Hi all,
I have been looking and looking and can't find my answer. We are about to move a small operation to a remote location a mile or so down the road so we can create some room so we can re-layout our plant. This is only temporary, maybe a year. We have all the basic safety stuff in place but I am wondering if anybody could give me a checklist of things we need to have in place to comply with OSHA prior to associates working at this sight. (EAP, construction requirements for exit routes, testing, etc.)

Thanks

In a nutshell... Everything that you have at the permanent location.

Just modify your existing procedures to add the temp location and do some re-training to reinforce that all company safety policies are in effect.
Things like Bloodborn pathogens, PPE, lifting, etc should easily transfer.

As far as specifics, you will probably need the following to suit the new site:
Emergency Action Plan (with exit maps)
Proper signage on any exit/non-exit doors
Clear exit aisles
Do an exit drill so everyone know what the alarm in the new place sounds like
Proper storage for any flammables
Confined space awareness may be needed
Noise levels might change depending on your operation so you might want to check levels in operation
Eyewash/emergency shower locations


As I think of more, I'll add.

Hi Casey,

I do not have a checklist, but here are a few items:

Hazard Communication, MSDS sheets: http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=10099

First Aid Kit

Emergency Contacts List

Forklift Training Records

Fire Extinguishers

Emergency Evacuation Routes, and designated meeting area outside of the building.

Place for washing hands prior to eating, and eating area away from any hazardous materials, restrooms.

x-ray radiation badges, if applicable.

Lock-out, tag-out equipment for electrical equipment servicing.

Aisle markings on floor, that must be kept clear of materials.

Signs for eye protection, ear protection, hard hat required areas, safety shoes, if applicable, and a supply of this equipment for visitors.

Wes R.

Fire Extinguishers



And signs that show where the fire extinguishers are located!

I'll speak as probably the only true EHS professional so far in this discussion.

Bottom line, you are required to do those things exactly the way you would anywhere else...Identify applicable regulatory requirements ( http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owastand.display_standard_group?p_toc_level=1&p_part_number=1910 ) and comply with them. Additionally you may need to meet the requirements for posted information and maybe records generation.

I'll speak as probably the only true EHS professional so far in this discussion.



Well, geez Randy, that's somewhat insulting.
I may not have certifications but I've been doing the thankless job of OSHA compliance as a primary job responsibility for 16 years.

harumph!

Now now people.

A quick lookup rendered me this site to look at: http://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_General_Facts/VarianceFactS.pdf

Let me stress that such a tactic is not, and should not be considered a license to relax our safety standards and practices. However, it seems OSHA has prepared an outlet for contingencies that we might consider.

Now now people.

A quick lookup rendered me this site to look at: http://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_General_Facts/VarianceFactS.pdf

Let me stress that such a tactic is not, and should not be considered a license to relax our safety standards and practices. However, it seems OSHA has prepared an outlet for contingencies that we might consider.

Good thought, but I think that's got more to do with individual standards than a mass variance for a temporary location. You know, like if OSHA implemented a new standard for control of pointy sticks and your company can't comply totally by the time the standard become effective.

Well, geez Randy, that's somewhat insulting.
I may not have certifications but I've been doing the thankless job of OSHA compliance as a primary job responsibility for 16 years.

harumph!

Sorry, but I just went by the profile information. I'll toss my 20+ years and Summa Cum Laud, 4.0, OH&S Management degree aside and defer to you other guys then.:lol:

Sorry, but I just went by the profile information. I'll toss my 20+ years and Summa Cum Laud, 4.0, OH&S Management degree aside and defer to you other guys then.:lol:

Randy Randy Randy, I shall defer to you as the SENIOR professional but that doesn't make you the only true professional.
Besides - If you read the first line of my first response you'll see I gave the same answer as you!

So there. :p

Randy Randy Randy, I shall defer to you as the SENIOR professional but that doesn't make you the only true professional.
Besides - If you read the first line of my first response you'll see I gave the same answer as you!

So there. :p

I used fancier words:lol:

Good thought, but I think that's got more to do with individual standards than a mass variance for a temporary location. You know, like if OSHA implemented a new standard for control of pointy sticks and your company can't comply totally by the time the standard become effective.You could be right. I guess that's a question for OSHA, yes? While a company is still required to comply with that which is reasonable and most important, my understanding of the variance is that a judgement of how much is required under temporary conditions is a part of the process. One can ask. Approval is up to OSHA.

Good thought, but I think that's got more to do with individual standards than a mass variance for a temporary location. You know, like if OSHA implemented a new standard for control of pointy sticks and your company can't comply totally by the time the standard become effective.

OSHA already has a requirement for safety management of pointy sticks, it's called Section 5a of the Williams-Steiger Occupational Health & Safety Act of 1970, Public Law 91-596, also called the "General Duty Clause"

Section 5.
(a) Each employer -
(1) shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees;

This can get the employer for nearly anything;)

OSHA already has a requirement for safety management of pointy sticks, it's called Section 5a of the Williams-Steiger Occupational Health & Safety Act of 1970, Public Law 91-596, also called the "General Duty Clause"

Section 5.
(a) Each employer -
(1) shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees;

This can get the employer for nearly anything;)

So - do you think one can get a variance for the General Duty Clause? :lmao:

(I've used that clause many times against managers who tried to be lawyers and read the standard to the letter, rather than the sprit.... "But the standard doesn't specifically say I can't use toluene in a mop bucket to wash the floor". Seriously. That happened.)

I know what you're talking about, smart mouth lawyers and know it all managers.

They'd be sucking buttermilk up thier butt in California and a couple of other places if they tried to skirt around 5a with word games (been there, done that).:lol: