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Hanson Safety Services has gathered a list of common questions and answers related to workplace safety. Please click the topic below to read all the related Q & A for that topic:
DISCLAIMER:
Answers to FAQs on this page are most consistent with South Carolina OSHA standards. Please seek other resources regarding Federal OSHA standards to ensure compliance in other states. Additionally, answers provided on this page do not automatically imply or guarantee compliance with OSHA in South Carolina or any other state. It is each company's responsibility to thoroughly research and implement the policies, programs and work practices that offer the greatest level of worker protection.
HEARING CONSERVATION / NOISE
When are employees in construction required to have Audiograms?
When or how would a contractor know that a Hearing Conservation Program and/or Audiograms are required based on 29 CFR 1926.52? Protection against the effects noise has on hearing for construction workers is required:
1926.52(b) When employees are subjected to sound levels exceeding those listed in Table D-2 of this section, feasible administrative or engineering controls shall be utilized. If such controls fail to reduce sound levels within the levels of the table, personal protective equipment as required in Subpart E, shall be provided and used to reduce sound levels within the levels of the table.
and; Employers are put on notice to provide a hearing conservation program when:
1926.52(d)(1) In all cases where the sound levels exceed the values shown herein, a continuing, effective hearing conservation program shall be administered.
Audiograms would be an essential part of an effective hearing conservation program because they would show that the employees are maintaining their hearing over time.
Would a steel fabricating shop fall under 29 CFR 1910 v. 1926 Hearing Conservation requirements?
Yes. The steel fabrication shop would fall under the general industry standard §1910.95.
In the event that testing reveals that the contractor is below action levels for requirements to implement a mandatory hearing conservation program, is offering hearing protection for voluntary use acceptable?
Yes, when not required by standard, the voluntary use of hearing protection is acceptable and encouraged by the State of South Carolina OSHA. It is also recommended that when employees are voluntarily using hearing protection that they be given instructions on how to properly use it and replace it when necessary. back to top
AERIAL WORK PLATFORMS (AWP)
When using a boom platform, what fall protection equipment is required?
A full body harness, lanyard, and anchorage points must be used.
What is aerial lift working height, as compared to platform height?
Most lift manufacturers consider platform height to be where your feet are, and working height is considered six feet above that. Most lift models indicate platform height, so add 6’ to get working height.
An operator performed a prestart inspection, then was called away to perform another task. If another operator used the lift while he was gone, is the original operator then required to perform another prestart inspection?
Yes, another prestart inspection is required. No assumptions should be made about regarding the state the lift was left in. If anything were to go wrong once the original operator resumes control of the lift, he would be responsible.
If the engine quits and will not restart while a lift operator is onboard, is there an alternate means of lowering the boom?
Yes. Simply pull the start switch in the opposite direction. This will start the auxiliary power pump and allow you to lower the unit safely to the ground. (This can be done with the basket controls or from the ground controls.)
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SCAFFOLDING
For more complete information on scaffolding, please refer to the Scaffolds in the Construction Industry document on the OSHA web site. The information below is taken directly from this OSHA document.
What are the capacity requirements for all scaffolds?
Each scaffold and scaffold component must support without failure its own weight and at least four times the maximum intended load applied or transmitted to it.
A qualified person must design the scaffolds, which are loaded in accordance with that design.
Scaffolds and scaffold components must not be loaded in excess of their maximum intended loads or rated capacities, whichever is less.
Load carrying timber members should be a minimum of 1,500 lb-f/in2 construction grade lumber.
What are scaffold platform construction requirements?
Each platform must be planked and decked as fully as possible with the space between the platform and uprights not more than 1 inch (2.5
centimeters) wide. The space must not exceed 9 inches (24.1 centimeters) when side brackets or odd-shaped structures result in a wider opening between the platform and the uprights.
What are the requirements for scaffold planking?
Scaffold planking must be able to support, without failure, its own weight and at least four times the intended load. Solid sawn wood, fabricated planks, and fabricated platforms may be used as scaffold planks following the recommendations by the manufacturer or a lumber grading association or inspection agency.
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Please contact Jeff Hanson for the answers to any other workplace safety questions you may have!
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