Using Tape To Designate Floor Areas

Q: We would like to use colored tape or paint on our floors to designate areas that are to be kept clear.  Is there a specific color that we need to use?

A: OSHA specifies that permanent aisles and passageways shall be appropriately marked; however it does not specify a color for floor markings.  While the standard does not specifically mandate colors to be used on accident prevention tags, the following color scheme is recommended by OSHA for meeting the requirements of this section:

• "DANGER" - Red, or predominantly red, with lettering or symbols in a contrasting color.
• "CAUTION" - Yellow, or predominantly yellow, with lettering or symbols in a contrasting color.
• "WARNING" - Orange, or predominantly orange, with lettering or symbols in a contrasting color.
• "BIOLOGICAL HAZARD" - Fluorescent orange or orange-red, or predominantly so, with lettering or symbols in a contrasting color.

Recordkeeping

Q: An employee developed a blister on his foot, and after time this blister got infected.  The employee went to the doctors to get the checked out.  The doctor then issued a prescription to the employee.  Is this a recordable incident?

A: Yes, this is a recordable incident because a prescription is considered more than first aid.

Learn more about OSHA compliance.  

Working On A Roof In High Winds

Q:  Does OSHA have a defined wind speed where roof work should be stopped.

A:  Unfortunately, OSHA does not have a defined wind speed.  OSHA only mentions “high winds” in the regulations.  The responsibility to remove workers from the roof is given to the employer.  Ultimately it comes down to the supervisor on the job to stop the work once it is determined the wind is creating a dangerous situation for the workers.

Fall Protection

Q:  Do skylights need to be covered or guarded on the roof if the workers are tied off to a fall arrest harness?

A:  No, as long as the workers are properly tied off the skylights do not need to be covered.

Who Pays For PPE?

Q: If we buy our subcontractors safety equipment, can we charge them for it?

A: OSHA requires that safety equipment is provided at no cost to employees.  However, if the equipment is for another contractor, you are free to invoice them as long as your contractor agreements do not prevent the transaction.  Note: some states require that you charge sales tax for reselling equipment.  It is recommended that you consult an attorney and/or an accountant.

Forklift Training Verification

Q: Do our employees need to have their forklift certification cards on them at all times, or could they be in their lockers here at work?  

A:  OSHA requires that you as a company maintain records verifying that your employees were in fact trained on forklifts. It is not necessary for your employees to keep a card on them at all times.  However, you may hand the cards out to employees and make a copy for yourself to keep on record. This way you have two forms of documentation, one being the training logs from the training and the copy of the cards being the other.

First Aid Kits

Q:  Does a first aid kit need to be OSHA approved?

A:  OSHA doesn’t approve or disapprove of any products out there.  When a company uses the marketing “OSHA Approved”, it usually means that their product meets OSHA’s standards.  When it comes to first aid kits, OSHA refers to ANSI’s regulations on the minimal contents that the kits must contain.

Portable Ladders

Q: When employees are climbing ladders to do job tasks such as changing a light bulb do they need to be tied off?

A: No, fall protection is not required for employees climbing or working on portable ladders.

Scissor Lifts

Q: Are employees required to be tied-off when working on a guardrail-equipped scissor lifts?

A: No, OSHA does not require employees to be tied-off when working from scissor lifts that have properly maintained guardrails.

Updating the MSDS

Q:  Should I scan the MSDS and keep a digital copy?  Also, how long must we keep them for? 

A:  You could keep a digital copy.  Old MSDS should be treated like medical records and be maintained for 30 years.