elaws - OSHA Hazard Awareness Advisor

	U.S. Department of Labor

www.dol.gov/elaws

December 3, 2008 DOL Home > elaws Advisors > OSHA Hazard Awareness Advisor

- OSHA Hazard Awareness Advisor

Help for the OSHA Hazard Awareness Advisor

Help for the Help Screen

Whenever the Help button appears you can get additional information about the question or a definition of key words.

Please confirm the SIC group classification

You can accept or change the classification of your firm.

If you wish to make a major change, for example from Wholesale Trade to Manufacturing, please use the browser's Back button to go back to the previous screen.

This is the MAIN MENU for the program.

The top button, Hazard Awareness Program, will lead you through a series of questions to identify health and safety issues that can be of importance to your company.

The bottom five buttons, under Information Please, provide a variety of information useful to understanding OSHA regulations and safety and health hazards. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) button will link you to the BLS Safety and Health Statistics web page where you can view and download injury and illness data categorized by industry, occupation, type and source of injury, etc.

Activities

Please select those activities that your employees perform during their normal work day; include the principal activities of the firm as well as support activities such as maintenance and servicing.

These are activities that can be performed by firms of various sizes. It is not only for the principal activities of the firm but also for maintenance and servicing workers and the activities they perform.

Check the Keywords for specific item help.

You indicated that your workers performed welding activities.

Please select the types of welding that are performed in your facility.

Check the Keywords for specific item help.

Do workers use any flammable materials such as solvents or thinners, or reactive chemicals in the course of their normal activities?

For additional information you can check regulation 1910.107 Spray finishing using flammable and combustible materials.

Check the Keywords for specific item help.

Equipment

A wide variety of equipment is listed which may be used in your facility. The advisor may present you with additional lists later in the program.

Check the Keywords for specific item help.

Equipment (Continued)

A wide variety of equipment is listed which may be used in your facility. The advisor may present you with additional lists later in the program.

Check the Keywords for specific item help.

Different types of ladders or platforms have different regulations

For additional information you can check regulations:

1910.25 Portable wood ladders
1910.26 Portable metal ladders
1910.29 Manually propelled mobile ladder stands and scaffolds
1910.66 Powered platforms for building maintenance
1910.67 Vehicle-mounted elevating and rotating work platforms
1910.68 Manlifts.

Check the Keywords for specific item help.

You indicated that you have machinery or process equipment in your facility. Please select those that apply from this list. The advisor may present you with additional lists later in the program.

For additional information you can check regulations:

1910.218 Forging machines
1910.215 Abrasive wheel machinery
1910.217 Mechanical power presses
1910.219 Mechanical power-transmission apparatus
1910.213 Woodworking machinery requirements
1910.212 General requirements for all machines

Check the Keywords for specific item help.

Material Handling Equipment

You indicated that you have material handling equipment in your facility. Please select those that apply from this list.

For additional information you can check regulations:

1910.178 Powered industrial trucks
1910.179 Overhead and gantry cranes
1910.180 Crawler locomotive and truck cranes
1910.181 Derricks
1910.183 Helicopters
1910.184 Slings

Check the Keywords for specific item help.

Facilities

Establishments come in different sizes and shapes. Describing the physical features of the building you occupy helps the advisor identify potential safety and health hazards.

Check the Keywords for specific item help.

A wide variety of workers may come into contact with blood or other bodily fluids. This may be because they are cleaning rooms, sidewalks, vehicles or other places where these fluids have been spilled or they are providing some other service such as security guards, or emergency room workers where they might come in contact with blood.

For more information you can check regulation 1910.1030 Blood-borne Pathogens.

The location of the painting that is performed affects the types of regulations and PPE that need to be reviewed.

The location of the welding that is performed affects the types of regulations and PPE that need to be reviewed.

The environment where the welding is performed directly affects the types of regulations and PPE that are needed.

These safety features help prevent falls and slips in and around hazardous areas.

For more information you can check regulation 1910.22 General requirements for walking-working surfaces.

Falls through skylights can be reduced using proper safety measures.

For more information you can check regulation 1910.23 Guarding floor and wall openings and holes.

These types of spaces are confined spaces. Special procedures may need to be followed when working there.

For more information you can check regulation 1910.146 Permit- required confined spaces.

The combination of ammonia and bleach solutions results in the rapid release of chlorine gas, which can be fatal.

For more information you can check regulation 1910.1000 Air Contaminants.

Fire Fighting Equipment

Please identify for the advisor, the type of fire fighting equipment present at your facility in order to determine if your combination of equipment is suitable for the environment. OSHA does not consider the small 'home' fire detectors and alarms to be part of a 'system.'

For additional information you can check regulations:

1910.157 Portable fire extinguishers
1910.158 Standpipe and hose systems
1910.159 Automatic sprinkler systems
1910.164 Fire detection systems
1910.165 Employee alarm systems
1910.160 Fixed extinguishing systems, general

Please identify for the advisor, the type of fixed fire extinguishing system present at your facility. These are systems that are a permanent part of the building.

For additional information you can check regulations:

1910.161 Dry chemical
1910.162 Gaseous agent
1910.163 Water spray and foam
1910.160 General

Specific regulations exist for these facilities and processes.

For additional information you can check regulations:

1910.265 Sawmills
1910.266 Logging operations
1910.261 Pulp, paper, and paper-board mills
1910.30 Other working surfaces

Many types of facilities are engaged in the cleanup of hazardous wastes as a result of their own process activities or because of environmental actions.

For more information you can check regulation 1910.120 Hazardous waste operations and emergency response.

Textiles can create hazardous environments.

OSHA has specific regulations for facilities that process cotton. For more information you can check regulations 1910.262 Textiles and 1910.1043 Cotton Dust.

Check the Keywords for specific item help.

Commercial/Industrial bakeries have special hazards.

OSHA has specific regulations for these facilities. For more information you can check regulation 1910.263 Bakery equipment.

Large scale laundry operations have special hazards.

OSHA has specific regulations for these facilities. For more information you can check regulations 1910.264 Laundry machinery and operations and 1910.1000 Air Contaminants.

The generation, transmission and distribution of power has special hazards.

OSHA has specific regulations for these facilities. For more information you can check regulation 1910.269 Electric power generation, transmission, and distribution.

Check the Keywords for specific item help.

Grain handing operations have special hazards.

OSHA has specific regulations for these facilities. For more information you can check regulation 1910.272 Grain handling facilities.

Commercial diving operations have special hazards.

OSHA has specific regulations for these activities. For more information you can check regulation 1910.401-1910.441 Commercial diving operations (Subpart T).

Materials

Please select those materials that your employees may use during their normal work activities; include materials used for the principal activities of the firm as well as those used for support activities such as maintenance and servicing.

If specific terms are unfamiliar to you, please check the Keywords.

Gasses

You indicated that you have compressed gasses on site. Please select those that you use.

For additional information you can the check regulations:

1910.102 Acetylene
1910.103 Hydrogen
1910.104 Oxygen
1910.105 Nitrous oxide.

Describing the symptoms of your workers can help determine which safety features and PPE could be helpful with your environment.

Some OSHA regulations provide exceptions for firms with fewer than ten employees, and special consultation for those with fewer than 100 employees.

A fire brigade is a trained fire-fighting team operated by a company for its own needs. OSHA has specific regulations for this activity.

For more information you can check regulations:

1910.156 Fire brigades
1910.120 Hazardous waste operations and emergency response
1910.1030 Blood-borne Pathogens

Check the Keywords for specific item help.

Personal Protective Equipment

A wide variety of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) can be used in establishments. Consult an industrial hygienist or safety professional for assistance in selecting appropriate equipment.

Blast Media

The abrasive materials used in blasting can be hazardous to unprotected workers. Specific protective measures may be required to protect workers.

For more information you can check regulations:

1910.215 Abrasive wheel machinery
1910.1000 Air Contaminants
1910.1200 Hazard Communication

Blast Media

The materials that are removed by abrasive blasting can be hazardous to unprotected workers. Specific protective measures may be required.

For more information you can check regulations:

1910.1000 Air Contaminants
1910.1200 Hazard Communication
1910.1025 Lead
1910.1020 Exposure & Medical Records Access

Painting activities and exposures differ as a result of the location and practices employed.

No OSHA regulations are presently in place for workers who drive on-the-job. Employers may find assistance in promoting safe driving from their insurance carrier.

Paint stripping activities and exposures differ as a result of the location and practices employed.

For more information you can check regulation:

1910.1052 Methylene Chloride about exposure information

Painting

The methods for applying paint may pose different hazards for workers. Specific engineering controls and personal protective equipment can substantially reduce the health impacts.

For more information you can check regulations:

1910.107 Spray finishing using flammable and combustible materials
1910.94 Ventilation
1910.1000 Air Contaminants
1910.122-.126 Dip tanks containing flammable or combustible liquids

Blasting is typically performed in one of these environments, each of which can have different requirements for safety such as respirators and blasting hoods or exhaust ventilation.

Exhaust ventilation is an important engineering control that improves visibility.

A blasting hood is needed to protect workers from flying abrasive particles and debris.

There are different requirements for safe use of grinders.

For more information you can check regulations:

1910.212 General requirements for all machines
1910.215 Abrasive wheel machinery

Machines designed for a fixed location should be securely anchored to prevent them from being tipped over, or moved during operation.

An appropriate work rest helps the worker control the grinding operation.

Poor aisle clearance can lead to worker injury and damaged equipment and products.

For more information you can check regulation:

1910.22 General requirements for walking-working surfaces.

Machine guards protect workers during operation.

For more information you can check regulation:

1910.212 General requirements for all machines
1910.213 Woodworking machinery requirements

Safe floor layouts and operating practices contribute to worker safety and improved production.

Chains and slings become more dangerous as they wear out.

Using compressed air can kick up dust and particles which can injure workers.

For more information you can check regulation:

1910.242 Hand and portable powered tools and equipment, general

Compressed gas cylinders must be kept in an isolated storage area to minimize the potential impacts of cylinder leaks or explosions.

For more information you can check regulations:

1910.252 Welding, cutting, and brazing, general requirements
1910.101 Compressed gases (general requirements)

Combustible material near diptanks could lead to a fire, which might then ignite the liquid in the diptanks.

For more information you can check regulation:

1910.122-.126 concerning dip tanks

If portable dockboards or ramps are not anchored or secured, they may slip, possibly leading to worker injury or equipment damage.

For more information you can check regulation 1910.30 Other working surfaces.

These control boxes must be marked with identification.

For more information you can check regulation:

Subpart S - Electrical

Check the Keywords for specific item help.

Flexible extension cords should not be used as a substitute for permanent wiring.

For more information you can check regulation:

1910.301-1910.399 Electrical safety requirements (Subpart S).

When fans are located lower than 7' from the floor, their blades must be enclosed.

For more information you can check regulation:

1910.212 General requirements for all machines

There are maintenance and record-keeping requirements for portable fire extinguishers.

Flammable liquids must be kept in covered containers or tanks when not in use.

Work Environment

Please describe the work environment that is found in your facility. Each of these factors can contribute to workplace hazards.

Check the Keywords for other specific item help.

Your past health and safety experience can be indicative of an unsafe work environment rather than just seemingly random events.

Floor holes into which persons may accidentally walk must have safeguards.

For more information you can check regulation:

1910.23 Guarding floor and wall openings and holes

Trucks must have brakes set and wheels chocked when they are boarded with forklift trucks.

For more information you can check regulation:

1910.178 Powered industrial trucks

The presence of chemicals necessitates communicating hazards by labels and warning sheets (1910.1200 Hazard Communication) and process safety management minimizing the consequences of a catastrophic release of chemicals (1910.119 Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals).

HELP - What's on the Main Menu?

The Hazard Awareness Program.

To begin the program press the button "Let's complete a review." The Advisor will ask a series of questions designed to identify your potential hazards. Following the questions, the Advisor will prepare a text report which you can later review.

Information Please

These hypertext links provide data, contacts, and other information you may find useful for improving safety and health in your workplace.

Give me a contact for the OSHA Consultation Service.
Please show me the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics Injury and Illness Data
Please show me a brief description of OSHA's regulations
Where are the OSHA regional offices?
Please show me the OSHA regulated chemicals.

Portable ladders used in any of these fashions must be secured and must extend 3 feet beyond the point of contact.

For more information you can check regulations:

1910.25 Portable wood ladders
1910.27 Fixed ladders

Mechanical power presses must be regularly inspected and maintained.

For more information you can check regulation:

1910.217 Mechanical power presses

Special handtools should be used for reaching into a point of operation.

Even if employees supply their own personal protective equipment, the employer must still ensure it is adequate and properly maintained.

For more information you can check regulation:

1910.132 General requirements, personal protective equipment.

Railings must be at least 42 inches high to prevent falls.

Engineering controls such as exhaust ventilation are the first line of protection against air contaminants. Without adequate engineering controls, workers may continue to be overexposed if they remove or dislodge their respirators.

Paint stripping activities and exposures differ as a result of the location and practices employed.

For more information about exposure limits you can check regulation:

1910.1052 Methylene Chloride

These measures are needed to ensure that the respirator chosen is appropriate to the hazard, and that respirators are properly used and maintained.

Check the Keywords for specific item help.

These measures will both protect workers on scaffolds against falls and pedestrians walking beneath scaffolds against injury from falling objects.

For more information you can check regulation:

1910.29 Manually propelled mobile ladder stands and scaffolds (towers).

These measures ensure that the spray painting booth or area is a clean, safe working environment.

For more information you can check regulations:

1910.94 Ventilation
1910.107 Spray finishing using flammable and combustible materials

This danger necessitates the use of goggles or face shields.

For more information you can check regulation:

1910.133 Eye and face protection

These measures help prevent tripping and falling and also ensure adequate and safe egress during emergencies (such as evacuations).

These questions will help assess the need for (or quality of) protections in place against dangerous fumes and eye hazards.

Check the Keywords for specific item help.

Ladders must be regularly inspected for defects.

For more information you can check regulation:

1910.25 Portable wood ladders.

Blank

Guards are needed to prevent operators from reaching into points-of-operation.

Regulations govern the layout and operation of temporary labor camps (1910.142).

Permanent places of employment (such as fixed buildings) must have adequate sanitary and housekeeping facilities (1910.141).

Employees may need protective hand equipment, such as special gloves.

For more information you can check regulation 1910.138 Hand protection.

Different companies have different environments and therefore would need to consider different situations.

There are requirements governing many aspects of vehicular repair and maintenance.

For additional information you can check regulations:

1910.177 Servicing multi-piece and single piece rim wheels
1910.1001 Asbestos
1910.1000 Air Contaminants
1910.134 Respiratory protection
1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)
1910.22 General requirements for walking-working surfaces

Please select those activities that your employees perform during their normal work day; include the principal activities in the firm as well as support activities such as maintenance and servicing.

Equi pment

A wide variety of equipment is listed which may be used in your facility. The advisor may present you with additional lists later in the program.

Please select the types of ladders or platforms found in your establishment.

For additional information you can check regulations:

1910.25 Portable wood ladders
1910.26 Portable metal ladders
1910.29 Manually propelled mobile ladder stands and scaffold (towers)
1910.66 Powered platforms for building maintenance
1910.67 Vehicle-mounted elevating and rotating work platforms

Material Handling Equipment.

You indicated that you have material handling equipment in your facility. Please select those that apply from this list. The advisor may present you with additional lists later in the program.

For additional information you can check regulations:

1910.178 Powered industrial trucks
1910.179 Overhead and gantry cranes
1910.184 Slings

Check the Keywords for specific item help.

Material Handling Equipment

You indicated that you have material handling equipment in your facility. Please select those that apply from this list. The advisor may present you with additional lists later in the program.

For additional information you can check regulations:

1910.178 Powered industrial trucks
1910.179 Overhead and gantry cranes

Check the Keywords for specific item help.

Facil ities

Establishments come in different sizes and shapes. Describing the physical features of the building you occupy helps the advisor identify potential safety and health hazards.

Facilities

Chains should be employed in order to prevent the cylinders from falling over and damaging themselves, possibly exploding.

For more information you can check regulation 1910.101 Compressed gases (general requirements).

Painting

The methods for applying paint may pose different hazards for workers.

Specific engineering controls and personal protective equipment can substantially reduce the health impacts.

For more information you can check regulations:

1910.107 Spray finishing using flammable and combustible materials
1910.94 Ventilation
1910.1000 Air Contaminants

Work Environment

Please describe the work environment that is found in your facility. Each of these factors can contribute to workplace hazards.

Check the Keywords for other specific item help.

There are requirements governing the installation, design, placement, and use of mills and calendars.

For more information you can check regulation 1910.216 Mills and calendars in the rubber and plastics industries.

Training for Powered Industrial Trucks

Recently OSHA has added requirements for formal evaluation and training for operators of powered industrial trucks.

Built before 1981?

A building's age is a useful indicator of the possible presence of asbestos. Exposure to asbestos is highly regulated.

For more information you can check regulation 1910.1001 Asbestos.

+ Vinyl-asbestos floor tile
+ Trowel on/spray on wall covering
+ Thermal-system insulation

These materials may contain or conceal asbestos. Exposure to asbestos is highly regulated.

For more information you can check regulation 1910.1001 Asbestos.

Exposure to asbestos is highly regulated.

For more information you can check regulation 1910.1001 Asbestos.

These pieces of equipment require certain safety features, like safety interlocks, machine guards, panic bars, or emergency lighting.

For more information you can check regulation 1910.212 General requirements for all machines.

These specifications help ensure that workers do not slip and that emergency evacuations are safe.

For more information you can check regulations:

1910.37 Means of egress, general
1910.22 General requirements for walking-working surfaces

Ground fault circuit interrupters protect against electrical shock in wet areas.

For more information you can check regulation Subpart S - Electrical.

Exhaust hoods must be regularly inspected and cleaned to ensure their efficacy.

Ammonia may leak, leading to a potentially deadly hazard.

For more information you can check regulation 1910.111 Storage and handling of anhydrous ammonia.

Walk-in coolers need these features so that workers do not become trapped inside.

Certain particular safety standards apply to telecommunication centers and field installations (1910.268 Telecommunications).

6b Chemicals

These are chemicals for which OSHA has issued comprehensive standards governing their use and the means of worker protection.

Other chemical agents are regulated by 1910.1000 with the Z-Table listing of permissible exposure limits.

See also Sub Part Z - Toxic and Hazardous Substances. You can add a copy of the Z-Tables to your final report.

Welding Materials

Welding on different types of metals and coatings create different worker exposure hazards.

For more information you can check regulation 1910.1000 Air Contaminants.

Eating and Drinking Areas

A separate lunchroom may be needed to ensure that food and beverages are not consumed in the presence of toxic materials.

OSHA does not have a regulation requiring lunchrooms. However workers using toxic materials must be protected against accidentally ingesting these materials. One way for the employer to accomplish this is to have a separate eating area.

For information concerning the consumption of food and beverages check regulation 1910.141 Sanitation.

OSHA Regulated Chemicals

You can add any or all of these lists of chemicals to your final report. Before the end of the program, the Advisor will ask if you wish to append them to your report.

OSHA Regional Offices

OSHA regional offices are responsible for the Area Offices in their region.