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BOS 4025, OSHA Standards 1

Learning Objectives Upon completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate the ability to locate and interpret the OSHA standards in Subparts O-S.

2. Define key terms common to the standards covered in this module. 3. Apply the OSHA standards in Subparts O-S to real-world situations.

Unit Lesson The machine guarding standards in Subpart O deal primarily with, well, guarding of machines. However, it is not as easy as it sounds. The requirements begin with this broad statement:

One or more methods of machine guarding shall be provided to protect the operator and other employees in the machine area from hazards such as those created by point of operation, ingoing nip points, rotating parts, flying chips and sparks (OSHA, n.d., 1910.212(a)(1)).

While the standards provide some specifics for woodworking equipment, abrasive wheel machinery, and others, it is not possible for OSHA to address all possible types and configurations of equipment used in industrial environments. Mechanical power presses, in particular, are very challenging to guard effectively. It is no surprise that these standards are consistently in OSHA’s lists of the top 10 most frequently cited standards. It is also important to note that there is no “grandfather clause” in the machine guarding standards. This means that machines and equipment purchased or installed before the OSHA standards went into effect are not exempt; guarding is still required. Many safety engineers have created lucrative consulting careers around designing and installing machine guards that comply with the standards. Newly purchased machines may come with a statement from the manufacturer that they “meet OSHA standards,” but remember that if OSHA determines that the equipment does not in fact meet the standards, they will cite and fine the employer, not the equipment manufacturer. Caveat emptor! (Let the buyer beware!) Related to the machine guarding is Subpart P, a group of standards that involve the use of hand and power tools in the workplace. This set of standards deals with everything from explosive actuated fastening tools and power lawnmowers to use of compressed air for cleaning, jacks, and hand-held power saws.

Reading Assignments See below to access the required reading material for this unit.

Supplemental Reading See information below.

Learning Activities (Non-Graded) See information below.

Key Terms 1. Abrasive wheel 2. Ampacity 3. Authorized person 4. Bite 5. Class I locations 6. Class II locations 7. Class III locations 8. Competent person 9. Cutting off wheels

10. Feeding 11. Mechanical power

press 12. Off-hand grinding 13. Overcurrent 14. Pinch point 15. Point of operation 16. Power transmission 17. Readily accessible

UNIT V STUDY GUIDE Subparts O–S: Machine Guarding, Welding, Special Industries, and Electrical

BOS 4025, OSHA Standards 2

Three distinct types of welding and cutting processes are covered in Subpart Q: oxygen-fuel gas welding and cutting, arc welding and cutting, and resistance welding. You can judge the relative hazards of each type by the length of each section.

All welding/cutting operations bring unique hazards to the workplace. Compressed gases such as oxygen, acetylene, argon, and carbon dioxide can create fire and asphyxiation hazards if not handled and used properly. Additional airborne hazards are created by the heating of metals, welding rods, and welding flux. High voltage electricity is present in arc and resistance welding, as well as non-ionizing radiation from welding flash. Fire generated by molten metal ‘sparks' is always a concern. Subpart R deals with special industries. These standards were developed due to unique hazards present in these industries but not adequately addressed elsewhere. They are vertical standards in that they apply to specific industries, as opposed to horizontal standards that apply across the board. Take some time to scan through these standards, but spend a bit more time with Electric Power Generation, Transmission, Distribution (1910.269), and Grain Handling Facilities (1910.272). These two industries are widespread throughout the U.S. and are useful examples of the comprehensiveness of some of the special industry standards.

Safety poster about the dangers of compressed air, circa 1942 (NARA, 2011)

OSHA radiation spectrum showing non-ionizing radiation and ionizing radiation on an electromagnetic spectrum (Ti-30X, 2009)

BOS 4025, OSHA Standards 3

The first electrical safety standards issued by OSHA were essentially a reprint of the National Electrical Code (NFPA-70) in effect at the time, published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Over the years, OSHA has made some updates to the standards to conform to more current editions of NFPA 70, but the rulemaking process is slow and does not always keep up with the changes. 1910.302 through 1910.308 in Subpart S represent the minimum requirements for workplace electrical installations, wiring design and protection, wiring methods and components, and hazardous locations. In many locations, electrical safety requirements are also included in local building codes. Some local jurisdictions have adopted the most current edition of NFPA 70, which may be more restrictive than the OSHA standards. Electrical safety-related work practices are also found in Subpart S (1910.331– 335). These standards are concerned with qualifications of persons who work with and around live electrical components. They also provide required safety practices for working with and around electricity, including live electrical components and overhead power lines. After 1910.335, there are a number of standard numbers left vacant for the promulgation of new electrical standards in the future. Finally, at 1910.399, we find an extensive list of definitions that apply to Subpart S.

References

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). (2011). When you are wringing wet with sweat... A cool breeze is a thrill... But compressed air at such a time... Is very apt... - NARA – 535327 [Graphic]. Retrieved from http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:When_you_are_wringing_ wet_with_sweat..._A_cool_breeze_is_a_thrill..._But_compressed_air_ at_such_a_time..._ Is_very_apt..._-_NARA_-_535327.jpg

Occupational Safety and Health Administration [OSHA], (n.d.). 29 CFR

1910.212, General requirements for all machines. Retrieved from: http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=S TANDARDS&p_id=9836

Ti-30X. (2009). OSHA radiation spectrum [Graphic]. Retrieved from

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:OSHA_radiation_spectrum.jpg

Reading Assignments This course does not have a specific textbook. Instead, you will be using actual OSHA standards from the U.S. Department of Labor’s OSHA website, as well as other relevant materials. To access the required reading material for this unit, copy and paste each URL below into your Internet browser. OSHA Standards: 1910.212 through 1910.399: http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owastand.display_standard_group?p_toc_le vel=1&p_part_number=1910

Supplemental Reading Learn more about this week’s topic at the following websites. To access the supplemental reading material for this unit, copy and paste each URL below into your Internet browser.

BOS 4025, OSHA Standards 4

Machine Guarding Presentation: http://online.columbiasouthern.edu/CSU_Content/courses/Emergency_Service s/BOS/BOS4025/12C/UnitV_MachineGuardingPresentation.pdf Machine Guarding eTool: http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/machineguarding/index.html OSHA Publication 3080, Hand and Power Tools: http://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3080.html Electrical Safety: http://www.osha.gov/dte/library/electrical/electrical.pdf OSHA Publication 3075, Controlling Electrical Hazards: http://www.osha.gov/Publications/3075.html

Learning Activities (Non-Graded)

1. In 2012, 1910.305 was number seven on OSHA’s top 10 most frequently cited standards list and number seven on OSHA’s list of highest penalties assessed. The standards for electrical installations and wiring are complex and often misunderstood, even by professional electricians. If your organization has an electrical safety inspection checklist, see if you can get a copy. If not, you can find one on the Internet. Use the checklist to conduct an informal electrical safety inspection of your workplace. Assess the risks presented by any violations you find. Do you think these violations would cause serious injury?

2. Visit your local library, and see if they have a copy of the National

Electrical Code Handbook published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). This is one of the best references for understanding electrical safety requirements. Most of the original standards in Subpart S came from NFPA’s National Electrical Code (NFPA 70).

3. Visit a local auto repair shop, and ask if you can get a tour of the

welding operations (tell them that it is research for a college course). Take note of any violations of the welding standards you observe. If the shop owner is interested, discuss what you found, and provide suggestions for improving compliance and making the operation safer.

Non-graded learning activities are provided to aid students in their course of study. You do not have to submit them. If you have any questions, contact your instructor for further guidance and information.