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Loss Prevention Bulletins

Top 10 most frequently cited OSHA standards

Pay attention to the areas OSHA does.

Ideally your business should be in compliance with all state and federal regulations, however this is often difficult due to limited resources. So let’s talk about using your time to get the “biggest bang for the buck”. A business should put their effort towards complying with those specific OSHA regulations most frequently identified as problem issues.

Let’s review the top ten list and recommended solutions.

Standard Cited Description

1. 1910.1200 Hazard communication
2. 1910.134 Respiratory protection
3. 1910.215 Abrasive wheel machinery
4. 1910.303 Electrical systems, general requirements
5. 1910.0132 Personal protective equip, general requirements
6. 1910.0305 Electrical - wiring, components and equipment
7. 1910.0022 General requirements - housekeeping and floor loading
8. 1910.0151 Medical services and first aid
9. 1910.0157 Portable fire extinguishers
10. 1910.107 Spray finishing with flammables/combustibles

Hazard communication

This has been the number one cited standard since being issued in the 1980’s. Compliance is not easy due to the complexity of the program. Requirements include a written program, chemical list, material safety data sheets (MSDS) to match each chemical listed and employee training. The closing paragraph will guide you to additional sources of help.

Respiratory protection

Once again this is too complicated of a standard to address in this small space. Requirements include a written program, hazard evaluation, medical evaluations of affected employees, employee training and equipment storage and maintenance.

Abrasive wheel machinery

Bench and pedestal grinders must be equipped with a tool rest, spindle guard and tongue guard. The tool rest and tongue guards must be adjusted close to the grinding wheel, within 1/8th of an inch. Grinders must be attached to the bench or floor to keep them from moving while in operation.

Electrical – General requirements

This standard addresses electrical hazards in the workplace. Electrical equipment must be free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees. It states that circuit breakers or other “disconnecting device” must be labeled/marked to “identify its purpose”. Also requires a three foot clear zone (no storage) in front of electrical panels, fuse boxes and other electrical equipment.

Personal protective equipment

Provide adequate PPE for employees including eye wear; splash shield, gloves and apron (for handling battery acid); and respiratory protection where required. Recent revisions require the employer to complete a written hazard evaluation of the workplace to determine employee hazards and the PPE necessary to protect them.

Electrical – Wiring, components and equipment

Describes general requirements for permanent and temporary wiring. Citations on this standard often involve improper or overuse of extension cords (temporary wiring) where permanent wiring (in conduit) is required.

General requirements – Housekeeping and floor loading

Addresses among other things the employer’s responsibility to maintain a clean workplace, clear aisle ways and to post safe floor load limits where required. One of the most common citations results from the failure to post a safe floor load limit sign in mezzanine or second floor storage areas. The standard states: “In every building…the loads approved by the building official shall be marked on plates of approved design…”

Medical services and first aid

This standard requires “ready availability” of medical services for injured employees. The second part of this standard is the more frequently cited portion as it requires “suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body (read eye wash stations)” where eyes or body are exposed to corrosive chemicals or materials.

Portable fire extinguishers

Where portable fire extinguishers are provided and employees are expected to use them to fight incipient–stage fires, the following apply: extinguishers must be mounted and identified (on a wall with proper signage); adequate in number and type for the existing fire hazards; inspected (visually each month) and maintained (annually); and employee training (at hire and at least annually thereafter). There are many more requirements that you should become familiar with.

Spray finishing with flammables/combustibles

Establishes minimum standards for spray paint booth and spray operations. This standard is quite extensive and addresses everything from clogged filters to the need to post “No Smoking” signs. Most importantly, it requires that the booth and upstream and downstream sides of the filters must be protected by an automatic sprinkler system (or other fire protection system).

Where to find help

There is help available for businesses, some of it from OSHA. For additional help you can contact your local OSHA office or visit their Website at www.osha.gov. The best help is available in the “Outreach - Small Business” section where you can find sample programs. There are also areas for “frequently asked questions” and “interpretations.” Complete standards can be printed off of the website if desired. Our Loss Prevention Guidebook includes information on these standards and sample programs.

If you have any questions or comments, contact your Zurich account executive or the Loss Prevention Department at 800-821-7803.

This bulletin in pdf format:

LC-013G 12-07 Š2007 Zurich American Insurance Company

This Loss Prevention Bulletin is provided for informational purposes only. Please consult with qualified legal counsel to address your particular circumstances and needs. Zurich is not providing legal advice and assumes no liability concerning the information set forth above.

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