OSHA Study Guide PDF

CHAPTER 15 -- OSHA **Personal Protective Equipment and Safety Regulations** **Table of Contents** **1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) ** - **Employer Responsibilities**: Employers must provide PPE for eyes, face, head, extremities, and protective clothing. - **Types of PPE**:...

CHAPTER 15 -- OSHA **Personal Protective Equipment and Safety Regulations** **Table of Contents** **1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) ** - **Employer Responsibilities**: Employers must provide PPE for eyes, face, head, extremities, and protective clothing. - **Types of PPE**: - Eye protection (safety glasses, goggles) - Face shields - Head protection (helmets) - Extremity protection (gloves, footwear) **2. Power Tools Safety ** **Hand-held Power Tools**: Must have a constant pressure switch (e.g., circular saws, chain saws). - **Electric Tools**: - Requires approved double-insulated types. - Cords should not be used for hoisting or lowering. **3. Compressed Gas Safety ** - **Cylinders Transportation**: Always use valve protection caps. - **Oxygen and Fuel Gas Separation**: - Must be 20 feet apart or separated by a 5-foot non-combustible barrier. - **Hose Testing**: Hoses subject to flashback or severe wear should be tested at twice the normal pressure (no less than 300 psi). **4. Ventilation and Atmosphere Safety ** - **General Mechanical Ventilation**: Essential in confined spaces for proper combustion. - **Welding Fumes**: Employers must provide sufficient ventilation to keep fumes within safe limits. - **Testing Atmosphere in Excavations**: Required for areas over 4-foot depth where oxygen deficiency might exist. **5. Head Protection ** - **Helmet Specifications**: - Must be water-resistant, slow burning, and made from a single piece (no seams). - Must include manufacturer name, American National Standard designation, and class inside. - **Weight Limitations**: Class A or C head protection cannot exceed 15 ounces. **6. Scaffolding Regulations ** - **Safety During Weather**: No work on scaffolding during storms, snow, icing, or high winds. - **Top Edge Height**: Top rails must be installed between 38" and 45" above platform surface. - **Load Support**: Scaffolds must support their weight and at least 4 times the maximum intended load. **7. Excavation Safety ** - **Utility Location**: Contact utility companies at least 24 hours before digging; in Texas, call 811 at least 48 hours before. - **Egress from Trenches**: For excavations 4 feet deep, egress means must be within 25 feet. - **Engineering Requirement**: Sloping or benching for excavations over 20 feet must be designed by a registered professional engineer. **8. Hazardous Chemicals ** - **Labeling**: OSHA requires hazardous chemical labels to include: - Chemical hazards - Manufacturer and product identifiers **9. Footwear Safety ** - **Protective Footwear**: Required in areas with risks from electrical shock, piercing, or falling objects. **10. Eye Protection ** - **Injury Prevention**: Safety glasses, face shields, and safety goggles can prevent most eye injuries. **Summary** Understanding and implementing safety regulations and the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is critical for ensuring a safe working environment. Employers have significant responsibilities to provide the necessary equipment and training to protect workers from various hazards. Always adhere to safety guidelines to minimize risks.