in proper first aid
and other emergency procedures?
❏ Is theequipped to handle an emergency?trained
and
standby employee appropriately
❏ Are hazardous substances, blood and other
potentially infectious materials, which may
❏ 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? ❏ Are employees aware of thethey may involved
with the various chemicals
hazards
be ex-
❏ 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?
❏ Is all portable electrical equipment used inside
❏ Is employee exposure acceptable levels?
workplace kept within
to chemicals in the
confined spaces either grounded and insulated
or equipped with ground fault protection? ❏ Can a less harmful method or product be
used?
❏ Are confined space? bottles forbidden inside
the
compressed gas
❏ Is the workwork performed?system appropri-
area ventilation
ate for the
❏ Before gas welding or burning is started in a
confined space, are hoses checked for leaks, ❏ 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?
❏ Is employee exposureusewelding fumes expo-
trolled by ventilation,
to
of respirators,
con-
❏ If employees will be using oxygen-consuming sure time limits, or other means?
Occupational Safety and
Health Administration
32
❏ Arewith flashand other nearby workers provid-
ed
welders
shields during welding opera-
❏ Are employees’assigned capacities assessed
before they are
physical
to jobs requiring
tions? heavy work?
❏ If forklifts andenclosed areas,are usedcarbon
ings or other
other vehicles
are the
in build-
❏ Are for lifting heavy objects? the proper man-
ner
employees instructed in
monoxide levels kept below maximum accept-
able concentration? ❏ Wherebeen provided with have cooling or air
areas
heat is a problem,
spot
all fixed work
❏ Hasinthere facilitiesdetermination that noise lev-
been a conditioning?
els the
els?
are within acceptable lev-
❏ Are employees screened before ifassignment to
areas of high heat to determine their health
❏ Are steps beingexcessiveuse engineering con-
trols to reduce
taken to
noise levels?
might make them more susceptible to having
an adverse reaction?
❏ Are proper precautions being taken when han-
dling asbestos and other fibrous materials?
❏ Are employeesexposed to the hazards of traffic
ways who are
working on streets and road-
❏ Are cautionsubstances (e.g., asbestos)warn of
hazardous
labels and signs used to
and bio-
required to wear bright colored (traffic orange)
warning vests?
hazards (e.g., bloodborne pathogens)?
❏ Are exhaustcontaminated air will not be re-
stacks and air intakes located so
❏ Are wet the emission ofwhen practicable, to
prevent
methods used,
airborne asbestos
that nearby
circulated within a building or other enclos-
ed area?
fibers, silica dust and similar hazardous mate-
rials?
❏ Is equipment producing ultraviolet radiation
❏ Are engineering controlsscheduled basis?main-
examined and
properly shielded?
tained or replaced on a
❏ Are universalexposure to blood or other po-
precautions observed where
❏ Is vacuuming with appropriate equipment
used whenever possible rather than blowing
occupational
tentially infectious materials can occur and in
all instances where differentiation of types of
or sweeping dust?
body fluids or potentially infectious materials
❏ 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
❏ Are all local exhaust ventilationflow and vol-
signed to provide sufficient air
systems de-
❏ 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?
❏ Is PPE provided, used and maintained wherev-
er required? ❏ Is proper storagespontaneousminimize the risk
practiced to
of fire, including combustion?
❏ Are there the selection andoperating proce-
dures for
written standard
use of respirators ❏ Are approved containers andand combustible
tanks used to
store and handle flammable
where needed?
liquids?
❏ Are restrooms and washrooms kept clean and
sanitary? ❏ Are allpiping, vapor on drums and combustible
connections
liquid and liquid tight?
❏ Is all water provided for drinking, washing and
cooking potable? ❏ Are all flammablein use (e.g., parts cleaning
liquids kept in closed con-
tainers when not
❏ Are all outlets for water that is not suitable for
drinking clearly identified?
tanks, pans, etc.)?
OSHA HANDBOOK FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
33
❏ Are bulk drumscontainers during dispensing?
and bonded to
of flammable liquids grounded ❏ Where sprinkler systemsheadspermanently or
installed, are the nozzle
are
so directed
❏ Do storage rooms forexplosion-proof lights
bustible liquids have
flammable and com-
arranged that water will not be sprayed into
operating electrical switchboards and equip-
ment?
and mechanical or gravity ventilation?
❏ Is liquefiedinpetroleum gas stored, practices
handled ❏ Arecombustible liquidsfor dispensingofflammable
or
safety cans used
at the point use?
and used accordance with safe
and standards? ❏ Are all spills of flammable or combustible liq-
❏ Are “NO SMOKING” and inpostedwhere flam-
signs on liquefied
uids cleaned up promptly?
petroleum gas tanks areas
mable or combustible materials are used or
❏ Are storage tanks adequately vented to pre- or
vent the development of excessive vacuum
stored? pressure as a result of filling, emptying, or
❏ Areprevent damage fromstorage tanks guarded
liquefied petroleum
atmosphere temperature changes?
to vehicles? ❏ Are storage tanksrelieve excessiveemergency
equipped with
❏ Are all solvent wastescovered containers until
kept in fire-resistant,
and flammable liquids
venting that will internal
pressure caused by fire exposure?
they are removed from the worksite? ❏ Are rulesofenforced in areas involving storage
❏ Is vacuuming or sweeping combustiblerather
than blowing
used whenever possible
dust?
and use hazardous materials?
HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL EXPOSURE
❏ Arecombustibles or flammables that are stack-
of
firm separators placed between containers
❏ Are employeessafe handling practices hazards
aware of the potential
ed one upon another to ensure their support and trained in for situ-
and stability? ations involving various chemicals stored or
used in the workplace such as acids, bases,
❏ Are fuel gas cylinders and oxygen cylinders
separated by distance and fire-resistant barri-
caustics, epoxies, phenols, etc.?
ers while in storage? ❏ Is employeelevels? to chemicals kept within
acceptable
exposure
❏ Arethe types of materials in theand provided
for
fire extinguishers selected
areas where ❏ 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.
❏ Are all containers,their contents,storage tanks,
etc., labeled as to
such as vats,
e.g., “CAUS-
TICS”?
Class C - Energized-electrical equipment fires.
❏ Are appropriate fire extinguishers mounted
❏ 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.)?
❏ Are flammable or toxic chemicals kept in
feet (3.048 meters) of any inside storage area
for such materials?
closed containers when not in use?
❏ Are extinguishers free from obstructions or
blockage? ❏ Aretheir content? systems clearly marked as
chemical piping
to
❏ Are all extinguishers serviced, maintained and
tagged at intervals not to exceed one year? ❏ Where corrosive liquids are frequently handled
in open containers or drawn from storage ves-
❏ 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? ❏ Do employees complain aboutordizziness,
headaches, nausea, irritation, other factors
❏ Are standard being followed when cleaning up
and are they
operating procedures established of discomfort when they use solvents or other
chemicals?
chemical spills?
❏ Are respirators stored in a convenient, clean
❏ 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?
❏ Are employees prohibited from eating in areas
❏ Have you or environmental health specialist
hygienist
considered having an industrial
where hazardous chemicals are present? evaluate your operation?
❏ Is PPE used and maintained whenever neces-
sary?
❏ If internal combustion engines are used, is car-
bon monoxide kept within acceptable levels?
❏ Are there the selection andoperating proce-
dures for
written standard
use of respirators
❏ Is vacuuming used rather possible for or
sweeping dust whenever
than blowing
where needed? cleanup?
❏ If you have a respirator protection the correct
are your employees instructed on
program,
❏ Are materials that give offfumes asphyxiant,
suffocating, or anesthetic
toxic,
stored in
usage and limitations of the respirators? remote or isolated locations when not in use?
Are the respirators National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)- HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES COMMUNICATION
approved for this particular application?
Are they regularly inspected, cleaned, sani-
tized and maintained?
❏ Is there a list of hazardous substancesavailable
your workplace and an MSDS readily
used in
❏ If hazardous substances are used in your pro- for each hazardous substance used?
cesses, do you have a medical or biological
monitoring system in operation?
❏ Is there a currentexposure to bloodborne plan
for occupational
written exposure control
❏ Are youpermissible exposure limits of airborne
ues or
familiar with the threshold limit val-
pathogens and other potentially infectious
materials, where applicable?
contaminants and physical agents used in
your workplace?
❏ Is there a written hazard communication pro-
gram dealing with MSDSs, labeling and
❏ Have appropriate controlmaterials, including
procedures been
employee training?
instituted for hazardous
safe handling practices and the use of respira-
❏ Is each container for a hazardousetc.) labeled
(i.e., vats, bottles, storage tanks,
substance
tors and ventilation systems? with product identity and a hazard warning
❏ Whenever possible, designed and exhausted
handled in properly
are hazardous substances
(communication of the specific health hazards
and physical hazards)?
booths or similar locations? ❏ Is there substances that includes: for haz-
an employee training program
❏ Do you usesystems to control dusts,exhaust
ventilation
general dilution or local
vapors,
ardous
s an explanation of what an MSDS is and how
gases, fumes, smoke, solvents, or mists that to use and obtain one;
may be generated in your workplace?
s MSDS contents for each hazardous substance
❏ Is operational ventilation equipment provided
for removal of contaminants from production
or class of substances;
grinding, buffing, spray painting, and/or vapor s explanation of “A Right to Know”;
degreasing?
OSHA HANDBOOK FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
35
s identification of where an employee can see follow-up that will be made available;
the written hazard communication program;
s information on post-exposure evaluations and
s location of physical and health hazards in par- follow-up; and
ticular work areas and the specific protective
measures to be used; and s an explanation of signs, labels and color
coding.
details of the hazard communication program,
❏ Are employees trained in:
s
including how to use the labeling system and
MSDSs. s how to recognize tasks that might result in
❏ Does the employee training program on the
occupational exposure;
bloodborne pathogens standard contain the s how to use work practice, engineering con-
following elements: trols and PPE, and their limitations;
s an accessible copy of the standard and an s how to obtain information on the types, selec-
explanation of its contents;
tion, proper use, location, removal, handling,
s a general explanation of the epidemiology decontamination and disposal of PPE; and
and symptoms of bloodborne diseases; s who to contact and what to do in an emer-
s an explanation of the modes of transmission gency.
of Bloodborne Pathogens;
ELECTRICAL
s an explanation of the employer’s exposure
control plan and the means by which employ-
ees can obtain a copy of the written plan;
❏ Do youfor all contract electrical work? stan-
dards
require compliance with OSHA
s an explanation of the appropriate methods for
recognizing tasks and the other activities that
❏ Are all employeesor property in connection
ous hazard to life
required to report any obvi-
may involve exposure to blood and other with electrical equipment or lines as soon as
potentially infectious materials; possible?
s an explanation of the use and limitations of ❏ 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;
s information on the types, proper use, location,
❏ When electrical equipment or linesare neces-
serviced, maintained, or adjusted,
are to be
removal, handling, decontamination and dis- sary switches opened, locked out or tagged,
posal of PPE; whenever possible?
s an explanation of the basis for selection of
PPE;
❏ Are portable electrical toolsinsulated type?
grounded or of the double
and equipment
s information on the hepatitis B vaccine; ❏ Are electrical appliances suchmachines, etc.,
cleaners, polishers, vending
as vacuum
s information on the appropriate actions to take grounded?
and persons to contact in an emergency in-
volving blood or other potentially infectious ❏ Do extension cords have a grounding con-
ductor?
materials;
❏ Are multiple plug adaptors prohibited?
an explanation of the procedure to follow if an
❏ Areeach temporary 15 orinterrupters installed
s
ground-fault circuit
exposure incident occurs, including the meth-
on 20 ampere, 120 volt
ods of reporting the incident and the medical
alternating current (AC) circuit at locations
Occupational Safety and
Health Administration
36
where construction, demolition, modifications,
alterations, or excavations are being per- ❏ Are all electrical raceways and enclosures
securely fastened in place?
formed?
❏ Are all temporary circuits protected by suitable ❏ Are all energized parts of electrical circuits and
equipment guarded against accidental contact
disconnecting switches or plug connectors at
the junction with permanent wiring? by approved cabinets or enclosures?
❏ Do you dust or vapor areas? If so, do haz-
have electrical installations in ❏ Is sufficient access and working space provid-
ed and maintained around all electrical equip-
ardous they
meet the National Electrical Code (NEC) for ment to permit ready and safe operations and
hazardous locations? maintenance?
❏ Are exposed insulation repairedwithreplacedor
wiring and cords frayed ❏ Are all unusedelectrical enclosures and fittings
knockouts) in
openings (including conduit
deteriorated or
promptly? closed with appropriate covers, plugs, or
plates?
❏ Are flexible cords and cables free of splices or
taps? ❏ Are electrical enclosures such as switches, re-
ceptacles, junction boxes, etc., provided with
❏ Areflexible cords or cables at plugs, recepta-
on
clamps or other securing means provided tight-fitting covers or plates?
cles, tools, equipment, etc., and is the cord ❏ Are disconnectingofswitches for electrical to
motors in excess two horsepower able
jacket securely held in place?
open the circuit when the motor is stalled
❏ Are all cord, cable and raceway connections
intact and secure?
without exploding? (Switches must be horse-
power rated equal to or in excess of the motor
❏ In wet or damp appropriate forelectrical tools
locations, are rating.)
and equipment
tion or otherwise protected?
the use or loca-
❏ Is low voltagemotors driving machines orcon-
trol device of
protection provided in the
❏ Is the location of electrical powerunder and
cables (overhead, underground,
lines
floor,
equipment that could cause injury from inad-
vertent starting?
other side of walls, etc.) determined before
digging, drilling, or similar work is begun?
❏ Is each motor disconnecting of the motor con-
breaker located within sight
switch or circuit
❏ Aresimilar devices withtapes, ropes, hand-lines
metal measuring trol device?
or metallic thread woven
into the fabric prohibited where they could
❏ Is eachor is thelocated within sight of its con-
troller
motor
controller disconnecting means
come in contact with energized parts of equip- able to be locked open or is a separate discon-
ment or circuit conductors? necting means installed in the circuit within
❏ Is the use of metal ladders prohibited where sight of the motor?
the ladder or the person using the ladder
could come in contact with energized parts of
❏ Is thehorsepowerfor each motor that exceeds
two
controller
rated equal to or above the
equipment, fixtures, or circuit conductors? rating of the motor it serves?
❏ Are all disconnecting switches and circuitequip-
breakers labeled to indicate their use or
❏ Are employees who regularly work on or lines
around energized electrical equipment or
ment served? instructed in cardiopulmonary resuscitation
❏ Are disconnecting means always opened (CPR)?
before fuses are replaced?
❏ Areenergized lines or equipmentworking alone
employees prohibited from
❏ Do allfor grounding metal parts of electrical
sions
interior wiring systems include provi- on
volts?
over 600
raceways, equipment and enclosures?
OSHA HANDBOOK FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
37
NOISE
❏ In fueling operations,containeralways metal
is there
❏ Are there areas in the workplace where contin-
uous noise levels exceed 85 decibels?
contact between the
tank?
and the fuel
❏ Is there an ongoing preventivelevels ofprogram
to educate employees in safe
health
noise,
❏ 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? ❏ Are employees prohibited from handling or
transferring gasoline in open containers?
❏ Have work areas where noise levels make dif-
voice communication between employees ❏ Are equipment prohibited nearsparking,or arc-
open lights, open flames, or
ing fueling
ficult been identified and posted? transfer of fuel operations?
❏ Are noise levels measured with a sound level
meter or an octave band analyzer and are ❏ Is smoking prohibited in the vicinity of fueling
operations?
records being kept?
❏ Have engineeringnoise levels? Whereto
controls been used ❏ Areother enclosed areasprohibitednot buildings
or
fueling operations
that are
in
specifical-
reduce excessive engi- 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
❏ Where fueling or transfer of fuelare done
through a gravity flow system,
is
the nozzles
employee exposure to noise? self-closing?
❏ Is approved hearing protective equipment
(noise attenuating devices) available to every
IDENTIFICATION OF PIPING SYSTEMS
employee working in noisy areas?
❏ When nonpotable water ispostedthrough a
piped
❏ 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-
❏ If you use and protectors,in their use? prop-
erly fitted
ear
instructed
are employees sonal use?
❏ Are employees intestingnoise areas that you
high given peri- ❏ 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 ❏ When pipelines are the bandsby color painted
bands or tapes,
are identified
or tapes located
❏ 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?
❏ Are fueling operations performed to minimize
spillage?
❏ Whencode posted atidentified by color, isconfu-
color
pipelines are
all locations where
the
❏ When is the spilled fuelduring fueling opera-
spillage occurs
sion could introduce hazards to employees?
tions, washed away com-
pletely, evaporated, or are other measures
❏ 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?
❏ Are fuelstarting thereplaced and secured
before
tank caps
engine?
❏ 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? ❏ Are securing chains, ropes, chockers, or slings
adequate for the job?
❏ When pipelines external source, are suitable
steam, or other
are heated by electricity,
❏ 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?
❏ Are MSDSssubstances? employees handling
hazardous
available to
MATERIALS HANDLING
TRANSPORTING EMPLOYEES AND MATERIALS
❏ Is there safe clearance for equipment through
aisles and doorways?
❏ Do employees have operate vehicleslicenses?
who on public
❏ Are aisleways unhindered passage? and kept
permanently marked thoroughfares valid operator’s
clear to allow
❏ When sevenin amore bus, or truck, is regularly
or employees are
❏ Are motorized vehicles and mechanized equip-
ment inspected daily or prior to use?
transported van, the oper-
ator’s license appropriate for the class of vehi-
cle being driven and are there enough seats?
❏ Are vehicles shut off and brakes set prior to
loading or unloading? ❏ Are vehicles used to transporthorns, mirrors,
employees
equipped with lamps, brakes,
❏ 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? ❏ Are transport vehicles provided with handrails,
steps, stirrups, or similar devices, placed and
❏ Are dockorboards (bridge plates) usedtaking
loading unloading operations are
when arranged to allow employees to safely mount
or dismount?
place between vehicles and docks?
❏ Are trucks and trailers secured from move-
❏ Aretimes with at least two reflective-type at
all
employee transport vehicles equipped
ment during loading and unloading opera- flares?
tions?
❏ Are dock plates and loading ramps construct-
❏ Is a fully charged fire extinguisher, in good
condition, with at least a 4 B:C rating main-
ed and maintained with sufficient strength to tained in each employee transport vehicle?
support imposed loading?
❏ Are hand trucks maintained in safe operating
❏ When cutting passenger compartmentsedges
are carried in
tools or tools with sharp
of
condition? employee transport vehicles, are they placed
❏ 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?
❏ Areany load thatprohibited from riding other-
employees on top
❏ Are chutessecured to prevent sections firmly
placed or
and gravity roller
displacement?
of could shift, topple, or
wise become unstable?
❏ Arethe handled made to brake the movementof
of
provisions
materials at the delivery end
CONTROL OF HARMFUL SUBSTANCES
BY VENTILATION
rollers or chutes?
❏ Are palletsmoved? inspected before being
usually ❏ 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-
❏ 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
❏ Are exhaust inlets, ductssupported to prevent
signed, constructed and
and plenums de- ❏ 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
❏ Are clean-out ports12 feet (3.6576 meters)inter-
vals not to exceed
or doors provided at
in all
facility for street and protective clothing pro-
vided?
horizontal runs of exhaust ducts? ❏ Are employees required to shower aand wash
❏ Wherecontrolled through the operations are
being
two or more different
same exhaust
their hair as soon as possible after known
contact with a carcinogen has occurred?
system, could the combination of substances
involved create a fire, explosion, or chemical
❏ When into 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
❏ Is adequate makeup air provided to areas
where exhaust systems are operating?
contaminate non-regulated areas or the exter-
nal environment?
❏ Is theonly clean, fresh air, free ofair located so
that
source point for makeup
contaminants
TIRE INFLATION
will enter the work environment? ❏ Where tires are mounted and/or inflated on
drop center wheels or on wheels with split
❏ 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
❏ Does each tireleast 2.54 hose have a centime-
chuck with at
inflation
inches (6.45
clip-on
ters) of hose between the chuck and an in-line
❏ Is required personal protective clothing or hand valve and gauge?
❏ Doesshuttire inflation control valve valve is
equipment able to be cleaned and disinfected
the automati-
easily?
cally off the air flow when the
❏ Are employees prohibited fromequipment,
interchanging released?
❏ Is aotherrestrainingmeans used while cage, rack,
personal protective clothing or
tire device such as a
unless it has been properly cleaned?
or effective inflating
❏ Are machines and equipment that process,
handle, or apply materials that could injure
tires mounted on split rims or rims using
retainer rings?
❏ Are employees prohibited afrom while it is
employees cleaned and/or decontaminated
standing
before being overhauled or placed in storage?
directly over or in front of tire
❏ 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.
on regulatory standards, and to educate them Opening Conference. When the consultant
about cost-effective means for ensuring the safety arrives at your worksite for the scheduled visit, he
and 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 recommen-
consultant uncovers, will not routinely be reported dations and agreements; and (5) training and assis-
to the OSHA enforcement staff. tance 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-
Getting Started. Since consultation is a volun- through.
tary activity, you must request it. Your telephone In rare instances, the consultant may find an
call or letter sets the consulting machinery in “imminent danger” situation during the walk-
motion. The consultant will discuss your specific through. In that case, you must take immediate
OSHA HANDBOOK FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
41
action to protect employees. In certain other situa- changes in working conditions or processes occur
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 s help you recognize hazards in your workplace,
closing conference, the consultant will send you a
detailed written report explaining the findings and s 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 s 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- s 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 s 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-
s 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. s 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 s 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- s report possible violations to OSHA enforce-
oriented responses. ment staff,
s 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 20210,
to request further consultative visits if major phone (202) 693-2200.
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 adopt-
tive safety and health protection in the workplace. ed standards and procedures identical to Federal
The VPP grant recognition to worksites that provide standards, states may have different or additional
or are committed to providing effective protection requirements parallel to those described in the
for their employees through implementation of 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 Merit OSHA. Please visit http://www.oshaslc.gov/fso/osp
Program is for worksites working toward an effec- /index.html, call the OSHA Area Office nearest you,
tively implemented program. The Demonstration or (800) 321-OSHA to obtain this information.
Program is for worksites with programs at Star If you are subject to state enforcement, the
quality but with some aspect of their program that OSHA Area Office will refer you to your state office
requires further study by OSHA. All participants which can provide all relevant information, such as
work in partnership with OSHA and provide mod- whether the state is using the Federal standards,
els 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 2056
moting the national dialogue on occupational safe- (Spanish version 3173)
ty and health.
Asbestos Standard for General Industry –
OSHA 3095
States with Approved Plans
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 Consultation Services for the Employer –
encourages states to develop and operate their OSHA 3047
own job safety and health programs. OSHA Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout) –
approves and monitors state plans and provides up OSHA 3120
to 50 percent of an approved plan’s operating costs.
Twenty-four states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Emergency Exit Routes Quick Card – OSHA 3183
Islands currently operate approved state plans. Employee Workplace Rights – OSHA 3021
(Spanish version 3049)
OSHA HANDBOOK FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
43
Employer Rights and Responsibilities Following Government Printing Office, Superintendent of
an OSHA Inspection – OSHA 3000 Documents, phone toll-free (866) 512-1800.
(Spanish version 3195)
Emergencies—For life-threatening situations, call
Hand and Power Tools – OSHA 3080 (800) 321-OSHA. Your call will be directed to the
nearest OSHA Area or state office for help.
How to Plan for Workplace Emergencies and
Evacuations – OSHA 3088 For further information on any OSHA program,
contact your nearest OSHA Area or Regional Office
It’s the Law Poster – OSHA 3165
or call (800) 321-OSHA.
(Spanish version 3167)
Job Hazard Analysis – OSHA 3071 Other Sources of Assistance
Model Plans & Programs for the OSHA Bloodborne
VOLUNTARY PROTECTION PROGRAMS
Pathogens and Hazard Communications Standard
PARTICIPANTS’ ASSOCIATION (VPPPA)
– OSHA 3186
The VPPPA is a private organization made up of
Occupational Safety and Health Act – OSHA 2001 VPP participant companies. The VPPPA has mem-
OSHA Inspections – OSHA 2098 bers in most states where the Federal OSHA pro-
gram operates and in many states where state
Personal Protective Equipment – OSHA 3151 plans are in force. The VPPPA is willing to provide
Servicing Single-Piece and Multi-Piece Rim Wheels – information, outreach, and mentoring to help work-
OSHA 3086 sites improve their safety and health programs.
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
Hazard Communication: A Compliance Kit – OSHA the VPPPA national organization, please call (703)
3111 761-1146 or write to the following address:
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
Materials Handling and Storing – OSHA 2236 Falls Church, VA 22043
Order No. 029-016-00215-4. Cost: $3.75 (703) 761-1146
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,
CD-ROM—A wide variety of OSHA materials, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with more than 1,000
including standards, interpretations, directives, and service centers across the country. SBDC assis-
more, can be purchased on CD-ROM from the U.S. tance is tailored to the local community and the
Occupational Safety and
Health Administration
44
needs of individual clients and designed to deliver advance planning will produce action on common
up-to-date counseling, training, and technical assis- goals. Many trade unions have safety and health
tance. Services could include helping small busi- expertise that they are willing to share.
nesses with financial, marketing, production,
organization, engineering, and technical problems. THE NATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL AND
LOCAL CHAPTERS
NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR OCCUPATIONAL The National Safety Council (NSC) has a broad
SAFETY AND HEALTH (NIOSH) range of information services available. If you
NIOSH is a research agency in the U.S. have a local chapter of the NSC in your area, you
Department of Health and Human Services. (OSHA can call or visit to see how you can use materials
is a regulatory agency in the U.S. Department of pertaining to your business. If there is no chapter
Labor). NIOSH conducts research and makes rec- nearby, you can write to:
ommendations to prevent work-related illness and
injury. NIOSH has produced a useful guide, Safety National Safety Council
and Health Resource Guide for Small Businesses, 1121 Spring Lake Drive
with telephone numbers, e-mail and Internet ad- Itasca, IL 60143-3201
dresses, and mailing information to enable small
businesses to contact government agencies, pri- PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
vate organizations, consultants, and others who The following professional associations are an
can help with occupational safety and health is- additional resource that may be able to provide
sues. The NIOSH toll-free phone number is (800) assistance to you:
356-4674, and its website address is www.cdc.
gov/niosh. American Society of Safety Engineers
1800 East Oakton Street
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION CARRIERS AND Des Plaines, IL 60018-2187
OTHER INSURANCE COMPANIES
Many workers’ compensation carriers, as well American Industrial Hygiene Association
as many liability and fire insurance companies, 2700 Prosperity Avenue
conduct periodic inspections and visits to evaluate Suite 250
safety and health hazards. Managers of small and Fairfax, VA 22031-4319
medium-sized businesses need to know what serv-
ices are available from these sources. Contact your American Conference of Governmental
carrier and see what it has to offer. Industrial Hygienists
1330 Kemper Meadow Drive
TRADE ASSOCIATIONS AND EMPLOYER GROUPS Cincinnati, OH 45240
Because of the increase in job safety and health
awareness resulting from OSHA activities, many SPECIFIC MEDICAL CONSULTATION
trade associations and employer groups have put a Talk to your local doctors or clinics for advice on
new emphasis on safety and health matters to bet- workplace medical matters on a consulting basis.
ter serve their members. If you are a member of Contact your local Red Cross chapter for assistance
such a group, find out how it is assisting its mem- in first aid training. If you cannot identify a local
bers. If you are not a member, find out if these chapter, call (800) 667-2968 or write to:
groups are circulating their materials to nonmem-
bers, as many do. American National Red Cross
National Headquarters
TRADE UNIONS AND EMPLOYEE GROUPS Safety Programs
If your employees are organized, set up some 2025 E Street, NW
communications, as you do in normal labor rela- Washington, DC 20006
tions, to get coordinated action on hazards in your
business. Safety and health is one area where
OSHA HANDBOOK FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
45
YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY Interest rate information on SBA loans may be
Many local or university libraries contain infor- obtained from any SBA office. They fluctuate but
mation on specific safety and health subjects per- are generally lower than you can obtain elsewhere.
taining to your business. These materials are usu- You may wish to consult your own bank. It pays to
ally in reference rooms or technical subject areas. shop around for loans.
Ask your librarian what is available. The library Don’t forget to check with your accountant at
may be able to obtain materials for you through income tax time, since safety and health improve-
inter-library loan, purchase, etc. ments can often be expensed or depreciated.
Two basic publications of the National Safety
Council will give you many sources of technical ADDITIONAL WEB PAGES OF INTEREST
information. The Accident Prevention Manual for TO SMALL BUSINESSES
Industrial Operations is a basic reference book (Internet websites change frequently; these list-
for all safety and health work. The second book, ings may not be current.)
Fundamentals of Industrial Hygiene, contains excel-
lent information on toxic materials and recom- http://www.firstgov.gov
mended health and hygiene practices. Both of A website for all agencies of the Federal govern-
these references list other sources at the end of ment.
each chapter that may help you in solving specific
problems. http://www.sba.gov
The U.S. Small Business Administration’s home
FINANCING WORKPLACE IMPROVEMENT page.
The SBA is authorized to make loans to assist
small businesses with meeting OSHA standards. http://www.businesslaw.gov
Because SBA’s definition of a “small” business Legal and regulatory information for small busi-
varies from industry to industry, contact your local nesses by state.
SBA field office to determine whether you qualify.
A helpful hint: if you decide to apply for an SBA http://www.regulations.gov
loan, experience indicates that most delays in pro- A site to enable small business owners to find all
cessing SBA/OSHA loans are because applications Federal regulations that are open for comment, to
(1) do not adequately describe each workplace con- read them and to submit their views.
dition to be corrected and identify one or more
OSHA standards applicable to the condition to be http://www.assistancecenters.net/
corrected, or (2) do not provide a reasonable esti- For help with understanding environmental regula-
mate of the cost to correct each condition. tions that relate to the operation of your business.
In most cases, safety hazards can be corrected
without financial assistance. Health hazards may http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/index.html
be more costly to correct. The age and condition of This Internal Revenue Service website offers indus-
the building and equipment are major factors to be try- and profession-specific tax information and
considered. 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. s 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- s 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 s 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 s 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- s 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.”
s 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 pre- rect the problem so that it won’t happen again.
vention of occupationally-induced injuries and ill-
nesses is of such consequence that it will be given s Setting up a system of recognition and awards
precedence over operating productivity whenever for outstanding safety service or performance.”
necessary. To the greatest degree possible, man-
agement will provide all mechanical and physical “We recognize that the responsibilities for safety
facilities required for personal safety and health in and health are shared:
keeping with the highest standards.”
s The employer accepts responsibility for lead-
“We will maintain a safety and health program con- ership of the safety and health program, for
forming to the best practices of organizations of its effectiveness and improvement, and for
this type. To be successful, such a program must providing safe conditions.
embody the proper attitudes toward injury and ill-
ness prevention on the part of supervisors and s Supervisors are responsible for developing
employees. It also requires cooperation in all safe- the proper attitudes toward safety and health
ty and health matters, not only between supervisor in themselves and in those they supervise,
and employee, but also between each employee and for ensuring that all operations are per-
and his or her co-workers. Only through such a formed with the utmost regard for the safety
cooperative effort can a safety program in the best and health of all personnel involved, including
interest of all be established and preserved.” themselves.
“Our objective is a safety and health program that s Employees are responsible for compliance
will reduce the number of injuries and illnesses to with all rules and regulations and for continu-
an absolute minimum, not merely in keeping with, ously practicing safety while performing their
but surpassing, the best experience of operations duties.”
similar to ours. Our goal is zero accidents and in-
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 s 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 s Wash thoroughly after handling injurious or
health shall be given at least once every _____ poisonous substances.
working days. s Gasoline shall not be used for cleaning purposes.
4. Anyone known to be under the influence of alco- s 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. s 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- s 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. s Do not use a screwdriver as a chisel.
6. Employees should be alert to see that all guards s 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 s 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. s Do not attempt to operate machinery or equip-
ment without special permission unless it is
8. Work shall be well planned and supervised to
part of your regular duties.
prevent injuries when working with equipment and
handling heavy materials. When lifting heavy s 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 s 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 s Toll Free Phone: (888) REG-FAIR (734-3247)
development of new regulations. Under SBREFA,
the Occupational Safety and Health Administration s Fax: (202) 481-5719
(OSHA) and other Federal agencies must: s E-mail: ombudsman@sba.gov
s Produce Small Entity Compliance Guides for s Mail: Office of the National Ombudsman
some rules; U.S. Small Business Administration
409 3rd Street, S.W., MC2120
s 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:
s Submit final rules to Congress for review;
http://www.sba.gov/advo/laws/sbrefa.html
s Have a penalty reduction policy for small busi-
nesses; and For more information on SBREFA the following
web links may prove helpful:
s 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, ND, SD, UT,* WY*)
Region I 1999 Broadway, Suite 1690
(CT,* ME, MA, NH, RI, VT*) PO Box 46550
JFK Federal Building, Room E340 Denver, CO 80201-6550
Boston, MA 02203 (303) 844–1600
(617) 565–9860
Region IX
Region II (American Samoa, AZ,* CA,* HI,* NV,* Northern
(NJ,* NY,* PR,* VI*) Mariana Islands)
201 Varick Street, Room 670 71 Stevenson Street, Room 420
New York, NY 10014 San Francisco, CA 94105
(212) 337–2378 (415) 975–4310
Region III Region X
(DE, DC, MD,* PA, VA,* WV) (AK,* ID, OR,* WA*)
The Curtis Center 1111 Third Avenue, Suite 715
170 S. Independence Mall West Seattle, WA 98101-3212
Suite 740 West (206) 553–5930
Philadelphia, PA 19106-3309
(215) 861–4900 *These states and territories operate their own
OSHA-approved job safety and health programs
Region IV (Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Puerto
(AL, FL, GA, KY,* MS, NC,* SC,* TN*) Rico plans cover public employees only). States
SNAF with approved programs must have a standard that
61 Forsyth Street SW, Room 6T50 is identical to, or at least as effective as, the Federal
Atlanta, GA 30303 standard.
(404) 562–2300 Note: To get contact information for OSHA Area
Offices, OSHA-approved State Plans, and OSHA
Region V Consultation Projects, please visit us online at
(IL, IN,* MI,* MN,* OH, WI) www.osha.gov or call us at (800) 321-OSHA (6742).
230 South Dearborn Street, Room 3244
Chicago, IL 60604
(312) 353–2220 Contact Information
Region VI The most complete and current information and e-
(AR, LA, NM,* OK, TX) mail addresses for OSHA Regional and Area Offices
525 Griffin Street, Room 602 and the state Consultation Projects can be found
Dallas, TX 75202 on OSHA’s website at www.osha.gov/html/
(214) 767–4731 or 4736 x224 oshdir.html or by contacting:
Region VII U.S. Department of Labor
(IA,* KS, MO, NE) Occupational Safety and Health Administration
City Center Square Directorate of Cooperative and State Programs
1100 Main Street, Suite 800 Office of Small Business Assistance
Kansas City, MO 64105 200 Constitution Ave., NW
(816) 426–5861 Washington, DC 20210
(800) 321-OSHA
OSHA HANDBOOK FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
53
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.
www.osha.gov