Overhead Hazard

Q:  Do we need to barricade off the area underneath an aerial lift?

A:  OSHA’s regulations do not specifically state that the area beneath an aerial lift needs to be barricaded off.  However, it is best to do so.  Tools or equipment could accidentally fall out of the lift and strike someone on the ground causing serious injury.  A hard hat only provides minimal protection.

We recommend having one of our qualified safety consultants evaluate your work site in order to determine best practices for your company.

Declining Voluntary Respirator Use

Q: Should employees who decline to use respirators on a voluntary basis sign a declination form?

A: Yes, although it is not required it would be recommended to reduce future liability.

Respirators

Q: Can employees share negative pressure respirators?

A: Yes, employees are allowed to share respirators however it is not recommended.  You would have to ensure that the respirators are the same make, model, and size, and that they are sanitized before each different employee uses them.

MSDS

Q: Is it required to maintain old material safety data sheets after you receive an updated version?

A: Yes. All MSDS’s must be retained for 30 years. An employer may keep record of the chemical used, where it was used and when it was used in the absence of the material safety data sheets.

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Toolbox Talks

Q: If we have a 2-day construction project, do we need to do a toolbox talk each day?

A: OSHA does not require toolbox talks, although they do encourage them.  Safety meetings are always a good way to keep your employees thinking about safety, which is always helpful.  On a two day job it would probably be ok to just hold one meeting, unless the work you are doing is completely different on the second day.

Forklift Train the Trainer

Q:  Does the forklift trainer need to be recertified to train the operators?

A:  No, OSHA does not have any requirements for recertifying the forklift trainer.  However, if the trainer also operates any forklifts then the trainer would need to be recertified to do so every 3 years.

Recordkeeping

Q:  An employee hurt their back and was given a prescription but they did not miss any work.  Is this recordable?

A:  Yes, it is recordable because the employee was prescribed medicine.  Try using OSHA's Recordkeeping Advisor Tool.

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Horizontal Life Line

Q: Is it acceptable to fasten two D-Rings into the roof or structure, and string aircraft cable between them in order to create a mobile retractable tie off point?

 A: Horizontal lifelines shall be designed, installed, and used under the supervision of a qualified person, maintaining a safety factor of at least two. Also, Dee-Rings must have a minimum tensile strength of 5,000 pounds.  The lifeline should also be able to support 5,000 pounds of force for each employee attached.

Lead

Q: When working with Lead, when is it required to post signage to warn employees of exposure?

A: 1926.62(m)(1)(i) The employer shall post the following warning signs in each work area where an employee's exposure to lead is above the PEL.

DANGER

LEAD WORK AREA

MAY DAMAGE FERTILITY OR THE UNBORN CHILD

CAUSES DAMAGE TO THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

DO NOT EAT, DRINK OR SMOKE IN THIS AREA

Carbon Monoxide Exposure

Q: What is the maximum amount of carbon monoxide exposure permitted by OSHA in a general industry environment?

A: According to 29 CFR 1910.1000 TABLE Z-1, the maximum limit for carbon monoxide exposure is 50 ppm (55 mg/m³) over an 8 hour TWA (time weighted average).