Masonry Magazine November 2001 Page. 22
OSHA/continued from page 20
According to the proposed general PPE Rule, employers would be required to provide all OSHA-required PPE at no cost. The only exception is equipment that could be used off-site for personal use. The last hearing on the rule was held on 8/13/99. The status is still undetermined.
Two significant standards under review are Scaffolding and Fall Protection. After these rules were finalized, several issues arose. With scaffolding, questions concerning the following presented a problem: (1) providing access to platforms where decking extends past the ends of the scaffold; (2) changing the minimum width for roof brackets to less than 12 inches; (3) changing the requirements for grounding of the scaffold during welding operations; and (4) requiring the use of scaffold grade planks. OSHA is collecting information to address these concerns. The issues related to Fall Protection reference special operations. OSHA is seeking information on residential and precast concrete activities.
No deadlines have been given for any of the standards discussed in this section. However, OSHA has targeted an action date of 11/00/01 for an ANPR for Hearing Loss and Sanitation. The purpose for the ANPR is to ensure collection of information. A number of recent studies have shown that a large number of construction workers experience work-related hearing loss. In addition, few practices are used to reduce exposures to noise in the industry. The OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1926.51 Sanitation contains requirements for washing facilities and toilets. The OSHA Advisory Committee on Construction has prompted OSHA to take action and investigate further the need to address concerns such as gender-separate and lockable toilet facilities and change rooms where needed.
On the far horizon is a rule on lock out/tagout procedures. OSHA has identified that a need exists to control hazardous energy associated with equipment. Be aware of hazards which may be present during "in-the-field" maintenance activity on mixers and other masonry equipment.
To complete the review on OSHA activity and round off a review of hazards, the final standard on the list is Construction Safety Programs. The activity on the ergonomics standard and the effect of the new administration has constantly placed this standard on hold. Although, it takes a more comprehensive approach, no activity is expected on it until other (more prominent) standards have been addressed. This rule would provide a basic framework for systematically identifying and controlling workplace hazards. Safety programs have proven to be an effective tool against workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities. Employers would do well to implement their own program regardless of OSHA's activity on this standard.
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22 MASONRY-NOVEMBER, 2001