2.1: Introduction to General Safety and Health Provisions

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Background

1926 Subpart C contains general safety and health provisions for such topics as first aid, fire protection, and personal protective equipment. More detailed information on these topics is covered in separate subparts. These identical provisions are also specific subparts in the General Industry Standard.

Under the provisions of Subpart C, every employer must ensure that their employees do not work in situations or under conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous or dangerous to their safety or health. Employers must ensure that any tool, machine or equipment that an employee must use is in good working condition and only those employees qualified by training or experience are allowed to operate such equipment.

Training

The employer shall instruct each employee in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to his work environment to control or eliminate any hazards or other exposure to illness or injury.

Poisons, caustics, and other harmful substances

Employees required to handle or use poisons, caustics, and other harmful substances shall be instructed regarding safe handling and use, and be made aware of the potential hazards, personal hygiene, and personal protective measures required.

Flammable liquids, gases, or toxic materials

Employees required to handle or use flammable liquids, gases, or toxic materials shall be instructed in the safe handling and use of these materials and made aware of the specific requirements contained in Subparts D, F, and other applicable subparts of this part.

Confined or enclosed spaces

All employees required to enter into confined or enclosed spaces shall be instructed as to the nature of the hazards involved, the necessary precautions to be taken, and in the use of protective and emergency equipment required. The employer shall comply with any specific regulations that apply to work in dangerous or potentially dangerous areas. For the purposes of this section, "confined or enclosed space," means any space having a limited means of egress which is subject to the accumulation of toxic or flammable contaminants or has an oxygen deficient atmosphere. Confined or enclosed spaces include, but are not limited to, storage tanks, process vessels, bins, boilers, ventilation or exhaust ducts, sewers, underground utility vaults, tunnels, pipelines, and open top spaces more than 4 feet in depth such as pits, tubs, vaults, and vessels.

First Aid and Medical Attention

First aid services and provisions for medical care shall be made available by the employer for all employees covered by these regulations. Regulations prescribing specific requirements for first aid, medical attention, and emergency facilities are contained in Subpart D.

Fire Protection and Prevention

The employer shall be responsible for the development and maintenance of an effective fire protection and prevention program at the job site throughout all phases of the construction, repair, alteration, or demolition work. The employer shall ensure the availability of the fire protection and suppression equipment required by Subpart F.

Housekeeping

During the course of construction, alteration, or repairs, forms and scrap lumber with protruding nails, and all other debris, shall be kept cleared from work areas, passageways, and stairs, in and around buildings or other structures.

Combustible scrap and debris shall be removed at regular intervals during the course of construction. Safe means shall be provided to facilitate such removal.

Containers shall be provided for the collection and separation of waste, trash, oily and used rags, and other refuse. Containers used for garbage and other oily, flammable, or hazardous wastes, such as caustics, acids, harmful dusts, etc. shall be equipped with covers. Garbage and other waste shall be disposed of at frequent and regular intervals.

Illumination

Construction areas, aisles, stairs, ramps, runways, corridors, offices, shops, and storage areas where work is in progress shall be lighted with either natural or artificial illumination. The minimum illumination requirements for work areas are contained in Subpart D.

Sanitation

Worksites must be kept in a clean and sanitary condition. Sanitary is generally defined by OSHA as being simply being a condition conducive to health. Maintaining sanitary conditions is not just about housekeeping. It includes ensuring levels of cleanliness that prevent the harboring of disease carry pests, biological hazards such as microbes, viruses, molds, and hygiene facilities such as restrooms and equivalents, potable water, rest and lunch areas, efficient disposal of waste.

Personal Protective Equipment

The employer is responsible for requiring the wearing of appropriate personal protective equipment in all operations where there is exposure to hazardous conditions or where this part indicates the need for using such equipment to reduce the hazards to the employees. Regulations governing the use, selection, and maintenance of personal protective and lifesaving equipment are described under Subpart E of this part.