OSHA Safety Code

OSHA Field
Safety and Health

Manual
Abstract - 1
U.S. DDEPARTMENT OF LABOR Occupational Safety and Health Administration
DIRECTIVE NUMBER: ADM 04-00-003 EFFECTIVE DATE: 5/06/2020

SUBJECT: OSHA Safety and Health Management System
ABSTRACT
Purpose: This Instruction establishes a Safety and Health Management System

(SHMS) for Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
employees. The Instruction also establishes safety and health programs as
identified in subsequent chapters for Regional implementation. Employee
participation is a key element of any successful SHMS. It is the intent of
this program that all employees will participate in all aspects including
reporting hazards, incidents, and injury/illness without fear of reprisal.
Changes to the SHMS or programs that alter the SHMS or program
policies require National Office review and approval.
Scope: OSHA-wide
References: Occupational Safety and Health Act, Public Law 91-596
Presidential Executive Order 12196 of February 26, 1980
Title 29: Subtitle B--Regulations Relating to Labor: Chapter XVII

Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Department of Labor
Department of Labor Manual Series (DLMS) 4, Chapter 800, DOL Safety

and Health Program
See also Reference paragraphs in individual chapters.
Cancellations: OSHA Instruction ADM 04-00-002, OSHA Field Safety and Health
Manual, October 5, 2016
State Impact: None. For State reference only.
Action Offices: OSHA Regions, Directorate of Technical Support and Emergency

Management
Abstract - 2
Originating Office: Directorate of Technical Support and Emergency Management
Contact: Office of Science and Technology Assessment

Directorate of Technical Support and Emergency Management
U.S. Department of Labor
200 Constitution Ave N.W.
Washington, DC 20210
By and Under the Authority of
Loren Sweatt
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor
Abstract - 3
Abstract - 4
Executive Summary
This Instruction establishes a Safety and Health Management System (SHMS) for OSHA
employees. The Instruction also establishes safety and health programs, as identified in
subsequent chapters, for Directorate/Regional implementation.
The SHMS and its programs establish baseline requirements and within established guidelines,
may be supplemented or augmented to ensure the safety and health of all OSHA employees as
well as temporary and contract employees. Changes related to the implementation of SHMS may
be made with local SHMS committee approval. Changes to the SHMS or programs that alter
SHMS or program policies require National Labor-Management Steering Committee review and
approval.
The SHMS and its programs will be implemented in phases per the timetable that will be
provided by Directorate of Technical Support and Emergency Management (DTSEM).
Nothing in the instruction eliminates the Regional Administrator or Directorate’s obligations to
comply with OSHA or other Federal Regulations and Executive Orders.
Significant Changes
Appendix B from Chapter 22: Electrical Safety was removed because the equipment listed was
not meeting the desired intent, which was to list equipment that requires advanced training (i.e.
Qualified Persons). The need for on-the-job training, approval, and potentially Qualified Persons
training before using electrical testing equipment was clarified in a way that allows flexibility in
the Regions and as equipment changes.
Abstract - 5
This Page Intentionally Left Blank
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................. 1-1
I. PURPOSE ........................................................................................................................... 1-1

II. SCOPE ............................................................................................................................... 1-1
III. REFERENCES ...................................................................................................................... 1-1
IV. ACTION OFFICES ............................................................................................................... 1-2
V. FEDERAL PROGRAM CHANGE ........................................................................................... 1-2
VI. CHANGES TO EXISTING MOUS ......................................................................................... 1-2
CHAPTER 2. SAFETY AND HEALTH MANAGEMENT SYSTEM................................. 2-3
I. MANAGEMENT COMMITMENT AND LEADERSHIP .............................................................. 2-3

II. EMPLOYEE PARTICIPATION ............................................................................................... 2-5
III. WORKSITE ANALYSIS ....................................................................................................... 2-6
IV. INCIDENT REPORTING/INVESTIGATION PROCEDURES ....................................................... 2-8
V. HAZARD PREVENTION AND CONTROL ............................................................................... 2-9
VI. SAFETY AND HEALTH TRAINING .................................................................................... 2-10
VII. SPECIFIC SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAMS .................................................................... 2-11
APPENDIX A: CORRECTIVE ACTIONS LIST .............................................................................. 2-12
APPENDIX B: HAZARD REPORTING AND INCIDENT INVESTIGATION WORKSHEET ................... 2-13
CHAPTER 3. SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM EVALUATION ............................. 3-15
I. PURPOSE ......................................................................................................................... 3-15

II. SCOPE ............................................................................................................................. 3-15
III. RESPONSIBILITIES ............................................................................................................ 3-15
IV. PROCEDURE .................................................................................................................... 3-16
APPENDIX A SAFETY AND HEALTH MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (SHMS) SELF-EVALUATION ..... 3-18
I. SECTION 1 .................................................................................................................... 3-18
II. SECTION 2 - SAFETY & HEALTH MANAGEMENT SYSTEM ............................... 3-18
APPENDIX B SHMS MID-YEAR SUMMARY ................................................................................. 3-28
CHAPTER 4. REGIONAL OFFICE ..................................................................................... 4-29
I. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ........................................................................................ 4-29

CHAPTER 5. AREA OFFICE ............................................................................................... 5-32
I. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ........................................................................................ 5-32

CHAPTER 6. OFFICE SAFETY AND HEALTH ............................................................... 6-34
I. PURPOSE ......................................................................................................................... 6-34

II. SCOPE ............................................................................................................................. 6-34
III. DEFINITIONS .................................................................................................................... 6-34
IV. RESPONSIBILITIES ........................................................................................................... 6-35
V. PROCEDURE .................................................................................................................... 6-36
CHAPTER 7. EMERGENCY CONTINGENCY PLAN ..................................................... 7-42
I. PURPOSE ......................................................................................................................... 7-42

II. SCOPE ............................................................................................................................. 7-42
III. DEFINITIONS .................................................................................................................... 7-42
IV. RESPONSIBILITIES ........................................................................................................... 7-42
V. PROCEDURES .................................................................................................................. 7-43
VI. TRAINING ........................................................................................................................ 7-43
APPENDIX A ........................................................................................................................... 7-45
APPENDIX B ............................................................................................................................ 7-49
APPENDIX C ............................................................................................................................ 7-52
CHAPTER 8. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT .................................................. 8-1
I. PURPOSE ........................................................................................................................... 8-1

II. SCOPE ............................................................................................................................... 8-1
III. RESPONSIBILITIES .............................................................................................................. 8-1
IV. PROCEDURE ...................................................................................................................... 8-2
APPENDIX A ............................................................................................................................. 8-7
APPENDIX B .............................................................................................................................. 8-8
GLOVE CHART .......................................................................................................................... 8-8
CHAPTER 9. VEHICULAR OPERATIONS ......................................................................... 9-9
I. PURPOSE ........................................................................................................................... 9-9

II. SCOPE ............................................................................................................................... 9-9
III. RESPONSIBILITIES .............................................................................................................. 9-9
IV. PROCEDURES ................................................................................................................... 9-10
V. WINTER DRIVING ............................................................................................................ 9-12
VI. DRIVING IN REMOTE AREAS............................................................................................ 9-12
APPENDIX A ........................................................................................................................... 9-13
VEHICLE PRE-USE INSPECTION LOG ....................................................................................... 9-13
APPENDIX B ............................................................................................................................ 9-14
VEHICLE MONTHLY INSPECTION LOG..................................................................................... 9-14
CHAPTER 10. VIOLENCE IN THE WORKPLACE ....................................................... 10-15
I. PURPOSE ....................................................................................................................... 10-15

II. SCOPE ........................................................................................................................... 10-15
III. DEFINITIONS .................................................................................................................. 10-15
IV. RESPONSIBILITIES ......................................................................................................... 10-15
APPENDIX A ......................................................................................................................... 10-18
WORKPLACE VIOLENCE INCIDENT REPORT .......................................................................... 10-18
CHAPTER 11. WALKING WORKING SURFACES ....................................................... 11-21
I. PURPOSE ....................................................................................................................... 11-21

II. SCOPE ........................................................................................................................... 11-21
III. DEFINITIONS .................................................................................................................. 11-21
V. PROCEDURES ................................................................................................................ 11-21
CHAPTER 12. HAZARD COMMUNICATION ................................................................ 12-25
I. PURPOSE ....................................................................................................................... 12-25

II. SCOPE ........................................................................................................................... 12-25
III. RESPONSIBILITIES .......................................................................................................... 12-25
IV. PROCEDURE................................................................................................................... 12-25
CHAPTER 13. CONTROL OF HAZARDOUS ENERGY SOURCES............................ 13-28
I. PURPOSE ....................................................................................................................... 13-28

II. SCOPE ........................................................................................................................... 13-29
III. REFERENCES.................................................................................................................. 13-30
IV. DEFINITIONS.................................................................................................................. 13-30
V. RESPONSIBILITIES ......................................................................................................... 13-31
VI. SAFE ALTERNATIVES .................................................................................................... 13-34
VII. PROCEDURES ................................................................................................................ 13-34
VIII.TRAINING ...................................................................................................................... 13-36
IX. RECORDKEEPING ........................................................................................................... 13-37
APPENDIX A: CONTROL OF HAZARDOUS ENERGY SOURCES PRE-REQUEST FOR APPROVAL
CHECKLIST AND POST-APPLICATION EVALUATION .............................................................. 13-38
CHAPTER 14. PERMIT REQUIRED CONFINED SPACES .......................................... 14-40
I. PURPOSE ....................................................................................................................... 14-40

II. SCOPE ........................................................................................................................... 14-40
III. DEFINITIONS .................................................................................................................. 14-40
V. PROCEDURES ................................................................................................................ 14-41
VI. TRAINING ...................................................................................................................... 14-43
CHAPTER 15. FIRST AID AND CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION ........... 15-44
I. PURPOSE ....................................................................................................................... 15-44

II. SCOPE ........................................................................................................................... 15-44
III. DEFINITIONS .................................................................................................................. 15-44
V. PROCEDURES ................................................................................................................ 15-45
VI. TRAINING ...................................................................................................................... 15-45
VII. FIRST AID EQUIPMENT.................................................................................................. 15-46
CHAPTER 16. HEARING CONSERVATION PROGRAM ............................................ 16-48
I. PURPOSE ....................................................................................................................... 16-48

II. SCOPE ........................................................................................................................... 16-48
III. REFERENCES.................................................................................................................. 16-48
IV. CANCELLATIONS ........................................................................................................... 16-49
V. ACTION OFFICES ........................................................................................................... 16-49
VI. FEDERAL PROGRAM CHANGE ....................................................................................... 16-49
VII. SIGNIFICANT CHANGES ................................................................................................ 16-49
VIII. BACKGROUND .............................................................................................................. 16-49
IX. POLICY ......................................................................................................................... 16-50
X. PROCEDURES ................................................................................................................ 16-50
XI. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ...................................................................................... 16-57
APPENDIX A .......................................................................................................................... 16-61
APPENDIX B .......................................................................................................................... 16-62
APPENDIX C .......................................................................................................................... 16-63
CHAPTER 17. FALL PROTECTION ................................................................................ 17-64
I. PURPOSE ....................................................................................................................... 17-64

II. SCOPE ........................................................................................................................... 17-64
III. REFERENCES.................................................................................................................. 17-64
IV. DEFINITIONS.................................................................................................................. 17-64
V. RESPONSIBILITIES ......................................................................................................... 17-66
VI. TRAINING ...................................................................................................................... 17-69
VII. PROCEDURES FOR WORKING AT HEIGHTS .................................................................... 17-73
CHAPTER 18. RESPIRATORY PROTECTION .............................................................. 18-80
I.PURPOSE ....................................................................................................................... 18-80

II.
SCOPE ........................................................................................................................... 18-80
III.
DEFINITIONS .................................................................................................................. 18-80
IV.
RESPONSIBILITIES ......................................................................................................... 18-82
V.PROCEDURE .................................................................................................................. 18-83
APPENDIX A ........................................................................................................................... 18-90
EXAMPLE SELECTION/EXPOSURE GUIDE ................................................................................ 18-90
APPENDIX B ........................................................................................................................... 18-91
EXAMPLE, MAINTENANCE AND CARE PROCEDURES ............................................................... 18-91
APPENDIX C ........................................................................................................................... 18-96
RESPIRATOR MAINTENANCE AND CARE ................................................................................. 18-96
APPENDIX D .......................................................................................................................... 18-99
BREATHING AIR QUALITY AND USE ........................................................................................ 18-99
CHAPTER 19. BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS .............................................................. 19-100
I. PURPOSE ..................................................................................................................... 19-100

II. SCOPE ......................................................................................................................... 19-100
III. REFERENCES ................................................................................................................ 19-100
IV. EXPOSURE CONTROL PLAN ......................................................................................... 19-100
V. PROCEDURES FOR UNFORESEEN CONTACT WITH BLOOD OR OTHER POTENTIALLY
INFECTIOUS MATERIAL (OPIM) ......................................................................................... 19-103
VI. PROCEDURES FOR EVALUATING AN EXPOSURE INCIDENT ........................................... 19-108
VII. RESPONSIBILITIES ....................................................................................................... 19-109
APPENDIX A ........................................................................................................................ 19-111
MATERIALS FOR THE EVALUATING HEALTHCARE PROVIDER................................................ 19-111
APPENDIX B SUPPLIES FOR OSHA FIELD PERSONNEL ........................................................ 19-115
CHAPTER 20. ERGONOMICS ......................................................................................... 20-115
I. PURPOSE ..................................................................................................................... 20-115

II. SCOPE ......................................................................................................................... 20-115
III. DEFINITIONS ................................................................................................................ 20-115
IV. RESPONSIBILITIES ....................................................................................................... 20-116
V. PROCEDURE ................................................................................................................ 20-117
CHAPTER 21. RADIATION.............................................................................................. 21-119
I. PURPOSE ..................................................................................................................... 21-119
II. SCOPE ......................................................................................................................... 21-120
III. DEFINITIONS ................................................................................................................ 21-120
V. PROCEDURES .............................................................................................................. 21-121
CHAPTER 22. ELECTRICAL SAFETY .......................................................................... 22-123
I. PURPOSE ..................................................................................................................... 22-123

II. SCOPE ......................................................................................................................... 22-123
III. REFERENCES................................................................................................................ 22-123
IV. DEFINITIONS................................................................................................................ 22-124
V. RESPONSIBILITIES ....................................................................................................... 22-125
VI. PROCEDURES ............................................................................................................... 22-127
VII. PPE FOR OSHA QUALIFIED PERSONS ........................................................................ 22-130
VIII.RESTRICTIONS ............................................................................................................. 22-131
IX. TRAINING .................................................................................................................... 22-132
APPENDIX A ........................................................................................................................ 22-133
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) .......................... 22-133
CHAPTER 23. PROTECTION DURING INCIDENT INVESTIGATION .................. 23-135
I. PURPOSE ..................................................................................................................... 23-135

II. SCOPE ......................................................................................................................... 23-135
III. DEFINITIONS ................................................................................................................ 23-135
V. PROCEDURES .............................................................................................................. 23-136
CHAPTER 24. EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE .................................................................... 24-137
I. PURPOSE ..................................................................................................................... 24-137

II. SCOPE ......................................................................................................................... 24-137
III. DEFINITION ................................................................................................................. 24-137
V. PROCEDURES .............................................................................................................. 24-138
CHAPTER 25. MEDICAL MANAGEMENT .................................................................. 25-140
I. PURPOSE ..................................................................................................................... 25-140

II. SCOPE ......................................................................................................................... 25-140
III. REFERENCES................................................................................................................ 25-140
IV. CANCELLATIONS ......................................................................................................... 25-140
V. ACTION OFFICES ......................................................................................................... 25-140
VI. FEDERAL PROGRAM CHANGE ..................................................................................... 25-140
VII. SIGNIFICANT CHANGES ............................................................................................... 25-141
VIII.APPLICATION .............................................................................................................. 25-141
IX. BACKGROUND ............................................................................................................. 25-143
X. SCHEDULING FOH APPOINTMENTS............................................................................. 25-144
XI. DEFINITIONS OF PERIODICITY ................................................................................. 25-144
XII. ADDITIONAL MEDICAL INFORMATION .................................................................... 25-147
XIII. INCOMPLETE MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS .................................................................. 25-148
XIV. ACCOMMODATIONS ................................................................................................ 25-149
XV. WORKER’ COMPENSATION AND OTHER EMPLOYEE BENEFITS ................................ 25-150
XVI. MEDICAL RECORDKEEPING ..................................................................................... 25-150
XVII. PAYMENT FOR COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS PROGRAM ................................... 25-152
XVIII. RESPONSIBILITIES ............................................................................................... 25-153
APPENDIX A ......................................................................................................................... 25-158
OSHA MEDICAL EXAMINATION PROGRAM: SINGLE AGENCY QUALIFICATION STANDARD.... 25-158
I. PURPOSE. .................................................................................................................... 25-158
II. RATIONALE ................................................................................................................. 25-158
III. MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS. .......................................................................................... 25-158
IV. MEDICAL EXAMINATION PARAMETERS. ...................................................................... 25-159
APPENDIX B ......................................................................................................................... 25-163
MEDICAL EVALUATION REQUIREMENTS OF OSHA STANDARDS .......................................... 25-163
APPENDIX C ......................................................................................................................... 25-167
PROTECTING EMPLOYEE HEALTH AND SAFETY .................................................................... 25-167
APPENDIX D ......................................................................................................................... 25-170
COMPONENTS OF MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS ......................................................................... 25-170
I. GENERAL .................................................................................................................... 25-170
II. MEDICAL HISTORY ..................................................................................................... 25-170
III. SPECIFIC EXAMINATION TESTS AND REQUIREMENTS ................................................. 25-170
IV. TESTS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR EXAMINATIONS/EVALUATIONS ............................... 25-172
APPENDIX E ......................................................................................................................... 25-175
PRE-PLACEMENT EXAMINATION .......................................................................................... 25-175
I. PRE-PLACEMENT EXAMINATION. ................................................................................ 25-175
II. FAILURE TO MEET REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................. 25-175
III. SCHEDULING. .............................................................................................................. 25-175
IV. ELEMENTS OF EXAMINATION ...................................................................................... 25-175
V. LOCATION OF EXAMINATION ...................................................................................... 25-175
VI. COST OF EXAMINATION .............................................................................................. 25-175
VII. RECORDS MANAGEMENT ............................................................................................ 25-175
APPENDIX F ......................................................................................................................... 25-177
COMPREHENSIVE REFERENCE LIST ...................................................................................... 25-177
APPENDIX G ......................................................................................................................... 25-179
PRE-PLACEMENT & PERIODIC PHYSICAL EXAMINATION FORMS ........................................ 25-179
APPENDIX H ......................................................................................................................... 25-180
OSHA RESPIRATOR MEDICAL EVALUATION QUESTIONNAIRE............................................... 25-180
(FOH-22, APRIL 2009) ........................................................................................................ 25-180
CHAPTER 26. DECONTAMINATION............................................................................ 26-181
I. PURPOSE ..................................................................................................................... 26-181

II. SCOPE ......................................................................................................................... 26-181
III. DEFINITIONS ................................................................................................................ 26-181
V. TRAINING .................................................................................................................... 26-182
VI. PROCEDURES .............................................................................................................. 26-183
VII. DECONTAMINATION PROCEDURES .............................................................................. 26-185
VIII. INVESTIGATION REVIEW............................................................................................ 26-186
IX. RECORDKEEPING ....................................................................................................... 26-186
APPENDIX A ........................................................................................................................ 26-187
DECONTAMINATION FOR BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS ........................................................... 26-187
APPENDIX B ......................................................................................................................... 26-192
DECONTAMINATION PROCEDURES FOR TOXIC METALS AND PARTICULATE .......................... 26-192
APPENDIX C ......................................................................................................................... 26-194
DECONTAMINATION FOR BIOLOGICAL AGENTS .................................................................... 26-194
I. GENERAL .................................................................................................................... 26-194
II. PROCEDURES: ............................................................................................................. 26-195
APPENDIX D ......................................................................................................................... 26-196
CHAPTER 27. EXPOSURE MONITORING................................................................... 27-198
I. PURPOSE ..................................................................................................................... 27-198

II. SCOPE ......................................................................................................................... 27-198
III. REFERENCES ............................................................................................................... 27-198
V. EXPOSURE DATA COLLECTION PROCEDURES ............................................................. 27-201
VI. EXPOSURE RECORDS ................................................................................................... 27-203
VII. EXPOSURE FOLLOW-UP .............................................................................................. 27-204
VIII.TRAINING .................................................................................................................... 27-205
IX. DATA TRACKING AND RETENTION .............................................................................. 27-205
APPENDIX A ......................................................................................................................... 27-206
APPENDIX B ............................................................................................................................. 27-2
APPENDIX C ............................................................................................................................. 27-6
APPENDIX D ............................................................................................................................. 27-7
CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION
I. Purpose
The purpose of this Instruction is to define and implement a Field Safety and Health
Management System (SHMS) and appropriate safety and health programs, as identified
in the subsequent chapters, for OSHA.
OSHA is responsible for ensuring that employees of the Agency have a safe and healthful
workplace that complies with the Occupational Safety and Health Act and with OSHA
standards. Establishing an effective SHMS appropriate to employees’ varied work
responsibilities and workplace conditions is also an essential strategy to eliminate/control
hazards before they lead to fatalities, injuries and illnesses.
II. Scope
This Instruction applies OSHA-wide.
Due to the unique technical support the Health Response Team (HRT) provides to the
field, it may develop policies and procedures, not covered by this Instruction, to protect
HRT employees from specific hazards during work activities only the HRT is expected to
conduct. These policies and procedures will comply with OSHA standards while
allowing the HRT to provide support to the field during emergent or critical situations.
The HRT is a branch of the Salt Lake Technical Center, Directorate of Technical Support
and Emergency Management.
III. References
Occupational Safety and Health Act, Public Law 91-596, December 29, 1970; as
amended by Public Law 101-552, November 5, 1990; as amended by Public Law
105-241, September 29, 1998.
Occupational Safety and Health Programs, Presidential Executive Order 12196,

February 26, 1980.
Regulations Relating to Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration,

Department of Labor, Title 29, Code of Federal Regulations, Subtitle B, Chapter
XVII.
Department of Labor Manual Series (DLMS) 4, Chapter 800, DOL Safety and Health
Program.
Note: See also Reference sections for individual chapters.
1-1
IV. Action Offices
OSHA Regions, Directorate of Technical Support and Emergency Management,

Directorate of Training and Education.
V. Federal Program Change
This instruction describes a Federal Program Change for which State adoption is not
required.
VI. Changes to Existing MOUs
Regions that have preexisting Memorandums Of Understanding (MOU) and/or safety and
health management programs need to review them against this Safety and Health
Management System to ensure consistency. The MOUs and any program portions that
are not consistent need to be sent to the Directorate of Technical Support and Emergency
Management with justification for why the deviation is necessary. A final determination
will be made by the joint labor – management steering committee.
1-2
CHAPTER 2. SAFETY AND HEALTH MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
The basic tenets of an effective SHMS are Management Commitment and Leadership, Employee
Participation, Worksite Analysis, Hazard Prevention and Control and Safety and Health
Training.
I. Management Commitment and Leadership
Policy Statement
It is the policy of the Agency to provide a safe and healthful work environment
for all permanent, temporary, and contract employees. It is also our policy to
provide the same safe and healthful environment for our visitors. OSHA is not
only committed to ensuring a safe and healthful work environment for others, but
is equally committed to the safety and health of its employees. The development,
implementation, and evaluation of this Safety and Health Management System
(SHMS) shall be a cooperative effort between labor and management in order to
prevent injuries, illnesses, and death from work-related causes and minimize
losses of material resources. The information contained in this SHMS shall be
used to assist employees and supervisors in carrying out their responsibilities of
ensuring a safe and healthful working environment.
This SHMS establishes the framework of a continuing process for providing

occupational safety and health guidelines and information to all personnel.
OSHA’s commitment is to ensure continuous improvement by establishing
procedures for annual self-evaluation and follow-up. The safety, health, and well-
being of OSHA’s Federal employees, contractors, and members of the visiting
public are a shared responsibility. Management will provide training and the time
necessary for successful implementation of all aspects of this program.
Roles and Responsibilities
1. National Office
a. The Assistant Secretary bears responsibility for the health and

safety of OSHA employees as well as temporary, contract and
visiting employees and will demonstrate leadership and
commitment for employee safety and health. The Assistant
Secretary will hold Regional Administrators accountable for the
SHMS and programs within their respective offices.
b. The National Field Safety and Health Steering Committee consists

of three executive field management representatives and three
NCFLL representatives.
2-3
2. DTSEM will be organizationally responsible for the implementation and
management of the program. DTSEM will:
a. Support the Regions in the implementation of the SHMS, e.g. provide

guidance and assistance.
b. Maintain oversight of SHMS.
c. Review and submit, to National Field Safety and Health Steering

Committee, all changes to the SHMS submitted by the Regions other
than those that describe site specific roles and responsibilities.
d. Review Annual SHMS Self-Evaluations submitted by the Regions and

provide guidance as needed.
e. Compile and maintain injury/illness/incident reports and analyze

trends and share recommendations and success stories as appropriate.
f. Provide safety and health performance updates on a semi-annual basis

to the National Field Safety & Health Steering Committee which
includes the status of:
i. Regional progress towards safety and health goals;
ii. Regional percent completion of mandatory training;
iii. Regional percent completion of annual physicals;
iv. Regional percent completion of respirator fit tests;
v. Regional percent completion of required annual exercises

(e.g. Continuity Of Operations Plan, Shelter In Place Plan,
Occupant Emergency Plan, Local Contingency Plan);
vi. Regional percent completion of required inspections (e.g.

office inspections, vehicle inspections, SCBA inspections)
vii. Regional number of incidents investigated and percentage

of timely reporting (within 5 days);
3. Regional Offices
The Regional Administrators bear responsibility for the health and safety
of all Regional employees as well as temporary, contract and visiting
employees. The Regional Administrator will demonstrate leadership and
commitment to employee safety and health. See Chapter 4 for roles and
responsibilities specific to the Regions.
2-4
4. Area and District Offices
The Area Directors bear responsibility for the health and safety of the staff
as well as temporary, contract and visiting employees within the Area and
District Offices. The Area Director will demonstrate leadership and
commitment to employee safety and health. See Chapter 5 for roles and
responsibilities specific to the Area and District Offices.
II. Employee Participation
Each employee covered by this instruction is responsible for:
1. Following all of the safety and health rules and practices of the SHMS and
safety and health programs;
2. Monitoring and reporting to their supervisor (or designee) any unsafe

conditions for prompt correction;
3. Correcting any hazard that they have the ability to correct and report that
event to the applicable supervisor (or designee), e.g. their Regional
Administrator/Area Director/Unit Manager and/or Assistant Area Director
(AAD)/appropriate OSHA manager;
4. Providing feedback to their applicable supervisor (or designee) regarding

the need for additional controls to ensure safety and health standards are
met;
5. Setting the example as a leader in occupational safety and health to others

in the course of their professional duties;
6. Avoiding exposure to any recognized uncontrolled hazard; and
7. Participating meaningfully in SHMS activities, for example; preparing Job

Hazard Analyses (JHA), conducting accident investigations, and serving
on safety and health committees.
All employees shall be provided access to: training materials; safety data sheets;
results of inspections; evaluations of their own SHMS; results of accident
investigations except for portions deemed confidential for personnel or medical
reasons; hazard assessments and such other materials produced by the SHMS that
may be helpful to employees in improving safety and health in their workplace.
Union and employee participation in the field are to be undertaken consistent with the
National Council of Field Labor Locals (NCFLL) bargaining agreement.
Each Region shall establish a joint labor management committee referred to as the
Regional Safety and Health Committee (RSHC) to promote occupational safety and
health benefits to all employees, including temporary, contract, and visiting
2-5
employees. The requirements for formation and election of the RSHC and
chairperson will be consistent with 29 CFR 1960.37. The size of the RSHC will be
determined jointly by the local labor-management representatives.
1. The RSHC will consist of at least as many bargaining unit representatives

as management representatives. The NCFLL will appoint the union
representatives and the Regional Administrator will appoint the
management representatives.
2. Each committee member will serve terms of one to three years. The terms
should be staggered so that no more than half of the management or union
members will be rotated off the committee's membership during the year.
3. A Regional Safety and Health Manager (RSHM), identified by the

Regional Administrator, serves as facilitator and technical advisor and is a
permanent support position in the committee. This position is in addition
to the members of the RSHC.
4. The RSHC may designate ad hoc work groups as appropriate (with up to

four members) to address specific safety and health issues and work
assignments.
III. Worksite Analysis
Inspections
Safety and health inspections will be conducted at each OSHA office quarterly at
a minimum with at least one union and one management representative
participating. Corrective actions will be documented on the Corrective Action
List (Appendix A) communicated to all affected employees, and retained at the
office where the inspection was conducted for at least two years. Consideration
should be given to conducting limited scope monthly inspections (e.g. fire
extinguisher, eyewash, or emergency lighting inspections).
Hazard Analysis of Routine Tasks
2-6
1. Hazards and risks to employees' safety and health should be identified and
assessed on an ongoing basis at both the office and field locations, such as at
enforcement inspection and VPP onsite evaluation locations. Implementation
of preventive and protective measures should: eliminate the hazard/risk;
control the hazard/risk at the source through the use of engineering controls
or organizational measures; minimize the hazard/risk by the design of safe
work systems or use of administrative control measures; or where residual
hazards/risks cannot be controlled by collective measures, effected by the use
of appropriate personal protective equipment
2. Hazard Analyses are effective in uncovering hazards to employees and shall

be done to the fullest extent possible for all tasks assigned to employees.
Based on a general assessment of work sites, at a minimum, employees are
required to utilize safety glasses, safety shoes, and hard hats on construction
sites and safety glasses and safety shoes on all general industry, maritime and
long shoring sites. All employees shall abide by the requirements of the
employer under inspection, if more protective than the general assessment.
3. The SHMS program serves as the basic hazard analysis and control for
routine tasks.
4. To evaluate potential health hazards, employees will abide by OSHA’s

Policies and Procedures in Chapter 27 entitled, Policies and Procedures for
Field Staff Exposure Monitoring.
Hazard Analysis of Non Routine Tasks
1. When known special hazards are identified prior to the OSHA inspection and
or evaluation, safe job instructions will be given by the unit manager in these
cases.
2. When OSHA employees discover hazards that limit their ability to access an
area for inspection and or evaluation, they will contact their unit manager
immediately.
3. When OSHA employees encounters a hazard that is not addressed in the

SHMS program they will notify their supervisor who will discuss with the
local safety and health committee whether a JSA should be developed.
4. When it is determined by the safety and health committee that a JSA be

developed Appendix C will be utilized. Any JSAs developed will be
forwarded to the Regional Safety and Health Committee for review and upon
approval forwarded to DTSEM for posting.
Employee Reporting of Hazards
2-7
1. The recognition and control of all types of hazards encountered in the
performance of official duties is critical to the safety and health of
employees.
2. Employees including temporary, contract and visiting employees have the

right, and are encouraged, to report all working conditions perceived to be
potential safety or health hazards to their supervisor (or designee) without
fear of reprisal.
3. In order to capture such incidents as chemical overexposures, near misses,

vehicle accidents, and office hazards, employees shall report workplace
hazards and provide the information necessary to complete the Incident
Investigation and Hazard Reporting Worksheet (Reporting Worksheet) as
soon as possible to his or her supervisor (or designee). Once submitted,
investigations of these incidents are initiated as soon as possible, but within
three working days.
4. Reported hazard(s) are documented on the Incident Investigation and Hazard

Reporting Worksheet (Reporting Worksheet) and submitted to the RSHM
and union official within 24 hours. Corrective action(s) dates shall be
tracked on the Corrective Action List (Corrective Action List). The
supervisor (or designee) shall ensure that employees and the union official
are notified in writing within 15 work days of the corrective actions taken or
are pending and the reason why.
5. Reports of unsafe conditions may also be submitted to any local management

or the Department of Labor on line using DL 1-1097 Form, Reporting Unsafe
and Unhealthful Conditions located at
https://shimshosting.dol.gov/login/ShimsLogin.aspx). Reports may be
submitted anonymously. The Office of the Assistant Secretary for
Administration and Management (OASAM) Safety and Health Manager will
investigate and respond appropriately to the hazard(s) identified, within
required timeframes.
IV. Incident Reporting/Investigation Procedures
Prompt and accurate reporting and investigation of work-related “incidents,” which

include all work-related injuries, illnesses and near misses, or accidents that could
have caused serious injuries, is a necessary component of effective accident
prevention programs. This information can be used in evaluating and preventing
hazards, fulfilling mandatory recordkeeping requirements and filing for workers’
compensation benefits. Incidents resulting in personal injury and/or illness require
that the appropriate Office of Worker’s Compensation Programs (OWCP) and DOL
procedures are followed and forms completed.
The supervisor (or designee) will notify the Regional Administrator within one
workday of all incidents involving recordable injuries and illnesses. The Incident
2-8
Investigation and Hazard Reporting Worksheet (Reporting Worksheet) will be
completed by the manager or designated coordinator.
The supervisor (or designee) will notify the Regional Administrator within one
workday of all incidents involving recordable injuries and illnesses. The Incident
Investigation and Hazard Reporting Worksheet (Reporting Worksheet) will be
completed by the manager or designated coordinator.
For Regions, the Worksheet is sent to the RSHM within five days of the incident
correction due date. The Worksheet shall include the action plan to correct the
incident. Copies are kept at the office for employees to review.
Incidents involving property damage shall be reported as soon as possible to the

manager (or designee). The manager (or designee) will complete the Incident
Investigation and Hazard Reporting Worksheet (Reporting Worksheet) and will be
involved in the investigation process.
1. In the Regions, all incidents involving property damage must be reported to

the RSHM within one workday. An Incident Investigation and Hazard
Reporting Worksheet (Reporting Worksheet) and supporting information
shall be sent immediately to the RSHM.
2. In addition to the reporting requirements outlined in this directive and in the

Department of Labor Management Series (DLMS) 4, Chapter 800, DOL
Safety and Health Program, employees and supervisors must fully adhere to
DOL accident reporting requirements in DLMS 2, Chapter 1500, Motor
Vehicle Management. These requirements are in addition to the Motor
Vehicle Accident Report (SF 91) that must be completed and submitted to
DTSEM in the National Office and the RSHM in the Regions.
Each office must maintain their own recordkeeping forms in accordance with 29 CFR
Part 1904 for injuries/illnesses occurring at their facilities or work areas. In addition,
each office will follow DOL requirements in regards to the use of SHIMS.
The RSHM will maintain the recordkeeping forms in accordance with 1904 for
the Regional Office. Completed Incident Investigation and Hazard Reporting
Worksheet (Reporting Worksheet) are sent to the RSHM within five days of the
incident correction due date. Copies are kept at the office for employees to
review.
V. Hazard Prevention and Control
Hazard prevention and control procedures must be reviewed and modified as

necessary on a regular basis to follow the most current laws and regulations and to
ensure that the fullest level of protection is provided.
Supervisors (or designees) are responsible for ensuring that employees comply with
all safety and health rules, policies, and programs and are required to take appropriate
2-9
action to prevent injury or illness to employees. Specific actions to be taken will be in
accordance with existing personnel practices and regulations.
Employees including temporary, contract and visiting employees are required to wear
required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as outlined below and in the PPE
Program.
1. At the start of any inspection/audit or other field activity, the employees will
assess the need for PPE, which will include the employer’s PPE assessment.
2. Employees including temporary, contract and visiting employees will abide

by OSHA’s PPE Program (Chapter 8) or the program of the employer under
inspection or other field activity, whichever requires greater protection.
3. If during the course of an inspection/audit or other field activity the employee

encounters a hazardous condition requiring the use of PPE not addressed by
the employer’s PPE hazard assessment, the employee will promptly address
the hazardous condition with the employer. The employee will also don the
appropriate PPE before proceeding, unless other appropriate action
eliminates the hazard.
4. Supervisors will periodically evaluate the employee use of PPE to ensure that
employees are adequately protected.
VI. Safety and Health Training
The following procedures apply to supervisors (or designees) in the Regions:
The supervisor (or designee) will ensure that all employees are trained initially and
given refresher training as appropriate on an annual basis thereafter.
1. Employee training will include all relevant Chapters of the SHMS and
specific safety and health programs.
2. Specialized technical training will be provided for employees who may

encounter unique hazards associated with a particular industry or hazard.
3. Supervisors and employees who are engaged in safety and health activities
for the agency will be trained to conduct those duties.
The supervisor (or designee) will ensure that new employees are provided training on
this Instruction as part of a DOL new employee orientation process.
Training will be accomplished within 30 days after a new or updated chapter is

released. Employees will be trained on the emergency action plan when first hired,
and notified, and trained as necessary, whenever the plan has changed or whenever
any person's responsibilities under the plan have changed.
2-10
Records of training will be maintained for three years at the Regional or Office level
to ensure that all employees have been appropriately trained.
Supervisors (or designees) will make available records of the training conducted to
the Regional Administrator, and DTSEM when requested.
Supervisors (or designees) will ensure that appropriate training is provided to

temporary, contract, and visiting employees to ensure their safety.
VII. Specific Safety and Health Programs
Safety and health programs for the specific topics identified in the subsequent
chapters must be adopted and implemented. These may be supplemented or
augmented to enhance employee safety and health. Safety and health on additional
topics may also be adopted and implemented to address unique safety and health
topics. All safety and health programs shall ensure the highest level of protection for
employees, temporary employees, contractors, and the visiting public consistent with
existing rules, standards and guidance.
All changes to the SHMS or programs other than those that describe site specific roles
and responsibilities must be submitted to the DTSEM for review and approval using
the following procedures.
DTSEM in conjunction with the joint Labor-Management Committee is to review

and respond to the Region within 60 days of receipt of changes to policies and
procedures.
The SHMS and programs provide baseline guidance to OSHA in order to implement
an effective SHMS to prevent employee injuries, illnesses and fatalities. Within
established guidelines, Regional Administrators may supplement or augment the
SHMS and programs to address the unique needs within the National Office or their
respective Regions and ensure the health and safety of their employees. Changes to
the SHMS or programs to make them site specific, (e.g. identify areas of
responsibility), may be made without National Office approval. Changes to the
SHMS or programs that alter the SHMS or program policies require National Office
approval.
2-11
APPENDIX A: CORRECTIVE ACTIONS LIST
Corrective Target Name of

Item Date of
Hazard Method/Interim Date Responsible
Number Correction
Controls Party
Name:
Date:
2-12
APPENDIX B: HAZARD REPORTING AND INCIDENT INVESTIGATION
WORKSHEET
Hazard Reporting and Incident Investigation Worksheet

Area Office: Incident Number:
Reporting Date (date the form was completed):
Event Type: Event Summary:

Injury
Illness
Near-Miss
Property Damage
Report of Hazard
Occurrence Date: Affected Employee:

Investigation Start Date:
Hazard Type:
Struck-by Electrical Repetitive Motion
Caught in Chemical Noise
Fall (from height) Fire Slip/Trip
Other (identify)
Hazard Location: Field Office Off-site/Travel
Severity (if injury or illness):

Fatality
Serious (medical aid w/temporary disability – return to work)
Major (lost work day(s) or restricted work required)
Minor (first-aid only)
Injury Type:
Laceration Burns Strain/Sprain Fracture
Contusion Amputation Other (identify)
Body Part Affected:

Hand/Wrist Head Hip
Arm Internal Eye(s)
Shoulder Foot/Ankle Back
Neck Leg
Other (identify)
2-13
Investigation Complete Date:
Investigation was Completed by Whom?
(Attach summary of investigation – optional)
Suggested Possible Corrective Actions (explain):
Elimination/
Substitution
Engineering
Controls
Work Practice
Controls
Personal
Protective
Equipment
Other
Planned Corrective Action Items/Corrective Action(s) including interim actions

(explain):
Date Completed:
Completion of Actions Verified By Whom:
Date Sent to Regional Safety and Health Manager:
2-14
CHAPTER 3. SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM EVALUATION
I. Purpose
The objective of the Safety and Health Metrics/Tracking section is to provide a

mechanism to measure and track the safety and health performance of all offices
in the Region.
II. Scope
This section applies to all offices (Regional, Area, and District).
III. Responsibilities
The Regional Administrator is responsible for ensuring that:
1. Managers set and track appropriate safety and health goals and
objectives each year;
2. Managers complete all required safety and health-related training and

other activities for their staff as required by this Safety and Health
Management System;
3. Managers report and investigate all incidents, and complete all

recommendations resulting from these investigations in a timely
manner.
Area Directors and Assistant Regional Administrators are responsible for:
1. Setting, pursuing, and tracking safety and health goals on an annual

basis;
2. Tracking and completing all required safety and health-related

training and other activities for their staff as required by this Safety
and Health Management System;
3. Reporting and investigating all incidents, and completing all

recommendations resulting from these investigations in a timely
manner utilizing the Hazard and Incident Investigation Worksheets.
The Regional Safety and Health Manager with the assistance of the Regional
Safety and Health Committee is responsible for:
3-15
1. Compiling and maintaining injury and illness records, incident
reports, investigations for the Region and analyzing trends.
2. Provide safety and health performance updates on a semiannual basis

to the Regional Administrator which includes the status of:
a. Progress towards safety and health goals;
b. Percent completion of mandatory training;
c. Percent completion of annual physicals;
d. Percent completion of respirator fit tests;
e. Percent completion of required annual exercises (e.g.

Continuity Of Operations Plan, Shelter In Place Plan, Occupant
Emergency Plan, Local Contingency Plan);
f. Percent completion of required inspections (e.g. office

inspections, vehicle inspections, SCBA inspections, etc.);
g. Number of incidents investigated and percentage of timely

reporting (within 5 days);
h. Number of “open” versus “closed” action items list on the

“Corrective Action Items” listing.
3. Sharing recommendations and success stories on a quarterly basis to

the Regional Administrator.
4. Compiling information and data from the Hazard Report and Incident
Investigation Worksheets from each office and providing updates on
a quarterly basis to the Regional Administrator.
IV. Procedure
Each office in the Region will be evaluated annually on the following metrics:
3-16
1. Progress towards safety and health goals;
2. Percent completion of mandatory training;
3. Percent completion of annual physicals;
4. Percent completion of respirator fit tests;
5. Percent completion of required annual exercises (e.g. Continuity Of

Operations Plan, Shelter In Place Plan, Occupant Emergency Plan,
Local Contingency Plan);
6. Percent completion of required inspections (e.g. office inspections,

vehicle inspections, SCBA inspections);
7. Number of incidents investigated and percentage of timely reporting

(within 5 days);
8. Number of “open” versus “closed” action items list on the

“Corrective Action Items” listing.
3-17
APPENDIX A SAFETY AND HEALTH MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (SHMS)
SELF-EVALUATION
Note: Completion of this self-audit must include input from a team consisting of
management and non-management employees. During the evaluation process, input from
additional employees should be encouraged, and comments / recommendations /
corrective actions noted. Upon completion, the evaluation shall be sent to the Regional
Administrator and the Regional Safety and Health Manager.
I. SECTION 1
INJURY & ILLNESS RECORDS
1. Who maintains the OSHA 300 and 301 forms?
2. Was the OSHA 300-A completed and posted in the workplace?
3. Was the OSHA 300-A signed by the Area Director/Regional

Administrator?
4. Last Year’s Total Case Incident Rate (TCIR):
5. Office___________ BLS NAICS Code –

541350____________
6. Last Year’s Days Away Restricted Transfer Rate (DART):
7. Office___________ BLS NAICS Code –

541350____________
8. Comments, Current Recommendations / Corrective Actions:
II. SECTION 2 - SAFETY & HEALTH MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Element A: Management Leadership / Employee Involvement
A-1. Commitment
1. Is a signed U/M SHMS Commitment statement posted in your office

for all employees to view?
A-2. Communication / Employee Notification
3-18
1. How is your overall safety and health policy communicated to
employees?
2. Do you have a designated safety and health coordinator(s)?
3. If so, what are their responsibilities?
4. Has a safety and health committee that includes management and

employees been established?
5. How are comments or concerns regarding safety and health issues:
i. Communicated / submitted by employees?
j. Addressed or resolved by management?
6. How is the resolution of an issue communicated to employees?
7. How do you make employees aware of:
k. The SHMS Program?
l. Results of self-inspections, evaluations, S & H audits, near

misses, accident investigations?
A-3. Participation / Responsibility / Accountability
1. Give examples of managers’ and employees’ participation in safety

and health related activities such as training, quarterly S&H
inspections, and staff/team meetings.
2. How are safety and health responsibilities, including specific tasks,

assigned and communicated to employees?
3. Give examples of delegated duties and the process to assure

completion / accountability.
A-4. Resources
1. For the past year, give examples of resources, including time and
money, devoted to the safety and health program.
2. For the upcoming year, do you think these resources will increase,
decrease, or remain about the same?
A-5. Goals
3-19
1. List next fiscal year’s goals for your safety and health program.
2. Have action plans been developed to accomplish these goals?
3. List last fiscal year’s goals and indicate if each goal was Completed
(C), is in Progress (P), or was Withdrawn (W).
4. Describe how employees are involved in the goals setting process.
5. Once established, how are the goals communicated to employees?
Recommendations & Follow-up Items for: Element A: Management Leadership /

Employee Involvement
List last fiscal year’s recommendations and current status [(N/A), Completed (C), In
Progress (P), or Withdrawn (W)]
Question Number Recommendation Corrective Action Status
List any Comments, Current Recommendations and Corrective Actions for Element A:
Question Number Recommendation Corrective Action Due Date
Comments:
Element B—Worksite Analysis
B-1. Routine Audits
3-20
1. Describe the process for conducting and documenting routine safety
audits of the office.
2. How many safety audits of your office were conducted last year?
3. What procedures are in place to assure identified hazards are

corrected?
4. What system is in place to identify and document routine safety and

health hazards to CSHOs in the field?
5. What are the steps that have been taken to ensure a

preventative/predictive maintenance system is in place for the
following:
a. GSA Vehicle?
b. Technical Equipment?
6. When was your office’s safety and health program last audited by the
Regional Office?
a. Date of last audit?
b. Were there recommendations?
c. If so, how were they addressed?
7. Describe the annual review of programs such as lockout/tagout,

bloodborne pathogens, and respirators.
8. Approximately how many CSHO monitoring samples were collected

last year for your office?
B-2. Hazard Review—Significant Changes / Contractor Activities
1. Has a process been developed to review safety and health

considerations when:
a. Purchasing new equipment (field or office), furniture, PPE?
b. Relocating office space?
c. Developing new emphasis programs(s)?
2. Describe the procedures to oversee the activities of service / nested

contractors who perform work in your office or building.
B-3. Accident/Incident Investigations
3-21
1. What is the procedure for conducting, documenting and tracking
accident investigations, near misses, first aid and recordable
incidents?
2. How are employees aware of these procedures and the importance of

communicating these incidents to management?
3. How are the results of the investigations communicated to

employees?
4. Are near misses submitted to the Regional Office by the end of each
quarter?
B-3. Pattern Analysis
1. Which of the following does the office use to determine and analyze
any the patterns of near misses, injuries and illnesses?
_____ Results of accident and near miss investigations?
_____ Employee concerns?
_____ Quarterly office inspections?
_____ SHMS self-evaluations?
_____ Regional audits?
2. Have there been any injury / illness or near miss patterns over the last
three years?
3. If so, what corrective actions were taken?
4. Was the data shared with the employees and the Regional Office?
Recommendations & Follow-up Items for: Element B: Worksite Analysis
List last fiscal year’s recommendations and current status [(N/A), Completed (C), In
Progress (P), or Withdrawn (W)]
3-22
List any Comments, Current Recommendations and Corrective Actions for Element B:
Comments:
Element C – Hazard Prevention and Control
C-1. Engineering / Administrative Controls
1. What feasible engineering controls are in place such as ergonomics,

lighting, and walking/working surfaces?
2. What administrative controls are in place such as work policies?
3. What work practices controls are in place?
C-2. Personal Protective Equipment
1. Who conducted and certified the personal protective equipment

assessment?
2. Are employees involved in the assessment?
3. Are appropriate types and sizes PPE available?
4. Is PPE properly used?
5. Is there a written PPE inventory?
6. If so, how often is the inventory reviewed and restocked?
7. How does the office verify that employees are using appropriate PPE?
C-3. Emergency Preparedness / Health Care
3-23
1. Does the Office have written procedures for and conducted annual
training on:
a. Emergency Action Plan?
b. COOP?
c. REMP?
d. SIP?
2. Are CSHO physicals and respirator fit testing up to date?
3. How many staff members in the office are currently certified in:
CPR? _____
First Aid? _____
AED? _____
4. Does the office have a system to ensure the proper location, and
availability (i.e. battery checks) of the AED?
5. Describe any additional health care initiatives undertaken by the

office.
6. Describe the on-site and off-site access to First Aid and emergency
treatment.
7. Where is the first aid kit kept in the office?
8. Are first aid kits in each government vehicle?
9. Is there a system in place to maintain and restock the first aid

supplies?
Recommendations & Follow-up Items for: Element C – Hazard Prevention and

Control
List last fiscal year’s recommendations and current status [(N/A), Completed (C), In Progress (P), or
Withdrawn (W)]
3-24
List any Comments, Current Recommendations and Corrective Actions for Element C:
Comments:
Element D – Safety and Health Training
D-1. SHMS Training
1. Which of the following describes your office’s SHMS training?

(Mark all that apply)
_____ Every chapter of the SHMS manual is reviewed annually
_____ All chapters with annual training requirements are reviewed

annually
_____ New and updated chapters are reviewed annually
_____ Specific (non-required) chapters were included in last year’s

training, including ______________________________________.
2. Who maintains and tracks safety and health training records?
3. Describe how employees are involved in the training process.
4. Has the office completed all the mandatory training requirements?

(Attach copy of tracking sheet.)
5. Describe additional safety and health or related training initiatives

completed during the past year.
Recommendations & Follow-up Items for: Element D – Safety and Health Training
List last fiscal year’s recommendations and current status [(N/A), Completed (C), In Progress (P), or
Withdrawn (W)]
3-25
List any Comments, Current Recommendations and Corrective Actions for Element D:
Comments:
3-26
This evaluation Report was prepared by:
Management Representative
Employee Representative
Date:___________________________
3-27
APPENDIX B SHMS MID-YEAR SUMMARY
3-28
CHAPTER 4. REGIONAL OFFICE
I. Roles and Responsibilities
The Regional Administrator will:
1. Implement the SHMS and safety and health programs in accordance

with this Instruction and existing laws and regulations applicable to
all working conditions of employees in the Region.
2. Serve as a role model through personal compliance with the SHMS

and safety and health programs.
3. Create a culture that is supportive of employee safety and health.
4. Ensure managers set appropriate safety and health goals and

objectives, track results; hold managers accountable through the
Performance Management Plan.
5. Assure employees have input into the program and that annual goals
are communicated to all employees.
6. Provide managers with the authority and resources to carry out their
occupational safety and health responsibilities.
7. Provide timely reports to DTSEM, including Annual SHMS Self-

Evaluations, any changes requiring approval, best practices.
8. Support the formation of a Regional Safety and Health Committee

(RSHC) that is comprised of representatives from both labor and
management. Appoint a Regional Safety and Health Manager
(RSHM) to oversee the Regional SHMS and serve as the RSHC
facilitator.
9. Review information and recommendations from the RSHC and the

RSHM and provide updates and recommendations to the DTSEM, as
appropriate.
The Regional Safety and Health Manager (RSHM) will:
1. Conduct the Annual Safety and Health Management System (SHMS)

Self-Evaluations.
2. Facilitate and review Regional, Area, and District Office Annual

SHMS Self-Evaluations.
a. By December 15 the RSHM will send the Area Director and

the NCFLL Representative of each Area Office instructions
4-29
and a copy of the Annual SHMS Self-Evaluation guidelines to
be used for that calendar year.
b. By January 15 of each year, each Area Office and Regional

Office will complete the following based on whether or not
they are in the VPP Program.
c. Each VPP Office will send the following to the Regional

Administrator and the RSHM by January 15:
i. A copy of their annual VPP self-evaluation;
ii. A status update for ongoing safety and health goals

and results not already listed in the annual VPP self-
evaluation; and
iii. A copy of the safety and health goals and action

plan for the next calendar year.
d. Each non-VPP Office will send a copy of the completed

Annual SHMS Self-Evaluation to the Regional
Administrator and the Regional Safety and Health Manager
by January 15.
e. The Regional Office will receive copies of the latest

Annual SHMS Self-Evaluation from the Area and District
Offices. By February 15 of each year, the RSHM will
review the Annual SHMS Self-Evaluations from each Area
and District Office, then summarize and brief the Regional
Administrator and Deputy Regional Administrator on the
results.
f. The RSHM will be responsible for soliciting feedback from

the Area and District Offices each year on the effectiveness
of the Annual SHMS Self-Evaluation and complete any
needed changes by November 1 of each year.
g. The RSHM will be responsible for sharing the most recent

version of the Annual SHMS Self-Evaluation with the
appropriate OSHA manager for use on Regional, Area, and
District Office audits.
h. The RSHM will share general summaries of the Annual

SHMS Self-Evaluations with the RSHC. A copy of the
Annual SHMS Self-Evaluation must be forwarded to
DTSEM.
4-30
3. Facilitate the RSHC.
a. Serve as a permanent member as facilitator and technical

advisor to the RSHC. Also maintains and distributes
documentation, such as meeting minutes and specific safety
and health program changes.
b. Compile and maintain injury and illness records and

incident reports and investigations for the Region, and
analyze trends and share recommendations and success
stories as appropriate. Provide updates on a quarterly basis
to the Regional Administrator.
c. Propose safety and health program modifications to

improve employee safety and health protections through
the Regional Administrator for submission to the DTSEM
for review and approval.
d. Maintain and dispose of SHMS related documentation in

accordance with the Federal disposition schedule. Where
no guidance exists on particular documents, they will be
maintained for at least two years.
The RSHC will:
1. Promote occupational safety and health for the benefit of all

employees.
2. Meet at least quarterly to review, evaluate and recommend updates or

additions to safety and health policies and practices.
3. Review all reports of incidents, accidents, occupational injuries and

illnesses, and near misses, and perform suitable analysis of this
information and share any recommendations.
4. Facilitate the implementation of OSHA safety and health policies and

programs at the Regional Office, Area Office, District Office or Unit
level.
4-31
CHAPTER 5. AREA OFFICE
I. Roles and Responsibilities
The Area Director will:
1. Serve as a role model through personal compliance with the SHMS.
2. Be prompt, consistent, and fair in identifying and correcting unsafe

work conditions and unsafe working behaviors.
3. Provide resources and authority needed to allow Assistant Area

Directors (AADs)/Supervisors to fulfill their safety and health
responsibilities.
4. Provide advice, coaching, and training to staff to effectively integrate

the SHMS and policies into all aspects of their work.
5. Hold AADs/Supervisors, and employees accountable for the proper

implementation of the SHMS as it applies to their areas of
responsibility.
6. Set, pursue, and track safety and health goals to achieve continuous
improvement in employee occupational safety and health issues.
7. Assure employees have input into the program and that annual goals
are communicated to all employees.
8. Be aware of and use safety and health resources available to meet the
occupational safety and health needs within their jurisdiction.
9. Provide timely reports including annual SHMS evaluations.
The AADs/Supervisors have the first-line responsibility for the safety and
health of the employees in their respective teams. As part of their
responsibilities the AADs/Supervisors must:
5-32
1. Manage safety work methods in accordance with the SHMS.
2. Provide job related safety and health training.
3. Enforce the SHMS through monitoring and investigating any unsafe

act or condition brought to their attention or noted in the course of the
AAD/Supervisors activities. Ensure that those hazards or potential
hazards are controlled or eliminated by appropriate actions.
4. Provide an environment of clear communications through training,

education, and positive feedback to their team members.
5. Provide prompt reports to the Assistant Regional Administrator/Area

Director of any unsafe act, condition, or accident.
6. Set the example as a role model for excellence in occupational safety

and health practices.
Each Regional, Area, and District Office will conduct an annual SHMS Self-
Evaluation as follows:
1. By January 15, each Regional, Area, and District Office that has
achieved VPP status will send the RSHM a copy of their latest annual
VPP Self-Evaluation; any significant changes since the last Self-
Evaluation; a status update for ongoing safety and health goals and
results not already listed in the annual VPP Self-Evaluation; and a
copy of the safety and health goals and action plan for the next year.
2. By January 15, each Regional, Area, and District Office that is not a
VPP site will send the RSHM a copy of their completed Annual
SHMS Self-Evaluation.
5-33
CHAPTER 6. OFFICE SAFETY AND HEALTH
I. Purpose
This program is intended to protect employees from potential health and safety
hazards in the office. This policy emphasizes the elimination or reduction of
hazards by workplace and job design, taking into account differences among tasks
and individuals.
II. Scope
This chapter applies to all OSHA employees.
III. Definitions
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). The quality of air within the office environment;
this is a function of many parameters, including outdoor air quality in the
vicinity of the building, the configuration of the enclosed space, the design of
the ventilation system, the way the system is operated and maintained, and the
presence of sources of contaminants and the concentrations of those
contaminants.
NEC. National Electrical Code.
Noise. Unwanted sound. The most common effects in offices are:

interference with speech communication; annoyance; and distraction from
mental activities.
REMP. Regional Emergency Management Plan.
SIP. Shelter in Place.
Suspicious Package. The following may be indicators – mail and deliveries

that have:
6-34
1. Excess postage;
2. Handwritten or poorly typed addresses;
3. Incorrect titles;
4. Title but no name;
5. Misspellings of common words;
6. Oily stains or discolorations or odors emitted from the mail or parcel;
7. No return address;
8. Excessive weight;
9. Lopsided or uneven envelope;
10. Protruding wires or aluminum foil;
11. Excessive security material, such as masking tape, string, etc.;
12. Visual distractions;
13. Ticking sound;
14. Marked with restrictive endorsements, such as “Personal” or

“Confidential;”
15. Shows a city or state in the postmark that does not match the return
address; or
16. Unexpected parcels.
IV. Responsibilities
Responsible OSHA Manager(s)’s responsibilities include:
6-35
1. Working with the local safety and health committee to supplement
this chapter to meet the needs of the specific office environment;
2. Ensuring office safety and health inspections are conducted quarterly;
3. Training all employees on this chapter;
4. Providing proper storage for office supplies;
5. Ensuring that office equipment is in safe working order; and
6. Ensuring that safe procedures for processing incoming mail and

deliveries are utilized.
Employee Responsibilities include:
1. Reporting all safety or health concerns to management;
2. Maintaining an orderly and sanitary office environment; and
3. Following all office safety and health policies.
V. Procedure
Housekeeping
1. All aisles and passageways in offices must be free and clear of

obstructions. Proper layout, spacing, and arrangement of equipment,
furniture, and machinery are essential.
2. All tripping hazards must be eliminated. Some common hazards are

damaged carpeting, cords in walking areas, and projecting floor
electrical outlet boxes.
3. Chairs, files, bookcases and desks must be maintained in a safe

operating condition. Filing cabinet drawers must always be kept
closed when not in use.
4. Materials stored in supply rooms must be safely stacked and readily

accessible. Care must be taken to stack materials so that they will not
topple over. Heavy objects will be stored at low levels. Under no
circumstances will materials be stacked within 18 inches of ceiling
fire sprinkler heads or Halon plane of operation.
5. Hazardous materials must be properly handled and disposed of. A

waste receptacle of hazardous material must be labeled to warn
employees of the potential hazards.
Electrical Safety
6-36
1. Electrical cords must be examined on a routine basis for fraying and
exposed wiring. Particular attention should be paid to connections
behind furniture, as files and bookcases may be pushed tightly against
electric outlets, severely bending the cord at the plug. Defective
cords will be replaced or repaired, as needed.
2. Electrical equipment and wiring must be approved and used in

accordance with NEC and local requirements.
3. Non-business related small appliances, such as space heaters, are not

permitted in the office unless approved by management. Re-locatable
power taps (power strips) can be used in conjunction with small
appliances if listed and labeled for such use.
4. Use of extension cords:
a. Extension cords must only be used as temporary wiring in

accordance with OSHA’s electrical standards.
b. Extension cords must be kept in good repair, free from defects

in their insulation. Defective cords will be removed from
service until repaired or replaced.
c. Extension cords must be positioned so that they do not present

a tripping or slipping hazards.
d. Extension cords must not be placed through doorways having

doors that can be closed and thereby damage the cord.
e. All extension cords must be of the grounding type (three

conductors).
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
1. The Department of Labor has adopted a Smoke-Free Workplace

Policy that applies to every OSHA location. Smoking is prohibited
within all OSHA offices and buildings, except in designated
locations. Smoking materials must be extinguished and placed in
appropriate containers before leaving smoking areas.
2. The Agency will investigate all complaints of IAQ. Air sampling will
be conducted, when appropriate, and the results will be shared with
employee(s) and their union representative(s).
Noise
6-37
1. Sound levels must be considered during the procurement and location
or of any office equipment.
2. Provide proper maintenance of equipment, such as lubrication and

tightening loose parts, to prevent noise.
3. Locate loud equipment in areas where its effects are less detrimental.
For example, place shredders away from areas where people must use
the phone.
4. Barriers, walls, or dividers can be used to isolate noise sources.

Acoustically-treated materials can be used as buffers to deaden noise
and appropriate padding can be used to insulate vibrating equipment
to reduce noise.
5. Schedule noisy tasks at times when it will have the lease effect on
other tasks in the office.
Hazard Communication Program
1. Every employee must be made aware of all hazardous materials they

may contact in the office.
2. The hazard communication program must follow the requirements of

the hazard communication portion of this manual (Chapter 12) and 29
CFR 1910.1200.
Emergency Action Plan
1. Every office must have a written emergency action plan covering

actions that must be taken to ensure employee safety from fire and
other emergencies, such as tornados or bomb threats.
2. The written emergency action plan must, at a minimum, including the

following information:
a. Emergency escape procedures and emergency escape route

assignments;
b. Procedures to account for all employees after emergency

evacuation has been completed;
c. The methods of reporting fires and other emergencies;
d. The alarm or emergency notification system used to alert

employees of emergencies;
6-38
e. The name and telephone number of the Area Director/Unit
Manager who can be contacted in the event of an emergency
or for further information about the plan;
f. Location designated as the shelter-in-place (SIP); and
3. Employees will be trained on the emergency action plan when first

hired, whenever the plan changes, whenever any person’s
responsibilities under the plan change, and not less than annually.
4. Emergency action team members (i.e., monitors, accountability

employees) must receive training at least annually.
5. The specific emergency action plan for an office must be maintained

in their Safety and Health Program manual.
Fire Extinguishers
1. Employees are not to use fire extinguishers unless they have been
trained in their proper use.
2. The responsible OSHA Manager(s) will ensure that all portable fire
extinguishers are visually checked on a monthly basis and inspected
annually.
Mail and Deliverables Processing
1. Prior to processing mail and deliveries, it will be examined by an

individual in the office who has been trained to recognize potential
hazards associated with suspicious packages.
2. Isolate each suspect piece in a sealable plastic bag and place in a

remote location, if possible.
3. Notify the responsible OSHA Manager(s), who will evaluate the

package and determine if additional preventative measures are
necessary.
a. When the responsible OSHA Manager(s) determines that

additional measures are necessary, the Federal Protective
Service or other appropriate law enforcement agency will be
contacted.
b. The RSHM will be notified when outside agencies are

contacted.
6-39
4. All other mail should be opened using a letter opener, not your hands.
Use minimal movement to avoid spilling any possible content.
5. In the case of a spill or leakage of a suspicious substance:
a. The spilled material should be covered with anything available

(e.g., paper, trash can) and no attempt will be made to clean it
up.
b. The area where the package is located will be isolated and no

employees will be permitted to enter.
c. For anyone who has potentially had contact with the package
contents, soap and water cleaning is suggested where possible
in order to prevent the spread of contaminants.
d. Any such incident must be reported to the responsible OSHA

Manager(s) and the RSHM.
e. Any contaminated garments will be removed as soon as

possible.
f. The responsible OSHA Manager(s) must provide a list of all

individuals who may have been involved in the handling of the
parcel or questionable material to officials who may need it for
medical follow-up or law enforcement.
Ergonomics
1. All offices will follow the ergonomics program provided in this

manual. In addition, each office will complete the Computer
Workstation Evaluation (Chapter 20) for each workstation
2. In order to reduce stressors at computer workstations, the guidelines

in OSHA publication 3092, Working Safely with Video Display
Terminals, must be taken into consideration.
First Aid
1. First Aid kits must be available in every office and GSA vehicle.
2. The first aid procedures outlined in the First Aid and CPR Chapter
(Chapter 15) must be followed.
Lighting
6-40
1. Emergency lighting will be provided in accordance with National Fire
Protection Association (NFPA) codes or the local authority,
whichever is applicable.
6-41
CHAPTER 7. EMERGENCY CONTINGENCY PLAN
I. Purpose
The purpose of this plan is to ensure each employee of OSHA is provided a safe
working environment. The emergency contingency plan has been developed to
provide an organized plan of action to prepare and respond to major natural and
human-caused emergencies that threaten OSHA offices. OSHA employees
responding to emergencies outside the local office will follow the procedures and
plans specified in the Regional Emergency Management Plan (REMP).
II. Scope
The program applies to all OSHA employees and addresses emergencies affecting
the continued operation of the OSHA office. This Chapter includes the following
emergency action plans.
Shelter in Place Plan (SIPP). The SIPP protects occupants in the event of a
hazardous materials release in the community or for other scenarios when it
would be safer to remain in the building.
Local Contingency Plans for the Administrative Closing of Offices During

Emergency Situations. This emergency action plan authorizes the
administrative closing of OSHA offices for brief periods of time because of
emergency conditions.
Occupant Emergency Plan (OEP). The OEP contains procedures to keep

OSHA employees and visitors safe at the office. The plan covers medical
emergencies, fire, bomb threats and the handling of suspicious packages.
III. Definitions
Emergency. Any incident, human-caused or natural, that requires responsive

action to protect life and property.
Event. A planned, non-emergency activity.
Natural Emergencies. Major fires, hurricanes, earthquake, tornadoes, snow

and severe weather.
Human-Caused Emergencies. Hazardous chemical releases, civil disorders,

riots, bombs, and hostage situations.
The responsible OSHA Manager(s) will ensure:
7-42
1. Development and implementation of office specific emergency
programs;
2. Employees are trained on emergency procedures;
3. Exercises are conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the

emergency action plans; and
4. Maintenance of training records and documentation related to

incidents and exercises.
Employees are responsible for:
1. Attending emergency training;
2. Reporting potential emergency situations to their responsible OSHA

Manager(s); and
3. Following emergency action plans as directed.
V. Procedures
Each office will develop emergency plans applicable to their needs using the
following templates contained in the Appendices at the end of this chapter.
The templates are intended to serve as guides and may work well in some
office settings, but not in all.
Emergencies will be assessed by the responsible OSHA Manager(s) and/or

emergency personnel for size and the potential to cause injury or illness to
OSHA employees. The appropriate emergency plan will be implemented
based upon the nature and seriousness of the emergency.
Exercises will be conducted annually to evaluate the effectiveness of the

plans.
Any time an emergency plan is implemented, whether it is for an actual

emergency or an exercise, the response will be documented. The
documentation will include the date, description of the scenario, actions taken
or parts of the plan implemented, participants, and critique. The critique will
identify what went well and what areas need improvement. Plans will be
modified as necessary to correct deficiencies.
VI. Training
Records of all post-incident evaluations (actual emergencies or exercises) will

be retained by the responsible OSHA Manager(s).
7-43
Written records will include the source of the training, the OSHA
representatives trained, a description of training provided, and the dates when
training occurred.
All training records will be maintained by the responsible OSHA Manager(s).
7-44
APPENDIX A
Shelter In Place Plan (SIPP)
Initiation of Shelter-in-Place Procedures
This Shelter-in-Place Plan is established for the Department of Labor – OSHA facility
located at __________________ primarily to minimize danger arising from a hazardous
materials release within or in the immediate area outside of the building. This plan
addresses all such types of emergencies whether they are the result of an accidental
release or a national security incident. This plan has been developed by the Department
of Labor – OSHA.
The ___________________ Shelter-in-Place emergency procedures will be initiated

based upon information from local police and fire department officials indicating it is
safer for occupants to remain in the building than to evacuate to the outside.
Although this Shelter-in-Place Plan is aimed primarily at protecting occupants in the

event of a hazardous materials release, the procedures may also be invoked under other
scenarios when it would be safer to remain in the building, such as gunfire in the
immediate vicinity of the building or an imminent tornado.
Shelter-in-place may not be appropriate for all incidents. Every shelter-in-place situation
must be assessed on a case-by-case basis to determine the applicable course of action.
Shelter-in-Place Announcements
In the event that it is necessary to initiate shelter-in-place procedures, the responsible

OSHA Manager(s) will notify all OSHA employees. Management will contact OSHA
staff members working remotely, advising them not to return to the Office until further
notice.
All OSHA employees, contractors, and visitors should follow instructions from
designated managers, and be alert to periodic updates broadcast via the public address
system.
During the shelter-in-place emergency, management staff will be working to enhance

building safety. This will include implementing emergency ventilation shutdown
procedures and, where appropriate, securing all doors.
During the duration of the emergency monitoring for carbon dioxide shall be conducted
to insure air quality in the facility.
7-45
Relocating to Designated Shelter Areas Within the Building
All OSHA employees, contractors, and visitors should:
 Relocate to designated shelter areas in the building. Visitors should accompany the
employee they are visiting to the employee’s designated shelter area.
 Close doors to vacated offices (do not lock them).
 Account for all office staff expected in the shelter area (e.g. responsible OSHA
Manager(s) may use sign-in sheets to assess who is at work and their location).
 Listen carefully for instructions from authorized personnel, such as responsible

OSHA Manager(s) Remain in the shelter area until an “all clear” message has been
announced or an evacuation is ordered.
Critical Information for Employees
The primary focus of this Shelter-in-Place Plan is to minimize damage from a hazardous
materials release outside the building. Typically, shelter-in-place conditions will last
from a few minutes to a few hours. It is not anticipated that employees would remain in
the building overnight.
Shelter-in-place cannot be mandated by your agency. However, building management or

local emergency response personnel can require shelter-in-place to be put into effect. For
everyone’s safety, employees must proceed directly to a designated shelter area.
Opening an outside door could put you in contact with a harmful contaminant, or allow
dangerous air to enter the building and put others at risk. Information available to you
about conditions outside the building and the threats posed by those conditions may be
limited and incomplete.
Should you leave the building, you very likely will not be allowed re-entry. You may
also find that the location you travel to may not allow you access to that facility, since
they may be sheltering-in-place. If you have children in a nearby childcare facility, ask
them to describe their shelter-in-place procedures and whether it will be possible to
contact them while they are in a sheltering mode.
You should also be aware that conditions are likely to get uncomfortable, as the
maintenance staff will immediately shut down the ventilation system to reduce the chance
of contamination entering the building. The close quarters, heat, and stuffiness will add
to your discomfort. Please remain calm and assist those around you to cope with the
situation.
7-46
Responsibilities of Emergency Response Team Members
Members of management will assist in the quick and orderly movement of building
occupants into designated shelter areas, using prescribed evacuation routes or
immediately establishing a new evacuation route if a prescribed route is endangered or
inaccessible. They will ensure that other rooms on the floor are clear of any personnel,
and will keep security staff apprised of the status on each floor.
Issuance of “All Clear” Message
When it is safe to resume normal operations, an “all clear” message will be transmitted
____________________________.
Designated Shelter Areas
All OSHA employees should become familiar with the location of the designated shelter
areas for their offices. Typically, a shelter area will be on the same floor in the vicinity of
the employees’ workstations, and will be away from all exterior windows. Designated
shelter areas are _________________________________.
Essential Supplies
_________________________ will provide all OSHA employees, contractors, and

visitors with basic essential supplies during a shelter-in-place incident. The responsible
OSHA Manager(s) will be responsible for distribution of supplies in the shelter area, if
appropriate. Generally, water and nutritional supplements will not be distributed unless it
appears the incident will last an hour or longer. The provisions in the shelter area will
include:
 Water;
 Nutritional supplement;
 Flashlights and/or chemical light sticks;
 First aid supplies; and
 Self-powered radio.
7-47
Medical and Personal Preparedness
OSHA employees should evaluate their personal medical and dietary needs and plan
accordingly. This includes asking your doctor about appropriate storage for prescription
medications, such as heart and high blood pressure medication, insulin, or other
prescription drugs. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security advises that you also
consider any other special needs, such as wearing prescribed alert tags and bracelets to
help identify any disability or medical condition, as well as other comfort items.
Further details about the Shelter-in-Place plan for this building

__________________________.
Questions or concerns about this plan should be directed to ____________________ at

________________________.
7-48
APPENDIX B
Local Contingency Plan
Administrative Closing of
Offices During Emergency Situations
__________________________ ____________________
(Designated Local Official) (Date)
1. Purpose: To establish policy and procedures for the administrative dismissal of

employees, and the closing of Department of Labor offices during emergencies in the
OSHA offices.
2. Background: The Department of Labor, in accordance with Office of Personnel

Management (OPM) regulations, authorizes the closing of offices/activities for brief periods
during emergency situations that may prevent employees in significant numbers from
reporting to work, or that otherwise necessitate the closing down of Federal offices. When
this occurs, employees may be excused from work without charge to leave or loss of pay.
3. Policy: The Department's policy is to follow, as much as possible, OPM guidelines. The
paramount considerations include: the safety and health of employees in emergency
situations; equitable treatment of employees; cooperation and coordination with other
Federal agencies during emergency conditions; advance planning for coordinated action
under emergency conditions, including appropriate leave policies; and adherence to
contractual agreements, and to laws and regulations governing the granting of annual leave,
or authorization of excused absence without charge to leave during emergency situations.
4. Authority: Departmental Personnel Regulations (DPR) 610, Subchapter 3, dated July

1992
5. Coverage: Equitable treatment of all employees in the event of emergency or

administrative closing is essential. All Department of Labor employees in
_______________, except those whose positions are determined to be vital to the continuity
of the Department's functions, are to be excused by administrative order on a nonselective
basis. Employees whose positions have been identified by their respective Department of
Labor agency head as vital to the continuity of crucial operations are not excused in the
event of emergency or administrative closing.
7-49
6. Reasons for Administrative or Emergency Closing: For the purpose of this procedure,
the reasons for administrative or emergency closing of Department of Labor offices in
OSHA shall be limited to public emergencies, managerial reasons, State or Local holidays,
and extreme situations where due to the temporary disruption of air cooling or heating
systems, unusual levels of temperatures prevent the continuance on duty without an adverse
effect on health, and conditions are such as to actually prevent employees from working,, as
described in DPR 610, Subchapter 4, Section 3.b.
7. Responsibility and Authority Regarding Administrative or Emergency Closing of

Offices:
A. The Regional Administrator/OASAM (RA/OASAM) has the authority to make decisions

regarding administrative or emergency closing of offices within the region not to exceed
five days. The RA/OASAM has the authority to designate Department of Labor officials to
make such decisions in regional locations for periods not to exceed two days. Closing of
three to five days shall be decided by the RA/OASAM. Closing of more than five days must
be authorized by the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management.
B. The designated Department of Labor official in _______________, who will make

decisions regarding administrative emergency closing of Department of Labor offices is
_________________.
8. Local Contingency Plan:
A. The _____________ will determine that an emergency condition exists by contacting the
appropriate local authorities and/or organizations in Exhibit 1 to this plan, depending on the
nature of the emergency, and try to obtain sufficient information to assess the situation.
B. After obtaining sufficient information, the designated official will decide what course of
action is appropriate, depending upon the conditions or situation existing at the time as well
as forecasts concerning whether conditions will improve or worsen in the immediate future.
7-50
C. If the situation occurs or develops during normal working hours and a decision is made
to close local DOL offices, the designated official will contact the Regional Administrator
(RA) or Assistant Regional Administrator for Administrative Programs (ARA AP) or
equivalent unit, and/or OASAM to apprise him/her of the situation and the course of action
decided upon. Normally, this will be one of the following.
1) Department of Labor offices will suspend work and all employees (except those
identified by their agency heads as providing critical services) will be dismissed at
staggered intervals at avoid traffic congestion and tie-ups.
2) Department of Labor offices will suspend work and all employees (except those
identified by their agency heads as providing critical services) will be dismissed
immediately.
After contacting the RA/OASAM, the designated official will contact each local
Department of Labor office, as listed in Exhibit 2, and inform the person in charge as
to what decision has been made.
D. If the emergency situation occurs or develops during non-working hours, the

designated official will take the actions described in paragraphs *A and *B above, and then
decide which of the following courses of action is appropriate.
1) Open offices as usual. The designated official takes no further action.
2) Close all Department of Labor offices in ____________ by administrative order.

The designated official will implement the telephone contact procedure outlined in
Exhibit 1, and contact the local television and radio stations listed in Exhibit 3 so that
public announcements of office closings can be made. The designated official will
contact the RA or ARA-AP, and/or OASAM by 10:00 a.m. to inform him/her of the
administrative closing and the reason for this decision. The RA or ARA-AP, and/or
OASAM will then relay this information to the regional heads of all affected agencies.
Note: All local officials, organizations, and television/radio stations listed in the plan
have agreed to cooperate during emergency situations.
Exhibit 1 – Telephone Contact Procedure
Exhibit 2 – Dept of Labor / OSHA Local Authorities
Exhibit 3 – Local Television and Radio Stations
7-51
APPENDIX C
Occupant Emergency Plan
Signature Page
By their signatures below, the following officials certify that they have participated in the
development of this Occupant Emergency Plan and fully understand the procedures to be
followed in an emergency affecting the facility and the employees for which they are
responsible.
Designated Official: Title:_____________________________

Name:____________________________
Signature:_________________________
Occupant Emergency Coordinator: Title:_____________________________

Name:____________________________
Signature:_________________________
Response Team Coordinator: Title:_____________________________

Name:____________________________
Signature:_________________________
Safety & Health Advisor: Title:_____________________________

Name:____________________________
Signature:_________________________
7-52
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Emergency Preparedness Instructions Summary……………………………………X
Emergency Call List…………………………………………………………………X
Emergency Systems………………………………………………………………….X
Emergency Evacuation Plan Committee…………………………………………….X
Floor Wardens……………………………………………………………………….X
Agency Wardens…………………………………………………… ……………….X
Handicapped Occupants……………………………………………………………..X
Duties, Roles and Responsibilities…………………………………………………..X
Building Evacuation…………………………………………………………………X
Building Evacuation Communication System………………………………………X
Fire Plan…………………………………………………………………………….X
Bomb Threat Plan…………………………………………………………………...X
Demonstrations and Civil Disorders………………………………………………..X
Earthquake…………………………………………………………………………..X
Explosion Plan………………………………………………………………………X
Hostage Situation……………………………………………………………………X
Tornado……………………………………………………………………………...X
Power Failure………………………………………………………………………..X
Elevator Entrapment………………………………………………………………...X
Homeland Security Level Red………………………………………………………X
7-53
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS INSTRUCTIONS SUMMARY
EXIT STAIRWAYS – Exit Stairways are located at both ends of the elevator lobbies.
Use the Exit Stairway that is closest to your location.
EVACUATION – In the event of a fire, bomb threat or other emergency that requires
evacuation of the building, use the EXIT stairway that is closest to your location. Exit
the building and assemble in your agency’s designated area. All evacuations are initiated
on the order of the Designated Official and/or GSA Property Manager.
Each agency is responsible for performing a head count after it is determined that agency
personnel have arrived at the designated assembly area. If someone is missing, the
agency head or his/her representative will alert the designated official, who will in turn
alert the fire department. The fire department will search the building for the missing
person.
WEATHER EMERGENCY – In the event of a tornado or other weather emergency that

requires you to seek shelter, use the EXIT stairway that is closest to you and proceed to
the ________.
CHEMICAL OR BIOLOGICAL ATTACK – In the event of the release of a chemical or

biological agent in the air outside of the building, you may be directed to seek shelter-in-
place within the building.
CODE ADAM – In the event that a child is suspected missing within the building, inform
the Federal Protective Service and provide all information possible to assist in the search.
PARKING GARAGE – In the event of an evacuation of the parking facility, use the
EXIT stairwell closest to your current location. Stairway entrances are located in the
elevator lobby and at the northeast corner of the facility. A basement level EXIT is
located at the southeast corner of the facility.
Instructions will be provided to you through the fire annunciator speaker system.
Emergency Call List
Federal Protective Service

(Fire, Medical Emergency, Bomb Threat or Civil Defense Emergency) (XXX)XXX-
XXXX
Health Unit XXX-XXXX
GSA Property Manager XXX-XXXX
Fire Department XXX-XXXX
7-54
Police Department XXX-XXXX
Emergency Responders (Paramedics) XXX-XXXX
7-55
Emergency Systems
FIRE ALARM PULL STATIONS – Are located ________________________________.
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS – Are located ______________________________________.
AUTOMATIC EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS, EMERGENCY OXYGEN UNITS

and FIRST AID KITS – Are located
______________________________________________________________________.
Emergency Evacuation Plan Committee and order of succession
Phone
Position Name Agency Room Number
Designated Official
GSA Property
Manager
Inspector
Building Coordinator
Alt. Building
Coordinator
Floor Wardens
Phone
Floor Alternate Name Agency Room Number
7-56
Agency Wardens
Phone
Floor Alternate Name Agency Room Number
Handicapped Occupants
Phone
Floor Name Handicap Agency Room Number
Duties, Roles and Responsibilities
Purpose
The Occupant Emergency Plan (OEP) provides for unified action by all tenant agencies
of the ___________________________________________________, to assist all
personnel in the building in the event of a local emergency, national disaster or enemy
attack.
Scope
This plan applies only to emergency actions to be taken within the building. After an
evacuation, personnel will be governed by emergency plans of their respective agencies
and/or local government authorities. Changes to the plan will be made only by mutual
agreement of the GSA Property Manager and Designated Official.
Responsibilities
1. FEDERAL PROTECTIVE SERVICE is responsible for the protection of the
building and for the safety of the occupants of the building, and will notify the
Designated Official and GSA Property Manager of any emergency.
2. GSA will assist appropriate officials of occupant agencies and coordinate with
local authorities in achieving the objectives of the plan. GSA shall, to the extent
possible and when possible, provide the organization with members who are
7-57
technically qualified in the operation of utility systems and the installation and
maintenance of protective equipment. GSA will control the use of all utilities and
mechanical equipment during emergencies.
3. The Designated Official is the executor of the OEP and emergency plans. Based
upon first-hand information or information received from emergency personnel,
the Designated Official will determine whether to call for a general evacuation or
take localized actions and will notify the Building Coordinator to initiate any
actions.
4. The Building Coordinator ensures that the basic provisions of the plan are
disseminated to all occupants of the building and takes necessary actions to ensure
that the plan operates safely and effectively in emergencies. The Coordinator
initiates any action deemed necessary by the Designated Official in an emergency
situation, ensures that information notices are issued to all employees of the
building over the PA system, issues any changes in the plan, maintains liaison
with and cooperates with the principal officers of the tenant agencies on problems
arising in the selection and training of designated employees, calls floor warden
meetings when necessary to disseminate new information or resolve problems,
and directs all shelter management operations when the basement in the building
is occupied.
5. Tenant Agencies of the building have a responsibility for participating in this plan
to guarantee its success. Appointed representatives will function as an
organization under the supervision and control of the Building Coordinator.
Agencies will ensure that assigned personnel in the organization maintain a state
of readiness at all times to accomplish their mission. In case of an emergency,
first line supervisors shall determine the whereabouts of all agency personnel as
soon as possible and notify the coordinators immediately if anyone is missing.
After the emergency has ended, the agency head should determine the reason for
any personnel not responding to the designated assembly area to be counted. In a
real emergency, lives could be put at risk if emergency personnel enter the
building to rescue unaccounted for building personnel. We need to ensure that no
one intentionally fails to go to the assembly area.
6. Floor Wardens direct occupants of their respective floors to the prescribed

evacuation routes, notify the command center that the floor is clear as they exit
the building, and evacuate the building. Floor wardens ensure that the evacuation
procedures are known to all regular occupants the floor, ensure needed personnel
are supplied by the tenants on his/her floor to sufficiently staff the floor’s
organization, hold meetings as needed to resolve problems and advise the floor of
changes, direct an orderly flow of personnel during drills and actual emergencies,
move floor personnel from one stairwell to another, report to the command center
when their floor has been evacuated completely, keep the door to the stairwell
open and the flow of traffic moving, and assist floor personnel as needed.
7-58
7. Agency Wardens check their agency space to assure that all personnel have
vacated the area, search office space during a bomb threat, notify the floor warden
that the space is clear, and assist in directing occupants to the evacuation routes.
Test Drills
Evacuation test drills for each floor will be scheduled at least twice a year. The
Coordinator will coordinate these test drills with the Federal agencies involved.
Management Duties
In the event of an emergency, each respective agency is responsible for ensuring that
members of the public in their space at the time of an emergency are aware of all
emergency procedures.
TRAINING
Training will be conducted for all building emergency communication team members
twice yearly at a minimum.
BUILDING EVACUATION
1. All building evacuations will be on the order of the Designated Official and/or the
GSA Property Manager or persons acting in those positions.
2. The ________________________ will be used to signal a general evacuation.
3. Evacuation of the floor(s) or entire building will include employees, visitors and
the general public. Emergency personnel will be the only person(s) remaining on
the floor(s) or in the building.
4. The ____________________ will be used to evacuate handicapped persons. If an

incident occurs that would prohibit the use of the _____________, aides and/or
emergency personnel will assist all handicapped persons to evacuate by use of the
nearest stairwell.
5. All agency doors leading to the hallways will be closed upon evacuation. Each
agency should follow its own plan in regards to turning off lights, closing and
locking filing cabinets, etc. Upon evacuation of each agency’s space, the agency
warden shall close the door and place a marker on the door to signal an “all
clear.”
7-59
6. All agency personnel shall evacuate the building using the closest available
stairwell to their location.
7. All building occupants shall proceed down the stairway and EXIT the building at
the closest available EXIT location.
8. After evacuation of the building, all agency personnel shall meet in their
designated meeting area.
9. Handicapped personnel will be assisted by assigned monitors to the stairwells or

____________, depending upon handicap condition. It is the responsibility of the
individual agency to accommodate its handicapped personnel in an emergency
condition. The handicapped or injured individuals (if they are unable to be
evacuated via the stairwells) will then be evacuated by fire department and/or
emergency personnel. Aides are designated to ensure handicapped or injured
individuals are evacuated safely.
10. If evacuation does not go according to plan, the floor warden shall call
(XXX)XXX-XXXX for assistance.
11. Elevators are not to be used for emergency situations (except to evacuate handicapped or
injured personnel).
BUILDING EVACUATION COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
Designated Official
Federal Protective
GSA Property Manager Building Coordinator Service
Floor Wardens
Agency Wardens
Handicapped Aides
7-60
FIRE PLAN
PLAN AHEAD – Be familiar with the locations of stairwells, fire alarm pull locations and fire
extinguishers. See the floor plan posted in your office.
If a fire is observed or suspected, do the following.

1. Alert others around you and activate the fire alarm located near an elevator lobby.
2. If you are leaving the building due to a fire, close, but do not lock all doors as you leave. Ensure
that all windows are closed. Follow the route described on the Fire Evacuation Plan in each
office.
3. Use the stairwells. DO NOT USE ELEVATORS.
4. Go to the designated assembly area for your agency.
5. Do not re-enter the building until given approval by the Designated Official.
DON’T:
1. Panic
2. Use elevators
3. Re-enter the building for valuables
4. Break windows
5. Open hot doors
6. Become a spectator
7. Congregate at building entrances/exits after evacuation
Building Emergency Communication Team Procedure
1. The fire alarm will initiate the evacuation plan.

2. The Building Coordinator will report to the Command Center to relay necessary instructions over
the fire alarm speakers to building occupants.
3. Floor Wardens will direct traffic in hallways and ensure proper evacuation using accessible
stairwells.
4. Agency Wardens will ensure that office space is clear and will close and mark the hallway doors
with a sign denoting that the space is clear.
5. Floor Wardens will report to the Building Coordinator at the Command Center when their floor is
completely clear.
6. The fire alarm alerts the Fire Department, who will provide further instructions upon arrival to the
building.
BOMB THREAT PLAN

If a bomb threat is received, do the following.
1. Identify the time threat was received.
2. Follow the instructions listed on the bomb threat cards, which are to be placed under each
employee’s phone. If a card is not available, following the instructions of #3 below.
3. Ask the following questions (note exact words of person placing call).
a. Where is the bomb located?
b. When is it set to go off?
c. What does it look like?
d. What kind of bomb is it?
e. Who put it there?
f. Why was it put there?
4. Listen for voice characteristics, speech pattern, background noise, age and sex of caller.
5. If a threat is received via mail, hand carry it immediately to your supervisor and attempt to
preserve it for fingerprints.
6. Notify the Federal Protective Service.
7-61
7. Turn off all cellular phones, pagers and police radios.
8. Search the area for anything that looks suspicious or out of place as you evacuate the area and
report any information to emergency responders.
9. The Designated Official will determine if evacuation of the building is necessary. If evacuation
occurs, go to your agency’s designated assembly area.
DON’T:
1. Antagonize the caller; or
2. Disturb any suspicious package you find. Instead, immediately notify the Federal Protective
Service.
Building Emergency Communication Team Procedure
1. The Federal Protective Service will notify the Designated Official, the GSA Property Manager and
local authorities.
2. Agency Wardens are responsible for conducting the search in their area. The search should be
organized and conducted within fifteen minutes.
3. Floor Wardens will search public areas and stairwells.
4. Agency Wardens and Floor Wardens will notify the Building Coordinator who, in turn, will notify
the Designated Official through the Federal Protective Service once the search is complete.
5. The Floor Wardens/Federal Protective Officers will direct building occupants away from any
suspicious package found until identification of that package can be made.
6. Once the bomb squad or other emergency personnel are on scene, further instructions will be
provided to the Team.
7. The Floor Wardens will follow the evacuation plan based on recommendations of the Designated
Official.
Building Emergency Communication Team Plan
1. Once announcement has been made for agency heads to pick up the “information phones,” Floor
Wardens will proceed to the _______________________________________________.
2. The Designated Official and GSA Property Manager will proceed to ___________ to initiate the
red phone system informational call. If not all agencies are accounted for during roll call of the
red phone system, Floor Wardens will check on status of those non-reporting agencies on their
respective floors. (Reference Red Phone addendum for procedural use.)
3. Further instructions will be provided by on-site emergency personnel.
DEMONSTRATIONS AND CIVIL DISORDERS

Occupants will:
1. Avoid contact with demonstrators and all media representatives;
2. Continue working normally;
3. Keep lobby and corridors clear;
4. Stay away from windows and entrances; and
5. Report the presence of unauthorized persons in your office to the Federal Protective Service.
The Designated Official will determine the need for implementation of emergency procedures during a
demonstration or civil disorder.
7-62
EARTHQUAKE
DO:
1. Take cover under a desk, in a doorway or in the center interior of the building, or sit down against
an interior wall.
2. Stay clear of windows, bookcases, file cabinets, storage racks and similar items.
3. Follow the instructions of the Designated Official and emergency personnel.
4. Remain calm.
5. Turn off all electrical equipment.
6. If an evacuation is signaled, follow your escape route to the closest available stairwell, exit the
building, and proceed to your agency’s designated assembly area.
DON’T:
1. Use telephones;
2. Use elevators;
3. React in a manner that may cause undue panic or alarm;
4. Stand near windows;
5. Use matches if the power fails;
6. Panic if you are in an elevator. Emergency personnel will take action to remove passengers from
inoperative elevators.
 The Designated Official will determine the need for implementation of emergency procedures
during an earthquake.
EXPLOSION PLAN
If an explosion occurs:
1. Vacate the office to a safe area.
2. Notify the Federal Protective Service or pull the nearest fire alarm box.
3. Prohibit persons from entering the area.
4. Follow instructions given by emergency personnel.
If you are unable to evacuate the affected area:

1. Get down in the prone position.
2. Get under the best available cover (desk or table).
3. Get away from glass, open areas or perimeter rooms.
4. Protect head, eyes and torso.
1. The Designated Official will determine the need for implementation of emergency procedures
during an explosion.
7-63
HOSTAGE SITUATION
When dealing with hostage incidents in the normal business setting, properly trained and equipped law
enforcement agencies will be available to control the situation. The building’s emergency organization is
not trained to handle hostage incidents, but will follow emergency control measures until the appropriate
authorities arrive (mainly, to assist in keeping the area clear).
The Federal Protective Service will:

1. Notify the Designated Official, GSA Property Manager, Building Coordinator, and local
authorities, regarding the situation;
2. Cordon and isolate the affected area; and
3. Contain the hostage situation in the smallest possible area. All occupants will follow directions
given by emergency personnel.
Occupants will:
1. Remain calm;
2. Not antagonize the hostage taker(s);
3. Not make eye contact; and
4. Escape if a safe opportunity presents itself.
1. The Federal Protective Service will: notify the GSA Property Manager, Designated Official,
Building Coordinator and local authorities of the situation; cordon and isolate the affected area;
and contain the hostage situation in the smallest possible area.
2. The team will await further instructions by FEDERAL PROTECTIVE SERVICE and other
emergency personnel.
TORNADO
If the Tornado Warning sirens sound, occupants shall do the following.
1. Stay away from windows and outside walls. Close all drapes and blinds on outside windows.
2. Close all doors to outside offices.
3. Go to the primary shelter area for tornados, which is the basement level.
4. If the primary shelter area (basement) is not accessible, go to the lowest available floor of the
building and take shelter in the stairwells.
5. The Designated Official will keep you posted on any further information and instructions.
DON’T:
1. Attempt to leave the building; you are safer in one of the safe areas of the building than you would
be in the street or car.
2. Use elevators; or
3. Get excited; remain calm and follow the instructions of the Designated Official.
1. Upon the sounding of the siren, the Building Coordinator, at direction of the Designated Official,
will ensure that an appropriate warning announcement is made over the PA system.
2. Team members will direct occupants to the basement or lowest level available in the stairwells.
3. Further instructions may be given over the PA system at the direction of emergency personnel.
7-64
POWER FAILURE
In the event of a power failure, do the following.
1. Turn off electrical office machine appliances including computer equipment.
2. Remain calm. Emergency lighting will be available (one elevator will remain operational for
emergency use).
3. Keep a flashlight and extra batteries available.
If mechanical failure occurs to the lights, heat, air conditioning, etc., personnel should remain in their areas
and await further instructions from their first line supervisors. Further direction or instruction to floor
occupants will be issued by the floor wardens. Only by the sounding of the fire alarm will all personnel
vacate the building.
during a power failure.
ELEVATOR ENTRAPMENT
In the event of an elevator entrapment, do the following.
1. Press the emergency call button, located in the elevator control pad.
2. Be aware of the elevator number of the entrapment. Numbers are located in each elevator cab.
3. Be aware of the address and name of the building.
_______________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
during an elevator entrapment.
HOMELAND SECURITY LEVEL RED

Initiate heightened security measures within the building upon notification that the homeland security
threat level has been elevated to “Red” for the area.
1. All employees will present ID when entering the Federal Building.
2. Employee packages and personal belongings will be screened at building entrances.
3. Employees will enter magnetometers.
4. All Department of Homeland Security policies will be followed at all times.
7-65
CHAPTER 8. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
I. Purpose
The object of this Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Program is to protect employees
from the risk of injury by creating a barrier against workplace hazards. PPE will be
provided, used, and maintained when it has been determined that its use is required and
that such use will lessen the likelihood of occupational injury and/or illness.
II. Scope
The program applies to all employees required to wear PPE. This program addresses all
forms of PPE except respiratory and hearing protection, which are addressed in separate
chapters.
Responsible OSHA Manager(s) have the primary responsibility for implementation of

the PPE Program in their work area. Responsible OSHA Manager(s) will:
1. Provide appropriate PPE and make it available to employees;
2. Ensure and certify completion of a PPE assessment;
3. Ensure employees are trained on the proper use, care, and cleaning of PPE;
4. Maintain records of training and PPE supplied;
5. Supervise employees to ensure that the PPE Program elements are followed
and that employees properly use and care for PPE;
6. Ensure defective or damaged equipment is immediately removed from

service;
7. Ensure proper disposal and cleaning of contaminated PPE; and
8. Designate a PPE coordinator to supervise the distribution, maintenance, and

care of equipment.
OSHA employees are responsible for conforming to the requirements of this policy.
Employees will:
8-1
1. Wear PPE as necessary;
2. Attend PPE training sessions;
3. Care for, clean, maintain and dispose of PPE as necessary; and
4. Report any damaged or defective PPE to their responsible OSHA

Manager(s).
IV. Procedure
Hazard Assessment
1. Based on a general assessment of all work sites, it is OSHA policy that all
OSHA employees will utilize safety glasses, safety shoes and hard hats on
construction sites and safety glasses and safety shoes on all general industrial
sites. OSHA field personnel will also abide by any required PPE based on
the local office hazard assessment or OSHA JHAs.
2. At the start of any inspection/audit or other field activity, the OSHA

employee will assess the need for PPE, which would include the employer’s
PPE assessment.
3. The OSHA employee will abide by the employer’s or OSHA’s PPE policy,
whichever requires the greater protection.
4. If in the course of an inspection/audit or other field activity, the OSHA

professional encounters a hazardous condition requiring the use of PPE, not
addressed by the employer’s PPE hazard assessment, the OSHA employee
will promptly address the hazardous condition with the employer, and don
the appropriate PPE before proceeding unless other appropriate action
eliminates the hazard.
5. This chapter, as well as other chapters of the SHMS addressing the

following: Protection During Incident Investigations, Hearing Conservation,
Fall Protection and Respiratory Protection, as well as any other OSHA JHAs
that have been developed serve as OSHA’s PPE hazard assessment.
General Requirements
8-2
1. All PPE procured will be designed to meet relevant National Institute of
Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), American National Standards
Institute (ANSI) or other generally accepted industrial standards.
2. Equipment will be maintained and worn in accordance with manufacturer’s

specifications.
3. Care will be taken to ensure that the correct size is selected.
Eye and Face Protection
1. Eye protection with side protection will be worn during inspection activity.
2. Wherever hazards exist that may require additional eye protection, goggles or
face shields will be worn.
3. Equipment fitted with appropriate filter lenses will be used to protect against
light radiation. Tinted and shaded lenses are not filter lenses unless they are
marked or identified as such.
4. Prescription Safety Eyewear:
a. For employees who wear prescription lenses, eye protectors will either
incorporate the prescription in the design or fit properly over the
prescription lens.
b. Prescription safety glasses will be supplied to OSHA employees in

accordance with the current negotiated agreement with the NCFLL.
5. At a minimum, each potentially exposed OSHA employee will be provided

with safety lenses with side protection and chemical splash goggles (vented
type).
Head Protection
1. Hard hats equipped with limited dielectric properties will be furnished to and
used by all OSHA employees while on construction sites and where it is
required to be worn when hazards from falling or fixed objects or electrical
shock are present.
2. Hardhat liners will be provided to OSHA employees as appropriate.
Foot Protection
8-3
1. OSHA employees will be furnished with and are required to wear approved
safety shoes or boots at all times during inspections.
2. Safety shoes or boots with metatarsal protection will be provided and are
required to be worn in work areas where heavy materials could be dropped
on the foot (e.g. foundries), and where the employer being inspected required
that such protection be worn.
3. Each OSHA employee doing field work will be furnished with rubber
overshoes.
Hand Protection
1. Hand protection will be worn to protect against specific hazards such as

chemical exposure, electrical hazards, heat, cuts, bruises, or abrasion.
2. Glove selection for chemical protection will be based on performance

characteristics of the gloves, conditions, duration of use, and hazards present.
See Chapter 8 Appendix B for examples of performance characteristics.
3. Based on a hazard assessment, the responsible OSHA Manager(s) will select

and provide appropriate hand protection to employees that are potentially
exposed.
Protective Clothing and Equipment
1. Size appropriate protective clothing and equipment will be worn to protect

against injury from flash fire hazards, water hazards, contact with hot or
molten metal, chemical exposure, weather conditions, and hazards due to low
visibility (such as on road construction sites).
2. The following personal protective clothing and equipment will be furnished

or be available to qualified OSHA employees as needed:
a. For general inclement weather hazards, waterproof/chemical resistant

jacket and pants outerwear;
b. For water hazards, U.S. Coast Guard listed personal flotation devices;
c. For road construction, high visibility vests and amber safety lights;
d. Appropriate fire-retardant jackets and pants, whose inventory

identifying the location and size will be shared among all the offices,
will be provided for the following industries:
 Ferrous foundries;
 Non-ferrous foundries; and
8-4
 Chemical plants and refineries.
e. Disposable personal protective equipment apparel:
 Variety of sizes of full body overalls complete with head

and foot cover;
 Appropriate tape and pocket attachments as necessary; and
 Disposable Level B suits (purchased on an as needed

basis).
f. Other specialized PPE will be provided on an as needed basis. Its

use will be discussed in specific chapters (e.g. Fall Protection
Electrical Safety Work Practices).
Cleaning and Maintenance
1. PPE will be inspected, cleaned, and maintained as necessary so that the PPE
continues to provide the required protection. PPE will not be shared between
employees until it has been properly cleaned and sanitized.
2. PPE that cannot be decontaminated will be disposed of in compliance with

applicable regulations.
Training
1. PPE training will include the following elements:
a. When PPE is necessary;
b. What PPE is necessary;
c. How to properly don, doff, and adjust PPE;
d. Limitations of PPE; and
e. Care, maintenance, disposal, and useful life of PPE.
2. After training, each responsible OSHA Manager(s) will ensure that each
employee in their respective unit has an understanding of the proper use of
personal protective equipment.
3. Retraining is required when:
a. There are indications that PPE is not being used properly; or
b. There are changes in the PPE policy or equipment.
8-5
Recordkeeping
1. Written records will be kept of the names of persons trained, the type of
training provided, and the dates when training occurred.
2. All training records will be maintained at the field office for at least five
years. In the event that an employee transfers to another office they will be
provided with a copy of the training records.
3. Certification of the PPE Assessment will be maintained at the local office.
8-6
APPENDIX A
Filter Lenses for Protection Against Radiation Energy
Federal Register/Vol. 59, No. 66/Wednesday, April 6, 1994/Rules and Regulations/16361

Filter Lenses for Protection Against Radiant Energy
Electrode Size – Minimum*
Operations Arc Current
1/32 inch Protective Shade
Less than 3 Less than 60 7
Shielded metal arc 3-5 60-160 8
welding 5-8 160-250 10
More than 8 250-550 11
Less than 60 7
Gas metal arc
60-160 10
welding and flux
160-250 10
cored arc welding
250-500 10
Less than 50 8
Gas tungsten arc
50-150 8
welding
150-500 10
Air carbon arc (Light) Less than 500 10
cutting (Heavy) 500-1000 11
Less than 20 6
20-100 8
Plasma arc welding
100-400 10
400-800 11
(Light)** Less than 300 8
Plasma arc cutting (Medium)** 300-400 9
(Heavy)** 400-800 10
Torch brazing 3
Torch soldering 2
Carbon are welding 14
Federal Register/Vol. 59, No. 66/Wednesday, Aril 6, 1994/Rules and Regulations/16361

Filter Lenses for Protection Against Radiant Energy
Plate Thickness - Plate Thickness – Minimum*
Operations
Inches MM Protective Shade
Gas Welding:
Light Under 1/8 Under 3.2 4
Medium 1/8-2 3.2-12.7 5
Heavy Over 2 Over 12.7 6
*As a rule of thumb, state with a shade that is too dark to see the weld zone. Then go to a lighter shade that gives
sufficient view of the weld zone without going below the minimum. In Oxyfuel gas welding or cutting where the
torch produces a high yellow light, it is desirable to use a filter lens that absorbs the yellow or sodium line in the
visible light of the (spectrum) operation.
**These values apply where the actual arc is clearly seen. Experience has shown that lighter filters may be used
when the arc is hidden by the workpiece
8-7
APPENDIX B
GLOVE CHART
Glove Chart
Type Advantages Disadvantages Use Against
Low cost, good physical Poor vs. oils, greases, Bases, alcohols, dilute
Natural properties, dexterity organics; frequently water solutions, fair
Rubber imported, may be poor vs. aldehydes, ketones
quality
Low cost, dexterity, better Physical properties Same as natural
Natural rubber chemical resistance than frequently inferior to rubber
blends natural rubber vs. some natural rubber
chemicals
Low cost, very good Plasticizers can be Strong acids and
Polyvinyl
physical properties, stripped, frequently bases, salts, other
chloride
medium cost, medium imported, may be poor water solutions,
(PVC)
chemical resistance quality alcohols
Medium cost, medium N/A Oxidizing acids,
chemical resistance, anilines, phenol,
Neoprene
medium physical glycol ethers
properties
Low cost, excellent Poor vs. benzene, Oils, greases,
physical properties, methylene chloride, aliphatic chemicals,
dexterity trechloroethylene, many xylene,
Nitrile
ketones perchloroethylene,
trichloroethane; fair
vs. toluene
Specialty glove, polar Expensive, poor vs. Glycol ethers,
Butyl organic hydrocarbons, chlorinated ketones, esters
solvents
Specialty glove, organic Very expensive, water Aliphatics, aromatics,
solvents sensitive , poor vs. light chlorinated solvents,
Polyvinyl
alcohols ketones (except
alcohol (PVA)
acetone), esters,
ethers
Fluoro- Organic solvent Poor physical properties, Chlorinated solvents,
elastomer poor vs. some ketones, also aliphatics and
(Viton)* esters, amines alcohols
Norfiol (Silver Excellent chemical Poor fit, easily punctures, Use for Hazmat work
Shield) resistance poor grip, stiff
*Trademark of DuPont Dow elastomers
8-8
CHAPTER 9. VEHICULAR OPERATIONS
I. Purpose
Vehicles used to conduct official business are to be operated in a safe manner consistent
with local, State and Federal laws. All damage to Government-owned motor vehicles
(GOVs), privately-owned vehicles (POVs), or rental vehicles used for government
business must be reported promptly follow the procedures outlined within. The use of
GOVs is limited to official government business.
II. Scope
The procedure will serve as the guideline for protecting all employees using GOVs,
POVs, and /or rental vehicles operated while performing official government business.
The responsible OSHA Manager(s) will:
1. Oversee maintenance and repair of government vehicles;
2. Ensure that GOVs are equipped with a spare tire, jack, lug wrench, fire
extinguisher, first aid kit and General Service Administration (GSA) Motor
Vehicle Accident Reporting Kit. It is recommended that POVs are similarly
equipped;
3. Ensure that GOVs are periodically inspected with regard to their outward
appearance and maintenance schedules;
4. Provide defensive driving instruction as needed; and
5. Ensure that employees under his or her supervision who drive government
vehicles possess a valid state driver’s license.
The Driver will:
9-9
1. Use the GOV only for conducting official business;
2. Carry a valid state driver’s license;
3. Ensure seat belt use for all occupants;
4. Operate the vehicle in a safe manner conforming to traffic laws and road
conditions;
5. Ensure no smoking in GOV or leased vehicles;
6. Not use a hand held cellular phone or other device for calls or texting;
7. Not use photographic devices while operating the vehicle.
IV. Procedures
Vehicle inspections will be conducted as follows:
1. Prior to each use visual inspections of the vehicle will be conducted. The
Pre-Use Checklist (Chapter 9, Appendix A) can be used as a guide.
2. Monthly inspections will be conducted and documented. The Monthly

Checklist (Chapter 9, Appendix B) will be used and retained in the office.
Those performing monthly inspections will be adequately trained.
3. Concerns/problems must be reported to the Area Director/Unit Manager or

his or her designee.
Employees will comply with all state regulations while operating motor vehicles
during official government business.
All employees must wear seat belts when traveling on official government business.
Employees will not operate motor vehicles if fatigued or impaired by the

consumption of alcohol, prescription drugs, or over-the-counter medications.
In the case of damage to a GOV, all of the following procedures apply. For POVs or
rental vehicles operating for official business, notification of the responsible OSHA
Manager(s) and completion of the Incident Investigation and Hazard Reporting
worksheet are required. The other procedures may serve as useful guidelines.
9-10
1. Stop immediately.
2. Take whatever steps are necessary to prevent another accident.
3. Notify police and/or emergency services if necessary.
4. DO NOT sign any paper or make any statement as to who was at fault in any
accident situation (except to your AAD/appropriate OSHA manager, or to a
Federal Government investigator).
5. As soon as possible, notify your responsible OSHA Manager(s), who in turn

will notify Administrative Programs in the Regional Office. If driving and
interagency motor pool vehicle, the manager off the pool that issued the
vehicle will also be notified.
6. If the vehicle is unsafe to operate, have it towed to the nearest garage or

service station.
7. The responsible OSHA Manager(s) will ensure that General Services

Administration (GSA) guidelines referenced in the Accident Report
Procedures and the Incident Investigation and Hazard Reporting worksheet
are completed.
a. Standard Form 91, Motor Vehicle Accident Report;
b. Standard Form 94, Statement of Witness (if applicable);
c. Form CA-1, Federal Employee’s Notice of Traumatic Injury (if

applicable);
d. Standard Form 95, Claim for Damage, Injury, or Death (if applicable);
e. Police Report of Accident;
f. Repair estimates; and
g. Incident Investigation and Hazard Reporting worksheet;
8. In the event of damage caused by vandalism or other, non-accident sources,

such as weather, the responsible OSHA Manager(s) must be notified who, in
turn, will notify the ARA of Administrative Programs or equivalent unit.
9. If you are injured in a motor vehicle accident:
a. If injured to the extent that you cannot perform your duties, have the
police notify your responsible OSHA Manager(s), who will assume
your responsibilities for reporting the accident.
9-11
b. Submit Form CA-1, Federal Employee’s Notice of Traumatic Injury,
to your responsible OSHA Manager(s).
c. Submit all reports and data to your responsible OSHA Manager(s)

within one working day.
V. Winter Driving
During winter months, particular attention to driving conditions will be considered

when employees are required to travel.
1. Travel will be under the discretion of the responsible OSHA Manager(s), and
the driver.
2. If an employee encounters driving conditions that may be hazardous, they

will contact the office and advise the supervisor of the hazardous condition.
If contact cannot be made with the office, the employee will make every
effort not to put him or herself in a hazardous situation.
Each office will develop a winter driving kit to fit the needs of that particular office.
1. Prior to each winter driving season, kits will be inspected and employees
trained on the equipment in the kit.
2. Winter driving kits may include: space blanket, candles, matches, and spike
mats.
VI. Driving in Remote Areas
Procedures will be developed for employees required to travel to remote areas (e.g.
mountain roads, logging inspections, oil and gas operations, and desolate highways. If
possible, direct communication utilizing radios or cell phone will be used. If direct
communication is not possible, a check-in/check-out system will be used.
9-12
APPENDIX A
VEHICLE PRE-USE INSPECTION LOG
Month: _______________ Year: __________ Vehicle Plate #: _________________
Pre-Use Inspection Log

Date First Fire Extinguisher Ice Headlights Turn Brake Horn Flashlight General
Aid Scraper Signal lights Condition
Kit Lights operational (Damage)
9-13
APPENDIX B
VEHICLE MONTHLY INSPECTION LOG
Month: ________________ Year: ________Vehicle Plate #: ____________________
Starting Mileage: __________________Ending Mileage: _______________________
Monthly Inspection Log

ITEMS TO BE CHECKED STATUS DATE ITEM(S) WERE REPLACED/SERVICED
Oil (Check Level)
Windshield Wipers and
Washer Fluid
Radiator Coolant Level
Tires (Pressure,
Excessive Wear)
Comments:-
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________
Name of Inspector for Monthly Check:

______________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
9-14
CHAPTER 10. VIOLENCE IN THE WORKPLACE
I. Purpose
To provide a workplace that is free from violence, harassment, intimidation, and other
disruptive behavior.
II. Scope
This chapter applies to all OSHA employees
III. Definitions
Assault. To attack someone physically or verbally, causing bodily or emotional

injury, pain, and/or distress. This might involve the use of a weapon, and includes
actions such as hitting, punching, pushing, poking, or kicking.
Intimidating Behavior. Threats or other conduct that in any way create a hostile
environment, impair Agency operations, or frighten, alarm, or inhibit others. Verbal
intimidation may include making false statements that are malicious, disparaging,
derogatory, disrespectful, abusive, or rude.
Threat. Any oral or written expression or gesture that could be interpreted by a

reasonable person as conveying intent to cause physical harm to persons or property.
Workplace Violence. An action, whether verbal, written, or physical aggression, that

is intended to control, cause, or is capable of causing injury to oneself or other,
emotional harm, or damage to property.
Employees will treat all other employees, as well as customers, with dignity and respect.
Management will provide a working environment as safe as possible by having
preventative measures in place and by dealing immediately with threatening or
potentially violent situations. No employee will engage in threats, violent outbursts,
intimidation, bullying, harassment, or other abusive or disruptive behaviors.
Assistant Regional Administrator/Director for Administrative Programs (ARA – AP)

or equivalent unit will:
10-15
1. Disseminate the workplace violence policies and procedures to all
employees;
2. Provide annual training on this policy and U.S. Department of Labor

workplace violence program for responsible OSHA Manager(s); and
3. Conduct an investigation and complete a Workplace Violence Incident

Report for all incidents reported. The report will be submitted to the
Regional Administrator within 24 hours of completion.
The responsible OSHA Manager(s) will:
1. Contact local Federal Protective Service and U.S. Marshal representatives to

develop notification procedures prior to any event occurring;
2. Ensure that both the U.S. Department of Labor “Workplace Violence

Program” and this program are enforced;
3. Not condone any violence, disruptive, aggressive, or abusive behavior

exhibited or threatened by any employee;
4. Ensure employees are trained on the program, which includes the appendix
for this chapter;
5. Assist in identifying potentially dangerous situations and participate in the

development of procedures to address those situations;
6. Take all threats seriously. Respond by utilizing proper resources from

security, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), medical services, and the
police if necessary;
7. Contact the Regional Administrator and appropriate local law enforcement

when incidents occur during official duty but outside the Area Office;
8. Be aware of changes in employee behavior that may indicate the potential for
workplace violence or disruption. Address these changes in discussion with
employee(s);
9. Be knowledgeable about the disciplinary actions that can be taken against

employees who are disruptive in the workplace. Utilize these actions in
accordance with the collective bargaining agreement; and
10. Once aware of a workplace violence incident, conduct an investigation and

initiate the Workplace Violence Incident Report (Chapter 10, Appendix A).
A copy of the Report will be submitted to the ARA-AP within 24 hours of
completion of the investigation.
Employees will:
10-16
1. Be familiar with the U.S. Department of Labor “Workplace Violence
Program” and this policy; http://labornet.dol.gov/me/worklife/dol-workplace-
violence-program.htm .
2. Remove themselves from any threat as soon as possible;
3. Report any threats, physical or verbal, and/or any disruptive behavior of any
individual to local management;
4. Report threats, physical or verbal, and/or any disruptive behavior regarding

the responsible OSHA Manager(s) directly to the ARA-AP;
5. Cooperate with any subsequent investigation of workplace violence

incidents; and
6. Leave the area immediately when threats or violent behavior occur while on
office duty outside the duty station and contact the responsible OSHA
Manager(s) who will in turn contact the Regional Administrator and
appropriate local and federal law enforcement. No attempt to engage or
antagonize a person threatening violence will be made.
10-17
APPENDIX A
WORKPLACE VIOLENCE INCIDENT REPORT
Date of Incident: Time of Incident
Location of Incident:
Name of person reporting the incident: Telephone Number:
Name of responsible OSHA Manager(s) Telephone Number

writing report:
Type of Violence:
_____ Physical _____Verbal Harassment _____ Other
Source of Violence:
______ Violence from strangers outside the workplace
______ Violence from customers/clients
______ Violence from coworkers, supervisors, managers
______ Violence from personal relations (domestic violence)
______ Other (bomb, terrorist)
Names of Individuals Involved:
10-18
Detailed description of incident (describe the incident in terms of who, what, here, why
and how. Were weapons/equipment involved? Reports/referrals made to police?)
NAME AND ADDRESSES OF WITNESSES:

Name: Telephone Number:
Address:
Address:
Address:
Address:
Was the individual(s) involved in previous incidents? _____ Yes _____ No

If yes, please describe:
Was anyone injured? _____ Yes _____ No

If yes, please describe injuries and any lost time due to those injuries:
10-19
Corrective Actions Taken X
Referral to EAP
Counseling by the responsible OSHA Manager(s) Date:
Disciplinary/Adverse Action (Warning, Suspension,
Date:
Termination)
Training on Workplace Violence Date:
Referral to local law enforcement Date:
Modifications to Working Conditions Date:
Other Corrective Actions Taken (please specify) Date:
Response to Person Reporting Incident:

Date:
10-20
CHAPTER 11. WALKING WORKING SURFACES
I. Purpose
This program is intended to protect employees from potential health and safety hazards
encountered with walking/working surfaces in the office and in the field.
II. Scope
All OSHA employees will comply with the requirements of this chapter. Only trained
and authorized employees will be allowed to access ladders and scaffolds. Employees
will exercise professional judgment and limit their exposures to the absolute minimum.
However, unless they have specialized training and qualifications, prior to OSHA
employees accessing a scaffold system they must contact area office management for
concurrence.
III. Definitions
See 20 CFR 1910.21.
Responsible OSHA Manager(s) are responsible for:
1. Training for all office, administrative, and field employees on the procedures
outlined in this Chapter.
2. Providing proper tools and equipment to ensure that the procedures are
followed.
3. Ensuring reported unsafe conditions are corrected.
Employees are responsible for:
1. Reporting all safety problems immediately to their supervisor.
2. Maintaining a neat and sanitary office environment.
3. Following all office safety and health policies.
V. Procedures
Keep all worker areas, aisles, and passageways, including stairs, doorways, electrical
panels and exits, free and clear of obstructions, and maintain them in a clean, orderly,
and sanitary fashion.
11-21
Maintain floors and stairs in a clean and dry condition (so far as possible). If a spill
occurs, clean it up immediately or warn others and report it so that it can be cleaned
up.
All trip hazards must be eliminated. Common hazards include damaged carpeting,
cords in walking areas, and projecting floor electrical outlet boxes.
Step stools, if equipped with wheels, should have an automatically locking base or
wheel locks. Inspect to ensure all parts are secure and safety features, such as wheel
locks and anti-slip treads, are intact and properly functioning.
Ladders.
11-22
1. Ladders will be selected for the work intended.
2. Make sure the ladder is the proper height for the job. Extension ladders will
be at least 3 feet taller than the point of support and stepladders will be
selected so that the worker is never required to use the top two steps.
3. Inspect ladders before use. Defective ladders will not be used. Some signs
of defects include: broken rungs, split side rails, worn or broken safety feet,
broken hinges and spreaders, loose nuts, bolts and/or rivets. If defective,
remove ladder from service and place a warning tag reading on it “DO NOT
USE.”
4. When using a straight ladder, place feet on a firm surface and secure it at the
top so that it cannot slide sideways.
5. Always face the ladder when climbing or descending. Use both hands –
never carry anything in your hands. You have climbed too high if your knees
are above the top of the ladder or if you cannot maintain a handhold on the
ladder.
6. There should only be one person on a ladder at any time unless designed for
multiple users.
7. Do not use metal ladders if there is the possibility of contact with electrical
conductors.
8. Never use a stepladder as a straight ladder.
9. Do not use stepladders as a brace or support for a work platform or plank.
10. Never lean from the side of a ladder. If necessary, the task will be evaluated
for potential fall hazards. Other alternative solutions will be used to allow a
safe approach to the task.
Stairs, ramps and walkways will be clear and in good condition. Always use the
handrail provided when ascending or descending stairs.
Employees will be cautioned to watch for holes, concrete dividers, curbs, discarded
items, paper and other tripping hazards.
During cold weather, employees will be cautioned about icy conditions on walkways
and parking lots.
Floor holes and openings will be protected by a cover or standard railing. Should the
cover or railing need to be removed, the floor opening or hole will be constantly
attended by an attendant assigned to warn others of the hazard.
11-23
Open-sided floors or platforms that are four or more feet above ground level will be
provided with proper standard railing. When there is equipment that could fall from
these elevations, the installation of a standard toe board is required.
Scaffolds.
There are several different types of scaffolds. Access to elevated locations or work at
heights requires guardrails, fall protection, or a personal fall arrest systems device.
Employees will be cautioned that if the work cannot be performed from the ground or
by other available means, the following general requirements for scaffolding will be
met:
1. Scaffolds will be used only when work cannot be performed from the ground
or from solid construction.
2. Footing or anchorage for scaffolds will be sound, rigid, and capable of

carrying the intended load without settling or displacement. Unstable
objects, including barrels, boxes, loose bricks or concrete blocks, will not be
used to support scaffolds or planks. The use of base plates and mudsills is
acceptable.
3. Access to the scaffold must be provided by a ladder, ramp, or other safe

means. Never use the side frames to access the scaffold.
4. Scaffolds must be fully planked. The planks will not extend less than six
inches and not more than 18 inches from the end.
5. Scaffolds will not be used during storms, high wind, or when covered by ice
or snow.
6. Scaffolds over 10 feet from ground level must have standard guardrails,
toeboards, and will be properly cross-braced.
7. Mobile ladder stands and scaffolds will have positive wheel and/or swivel
lock casters to prevent movement.
11-24
CHAPTER 12. HAZARD COMMUNICATION
I. Purpose
It is OSHA’s policy to comply with the requirements of OSHA’s Hazard Communication

Standard (HCS), 29 CFR 1910.1200.
II. Scope
This program applies to all work operations where there is exposure to hazardous
chemicals that are known to be present in the workplace in such a manner that employees
may be exposed under normal conditions of use or in a foreseeable emergency. The mere
presence of a hazardous chemical in the workplace does not trigger coverage under the
HCS. There must be actual or potential exposure to an employee. Consumer products
are not covered by this program to the extent that the use of the products results in a
duration and frequency of exposure that is not greater than that which could be
reasonably be experienced by consumers.
Area Offices – responsible OSHA Manager(s) is the coordinator of the Hazard

Communication Program (HCP) in his or her office, acting as the representative of
the Regional Administrator.
1. He or she may delegate the day-to-day responsibility for the HCP to one of
the Assistant Area Directors or a senior industrial hygienist.
2. Ultimate responsibility for the development and implementation of the

program in each Area Office remains with the responsible OSHA
Manager(s).
Regional Offices – the Regional Hazard Communication Coordinator (RHCC), acting

as the representative of the Regional Administrator, will have responsibility for the
development and implementation of the program in the Regional Office, as well as
act as overall coordinator for the program. For purposes of this program, the
responsible OSHA Manager(s) and RHCC have the same responsibilities.
IV. Procedure
List of Hazardous Chemicals
12-25
1. A list will be maintained of all hazardous chemicals used in the office and
updated as necessary. This list will be developed by each office and become
a part of this program as an attachment.
2. The list will identify the corresponding Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for each
chemical.
Safety Data Sheet
1. A copy of an SDS for every substance on the list of hazardous chemicals in

the Regional/Area office will be maintained.
2. SDSs for all hazardous chemicals used in the Regional/Area Office will be
readily accessible to employees at all times.
3. Requisitions for hazardous chemicals are to include a request for the SDS.
All SDSs will be reviewed for content and completeness. Additional research
will be done if necessary.
4. SDSs of new material to be purchased must be reviewed and the chemical

approved for use by the responsible OSHA Manager(s) /RHCC or his or her
designee. Whenever possible, the least hazardous substance will be obtained.
Warning Labels
1. All containers of hazardous chemicals in the office will be properly labeled.
2. All labels will include the identity of the hazardous chemical and the
appropriate hazard warning, including the target organ effects.
3. Each label will be checked with the corresponding SDS to verify the
information.
4. Alternate labeling provisions, such as tags or markings, may be made for

containers that are of unusual shape or size and do not easily accommodate a
legible label.
5. Chemicals that are transferred from a properly labeled container to a portable

container, and that are intended only for the immediate use of the person who
performs the transfer are not required to be labeled. Immediate use is defined
in 29 CFR 1910.1200.
Training
12-26
1. Each employee who is potentially exposed to hazardous chemicals will
receive training as outlined in this Chapter.
2. New employees will receive training on the contents of this program and
specific training on the chemicals that the individuals will be directly
working with during orientation and prior to performing work where
exposure may occur.
3. Additional training will be provided for employees whenever a new chemical

is introduced into their work area.
4. As warranted, training may be provided based on the uniqueness of the

hazards to be encountered at an inspection worksite.
5. The training program will emphasize the following elements:
a. A summary of the HCS and the written program;
b. Hazardous chemical properties, including visual appearance and odor,

and methods that can be used to detect the presence or release of
hazardous chemicals;
c. Physical and health hazards associated with potential exposure to

hazardous chemicals;
d. Procedures to protect against hazards, such as personal protective

equipment, work practices, and emergency procedures;
e. Hazardous chemical spill and leak procedures; and
f. Location of SDSs, how to understand their content, and how

employees may obtain and use appropriate hazard information.
Hazardous Chemicals Encountered on Work Sites
Recognizing that the greatest potential for exposure to hazardous chemicals involves
field exposures during the course of on-site activities, the following issues will be
considered:
1. Field employees will identify potential hazards using the employer’s list of
hazardous chemicals and associated SDSs and labeling system.
a. Ensure that appropriate protective measures, including personal

protective equipment, are available and utilized.
b. Where protective measures are not adequate, OSHA employees must

avoid exposure and contact their responsible OSHA Manager(s)
/RHCC.
12-27
2. Samples collected during any on-site activity that may present a potential
hazard to OSHA employees will be handled in accordance with procedures
outlined by OSHA’s Salt Lake City Technical Center.
Contract Employees
1. Outside contractors will be advised of any chemical hazards that may be

encountered in the normal course of their work in OSHA offices.
2. Outside contractors will be notified of the location and availability of SDSs.
3. Each contractor bringing chemicals on-site must provide OSHA with the
appropriate hazard information, including SDSs. All containers of hazardous
chemicals brought on-site by an outside contractor must be appropriately
labeled.
Non-Routine Tasks
If a non-routine task is planned in an OSHA office, affected employees must be

informed of any chemical hazards associated with the performance of the task(s) and
appropriate protective measures before such work is initiated.
CHAPTER 13. CONTROL OF HAZARDOUS ENERGY SOURCES
I. Purpose
This chapter establishes the OSHA Field Safety and Health Management System
(SHMS) National Lockout/Tagout (LO/TO) Program. The policies and procedures in
this Program are intended to set broad expectations for preventing OSHA employee
injury or death from uncontrolled hazardous energy sources when there are no
alternatives to conducting work activities where energy isolation is required. OSHA
expects Regions, DTSEM and DTE to develop specific procedures that align with this
program as needed.
This Program is designed to protect OSHA employees from the inadvertent or unintended
release of energy, movement, or flow in electrical potential, mechanical, or material
systems, which could result in an injury or fatality to outside personnel as defined in 29
CFR 1910.147(f)(2). Locally developed OSHA procedures that align with this LO/TO
Program will ensure that all potentially hazardous energy from machines or equipment is
isolated using lockout devices before OSHA employees perform any activities (e.g.,
inspections) where unexpected energizing, start up, or release of stored energy could
cause an injury or a fatality.
13-28
All OSHA employees are considered affected employees because their jobs required
them to likely work in an area in which machine or equipment servicing and maintenance
is being performed. For the rare occasion when lockout devices are determined necessary,
management will determine if and when a limited number of OSHA employees are
considered authorized employees. If Directorate Directors, Regional Administrators
(RA), and Area Directors (AD) decide employees under their supervision will never be
considered authorized employees, only the annual training requirements for affected
employees in this program apply to that Region/Directorate.
This Program assumes that OSHA is the outside employer and authorized OSHA
employees may conduct work activities as outside personnel. Normally, OSHA
employees are not expected to put themselves in a position that would require isolating
hazardous energy sources. However, work activities that require taking measurements or
visually inspecting equipment at an on-site employer’s worksite is considered
maintenance or servicing. LO/TO program requirements apply if there is a potential for
the unexpected energizing, start up or release of stored energy that could cause injury.
Only authorized employees will use this Program to lock out hazardous energy. This will
include providing information to the on-site employer about OSHA’s LO/TO procedures
as required in 29 CFR 1910.147(f)(2)(i) (see section V.C.1).
This Program relies on an effective on-site employer LO/TO Program and OSHA
employee’s ability to assess its effectiveness during the required information sharing
about LO/TO procedures. OSHA employees will not conduct work activities that require
controlling hazardous energy as outside personnel if there is not an effective on-site
employer LO/TO Program.
II. Scope
This LO/TO Program is intended to apply specifically to OSHA employees covered by

the OSHA Field Safety and Health Manual—specifically OSHA employees conducting
work activities at another employer’s facility (e.g. inspecting or otherwise visiting
another employer's facility), hereinafter referred to as the on-site employer as established
in 29 CFR 1910.147(f)(2)(i).
The procedures in this program do not provide OSHA-owned equipment-specific LO/TO

procedures required by 29 CFR 1910.147 for equipment at OSHA facilities.
Regions/Directorates that require employees to isolate hazardous energy at OSHA
facilities will develop specific LO/TO procedures for applicable OSHA-owned
equipment that is consistent with, and at least as protective as, 29 CFR 1910.147. The
RA/Directorate Director will provide information about LO/TO procedures to personnel
servicing OSHA equipment as the on-site employer and will ensure that they are
informed about the servicing personnel’s LO/TO procedures.
This Program also does not apply to hazardous energy in OSHA offices covered in
Chapter 6, Office Safety and Health. When there is a potential for exposure to energized
parts, Chapter 22, Electrical Safety provides necessary procedures for electrical hazard
recognition and avoidance.
13-29
III. References
29 Code of Federal Regulations Section 1910.147, The Control of Hazardous Energy

(Lockout/Tagout)
29 Code of Federal Regulations 1910, Subpart S, Electrical
29 CFR 1926, Subpart V, Electrical Power Transmission and Distribution
CPL 02-00-147, The Control of Hazardous Energy, Enforcement Policy and

Inspection Procedures, dated February 11, 2008
OSHA Field Safety and Health Manual, Chapter 6, Office Safety and Health
OSHA Field Safety and Health Manual, Chapter 22, Electrical Safety
IV. Definitions
Affected OSHA Employee is an OSHA employee that may conduct activities in an

area in which LO/TO procedures are being used. All OSHA employees are
potentially affected employees since they may encounter LO/TO devices at an OSHA
facility or at another employer’s worksite.
Authorized OSHA Employee is an OSHA employee authorized by an RA,

Directorate Director, Area Office Director or a designee to use a lockout device.
Authorized OSHA Employees will use a lock only in a group lockout that includes
the on-site employer’s primary authorized employee in order to perform inspection
activity on a machine or piece of equipment.
Energy Isolation Device is a mechanical device that physically prevents the

transmission or release of energy, including but not limited to manually operated
circuit breakers, disconnect switches, line valves, a block and any similar devices.
Push buttons, selector switches and other control circuits are not acceptable as energy
isolating devices.
Lockout Device is a device that utilizes a positive means, such as a key or

combination lock, to hold an energy isolating device in a safe position and prevent the
energizing of a machine or equipment (e.g. blank flanges and bolted slip blinds).
Each lockout device will be supplied with a tag that meets the requirements of 29
CFR 1910.147, is intended for use in group lockout, and includes a tag that identifies
the lock user and the application date.
Tagout Device is a prominent warning device, such as a tag, and a means of

attachment, that can be securely fastened to an energy isolating device in accordance
with an established procedure to indicate that the energy isolating device and the
equipment being controlled may not be operated until the tagout device is removed.
13-30
For this Program, only lockout devices are authorized to control hazardous energy
and tags are used only to label locks.
V. Responsibilities
RAs/Directorate Directors and Area Office Directors/equivalents or designees will:
1. Decide if employees are authorized to conduct work activities that require

LO/TO procedures on rare occasions when no alternatives are available.
2. Provide training to affected and authorized OSHA employees as described in

this LO/TO Program.
3. Request assistance from SLTC’s Health Response Team (HRT) when

investigations and inspections require hazardous energy isolation and the
Region or Directorate does not have the resources to safely implement
LO/TO procedures.
4. Develop local procedures that meet requirements in 29 CFR 1910.147 for

OSHA-owned machines and equipment in which the unexpected energization
or startup of the machines or equipment, or release of stored energy could
harm OSHA employees or outside servicing personnel. Determine if
authorized OSHA employees are expected to isolate hazardous energy
sources at their respective OSHA facilities. Develop and provide site
specific information about LO/TO procedures to outside personnel servicing
OSHA equipment and share information about the servicing personnel’s
LO/TO procedures before work begins (29 CFR 1910.147(f)(2)).
If RAs, Directorate Directors, Area Office Directors or designees determine that

authorized OSHA employees are authorized to use lockout devices as outside
personnel, they must:
1. Develop local procedures for LO/TO program implementation to supplement

this Program.
2. Select employees who are authorized to implement LO/TO procedures in this

Program and that have the knowledge and skills required for the safe
application, use, and removal of hazardous energy control devices. Ensure
that selected authorized OSHA employees understand the purpose of the
LO/TO program and, at a minimum:
a. Can recognize hazardous energy sources;
b. Will represent this chapter and local procedures as OSHA’s LO/TO

Program to the on-site employer as the outside personnel, as required
by 29 CFR 1910.147(f)(2)(i);
13-31
c. Can verify the on-site employers LO/TO program and procedures are
effective (e.g. interviews and contacting equipment manufacturers);
d. Know the importance of considering alternative methods and how to

identify them for measuring or visually inspecting equipment;
e. Know and follow the specific LO/TO procedures described in this

Program; and
f. Voluntarily accept assigned tasks and is willing to perform authorized

OSHA employees responsibilities. Should safety concerns arise when
locking out equipment or machines, the OSHA employee may choose
to end the task, and will discuss safety concerns with the on-site
employer and OSHA management from a safe location.
3. Issue each Authorized OSHA Employee a lockout device with a key. The
lockout device type should be standardized within each Office and in
compliance with 29 CFR 1910.147(c)(5) for use in group lockout with at
least an on-site employer authorized employee.
4. Determine if authorized OSHA employees will maintain their lockout

devices or if all lockout devices will be maintained in a central location until
they are needed for approved LO/TO procedures. Include specifics in the
local LO/TO procedures.
5. Maintain a spare key for all issued lockout devices in a secured area. This
key will be only used with the Area Office Director/designee’s approval.
The spare key may be provided to the authorized OSHA employee if they
misplace their key or may be used to remove the lock from an energy isolated
device in accordance with the procedures in this Program.
6. When approving an employee’s request to use LO/TO procedures, consider

the following:
a. Are alternative methods a better option to obtain necessary

information?
b. Is the information critical to the inspection?
c. Is the on-site employer LO/TO program effective?
13-32
7. Conduct post-use evaluations with the authorized OSHA employee who used
LO/TO procedures following each approved lock application. OSHA
regulation 29 CFR 1910.147(c)(6) requires periodic inspections of the
LO/TO procedure(s) at least annually. Post-use evaluations, conducted
following each application, are intended to meet the periodic inspection
intent (see Appendix A, Control of Hazardous Energy Sources Pre-Request
for Approval Checklist and Post-Application Evaluation).
OSHA employees are responsible for following this Program and Region or
Directorate specific procedures. OSHA employees designated as authorized by their
direct supervisors with approval from the applicable RA, Directorate Director or Area
Office Director or designee to lock out hazardous energy will:
1. Obtain information about the on-site employer’s LO/TO program and

provide the on-site employer with the following OSHA LO/TO Program
description orally or in writing to meet requirements in 29 CFR
1910.147(f)(2)(i) when considering implementing LO/TO procedures at their
workplace.
a. All OSHA employees are considered affected employees.
b. A limited number of OSHA employees are authorized employees and

allowed, only under specific scenarios, to use a lockout device as
outside personnel conducting equipment inspection activities in
coordination with an on-site employer.
c. Authorized OSHA employees will verify that the on-site employer

LO/TO program is effective before proceeding with local OSHA
management approval processes.
d. Authorized OSHA employees will never have the only lockout device
on a controlled hazardous energy source and will only participate in a
group lockout that includes at least one on-site authorized employee.
e. At any time, the on-site employer, OSHA employee or their

management may cancel any activity if it is determined unsafe.
13-33
2. Perform LO/TO procedures in accordance with this Program (e.g. request
approval, verify host employer program, and notify supervisor when
complete).
3. Participate in post-evaluations conducted by OSHA RA, Directorate Director

and/or Area Office Director, or designees each time LO/TO procedures are
implemented.
VI. Safe Alternatives
The following lists some options for alternative methods to obtain information without
requiring hazardous energy isolation:
Camera positioned from a safe location (e.g. a camera connected to an engineering

rod, camera equipped with zoom lens or video equipment);
Electronic measurement devices used from a safe distance/location (e.g. laser

measurement device);
Employer provided diagrams, drawings, hazard assessments and/or inventories of

energy sources;
Interviews with authorized personnel, maintenance personnel and machine or

equipment operators; and
Seek assistance from employer-authorized personnel in obtaining measurements and

evidence.
VII. Procedures
All OSHA employees, when working near equipment that is locked or tagged out, but not
inspecting equipment that requires hazardous energy controls:
1. Do not alter the locks or tags that are in place; and
2. Do not conduct activities that could lead to an exposure to the hazardous

energy if released.
In the rare occasion when an authorized employee needs to use a LO/TO device, the authorized
OSHA employee will first consider all other alternatives and ensure that locking out the machine
or equipment is absolutely necessary. As outside personnel, the authorized OSHA employee will
share information with the on-site employer about equipment-specific LO/TO procedures. The
authorized OSHA employee must verify that the on-site employer’s procedures are effective in
identifying and isolating all applicable hazardous energy sources, and must obtain approval from
management before applying locks to a group lockout in accordance with this OSHA Program.
13-34
When inspecting a machine or equipment that uses an electrical cord for power and
the OSHA employee is required to place any part of his or her body into the point of
operation or danger zone, the OSHA employee should ask the on-site employer
representative to unplug it. The OSHA employee must maintain exclusive control of
the cord and plug during inspection activities (e.g. lock a plug cap).
When an OSHA employee makes an initial determination that an inspection activity

(e.g. taking measurements, conducting a visual inspection) may require controlling
hazardous energy sources, either before or during an inspection, the employee must
follow these procedures:
1. Consider alternative methods for obtaining the information.
2. If no alternatives are identified:
a. Thoroughly review the on-site employer’s LO/TO program, including

any machine-specific procedures, and determine the program’s
effectiveness. The OSHA employee must interview the on-site
employer’s authorized employee(s) to verify that the on-site
employee(s) are thoroughly familiar with the equipment, its hazardous
energy sources, and any procedures in place for isolating and
controlling hazardous energy.
b. Obtain and review any manufacturer’s information on LO/TO

procedures for the equipment or machine.
3. Notify their OSHA management that they are requesting to lock out
hazardous energy to conduct inspection activities.
4. OSHA management and the OSHA employee requesting the approval will
discuss and consider all alternatives.
If no alternatives are identified the applicable OSHA management representative will

decide whether to approve using LO/TO procedures and also whether:
1. The requesting employee will continue with the inspection activities as an

authorized OSHA employee; or
2. Another authorized OSHA employee will proceed with the inspection

activities.
Prior to using LO/TO device(s) to control hazardous energy approved by

management, the authorized OSHA employee will:
13-35
1. Inform the on-site employer about OSHA’s LO/TO Program including the
procedure for the host employer to follow if a lock is left in place after the
OSHA employee leaves the facility.
2. Comply with OSHA requirements under 29 CFR 1910.147 and follow the
on-site employer’s effective LO/TO procedures.
3. Verify that the on-site employer’s authorized employee(s) fully de-energized

the equipment/machine and utilized an appropriate and effective energy
isolating device(s) for the equipment/machine.
4. Place his or her lock(s) on each isolating device for the equipment as part of
a group lockout. OSHA employees will only enter into group lockout that
includes a lock placed by the on-site employer’s authorized employee.
5. Ensure that the on-site employer’s authorized employee verifies that the
hazardous energy source is controlled after ensuring that personnel are not
potentially exposed to the hazardous energy if released.
6. Not attempt to activate/operate the on-site employer’s equipment.
7. Authorized OSHA employees applying LO/TO procedures will:
a. Limit the time for conducting work activities that require hazardous
energy LO/TO to the absolute minimum needed to complete tasks.
b. Remove only their energy-isolating device.
c. Notify their responsible OSHA Manager(s) that the LO/TO procedure

is complete when lockout devices are removed.
8. If the lockout device is unintentionally left on the equipment after leaving the
worksite, the on-site employer will contact the appropriate OSHA Office
before removing the device. OSHA management will contact the OSHA
employee to verify their location and the OSHA employee will return to the
site to remove the lock. Where the OSHA employee cannot return to the site,
the OSHA employee’s responsible OSHA Manager(s) may authorize
removing the lockout device(s) only after the OSHA employee’s location is
verified and the OSHA employee agrees with removing the lockout device.
VIII. Training
Required training is based on expected work activities as described below:
13-36
All OSHA employees, including affected and authorized employees, will receive
training annually about this LO/TO Program and the Directorate/Area Office
procedures, purpose, function, and use.
Authorized OSHA employees must receive specific training in addition to LO/TO

Program training annually or when conditions change that includes:
1. How to identify hazardous energy sources they might encounter during

inspections at another employer’s worksite;
2. Energy types and magnitudes they may encounter at another employer’s

workplace;
3. The importance of considering alternative methods for obtaining the required

inspection information;
4. Methods and means necessary for energy isolation and control;
5. The local procedures for requesting approval for using LO/TO procedures;
and
6. How to verify specific on-site employer LO/TO procedures when the use of a
lockout device is required
Retraining will be conducted whenever a post-evaluation reveals, or the responsible

OSHA Manager(s) has reason to believe, that LO/TO procedures are not being used
properly or that the appropriate skills need refreshed.
IX. Recordkeeping
The applicable OSHA RA/Directorate Director or Area Office Director/equivalent or

designee will:
1. Maintain training records.
2. Maintain documentation for lockout device issuance.
A suggested format for pre-application checklist and post-application evaluation is

enclosed in Chapter 13, Appendix A.
13-37
APPENDIX A: CONTROL OF HAZARDOUS ENERGY SOURCES PRE-REQUEST
FOR APPROVAL CHECKLIST AND POST-APPLICATION EVALUATION
Pre-request Checklist for authorized OSHA employees to consider before requesting

approval to implement lockout/tagout (LO/TO) procedures:
 Have you explored all alternative methods for obtaining the information without needing
to lock out hazardous energy? Yes No
 Does the employer have an effective LO/TO program? Yes No
Note: Review the employer’s LO/TO program to make sure it meets the requirements in 29 CFR
1910.147.
 Does the employer have specific procedures for this machine? Yes No
Note: Obtain a copy and review the employer’s specific procedures to make sure they have
addressed all hazardous energy associated with the machine.
 Does the employer have the correct lockout devices for use on the energy isolating
device? Yes No
Note: Make sure the employer has the correct hardware for the control of the hazardous energy.
 Have you interviewed the employer’s authorized employee to ensure that the employee is
thoroughly familiar with the equipment, its energy sources, and the procedures in place
for the purpose of isolation and control? Yes No
 Have you informed the employer of OSHA’s LO/TO Program? Yes No
 Have you informed your supervisor about your need to use LO/TO? Yes No
If you answered yes to all the above questions, you may request approval to use the OSHA Field
SHMS LO/TO Program and local procedures.
13-38
Post-application Evaluation (29 CFR 1910.147(c)(6))– Completed by the Authorized OSHA
employee who used the LO/TO procedures.
Date/time the lock was applied ____________and removed_________________
Name of the OSHA Manager(s) that approved the lockout:
___________________________________________________________________
Who participated in the LO/TO procedures including on-site employer and OSHA employees?
Machine/Equipment description:
Review OSHA employee’s responsibilities for LO/TO procedures:
Date of post-evaluation:
Names of post evaluation participants:
Any lessons learned and recommendations:
13-39
CHAPTER 14. PERMIT REQUIRED CONFINED SPACES
I. Purpose
The objective of the Permit-Required Confined Space chapter is to protect employees

from confined space hazards during the performance of inspection activity.
II. Scope
This program applies to all OSHA employees who conduct inspections that include
determining an employer’s compliance with confined space standards. OSHA prohibits
employees from entering into permit spaces without the written approval of the Area
Director/Unit Manager.
Normally, OSHA employees will not be working in such a position so as to necessitate

entering permit-required confined spaces and will only do so rarely. If such entries
are not absolutely required or OSHA employees are not absolutely certain regarding
the safe entry into the space, then those entries are not to be conducted under any
circumstance.
III. Definitions
Authorized entrant. An OSHA employee who has received written authorization to

enter a permit confined space from their responsible OSHA Manager(s).
Attendant. An individual stationed outside one or more permit spaces that monitors
the authorized entrants and who performs all attendants’ duties as described in 29
CFR 1910.146.
Confined Space. A space that:
1. Is large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and
perform assigned work; and
2. Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit (e.g. tanks, vessels, silos,
storage bins, hoppers, vaults, and pits are spaces that may have limited means
of entry); and
3. Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy.
Permit-Required Confined Space (permit space). A confined space that has one or
more of the following characteristics:
14-40
1. Contains or has a potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere (as defined in
29 CFR 1910.146(b)); or
2. Contains a material that has the potential for engulfing an entrant; or
3. Has an internal configuration such that an entrant could be trapped or

asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls or by a floor which slopes
downward and tapers to a smaller cross-section; or
4. Contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard.
Responsible OSHA Manager(s) is responsible for:
1. Ensuring that employees understand the requirements of OSHA’s Permit-

Required Confined Space Entry Program and that they have the knowledge
and skills required for the safe entry, if necessary, into permit-required
confined spaces.
2. Complying with all requirements of the OSHA’s Permit-required Confined

Space Entry Program.
Employees are responsible for complying with all requirements of the OSHA’s
Permit-required Confined Space Entry Program.
V. Procedures
OSHA prohibits employees from entering into permit spaces without the written
approval of the Area Director/Unit Manager. This includes permit spaces that have
been reclassified or are being entered by the employer under alternative procedures as
specified in 1910.146(c)(5)(ii) and (c)(7). The final determination of whether a
confined space is a permit-required confined space shall be made by the OSHA
employee who will be the entrant with the concurrence of their responsible OSHA
Manager(s). If entry must take place, the guidelines below shall be employed.
Entry policy for OSHA employees. No entry will be permitted unless all the
provisions of the 1910.146 standard have been met. Only OSHA employees who are
trained in confined space entry and are medically fit to wear the necessary personal
protective equipment may enter permit-required confined spaces.
OSHA employees, in coordination with their responsible OSHA Manager(s), will

evaluate the hazards identified by the employer which are present in the permit-
required confined space. In addition, the space will be independently evaluated by the
employee for any other hazards which may be present.
In addition to personal protective equipment typically issued to OSHA employees, an

employee who is conducting inspections involving entry into a permit-required
14-41
confined space will be provided with and use all personal protective equipment
necessary for safe entry. A self-contained escape respirator shall be worn where
confined spaces have the potential to develop hazardous atmospheres.
A second trained OSHA employee will act as an attendant when the first employee
enters the permit space. Both employees will be cross-trained in each other's duties as
an entrant and an attendant. The attendant will not enter the confined space under
any circumstance. The attendant will monitor the activities in the confined space and
order the entrant to evacuate if there are changes that could present a hazard.
A safe means of rescue will be readily available onsite. The OSHA attendant will not
perform rescue. The OSHA attendant will confirm that personnel designated to
perform rescue have been trained in accordance with 1910.146(k). If lockout is
necessary to control hazards within the confined space, the OSHA entrant will follow
OSHA’s lockout/tagout procedures (Chapter 13).
The employee who will enter the confined space may use the permit entry procedures
established by the employer only if all of the following conditions are met:
1. The employer has a permit required confined space entry program that
complies with 1910.146.
2. All hazards and potential hazards have been identified There are no
discrepancies or potential discrepancies between the employer’s assessment
of the hazards and the assessment conducted by OSHA.
3. The entrant verifies all entries on the permit and assures that all hazards or
potential hazards have been eliminated or controlled.
4. The entrant will not rely on the employer’s atmospheric monitoring results.
The entrant will also conduct atmospheric monitoring to confirm the space is
safe to enter.
A copy of the entry permit or certification will be faxed to the responsible OSHA
Manager(s) for signature. Entry will not begin until a signed copy has been returned
to the entrant. The permit must also be signed by the employer’s entry supervisor.
The entry permit will be terminated by the responsible OSHA Manager(s) if entry
conditions change or when the entry has been completed. A review of the confined
space entry program will be conducted after every confined space entry.
Entry permits and certifications will be considered exposure records and will be
maintained in accordance with 1910.1020 by the TL in the local office.
14-42
VI. Training
Annual training will be conducted on the requirements of this chapter to assure that
all employees are aware of the policy and procedures necessary for confined space
entry.
Minimum training for employees who will be entering a permit space and the
attendant is:
1. The Confined Space entry course offered by OSHA's Training Institute or

equivalent.
2. Respiratory Protection course offered by OSHA's Training Institute or

equivalent.
3. Training in the use of any personal protective equipment required for

confined space entry.
4. Introduction to Industrial Hygiene for Safety Personnel course offered by

OSHA's Training Institute or equivalent training and/or experience.
14-43
CHAPTER 15. FIRST AID AND CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION
I. Purpose
To provide prompt and properly administered first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation

(CPR), and Automated External Defibrillation (AED) to minimize the severity of injuries
and illnesses that may occur in the workplace.
II. Scope
This chapter applies to all OSHA employees. Any reference to AEDs is reserved until
further notice.
III. Definitions
Automated External Defibrillator (AED). A medical device that analyzes the heart
rhythm and can deliver an electric shock to victims of ventricular fibrillation to
restore the heart’s normal rhythm.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). The combination of artificial respiration and

manual artificial circulation.
First Aid. Immediate assistance, emergency care, or treatment given to an ill or

injured person before regular medical aid can be obtained.
The responsible OSHA Manager(s) or his or her designee is responsible for the
development and implementation of this program in OSHA Offices.
Only designated first aid responders are expected to provide first aid as part of their
job duties.
In those offices where emergency services cannot respond within fifteen minutes, the
responsible OSHA Manager(s) or his or her designee will solicit a sufficient number
of volunteers to administer first aid.
1. Where a sufficient number have not volunteered, the responsible OSHA

Manager(s) or designee will designate individuals as first aid responders as a
collateral job duty.
2. Designees will include members outside the bargaining unit and others
within the bargaining unit subject to the collective bargaining agreement.
The responsible OSHA Manager(s) will assure the following:
15-44
1. All employees are offered first aid and CPR training;
2. Training certificates remain current; and
3. The contents of first aid kits are replenished and maintained in a serviceable
condition.
Employees exposed to blood will follow the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard and
procedures outlined in Chapter 19.
V. Procedures
In the event of an injury to an employee, an assessment of the injuries will be made

by a designated first aid responder as to whether the injury requires treatment beyond
first aid. If further treatment is needed, the employee will be transported to an
appropriate facility. Call 911 for all transports deemed unsafe other than by
emergency response services.
In the event of an injury to a contract worker, first aid supplies will be made available
to the individual. If the extent of an injury requires treatment beyond first aid,
emergency response services (911) will be contacted.
In the event first aid is required, it will be provided by a designated first aid
responder.
Incidents in which employees provide first aid and/or CPR in the course of their
duties must be reported to the unit manager for review and follow-up, which may be
necessary to protect the health of the employee.
VI. Training
Training will include the means of accessing emergency response services.
All employees will be offered first aid, CPR and AED training.
Training will be provided to maintain certifications.
Certificates of training will be issued to those employees who successfully complete

training.
Training records will be retained at the office level.
Contents of the training will include those subjects listed in OSHA’s publication
“Best Practices Guide: Fundamentals of a Workplace First Aid Program.” Training
must include practice with one-way masks and special emphasis must be given to
treatment of heart attack and stroke victims.
15-45
VII. First Aid Equipment
In the absence of an infirmary, first aid kits will be provided for each office. Kits will
also be provided for each GSA vehicle. First aid kits will be readily accessible and
stored in a convenient area. The size of the kit will be determined by the number of
employees in the office, based on supplier’s recommendations.
The first aid kit for the office and the GSA vehicle will comply with current ANSI
standards and at a minimum must contain:
 Gauze compress (32 square inches);
 Adhesive bandage (1x3);
 Adhesive tape (5 yards);
 Antiseptic swabs, wipes, and towelettes effective against HIV and

HBV;
 Burn ointment;
 Sterile pad;
 Triangular bandage; and
 Medical exam gloves.
Office first aid kits will contain the following additional items:
 Roller bandages (4”x 6 yards and 2” x 6 yards);
 CPR Barrier and biohazard bag;
 Cold pack;
 Eye wash and covering;
 Oral analgesic;
 Antibiotic ointment;
 Bandage compresses; and
 Burn dressing.
15-46
First aid kits will be inspected at least quarterly and replenished as necessary.
Medical exam gloves will be replaced in accordance with manufacturer’s
recommendations. Any item beyond its marked expiration date will be removed from
the kit and replaced.
All offices with labs where employees are potentially exposed to corrosive liquids
will have eyewash facilities that comply with American National Standards Institute
(ANSI) Z358.1.
15-47
CHAPTER 16. HEARING CONSERVATION PROGRAM
I. Purpose
This chapter initiates and establishes a hearing conservation program (HCP) that
complies with 29 CFR 1910.95 to protect OSHA personnel covered by PER 04-00-005
from the effects of occupational noise exposure. The Hearing Conservation Amendment
to the OSHA Occupational noise exposure standard, 29 CFR 1910.95, requires that
employers establish a hearing conservation program for employees whose noise
exposures equal or exceed an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) of 85 dBA.
II. Scope
This chapter establishes HCP for OSHA personnel covered by PER 04-00-005 who are
assigned to field duties where noise exposures are anticipated to be at or above 85
decibels (dBA) as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA).
See OSHA Instruction, PER 04-00-005 for information on scope of coverage of OSHA
personnel for the Agency's Medical Examination Program.
III. References
29 CFR 1910.95, Occupational noise exposure.

https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.95
29 CFR 1904.10, Recording criteria for cases involving occupational hearing loss.
29 CFR 1910.1020, Access to employee exposure and medical records.

https://www.osha.gov/laws-
regs/standardinterpretations/standardnumber/1910/1910.1020%20-%20Index/result
OSHA Instruction, PER 04-00-005, OSHA Medical Examination Program.

https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=DIRECTIVES
&p_id=4071
OSHA Technical Manual TED 01-00-015 [TED 1-0.15A].

https://www.osha.gov/enforcement/directives/ted-01-00-015-5
29 CFR 1913.10, Rules of agency practice and procedure concerning OSHA access to
employee medical records.
OSHA Instruction CPL 02-02-072, Rules of agency practice and procedure

concerning OSHA access to employee medical records.
https://www.osha.gov/enforcement/directives/cpl-02-02-072
16-48
OSHA Instruction CPL-02-00-135, Recording Policies and Procedures Manual,
December 30, 2004, or current update.
https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=directives&p_i
d=3205
IV. Cancellations
None.
V. Action Offices
All Federal OSHA offices.
VI. Federal Program Change
This chapter initiates and establishes a HCP. Although this chapter does not apply to
State Plan States, State Plans may consider implementing a similar HCP for their field
employees.
VII. Significant Changes
The program was established by OSHA Instruction PER 04-00-005. This chapter
reiterates the policies established by the Instruction, introducing no changes to the
program.
VIII. Background
The Agency's Medical Program established in 1989 included audiometric testing as a

determinant of eligibility for duty. At that time, it was not anticipated that OSHA
personnel covered by PER 04-00-005 would experience noise exposures that warranted
the implementation of an HCP. However, noise survey measurements have since
demonstrated that OSHA personnel covered by PER 04-00-005 periodically work in
environments that warrant enrollment in a HCP in accordance with the hearing
conservation amendment to 29 CFR 1910.95, Occupational noise exposure.
A HCP includes noise monitoring, audiometric testing, employee notification, use of

appropriate hearing protection, administration of pertinent training and education, and
associated recordkeeping. Specific implementation protocols are delineated below in
Section X. Procedures.
16-49
IX. Policy
This chapter establishes an OSHA HCP that is consistent with the hearing conservation
amendment to 29 CFR 1910.95, Occupational noise exposure.
Whenever feasible, OSHA personnel covered by PER 04-00-005 are encouraged to avoid
exposure to hazards, including noise. The personnel covered by PER 04-00-005 are to
limit their exposure to noise to the minimum duration necessary, and to wear hearing
protection as required for the safe completion of their duties. In addition, while OSHA
personnel covered by PER 04-00-005 are at facilities in which employees are required by
their employers to wear hearing protection, OSHA personnel are to wear hearing
protectors that provide equivalent hearing protection to that which the facility employees
are wearing.
X. Procedures
Noise Monitoring
Due to the wide variety of worksites encountered and the variability of working
conditions in each site, OSHA personnel covered by PER 04-00-005 may encounter
periods of noise exposure in excess of 85 dBA, as an 8-hour TWA. Newly hired
OSHA personnel receive orientation training that prepares them to evaluate and
protect themselves from potentially harmful noise exposures. OSHA personnel
covered by PER 04-00-005 are to follow procedures in the OSHA Technical Manual
TED 01-00-015, Chapter 5, in order to determine the indications of potentially
harmful workplace noise levels and the need to conduct screening noise monitoring
using a sound level meter (SLM). The results of screening measurements will be used
by OSHA personnel covered by PER 04-00-005 to select appropriate hearing
protectors.
Intensity and duration of the noise exposure, in addition to professional judgment,

must be used in determining how best to measure the exposure of the affected
employee. (OSHA Technical Manual TED 01-00-015:
https://www.osha.gov/enforcement/directives/ted-01-00-015-5). Also, see Section E.
Records Program for procedures for recording and reporting noise exposure
measurements.
Audiometric Testing program
Audiometric testing will be conducted in concert with the Agency's Medical

Examination Program. All audiometric exams performed as part of the Agency's
Medical Examination Program must take place in an appropriate test environment
that does not interfere with the accuracy of the audiometric test thresholds.
Audiometric test frequencies shall include: 500 Hz, 1,000 Hz, 2,000 Hz, 3,000 Hz,
4,000 Hz, 6,000 Hz, and 8,000 Hz. Requirements for test equipment and calibration
must conform, at a minimum, to the calibration and audiometric test requirements set
16-50
forth in the hearing conservation amendment 29 CFR1910.95(g) to the occupational
noise exposure standard.
Prior to receiving audiometric testing, OSHA personnel covered by PER 04-00-005

will complete an audiometric history form in order to document pertinent medical
history, noise exposure, and use of hearing protection. (See Appendix A).
1. Scheduling. Baseline and annual audiometric exams will be scheduled

concurrently with pre-placement and annual medical examinations
respectively. Retest audiograms will be conducted within 30 days of the time
that a Standard Threshold Shift (STS) is identified.
2. Baseline Audiogram. The baseline audiogram must be preceded by a

minimum period of 14 hours of quiet without exposure to workplace noise.
The use of hearing protection is an acceptable alternative to the 14-hour quiet
period before the baseline audiogram is taken. The baseline audiogram for
covered OSHA personnel is defined as follows:
a. OSHA personnel covered by PER 04-00-005 hired prior to the

establishment of the 1989 Medical Examination Program will have
their 1989 audiogram or their oldest qualifying audiogram on file
identified as their baseline audiogram.
b. OSHA personnel covered by PER 04-00-005 hired after 1989 will

have their pre-placement audiogram identified as their baseline
audiogram. Valid baseline audiograms are obtained prior to field
assignment as required by the pre-employment medical requirements
program (See OSHA Instruction, PER 04-00-005).
16-51
3. Annual audiogram. Audiometric testing will be conducted annually. Each
annual audiogram shall be compared to the baseline audiogram to validate its
accuracy, and detect significant changes in hearing. The 14-hour quiet period
is not necessary for annual audiograms.
4. Notification of Audiogram Results. Immediately following audiometric

testing, covered OSHA personnel will receive preliminary verbal feedback
on their test results by an individual qualified to administer the audiometric
exam. A preliminary determination of an STS will result in covered OSHA
personnel automatically receiving an appointment for a retest audiogram. A
definitive interpretation of all audiograms will take place following
audiogram review by the physician acting as the HCP Director (see Section
XI. E.). Formal written notification letters will be sent to each employee in
the program from the HCP Director regarding: findings of annual audiograms
that do not warrant retesting, findings of retest audiograms including STS,
indications of possible otological pathology, and recommendations for
audiological or otological follow-up. If covered OSHA personnel receive a
retest audiogram, he/she will receive a single notification letter that explains
the findings of both the annual and retest audiograms. (See Sample
Notification Letter, Appendix B). The OSHA Office of Occupational
Medicine and Nursing (OOMN) will contact covered OSHA personnel with
specific information in order for them to obtain follow-up testing and
treatment as needed (see section B.7.e. below).
5. Retest audiogram. OSHA personnel covered by PER 04-00-005 with annual

audiograms that meet the STS criteria will be retested within 30 days of the
annual audiogram to determine whether the threshold shift is temporary or
persistent. Retest audiograms should be conducted after a 14-hour quiet
period. However, hearing protection may be used as an alternative to the 14-
hour quiet period. A retest audiogram conducted within 30 days of the annual
audiogram may be substituted for the annual audiogram. The retest
audiogram may confirm a newly identified STS, or it may reveal an
improvement in hearing threshold. In both of these cases, the results of the
retest audiogram can be substituted for the annual audiogram.
6. Revised Baseline Audiogram. An annual audiogram may be substituted for

the baseline audiogram when: (a) the STS is persistent; or (b) the hearing
threshold shown in the annual audiogram indicates significant improvement
over the baseline audiogram. The audiometric findings from each ear are
evaluated independently for improvement or worsening of the auditory
threshold of the person on whom the audiogram was performed. If only one
ear meets the criteria for an STS, the baseline may be revised for that ear
only. Thus, future audiometric tracking will be based on separate left and
right ear baseline revisions.
16-52
7. Standard Threshold Shift. The criterion for STS is a change in hearing
threshold relative to the baseline audiogram of an average of 10 dB or more
at 2,000, 3,000, and 4,000 Hz in either ear. Age corrections will be applied in
determining STS. If an STS has occurred, the employee will be informed of
this fact in writing, within 21 days of the final determination. When the HCP
Director (Section Xl.E.) has determined that an STS has occurred, the
following actions will take place:
a. The HCP Director will send a notification letter to the affected

employee. The HCP Director will send a separate notification letter to
the OSHA Office of Occupational Medicine and Nursing (OOMN) as
the employer representative. The HCP Director will provide both
notification letters within 21 days of determining that an STS has
occurred. If the STS did not persist on the retest audiogram, or if there
is an improvement in hearing thresholds, the notification letter will
indicate these findings.
b. OOMN will notify the Regional Administrator, his/her designee, or

Directorate Head as appropriate, of the presence of an STS, and of the
required follow-up actions, including the need for an OSHA 300 log
entry per paragraph X.E.4. Recording Criteria for Cases Involving
Occupational Hearing Loss.
c. The designated Hearing Conservation Coordinator (HCC) (see Section

XI. C.) will ensure proper evaluation of the adequacy of hearing
protectors. If the affected employee is not using hearing protectors,
that employee shall be fitted with hearing protectors, trained in their
use and care, and be required to use them. If the affected employee is
already wearing hearing protectors, he/she will be refitted and
retrained in the use of hearing protectors and be required to use them.
Alternative hearing protectors will be provided as appropriate.
d. The HCP Director will advise OOMN of recommendations for

additional audiological or otological evaluations (See Appendix C).
OOMN will make final determinations on appropriate referrals as
necessary.
e. OOMN will inform the affected employee of the purpose for

additional testing, the logistics for obtaining additional testing, and of
the implications of test results.
Hearing Protection
16-53
Hearing protectors shall be provided at no cost to all OSHA personnel covered by
PER 04-00-005. They shall be fitted with hearing protectors and trained in their use
and care. Covered OSHA personnel shall wear hearing protectors when exposed to 90
dBA or greater as an 8-hour TWA. Covered personnel who have experienced an STS
shall wear hearing protectors when exposed to sound levels of 85 dBA or greater as
an 8-hour TWA. Dual hearing protection shall be worn if exposures exceed 105 dBA
as an 8-hour TWA.
In addition, when OSHA personnel covered by PER 04-00-005 are at facilities in

which employees are required by their employers to wear hearing protection, OSHA
personnel are required to wear hearing protection equivalent to that worn by
employees at the facility. See OSHA Field Operations Manual (FOM) CPL 02-00-
163, Chapter 3. Inspection Procedures, 3. which states: "Section 1903.7(c) requires
CSHOs to comply with all employer safety and health rules and practices at the
establishment being inspected; CSHOs shall wear and use appropriate protective
clothing and equipment.”
1. OSHA personnel covered by PER 04-00-005 will be provided the

opportunity to choose their hearing protectors from a variety of types, with
suitable attenuation characteristics. Factors to consider include comfort,
communication, hearing ability, compatibility with other personal protective
equipment, and the environment in which they will be worn.
2. Training in the use and care of hearing protectors is required. Hearing

protectors must be properly fitted and their correct use must be demonstrated.
3. Hearing protectors must provide appropriate attenuation. (See 29 CFR

1910.95 Appendix B.)
a. Hearing protectors must attenuate noise exposure to at least 90 dBA as

an 8-hour TWA.
b. For OSHA personnel covered by PER 04-00-005 who have

experienced an STS, hearing protectors must attenuate noise exposure
to at least 85 dBA as an 8-hour TWA.
c. 29 CFR 1910.95 Appendix B, should be referred to for assistance on

how to determine appropriate hearing protector attenuation. Additional
information is available in the OSHA Technical Manual, Section III,
Chapter 5. Also refer to NIOSH for additional methods to evaluate
hearing protector performance and for updated and emerging
information on individual fit testing at 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-
4636). See http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/
Training Program
16-54
OSHA personnel covered by PER 04-00-005 shall be trained prior to beginning work
in noisy environments and annually thereafter with updated information. Training
must be conducted by a qualified individual, designated by the Regional
Administrator, or Directorate Head, who is capable of answering questions on the
Hearing Conservation Program. (Refer to section XI.Roles and Responsibilities.)
Training shall include, at a minimum, the following:
1. The effects of noise on hearing;
2. The purpose of hearing protectors, the advantages, disadvantages, and

attenuation of various types, and instructions on selection, fitting, use, and
care of hearing protectors. (The NIOSH website has demonstrations for the
correct fitting of different types of hearing protectors. This is available at 1-
800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636); See
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/
3. The purpose of audiometric testing and an explanation of the test procedures;

and
4. A description of the HCP including a description of roles and responsibilities

under the HCP.
Records Program
16-55
1. Noise Exposure Measurements. Noise exposure measurements including
self-monitoring data shall be recorded on the OSHA-92 Noise Survey
Report. The form is to be completed in the same way as for any sample taken
during the inspection. The name of person being sampled is to be entered on
line item 7 "Person Performing Sampling". The form should be entered into
the Integrated Management Information System (IMIS) for tracking. The
Area Director, or Directorate Head as appropriate shall create and keep a
hard copy file that contains the covered employees' noise exposure records.
Additionally, all covered OSHA personnel shall store and maintain their own
exposure monitoring records in an individual exposure file. Noise exposure
measurement records shall be retained for 2 years in accordance with
1910.95(m)(3)(i).
(See standard interpretation letter dated 8/17/2000- which states: "The two
year retention time for employee noise exposure measurements takes
precedence over the general record retention requirement for employee
exposure records in 1910.1020.")
2. Audiograms. Audiometric test results and medical records related to this

program will be maintained by OSHA's Medical Program Administrator in
the Directorate of Science, Technology and Medicine in accordance with:
The Privacy Act of 1974, 29 CFR Part 71; Occupational noise exposure, 29
CFR 1910.95(m); and Recording criteria for cases involving occupational
hearing loss, 29 CFR 1904.10. Audiometric test results shall be maintained in
OOMN for the duration of the employee's employment, along with the
employee's Medical Program records, in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1020,
Access to employee exposure and medical records. Audiometric test results
of former employees will be archived in the Federal Records Center and are
available through Human Resources.
3. Access to Records. OSHA personnel covered by PER 04-00-005 or former

OSHA personnel covered by PER 04-00-005 may request a copy of his/her
own exposure, audiological, and medical records required by this HCP or
may request that a copy be sent to his/her designated representative. All
activities involved in complying with the access to medical records
provisions can be carried out on behalf of OSHA by the physician or other
health care professional in charge of employee records (29 CFR 1910.1020,
Access to employee exposure and medical records).
16-56
4. Recording Criteria for Cases Involving Occupational Hearing Loss. (Refer to
section XI. for Roles and Responsibilities.) An STS must be recorded on the
OSHA 300 log and the hearing loss column must be checked on the log when
the following conditions are met: an audiogram for a covered OSHA
employee reveals a work-related STS in hearing in one or both ears and the
person's total hearing level is 25 dB or more, averaged at 2000, 3000 and
4000 Hz in the same ear(s) as the STS. The audiometric results will be age-
adjusted (Appendix F, 29 CFR 1910.95). Age adjustment will not be used
when determining whether the person's total hearing level is 25 dB or more
above audiometric zero. The OSHA Intranet provides a hearing loss
"decision tree" to assist in determining whether the results of an audiometric
exam, given on or after January 1, 2003, reveal a recordable STS. If the retest
audiogram, conducted within 30 days of the annual audiogram, does not
confirm a recordable STS, the hearing loss case does not need to be recorded
on the OSHA 300 log. If the retest audiogram confirms a recordable STS, the
hearing loss case must be recorded on the OSHA 300 log within 7 calendar
days of the retest. OOMN will notify the Regional Administrator, his/her
designee, or Directorate Head, as appropriate, of the need to record an STS
within sufficient time to satisfy this recording requirement. If the STS does
not persist, the recorded entry on the log may be erased or lined-out. See
Recording criteria for cases involving occupational hearing loss, 29 CFR
1904.10.
XI. Roles and Responsibilities
Directorate of Technical Support and Emergency Management
The Office of Occupational Medicine and Nursing (OOMN), in the Directorate of

Technical Support and Emergency Management (DTSEM) shall maintain oversight
of the audiometric testing portion of the HCP. These responsibilities shall include:
16-57
1. Ensuring that vendors' audiometric testing protocols are in compliance with
29 CFR 1910.95, the Statement of Work, and the Inter-Agency Agreement
when applicable. These protocols shall include: proper calibration and
functioning of audiometric hardware and software; proper certification and
training of staff who conduct audiometric examinations; proper supervision
of audiometric testing staff; maintaining and updating a skills competency
checklist for audiometry; completion of requisite documentation including
audiometric history/report, baseline, annual, and retest audiograms,
audiogram summaries and test results, all generated reports, STS notification
letters, and other criteria in accordance with the HCP Statement of Work.
2. Appointing a competent physician as the HCP Director. OOMN shall

maintain oversight of all activities of the HCP Director, including the
following: ensure that HCP Director reviews audiograms in a timely manner
and ensure that HCP Director participates in quality assurance activities. (See
Section E for a full list of HCP responsibilities.) Quality assurance includes a
periodic performance review of: audiometric testing equipment; audiometric
testing personnel; audiometric policies and procedures.
3. Ensuring that OSHA personnel covered by PER 04-00-003 are scheduled for
examinations in a timely fashion.
4. Ensuring that all notification letters and reports generated by vendors, as

applicable, conform to this Instruction and to criteria delineated in the
Statement of Work.
5. Performance of an annual evaluation of the overall effectiveness of the HCP.

The results of this review will be provided to the Regional Administrator,
Directorate Head or other designated OSHA personnel. DSTEM will take the
lead in developing and standardizing criteria to be used by the Regional
Administrators to evaluate regional program effectiveness.
6. Ensuring that any problems or discrepancies in the administration of the

hearing conservation program are resolved.
Regional Administrators, and Directorate Heads
The Regional Administrators and Directorate Heads (as appropriate) shall ensure the
overall administration of the HCP on regional, local and office levels. Their duties
include:
16-58
1. Ensuring that effective hearing protection devices are provided to and used
by OSHA personnel covered by PER 04-00-005 when required.
2. Upon receipt of notification from OOMN that a covered OSHA employee

was identified with an STS, the Regional Administrator or Directorate Head
as appropriate, will ensure that the designated Hearing Conservation
Coordinator (HCC) is informed of the STS and initiates required follow-up
actions.
3. Ensuring that all designated Hearing Conservation Coordinators perform

their required responsibilities, including training as necessary.
4. Evaluating the effectiveness of the HCP on a regional and local level through
a compliance audit and submitting the results to the Directorate of Technical
Support and Emergency Management.
5. Ensuring proper implementation and maintenance of the records program for

noise exposure data and OSHA 300 logs.
6. Upon receipt of the annual review of HCP effectiveness provided by

DTSEM, the Regional Administrator or appropriate Directorate Head shall
ensure that recommended changes are incorporated into procedures for
implementing the HCP.
Hearing Conservation Coordinator
The Regional Administrator or Directorate Head, as appropriate, shall designate a

Hearing Conservation Coordinator (HCC) for each local Office or Directorate to
effectively implement elements of this HCP, including:
1. Ensuring that all OSHA personnel covered by PER 04-00-005 are

participating in all the required components of the audiometric testing
program.
2. Evaluating the quality of audiometric services provided, e.g., timely
notification of STS and scheduling of audiograms.
3. Ensuring that the hearing protection requirements of this Instruction are
implemented, including providing appropriate hearing protectors and
ensuring that covered OSHA personnel are trained in their use and care and
required to wear them. For covered OSHA employees already wearing
hearing protectors, ensure that alternative hearing protectors are provided as
appropriate and that such employees are appropriately retrained.
4. Ensuring compliance with maintenance of records for noise exposure data
and OSHA 300 logs.
5. Establishing a mechanism for covered employees to report problems in the
administration of the HCP.
OSHA Personnel Covered by PER-0400-005
16-59
OSHA Personnel covered by PER 04-00-005 shall:
1. Participate in audiometric testing protocols and required actions when

scheduled.
2. Select, use, and care for hearing protectors as required by this Instruction and
29 CFR 1910.95.
3. Report hearing-related problems to the audiometric technician, to the

physician conducting the OSHA Medical examinations, or to a Medical
Officer in the Office of Occupational Medicine and Nursing.
4. Report problems relating to the HCP to the Hearing Conservation

Coordinator, as they arise.
5. Participate in training as required by this Instruction.
Hearing Conservation Program Director
The Director is responsible for the definitive review of all audiograms. The Director
shall:
1. Closely evaluate all audiograms that indicate an STS and other problem
audiograms. Provide timely notifications to the affected person and to
OOMN when problem audiograms are identified. Participate in quality
assurance by reviewing accuracy and appropriate performance of:
audiometric testing equipment; audiometric testing personnel; audiometric
policies and procedures.
2. Supervise audiometric technicians; establish a mechanism for technicians to
report problem audiograms to physicians as well as problems related to the
audiometric testing process.
3. Provide recommendations to OOMN regarding personnel follow-up with
audiology or otolaryngology professionals, as appropriate.
4. Provide annual reports on group data, including trends, as requested.
16-60
APPENDIX A
Sample Audiogram History / Report Form
16-61
APPENDIX B
Sample Employee Notification Letter
16-62
APPENDIX C
Sample Employer Notification Letter
16-63
CHAPTER 17. FALL PROTECTION
I. Purpose
(SHMS) Fall Prevention and Protection Program. OSHA employees need to recognize
fall hazards and know how to avoid them. If tasked to work at heights, OSHA employees
should understand safe procedures to work at heights and have the appropriate level of
training. The policies and procedures in this Program are intended to set broad
expectations for preventing OSHA employee injury or death from falling. OSHA expects
Regions, DTSEM, and DTE to develop specific procedures that align with this Program
as needed. This Program emphasizes using acceptable alternatives that meet the work
requirement without working at heights, establishes roles and responsibilities, and
describes training requirements. Chapter 11, Walking Working Surfaces provides
additional information applicable to surfaces at heights.
II. Scope
This Program applies to all OSHA employees covered by the OSHA Field Safety and
Health Manual. All employees will take necessary precautions while conducting work
activities, including collecting information to document fall hazards in workplaces. The
majority of policies in this chapter are for activities that require Basic or Advanced
Climber Training. OSHA employees that do not need Basic or Advanced Climber
Training to conduct work activities will receive awareness training and may use ladders
at their discretion when fall protection equipment is not required.
III. References
29 Code of Federal Regulations Part 1926 Subpart M, Fall Protection

OSHA Field Safety and Health Manual, Chapter 13, Control of Hazardous Energy
Sources
OSHA Field Safety and Health Manual, Chapter 11, Walking and Working Surfaces
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/American Society of Safety Engineers
(ASSE) Z-359, Fall Protection Code
Personal Fall Protection Used in Construction and Demolition Operations,
ANSI/ASSE A10.32-2012
IV. Definitions
Responsible OSHA Managers are trained and competent supervisors appointed by

Regional Administrators/Directorate Directors (RAs/Directors) to perform duties
specified in this Program for overseeing local implementation.
17-64
Authorized OSHA Employees (Authorized Employees) are designated by the
Responsible OSHA Manager based on the need to conduct work activities at heights
requiring fall protection (e.g. investigation and inspections). Authorized Employees
complete appropriate training and have the knowledge and expertise to safely conduct
work activities with fall protection at anticipated heights. Authorized Employees will
use ladders at their discretion and follow Regional policy for notification to their
supervisor when conducting work activities that require Basic or Advanced Climber
training. Authorized Employees designation may include OSHA trainers who teach
fall protection courses and conduct hands-on exercises at heights.
Authorized Employees are grouped into two categories:
1. Basic Climbers: This authorization level is for employees who are trained
and equipped with the knowledge and expertise to safely work at limited
locations at heights (see Activities Requiring Basic Fall Prevention and
Protection Training, Section VII.A). Basic Climbers are not authorized to use
fall arrest systems.
2. Advanced Climbers: Employees who volunteer and are selected, receive

medical clearance, and are trained and equipped with advanced knowledge
and expertise to safely work at heights with complexities, including towers
(see Activities Requiring Advanced Climber Training Level, Section VII.A).
Personal Fall Protection Systems include Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS),
Personal Fall Restraint Systems (PFRS), positioning devices, and ladder safety
devices or systems.
1. PFAS: A PFAS protects an Authorized OSHA Employee if a fall occurs by

arresting or stopping the fall. It must function to ensure that the worker
neither free falls more than 6 feet nor contacts any lower level (see 29 CFR
1926.502(d)(16)(iii)). The anchor point must support at least 5,000 pounds
as per attached Authorized Employee (see 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(15)).
2. PFRS: A PFRS will prevent an Authorized OSHA Employee from falling

any distance. Restraint systems used by Authorized OSHA Employees must
have the capacity to withstand at least twice the maximum expected force
that is needed to restrain a person from exposure to the fall hazard. In
determining this force, consideration should be given to site-specific factors
such as the force generated by a person walking, leaning, or sliding down a
working surface. The OSHA Technical Manual Fall Protection in
Construction Chapter provides further information and PFRS examples.
NOTE: Fall restraint is preferred over fall arrest.
17-65
3. Positioning devices: Body belts serve as positioning devices. They can
position a worker so that he or she can safely perform a job in a vertical work
position at a height as per requirements in 29 CFR 1926.502(e), 29 CFR 1926
Subpart M, Appendix D.
4. A ladder safety device or system is used to climb fixed ladders and includes a
carabiner, carrier rail, safety sleeve and body harness. It is available as a
cable (i.e., vertical lifeline) or fixed rail system per requirements in 29 CFR
1926.1053(a)(18),(22), and (23) and 29 CFR 1910.27(d).
V. Responsibilities
RAs/Directors will:
1. Establish fall prevention and protection procedures specific to the

Region/SLTC/CTC/DTE and implement them in accordance with this
Program. These site specific procedures will include:
a. Means for ensuring that all employees are appropriately trained.
b. An established process for employees to notify the Responsible OSHA

Manager about fall hazards when work activities require basic and
advanced training.
c. A mechanism for properly inspecting, maintaining, storing, and

removing fall protection equipment from service when it is no longer
in good condition.
17-66
2. Appoint Responsible OSHA Managers to implement this Program locally.
3. Provide training in local procedures in addition to the specific requirements

in this Program for employees as deemed necessary.
4. Assess hazards in collaboration with Authorized Employees (i.e., Basic and

Advanced Climbers) before giving permission when a request is made to
conduct work activities at heights requiring fall protection systems, or use
personnel lifting devices (e.g. aerial lifts, scissor lifts); or assign the
Responsible OSHA Manager to perform this function.
5. Develop and implement appropriate procedures in accordance with policy

specified in this Program for using equipment owned by an employer other
than OSHA at an investigation, inspection or fall protection training location.
Give permission to Authorized Employees to use such equipment if
appropriate or assign the Responsible OSHA Manager to give permission.
6. Decide if a fall hazard response team is needed to conduct complex

inspections or investigations within the Region/SLTC/CTC/DTE. If needed,
establish a fall hazard response team including Authorized Employees with
advanced training, knowledge, expertise, and experience to provide technical
support for inspections or investigations involving fall hazards. The team
may also provide other support as necessary.
7. Request assistance from SLTC’s Health Response Team for investigations

and inspections that present fall hazards when the Region/Directorate does
not have the resources to safely conduct work activities.
8. Ensure that resources are made available to implement this Program.
Responsible OSHA Managers will:
17-67
1. Complete the Annual SHMS Fall Prevention Awareness training.
2. Complete the Basic Fall Prevention and Protection training if any employees
are Authorized Employees.
3. Select proficient training sources. Training sources must have knowledge,

expertise, and experience to provide proper training to employees who meet
the objectives described in this Program.
4. Ensure that OSHA employees covered by the OSHA Field Safety and Health
Manual receive appropriate training (e.g. awareness, Basic Climber, or
Advanced Climber) as described in this Program.
5. Maintain training records per 29 CFR 1926.503(b) or designate an employee

to perform this function.
6. Designate Authorized Employees and the appropriate authorization level their

job requires (e.g. Basic or Advanced Climbers), in writing.
7. Assess hazards in collaboration with Authorized Employees before giving

permission when a request is made to conduct work activities at heights
requiring fall protection systems, or personnel lifting devices (e.g. aerial lifts
and scissor lifts), or if assigned by the RA/Director to perform this function.
8. Ensure that only Authorized Employees use personal fall protection and that
they are fully authorized by the Area Office before they climb. If the hazard
warrants more than one authorized employee, that employee should be
present on site before the authorized employee is allowed to climb.
9. Follow established procedures for the Region/SLTC/CTC/DTE to give

permission to Authorized Employees to use equipment owned by an employer
other than OSHA at an investigation, inspection or fall protection training
location if appropriate and assigned by the RA/Director to do so. Submit the
request to the RA/Director if not assigned to perform this function.
10. Develop and implement appropriate inspection, maintenance, storage, and

disposal system for fall protection equipment in accordance with applicable
guidance, manufacturer’s instructions, and procedures established for the
Region/SLTC/CTC/DTE.
Authorized Employees will:
17-68
1. Complete training required for the authorization level (e.g. Basic Fall
Prevention and Protection Training or Advanced Climber Training) as
specified in this Program and always use proper safety measures.
2. Follow specific Region/SLTC/CTC/DTE fall prevention and protection

procedures.
3. Select the right equipment for the task as specified by the manufacturer and
inspect and verify that it is in good working condition before using it.
Authorized Employees will not use defective equipment, incompatible
components or personal fall protection equipment provided by an employer
other than OSHA.
4. Follow this Program’s policy for using another employer’s equipment, with
the exception that Authorized Employees will only use personal fall
protection equipment provided by OSHA.
OSHA Employees that are not Authorized Employees, those not trained as Basic or
Advanced Climbers, will complete annual SHMS fall protection awareness training
and are allowed to use ladders at their discretion.
VI. Training
This Program’s effectiveness relies on OSHA’s commitment to training including initial training
and continued education that is, at a minimum, in compliance with 29 CFR 1926.503, Fall
Protection Training Requirements and 29 CFR 1926.1060 Stairways and Ladders. Training
requirements for OSHA employees are based on approved work activities. RAs/Directors can
provide training in local procedures, in addition to training specified in this Program for
employees.
Training sources must have the knowledge, expertise and experience to provide proper training
to employees that meet the objectives described in this Program. Training sources may include
the OSHA Training Institute, equipment manufacturers, unions, OSHA cooperative programs
(e.g. Wind and Communication Tower Training), third-party and in-house sources such as
trained, experienced and competent managers, or Compliance Safety and Health Officers that is,
at a minimum, in compliance with 29 CFR 1926.503(a)(2).
Responsible OSHA Managers/designees will maintain Annual SHMS Fall Prevention Awareness
Training records and prepare a training certification record for Authorized Employees (e.g. Basic
Climbers and Advanced Climbers) upon successfully completing initial training, annual
refresher, and biennial recertification as applicable, including any additional fall prevention and
protection training mandated by RAs/Directors per 29 CFR 1926.503(b). The training
documentation will include the means used to verify that the employee understood the training.
Annual SHMS Fall Prevention Awareness Training
All OSHA employees covered by the OSHA Field Safety and Health Manual must
complete Annual SHMS Fall Prevention Awareness Training. This includes
17-69
employees who may encounter worksites at heights, but are not authorized to gain
access to work at heights to the extent that authorized employees are permitted to do
and/or OSHA employees who may encounter fall hazards in their workplaces.
Authorized Employees will also complete Annual SHMS Fall Prevention Awareness
Training in addition to required advanced training.
Minimum training requirements include how to identify fall hazards in the workplace,
fall hazard avoidance and fall prevention measures, the requirements specified in this
Program and any specific fall prevention and protection procedures implemented by
the Region/SLTC/CTC/DTE. Current OSHA employees are approved to give
training if they have completed Basic Fall Prevention and Protection Training or
Advanced Climber Training, have experience with fall prevention and protection
mechanisms, and have knowledge about this Program.
Authorized Employee Training
Authorized Employees (i.e., Basic Climbers and Advanced Climbers) will receive fall
prevention and protection training that includes classroom and hands-on activities.
Fall prevention and protection training will emphasize the importance of considering
alternatives to working at heights, fall prevention and protection options, and self-
rescue methods that minimize risk. Training on fall protection and self-rescue
mechanisms will involve various field applications and exercises designed to
introduce and reinforce how to safely use equipment and system components for fall
protection and self-rescue. All Authorized Employees will demonstrate via practical
examination to subject matter experts during training proper selection, usage, storage,
maintenance, inspection, assembly, and dismantling procedures for fall protection and
self-rescue equipment and systems currently in use.
Additional training is necessary if conditions change, such as, the work type or
practice, workplace, or fall protection methods. Retraining will occur when the
Responsible OSHA Manager determines that an Authorized Employee does not have
an adequate understanding and skill to work safely at heights.
1. Basic fall Protection and Protection Training
Initial Training: Before working at heights, Basic Climber Authorized

Employees will complete Basic Fall Prevention and Protection Training from
a proficient training source that meets objectives described below. This may
require combining the OSHA Training Institute’s fall protection course with
training from other sources as necessary.
Refresher Training: Basic Climber Authorized Employees will complete

Annual SHMS Fall Prevention Awareness Training.
Basic Fall Prevention and Protection Training objectives must include at least
the following:
17-70
a. OSHA’s Fall Protection standards and other applicable guidance,
this Program, local fall prevention and protection procedures, as well
as manufacturer’s instructions, warnings, cautions, and equipment
limitations for the specific equipment that Authorized Employees
will use, with emphasis on the importance of following equipment
manufacturers’ instructions.
b. Safe alternatives to working at heights when feasible.
c. Worksite assessment, recognizing fall hazards and other site specific

hazards such as electricity, radio frequency, noise, hazardous
chemicals, water and environmental hazards.
d. Fall hazards elimination, avoidance, and control.
e. Fall prevention measures and evaluation.
f. Fall arrest system components: anchorage, body support or harness,

and connection mechanisms such as lanyards (e.g. shock absorbing,
retractable and Y lanyards).
g. How to properly assess anchorages and engineering consultation that

may be required to satisfy dynamic loading capability, especially
where multiple individuals may be involved in simultaneously using
the same anchor point.
h. Personnel lifting devices.
i. Fixed ladder (e.g. above 10 feet) climbing safety.
j. Fall protection and self-rescue equipment inspection, maintenance,

and storage. Equipment identification (e.g. markings/labels).
k. Proper equipment selection and use for specific work environments.

Avoiding incompatible connections/components that could cause
equipment failure. For example, how to prevent snap hook roll-out
and/or burst-out.
NOTE: The locking type snap hook with a self-closing, self-

locking latch which remains closed until pressed open for
connection or disconnection is required. Opening the snaphook
requires a double action to prevent unintended disengagement. The
non-locking type is not permitted.
l. Equipment limitations and requirements for proper functioning.

Equipment withdrawal from service.
17-71
m. Free-fall distance calculation and reduction. Maximum arresting
force reduction.
n. Practical exercises essential for Authorized Employees to understand

fall protection and self-rescue equipment capabilities and limitations.
Training will incorporate live hands-on activities for Authorized
Employees to demonstrate proficiency in fall protection and self-
rescue techniques, proper anchor point evaluation, anchorage
selection, and anchoring procedures demonstration
o. Pre-determined task-specific fall protection and rescue plan, including

appropriate rescue options and demonstrated self-rescue techniques
p. Procedures to locate first aid supplies and contact Emergency

Medical Services
q. Other applicable procedures specific to the worksite such as

lockout/tagout procedures (see Chapter 13, Control of Hazardous
Energy Sources)
r. Proper documentation of fall hazards and abatement methods
s. Use of alternative technology to document hazards
t. Contact methods for OSHA fall protection subject matter experts.
2. Advanced Climber Training
Advanced Climber Authorized Employees undergo highly specialized and

rigorous fall protection training such as the Wind and Communication Tower
Training. Advanced Climbers will obtain medical clearance with a biennial
expiration date through the OSHA Medical Examination Program (OMEP)
before completing initial training and performing associated duties, and
biennially thereafter. The medical clearance is labeled as Wind Tower
Clearance in the Compliance Safety and Health Officer Health Information
System (CHIS). OSHA employees not in the OMEP may obtain assistance
from the Office of Occupational Medicine and Nursing to make
arrangements with Federal Occupational Health (FOH) for medical
clearance. However, employees’ RAs/Directors are responsible for securing
funding for FOH’s services. Advanced Climbers will not participate in
training or perform associated duties if the medical clearance has expired.
The OSHA Training Institute will provide guidance upon request on how to
register for and complete specialized training for Advanced Climbers and the
biennial recertification (e.g. Wind and Communication Tower Training).
17-72
Initial Training Requirements: Advanced Climbers will complete the
Basic Fall Prevention and Protection Training. This will be followed by
specialized training such as the Wind and Communication Tower Training
that meet the objectives listed in this Program for Advanced Climber
Training. Advanced climbers must receive training from a proficient
training source before working at heights.
Recertification Training: Advanced Climbers will complete specialized

training recertification biennially from a proficient training source such as
Wind and Communication Tower Training recertification.
Refresher Training: Advanced Climbers will complete Annual SHMS Fall

Prevention Awareness training.
Advanced Climber Training objectives include:
a. Fall hazard recognition, assessment, and avoidance
b. Tower climbing and self-rescue equipment selection, inspection, use,

and storage, application limitations, proper anchoring, tie-off
techniques, proper rigging practices, elongation, deceleration distance
determination, free-fall distance, and total fall distance determination
c. Climbing proficiency demonstration. Explanation and demonstration

for equipment used for climbing and positioning. Personal
preparedness, climbing, resting, and proper positioning
d. Equipment installation/assembly, stresses and resultant effects, and

safety margins
e. Methods to recognize energized power lines, auxiliary equipment, and

other apparatus
f. Emergency procedures, proper self-rescue technique for the situation,

and suspension trauma management
g. Basic first aid and methods to contact Emergency Medical Services
h. Personnel lifting devices
VII. Procedures for Working at Heights
Hazard Assessment
17-73
When OSHA employees need to conduct inspection and investigation work activities
at heights as in described section IV.B., the RA/Director or Responsible OSHA
Manager will conduct a hazard assessment in collaboration with Authorized
Employees (i.e., Basic Climbers and Advanced Climbers). A sample hazard
assessment form can be found here. Some safety considerations for completing a
Hazard Assessment are described below:
1. Recognize activities and areas where Authorized Employees (e.g. Basic and
Advanced Climbers) may require fall protection, including:
Activities Requiring Basic Fall Prevention and Protection Training Level

at a minimum:
a. Commercial/Residential construction sites with fall hazards
b. Excavations, wells and pits, holes
c. Floor openings (e.g. in walking surfaces)
d. Grain silos –equipped with guardrails
e. Maritime cranes –equipped with guardrails
f. Personnel lifting devices (e.g. aerial lifts, scissor lifts)
g. Ramps, runways and other walkways
h. Tanks and containments (e.g. water tanks) –equipped with caged

ladders and work platforms with guardrails
i. Tower cranes – equipped with guardrails
j. Unprotected edges in hoist areas
k. Walking and working surfaces unprotected sides and edges
l. Wall openings
Activities Requiring Advanced Climber Training Level:
a. Grain Silos –not equipped with guardrails
b. Maritime Cranes –not equipped with guardrails
c. Tanks and containments (e.g. water tanks) - without caged ladders or

work platforms with guardrails
d. Towers (e.g. water towers, communication towers)
17-74
e. Wind Turbines
2. Determine if there is a safe alternative to working at a height to perform

duties (e.g. using a camera connected to a trench rod). Implement safe
alternatives if feasible.
3. Determine if it is necessary to work at heights, for example, to conduct safety

evaluations or training exercises.
4. If it is deemed necessary to work at a height requiring fall protection, ensure

that an effective task-specific fall protection and rescue plan is developed,
reviewed, approved, and implemented before giving permission to
Authorized Employees. This includes the following:
a. Ensure that only Authorized Employees with appropriate training,

knowledge, expertise and experience with the specific fall hazard(s)
are permitted to gain access to work at heights.
b. Complete a site-specific hazard assessment.
c. Evaluate each situation, planning in advance how to protect the

Authorized Employee from falling, appropriate mitigation, avoidance,
and control measures, as well as rescue procedures.
d. Identify other site-specific hazards and how to protect Authorized

Employees (e.g. noise, electricity). Determine if employees with
specialized expertise to mitigate specific hazards are needed, for
example, to verify proper lockout/tagout of hazardous energy sources
and proper Radio Frequency (RF) monitoring.
e. Evaluate if there is a safe means to reach the worksite and if the

worksite is safe to access. The assessment will include any ladders or
personnel lifting devices Authorized Employees will use.
f. Determine if fall prevention measures are adequate. For example,

carefully inspect guardrails to check if they are properly installed, in
good condition and in compliance with specifications in applicable
OSHA standards. Implement necessary measures to protect
Authorized Employees if existing fall protection measures are
inadequate.
g. Identify, select, and provide Authorized Employees with the

appropriate equipment in optimal working condition for the specific
task, including fall protection and self-rescue equipment, and
personnel lifting devices if necessary.
h. Determine whether a Personal Fall Restraint System (PFRS) or a

Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS) is needed.
17-75
NOTE: Fall restraint is preferred over fall arrest.
i. Determine the appropriate emergency response personnel and rescue

procedures needed to ensure that, if necessary, a rescue proceeds
quickly and efficiently.
j. Notify the necessary emergency response team or trained Fire

Department with the capability and equipment to support the planned
rescue in the area (e.g. ladder truck high enough to gain access to
rescue an employee).
k. Brief all personnel on methods to contact Emergency Medical

Services.
5. Review the fall protection and rescue plan with Authorized Employees and
make any necessary adjustments before starting work.
Equipment Selection
Selected components will be compatible with the fall protection systems in use in
accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations (e.g. components for
PFAS/PFRS, ladder safety devices/systems).
1. Personal fall protection equipment includes:
a. Personal Fall Arrest Systems:
i. Anchorage
ii. Connectors
iii. Full-body harness
iv. May include a shock absorbing lanyard, a retractable
lanyard, Y lanyard, deceleration device, or suitable
combinations
b. Personal Fall Restraint Systems:
v. Anchorage
vi. Connectors
vii. Full-body harness
viii. Other necessary equipment, e.g. lanyard, other devices
2. Tower (e.g. wind turbine, tower crane, communication tower) climbing

equipment includes:
a. Personal fall protection equipment for tower climbing:
17-76
i. Full body harness (specific tower climbing harnesses have
additional features for comfort and safety)
ii. Anchorage devices
iii. Connecting devices: carabiners, carrier rail, hooks

(attachment points), safety sleeve
iv. Lanyards (Y-lanyards, self-retracting lanyards, shock

absorbing lanyards, positioning lanyards)
v. Cable/Rope grabs
vi. Ropes and lifelines
vii. Gloves
viii. Safety shoes/boots (appropriate for tower climbing)
b. Appropriate self-rescue equipment.
c. Additional personal protective equipment based on specific

worksite hazards include:
i. Head protection (chinstrap required)
ii. Eye protection (safety glasses)
iii. Face protection (face shield)
iv. Hearing protection (ear plugs and/or muffs)
v. Burn protection (flame-retardant clothing if applicable, e.g.

wind towers)
d. Personal radio frequency monitors, properly selected, and

calibrated for towers with active transmitters or unknown status.
e. Communication equipment such as properly functioning portable

two-way radios that are hands free (e.g. headsets) or cellular
phones to dial the direct access number for Emergency Medical
Services for the local area.
f. Properly fitting weather appropriate clothing (e.g. loose but not

baggy, free from snag hazards such as loops, and suitable for the
hot or cold weather condition).
Equipment Inspection, Maintenance, Storage, and Disposal
17-77
Procedures for proper equipment inspection, maintenance, storage, and disposal will
comply with applicable OSHA standards and manufacturers’ instructions.
These procedures will include:
1. A regular inspection schedule with documentation for fall protection and

self-rescue equipment in accordance with applicable OSHA standards and
manufacturers’ recommendations.
2. Equipment inspection before and after each use to identify indicators for
when to remove equipment from service such as:
a. Alteration, damage, or defects to hardware elements, for example,

straps, ropes, buckles, or stitching.
b. Absent or improperly functioning mechanical devices, connectors, or

other components.
c. Chemical damage, sharp edges, cracks, corrosion, or deformation.
3. Proper maintenance and storage in accordance with manufacturer’s

instructions, for example, hanging-up cleaned harnesses in a designated
storage location after use.
4. Equipment disposal, removal and return to service procedures that are in

accordance with OSHA standards and manufacturer’s recommendations (see
29 CFR 1926.502(d)(19)). For example, equipment removal from service if
activated in a fall, or involved in any incident that could cause damage or
when defects or damages are identified during inspection.
Policy on Using Other Employers’ Equipment
17-78
1. OSHA employees will avoid using equipment provided by an employer other
than OSHA, such as personnel lifting devices, at an inspection, investigation,
or training location.
2. In rare instances when there are no alternatives and it is essential to use

equipment, except ladders, owned by an employer other than OSHA,
Authorized Employees must follow specific procedures for the
Region/SLTC/CTC/DTE and verify that the equipment is safe to use before
using it.
Specific procedures for the Region/SLTC/CTC/DTE will include how to

obtain permission from the RA/Director or the Responsible OSHA Manager
before using equipment, except ladders, provided by an employer other than
OSHA.
An OSHA employee with training, knowledge, expertise, and experience

about the specific piece of equipment will verify that it is in optimal working
condition; ensure that the proposed use is in accordance with manufacturer’s
specifications; components are compatible; and a qualified operator is
available to run the equipment, if applicable.
3. OSHA employees may use ladders at their discretion. Safety evaluation and
determination before using a ladder will include inspecting the ladder to
ensure that it is in good condition, properly installed or positioned, and the
load rating is sufficient to withstand equipment/tools and the OSHA
Employee’s weight.
Authorized Employees may attach to an existing anchor point upon

inspection and verification that it is adequate for the specific task (see 29
CFR 1926 Subpart M, Appendix C (II(h)), Tie-off considerations, 29 CFR
1926.502(d)(15) to (d)(15)(ii), (e)(2)). Authorized Employees may seek
assistance from their supervisors or other knowledgeable persons, such as
engineers, to properly assess anchor points.
17-79
CHAPTER 18. RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
I. Purpose
During their regular course of duty OSHA employees may be required to enter
environments where airborne contaminants are present. As such, a comprehensive
respiratory program is mandatory. This Program sets forth accepted practices for
respirator users and provides information and guidance on the proper selection, use, and
care of respirators in accordance with CPL 2-2.54A.
II. Scope
This chapter applies to all OSHA employees who need to wear a respirator to perform his
or her job duties.
III. Definitions
Air Purifying Respirator. A respirator with an air purifying filter, cartridge, or

canister that removes specific air contaminants by passing ambient air through the air
purifying element.
Atmosphere-supplying Respirator. A respirator that supplies the user with breathing

air from a source independent of the ambient atmosphere, including supplied-air
respirators (SARs) and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) units.
Demand Respirator. An atmosphere supplying respirator that admits breathing air to

the face piece only when negative pressure is created inside the face piece by
inhalation.
Emergency Situation. Any occurrence, including but not limited to equipment

failure, rupture of containers, or failure of control equipment, that may or does result
in uncontrolled significant release of an airborne contaminant.
End-of-Service-Life-Indicator (ESLI). A system that warns the respirator user of the

approach of the end of adequate respiratory protection; for example, the sorbent is
approaching saturation or is no longer adequate.
Escape-only Respirator. A respirator intended to be used only for emergency exit.
Filtering Face Piece (dust mask). A negative pressure particulate respirator with a
filter as an integral part of the face piece or with the entire face piece composed of the
filtering medium.
Fit Factor. A quantitative estimate of the fit of a particular respirator to a specific

individual; typically estimates the ratio of the concentration of a substance in ambient
air to its concentration inside the respirator when worn.
18-80
Fit Test. The use of protocol to qualitatively or quantitatively evaluate the fit of a
respirator on an individual. (See Qualitative Fit Test (QLFT) and Quantitative Fit
Test (ANFT).)
High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filter. A filter that is at least 99.97%
efficient in removing monodisperse particles of 0.3 micrometers in diameter. The
equivalent NIOSH 42 CFR 84 particulate filters are the N100, R1000, and P100
filters.
Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH). An atmosphere that poses an

immediate threat to life, would cause irreversible adverse health effects, or would
impair an individual’s ability to escape from a dangerous atmosphere.
Loose-fitting Facepiece. A respiratory inlet covering that is designed to form a partial

seal with the face.
Negative Pressure Respirator (tight fitting). A respirator in which the air pressure
inside the facepiece is negative during inhalation with respect to the ambient air
pressure outside the respirator.
Oxygen Deficient Atmosphere. An atmosphere with an oxygen content below 19.5%

by volume.
Physician or Other Licensed Health Care Professional (PLHCP). An individual

whose legally permitted scope of practice (e.g. license, registration, or certification)
allows him or her to independently provide or be delegated the responsibility to
provide some or all of the health care services required under section (e) of the OSHA
Respirator Standard.
Positive Pressure Respirator. A respirator in which the pressure inside the respiratory
inlet covering exceeds the ambient air pressure outside the respirator.
Powered Air-purifying Respirator (PAPR). An air-purifying respirator that uses a

blower to force the ambient air through the air-purifying elements to the inlet
covering.
Pressure Demand Respirator. A positive pressure atmosphere-supplying respirator

that admits breathing air to the facepiece when the positive pressure is reduced inside
the facepiece by inhalation.
Qualitative Fit Test (QLFT). A pass/fail test to assess the adequacy of respirator fit
that relies on the individual’s response to the test agent.
Quantitative Fit Test (QNFT). An assessment of the adequacy of respirator fit by

numerically measuring the amount of leakage into the respirator.
Service Life. The period of time that a respirator, filter or sorbent, or other
respiratory equipment provides adequate protection to the wearer.
18-81
Supplied –Air Respirator (SAR) or Airline Respirator. An atmosphere-supplying
respirator for which the source of breathing air is not designed to be carried by the
user.
Tight-fitting Facepiece. A respiratory inlet covering that forms a complete seal with
the face.
User Seal Check. An action conducted by the respirator user to determine if the
respirator is properly sealed to the face.
The responsible OSHA Manager(s), acting as the representative of the Regional

Administrator, is the coordinator of the Respiratory Protection Program in the Area
Office. The responsible OSHA Manager(s) may delegate the day-to-day
responsibility for the respiratory protection program to one of the AAD/appropriate
OSHA manager, or a senior industrial hygienist; however, the ultimate responsibility
for the program within the Area Office remains with the responsible OSHA
Manager(s).
The Regional Administrator will appoint a Regional Program Administrator, the

Regional Respiratory Protection Program Coordinator (RRPPC), who as a
representative of the Regional Administrator will have responsibility for the program
in the Regional Office, as well as act as overall regional coordinator for the program.
As administrator for the program, the RRPPC has the authority to make decisions and
implement changes to the respiratory protection program as necessary.
The respirator water will:
1. Use respirator in accordance with instruction and training received;
2. Store, clean, maintain, and guard against damage to respirator equipment;
3. Inspect the respirator before each use and after cleaning and disinfecting. If
the respirator is found to be defective, report any deficiencies or malfunctions
of a respirator to the AAD/appropriate OSHA manager;
4. Notify the responsible OSHA Manager(s) or the Program Administrator

when:
a. The assigned respirator no longer fits well or is defective;
b. Respiratory hazards not properly addressed by the respirators in use

are encountered; and
c. Where there are any concerns about the program.
18-82
V. Procedure
Respirator Selection
The following standard operating procedures have been developed to assist

employees in the proper selection of respiratory protection.
1. Proper selection of respirators will be made in accordance with the OSHA

Respiratory protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134), CPL 02-02-054A,
guidance from other pertinent OSHA standards, as well as proper design
logic, such as that developed jointly by the National Institute of Occupational
Safety and Health (NIOSH) and OSHA.
2. All respirators and cartridges will be selected based on the nature and extent
of the hazard, the work requirements and conditions, and the characteristics
and limitations of the respirators available. Specific guidance can be found
in the Exposure Guide (Appendix A).
3. All respiratory protection must have NIOSH approval for their intended use.
4. Use of disposable respirators will be permitted only where users have been
successfully fit tested and other criteria, including training and medical, have
been met.
5. Properly approved respirators must contain the following:
a. A NIOSH approval number on each unit, such as TC-21C-101.
b. A label identifying the Manufacturer and Model number of the

respirator.
c. Any information related to the limitations of the respirator.
d. In addition to the manufacturer’s name, model number, NIOSH

approval number, and use limitations, respirator cartridges must
contain the identity of the contaminant(s) that will be filtered by the
cartridge.
e. Where practicable, the Program Administrator will assign respirators

to individual employees for their exclusive use.
f. Modifications will not be made to respiratory protective equipment

unless required by NIOSH or the equipment manufacturer to maintain
governmental approval.
Medical Evaluations of Employees Required to Wear Respirators
18-83
1. Prior to being fit tested or being required to wear a respirator, all employees
who will wear a respirator will be required to be evaluated by the Office of
Occupational Medicine and Nursing (OOMN) designated physicians to
determine the employee’s ability to safely wear a respirator.
2. The medical protocol for determining employee fitness for wearing

respiratory protection is to be administered by the OOMN with contracted
support from Federal Occupational Health in accordance with OSHA
Instruction PER 04-00-005.
3. A local clinic will be used to implement OOMN procedures, which include

means of documenting and recording information pertaining to the employee
evaluation. The clinic will comply with the requirements of OSHA’s
standard 29 CFR 1910.134, including the medical evaluation questionnaire.
4. A physician must review the medical evaluation findings. Based on the

findings, follow-up medical evaluations may be required. At this time,
additional information may be requested by the reviewing physician e.g.
details of actual or expected respirator use in the workplace.
5. The examining or reviewing physician must forward the results of the

medical examination to the OOMN for agency evaluation and final
determination of fitness for respirator use. Documentation of each employee
evaluation must be provided by the physician in the form of a written
recommendation regarding the employee’s ability to wear a respirator, and
will also including all restrictions limiting use.
6. Limitations on respirator use documented by the physician must be

communicated to the Regional Administrator or designee, the responsible
OSHA Manager(s), and the employee. Permanent limitations on respirator
use must be addressed by an Accommodation Plan, approved by the
Accommodations Committee and implemented by DAP.
7. When medical conditions prohibit an employee from wearing a negative

pressure respirator, but the employee is medically cleared to wear a PAPR or
SAR, the Agency must provide a PAPR or SAR for employee use.
8. Employees will be re-evaluated by the physician whenever:
a. An employee reports to the responsible OSHA Manager(s) any

signs or symptoms that may impact safe use of the respirator;
b. It is recommended by a physician or the responsible OSHA

Manager(s) that an employee be re-evaluated;
c. An employee is due for periodic evaluation in accordance with

PER 04-00-005.
18-84
d. Changes in workplace conditions place an added physical burden
on the employee, e.g. the need to wear SCBA.
9. The responsible OSHA Manager will coordinate the administration of the

applicable sections of the Respiratory Protection Program with the Director,
OOMN.
Fit Testing Procedures
Refer to fit test procedures listed in Appendix A of 29 CFR 1910.134 and additional
information listed in CPL 02-02-054, Respiratory Protection Program Guidelines.
Respirator Use/Limitations
Respirator usage will be in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations for use,

recognizing the limitations of use and training given the user. The respirators
available, their application and limitations will be listed as part of the unit’s respirator
program. An example of this listing appears in Appendix A.
18-85
1. No facial hair that can potentially interfere with the face-to-face piece seal
will be permitted. Other conditions that may interfere with the seal must be
recognized and evaluated on a case-by-case basis to assure that the seal is not
compromised.
2. All other work wear and/or PPE must be worn in a manner that does not
affect the face-to-face piece seal.
3. Each user of tight-fitting respirators will perform both the positive and
negative pressure seal checks described in Appendix B prior to each use.
4. Canisters and cartridges will be changed out in accordance with a NIOSH

approved end of service life indicator (ESLI). If there is no ESLI appropriate
for the conditions encountered at a worksite, the employee will follow a
sorbent change schedule for canisters and cartridges based on reliable
information or data ensuring that canisters and cartridges are changed before
the end of their service life.
5. No respirator will be used if it has been impaired in any way, including

broken strap, deformation of shape, or damaged valve.
6. SCBA usage is limited to those medically certified to wear them. The Health
Response Team should be contacted for assistance. Compressed breathing
air must meet, at a minimum, the requirements for Grade D breathing air
described in ANSI/Compressed Gas Association Commodity Specification
for Air, G-7.1-1989. Any use of a SCBA must be coordinated with the
Regional Administrator.
7. OSHA employees are not permitted to enter known Immediately Dangerous

to Life and Health (IDLH) atmosphere for inspection purposes. No OSHA
employees with the exception of the HRT/SRT will be permitted to enter any
environment requiring level A protection. Escape-only respirators must be
carried where there is a potential for exposure to IDLH atmospheres.
Procedures and Schedules for Care and Maintenance of Respirators
18-86
1. A maintenance program will be established in accordance with
manufacturer’s instructions for inspection, cleaning, and maintenance of
respirators. Appendix B is an example of such procedures for respirator
inspection, care, and maintenance.
2. OSHA employees must clean and inspect respirators to which they are
assigned or use. Cleaning and inspection procedures recommended in
Appendix B-2 of 29 CFR 1910.134 or those recommended by the
manufacturer (if equivalent to OSHA’s procedures) must be followed. The
Program Administrator will ensure adequate supple of the appropriate
cleaning agents to be used.
3. Respirators will be stored so that they are protected against damage,

contamination, dust, sunlight, extreme temperatures, excessive moisture, and
damaging chemicals. Filtering cartridges will be stored separately from the
facepieces.
4. SCBAs must be inspected monthly, maintained fully charged, and recharged

when the tank pressure falls below 90% of the manufacturer’s recommended
fully charged pressure level. Repairs to regulators or warning devices must
only be done by the manufacturer of the SCBA or an authorized
representative.
5. Any respirator maintained for emergency use must be inspected monthly and
records maintained of the inspection by the Program Administrator. The
record must contain the information specified in CPL 02-02-054, IX.M.
Breathing Air Supply, Quality, and Use
1. A certificate of analysis for any compressed air used must be available in the
Area Office and must reflect as a minimum the requirements of Grade D
breathing air described in ANSI/Compressed Gas Association Commodity
Specification for Air, G-7.1-1989, as specified in Appendix D.
2. Compressed breathing air is used for Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus

and Emergency Escape packs.
Employee Training
18-87
1. Training of employees on respiratory protection use must be done prior to the
initial use of the respirator. The Program Administrator must have attended
the OSHA Training Institute course on respiratory protection and will be
responsible for providing the necessary training to all OSHA employees who
use respirators unless another qualified individual is assigned the
responsibility. Employees will receive training prior to being fit tested on a
respirator.
2. The Employee training must cover (at a minimum):
a. General requirements of the OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard:
i. Why the respirator is necessary;
ii. Proper selection of respirators;
iii. Respirator donning, removal, fit and seal checks, and wear;
iv. Consequences of improper fit, usage or maintenance;
v. Limitations and capabilities of the respirator selected, ESLI

and cartridge change schedules;
vi. Respirator use in emergencies (e.g. malfunction situations);
vii. Medical signs/symptoms limiting or preventing effective

usage;
viii. Proper maintenance and storage procedures.
b. Re-training of respirator users will be conducted:
i. Annually; or
ii. Whenever conditions requiring respirators change; or
iii. When deficiencies are noted via program audits; or
iv. When completing the annual program evaluation.
Program Evaluation
The Program Administrator must conduct a review of the effectiveness of the

program as necessary, but no less than annually to ensure the continued effectiveness
of the program.
Recordkeeping
18-88
1. A summary of all fit test results must be maintained in the Area office for
seven years (see OSHA Instruction ADM 03-01-002). These records must be
considered as employees exposure records OSHA employees will be
provided a Wallet Respirator Fit Test Card (OSHA Form 187) or equivalent
document. A copy of the summary must include:
a. Name of test subject.
b. Date and type of fit testing (QNFT/QLFT).
c. Name of the test conductor.
d. Fit factors obtained from every respirator tested (indicate

manufacturer, model, size and approval number).
e. Name and type of facepieces) which has failed during the

qualitative test or has yielded a fit factor less than those prescribed
2. All medical records related to this program must be maintained by the

OOMN.
3. All records of required monthly inspections must be maintained by the

responsible OSHA Manager(s).
4. A copy of the written medical opinion received from the OOMN must be
maintained by the responsible OSHA Manager(s) for each respirator user.
18-89
APPENDIX A
EXAMPLE SELECTION/EXPOSURE GUIDE
Cartridge Types
The following respirator cartridges are standard issue for use with the COMFO II/COMFO
Classic half mask and ULTR-TWIN full-face cartridge respirators. Cartridge color-coding and
banding are not to be changed, removed or painted over. Only MSA cartridges can be used with
the MSA respirator issued. Cartridge selection as listed below is based on airborne chemical and
particulate hazards. Note cartridge change out protocol at the end of this chapter.
Hazard Cartridge Type Color

Organic Vapors, Dust, and Mists: GMA Cartridge Black Cover and Side Band
NOTE: Protection extended to Type F Filters
include dusts and mists by adding
Type F filters and filter covers.
Organic Vapors and Acid Gases: GMC Cartridge Yellow Cover and Side Band
Organic Vapors, Chlorine, Chlorine
Dioxide, Hydrogen Chloride, Sulfur
Dioxide
Mists and Dusts: Type F Filter
Protection extended to include
dusts and mists by adding Type F
filters and filter covers
Organic Vapors: GMC-H Pink and Gold Band
Pesticides, Chlorine, Chlorine Combination
Dioxide, Hydrogen Chloride, Sulfur Filter/Cartridge
Dioxide, dusts, fumes, mists,
Radionuclides and Asbestos
User will not rely on break-through properties of site chemical as an indication as to when
to change out chemical cartridges. Since the cartridges provided did not have an End of
Service Life Indicator (ESLI), users will follow the protocol below for replacing cartridges.
18-90
APPENDIX B
EXAMPLE, MAINTENANCE AND CARE PROCEDURES

A. General Requirements
1. Respirator Selection  MSA Comfo Classic Half Mask APR
o Small
For purposes of fit testing, employees will o Medium
select a respirator from the following types o Large
offered.  MSA Ultra-Twin Full Face APR
o Small
o Medium
o Large
2. Selection Alternative
 3M Particulate Mask
If a proper fit cannot be achieved using the  Air-supplying respiratory equipment
selection offered, another make will be
obtained.
3. Practical Demonstration  How to put on a respirator
 Positioning the respirator one one’s face
For the benefit of the employee(s) to be  How to set/adjust strap tension
tested the following will be demonstrated  How to determine an acceptable fit
prior to the selection and fit test. If needed,  Selecting the proper size is key to
mirrors can be used to assist the employee proper protection
in visually observing the various steps.
4. Determining Adequacy of Respirator Fit  Chin properly placed in chin cup
 Adequate strap placement/tension, not
If the employee finds the fit unacceptable, overly tight
the individual will select a different  Fit across nose bridge
respirator and be re-tested.  Properly sized respirator spans distance
from nose to chin
Additional testing will be performed when  Tendency of respirators to slip
changes in an employee’s physical  Self-observation in mirror to evaluate
condition occur that could affect respirator fit and position
fit.
5. User Seal Checks
For purposes of donning a respirator for fit  Seal the mask on the face by moving
testing, each user must conduct the the head from side to side and up and
respirator use procedures, consisting of down slowly while taking in a few slow
both the positive and negative pressure seal deep breaths.
checks.
18-91
A. Positive pressure check  Close off the exhalation valve with your
hand while exhaling gently into the
facepiece.
 A good fit will result in a slight positive
pressure building up without leakage
 A poor fit results in outward leakage at
one or more points along the face-to-
facepiece seal.
 Close off both cartridge inlets with the

B. Negative Pressure Check palm of the hands.
 Inhale gently so the facepiece collapses
slightly.
 Hold breath for 10 seconds.
If the respirator remains in the slightly
collapsed position and no inward leakage of
air is detected, the tightness of the
respirator is satisfactory.
6. Interference with Facepiece Seal
Facial hair must not interfere with the face-

to-face seal. Beards and beard stubble are
not permitted. Sideburns and mustaches
that interfere with face-to-facepiece seal
must be shaved or trimmed.
7. Fit Test Exercise Regimen  Normal breathing in a standing position
without talking.
For Qualitative and Quantitative Fit Test:  Deep breathing, slowly and deeply
while standing.
A. Prior to entering the test chamber, the  Turning head slowly side to side,
test subject shall be given complete hesitating at each extreme position for
instruction as to his/her part in the test at least 5 seconds to inhale. Stand in
procedures. The regimen will be performed place
in its entirety for each test conducted. The  Standing in place, the subject will
respirator must be worn for a least 5 slowly move his or her head up and
minutes prior to testing/ down. The head will be held at each
extreme position for at least 5 seconds.
B. Each test exercise will be performed for  Read a select passage slowly and loud
one minute with the exception of the enough to be heard.
grimace, which is 15 seconds.  Grimace by smiling or frowning.
(Perform only for Quantitative Test.)
C. If the fit or comfort becomes  Bend over at the waist. If a hood is
unacceptable during the test, the test is used, jogging in place can be
voided if respirator adjustments are done substituted.
during the test.
 Normal breathing.
18-92
B. Qualitative Fit Test Protocol
1. General Individuals performing fit tests will be
knowledgeable in:
The Program Administrator will assign a  Maintaining and preparing fit test
qualified individual to perform fit tests and equipment and solutions.
maintain the fit test equipment.  Proper administration of the test
protocols.
 Be able to recognize an invalid test.
2. Saccharine Solution Aerosol Protocol  Individuals must wear a #M or
equivalent hood during screening.
A. Taste Threshold Screening  The individual will breathe through
their slightly open mouth exposing the
The taste threshold screening is performed tongue to the air during inhalation.
without a respirator for purposes of  A 3M nebulizer or equivalent will be
determining the individual’s ability to used to produce the aerosol.
detect the taste of saccharine.  Threshold check Solution A must be
used for this screening. Do not use
Note: Eating or drinking something sweet Solution B.
before the screening may affect the ability  Firmly squeezes the nebulizer bulb 10
to detect saccharine. times with the nozzle inserted into the
hold in the front of the hood.
 If the individual indicates that they have
detected the sweet saccharine taste, the
screening test is completed.
 If the individual does not detect the
sweet taste, introduce an additional 10
squeezes of aerosol into the hood.
 Repeat this in increments of 10
squeezes until the individual can detect
the saccharine.
 Document on the fit test report the
number of squeezes introduced into the
hood.
If after 30 squeezes the individual has not

detected the saccharine taste, the individual
is considered unable to detect saccharine
and cannot be fit tested using this method.
2. Saccharin Solution Aerosol Protocol Individuals to be tested may not eat, drink
(except water), smoke, or chew gum for 15
B. Saccharine Solution Aerosol Fit Test minutes before the test.
Procedures
The 3M hood enclosure is used for this test.
18-93
For use in fit testing the 3M
Dust/Particulate Mask  The individual to be tested will properly
don the respirator.
 Place the hood over the individual’s
head.
 A separate nebulizer identified for fit
testing, other that the one used for the
screening test, will be used.
 The nebulizer is filled with fit test
Solution B.
 Instruct the individual to breathe
through the slightly opened mouth and
report if the sweet taste of saccharine is
detected.
 With the individual fitted in their
respirator, in the hood, introduce
aerosol by squeezing the nebulizer bulb
10 times.
 Perform the fit test exercise regimen
(Section A-8) above.
 Replenish the aerosol concentration
every 30 seconds during the exercise by
squeezing the nebulizer 5 times.
 The individual being tested must report
any time during the test if saccharine is
detected.
 If the taste of saccharine is detected, the
test is voided and must be repeated
using a different respirator. The entire
protocol must be repeated.
3. Irritant Smoke (Stannic Chloride)
Protocol
Use for fit testing the following respirators:

Half-mask respirators
Full-face cartridge respirators
A. General Requirement and Precautions  During the test, the respirator will be
equipped with high efficiency
particulate (HEPA) or P100 series
filters.
 Only stannic chloride smoke tubes will
be used.
 Exercise caution when using an irritant.
 Perform tests in a well ventilated area.
18-94
B. Irritant Smoke Sensitivity Screening  The person being tested must
Check demonstrate their ability to detect a
weak concentration of irritant smoke.
 The individual performing the test will
advise the individual being tested that
the smoke can be mildly irritating to
eyes and respiratory tract.
 Using an aspirator bulb attached to a
smoke tube, introduce a weak
concentration of smoke in the direction
of the individual being tested.
 Document on the Fit Test Report the
individual’s ability to detect the smoke.
C. Irritant Smoke Fit Test Procedure  The individual to be tested will don the
respirator without assistance.
 Each individual will perform the
required user seal tests (Reference A-6).
 As a precaution, individuals are to keep
eyes closed.
 Beginning at 12 inches and then at 6
inches, the test will make 3 passes
around the entire seal area, directing the
smoke toward the face-seal area.
 At a distance of 6 inches, direct smoke
around the face-seal and initiate the fit
test exercise regiment (Reference A-8).
 During the fit test, any detection of
smoke by the individual being tested
constitutes a failed test.
 Re-tests require that the entire protocol
be repeated.
 Passing the fit tests without evidence of
a response to the irritant smoke will
require the individual to complete a
second sensitivity screening check.
C. Quantitative Fit Test Protocol
See Appendix A of 29 CFR 1910.134
18-95
APPENDIX C
RESPIRATOR MAINTENANCE AND CARE
A. Cleaning and Disinfecting

The objective of this section is to establish  Remove filters and cartridges.
procedures for effectively cleaning and  Disassemble the facepiece by
disinfecting respirators in a manner that disconnecting speaking diaphragms,
prevents damage to the respirator while valve assemblies and breathing hose.
protecting the user from harm.  Make a cleaning solution by mixing
water with any detergent that contains
1. Personal respirators should be cleaned effective disinfectants (such as
with a disinfecting moist towlette after quaternary ammonium compounds).
each use.  Head the solution to 140-160° F.
Immerse the facepiece in the cleaning
2. Routine use where heavy contamination solution.
occurs requires the respirator be cleaned  Use a non-metal still bristle brush on
according to the procedures in the right surfaces if heaving soiled.
column after each use.  Rinse surfaces in clean warm water and
air or hand dry. Use of a towel to dry
3. Respirators used for emergency the facepiece is not recommended
response must be cleaned after each use, unless a clean, lint-free towel is used.
and consider use of chemical  If only minor cleaning is required, or
decontamination procedures if needed. no water is present, use a non-alcohol
based disinfecting towlette, wiping all
4. Sharing of half mask and full face
surfaces.
chemical cartridges is prohibited.
 Reassemble the respirator, replacing all
components and installing new
5. During respirator breakdown and
cartridges. Perform a quick check of
reassembly, any damaged equipment must
operations of the inhalation and
be exchanged for an entirely new device.
exhalation valves.
b. Respirator Storage
Respirators will be stored following the
manufactures’ recommended guidelines, Conditions resulting in damage to the
and in such a manner to protect them from respirator:
the factors to the right.  Contamination
 Dust
1. Employees will use the drawstring  Effects of sunlight (U/V rays)
storage bags issued for proper respirator  Temperature extremes
storage.  Excessive moisture
 Damaging chemicals
2. Respirators will be stored in a such a
manner to prevent deformation of the
facepiece and exhalation valve.
18-96
3. Respirators must be accessible in the
work area.
4. Emergency respirators must be stored in

cases or cabinets and be clearly marked as
to the contents and purpose.
C. Respirator Inspections
Regular Inspections of respiratory  Routine respirators will be inspected by
equipment will be conducted according to the owner of the respirator prior to each
the following procedures to ensure use and during the cleaning process.
continued reliability.
 During each inspection, the following
1. Routine Respirator Use items will be checked and component
► MSA Half-Mask Air Purifying conditions evaluated.
Respirator o Function
► MSA Full Face Air Purifying o Tightness of connections
Respirator o Head straps
o Exhalation/inhalation valves
NOTE: Respirators found with defective o Cartridge and gaskets
parts must not be used. Employees must o All elastomeric parts for
immediately obtain a replacement for their pliability and deterioration
defective respirator with a new device of o Facepiece
the same make and size. o Breathing tube
o Regulator
o Air supply
2. Emergency Respirator Protection  Emergency respirators must be

► MSA Self-Contained Breathing inspected on a monthly basis and be
Apparatus checked for proper function prior to
and after each use.
 During each inspection, the following
items will be checked and component
condition evaluated:
o Function
o Tightness of connections
o Head straps
o Exhalation valve
o Gaskets
o All elastomeric parts for
pliability and deterioration
o Facepiece
o Breathing tube
o Regulator
o Harness/straps
18-97
o Audio-Alarm
o Air supply/cylinder and valve
o (Air cylinders must have at least
1900 psig)
 The record of inspection must include
the following documentation:
o Date of inspection
o Full name or signature of
inspector
o Identifier to distinguish each
respirator inspected
o Corrective actions
o (Records retained for 5 years)
 This equipment is a single use device

 Inspect all elastic straps
3. Dust/Particulate Respirator Protection
► Moldex 2300 Dust/Particulate
Mask
► 3M 8511 Dust/Particulate Mask
D. Respirator Repairs
Repairs/replacement of parts will be  Replacement of head strap suspension
allowed by holders of respirators for the at snapping point on half-masks
items to the right.  Replacement of O-ring gaskets on half-
masks and full-face air purifying
Authorized personnel and manufacturer’s respirators
service representatives will make all  Replacement of outer cap on exhalation
repairs on emergency respirator equipment. valve.
When defects are encountered during  Replacement of cartridges on air
inspection or use, tag out the equipment purifying respirators
(“Do Not Use”) and report the situation to
the Area Director/Unit Manager.
18-98
APPENDIX D
BREATHING AIR QUALITY AND USE
Breathing air will meet the requirements

and specifications for Grade D breathing
air as specified in the Compressed Gas
Association Standard G7.1-1989.
Percent O2  19.5% - 23.5%
Water  Variable from very dry to saturated; no
liquid water
Oil  5mg/m2
Carbon monoxide  10 ppm
Odor  No pronounced odor
Carbon dioxide  1000 ppm
Cylinders The respirator wearer will use breathing air
contained in cylinders.
 No air will be provided from site
compressors.
 The supplier of cylinder-contained air
will provide certificate of analysis
and/or SDS for the breathing air
obtained and the air will meet, at a
minimum, Grade D quality air. The
SDS can be located in the Area Office.
 Cylinders with out-of-date frequencies
or failed test results will not be reused
or refilled.
 All breathing air cylinders will be
legally and permanently marked with
the contents of the cylinder.
18-99
CHAPTER 19. BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS
I. Purpose
This program establishes a uniform policy and guidelines for protecting OSHA
employees from bloodborne pathogens and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM).
II. Scope
This program applies to all staff of the OSHA’s Field offices. OSHA does not anticipate
its employees will have occupational exposure to blood or OPIM.
III. References
CPL 02-02-077, Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan and Guidance on

Post-Exposure Evaluations for Federal OSHA Personnel, dated 09/27/2010.
Memorandum of Understanding Between The U.S. DOL and NCFLL, dated

10/21/2010.
IV. Exposure Control Plan
Exposure Determination.
OSHA does not anticipate that its employees will have occupational exposure to
blood or other potential infectious materials (OPIM). OPIM is defined as: (1) The
following human body fluids: semen, vaginal secretions, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial
fluid, pleural fluid, pericardial fluid, peritoneal fluid, amniotic fluid, saliva in dental
procedures, any body fluid that is visibly contaminated with blood, and all body
fluids in situations where it is difficult or impossible to differentiate between body
fluids; (2) Any unfixed tissue or organ (other than intact skin) from a human (living
or dead); and (3) HIV-containing cell or tissue cultures, organ cultures, and HIV- or
HBV-containing culture medium or other solutions; and blood, organs, or other
tissues from experimental animals infected with HIV or HBV. The standard defines
occupational exposure as “reasonably anticipated skin, eye, mucous, membrane or
parental contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials that may result
from performance of the employee’s duties.”
CSHOs and other field personnel conduct investigations at sites where blood and
OPIM are present. However, OSHA does not reasonably anticipate that these
employees’ routine tasks will result in contact with blood or OPIM.
Hazard Assessment
CSHOs and other personnel with field duties (hereafter referred to collectively as
“field personnel”) shall take necessary precautions to avoid contact with blood and
19-100
OPIM and shall not participate in activities, nor enter areas that will require them to
come into contact with blood or OPIM or with needles, instruments or surfaces that
are contaminated with blood or OPIM. If field personnel believe that the investigation
may result in a potential exposure to blood or OPIM, they must contact their
supervisor immediately upon making this determination. The supervisor will contact
the Area Director who, in turn, will contact the Regional Administrator (or designee)
to discuss the situation. Field personnel will not enter an area where potential
exposure to blood or OPIM could occur without prior approval from the Regional
Administrator (or designee). In those exceptional circumstances where an exposure
incident does occur as part of an investigation (e.g. a CSHO inadvertently handles
items that have become contaminated with blood or OPIM), the employee shall
immediately decontaminate the affected area following the procedures in section
V.A.1., and then contact a supervisor to discuss the situation and how to obtain the
post-exposure evaluation.
Methods of Implementation and Control
19-101
1. Universal Precautions and Work Practices. Field personnel should consider
all blood and OPIM to be infectious for HIV, HBV, and other bloodborne
pathogens. Under circumstances where differentiation of body fluid types is
difficult or impossible, all body fluids should be considered to be potentially
infectious materials.
Field personnel are not to handle or touch objects that are contaminated, as
defined by 29 CFR 1910.1030(b). They shall not reach into or otherwise
place any parts of their bodies into the trash can or laundry bag where
regulated waste or contaminated laundry as defined by 29 CFR 1910.1030(b)
may be present.
2. Bloodborne Pathogen Training. OSHA field personnel will be given

bloodborne pathogen training at the time of initial assignment to field duties
and annually on the elements included on 29 CFR 1910.1030(g)(2) except for
1910.1030(g)(2)(vii)(I). The training required by 1910.1030(g)(2)(vii)(I) on
the hepatitis B vaccine need only include information on its efficacy, safety,
method of administration and the benefits of being vaccinated. The trainer
must be familiar with the Bloodborne pathogens standard. The Regional
Administrator and Area Directors who supervise employees with field duties
are responsible for ensuring that this training is provided.
3. Voluntary Hepatitis B Vaccination. Firm management commitment to avoid

contact with blood and other potentially infectious materials is the primary
control method to prevent exposing field personnel to Hepatitis B and other
bloodborne pathogens. In addition, Hepatitis B immunization is a safe and
effective way to prevent Hepatitis B infection and its serious consequences.
OSHA will provide interested field personnel with Hepatitis B immunization,
on a voluntary basis, for health promotion and preventive care in accordance
with the Memorandum of Understanding between OSHA and NCFLL dated
October 21, 2010.
Hepatitis B vaccination is available to Department of Labor (DOL)

employees through the DOL national health services agreement with Federal
Occupational Health (FOH). Employees are encouraged to seek their
physician or other qualified health care provider’s advice for any questions
regarding their medical condition(s) and also review the Center for Disease
Control (CDC) Hepatitis B Vaccination Information Statement before
requesting the vaccination.
19-102
Employees interested in receiving Hepatitis B vaccination should contact
their local FOH unit. It is important to make arrangements before arriving
for an appointment since most FOH units do not keep Hepatitis B vaccine in
stock. To get the Hepatitis B vaccination, employees must present their valid
DOL Identification Badge at the FOH unit. After the first Hepatitis B
vaccination is given, the FOH unit will inform employees when to schedule
appointments for the second and third injections to complete the vaccine
series.
Alternatively, interested OSHA personnel that are covered by OSHA’s Field

SHMS (e.g. in the NCFLL bargaining unit) but do not have an FOH unit in
their local area may contact their Regional Office of Administrative
Programs to learn how to obtain the vaccine from a local private healthcare
provider. Not all healthcare providers offer Hepatitis B vaccinations and
accept credit card payments. The Regional Office of Administrative
Programs can arrange with the private healthcare provider’s office to pay for
the three injections necessary to complete the Hepatitis B vaccination using
the Regional Office’s credit card.
For additional information about the Hepatitis B Vaccination please see the
Center for Disease Control Guidance at:
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/hep-b.html
4. Post-exposure Evaluation and Follow-up. OSHA shall provide post-exposure

evaluation and follow-up, and post-exposure prophylaxis when medically
indicated to any employee who suffers an exposure incident as defined by 29
CFR 1910.1030(b), while performing work assignments. All medical
evaluations and procedures are to be made available at no cost to OSHA
personnel at a reasonable time and place, and under the other conditions set
forth in 29 CFR 1910.1030(f). Post-exposure evaluation and follow-up will
be offered by OSHA to employees who experience an exposure to blood or
OPIM (as defined in 29 CFR 1910.1030) while on duty when acting as a
Good Samaritan to others who have sustained a laceration, a nosebleed, or
similar incidents.
5. Recordkeeping: Training Records. Training records are to contain all

information specified on 29 CFR 1910.1030(h)(2) and will be maintained for
3 years from the date on which the training occurred. Training records will be
held by the office at which training took place.
V. Procedures for Unforeseen Contact with Blood or Other Potentially Infectious

Material (OPIM)
Work Practice Controls
19-103
1. Intact skin contact with blood or OPIM
Employees are to wash their hands and any other affected skin with soap and
water immediately or as soon as feasible if there has been skin contact with
blood or OPIM. As soon as possible, the employee must notify his/her
supervisor regarding the exposure. If the OSHA employee and supervisor are
not able to determine the exposure was definitely not an exposure incident
(e.g. the employee has an open wound, chapped hands), the supervisor
should immediately contact the Regional Administrator or their designee.
The Regional Administrator or their designee will then contact the Director
of the Office of Occupational Medicine and Nursing (OOMN) within 30
minutes to determine if post-exposure evaluation is warranted. Each Region
and Office will develop procedures for notification and payment during and
after business hours.
Antiseptic towelettes will be provided by the Regional Offices to field

personnel. These towelettes are to be carried on all inspections, in the event
soap and running water may not be immediately available, and used in the
unlikely event that contact of any skin surface with blood or other potentially
infectious material occurs. Whenever antiseptic towelettes are used, hands or
other skin surfaces are to be washed as soon as feasible with soap and
running water.
Used antiseptic towelettes should be disposed of as non-regulated trash

except in a very rare circumstance where they become contaminated to the
extent (see 1910.1030(b)) that they would be considered regulated waste.
2. Contaminated equipment
In the event that equipment becomes contaminated with blood or OPIM, the
employee shall immediately contact a supervisor to review how to proceed in
this situation. Gloves and/or other appropriate barriers shall be used if
contaminated equipment must be handled or transported to the nearest
Regional/Area Office or other OSHA facility. Prior to transport, a biohazard
label is to be attached to any contaminated equipment and is to state which
parts are or remain contaminated. If the biohazard label on the equipment is
not visible through the bag (e.g. bag is not transparent), another biohazard
label should be attached to the bag’s exterior.
The equipment shall be examined at the nearest Regional/Area Office or

other OSHA facility (e.g. Salt Lake Technical Center) prior to servicing or
shipping and decontaminated (e.g. wiped with a bleach solution or other
disinfectant, as determined by the Office Director) as necessary. The ARA
for Enforcement Programs or the on-site Area Director will determine how
and if the equipment can be decontaminated at the Office level.
Contaminated items are not to be placed or stored in areas where food is
kept, and decontamination should be accomplished as soon as possible
19-104
following the inspection or incident where contamination occurred.
Decontamination is not to take place in any area where food or drink is
consumed. Cloths used to wipe contaminated equipment can be discarded as
non-regulated refuse unless they somehow become contaminated to the
extent that they would be considered regulated waste as defined in 29 CFR
1910.1030(b).
The employee who is shipping equipment that remains contaminated shall

notify the receiving servicing center or manufacturer that contaminated
equipment is being sent so that the receiving facility can take proper
precautions. In addition, this employee should contact the package delivery
company regarding appropriate packaging of the item(s).
Personal Protective Equipment
Field personnel are expected to avoid contact with blood and OPIM as well as contact
with surfaces and items contaminated with such materials. In the unlikely event that
equipment becomes contaminated, OSHA will provide appropriate gloves of proper
size (see Appendix B). Field personnel will carry these gloves on inspections. Gloves
are to be replaced as soon as practical if they become contaminated or as soon as
feasible if they are torn, punctured or whenever their ability to function as a barrier
appears to be compromised. These gloves are not to be washed or decontaminated for
reuse.
Field personnel are to determine the extent of contamination of gloves prior to their
removal. It is unlikely that gloves worn by field personnel would be contaminated to
the extent that they would be considered regulated waste, but if this should occur, the
gloves are to be discarded in a regulated waste container at the inspection site. In a
facility not in compliance with 29 CFR 1910.1030 regarding regulated waste, see
section 4.0.C.
It is anticipated that field personnel will not need personal protective equipment
(PPE) other than gloves. It is expected that field personnel will avoid situations in
which any other PPE would be needed.
Regulated Waste
OSHA does not anticipate that the duties of OSHA employees will generate regulated
waste.
Post-exposure Evaluation and Follow-up
OSHA shall provide post-exposure evaluation, follow-up and post-exposure

prophylaxis, when medically indicated, to any employee who suffers an exposure
incident while performing their work assignments. All medical evaluations and
procedures are to be made available at no cost to OSHA personnel, at a reasonable
time and place, and under the other conditions set forth in 29 CFR 1910.1030(f).
19-105
1. Handling an Exposure Incident
In the unlikely event of an exposure incident (as defined in 29 CFR

1910.1030(b)), the OSHA employee is to immediately, or as soon as feasible,
wash the affected skin with soap and water and flush any affected mucous
membranes with water. The employee should then seek medical attention. A
bloodborne pathogens exposure incident is an event for which immediate
attention must be sought because the effectiveness of post-exposure
prophylaxis is dependent on prompt administration (i.e., within hours of the
exposure incident). An employee who has had an exposure incident is to
report the incident to his or her supervisor as soon as possible.
The Area Director/Office Director or designee shall instruct the employee to

seek medical attention from a healthcare provider capable of performing a
post-exposure evaluation, and, if indicated, able to provide the hepatitis B
vaccination series, baseline testing for hepatitis B and C and HIV,
prophylaxis for hepatitis and HIV, and any future testing or prophylaxis as
recommended by the U.S. Public Health Service. Ideally, this evaluation will
be performed by a healthcare provider with whom an arrangement has been
pre-established. If the employee is in the field and far from a pre-established
healthcare provider, the supervisor shall instruct the employee to go to the
nearest emergency room in the area. Another healthcare provider, such as an
occupational medicine clinic, may be used if it can be determined that the
provider is capable of giving the necessary evaluation, treatment and
prophylaxis without undue delay. Not all healthcare providers are familiar
with the U.S. Public Health Service Guidelines or keep hepatitis B vaccine,
hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) or medications for HIV post-exposure
prophylaxis onsite. Hospital emergency rooms are more likely than other
healthcare providers to be capable of providing a post-exposure evaluation
and are more likely to have Hepatitis B vaccine, Hepatitis B Immune
globulin and HIV post-exposure prophylaxis medications readily available.
Please note that the Federal Occupational Health centers do not offer post-
exposure evaluation.
The supervisor will inform the Area Director/Office Director or designee

who will contact the facility where the exposure incident occurred. The area
Director/Office Director or designee is to work together with the facility,
with the assistance of the director of OOMN if needed, to ascertain the
source individual, and communicate that information to the healthcare
facility evaluating the OSHA employee. The Area Director must also contact
the ARA-AP and the Regional Administrator to inform them of the incident.
19-106
Following an exposure incident, an Exposure Incident Report (see Appendix
A) will be completed by the OSHA employee in consultation with the
supervisor without delay. The report is to be given by the employee to the
evaluating healthcare provider. Report information will include (a) a
description of the exposed employee’s duties as related to the exposure
incident; and (b) documentation of route(s) of exposure and circumstances
under which exposure occurred. (The supervisor may need to complete and
send this form by facsimile to the evaluating healthcare facility if the
employee does not have the form with him or her in the field. This will help
to assure timely sharing of information and allows the employee to travel
directly from the field to the healthcare facility, avoiding a delay in obtaining
the post-exposure evaluation.
2. Information Provided to the Evaluating Healthcare Provider
In accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1030, the supervisor will see that the health
care facility that is performing the employee’s post-exposure evaluation is
provided with a copy of 29 CFR 1910.1030 and the other materials for the
Evaluating Healthcare Provider included in Appendix A of this program.
These materials may be hand-carried by the employee and/or supervisor or
sent by facsimile. Alternately, supervisors may require employees to carry
these materials with them when they are in the field.
The instructions for the healthcare provider describe the applicable

requirements of 29 CFR 1910.1030(f) and instruct the healthcare provider to
give a written opinion to the employee. The supervisor must obtain the
written opinion from the employee when the employee returns to the duty
station. The written opinion will be maintained at the employee’s assigned
duty station.
While at the evaluating healthcare facility, the employee should ask to sign a
medical records release form requesting that the healthcare provider send a
copy of the medical record of the evaluation to the OSHA’s Office of
Occupational Medicine and Nursing. This medical documentation will
become a part of the employee’s confidential employee medical record
maintained in the Office of Occupational Medicine and Nursing.
Communication of Hazard to Employees
Labels and Bags
OSHA will provide biohazard labels to be affixed to bags containing any

contaminated equipment until they can be returned to an OSHA office or shipped to
another facility. Biohazard labels are to be carried by all field personnel. OSHA will
provide appropriate bags for containment of any regulated waste or contaminated
equipment. Bags are to be carried by all field personnel. In addition, a bag and
biohazard labels will be provided in any First-Aid kit. Bags will be disposed of as
19-107
ordinary refuse except in the rare instance in which they are contaminated to the
extent that they are considered regulated waste as defined by the standard. In such
case, see Section 4.0.C. of this program.
Recordkeeping: Post-Exposure Records
1. Employee Medical Records
Employee medical records are to be maintained by the Office of

Occupational Medicine as part of the medical files of the CSHO Medical
Examination Program. Such records are maintained in accordance with 29
CFR 1910.1020.
2. Transfer of Records
OSHA will comply with the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.1020(h) involving

any transfer of records. Exposure incident records will remain at the office
where the employee was assigned when the incident occurred, with a copy
sent to the Office of Occupational Medicine. The employee may request and
receive a copy of such records when transferring to another assignment.
VI. Procedures for Evaluating an Exposure Incident
The Area Director, or a designee from the Area Office or the Office Director to whom the
affected employee is assigned, will evaluate the circumstances surrounding any exposure
incident. The evaluation should consist of at least:
A review of the Exposure Incident Report completed by the OSHA employee;
Documentation regarding a plan to reduce the likelihood of a future similar exposure

incident; and
Notification of the Office of Occupational Medicine and discussion of any similar

incidents and planned precautions.
Management will ensure that employee medical records and all other personally
identifiable information is afforded all safeguards in accordance with the applicable
provisions of DLMS-5 Chapter 200 “The Privacy Act of 1974 and Invasion of Privacy”
and DLMS-9 Chapter 1200 Safeguarding Sensitive Data Including Personally identifiable
Information.
Such reports will be maintained at the employee’s assigned duty station, and copies are to
be sent to the Office of Occupational Medicine and Nursing (OOMN) and to the Regional
Administrator. OOMN will review these reports on a periodic basis so that this
information can be considered when reviewing and updating this Plan.
19-108
VII. Responsibilities
Offices
Office directors will:
1. Ensure that employees are trained and that training records are maintained in
accordance with section III, paragraph A.4.5.
2. Determine how and if contaminated equipment can be decontaminated at the

office level.
3. Provide gloves and other supplies (e.g. bags) to field personnel.
4. Arrange for appropriate disposal of regulated waste if an employee is unable

to properly dispose of it on-site and is therefore obligated to bring it back to
the office for disposal.
5. Instruct employees to obtain post-exposure evaluation and locate an

appropriate healthcare facility for the evaluation in the event that an exposure
incident occurs.
6. Work with the employee to complete an exposure incident report in the event
of an exposure incident.
7. Ensure that the healthcare provider for any exposure incident is provided
with a copy of 29 CFR 1910.1030 and the other materials in Appendix A of
this Instruction.
8. Obtain a written report completed by the healthcare provider who performs a

post-exposure evaluation on an employee.
9. Evaluate the Exposure Incident Report and other reports and send copies of
these reports to OOMN and the Regional Administrator.
10. Immediately notify the Regional Administrator, or designee, and the ARA-
AP of any exposure incident that occurs to an employee.
11. Immediately notify the Regional Administrator when an employee reports

that an on-site investigation could result in a potential exposure to blood or
OPIM.
Employees
Employees will:
19-109
1. Notify their supervisor immediately if they believe that an investigation
could result in potential exposure to blood or OPIM, and wait for approval
prior to entering any area where an exposure could occur.
2. Not handle or touch contaminated objects.
3. Take appropriate action if an occupational exposure occurs or if equipment

becomes contaminated.
4. Contact the supervisor immediately if an exposure incident occurs.
5. Work with the supervisor as soon as possible, if an exposure incident occurs,

to complete an Exposure Incident Report.
6. Bring a copy of the healthcare provider’s written report back to the

supervisor after any post-exposure evaluation for an exposure incident.
19-110
APPENDIX A
MATERIALS FOR THE EVALUATING HEALTHCARE PROVIDER
This OSHA employee may have suffered an exposure incident as defined in the OSHA
Bloodborne Pathogens standard and has presented to your facility for a post-exposure evaluation
in accordance with the standard. To assist you in this evaluation, the employee and/or his/her
supervisor should provide:
(A) A copy of OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.1030, Bloodborne Pathogens;
(B) A description of the exposed employee’s duties as they relate to the exposure
incident;
(C) Documentation of the routes of exposure and circumstances under which it

occurred;
(D) Results of the source individual’s blood testing, if available; and
(E) All medical records relevant to this employee’s appropriate treatment, including
vaccination status.
After completing this evaluation, please:
(A) Inform the employee regarding the results of the evaluation and any follow-up
evaluations or treatments needed;
(B) Complete the attached written opinion form and give it to the employee. (This
form will be maintained in the office to which the employee is assigned); and
(C) Send a copy of all results and medical records from this evaluation to:
U.S. Department of Labor – OSHA

Office of Occupational Medicine, Room N3653
200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20210
These copies will be maintained as part of the employee’s confidential medical

record in OSHA’s Office of Occupational Medicine.
Should you have any questions regarding the evaluations or medical records, please contact the
Director of OSHA’s Office of Occupational Medicine at (202) 693-2323.
A copy of 29 CFR 1910.1030 can be found at 56 Fed. Reg. 64175-64182 (Dec.6, 1991), or
online at http://www.osha.gov/, and copied or printed out by OSHA to provide to the evaluating
healthcare provider.
19-111
EXPOSURE INCIDENT REPORT
(Routes and Circumstances of Exposure Incident)
Please Print
Employee’s Name__________________________________Date___________
Date of Birth__________________
Telephone (Business)_______________________(Home)_________________
Job Title_________________________________________________________
Date of Exposure________________Time of Exposure________AM_______PM
Hepatitis B Vaccination Status________________________________________
Location of Incident_________________________________________________
Describe the job duties you were performing when the exposure incident occurred
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
To what body fluid(s) were you exposed?_________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
What was the route of exposure (e.g., mucosal contact, contact with non-intact skin,
percutaneous)?______________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Describe any personal protective equipment (PPE) in use at the time of the exposure
incident_____________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
19-112
Did PPE fail?________________If yes, how?_______________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Identification of source individuals(s) (names) [Unless infeasible or prohibited by state or local

laws]
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Other pertinent information____________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
19-113
Healthcare Provider’s Written Opinion for Post-Exposure Evaluation
To the Evaluating Healthcare Provider:
After your evaluation of this OSHA employee, please assure that the following information has
been furnished to the employee. Please initial beside the statements.
__________The employee has been informed of the results of this evaluation.
__________The employee has been told about any medical conditions resulting from exposure
to blood or other potentially infectious materials which require further evaluation and treatment.
No other findings are to be included in this report.
Please return this sheet to this employee _______________________________________
(Name of Employee)
Thank you for evaluating this employee.
____________________________________
(Healthcare Provider’s Signature)
____________________________________ __________________
(Printed Name of Healthcare Provider) (Date)
19-114
APPENDIX B SUPPLIES FOR OSHA FIELD PERSONNEL
Field Personnel should have the following materials to carry on inspections:
1. At least 2 bags (appropriate for containment of any regulated waste that

cannot be disposed of on site or for contaminated equipment)
2. Non-sterile medical examination gloves, cleared by the Food and Drug

Administration- of appropriate size (at least 2 pairs). (Non-latex gloves will
be supplied to employees with latex allergies).
3. Antiseptic towelettes.
4. Disposable Shoe Covers
CHAPTER 20. ERGONOMICS
I. Purpose
Ensure ergonomic risk factors are managed to prevent work-related injuries or illnesses.
The program will provide a framework for the activities that are necessary to identify,
manage, control and eliminate ergonomic hazards in the workplace.
II. Scope
This program applies to all employees while performing official government business.
The program is intended to address activities that require significant forces, awkward and
static postures, repetitive motion, vibration and other work-related risk factors.
III. Definitions
Administrative Controls. Changes in the way that work in a job is assigned or

scheduled that reduce the magnitude, frequency or duration of exposure to ergonomic
risk factors.
Ergonomics. The science of fitting jobs to people encompassing the body of

knowledge about physical abilities and limitations as well as other human
characteristics that are relevant to job design.
Engineering Controls. Physical changes to a job that eliminate or reduce the presence
of ergonomic hazards. Examples of engineering controls may include changing,
modifying, or redesigning workstations, tools, facilities, equipment, materials or
processes.
Ergonomic Risk Factors. Aspects of a job that post a biomechanical stress to the
employee, such as forceful exertion, repetition, awkward or static postures, contact
stress and vibration.
20-115
Ergonomic Injuries and Illnesses. Injuries and illnesses of the muscles, nerves,
tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage and spinal discs. It does not include injuries
caused by slips, trips, falls or other similar accidents. Examples of ergonomic injuries
and illnesses include: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain’s disease, Sciatica,
Epicondylitis, Tendonitis, herniated spinal disc and low back pain.
Signs and Symptoms. Objective physical findings or physical indications that an

employee may be developing an ergonomic injury or illness.
The responsible OSHA Manager(s) is designated to manage this Ergonomic Program

and will ensure the following activities are completed.
1. Ensure all employees are provided the opportunity to participate in the

program.
2. Conduct worksite analysis for ergonomic risk factors.
3. Develop and implement feasible controls to reduce ergonomic hazards.
4. Ensure implementation of the medical management program (Chapter 25) for

diagnosis and treatment of injuries and illnesses.
5. Ensure training is provided on this program.
6. Maintain worksite surveillance of the effectiveness of the program and

develop action items as necessary.
Employee Responsibilities
1. Notify management of signs and symptoms of ergonomic injuries and

illnesses and work-related ergonomic risk factors.
2. Participate in all aspects of the program, such as submitting concerns related

to risk factors, discussing work methods, offering suggestions in problem
solving exercises, and participating in all related education and training.
Office of Occupational Medicine and Nursing (OOMN)
1. Oversee and coordinate the medical management of ergonomic injury/illness

cases.
2. Provide final disposition of ergonomic injury/illness cases.
Assistant Regional Administrator of Administrative Programs or equivalent unit
20-116
1. Provide assistance to the Unit in the management of ergonomic injury or
illness cases.
2. Coordinate any work restrictions.
Assistant Regional Administrator of Enforcement Programs or equivalent unit
1. Provide assistance to the Unit in the management of the Ergonomic Program.
2. Provide technical assistance in the evaluation and improvement of the work

environment.
V. Procedure
Reporting Procedures
1. Reported signs or symptoms of ergonomic injuries/illnesses must be recorded

on the Incident Investigation and Hazard Reporting Worksheet by
management and investigated for potential “quick fixes.” Ergonomic injuries
or illnesses that meet the criteria for recordability under the Recordkeeping
Standard must also be recorded on the OSHA 300 log.
Note: A quick fix is an abatement method, which can be readily accomplished using
Unit employees and budget.
2. If the condition cannot be addressed via “quick fix,” the responsible OSHA
Manager(s) will then decide on a course of action in consultation with
expertise in the Regional Office.
3. In the event long-term corrective actions are needed, the affected employee
will be kept apprised regarding the status of the reported issue(s).
Worksite Analysis
20-117
1. Computer Workstation analyses will be documented initially and whenever
significant changes in the worksite, employees, equipment, or job task are
made. The analyses should include risk factors associated with force,
repetition, awkward and static postures, contact stress, vibration, and other
work-related risk factors. A useful tool is the OSHA Ergonomic Computer
Workstation e-Tool.
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/computerworkstations/index.html
2. Recognized and generally accepted worksite/task analysis methods could be

used to evaluate the work-related risk factors. Examples include: the
American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)
Threshold Limit Values for Physical Agents for Hand Activity Level, Hand-
Arm Vibration, and Whole-Body Vibration; The National Institute of
Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Lifting Guideline; and Library
Mutual Push/Pull tables, etc.
3. Management will monitor the workplace to detect new or additional risk

factors and ensure the adequacy of the completed analyses.
Hazard Prevention and Control
1. The standard hierarchy of controls to be followed is:
a. Elimination;
b. Engineering controls;
c. Work practice or administrative controls;
d. Personal protective equipment;
e. Controls should be identified and implemented for work-related

ergonomic hazards. Lifts during the loading of equipment into a motor
vehicle is limited to 25 pounds per lift. All other lifts are limited to a
maximum of 50 pounds.
Medical Management
20-118
1. Employees must report work-related ergonomic injuries and illnesses
promptly via the Incident Investigation and Hazard Reporting Worksheet.
2. Access to health care professionals will be in accordance with existing Office

of Workers Compensation Programs (OWCP) policies.
3. Information will be provided to the health care professionals about the job
tasks and/or existing OWCP policies when directed by Assistant Regional
Administrator of Administrative Programs/equivalent unit or OWCP.
4. Management will provide restricted employees work that is consistent with

the employee’s capabilities per existing policies.
Education and Training
1. Annual training on this Chapter will be provided and included:
a. Ergonomic risk factors relative to the work.
b. Controls used to minimize or eliminate ergonomic hazards.
c. Signs and symptoms of ergonomic related injuries and illnesses.
d. Reporting and recording procedures.
e. The employee’s role in evaluating the effectiveness of the ergonomic

program.
Program Evaluation
1. The Unit will complete a review of all elements of this program annually.
2. Develop action items for any changes or improvements.
CHAPTER 21. RADIATION
I. Purpose
The purpose of this chapter is to provide guidance on the protection of OSHA employees
from the effect of occupational exposure to ionizing and non-ionizing radiation.
21-119
II. Scope
To the extent feasible, OSHA employees must avoid exposure to radiation hazards. In
situations where exposure cannot be avoided, the guidelines described herein must be
followed. Potential exposures will be evaluated by actual monitoring or through the use
of other data such as employer-provided measurements.
III. Definitions
Ionizing Radiation. Electromagnetic radiation and/or electrically charged or neutral

particles which will interact with gases, liquids, or solids to produce ions. Examples
include x-rays, gamma rays, protons, neutrons, and alpha particles.
Non-ionizing Radiation. Electromagnetic radiation with insufficient energy to

produce ionization of atoms. Non-ionizing radiation energy usually is transformed
into heat. Examples include microwaves, television and radio waves, visible light,
infrared and ultraviolet radiation, and laser radiation.
The responsible OSHA Manager(s) is responsible for:
1. Ensuring that OSHA employees under their supervision follow the radiation
safety guidelines included in this chapter in their respective offices.
2. Ensuring that appropriate protective devices, practices and personal

protective equipment are provided and used.
3. Ensuring that the appropriate measuring devices (such as badges) are

provided and used.
4. Ensuring that their employees are trained per paragraph V.B. of this chapter.
All OSHA employees are responsible for:
21-120
1. Using appropriate protective methods and equipment while working in areas
where potential exposure to harmful ionizing and non-ionizing radiation may
occur.
2. Using prudent investigative practices to identify and determine levels of

radiation at the work site in conjunction with following the site’s safety
procedures for minimizing exposure to radiation.
3. Identifying site-specific safety and health procedures for protection against,

or minimizing exposure to radiation, and follow those procedures.
4. Participating in required training.
V. Procedures
Radiation safety guidelines. The following radiation safety guidelines will be adhered
to by OSHA employees when the potential for exposure to ionizing and/or non-
ionizing radiation exists.
1. On site procedures
a. Review the work site radiation safety program, if available, and

Emergency Action or Preparedness Plan, where applicable.
b. Identify all known potential sources of radiation and assess the

hazards using site-supplied data as well as measurements obtained
by OSHA employees.
c. If it has been determined that there are potentially harmful

radiation sources, contact the Salt Lake City Laboratory or the
Cincinnati Technical Center for sampling procedures and
appropriate self-monitoring equipment (e.g. TLD badges, neutron
badges, other surveying instrumentation) for determining the
personal exposure levels of OSHA employees.
d. Evaluate work site hazard controls for effectiveness.
e. Determine the best means of minimizing exposure to the radiation

hazard using source shielding and distance as the primary methods
of protection. Limiting the duration of exposure will only be
employed as a last resort for controlling a radiation hazard to
which OSHA employees may be exposed, and even then, only with
the consent of the responsible OSHA Manager(s). OSHA
employees will avoid direct exposure to the “beam” of radiation
emitted by a source.
f. As Class 3b and 4 lasers can pose a serious hazard to the eyes,

determine the type of eye protection to use wherever engineering
21-121
controls are not feasible or where there is a likelihood of exposure
to the beam.
g. Consult the Health Response Team, through the responsible OSHA

Manager(s), for additional technical assistance.
2. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) use determination
a. Review the employer’s radiation safety program and PPE

requirements, including the PPE hazard assessment.
b. Determine appropriate PPE and personal monitoring needed, based

on the source and type of radiation.
c. Select and use appropriate PPE (shielding, equipment, work

clothing) to minimize radiation exposure. If such equipment is not
available at the work site or at the OSHA office, then the
responsible OSHA Manager(s) will be immediately consulted
before taking any action that may present further exposure to
radiation.
Training program. OSHA employees will be trained annually in the following.
1. The effects of radiation exposure.
2. Types of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation.
3. Types of workers occupationally exposed to radiation.
4. Appropriate monitoring devices, control measures and PPE for radiation

exposure.
5. Methods of minimizing exposure to ionizing and non-ionizing radiation.
6. Recommended safety procedures to be implemented during walkaround.
Recordkeeping
1. All results of testing related to radiation exposure will be maintained by the

Office of Occupational Medicine and will be available to employees upon
request.
2. All training records will be maintained at the field office.
21-122
CHAPTER 22. ELECTRICAL SAFETY
I. Purpose
(SHMS) Electrical Safety Program. The policies and procedures in this Program are
intended to set broad expectations for preventing employee injury or death from electrical
hazards. OSHA expects Regions, DTSEM, and DTE to develop specific procedures that
align with this Program as needed.
OSHA employees may encounter equipment and circuits that are energized or have the
potential for energization while performing expected work activities. Safe work practice
guidance in this Program is based on OSHA employees’ work activities and the potential
for exposure to electrical hazards.
This Program provides specific guidance to OSHA employees who may perform work on
or near energized and deenergized electrical equipment operating at 50 or more volts. It
is supplemented by Chapter 13, Control of Hazardous Energy Sources (Lockout/Tagout)
and pertinent electrical safety work practices required by 29 CFR 1910.333(b). It also
describes electrical safety training requirements for all OSHA employees covered by the
OSHA Field Safety and Health Manual.
II. Scope
This Electrical Safety Program applies to all OSHA employees covered by the OSHA
Field Safety and Health Manual.
III. References
29 Code of Federal Regulations 1910 Subpart S, Electrical
29 Code of Federal Regulations 1926 Subpart K, Electrical
29 Code of Federal Regulations 1926 Subpart V, Electric Power Transmission and

Distribution
29 Code of Federal Regulations Section 1910.147, The Control of Hazardous Energy

(Lockout/Tagout)
29 Code of Federal Regulations Section 1910.269, Electric Power Generation,

Transmission, and Distribution
OSHA Field Safety and Health Manual, Chapter 13, Control of Hazardous Energy
Sources
CPL 2-1.38, Enforcement of the Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and

Distribution Standard, dated June 18, 2003
22-123
CPL 02-00-100, Application of the Permit-Required Confined Spaces (PRCS)
Standard, 29 CFR 1910.146, dated May 5, 1995
STD 01-16-007, Electrical Safety-Related Work Practices – Inspection Procedures

and Interpretation Guidelines, dated July 1, 1991
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) C2, National Electrical Safety
Code
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70, National Electrical Code
NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace
IV. Definitions
Arc Flash Risk Assessment (e.g. Arc Flash Hazard Analysis): An assessment that
investigates a worker’s potential exposure to arc flash energy. This information is
used to determine appropriate safe work practices, boundaries, and personal
protective equipment (PPE).
Boundaries:
1. Arc Flash Boundary: When the potential for an arc flash hazard exists, an arc
flash boundary is an approach limit at a distance from a prospective arc
source within which a person could receive a second degree burn if an
electrical arc flash were to occur. A second degree burn is possible if
unprotected skin is exposed to an electric arc flash with an incident energy
level above 5 J/cm2 (1.2 cal/cm2).
2. Limited Approach Boundary: An approach limit at a distance from an

exposed energized electrical conductor or circuit part within which a shock
hazard exists.
3. Restricted Approach Boundary: An approach limit at a distance from an

exposed energized electrical conductor or circuit part within which there is
an increased likelihood for electric shock, due to electrical arc-over combined
with inadvertent movement.
Electrical Hazard: Contact or equipment failure that could result in electric shock,
flash burn, thermal burn, or arc blast injury.
OSHA Qualified Person: An OSHA employee who has received the electrical safety
training specified in this program to identify and control electrical hazards. An
OSHA Qualified Person is also familiar with electrical equipment hazards and
configurations.
Unqualified Person: An OSHA employee who is not an OSHA Qualified Person, but
who may perform work near energized and deenergized electrical equipment
22-124
operating or typically operated at 50 or more volts. At a minimum, an Unqualified
Person must receive training that prepares him/her to work safely, which includes
being able to identify electrical hazards and maintain appropriate safe distances.
Responsible OSHA Manager: This is the Regional Administrator (RA)/Directorate

Director (Director) or appointed designee (e.g., Area Director or an employee’s direct
supervisor) responsible for performing duties specified in this Program.
V. Responsibilities
Responsible OSHA Managers will:
22-125
1. Designate OSHA Qualified Person(s) that voluntarily accept and are
comfortable performing assigned electrical inspection duties. The OSHA
Qualified Person may withdraw from performing a specific electrical
inspection task at any time.
2. Ensure that all employees receive appropriate training and OSHA Qualified
Persons remain proficient in recognizing and avoiding electrical hazards,
proper inspection methodology for electrical issues, safe field testing
equipment practices, and PPE use, care and cleaning.
3. Review qualifying electrical work experience documentation that is

submitted in lieu of meeting minimum training requirements for OSHA
Qualified Persons and ensure that they complete courses required by
applicable compliance directives.
4. Maintain training records, as well as electrical field testing equipment and

PPE records.
5. Provide appropriate PPE and make it available to employees (see Appendix

A).
6. Provide appropriate and approved electrical testing equipment for employee

use.
7. Ensure that PPE and electrical testing equipment are properly tested,
calibrated, and maintained per manufacturer specifications.
8. Immediately remove defective or damaged equipment from service.
9. Provide appropriate assistance to employees and answer any questions

regarding assigned task conditions, qualifications, or proper equipment
needed.
10. Ensure employee safety by requiring adherence to this Program and by

performing periodic reviews.
11. Ensure that an adequate number of appropriately trained and/or experienced

OSHA Qualified Persons are available for tasks at electric power generation,
transmission, and distribution installations, as well as at other installations
covered by 29 CFR 1910.269.
12. Request assistance from SLTC’s Health Response Team through the
RA/Director for tasks that present electrical hazards, when the
Region/Directorate does not have the resources to safely conduct work
activities.
22-126
OSHA employees will:
1. Follow this Program’s requirements, procedures, and restrictions.
2. Attend task-appropriate electrical safe work practices training.
3. Recognize and avoid electrical hazards.
4. Understand and perform assigned tasks or operations and recognize the

associated limitations and hazards.
5. Use task-appropriate PPE when necessary (see Appendix A).
6. Immediately communicate safety concerns and request appropriate assistance

from the Responsible OSHA Manager(s) regarding inspection conditions,
qualifications, or proper equipment required for an inspection.
Note: Qualified OSHA employees who have voluntarily accepted performing tasks may
voluntarily withdraw from performing a specific task at any time by notifying their
manager. If necessary, the manager will arrange for a safe transfer of duties.
VI. Procedures
Electrical Safety Procedures for All OSHA Employees
22-127
1. Assess areas for electrical hazards when conducting work activities at
another employer’s worksite.
2. Inspect locations where a disaster has occurred for fallen or damaged

energized lines and circuits (e.g. due to fires, explosions, natural causes).
Lines and circuits are considered energized until lockout/tagout is applied, or
equipment is deenergized and grounded, in accordance with 29 CFR
1910.147, 29 CFR 1910. 333(b), 29 CFR 1910.269, and 29 CFR Part 1926
Subpart K, 29 CFR Part 1926 Subpart V (as applicable), and OSHA SHMS
Manual Chapter 13, Control of Hazardous Energy Sources..
3. Stop work and immediately contact the Responsible OSHA Manager for
direction when electrical hazards are identified and proper controls are not in
place.
4. Unqualified Persons will not approach uninsulated and/or unguarded sources

or open electrical panels, covers, doors, etc., until lockout/tagout is applied,
or equipment is deenergized and grounded, in accordance with 29 CFR
1910.147, 29 CFR 1910. 333(b), 29 CFR 1910.269, 29 CFR Part 1926
Subpart K, 29 CFR Part 1926 Subpart V 29 CFR 1926.960 (as applicable),
and OSHA SHMS Manual Chapter 13, Control of Hazardous Energy
Sources.
Approach Determination Procedures for OSHA Qualified Persons at

Inspection/Investigation Worksites
1. Where the employer has made a determination and established an arc flash
boundary based on an arc flash hazard analysis, the OSHA Qualified Person
will discuss the employer’s determinations with the Responsible OSHA
Manager prior to proceeding with an inspection involving exposed energized
parts.
2. If the employer has not performed arc flash hazard analyses or established
arc flash boundaries, prior to proceeding, the OSHA Qualified Person and
Responsible OSHA Manager will together:
i. Consult a qualified engineer to help determine the

appropriate protection level for relevant arc flash hazards.
OR
22-128
ii. Consult the most current NFPA 70E tables to help
determine the appropriate protection level for relevant arc
flash hazards.
iii. Consult 29 CFR 1910.269, Appendix E or 29 CFR 1926

Subpart V, Appendix E tables (as applicable) to help
determine the appropriate protection level for relevant arc
flash hazards.
3. When an OSHA Qualified Person agrees to work within the arc flash
boundary, he/she will wear protective clothing and other PPE as described in
Appendix A to protect all body parts inside the arc flash boundary.
Note: The prohibited approach boundary was deleted from NFPA 70E because the requirement
for using shock protective equipment typically begins at the restricted approach boundary. See
Figure C.1.2.3. in NFPA 70E for a helpful diagram on Limits of Approach.
As the distance between a person and exposed energized conductors or circuit parts decreases,
the potential for an electrical incident increases.
Appropriate Testing Equipment Determination
1. Unqualified Persons may not take direct contact measurements from

uninsulated energized parts (e.g. multi-meter).
2. All electrical testing equipment requires some level of training (e.g. on the
job training) and approval for use. Some equipment requires OSHA
Qualified Persons training. Responsible OSHA Managers can determine
requirements for the use of specific equipment.
Procedures for Common Electrical Tasks, Table 1.
Table 1: Procedures for Common Electrical Tasks

Task Qual Hazard Gen Ind Std. Constr Safe Work Procedures* PPE**
ified Std.
Documenting No Shock 1910.303-306 1926.403-406 Distance from energized N/A
energized parts
condition in Photo/Video
insulated parts Documents/Interviews
Non-contact AC Sensors at
insulated points only
Documenting Yes Shock 1910.303-306 1926.403-406 Photo/Video See
energized Arc Flash Documents/Interviews Appendix
condition in Arc Blast Use appropriate testing A
uninsulated parts equipm
Documenting No Shock 1910.334 1926.416 Distance from energized Water-

energized parts resistant
condition in Photo/Video footwear
conductive work Documents/Interviews (not for
22-129
locations (i.e., wet Non-contact AC Sensors at electrical
protection)
and outdoor) insulated points only
Documenting Yes Shock 1910.331-335, 1926.416, Documents/Interviews See
energized Arc Flash 1910.305(d) 1926.405(d) Photo/Video Appendix
condition in a Arc Blast Use appropriate testing A
panel with exposed equipme
energized parts
Verifying/ No Shock 1910.331-335 1926.416, Distance from exposed N/A
documenting Arc Flash 1926.95 electrical parts
deenergized Arc Blast Direct observation
condition Photo/Video
Documents/Interviews
Documenting No Fire 1910.307 1926.407 Sketching the condition Per Safety
electrical hazards Explosion Documents/Interviews Data
in classified Deflagration Photo/Video from safe Sheets
locations Detonation location (SDS)
Intrinsically safe or safe for
location equipment
Documenting No Shock 1910 Subpart 1926 Sketching the condition N/A

elevated electrical Fall D Subparts M, Documents/Interviews
hazards X, L Photo/Video from safe
location (no fall exposure)
Nonconductive measuring
tool, i.e. laser measuring
device
Testing receptacles No Shock 1910.331-335 1926.416 Use NRTL-approved three N/A
(outlets) Fire light tester or circuit
analyzer
*Safe Work Procedures are listed as a hierarchy. If the OSHA employee may accomplish the task at hand by the
first procedure (e.g. photo only) then the other procedures may not be necessary.
**PPE is required to approach exposed energized electrical parts. For approach distances, see NFPA 70E Table
130.4(D)(a) and Table 130.4(D)(b) Shock Protection Approach Boundaries to Exposed Energized Conductors or
Circuit Parts for Alternating-Current Systems and Direct Current Voltage Systems and § 1910.333, Table S-5 –
Approach Distances for Qualified Employees – Alternative Current. Only OSHA Qualified Persons are permitted
to perform such tasks as authorized by the OSHA Responsible Manager.
NOTE 1: Per CPL 2-1.38, the RA must ensure that an adequate number of appropriately trained and/or
experienced OSHA Qualified Persons, and other resources, as required, are available for inspections at electric
power generation, transmission, and distribution installations and other installations covered by § 1910.269 or Part
1926 Subpart V, as applicable.
NOTE 2: Per CPL 2-1.38, OSHA Qualified Persons may approach equipment that is properly locked or tagged
out, or deenergized and grounded, in accordance with § 1910.147, § 1910.333, § 1910.269, Part 1926 Subpart K,
Part 1926 Subpart V (as applicable), and OSHA SHMS Manual Chapter 13, Control of Hazardous Energy
Sources. OSHA Qualified Persons must evaluate the adequacy of safe work practices, which include the energy
control procedures, and must not approach any machines or equipment that the employer considers deenergized if
any practices are not in compliance with the referenced OSHA standards.
VII. PPE for OSHA Qualified Persons
When an OSHA Qualified Person agrees to work within the arc flash boundary,
he/she will wear protective clothing and other PPE in accordance with Appendix A.
All body parts inside the arc flash boundary will be protected.
22-130
The Responsible OSHA Manager will provide PPE for use by employees working in
areas where they could be exposed to electrical hazards.
OSHA Qualified Persons are required to observe the following procedures for PPE
use:
1. PPE use is mandatory when contact with exposed electrical sources is

possible.
2. Only use PPE that is designed for the specific task.
3. Inspect and test all PPE prior to use.
4. Use a protective outer cover (leather, for example) if the work performed
might damage the PPE’s insulation (Voltage-Rated gloves).
5. Wear non-conductive headgear if there is electrical burn or shock hazards

from contact with exposed, energized equipment.
6. Wear eye and/or face protection any time there are flying object, flash, or
electrical arc hazards posed by the potential for an electrical explosion.
Note: Unqualified persons will not be involved in tasks that require electrical PPE
they are not trained to use (e.g. arc-rated apparel, arc-rated face shields, voltage-
rated gloves, hot sticks).
VIII. Restrictions
OSHA Qualified Persons and Unqualified Persons:
1. Will not install personal protective grounds on electrical equipment; and
2. Will not wear conductive clothing, other apparel such as hard hat liners and
hair nets made from conductive materials, and conductive articles such as
jewelry while documenting electrical hazards. If clothing does not meet
these conditions, OSHA employees will not approach an electrical hazard.
OSHA Qualified Persons:
22-131
1. Will not wear conductive jewelry and clothing within a restricted approach
boundary or where they present a contact hazard with exposed energized
electrical conductors or circuit parts. These include: watchbands, bracelets,
rings, key chains, necklaces, metalized aprons, cloth with conductive thread,
metal headgear, or metal frame glasses.
2. Will not wear clothing and other apparel such as hard hat liners and hair nets
made from materials that do not meet NFPA 70E section 130.7(C)
requirements regarding melting or flammability, while documenting
electrical hazards.
The following electrical safety rules apply to all OSHA employees:
1. Report any potential for exposure to an electrical hazard to your supervisor

immediately.
2. Do not conduct any electrical repairs.
3. Do not operate equipment if you believe there is an electrical hazard.
4. Do not allow electrical equipment or components to contact water.
5. Do not use cords or plugs that are missing the ‘ground’ prong.
6. Do not overload electrical receptacles (e.g. daisy chaining).
7. Do not use any electrical equipment that is not free from recognized hazards.
8. Remember that even low-voltage electricity can be physically harmful.
IX. Training
Minimum Training for OSHA Qualified Persons
1. Complete OSHA Training Institute (OTI) course #3090, Electrical Standards,

or its equivalent and documented electrical safety training received through
utility or other private sector electrical experience. Electrical education
and/or work experience may be used to meet the minimum training
requirements. The Responsible OSHA Manager will review documentation
of previous qualifying experience.
AND
22-132
2. The Responsible OSHA Manager will ensure that the OSHA Qualified
Person has completed courses required per applicable compliance directives
to safely perform assigned tasks and address associated electrical hazards.
Example: In the course of inspecting electrical hazards, OSHA Qualified Persons

may encounter enclosed or confined spaces during an inspection. Enclosed
spaces such as vaults or substations are by definition permit-required confined
spaces, and OSHA Qualified Persons must treat them as such. OSHA Qualified
Persons may not enter such spaces on a routine basis. When it is essential, they
must adhere to OSHA CPL 02-00-100, Application of the Permit Required
Confined Spaces Standards, 29 CFR 1910.146.
3. Retraining will occur: (1) when tasks are performed less than once per year;
or (2) when the Responsible OSHA Manager (a) determines the OSHA
Qualified Person does not possess adequate understanding and skill to
perform work safely, or (b) identifies other needs for retraining.
Minimum Training for Unqualified Persons: Unqualified Persons will receive Annual
SHMS Electrical Safety Awareness training and training on how to identify hazards
and perform work near energized and deenergized electrical equipment operating or
typically operated at 50 or more volts, for example, take photographs from a distance
(see Table 1: Procedures for Common Electrical Tasks). On the job training is
necessary before using basic electrical tools (e.g. low voltage non-contact testers,
three light circuit analyzers).
Annual SHMS Electrical Safety Awareness Training: This training will cover how to
recognize and avoid electrical hazards; the requirements, restrictions, and permissions
in this Program; and any specific electrical safety procedures implemented by the
Region/SLTC/CTC/DTE. All employees covered by the OSHA Field Safety and
Health Manual will receive Annual SHMS Electrical Safety Awareness Training.
OSHA Qualified Persons and Unqualified Persons will complete the Annual SHMS
Electrical Safety Awareness Training as a refresher.
Retraining for Unqualified Persons and other OSHA employees covered by the
OSHA Field Safety and Health Manual who are not OSHA Qualified Persons will
occur whenever the Responsible OSHA Manager determines that an employee does
not possess adequate understanding and skill to work safely or identifies other needs
for retraining.
Training Documentation: Written records will include the training source, training
description, trained OSHA employee names, and the training dates. All training
records will be maintained in the applicable OSHA Office.
APPENDIX A
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)
Please see the following NFPA 70E tables to indentify appropriate PPE for the specific task:
22-133
 130.7(C)(15)(a): Arc-Flash Hazard PPE Categories for Alternating Current (AC) Systems
 130.7(C)(15)(b): Arc-Flash Hazard PPE Categories for Direct Current (DC) Systems
 130.7(C)(15)(c): PPE
Access to the Standard is available on our shared drive: O:\DTSEM\TDC\Standards\N\NFPA -

Natl Fire Protection Assn. If you have any questions please email FieldSHMS@dol.gov
22-134
CHAPTER 23. PROTECTION DURING INCIDENT INVESTIGATION
I. Purpose
OSHA personnel are not first responders. Normally, OSHA provides only technical
assistance and information during the active stages of response and mitigation. Chemical
releases, fire, explosions, collapses, and other events have an immediate and potentially
long-term affect not only to the workers involved, but also to those entities responding to
or investigating the incident. This includes OSHA employees. No evidence or
investigation is of such importance that OSHA employees should endanger themselves or
others in the course of OSHA’s work.
II. Scope
This procedure serves as a guideline for protecting OSHA employees during

incident/accident investigations.
III. Definitions
Hot zone. The incident area at a site where there is or may be the presence of
hazardous materials that can or could pose a serious hazard to an employee if it is
entered without appropriate personal protective devices.
Mitigation. Using any device, method, or system to lessen the hazard to an employee
at an incident.
Special Hazard Investigation. Investigations that include the need to utilize SCBAs
or other uniquely personal protective equipment.
Responsible OSHA Manager(s) will ensure that:
1. Employees responding to incidents are trained and qualified in the necessary

procedures and directives.
2. Employees are familiar with this procedure.
3. There is coordination with the Region, the Health Response Team, and the
National Office.
The investigating employee will make sure that appropriate personal protective
equipment and monitoring equipment are brought to the scene and are in proper
working order.
23-135
V. Procedures
When investigating an incident or accident:
1. Report to the On Scene Incident Commander, when one exists, before

entering the site;
2. Determine what site assessments, if any, have been made and if any
mitigation has taken place;
3. In conjunction with the Incident Command System, identify “hot” zones that
may be present;
4. DO NOT enter any “hot” zone without appropriate personal protective

equipment and monitors;
5. Establish evidence protocols and security with appropriate parties;
6. DO NOT under any circumstances enter or access any structure or equipment

whose structural integrity or safety may have been compromised or is in
question. A structural engineer must be consulted, and the area and/or
equipment secured before entry or access is made;
7. Keep open communication with the Responsible OSHA Manager(s) and

provide sufficient detail in keeping them appraised of developing situations;
8. Direct media inquiries to the Responsible OSHA Manager(s); and
9. Maintain sufficient safe distance until the “All Clear” is given.
Assistance or Expertise
1. If assistance or expertise is needed, contact the Responsible OSHA

Manager(s) and identify the necessity.
2. The Responsible OSHA Manager(s) will coordinate with the Assistant

Regional Administrator for Enforcement Programs or equivalent unit for
specific equipment and expertise, such as the Health Response Team,
structural engineers, and chemical engineers.
Training
All employees who could be involved in incident investigations will receive training
on this chapter annually.
23-136
CHAPTER 24. EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE
I. Purpose
Through the Department of Labor, OSHA employees have access to the Employee
Assistance Program (EAP). The EAP provides confidential counseling assessment and
referral services. The EAP is designed to help employees deal with any personal or
family problems that could interfere with an employee’s performance and/or conduct at
work, including marriage, stress, finances, or job-related problems and concerns.
The EAP is free, voluntary, and confidential. No penalty is imposed upon an employee
for accepting or declining to participate in the program. The fundamental purpose of the
EAP is to enable employees to achieve their full individual potential, even when stress
and problems present difficult challenges in their work environment or personal life.
II. Scope
This chapter applies to all federal OSHA employees.
III. Definition
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides counseling services to employees

who may be experiencing personal problems that affect their job performance and well-
being. The main goal of the EAP is to link a troubled employee with people in the
community who can help that individual.
The services provided by EAP are listed in the brochure describing the program and are
available in each office.
The EAP is confidential. If an employee refers him or herself, no one knows but the
employee and the EAP counselor.
The EAP also offers consultation to supervisors to assist them in dealing with employees
who may be experiencing problems.
Responsible OSHA Manager(s)
24-137
1. Maintain current knowledge and awareness of the EAP and the process used
for accessing EAP services. Seek consultation from the EAP, as appropriate,
for assistance in identifying and approaching troubled employees, providing
effective employee feedback, and/or referring employees to the program.
2. Encourage and support employee participation in the EAP when an employee

may be experiencing personal problems and impacting the work
environment.
3. Respect and safeguard the confidentiality of any information provided by the

employee or counselor.
4. Recognize the potential need for EAP services where employees are involved
with investigations wherein traumatic events or injuries are involved. As
soon as possible after such an event, advise the affected employee(s) of the
availability of EAP services.
Administrative Programs or equivalent unit
1. Coordinate and provide EAP services for OSHA employees.
2. Promote awareness of EAP services among OSHA employees.
3. Disseminate information on the procedures to access EAP services to OSHA

employees.
Employee
Voluntarily seek counseling, referral, and information from the EAP, regardless of
current level of job performance, if he or she is experiencing a personal, emotional,
drug abuse, or alcohol abuse problem. All information is confidential.
V. Procedures
For counseling assistance, any OSHA employee can contact the Employee Assistance
Program at 1-800-222-0364.
An OSHA managers’ concern for an employee’s personal problem is relevant only if

the problem causes difficulties in the work setting.
1. Individuals making referrals under the EAP must not attempt to delve into or
diagnose an employee’s problem.
2. Employees must not be coerced or forced to use the program.
3. Discussions should focus solely on job performance issues.
Employees who coordinate visits to the EAP with Responsible OSHA Manager(s)
will be considered to be on official duty while meeting with the EAP.
24-138
1. While employees must inform their supervisor and obtain permission to be
away from their job assignment for an appointment, they do not have to
disclose the nature of the problem for which they wish to see the counselor.
2. The Department allows an employee up to one hour (or more as necessitated

by travel time) of excused absence for each counseling session during the
assessment/referral phase of rehabilitation.
3. If the EAP makes a referral to an outside source, absences during duty hours
for rehabilitation or treatment must be charged to the appropriate leave
category
Employees participating in the EAP through self-referral without the supervisor’s

knowledge must use sick leave or annual leave for visits to the EAP during work
hours.
Any information or reports from the EAP counselor may only be released with
written consent by the employee to individuals specifically identified by the
employee, or released under a court order.
In a case involving a traumatic incident, the EAP should be contacted as a resource

because post-traumatic stress can be a serious problem. EAP can send a Critical
Incident Stress Management (CISM) Team to the office within 3-5 days after a
traumatic event occurs.
The union representative can also refer an employee to the EAP.
24-139
CHAPTER 25. MEDICAL MANAGEMENT
I. Purpose
This chapter cancels the Compliance Safety and Health Officer (CSHO) Medical
Examination Program (OSHA Instructions PER 04-00-002 and PER 04-00-003) and
establishes the OSHA Medical Examination Program. It revises the inclusion criteria and
the periodicity requirements for the mandatory Periodic Physical Examination and
establishes a mandatory Interim Medical Evaluation in years in which no Periodic
Physical Examination is scheduled.
II. Scope
This instruction applies OSHA-wide.
III. References
Memorandum of Understanding between U.S. DOL and NCFLL, dated 08/21/2009.
Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Single Agency Qualification Standard:

Compliance Safety and Health Officer. 12/24/85.
OSHA Instruction PER 04-00-005. Hearing Conservation Program, 6/23/08.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Directive CPL 02-02-054.

Respiratory Protection Program Guidelines. 7/14/2000.
OSHA Instruction HSO 01-00-001, National Emergency Management Plan (NEMP),

12/18/2003.
IV. Cancellations
OSHA Instruction PER 04-00-003 [PER 8-2.5] CSHO Medical Examinations,

3/31/89.
OSHA Instruction PER 04-00-002 [PER 8-2.4], CSHO Pre-Employment Medical

Examination, 3/31/1989.
V. Action Offices
Responsible Office. Directorate of Technical Support and Emergency Management.
Action Offices. National, Regional and Area Offices.
VI. Federal Program Change
This chapter describes the OSHA Medical Examination Program. Although this chapter
does not apply to State Plan States, State Plans are encouraged to implement a similar
program for their covered employees.
25-140
VII. Significant Changes
All personnel assigned to field duties in which there is reasonable anticipation of

encountering physical, chemical and/or biological hazards are covered in the
mandatory OSHA Medical Examination Program.
Members of Regional Response Teams and Specialized Response Teams must meet
the medical qualifications of the OSHA Medical Examination Program prior to
Response Team assignment and throughout the duration of that assignment.
Based on the specific characteristics of the affected positions, and to be consistent

with the practices of other federal agencies and accepted public health practices,
medical history and physical examination will be performed during the Pre-placement
Examination, then every three years until age 50, then every two years until age 65, at
which time the Periodic Physical Examination will be completed every year.
Medical evaluations of covered employees will take place in the years in which the
Periodic Physical Examination is not scheduled. The Interim Medical Evaluation will
include audiometric testing, a respirator questionnaire and a blood pressure
determination. Additional testing, such as pulmonary function testing, may be
conducted if indicated.
Under this Program, chest X-rays are voluntary after the initial Pre-placement
Examination unless the employee has experienced an occupational exposure that
triggered the medical surveillance requirements of an OSHA standard. If an exposure
does trigger the requirements of a standard, the schedule for chest X-rays established
by that standard will be followed.
The responsibilities of the Regional Office and the covered employees are more
clearly defined (see paragraph XVIII).
VIII. Application
Covered Positions
1. General Application. This instruction applies OSHA-wide to positions in

which there is reasonable anticipation of encountering physical, chemical
and/or biological hazards. This includes employees whose duties require on-
site inspections, on-site evaluations and/or on-scene emergency response
functions. The OSHA Medical Examination Program application includes,
but is not limited to, the following positions:
Student Trainee
Safety Specialist
Lead Safety & Occupational Health Specialist
Safety & Occupational Health manager
Industrial Hygienist
Lead Industrial Hygienist
25-141
Safety Engineer
Lead Safety Engineer
Supervisory Safety Engineer
Compliance Assistance Specialist
Employees in these or similar job categories whose duties do NOT require

on-site inspections, on-site consultations and evaluations, and/or on-scene
emergency response functions are NOT covered by this Medical
Examination Program.
2. Response Team Members. Members of Regional Response Teams and the

Specialized Response Teams must meet the minimum medical/physical
requirements of this program prior to Response Team assignment and for the
duration of that assignment. They are required to complete the Periodic
Physical Examinations and Interim Medical Evaluations specified under this
instruction.
3. Trainees. Student trainees are covered under this instruction if their tenure
with the Agency is expected to exceed a one-year period from their Pre-
placement Examination.
Medical Evaluation
1. Mandatory Examinations. All covered employees are required to complete

the Periodic Physical Examinations and Interim Medical Evaluations as
specified under this instruction.
2. Voluntary Examinations. Employees whose past work assignments with the

Agency required them to make regular or occasional visits to industrial
establishments where they may have been exposed to potentially toxic
chemicals and/or biologic or physical hazards and whose job descriptions do
not now require them to go into the field are eligible for a Voluntary Physical
Examination every three years.
Purpose of Medical Evaluation
25-142
1. Fitness for Duty. Medical evaluations under this Program are required in
order for the Agency to determine if covered employees are physically and
medically capable of performing the essential duties of the position
efficiently and without posing a hazard to themselves or others.
2. Complying with OSHA Standards. Multiple OSHA standards require routine

medical tests in order to monitor the health of employees who are reasonably
anticipated to experience exposures to potentially hazardous substances or
physical hazards and who must be physically capable of safely utilizing
personal protective equipment. Under this program, OSHA will comply with
medical requirements of existing OSHA standards as they pertain to OSHA
employees.
IX. Background
CSHO Medical Examination Program
Prior to April 1987, OSHA did not have a standardized medical examination program
for employees. Each Region developed and implemented a medical program for its
respective employees and maintained authority over its operation. The contents and
administration of these programs were subject to variation from one Region to
another.
In order to establish a standardized agency-wide medical examination program and to

comply with Office of Personnel Management (OPM) regulations and requirements,
OSHA applied to OPM for a Single Agency Physical Examination Standard. This
standard specified and justified the physical requirements that covered employees
must meet as a condition of employment. The OSHA Single Agency Physical
Examination Standard, approved by OPM in December 1985, was applicable to
OSHA employees in certain job series and grades as well as to new employees hired
for these positions.
The CSHO Medical Examination Program began in April 1987. The program
required that all employees hired to specific positions meet the physical qualification
standards as determined by a Pre-placement Examination. On March 31, 1989,
OSHA Instructions PER 8-2.4 and PER 8-2.5 were implemented for all covered
employees. PER 8-2.5 required that covered employees demonstrate requisite
physical capabilities by participating annually in the CSHO Medical Examination
Program.
Since implementation of the CSHO Medical Examination Program in April 1987,

OSHA has maintained an interagency agreement with the Federal Occupational
Health (FOH) component of the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) to provide the Pre-
placement, Annual and Voluntary medical examinations. This arrangement has
provided OSHA with a single, nationwide provider of the medical services necessary
to implement this Program.
Medical Evaluation Requirements of OSHA Standards
25-143
Multiple OSHA standards require periodic medical evaluations to monitor the health
of employees who have reasonably anticipated exposures to physical, chemical or
biological hazards. These standards apply to employees who experience an action
level of exposure to the hazard addressed by the standard. The OSHA standards that
require medical evaluations are summarized in Appendix B.
Determination of Medical Evaluation Requirements
This instruction establishes medical history and physical examination requirements

based on specific characteristics of the affected positions. These requirements are
consistent with the practices of other federal agencies and accepted public health
practices. The medical evaluation requirements mandated by OSHA standards will
continue to be applied to covered employees (Appendix B). This directive allows for
flexibility and clinical judgment in determining the appropriate medical evaluation
periodicity for each covered employee. Each employee will receive an annual
examination and will receive a notification regarding the type of exam that will be
performed the following year.
Protecting Employee Health & Safety
Though the OSHA Medical Examination Program does change the frequency of the
extensive medical questionnaire and physical examination, it provides a timely,
annual occupational medicine evaluation for all covered employees. It is also aligned
with current standards of occupational medicine and preventive medicine practices
that are updated from the CSHO Medical Program. Appendix C summarizes the
supporting logic for changes in the program.
X. Scheduling FOH Appointments
Mandatory Periodic Physical Examinations are provided to all employees in covered

positions (see section VIII).
Physical examinations and medical evaluations will be scheduled with FOH after
OOMN authorization.
Examinations will be conducted during the employee’s normal duty hours and will be
provided free of charge to the employee.
Whenever possible, appointments should be scheduled within 30 calendar days of

OOMN authorization and completed within 60 calendar days.
Employees shall notify their supervisors and applicable clinic personnel at least 24
hours in advance if they are unable to attend the examination at the scheduled time.
XI. Definitions of Periodicity
Pre-placement Examination
25-144
A medical history and physical examination is required once for all applicants prior to
assignment to a covered position and for all employees prior to transfer from a
position not covered by this instruction into a covered position. Appendix D, Table 1
provides a list of the components of the Pre-placement Examination. Appendix E
provides additional policy and procedural information related uniquely to Pre-
placement Examinations.
Periodic Physical Examination
A mandatory medical history and physical examination for all covered employees
(Appendix A).
1. Components. Appendix D, Table 1 provides a list of the components of the

Periodic Physical Examination.
2. Frequency. The Periodic Physical Examination is required every three years

until age 50, then every two years until age 65. After age 65 it is required
annually.
3. Exceptions. The frequency of the Periodic Physical Examination, or parts of

the examination, may be adjusted by the Office of Occupational Medicine
based on the following factors:
a. When the employee is determined to have medical conditions that

warrant annual or biannual evaluations.
b. When an employee exposure reaches an action level required in OSHA

standards or another occupational exposure of concern.
c. When a covered employee experiences a hospitalization, significant

surgery, or period of medical restrictions exceeding one month since
these situations may signal a need for more frequent or additional
medical evaluations.
d. When an employee’s work assignments may require the use of a Self-

Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA). In such cases, additional
tests and more frequent medical evaluations may be required.
e. When an employee has incomplete past medical evaluations. All

incomplete evaluations must be completed prior to eligibility for a
subsequent Periodic Physical Examination.
Interim Medical Evaluation
A mandatory medical evaluation for covered employees.
25-145
1. Components Included. Appendix D, Table 1 provides a list of the
components of the Interim Medical Evaluation.
2. Frequency. An Interim Medical Evaluation will be conducted for all covered

employees in the years in which a Periodic Physical Examination is not
performed.
3. Exceptions. Incomplete past medical evaluations must be completed prior to

eligibility for a subsequent Interim Medical Evaluation.
Voluntary Physical Examination
An optional medical examination offered to employees whose past work assignments

with the Agency would have required them to make visits to industrial sites where they
may have been exposed to chemical, physical or biological hazards and whose current job
descriptions no longer require them to perform field duties. These examinations provide
continued medical surveillance for conditions with a long latency period.
1. Components Included. Appendix D, Table 1 provides a list of the

components of the Voluntary Physical Examination.
2. Frequency. A Voluntary Physical Examination can be obtained every 3-

years.
3. Scheduling. Voluntary Physical Examinations must be scheduled and

completed during the fiscal year in which the exam was approved.
Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) Medical Clearance
A mandatory medical evaluation, performed in addition to the periodic and interim

evaluations, that determines an employee’s ability to safely wear Self-Contained
Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).
25-146
1. Components Included. Appendix D, Table 1 provides a list of the additional
medical services associated with SCBA clearance. Most significantly, SCBA
clearance requires a cardiac stress test for employees age 40 or older. A
cardiac stress test may be required for employees age 35 or older based on
cardiac risk factors.
2. Frequency. The appropriate frequency for SCBA medical clearance renewal

is individualized for each employee and is determined by a reviewing
physician each time the medical evaluation is performed. The frequency is
determined by the opinion of the reviewing physician, based on the
individual’s health risks and the Elements of Physical Examination and
Medical Evaluations listed in Table 1 for SCBA Clearance (Appendix D).
Individuals over 40 years of age must have a physical examination at least
every two years. The SCBA clearance can be performed as part of the
Periodic Physical Examination or the Interim Medical Evaluation.
XII. Additional Medical Information
In response to a physician’s report resulting from either a Periodic Physical Examination

or an Interim Medical Evaluation, OOMN may require additional medical information to
assess an employee’s medical condition(s) before determining medical fitness to perform
required duties. In these situations, OOMN will notify, in writing, both the employee and
the Regional Office that additional services are required. These additional tests and
evaluations are considered a continuation of the scheduled examination/evaluation.
Additional FOH Services
Either while still at the FOH clinic or subsequently, additional tests that are part of the
regular services provided by FOH may be authorized by OOMN. For example, a
review of a respiratory protection questionnaire may reveal an issue that requires
spirometry. Costs associated with these FOH services will be covered by the
National Office through the FOH agreement.
Medical Specialist Opinions
When a covered employee does not meet the established criteria for fitness for duty,
but OOMN is unable to render a medical opinion as to detailed aspects of the
employee’s fitness to perform his or her job functions, the employee and the Regional
Office will be informed, in writing, that a specialist’s medical evaluation, limited to
the area(s) of concern, is required. The employee must comply with the written
notification from OOMN in a timely manner, usually within thirty (30) calendar days
of employee receipt of the notification.
25-147
1. Selection of Consulting Physician
When the need for additional medical information requires the use of a
medical specialist, after consultation with OOMN regarding the appropriate
specialty of the physician, the employee selects a qualified physician. The
consulting physician should be board certified in the area of the potentially
disqualifying condition (e.g., a cardiologist for cardiovascular conditions).
The employee shall notify the Regional Office when an appointment has
been scheduled.
2. Payment for Consulting Physician and/or Additional Tests
Regional Offices are responsible for payment of the cost of medical specialist
opinions and associated medical tests specified by OOMN. Additional
testing requested by a consulting physician must be approved by OOMN
prior to authorization for payment by the Agency. OOMN will approve
payment only for testing that is necessary for determining fitness for duty. If
additional tests are completed, but are NOT approved by OOMN, employees
are responsible for payment. Employees should consult their administrative
officers for guidance on how to arrange payment.
3. Medical Specialist Opinion
The medical specialist’s opinion will be used in reassessing the individual’s

medical qualifications for duty and in determining if specific tasks can be
safely performed (e.g. using a negative pressure respirator, carrying 40 lbs.
of equipment, driving). This medical information may be shared with FOH
Reviewing Medical Officers (RMOs) or other contracted medical
professionals, if needed, for future medical clearances. OOMN will notify
the employee and Regional Administrator (RA) or designee if there is any
failure to meet medical requirements and will advise the RA regarding job
restrictions as appropriate.
Timelines
When additional services are required, the employee must comply with the written
notification from OOMN in a timely manner, usually within thirty (30) calendar days
of employee receipt of the notification. Communication with OOMN is required to
obtain an extension. If OOMN has not received pertinent additional medical
information within the agreed upon time, notice will be sent to the RA or his/her
designee so that appropriate administrative action may be taken.
XIII. Incomplete Medical Examinations
When components of a mandatory medical examination or any additional examination

are not completed as requested, OOMN will notify the RA or designee that it is unable to
render a medical opinion as to the fitness of the employee to perform his or her job
25-148
functions. The RA or his/her designee will take appropriate administrative action to
ensure that OSHA medical evaluations are completed.
XIV. Accommodations
NOTE: The use of the term “accommodation” in this directive does not refer to
“reasonable accommodation” under the law. See DLMS-4 Chapter 306 Reasonable
Accommodation for Employees and Applicants with Disabilities.
Overview
Upon notification that an employee does not meet one or more medical/physical
requirements of his/her position, the Regional Administrator will consider an
appropriate accommodation plan. The process of accommodating an employee
involves job reassignment, job modification or job restriction. An employee’s job
accommodation is designed to avoid the aggravation of an existing medical condition
and to avoid placing an employee in an occupational situation that is unsafe due to the
presence of one or more medical conditions. Only management may seek
accommodation of employees under this program. Accommodation plans are
proposed by RAs and are reviewed and concurred on by the National Office. Duty
restrictions may be temporary, as in the case of a correctable condition, or they may
be permanent. Accommodations for permanently restrictive conditions will be made
on a case-by-case basis.
Interim Work Restrictions
In order to ensure that employees are not put at risk between the time they are found
not to meet one or more medical/physical requirements of their positions and final
accommodation, Regional Administrators shall consult with OOMN and put in place,
within 10 working days of notification by OOMN, temporary working restriction(s)
limiting work assignments and/or working conditions until accommodations are
finalized.
Regional/OONM Consultation
The affected employee's supervisor, Area Director, and/or RA shall confer with the
OOMN physicians to determine what restrictions or limitations should be placed on
an individual employee. This will ensure that restrictions and limitations are
pertinent to currently assigned duties and potential future duties.
Request for Accommodation
The accommodation plan shall include the specific details describing how the
employee will be accommodated (i.e., job restriction or job reassignment). The final
terms of the accommodation plan proposals will be made by the RA. The RA shall
forward the proposed accommodation plan to OOMN.
Medical Review
25-149
A physician in OOMN shall review the request to ensure that the terms of the
accommodation plan are medically appropriate.
Coordination of Accommodation Plan
OOMN will coordinate review and concurrence of the accommodation plan with
OSHA’s Human Resource Office, the Office of the Assistant Secretary, and the
Director of Technical Support and Emergency Management. The purpose of the
National Office review is to ensure national consistency of application.
Accommodation requests will generally be reviewed on a monthly or bimonthly
basis. OOMN will notify Regional Administrators when their accommodation plans
are scheduled for review. In order to expedite resolution of issues, Regional
Administrators or their designees will be invited to join the meeting
Limited Duty
This program does not change procedures that Area Offices are presently using to
provide limited duty for an employee with a temporary condition such as a broken leg
or pregnancy. If an adverse medical condition is correctable (e.g. hernia or high
blood pressure), OSHA may require medical attention for that condition and establish
a reasonable deadline by which time the condition must be corrected or controlled, in
order to meet medical requirements.
XV. Worker’ Compensation and Other Employee Benefits
None of the policies or procedures in this instruction affects existing employee options or
benefits for disability retirement, Workers’ Compensation, and/or any other employment
benefit programs.
XVI. Medical Recordkeeping
Custody of Medical Records
Records of all evaluations provided under this program, whether mandatory or

voluntary, are maintained by the OSHA Office of Occupational Medicine and are
safeguarded in accordance with OPM, OSHA, and other Federal regulations (See
OPM Regulations, 5 CFR 293, Subpart E (“Employee Medical File System Records”)
and 29 CFR 1910.1020).
Medical Records from FOH
Upon completion of the physical examination or medical evaluation, FOH shall

forward to the Office of Occupational Medicine each applicable employee’s complete
medical record. The envelope shall be marked CONFIDENTIAL and the package
shall include:
25-150
1. Completed medical/occupational history forms including OSHA-179 form.
2. Completed physical examination forms, including the OSHA-178 form.
3. All laboratory, audiometric, visual, EKG, skin test and other medical test
results.
4. Chest X-ray (radiograph and interpretation).
5. Pulmonary function test.
Results of Periodic Physical Examination
FOH should send each employee a copy of his/her medical examinations within two
weeks of each examination or evaluation. If the employee does not receive a timely
report, he/she should follow-up with the FOH Health Center where the examination
was performed.
Request for Medical Records or Current Employees
1. Records Less than One Year Old. Medical records that are less than one year
old may be obtained from the Federal Occupational Health Center at which
the examination was conducted or from the Director of OOMN (see below).
2. Records One Year Old or Older. Requests for copies of medical records that
are more than one year old must be directed, in writing, to the Director of
OOMN.
a. Requests should include the following:
 Dates of examinations for which records are being requested;
 Full name and date of birth of the OSHA employee submitting the
request;
 Home address and phone number to allow for express mailing;
 Work phone number; and
 An original signature of the OSHA employee whose records are being

requested.
b. Requests may be directed to OOMN by mail or by fax:
US Department of Labor – OSHA

Office of Occupational Medicine - N3653
200 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20210
25-151
Secure Fax: (202) 693-1647
Request for Medical Records for Current Employees
Hard copies of an OSHA employee’s records and records for former OSHA
employees will be located in an Employee Medical Folder (EMF) and stored in the
Federal Records Center operated by the National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA) for a period of 30 years after employment in accordance
with OSHA standard 20 CFR 1910.20.
XVII. Payment for Costs Associated with this Program
FOH Services
Payment for all medical services at Federal Occupational Health (FOH) Clinics is
made under the provisions of the Interagency Agreement between OSHA and FOH.
Medical Specialist Opinions
1. Regional Offices are responsible for payment of the cost of specialist medical
opinions and medical tests requested by OOMN as necessary for fitness-for-
duty decisions.
2. Additional testing requested by a consulting physician must be approved by

OOMN prior to authorization for payment by the Agency. OOMN will
approve payment only for additional testing that is necessary for determining
fitness for duty. If additional tests are completed, but are NOT approved by
OOMN, employees are responsible for payment. Employees should consult
their administrative officer for guidance on how to arrange payment.
Vision Related Expenses
1. Specialist Examinations. Costs for specialist vision examinations when

requested by OOMN will be reimbursed by the Regional Office if no new
corrective prescription is needed. If a new corrective prescription is needed,
the cost of the examination and corrective eyewear will be the responsibility
of the employee.
2. Prescription Safety Glasses. Employees may apply to the Region to provide

an allowance for prescription safety glasses.
Hearing Aids
Employees must pay for hearing aids.
Travel Costs
Employee transportation costs associated with this program will be paid as allowed in
DOL Manual Series, Book 7 (DLMS-7), Travel Management.
25-152
XVIII. Responsibilities
Regional Office
RAs and Area Directors are responsible for:
1. Implementing the OSHA Medical Examination Program mandated by this

instruction.
2. Ensuring that mandatory Periodic Physical Examinations, Interim Medical

Evaluations, and requisite follow-up evaluations are completed in a timely
manner. Periodic Physical Examinations and Interim Medical Evaluations
should be scheduled within 30 calendar days of OOMN authorization and
completed within 60 calendar days of OOMN authorization.
3. Providing OOMN with annual updates of employees who receive mandatory

medical evaluations, those who receive voluntary examinations, those who
receive SCBA examinations, and those who have retired or separated since
the last medical evaluation.
4. Providing employees in the OSHA Medical Examination Program with

appropriate forms to complete prior to their appointments at the FOH Health
Centers.
5. Notifying OOMN when the RA or his/her designee becomes aware of an

employee exposure that reaches an action level of an OSHA standard or
another occupational exposure of concern.
6. Regional Administrators or their designees are encouraged to notify OOMN

of hospitalizations, significant surgeries, or periods of medical restrictions
exceeding one month, since these situations may indicate a need for
alteration of duties and/or more frequent medical evaluations.
7. Advising employees regarding the type of respirator (disposable filtering face

piece, negative pressure, powered air-purifying (PAPR), SCBA, full-face or
half-face) for which medical clearance is needed so that the employees can
complete the Respirator Medical Evaluation Form accurately.
8. Notifying individuals who have failed to meet medical requirements

specified under this instruction and initiating appropriate administrative
action, as needed, to safeguard employees, e.g. initiating a request for
accommodation or reassignment. This will include putting in place, within
10 working days of notification that an employee does not meet the medical
and/or physical requirements of their positions, appropriate temporary
working restriction(s) limiting work assignments and/or working conditions
until a permanent accommodation plan is approved.
Office of Occupational Medicine
25-153
The Directorate of Technical Support and Emergency Management (DTSEM) and the
Office of Occupational Medicine (OOMN) are responsible for:
25-154
1. Negotiating and securing the national contract to provide the medical
examinations required under this program. DTSEM, as the Agency’s
representative, shall resolve any problems that arise regarding the
administration of the Federal Occupational Health contract.
2. Providing Regional Office personnel with an annual list of employees who

receive mandatory medical evaluations, those who receive voluntary
examinations, and those who receive SCBA examinations and requesting that
Regional personnel update the list as needed.
3. Notifying Regional Office personnel when covered employees are authorized

to complete their physical examinations and when employees must submit
additional medical information to OOMN.
4. Reviewing all medical opinions and test results for accuracy, consistency and
applicability to medical clearance determinations.
5. Advising employees of current medical conditions that may, if untreated,

result in future failure to meet medical requirements.
6. Reviewing requests and authorizing payment for additional specialist medical

examinations or additional testing when needed for employee medical
clearance decisions.
7. Providing fitness-for-duty decisions to RAs in a timely manner.
8. Reviewing RA requests for accommodation and providing medical

recommendations to the RA and National Office reviewers regarding
appropriate alteration of duties for each applicable employee.
9. Ensuring that all procedures for review and handling of OSHA medical
records are in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1020 and 5 CFR 293, Subpart
E. These requirements include the establishment and maintenance of a
confidential storage and retrieval system for individual medical records.
10. Maintaining a database that tracks the status of medical clearances for
employees who fail to meet medical requirements.
11. Ensuring that FOH abides by the interagency agreement.
12. Participating in an annual evaluation of FOH service quality to improve the

quality of FOH services obtained.
13. Processing requests for copies of medical records (See Section XVI.D.)
Directorate of Administrative Programs (DAP)
25-155
1. DAP and the Human Resource Office is responsible for:
a. Providing guidance and assistance to the Regions and DTSEM/OOMN

for the administration of this program.
b. Reviewing and concurring with accommodation plans under this

directive.
2. Providing Funds For Medical Services. DAP will make funds available:
a. For the OSHA Medical Examination Program through an Interagency

Agreement with FOH.
b. To Regional Administrators for the cost of medical specialist opinions

and medical tests approved by OOMN as necessary for fitness-for-
duty decisions.
Office of the Assistant Secretary (OAS)
The OAS or its designee is responsible for reviewing and concurring with
accommodation plans under this directive. In the event that the OAS or designee
does not initially concur with a proposed accommodation plan, the OAS or designee
is responsible for working with Regional Office personnel to develop an
accommodation plan that is medically appropriate as well as consistent with other
employee accommodations.
Covered Employees
Covered employees are responsible for:
1. Completing the requirements of the Medical Examination Program in a

timely manner and providing any requested additional medical information to
OOMN in a timely manner.
2. Providing requested medical specialist opinions within 30 days. When

necessary, requesting an extension of time from OOMN.
3. Notifying management of any situation in which the employee experiences

an exposure that reaches an action level of an OSHA standard or another
occupational exposure of concern.
4. Completing all required forms and bringing them to the FOH Health Center
on the day of the first appointment. Required forms include:
 Periodic Physical Examinations: OSHA -178 and 179. Covered

employees must complete the OSHA Medical Program –
Employee History, OSHA-179, in its entirety. The OSHA Medical
Program – Physician’s Report, OSHA-178, will be completed by
25-156
the examining physical, but must be brought to the FOH Health
Center along with the completed OSHA-179. See Appendix G.
 Interim Medical Evaluations: FOH 22. All covered employees

must complete the OSHA Respirator Medical Evaluation
Questionnaire (FOH 22) through line 4 on page 7 except questions
10-15 on page 3. Those employees required to use a full-face
respirator or SCBA must also complete questions 10-15 on page 3.
The completed FOH 22 must be taken to the FOH Health Center
on the day of the first appointment. See Appendix H.
5. Notifying their supervisors and applicable clinic personnel at least 24 hours

in advance if they are unable to attend the examination at the scheduled time.
6. Notifying the Regional Office when a required appointment for a medical

specialist opinion has been scheduled.
7. Reporting concerns about the FOH examination procedure to the OOMN

nurse coordinator.
8. Payment for prescription eyewear and hearing aids:
a. Eyewear. If the results of an OOMN requested specialist vision

examination determine that a new corrective prescription is needed.
(Employees may apply to the Region to provide an allowance for
prescription safety glasses.)
b. Hearing Aids. Employees will pay for hearing aids.
9. Directing requests for medical records to the appropriate organization as

defined in paragraph XVI of this instruction.
25-157
APPENDIX A
OSHA MEDICAL EXAMINATION PROGRAM: SINGLE AGENCY QUALIFICATION

STANDARD
I. Purpose.
OSHA personnel conduct on-site inspections, on-site evaluations and/or on-scene

emergency response functions at industrial establishments to observe and evaluate
conditions to which employees are exposed. During these inspections, OSHA employees
may be exposed to potentially hazardous situations and substances. The application of a
single medical requirements standard to all affected employees ensures that the health of
OSHA employees will be at a level that permits them to perform job-related assignments
safely, effectively, and without hazard to themselves or others.
II. Rationale for the Necessity of Physical Requirements.
The following is a general description of the physical requirements of the positions

affected by the OSHA Medical Examination Program.
The duties of these positions require employees to perform under conditions that vary
from sedentary to maximum exertion. Normal working conditions also require the
employee to perform in a reliable manner under adverse conditions. Employees
examine and report on potentially hazardous worksite conditions. This may include
working at heights, underground, in confined spaces, in poorly lighted facilities, in
emergency situations, and work in environments with chemical, physical, and
biological hazards which are regulated by the OSH Act.
Many of the hazards that OSHA employees may face are regulated by established
OSHA standards which require the use of personal protective equipment and/or
routine medical monitoring. The proper use of personal protective equipment requires
an evaluation of the wearer’s ability to utilize the equipment safely and without
adverse effect to the wearer’s health. Adverse conditions sometimes occur
unexpectedly, while others are anticipated and appropriate steps can be taken in an
orderly and controlled manner to protect oneself and safely leave the hazard area.
III. Medical Examinations.
Before assuming duty and routinely during employment, applicants and employees in
affected positions must undergo a medical examination and be physically and
medically capable of performing the essential duties of the position efficiently and
without hazard to themselves or others.
Routine medical evaluations serve to monitor the employee’s health status to ensure
that he or she maintains physical capabilities to meet the qualifications of his/her
position. In addition, routine medical surveillance uncovers conditions which may
25-158
develop as a result of occupational exposures which have long latency periods for
symptom development.
Failure to meet the physical and medical requirements of Pre-placement

Examinations will be considered to disqualify an employee for a covered position.
Failure to meet the physical and medical requirements of Periodic Physical

Examinations will be considered disqualifying, except when there is sufficient
evidence that individuals can perform the essential functions of the job efficiently and
without risk to themselves or others, with or without appropriate accommodation.
IV. Medical Examination Parameters.
Vision.
1. Physical Requirement. Distant visual acuity must be at least 20/40 in each

eye separately, with or without corrective lenses. Distant binocular acuity
must be at least 20/40 with or without corrective lenses. Near visual acuity
must be at least 20/40 in each eye separately, with or without corrective
lenses. Near binocular acuity must be at least 20/40 with or without
corrective lenses. Field of vision must be 85 degrees in the horizontal
meridian in each eye. The ability to distinguish the colors red, amber, and
green is required for the Pre-placement examination.
2. Work Activity. Routinely assigned to areas where: the reading of

comprehensive literature is necessary; both near and far visual acuity are
necessary for hazard recognition; potentially life- threatening environments
exist (therefore, accurate reading of personal protective equipment labeling is
required); color coded warning signs represent hazardous conditions; routine
utilization of finely calibrated equipment.
3. Rationale. OSHA employees inspect workplaces where potential safety and

health hazards exist or can spontaneously occur. Once these hazards occur,
inspection personnel must be capable of determining what actions are
appropriate in order to safeguard the safety and health of themselves and
others. These actions will always require both near and far visual acuity. For
example, employees may need to quickly ascertain the condition of a
respirator for use in the case of an emergency egress situation. (This requires
reading finely calibrated air gauges.) While making routine inspections, a
compliance officer may encounter situations where full field of vision will be
necessary in order to avoid a serious accident. For example, while working
on high scaffolding, it may be necessary to rapidly descend. Normal field of
vision is necessary to perform this activity safely.
Hearing.
25-159
1. Requirement. Average hearing loss in the better ear cannot be greater than 40
decibels at 500 Hz, 1,000 Hz, and 2,000 Hz, with or without a hearing aid.
2. Work Activity. Covered employees are routinely assigned to areas where a

broad spectrum of physical hazards exists, including environmental noise
levels above 90 decibels.
3. Rationale. It is important that a covered employee maintain adequate

auditory acuity to communicate and give instructions in a noisy environment.
During the course of daily activities, it is important for employees to hear
instructions and communications in order to ensure safety. A greater than 40
decibel loss of auditory acuity in the speech frequencies in the better ear may
interfere with the employee’s ability to communicate under noisy conditions.
Musculoskeletal.
1. Requirement. Employees must have: The functional use of both hands, arms,
legs, and feet; No impairment of the use of a leg, a foot, an arm, a hand, the
fingers, back or neck which would most likely interfere with the functional
requirements of this position; No established medical history or clinical
diagnosis of rheumatic, arthritic, orthopedic, muscular, neuromuscular, or
vascular disease which would interfere with the ability to perform the
functional requirements of this position.
2. Work Activity. A covered employee is required to perform moderate lifting,

carrying, walking and standing. A covered employee will routinely be
required to ascend or descend heights in order to safely egress from a
potentially hazardous area. During routine activities, a covered employee
must carry portable scientific equipment.
3. Rationale. It is imperative that a covered employee have no impairment of

the hands, arms, legs, feet, back or neck which would prevent performing the
functional requirements of moderate lifting, carrying, reaching above the
shoulder, standing, walking and climbing. An established medical history of
arthritis or muscular pathology that would interfere with these functional
requirements could cause a potentially hazardous situation in the workplace.
Cardiopulmonary.
25-160
1. Requirement. No current clinical diagnosis of myocardial infarction, angina
pectoris, coronary insufficiency, atherosclerosis, thrombosis, or any other
cardiovascular or cardiopulmonary disease that would likely cause syncope,
dyspnea, collapse, or cardiac failure. No established medical history or
clinical diagnosis of cardiac or respiratory dysfunction likely to interfere with
the ability to wear a respirator.
2. Work Activity. A covered employee will routinely be required to: perform

moderate lifting, carrying, walking and standing; ascend or descend heights
in order to safely egress from a potentially hazardous area; wear a negative
pressure air-purifying respirator; operate a motor vehicle, including a 4-
wheel drive vehicle.
3. Rationale. Since covered employees may need to rapidly egress from heights
or depths, it is imperative that no established medical history of significant
cardiac or pulmonary disease exists. It is known that carrying heavy
equipment while ascending or descending great heights places an excess
burden on the cardio-pulmonary system. Therefore, it is imperative that the
cardio-vascular system be without significant pathology. Since a covered
employee is required to wear a negative pressure respirator, it is imperative
and required by OSHA standard 1910.134 that a physician medically
qualifies the employee to wear such a respirator. It is known that pre-existing
cardiac or respiratory disease can prevent an individual from wearing such a
respirator.
General Medical.
25-161
1. Requirement. No diagnosis of a medical condition that is likely to cause
significantly impaired performance or sudden incapacitation, e.g.
uncontrolled seizures, use of prescription medication that causes significant
sedation, or other significant impairment. When the consensus expert opinion
in OOMN determines that, for a given individual, the sedative properties of
that employee's required medication poses an unacceptable risk, the
employee will not receive full medical clearance. Appropriate job
restrictions will be considered. This does not apply to use of over-the-counter
medications.
2. Work Activity. Covered employees work in locations with known physical,

chemical and biological hazards. Covered employees often work alone in
isolated locations, may be required to work at heights, and often drive for
long periods of time in the course of their duties.
3. Rationale. Covered employees must work in an environment where sudden

incapacitation might endanger themselves or others. Therefore, covered
employees must be free of known medical conditions that are anticipated to
cause significantly impaired performance or sudden incapacitation.
25-162
APPENDIX B
MEDICAL EVALUATION REQUIREMENTS OF OSHA STANDARDS
Certain OSHA standards have medical surveillance requirements at prescribed intervals. For
example, the Occupational Hearing Conservation standard (29 CFR 1010.95) requires an annual
audiogram for employees who experience occupational noise exposure at or above the action
level of an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels. For most hazard exposures for which
the standard requires periodic medical surveillance, medical surveillance is required on an annual
basis and thus will exceed the standard frequency of the Periodic OSHA medical examinations
which occurs at three-year intervals.
Following are brief summaries of the medical surveillance/medical monitoring requirements for
each standard, as they might pertain to the duties of OSHA covered employees. These summaries
do not include specific details from the standards such as on which organ systems the physician
or licensed healthcare provider must focus when obtaining the medical histories or performing
the physical examinations.
________________________________________________________________________
Acrylonitrile 29 CFR 1910.1045: For exposures to acrylonitrile at or above the action level of 1
ppm as an 8-hour time-weighted average, this standard mandates a medical and work
history and a complete physical examination, a 14 x 17 inch postero-anterior chest
radiograph and a fecal occult blood test for employees 40 years of age or older at the time
of the work assignment and at least annually thereafter if the exposure continues. The
standard denotes organ systems and non-specific symptoms to which particular attention
is to be paid during the taking of the histories and performance of the physical
examination.
Asbestos (Construction and Shipyards) 29 CFR 1926.1101(m) and 29 CFR 1915.1101(m): These
standards require a medical and work history, physical examination, pulmonary function
test at least annually for exposures at or above the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for
30 or more days a year or exposed above the Excursion Limit.
Asbestos (General Industry) 29 CFR 1910.1001: When exposed at or above the PEL or above the
Excursion Limit, the employee is required to complete a standardized questionnaire (from
Appendix D of the standard) and have a physical examination annually. A postero-
anterior view chest radiograph of 14 X 17 inches is to be done based on length of
employment and age of the employee. This film is to be read by a B-reader.
Benzene (General Industry, Construction and Shipyards, respectively) 29 CFR 1910.1028, 29

CFR 1926.1129, 29 CFR 1015.1028: For employees exposed at or above the action level
for 30 or more days per year or at or above the PEL for 10 or more days per year, these
standards require initial and annual medical and work histories and physical examinations
and a complete blood count with differential and quantitative platelet count. Employees
who must wear respirators 30 or more days per year are required to have a pulmonary
function test at least every 3 years under these standards.
25-163
1,3-Butadiene 29 CFR 1910.1051: Employees exposed at or above the action level for 30 or
more days per year or at or above the PEL on 10 or more days per year or at or above the
Short-term Exposure Limit (STEL) on 10 or more days per year should have an annual
health questionnaire (from Appendix C of the standard or its equivalent), an annual
complete blood count with differential and platelet count, and a physical examination at
least every 3 years. The physical examination should be done more often if advised by
the physician or other licensed healthcare professional (PLHC) who reviews the
questionnaire and the results from the blood test.
Cadmium (General Industry, Construction, Shipyards and Agriculture, respectively) 29 CFR

1910.1027, 29 CFR 1026.1127, 29 CFR 1915.1027 and 29 CFR 1928.1027: Employees
who experience exposure to Cadmium at or above the action level for 30 or more days
during any 12 consecutive months should have medical surveillance provided at the
intervals required under the standards. Surveillance includes initial and periodic medical
and work histories and examinations, chest radiographs, pulmonary function tests, blood
tests, urinalysis and biological monitoring tests which include urine test for cadmium and
Beta-2 microglobulin and a blood test for cadmium. The first periodic medical
surveillance shall be provided within one year after the initial examination and then, at a
minimum, biennially.
Carcinogens 29 CFR 1910.1003, 29 CFR 1926.1103, 1915.1003: This group of standards for
general industry, construction and shipyards, respectively, require an annual medical and
work history and physical examination for employees who must enter, as part of their
assigned work, regulated areas at worksites where any of the 13 chemicals identified as
carcinogens are manufactured, processed, repackaged, released, handled or stored.
Chromium (VI) (General Industry, Construction and Shipyards, respectively): 29 CFR

1910.1026, 29 CFR 1926.1126, 29 CFR 1915.1026: These standards require initial and
annual medical history and physical examination for employees with exposure at or
above the action level for 30 or more days per year.
Coke Oven Emissions 29 CFR 1910.1029: For employees who are in the regulated area for at
least 30 days per year, the employer shall provide initial and annual medical and work
histories, a postero-anterior view chest radiograph, a pulmonary function test, weight,
physical examination of the skin, a urinalysis and urine cytology test.
Compressed Air 29 CFR 1926.803: Medical surveillance requirements for this standard were not
included in this summation because it is unlikely that OSHA covered employees will
enter a compressed air environment.
Cotton Dust 29 CFR 1910.1043: This standard requires annual medical surveillance for
employees exposed above the action levels set for cotton dust. Biennial surveillance is
required for those employees exposed below the action levels. The surveillance consists
of a medical history plus a questionnaire from Appendix B of the standard and pulmonary
function testing. Surveillance frequency is increased to every six months for employees
with specific pulmonary function test findings described in the standard.
25-164
1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane (DBCP) (General Industry, Construction and Shipyards) 29 CFR
1910.1044, 29 CFR 1926.1144, 29 CFR 1915.1044: initial and annual medical and work
histories, physical examination, blood serum test for FSH, LH, total serum estrogen (in
female employees) and a sperm count (in male employees) are required for employees
who work in regulated areas with occupational exposure to DBCP.
Ethylene Oxide 29 CFR 1910.1047, 29 CFR 1926.1147 (General Industry and Construction): For
employees exposed at or above the action level for 30 or more days per year, the
standards require initial and annual medical and work histories, physical examinations
and a complete blood count with differential.
Formaldehyde (General Industry, Construction and Shipyards): 29 CFR 1910.1048, 29 CFR

1926.1148, 29 CFR 1915.1048 – The standards require medical and work histories
initially and annually and physical examinations at the discretion of the physician based
on review of the medical history of employees with exposure to formaldehyde at or above
the action level or exceeding the STEL. An annual physical examination is mandated for
those employees who are required to wear a respirator. This evaluation must include a
yearly pulmonary function test.
Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (General Industry and Construction) 29
CFR 1910.120, 29 CFR 1926.65: The standard requires an annual or biennial medical and
work history and physical examination for employees exposed to hazardous substances at
or above the PEL, or if there is no PEL, at or above the published exposure levels for 30
or more days a year.
Inorganic Arsenic (General Industry, Construction and Shipyards) 29 CFR 1910.1018, 29 CFR
1926.1118, 1915.1018: For employees with exposure above the action level for 30 or
more days per year, an initial and annual medical and work history and physical
examination. The examination shall include a postero-anterior view chest radiograph of
14 X 17 inches in size.
Lead (General Industry and Shipyards) 29 CFR 1910.1025, 29 CFR 1915.1025: These standards
require medical surveillance for employees exposed above the action level for more than
30 days per year. The minimum requirements, if the blood lead level is less than 40
µg/100 g, include: ZPP and blood lead levels every six months, initial and annual medical
and work history, physical examination, the aforementioned blood tests plus a
hemoglobin and hematocrit, red blood cell indices, a peripheral blood smear with analysis
of morphology, BUN, creatinine, urinalysis with microscopic examination.
Lead (Construction) 29 CFR 1926.62: This standard requires an initial ZPP and blood lead level
for any employee who will be exposed on any day to lead at or above the action level. It
also requires medical surveillance for employees exposed at or above the action level for
more than 30 days in any consecutive 12 months. The minimum medical surveillance
consists of an annual medical and work history; physical examination plus tests including
the blood lead level and ZPP; a hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cell indices; analysis
of a peripheral blood smear for morphology; BUN, creatinine, and urinalysis with
microscopic examination. The blood lead level and ZPP are to be repeated every 2
25-165
months for the first six months and then every 6 months if the blood lead level remains
below 40 µg/dl. For employees whose blood lead levels are at or above 40 µg/dl, the
frequency of required tests is stated in the standard.
Methylene Chloride (General Industry and Construction) 29 CFR 1910.1052, 29 CFR

1926.1152: Periodic medical surveillance is required for employees with exposures at or
above the action level on 30 or more days per year or above the PEL on 10 or more days
per year or above the STEL on 10 or more days per year or through employee request
after a physician finds health conditions for which methylene chloride exposure puts the
employee at increased risk. The medical surveillance consists of annual updates of
medical and work histories and, for employees 45 years of age or older, annual physical
examinations; employees less than 45 years of age are to have physical examinations
every 36 months.
Methylenedianiline (General Industry and Construction) 29 CFR 1910.1050, 29 CFR 1926.60:

These standards require medical surveillance for employees with exposures at or above
the action level for 30 or more days per year or dermal exposure for 15 or more days per
year. The surveillance includes annual medical and work histories for issues pertinent to
methylenedianiline exposures, physical examination, blood tests for liver functions, and a
urinalysis. Medical surveillance is required for emergency exposures.
Occupational Noise Exposure 29 CFR 1910.95: This standard requires surveillance for noise-
induced hearing loss. The surveillance consists of a baseline and annual audiogram for
employees with noise exposure at or above an 8-hour TWA of 85 decibels. If the annual
audiogram shows a standard threshold shift, the employer may have the audiogram
repeated within 30 days.
Respiratory Protection (General Industry and Construction) 29 CFR 1910.134, 29 CFR

1926.103: These standards require administration and evaluation of a mandatory medical
questionnaire prior to fit testing or respirator use. If any of the answers to questions 1 to
8 in Part A, Section 2 of the questionnaire are positive, a medical examination is required.
There is no mandated periodicity for use of a respiratory questionnaire or medical
examination. The standards state situations that trigger the requirement for repeat
medical evaluations for respirator use.
Vinyl Chloride (General Industry and Construction) 29 CFR 1910.1017, 29 CFR 1926.1117:
According to these standards, employees exposed in excess of the action level are
required to have a medical and work history, a physical examination, blood tests for total
bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, SGOT, SGPT and GGT on an annual basis, and every six
months if over 10 years of exposure. Each employee exposed in an emergency shall be
afforded appropriate medical surveillance.
25-166
APPENDIX C
PROTECTING EMPLOYEE HEALTH AND SAFETY
The primary goals of the OSHA Medical Examination Program are to determine fitness-for-duty
and to provide medical surveillance for occupational exposures, as indicated. The intent of this
Program is to assure that OSHA covered employees are physically able to safely perform
assigned duties. In addition, the Program provides limited health promotion services that do not
replace the need for personal health care. Employees are encouraged to share examination
results with their personal physicians.
Annual Evaluations. All covered employees will receive annual medical evaluations (either in
the form of a Periodic Physical Examination or an Interim Medical Evaluation) that include, at a
minimum, medical surveillance for noise and medical clearance for respirator use. Employees’
occupational exposures that may require additional medical procedures/evaluation, for example,
prior silica or asbestos exposure warranting chest x-ray with B-reading, are evaluated as part of
the Periodical Physical Examination and whenever management reports to OOMN a potential
exposure that reaches an action level of an OSHA standard or another occupational exposure of
concern. The periodicity of these examinations and evaluations aims to improve the timeliness
of medical evaluations and of any accompanying recommendations for alterations in duty,
designed to protect employees.
Periodicity. This Program also reduces unnecessary testing for employees who are not likely to
benefit from annual, in-depth medical examinations, while maintaining and updating
recommended health safeguards. Unnecessarily frequent examinations may lead to false positive
results, additional unnecessary testing, anxiety and cost. The age-based frequency for
completing comprehensive physical examinations in this Program is consistent with current
occupational medicine practices. No other federal agency is known to currently perform annual
comprehensive physical examinations for all employees in medical programs. However, when
clinically indicated for OSHA covered employees with significant health conditions, the
frequency of medical screening will be adjusted, and some employees with continue with
comprehensive annual physical examinations. See the Table, below, for frequencies of physical
examinations conducted on inspectors in other federal agencies.
Regulatory Requirements: The implementation of an annual interim examination that includes a

hearing conservation program in accordance with the Occupational Noise Exposure standard 29
CFR 1910.95, annual medical clearance for respirator usage (29 CFR 1910.134), and interim
tuberculosis screening according to need ensures that all covered employees receive appropriate
occupational medical surveillance. Because OSHA employees are not reasonably anticipated to
encounter other occupational hazards that meet action levels for medical surveillance, they are
not required or recommended to receive additional annual medical surveillance.
Preventive Medical Services: The schedule of physical examinations in the OSHA Medical
Examination Program is also consistent with current public health standards of practice for
preventive medical services. Public health guidelines that address periodicity recommendations
for the general public no longer recommend an annual comprehensive medical history and
physical examination. In 1984, the US Public Health Service commissioned the United States
25-167
Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) to develop recommendations for clinicians on the
appropriate use of preventive services such as examinations, screening tests, counseling,
chemoprophylaxis and immunizations (http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstfix.htm#pocket). The
latest USPSTF recommendations and a medical literature search were referenced to ensure that
currently recommended preventive medicine services are included in the OSHA Medical
Examination Program described in this directive. The updated periodicity recommendations for
medical evaluations in this directive address many, but not all, public health recommendations
for preventive medical services. Recommended preventive services not covered by the OSHA
Medical Examination Program should be obtained through each employee’s personal health care
provider.
25-168
Interval (in years) Between Full Medical Examinations
for Federal Field Inspectors
by Age and Job Title
AGE OSHA MSHA EPA FDA4 DOI Surface
Inspector Mine Clean Air Consumer Mining
s1 Inspector Inspector Safety Reclamation
(not mine 3 Officer Specialist6
rescue) 2 Investigator 5
< 50 3 3 2 Not required 3
50 - 64 2 3 2 Not required 3
=> 65 1 3 2 Not required 3
1
OSHA. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. OSHA Medical Examination Program, 2009.
2
MSHA. Mine Safety and Health Administration. Administrative Policy and Procedures Manual, Volume IV,
Chapter 1000, 2005.
MSHA. Mine Safety and Health Administration. Personal communication: appropriate OSHA manager and
Occupational Physician. (5/14/08)
3
EPA. Environmental Protection Agency, Order number 1460.1. Occupational Medical
Surveillance Program. 1996.
EPA. Environmental Protection Agency. Personal communication: Dallas Regional Office
Health and Safety (6/08), Chief of EPA SHEMD Policy Programs and Oversight Branch.
(7/3/08)
4
FDA Consumer Safety Officer Inspectors who use respirators are required to have federal occupational health
medical evaluations for respirator use at 1-3 year intervals. This includes a questionnaire, vital signs, and pulmonary
function tests. Using a respirator is not mandatory.
5
FDA. Food and Drug Administration. Statement of Physical Ability to Perform CSO and CSI
Duties: Instructions to Agency. 1998.
FDA. Personal interview with Supervisory Consumer Safety Officer, New England Area, and
the FDA Office of Regulatory Affairs Safety and Occupational Health Manager, Rockville, Md.
(7/3/08)
6
DOI. Department of Interior. Individual Occupational Requirements for GS-1801: Surface
Mining Reclamation Specialist. Operating Manual for Qualification Standards for General
Schedule Positions. IV-B. 225, 1998.
DOI. Department of Interior. Personal communication with Assistant Director, Finance and
Administration Directorate, Land and Minerals Management, 6/30/08.
25-169
APPENDIX D
COMPONENTS OF MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS
(Based on the Office of Personnel Management

Single Agency Qualification Standard)
I. General. The medical examination required herein will be conducted by a physician

experienced in occupational medicine, preferably by a physician who is a member of the
American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. The examining
physician or institution will provide special instructional material (such as necessary
fasting periods or special eating instructions) to OSHA management which will in turn
provide this information to the examinee prior to the Periodic Physical Examination.
II. Medical History. Review of the employee’s history must be conducted in regard to
personal and family medical history and a work history including occupational exposures
to chemical and physical hazards.
Required Forms. Covered employees shall complete either the OSHA Medical
Program – Physician’s Report (OSHA-179) and OSHA Medical Program – Employee
History (OSHA-178) or the OSHA Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire
(Mandatory) (FOH-22) and provide them to the physician prior to the examination.
Both are multi-page forms for recording the affected OSHA employee’s medical and
occupational history.
Discussion with Physician. There shall be an examining room discussion between the
employee and the physician regarding medical history, with special attention given to
the questionnaire on hazardous occupational exposures.
III. Specific Examination Tests and Requirements. The physical examination should include,
but not be limited to, a review of the following: head and neck, including visual tests, an
examination of the eyes, ears, nose and throat, an examination of the respiratory,
cardiovascular and central and peripheral nervous systems, an examination of the
abdomen, a voluntary examination of the rectum and genito-urinary system, an
examination of the spine and other musculoskeletal systems, and an examination of the
skin. Specific tests/measurements to be obtained include:
Height and weight.
Temperature, pulse, respiration rate, blood pressure.
Eye examination, including:
25-170
1. Visual acuity, near and far.
2. Accommodation.
3. Field of vision.
4. Fundoscopic exam.
Cardiopulmonary evaluation, which shall include the following:
1. Resting twelve-lead electrocardiogram with interpretation.
2. Pulmonary Function Evaluation:
a. FVC, FEVl, FEVl/FVC ratio.
b. Permanent record of flow curves must be included in the patient’s

report.
3. Tuberculin skin test (TST) - a 2-step TST for all Pre-placement

examinations. A TST is offered yearly to employees who have had on-the-
job exposure to active TB.
4. Chest X-ray (PA) 14 x 17 inches
a. Required for all Pre-placement examinations.
b. Unless an employee's occupational exposure (see Appendix B)

reaches the action level at which medical surveillance is required,
follow-up chest x-rays are voluntary. Chest X-rays and B-read
examinations will be offered at the 10 year anniversary of
employment, then every 6-10 years, depending on exposure history.
Comprehensive laboratory profile, including:
1. Urinalysis (including microscopic if indicated).
2. Fecal occult blood test - optional unless employee has had exposure at or
above the action level to Acrylonitrile (see Appendix B and 1910.145).
3. CBC (complete blood count).
4. Test groups (done after 12-hour fast):
a. Chloride
b. Sodium
c. Glucose
d. Blood urea nitrogen
e. Creatinine
25-171
f.
LDH, AST, GGT, ALT
g.
Alkaline phosphatase
h.
Bilirubin
i.
Total protein
j.
Albumin and globulin
k.
Lipid Panel, including Triglycerides
l.
Potassium
m.
Calcium
n.
A blood lead when there is a history of lead exposure within the last 12
month
Audiometric Testing will be done in accordance with the OSHA Hearing
Conservation Program, PER 04-00-005, 06/23/08.
IV. Tests and Requirements for Examinations/Evaluations. See Table 1 for a delineation of
the specific tests and requirements of the Pre-placement Examination, the Periodic
Physical Examination, the Interim Examination, the Voluntary Physical Examination, and
the special requirements associated with SCBA medical clearance.
Table 1
Elements of Physical Examinations and Medical Evaluations
Pre- Periodic Interim SCBA

placement Physical Medical Clearance8
Examination Examination Evaluation7
(PPExam)
Questionnaire
OSHA Medical Program – Required Required
Physician’s Report
(OSHA-178)
OSHA Medical Program – Required Required9
Employee History (OSHA-
179)
7
Abnormalities discovered during this abbreviated examination may warrant a comprehensive physical
examination. Therefore, a full Periodic Physical Examination may be performed as directed by an OOMN
physician.
8
These tests are in addition to the requirements of the Periodic Physical Examination or Interim Medical Evaluation
that is being performed simultaneously with the SCBA clearance.
9
Everyone must answer all questions except items 10-15 on page 3. Those seeking SCBA clearance must complete
all items.
25-172

(PPExam)
OSHA Respirator Medical Required Required if >
Evaluation Questionnaire 6 months
(FOH-22) since
Test/Evaluation PPExam
Height Required Required
Weight Required Required
Temperature Required Required
Pulse Required Required
Respiration rate Required Required
Blood pressure Required Required Required
Eye examination,
including:
Visual acuity, near and Required Required

far
Accommodation Required Required
Field of Vision Required Required
Fundoscopic exam Required Required
Color Vision Required
Cardiopulmonary
evaluation, which shall
include the following
Resting twelve-lead Required Required
electrocardiogram with
interpretation
Pulmonary Function Required Required Required if Required if
Evaluation (spirometry) clinically clinically
indicated10 indicated4
FVC, FEVl, Required Required
FEVl/FVC ratio
Permanent record of Required Required
flow curves must be
included in the
patient’s report
10
Spirometry is required for employees 60 years of age or older and for those with asthma. Other clinical
indications may also warrant spirometry testing.
25-173

(PPExam)
Exercise Stress Test May be Required5
required11
Tuberculin skin test (TST)
1st step TST Required
2nd step TST Required
Chest X-ray (PA) 14 x 17 Required Voluntary12
inches
Chest X-ray B-read Voluntary6
Comprehensive laboratory Required Required
profile
Fecal occult blood test
CBC
Test Groups including,
but not limited to:
Lead
Audiometric Testing Required Required Required
11
Exercise Stress Tests are required for those age 40 or older and for others as clinically indicated.
12
A periodic chest x-ray and associated B-read are voluntary unless required for surveillance of an employee’s
occupational exposure (see Appendix B). If required, see Appendix B for frequency.
25-174
APPENDIX E
PRE-PLACEMENT EXAMINATION
I. Pre-placement Examination.
The Pre-placement Examination described in this instruction is mandatory for all

individuals seeking employment in positions whose duties entail possible exposures to
chemical, physical, or biological hazards (see paragraph VIII of this instruction). All new
hires are required to meet the medical requirements specified in this instruction.
Pre-placement Examinations are required for current employees who apply for and are
selected for one of the covered positions under this Program.
II. Failure to Meet Requirements. Failing to meet the physical and medical requirements
of this Program shall be considered disqualifying, i.e. the individual does not meet the
qualification requirements of the position.
III. Scheduling. The Pre-placement Examination will be scheduled at the direction of the
Regional Administrator or designee.
The Regional Administrator or his/her designee shall contact OOMN to initiate a Pre-
placement Examination.
Each region is to coordinate the Pre-placement physical examinations of applicants

who are located within its boundaries whether the candidate is to be hired by that
Region or another.
These examinations for current OSHA employees should be scheduled during the
employee’s normal working hours.
IV. Elements of Examination. The Pre-placement Examination will include a medical

history, occupational and exposure histories, a physical examination and other medical
tests as noted in Appendix D, Table 1.
V. Location of Examination. All Pre-placement Examinations will be done at a U.S.

Public Health Service, Federal Occupational Health (FOH) Center.
VI. Cost of Examination. Examinations will be provided free of charge to the applicant. If
a medical specialist’s opinion is needed in order to determine fitness-for duty, the costs
associated with obtaining this medical opinion will be the responsibility of the applicant.
VII. Records Management. In addition to the Records Management policies and procedures
established in paragraph XVI of this instruction, the following policies and procedures
apply to Pre-placement physicals.
The results of all examinations provided under this program are the property of the
Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and will be safeguarded in accordance with
25-175
the OPM regulations that all government agencies must follow to protect access to
employee medical records. (See OPM regulation 5 CFR 293, Subpart E.)
Additionally, the Director of the OSHA Office of Occupational Medicine is
responsible for assuring that all procedures for review and handling of medical
records are in accordance with OSHA standard 20 CFR 1910.20, “Access to
Employee Exposure and Medical Records.”
If the applicant is not hired into the position, his or her records will be retained by the
Agency for the duration of the time period necessary for National Office review, plus
an additional year. If no legal or administrative challenges are made regarding the
Agency’s handling of the file, the file will be retained in a secured central location
within the Office of Occupational Medicine and will be destroyed after the one-year
retention period. A log detailing the location and disposition of the records will be
maintained by the Office of Occupational Medicine.
25-176
APPENDIX F
COMPREHENSIVE REFERENCE LIST
American Academy of Audiology Task Force. Position Statement: Preventing Noise-

Induced Occupational Hearing Loss. American Academy of Audiology, 2003.
American Academy of Ophthalmology Preferred Practice Patterns Committee:

Preferred Practice Pattern Guidelines. Comprehensive Adult Medical Eye
Evaluation. American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2005.
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons Research and Scientific Affairs

Department: Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Compendium of Evidence-Based
Information and Resources. American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. 2004.
American College of Rheumatism. Recommendations for the Medical Management

of Osteoarthritis of the Hip and Knee. Vol. 43, No. 9, Sept. 2000. 1905-1915.
American Medical Association. Medical Evaluations of Healthy Persons. Council on

Scientific Affairs. JAMA 1983 Mar 25; 249 (12): 1626-1633.
Ashley EA, Raxwal V, FroelicherV. An evidence-based review of the resting

electrocardiogram as a screening technique for heart disease. Progress in
Cardiovascular Diseases, Vol. 44, No. 1, (July/August) 2001: 55-67.
Department of the Interior. Individual Occupational Requirements for Surface

Mining Reclamation Specialist. Operating Manual for Qualification Standards for
General Schedule Positions. IVB. 1999, 225.
Environmental Protection Agency. Order number 1460.1. Occupational Medical

Surveillance Program. 1996.
Food and Drug Administration. Statement of Physical Ability to Perform CSO and
CSI Duties: Instructions to Agency. 1998.
Lesho E, Gey D, Forrester G, Michaud E, Emmons E, Huyche E. The low impact of

screening electrocardiograms in healthy individuals: A prospective study and review
of the literature. Military Medicine; Jan 2003; 168, 15-18.
Macfarlane PW, Norrie J. The value of the electrocardiogram in risk assessment in

primary prevention: Experience from the west of Scotland Coronary prevention
study. Journal of Electrocardiology. 40 (2007) 101-109.
Mining Safety and Health Administration. Administrative Policy and Procedures

Manual, Volume IV, Chapter 1000, 2005.
The National Eye Institute, National Institute of Health. National Eye institute
Statements: Detection of Glaucoma. 2007.
25-177
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. National Institute of Health. Seventh
Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and
Treatment of High Blood Pressure, Hypertension 2003. 42: 1206-52.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institute of Health, National
Cholesterol Education Program. High Blood Cholesterol: What You Need to Know.
2005. (Pub. no. 05-3290).
Office of Personnel Management. Single Agency Qualification Standard: Compliance

Safety and Health Officer. 12/24/85.
OSHA Instruction PER 04-00-005, Hearing Conservation Program. 6/23/08.
OSHA Instruction PER 04-00-005, OSHA Medical Examination Program. 8/22/09.
Thompson JS, Gibbs JO, Reda DJ, McCarthy M Jr, Wei Y, Giobbie-Hurder A,
Fitzgibbons RJ Jr. Does delaying repair of an asymptomatic hernia have penalty? Am
J Surg. 2008 Jan; 195 (1): 89-93.
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Guide to Clinical Preventive Services, 2nd and
3rd eds. International Medical Publishing, 2002.
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for Coronary Heart Disease. Agency
for Healthcare Research and Quality. 2004.
25-178
APPENDIX G
PRE-PLACEMENT & PERIODIC PHYSICAL EXAMINATION FORMS
Each employee shall complete the OSHA Medical Program – Employee History (OSHA-178) as
part of the Periodic Physical Examination.
Candidates for covered positions shall also complete the OSHA Medical Program – Employee
History (OSHA-178).
The completed OSHA-179 and a copy of the OSHA Medical Program – Employee History
(OSHA-178) shall be presented at the FOH Health Center at the time of the first appointment.
For the current version of these forms refer to the OSHA Medical Examination Program
webpage at http://intranet.osha.gov/dts/LAP/dts/oom/medicalexam_program.html.
25-179
APPENDIX H
OSHA RESPIRATOR MEDICAL EVALUATION QUESTIONNAIRE
(FOH-22, APRIL 2009)
Each employee shall complete the OSHA Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire (FOH-
22) as part of the Interim Medical Evaluation.
 All employees complete the FOH-22 through the first 4 lines of page 7, except questions
10-15 on page 3, and bring it to the FOH Health Center on the day of the first
appointment.
 Employees required to use a full-face respirator or SCBA must complete the entire
respirator questionnaire (FOH-22) including questions 10-15 on page 3.
For the current version of this form refer to the OSHA Medical Examination Program webpage
at http://intranet.osha.gov/dts/LAP/dts/oom/medicalexam_program.html.
25-180
CHAPTER 26. DECONTAMINATION
I. Purpose
The effective and safe decontamination of personnel and equipment following entry into
contaminated environments is necessary and required to prevent continued exposures to
hazardous material.
II. Scope
This program applies to all occupational situations involving contamination of OSHA

employees, their equipment and vehicles.
III. Definitions
Contamination. The presence of a hazardous substance that is capable of causing

serious physical harm or death.
Decontamination. The removal and disposal of a hazardous substance from

personnel, equipment and vehicle.
Incident. An incident is defined as exposure occurrence.
Occupational Disease or Illness. Occupational Disease or Illness is defined as

acute/chronic serious physical harm produced by exposure related to the work
environment.
Recordable Case. As defined in 29 CFR 1904.7(a).
Responsible OSHA Manager will:
1. Ensure availability of appropriate decontamination equipment through

purchase, or rental agreement.
2. Ensure the use of proper decontamination methods for personnel, equipment

and vehicles.
3. Ensure employees are trained on the recognition of workplace contaminant

hazards, decontamination and disposal procedures.
4. Ensure completion of a post-evaluation of the decontamination and disposal

procedures. Document all findings and recommendations using an Incident
Investigation and Hazard Reporting Worksheet. (Chapter 2, Appendix B)
Employee will:
26-181
1. Recognize and identify those workplace hazardous conditions that may result
in contamination, decontamination and disposal.
2. Perform decontamination and disposal procedures.
3. Notify the responsible OSHA manager to obtain appropriate medical follow

up to determine whether any medical condition or adverse health effect has
occurred from a contamination incident.
4. Document all findings and recommendations using an Incident Investigation

and Hazard Reporting Worksheet. (Chapter 2, Appendix B)
Assistant Regional Administrator for Administrative Programs or equivalent will:
1. Provide assistance to Area and District Offices to facilitate the procuring of

necessary decontamination and disposal supplies.
2. Coordinate and communicate logistics with the Regional and National

Office.
Assistant Regional Administrator for Enforcement Programs or equivalent unit will:
1. Convey appropriate guidance about the rapid availability of soap and water
shower decontamination and other decontamination methods as identified in
advance of an event by the Regional Response Team.
2. Convey guidance from the Health Response Team or other reliable source
regarding appropriate decontamination with disposal procedures for
equipment and vehicle.
3. Communicate information to the National Office as necessary.
4. Assist in the SOL review and approval of any legal document.
V. Training
Employee will:
26-182
1. Employees shall be made aware that certain environments present a risk of
contamination. Examples include asbestos, silica, heavy metals, coke oven
batteries, smelter operations, hazardous waste sites and disabling
illness/injury or fatality worksites.
2. Employees shall be familiar with the decontamination procedures contained

within the OSHA Technical Manual, and those listed in specific OSHA
regulations (e.g. Bloodborne Pathogens, expanded health standards).
Periodic retraining shall be given as needed, but no longer than every two
years.
3. When disposal of items is required, employees shall be made aware of

disposal procedures following decontamination. The Office will consult with
local disposal authorities for any applicable disposal procedures.
VI. Procedures
General Procedures
1. To the extent possible, exposure to hazardous substances should be kept at a

minimum.
2. Professional judgment must be exercised in all situations, e.g. OSHA

employees should refrain from walking through areas of obvious
contamination.
3. Use of remote sampling techniques shall be used where feasible.
4. If exposure monitoring equipment cannot be decontaminated on site, it will

be bagged. Disposable PPE and equipment will be used where appropriate.
Pre-Inspection
1. Employees shall evaluate and identify the necessary personal protective

equipment (PPE) and safe work practice.
2. If PPE and safe work practice do not provide adequate protection.
a. The employee and the responsible OSHA manager will discuss the
safe work procedure to be followed to minimize the contamination.
b. If concerns are unresolved, the Assistant Regional Administrator for

Enforcement Programs or equivalent unit shall be consulted.
26-183
3. A site specific decontamination plan shall be established and documented.
4. Employees will not enter areas of potential contamination without

determining PPE and work practices necessary to prevent exposure.
On-Site Inspection
5. Anticipated Exposures
a. Where the employer has established decontamination procedures in

compliance with OSHA regulations, the OSHA representative will
follow the site procedures.
b. Where the employer has not established site decontamination

procedures or procedures are not in compliance with OSHA
regulations, the site specific decontamination plan will be followed.
6. Unanticipated Exposures
a. The exposed employee will immediately remove themselves from the

contamination area.
b. An evaluation will be performed to identify the contamination hazard.
c. The exposed employee will contact their responsible OSHA manager

for assistance to determine methods of decontamination. If
decontamination is infeasible or methods are not established, contact
the responsible OSHA manager.
d. All exposed employees will contact the responsible OSHA manager

for assistance in obtaining appropriate follow-up medical evaluation.
e. Employees exposed to biologic or radiation hazards, or who

experience symptoms of any type from any hazardous exposure, will
report immediately to the nearest emergency room or call 911 for
emergency transportation to the nearest emergency facility. The
employee will contact the responsible OSHA manager, who will
contact the Office of Occupational Medicine and Nursing (OOMN)
with information about the exposure and the location of the employee.
The OOMN Medical Officer will speak with the employee, if possible,
and with the treating physician during the emergency visit, and will
assist in arranging appropriate follow-up, as necessary.
f. If no injury or illness occurred, the incident will be documented on the

Incident Investigation and Hazard Reporting Worksheet as a near miss.
Post Inspection
26-184
1. An evaluation will be completed by the responsible OSHA manager to
determine the steps taken to minimize contamination for all exposures. That
evaluation will include a review of the following:
a. Work practices;
b. PPE;
c. Decontamination procedures; and
d. Disposal procedures.
2. The evaluation will be documented and appropriate actions will be taken to

ensure continued effectiveness of the program.
VII. Decontamination Procedures
Procedures for decontamination will be based on those required by OSHA

regulations, including the expanded health standards, 1910.120, and the Regional
Emergency Management Plan.
Where no decontamination procedures are required, good industrial hygiene

principles and safe work practices shall be followed. Examples include the OSHA
Technical Manual, AIHA’s Chemical Protective Clothing publications, and the
Center for Disease Control’s website pages on Emergency Preparedness and
Response.
Decontamination Plan shall include:
26-185
1. The number and layout of decontamination stations, if necessary.
2. The decontamination equipment needed.
3. Appropriate decontamination methods.
4. Procedures to prevent contamination of clean areas.
5. Methods and procedures to minimize worker contact with contaminants

during removal of personal protective equipment (PPE).
6. Methods for disposing of clothing and equipment that cannot be completely

decontaminated.
7. Proper disposal of waste generated from a decontamination procedure.
8. Decontamination procedures shall be monitored by the Area Office to

determine their effectiveness. Where determined to be necessary in the
decontamination plan, decontaminated articles, clothing or vehicles will be
tested to ensure the contaminants have been removed.
VIII. Investigation Review
All incident investigations will be conducted in accordance with Chapter 2 of the OSHA
SHMS Directive.
IX. Recordkeeping
Cases of contamination resulting in injuries or illnesses must be recorded on the

OSHA 300 per the recordkeeping guidelines.
All contaminations defined as incidents must be investigated and documented on an

Incident Investigation and Hazard Reporting worksheet. (Chapter 2, Appendix B)
26-186
APPENDIX A
DECONTAMINATION FOR BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS
I. General
In any situation, personnel should not needlessly place themselves in a situation where they may
have exposure, or their equipment/clothing become contaminated. Avoidance of exposure to
persons, clothing or equipment is critical for all compliance personnel, regardless of their
designation under the exposure control plan. PPE should not be used as a substitute for the
avoidance of exposure to blood or OPIM.
In emergencies (providing first aid or Good Samaritan acts), or other situations where contact
cannot be avoided, appropriate work practice controls, PPE, and other equipment must be used to
prevent exposure.
In cases where contact does occur, preventing the spread of contamination beyond areas of initial
contact is of utmost importance and appropriate steps need to be taken to prevent this spread.
Any known or suspected contact or contamination of persons, clothing, equipment or work areas
with blood or another potentially infectious body material (OPIM) must be addressed through
decontamination and appropriate follow-up procedures.
II. Procedures
Decontamination of body surfaces
26-187
1. When their hands or any other skin surface may have come in contact with
blood or OPIM, employees shall immediately wash with soap and water.
2. Antiseptic hand cleansers and towels, or antiseptic towellettes may be used to

wash with if access to soap or water is not immediately available.
Employees must, however, immediately wash skin surfaces with soap and
water as soon as it is available.
3. Employees must immediately flush their eyes or other mucous membrane

surfaces with water when they have come in contact with blood or OPIM.
4. Employees shall wash their hands (or other appropriate skin surfaces) after
removing or handling gloves, PPE or other coverings which were used to
protect against contact with blood or OPIM.
5. If skin contact is suspected, the employee must examine the affected area to
determine if an exposure incident may have occurred.
6. In accordance with the Office Exposure Control Plan, report all exposures
and exposure incidents to the responsible OSHA manager as soon as possible
and enact appropriate follow-up steps as called for in the Office Exposure
Control Plan.
Equipment and Clothing
26-188
1. All PPE and clothing which has had blood/OPIM contact will be removed
immediately or as soon as feasible. All PPE will be removed prior to leaving
the work area. All disposable PPE will be sealed within a red disposable bag
and discarded on-site if possible, or removed for disposition elsewhere by the
responsible OSHA manager or the office designee. If the PPE can not be
disposed of on-site, the employee will double bag it.
2. Where clothing has been penetrated through by blood/OPIM, the underlying

skin should be considered to have had exposure, and be treated appropriately
as described above in 2 (a).
3. Disposable protective equipment, including gloves, will never be washed or

decontaminated for reuse.
4. Gloves or other PPE shall be worn to prevent exposure when handling or

disinfecting contaminated equipment, PPE or clothing.
5. Employees shall wash their hands, (or other skin surfaces) after removing or
handling PPE, or other coverings which were used to protect against contact
with blood or OPIM.
6. vi) Any equipment, sampling pumps and surfaces over which OSHA has
control that may be contaminated will be promptly decontaminated by using
a solution of bleach containing from 1:10 -1:100 bleach (prepared daily)
and/or an appropriate EPA/FDA registered disinfectant.
7. vii) Any equipment that may be contaminated with blood will be placed in a
leak-proof container. Where the equipment may cause puncturing, it will be
placed in a puncture-resistant, leak-proof container. If the equipment is
disposable, it may be left on-site, if the site will be disposing of other
contaminated equipment.
8. viii) If regulated waste is generated, it will be placed in red bags and put in
the appropriate waste containers for disposal in accordance with applicable
regulations. For a definition of regulated waste see the Bloodborne
Pathogens standard 29 CFR 1910.1030 (b). If waste is not regulated waste, it
may be thrown out in the normal trash
Work Surfaces
Any work surface which has been contaminated by blood/OPIM will be promptly
disinfected using a 1:10 – 1:100 solution of bleach (prepared daily) and/or an
EPA/FDA registered sterilant.
26-189
1. Gloves or other PPE shall be worn to prevent exposure when handling or
disinfecting contaminated areas.
2. All waste generated during decontamination of work surfaces which is not

regulated waste may be thrown out in the normal trash.
3. Regulated waste will be placed in red bags and put in appropriate waste
containers for disposal in accordance with applicable regulations.
4. Employees shall wash their hands (or other skin surfaces) after removing or
handling PPE or other coverings which were used to protect against contact
with blood or OPIM.
Laundry
1. All contaminated articles of clothing that are not disposable will be laundered
according to the Office designated laundry service. The responsible OSHA
manager will be alerted any time laundering of contaminated clothing needs
to be performed. Contaminated clothing will be handled on a case-by-case
basis, in accordance with guidelines established by the Office.
2. The responsible OSHA manager and Bloodborne Pathogens Coordinator are

responsible for contacting a laundry facility to ensure that they are able to
handle this type of laundry.
3. Laundering of contaminated clothing/PPE will be performed in accordance

with the Office guidelines.
III. Post-Exposure Protocol
Following occupational exposure, employees will notify their responsible OSHA

manager and will then jointly contact the Office of Occupational Medicine and
Nursing (OOMN) immediately. If the OOMN Medical Officer, following discussion
with the employee, determines that a likely percutaneous, mucous membrane, or non-
intact skin exposure has occurred, the employee will report immediately to the nearest
emergency medical facility to initiate appropriate post-exposure prophylaxis, which
includes assessment of baseline HIV, HBC and HBV status, post-exposure
chemoprophylaxis as determined by the physician and employee, hyperimmune
globulin and full-series Hepatitis B immunization, as needed, and subsequent medical
follow-up with follow-up serologic testing at times and locations convenient to the
employee, None of the cost will be borne by the employee.
Hepatitis B vaccinations will be made available at no cost to OSHA employees, at a

reasonable time and place.
Post-exposure follow-up will be conducted for any employee who suffers an exposure
incident while performing duties on the job at OSHA.
26-190
1. Report to the responsible OSHA manager as soon as possible following an
exposure incident to enact the Office procedures for post-exposure follow-up.
2. If the responsible OSHA manager is unavailable, seek medical treatment

following an exposure incident, and enact appropriate provisions of the
Office post-exposure follow-up procedures. Make contact with the
responsible OSHA manager as soon as possible.
26-191
APPENDIX B
DECONTAMINATION PROCEDURES FOR TOXIC METALS AND PARTICULATE
I. General:
Employees may be required to enter environments containing heavy metals and

particulates during their regular course of duty. This document is designed to provide
guidance as to the proper decontamination of personnel, clothing and equipment if toxic
metals or particulates are encountered or are known to be present.
II. Definitions:
Decontamination The removal and disposal of a hazardous substance from personnel,

equipment and vehicles
Clothing Shall apply to any street or work attire worn by OSHA employees on
the job site including boots, hats, coveralls, and PPE
Equipment Shall mean any tools or items needed in the performance of the OSHA
employees’s job duties
Toxic Metals Toxic metals, including “heavy metals,” are individual metals and
metal compounds that negatively affect people’s health. Examples
include, but are not limited to, arsenic, beryllium, cadmium,
hexavalent chromium, lead, and mercury.
Particulate Tiny particles of solid or liquid suspended in a gas - They range in
size from less than 10 nanometers to more than 100 micrometers in
diameter. Examples include, but are not limited to, asbestos and dust.
III. Procedures:
If the site has adequate decontamination facilities, inquire as to the use of those
facilities by the OSHA employee.
1. If the site has adequate decontamination facilities, the OSHA employee

should make arrangements with the employer to utilize those facilities.
If the site does not have adequate decontamination facilities, the OSHA employee
should follow these procedures.
26-192
1. All equipment and outer personal protective equipment should have gross
contamination removed by physical means involving
dislodging/displacement, rinsing, vacuuming with a HEPA vacuum or wiping
off.
2. Bag all contaminated equipment and clothing in plastic bags.
3. Use disposable cleansing towels to clean hands, face, and all exposed skin
surfaces.
OSHA employee shall not use compressed air and/or heat shall not be used to remove
contamination.
OSHA employees routinely conduct lead inspections in general industry and on

construction work sites. Often times, there are inadequate facilities available to the
OSHA employee at the work site for proper removal of lead and other heavy metals
from skin and surfaces (e.g. sampling equipment), resulting in the potential for
OSHA employee exposure by the ingestion route and cross-contamination in
government vehicles, Area Offices and homes. To address this potential hazard, the
Office shall put together a decontamination kit that OSHA employees can take with
them in the field. The kit includes the following.
LEAD / METAL D-CON KIT
ITEM USE COST

D-WIPE TOWELS® skin, equip. decontamination 48.00
(12 cans, 48 towels)
FULL DISCLOSURE® skin, equip. decontamination 2 @ 29.95
verification (kit)
Moisturizing Shower skin, hair 13.00/4pk-8oz.
Gel®
Gloves hand protection 2 @ 9.27/BX100
Zip lock Bags (8” x 10”) disposal 2 @ 1.50/PK 25
*Zip lock Bags (XL) storage (clothing) 12 @ 3.00 ea. (est.)
*Water Spray Bottles misc. cleaning 2 @ 3.00 ea. (est.)
Paper Towels misc. cleaning 2 @ 1.00 ea.(est.)
Carry Case storage / transporting 2 @ 25.00 ea.(est.)
Toral cost per kit: $120.00 (est)
*Items need to be purchased at retail store.
26-193
APPENDIX C
DECONTAMINATION FOR BIOLOGICAL AGENTS
I. General
In the course of work activity, OSHA employees may be subject to contamination by

biological agents. Although exposure to many of these biological agents is unlikely and
generally unanticipated, care should be taken to identify the wide variety of potential
exposures that may be experienced. Unfortunately, a wide spectrum of biological
contaminants exists, most of which are outside the hazards normally anticipated with
compliance activities, but may be encountered in sites such as health care facilities and
research labs. As listed on OSHA’s Biological Agents – Safety and Health Topics, these
can include such diverse hazards as:
Anthrax
Avian Flu
Botulism
Foodborne Disease
Hantavirus
Legionnaires Disease
Mold and Fungi
Plague
Ricin
SARS
Smallpox
Tuberculosis
Tularemia
Viral Hemorrhagic Fever.
Q Fever
This wide spectrum of biological agents poses several potential problems to OSHA
employees, particularly because they represent:
- Significantly different risks and symptoms,
- Inhalation, ingestion and dermal routes of potential contamination, and
- Hazards that may not be anticipated until engaged in on-site activity.
Hazard Assessment: Of primary importance is early identification of the potential for exposure.
Any indication that biological agents may be encountered during inspection activities must be
taken seriously and research should be conducted on the specific agents, routes of transmission
and symptoms of exposure. For example, a hazard bulletin in 1998 highlighted the potential for
exposure to Legionnaire’s disease in the plastic injection molding industry. Requirement for
negative pressure isolation rooms may be the subject of health care facilities with active cases of
Tuberculosis. General infection control procedures may be the subject at a hospital or other
26-194
health care facilities. Contact with surfaces contaminated with mold may transmit mold spores
to equipment and ultimately to other (damp) surfaces that may promote their growth. Contact
with contaminated water, sewage or decaying animal remains may expose an OSHA employee to
a wide variety of bacteria and viruses.
II. Procedures:
Pre-Inspection
If a biological agent is referenced in the complaint / referral, or there is any indication

the inspection activity may involve biological agents, the responsible OSHA manager
should be notified and research on the specific agents(s) conducted before initiating
the inspection.
Inspection Activities
In health care settings, appropriate infection control procedures, such as a negative

pressure isolation room for TB control, should be evaluated as soon as possible and
without exposure to areas currently holding patients with active cases of contagious
disease.
When feasible, contact with surfaces and liquids (waste water) with the potential of
contamination with biological agents will be avoided.
When contact with potentially contaminated surfaces is necessary for collection of

samples or inspection related activities, appropriate PPE, including rubber gloves,
will be worn, decontaminated or discarded.
Post Inspection
If exposure to a biological agent is suspected, it shall be reported to the responsible

OSHA manager who will refer for to a health professional for appropriate medical
treatment.
Decontamination
Unless research has identified specific decontamination procedure guidelines, OSHA

“General Decontamination” – Quick Card should be followed for potential skin,
clothing, equipment and surface decontamination. These guidelines include a
qualitative assessment of the level of contamination and the use of solutions
containing from ¼ to 1 ½ cups of bleach per gallon of water (prepared daily) and/or
an EPA/FDA registered sterilant.
26-195
APPENDIX D
OSHA GENERAL DECONTAMINATION QUICK CARD
General Decontamination
Floodwaters may be contaminated with sewage and decaying animal and human remains.
Disinfection of hands, clothing, tools/equipment, and surfaces in work areas is critical in disease
prevention.
Hand Decontamination
 Wash hands completely with soap and water.

 Rinse completely; dry with a clean towel or air dry.
Clothing, Tool/Equipment Decontamination
 It is preferable to use soap and clean water when available.

 If only contaminated water is available, mix 1/4 cup bleach per gallon of water.
 Immerse objects in solution for 10 minutes; if clothing, gently agitate periodically.
 Transfer objects to hand wash solution for 10 minutes; if clothing, gently agitate
periodically.
 Allow clothes and tools/equipment to thoroughly air dry before re-use.
Severe Surface Decontamination
 Use for decontaminating only the most seriously affected surfaces.

 Mix 1 and 1/2 cups bleach per gallon of water.
 Douse surfaces with heavy contamination and allow to sit for 3 minutes.
 Wipe the contamination from the surface with a paper towel and douse the surface again
but use the hand wash solution.
 Wipe off residual contamination with a paper towel.
Important Considerations
 Use gloves and eye protection.

 Prepare bleach solutions daily and allow to stand for at least 30 minutes before use.
 All containers should be labeled "Bleach-disinfected water, DO NOT DRINK."
CAUTION: Do not mix bleach with products containing ammonia.
 Do not immerse electrical or battery operated tools/equipment in solutions; clean exterior
with a soft cloth dampened with soap and water or disinfectant solution.
 Follow electrical or battery operated equipment manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning.
It may be necessary to remove equipment from service for decontamination.
26-196
26-197
CHAPTER 27. EXPOSURE MONITORING
I. Purpose
(SHMS) Exposure Monitoring Program. The policies and procedures in this Program are
intended to set broad expectations for “self-monitoring” to prevent employee illness,
injury or death from exposure to chemical and physical health hazards. OSHA expects
Regions, DTSEM, and DTE to develop specific procedures that align with this Program
as needed.
This Program is also intended to identify if OSHA employee exposures indicate a need
for short or long term medical intervention to prevent or respond to hazardous exposures.
These procedures describe when and how to collect exposure data from select
participating employees. OSHA may also use this self-monitoring data to make broad
determinations about all covered employees’ exposure history.
II. Scope
This chapter applies to all OSHA employees covered by the OSHA Field Safety and
Health Manual, (i.e., Covered Employees).
III. References
29 Code of Federal Regulations Section 1910.1020, Access to Employee Exposure

and Medical Records
Register 54:3904-3916 Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines; Issuance

of Voluntary Guidelines, January 26, 1989
OSHA Instruction TED 01-00-015, OSHA Technical Manual, January 20, 1999
OSHA Chemical Sampling Information on-line file
OSHA Technical Manual, Section II, Chapter 1, Personal Sampling for Air
Contaminants, Appendix M
OSHA Field Safety and Health Manual, Chapter 2, Safety and Health Management
System
OSHA Field Safety and Health Manual, Chapter 12, Hazard Communication
OSHA Field Safety and Health Manual, Chapter 16, Hearing Conservation Program
OSHA Field Safety and Health Manual, Chapter 25, Medical Management
Agency Loan Equipment Program (ALEP) catalog
NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
27-198
ACGIH: Threshold Limit Values (TLVs®) and Biological Exposure Indices
(BEIs®).
Regional Administrators/Directorate Directors (RAs/Directors) are responsible for

each employee’s work-related safety and health in the Region/Directorate and will:
1. Implement this Exposure Monitoring program in their Region/Directorate

and develop specific procedures if necessary.
2. Support self-monitoring when setting performance expectations and

developing policies and procedures.
3. Provide managers with the authority and resources necessary to carry out
their responsibilities in the OSHA Exposure Monitoring Program.
4. Develop formal procedures to ensure employees are trained and that

exposure data is annually reviewed and disseminated to affected employees
and the SHMS Executive Steering Committee (ESC).
5. Request assistance from the SLTC’s Health Response Team for

investigations and inspections with the potential for exposure to chemical or
physical hazards when the Region/Directorate does not have the resources to
safely assess or conduct work activities.
Safety and Health Committees (SHCs) and equivalent for SLTC, CTC, and DTE are
responsible for tracking and evaluating field personnel exposures and will:
1. Evaluate over-exposure incidents to determine if appropriate protections

were used and what follow-up may be needed. This evaluation is not for
disciplinary purposes.
2. Consult DTSEM’s Office of Occupational Medicine and Nursing (OOMN)

when medical expertise is needed.
3. Review at least annually Region/SLTC/CTC/DTE exposure data for trends

and lessons learned.
4. Conduct an annual program review and make appropriate recommendations.
OOMN will provide consultation for OSHA field personnel in accordance with
Chapter 25, Medical Management.
Area Directors (AD) and equivalent for SLTC, CTC, and DTE are responsible for
implementing this Program in each Area Office/SLTC/CTC/DTE and will:
27-199
1. Ensure exposure-monitoring data is collected and recorded by field staff and
reviewed by supervisors.
2. Ensure sampling media and direct reading equipment is readily available.
3. Train employees on hazardous chemicals, as directed by the Regional Hazard

Communication Program and Chapter 12, Hazard Communication.
4. Ensure training is provided for all sampling equipment used.
5. Ensure the Regional SHC/equivalent for SLTC/CTC/DTE is notified of all

overexposures.
Employees covered by the OSHA Field Safety and Health Manual (Covered
Employees) will participate in the OSHA Exposure Monitoring Program and will:
27-200
1. Exercise professional judgment to determine where potential exposures exist
for themselves as well as for employees working on site. OSHA employees
may decide to self-monitor even if not required by this Program See Section
V.A.1 for required monitoring.
2. Contact their supervisor for guidance if they are unsure about performing
monitoring prior to spending time in an area.
3. Perform necessary personal monitoring, wipe sampling, or bulk sampling of

occupational health exposures.
4. Complete sampling documentation in the OSHA Information System (OIS),

see Appendix B, OIS Data Entry.
5. Notify the Assistant Area Director or other appropriate supervisor when self-
sampling exposure levels exceed a published Occupational Exposure Limit
(OEL) or when experiencing signs and symptoms of exposure.
6. Review the establishment’s Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) and/or chemical

inventory in accordance with other provisions in the
Regional/SLTC/CTC/DTE Safety and Health Program (e.g. Hazard
Communication Program) during the opening conference to evaluate the
potential exposures that may be encountered during the inspection.
V. Exposure Data Collection Procedures
Covered OSHA employees will monitor their exposures to hazardous chemicals, noise,
radiation, and other physical hazards. Self-monitoring may include full shift monitoring,
screen sampling, passive sampling, and direct reading sampling. Covered employees will
use professional judgment to determine the appropriate sampling method. When
conducting joint safety and health inspections, follow generally accepted industrial
hygiene practices.
Sample results are compared to the most protective Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL)
among the following: OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL), the American
Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Value
(TLV), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Recommended
Exposure Limit (REL), or thespecific manufacturer’s OEL.
Based on exposure monitoring data reviews, OOMN may request additional exposure
monitoring, in coordination with OSHA’s Field SHMS National Labor-Management
Steering Committee, to support a special chemical, noise, or other physical agent
exposure study, using appropriate measures to prevent exposure.
Self-Monitoring for Hazardous Chemicals
Covered Employees will perform self-monitoring for hazardous chemical exposure

where appropriate, based on both professional judgment and the following conditions:
27-201
1. Self-monitoring is required when:
a. A company’s employees are potentially exposed to chemicals at

hazardous levels that justify taking air samples for measurement.
Covered Employees at the location (e.g. in a joint safety and health
inspection effort) may self-monitor, even if not taking samples from
the company’s employees.
b. Covered Employees have potential for exposure, and
c. At least one of the following is true:
i. The chemical is covered by an expanded health standard.
ii. The chemical is a carcinogen.
iii. The chemical has poor warning properties.
iv. The chemical has a high odor threshold (e.g. difficult to

detect by smell).
v. The chemical has an unusually low OEL, for example <1

ppm or the mg/m3 equivalent (see the OSHA Technical
Manual, Section II, Chapter 1, Personal Sampling for Air
Contaminants, Appendix M, to convert between ppm and
mg/m3).
vi. The chemical has a skin designation from an above OEL.
Note: The above decision policy is also available in Appendix C as a flowchart.
2. Self-monitoring is not required under the previous conditions IF one or more

of the following conditions are met:
a. Covered Employees are not in the immediate area where work is being
conducted.
b. The chemical has a low volatility or is not part of the process where it
is easily aerosolized.
Note: If it is determined that self-monitoring is not required due to the above, the
Covered Employee needs to document the specific reason in a location designated by the
RA/Director (e.g., case file).
3. Covered Employees may self-monitor any time they decide it is warranted.
Self-Monitoring for Noise
27-202
In most situations, self-monitoring for noise is not required. Real time self-
monitoring, e.g. a sound level meter, is required when noise levels may exceed
expected levels; it is used to determine when hearing protection is not adequate and
the situation requires a change in location or proactive hearing protection. Noise
exposure data will provide the Covered Employee with real time information to
determine the need for additional hearing protection or distance from the source
before causing hearing loss. Covered Employees may self-monitor for noise
exposure any time they believe it is necessary.
Covered Employees will enter all noise exposure monitoring data into OIS.
The OSHA Hearing Conservation Program requires the use of personal protective
equipment (PPE) and Audiometric examinations. Audiometric examinations are
conducted during routine medical evaluations. See OSHA SHMS Manual Chapter
16, Hearing Conservation Program, for additional information.
Self-Monitoring for Other Physical Hazards
Covered employees will perform monitoring for physical agents (e.g. radiation,
thermal stress). Covered employees will enter monitoring data results into OIS.
1. When Covered Employees encounter a situation where radiation or thermal

stress is present, they will contact their supervisor to determine the need and
appropriate method for self-monitoring.
2. Covered Employees may arrange for self-monitoring any time they believe it
is necessary.
VI. Exposure Records
Exposure Records
An “employee exposure record” is defined in 29 CFR 1910.1020. For purposes of

this Program, the information contained in the OIS self-sampling records constitutes
an employee exposure record. The employee exposure record shall be recorded as
outlined in Appendix B.
Access to Exposure Records
Covered Employees will have access to their own employee exposure records without
the need for submitting a formal, written request for the records.
Exposure Records Availability
27-203
1. Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. §552, exposure
monitoring records, regardless of where they are stored or maintained, might
be released in response to requests from various parties. In most cases, the
Covered Employee’s name and Compliance Safety and Health Officer
(CSHO) ID number will be redacted, based on Exemption 6 (information
about specific individuals in “personnel and medical files and similar files”
when the disclosure of such information would constitute a clearly
unwarranted invasion of personal privacy) and/or Exemption 7(c) (records or
information compiled for law enforcement purposes to the extent that such
information could reasonably be expected to constitute an unwarranted
invasion of personal privacy) of the Freedom of Information Act.
2. The Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U.S.C. §552a, is not generally applicable to

establishment case files. The Privacy Act permits an individual to seek access
to only his/her own records and only if that record is maintained by the
Agency within a system of records and retrieved by the individual requester’s
name or personal identifiers.
3. If an inspection case is contested, exposure monitoring information might be

released during the discovery process. Exposure monitoring information
would be made accessible to the parties involved in the litigation (the
establishment inspected and, if they have elected party status, the union
representing the employees at the establishment), their attorneys and the
judge. Under discovery, it is unlikely that the covered employee’s name or
CSHO ID number could be redacted.
VII. Exposure Follow-Up
During a site visit, if covered employees recognize that they may be overexposed,
they will take appropriate steps to remove themselves from risk and minimize further
exposure. The primary action following such an exposure is to implement controls to
reduce or prevent additional exposure.
Covered Employees will notify their manager, who will notify the applicable OSHA
Field SHMS SHC whenever there is a known or suspected overexposure, see Chapter
2, Safety and Health Management System, Section IV, Incident
Reporting/Investigation Procedures.
The applicable SHC will review any known or suspected exposure incident and
determine if the case should be referred to the Director of OOMN, who will
determine the need for further medical evaluation. Medical surveillance may be
provided to employees exposed at levels greater than established occupational
exposure limits or experiencing signs and symptoms of exposure as determined by
OOMN.
27-204
The applicable SHC may make recommendations regarding current and future use of
appropriate personal protective equipment, administrative controls, and work
practices to the appropriate OSHA management.
VIII. Training
All Covered Employees must receive training annually on:
The requirements contained in this Program.
Exposure data collection methods, data collection equipment.
Trends and lessons learned from the applicable SHC annual review.
The specific substances referenced in Appendix A, Chemical Exposure Hazards to

ensure familiarity and provide references on where to obtain additional information.
How to enter self-monitoring data into OIS.
Additional training is necessary if conditions such as data collection methods change.

Retraining will occur when the supervisor determines that a Covered Employee does not
possess adequate understanding or skill to self-monitor and/or prevent exposure to
hazardous chemicals.
IX. Data Tracking and Retention
Covered Employee exposure records are established and entered into OIS. Appendix B,
Creating a CSHO Sampling Record - OIS Instructions, is detailed and includes screen
shots for correctly completing the form and accessing records in OIS. A paper file need
not be created because the electronic records are maintained in OIS for the required 30
years. See 29 CFR 1910.1020(d)(i)(ii). CSHOs may create paper copies for their own
records.
27-205
APPENDIX A
CHEMICAL EXPOSURE HAZARDS
I. Chemicals covered by an expanded OSHA health standard
Carcinogens: 4-Nitrobiphenyl; alpha-Naphthylamine; Methyl chloromethyl ether; 3,3’-

Dichlorobenzidine and its salts; bis- Chloromethyl ether; beta-Naphthylamine; Benzidine;
4-Aminodiphenyl; Ethyleneimine; beta-Propiolactone; 2-Acetylaminofluorene; 4-
Dimethylaminoazobenzene; and, N-Nitrosodimethylamine.
Asbestos Cotton dust

Vinyl chloride 1,2 –dibromo-3-chloropropane
Inorganic arsenic Acrylonitrile
Lead Ethylene oxide
Chromium (VI) Formaldehyde
Cadmium Methylenedianiline
Benzene 1,3-Butadiene
Coke Oven emissions Methylene chloride
II. Chemicals with poor warning properties, high odor thresholds, very low OELs, or
special interest chemicals (this list is not all inclusive)
Chemicals covered by NEPs, LEPs, REPs or any other specific targeting program
Silica Carbon tetrachloride

Beryllium Chloroform
Carbon monoxide Dichlorobenzene
Hydrogen sulfide Ethylene oxide
Pharmaceutical dusts Formamide
Isocyanates Heptane
Acetylene Diacetyl
N-bromopropane Styrene
27-206
APPENDIX B
CREATING A CSHO SMAPLING RECORD—OIS INSTRUCTIONS
The CSHO sampling record is entered as an ATAR inspection in OIS. The Area Office
establishment should have been previously created and all CSHO sampling records should use
that establishment.
Creating a CSHO Sampling Record
Most CSHO sampling records are associated with an inspection. Enter the associated inspection
first, and then enter the sampling record inspection (ATAR inspection).
Generate a new inspection in OIS. Use the previously created establishment for your office. It is
important that CSHO sampling records for each office be associated with the same area office
establishment record. If you believe an establishment has not been created for your office,
request the system admin or designated person create an establishment for your office using the
guidelines in the section below “Creating an Area Office Establishment in OIS”
Site Info Tab
Select the “Search” button in the “Establishment Information” section.
In the “Establishment Name/DBA Name” field, enter USDOL%. (You may enter state, county,
city or other criteria to narrow the search.).
Alternatively, if you know the OIS Establishment ID for your area office, you may search for
that ID number.
Highlight your area office establishment and click the “Select Establishment” button. If there are
duplicate establishments for your area office, notify your supervisor or system administrator so
they can initiate an establishment clean-up according to established procedures.
Parent Company Information: BLANK

Site Address: The site address of the associated inspection where the self-
sampling took place.
Site Information
Site Activity: The main employee activity sampled.
Temporary/Fixed: Temporary
NAICS: 926150
Employment Information:
Employed in Estab: Number of OSHA employees in your office.
Covered by Inspection: Zero (No inspection must have zero covered employees)
Controlled by Employer: 99999
Employees Walk Around: No
Employees Interviewed: No
Union: Yes
Current Federal Contractor: No
27-2
Related Activities Tab
Multi -Employer Inspections: Add all inspections associated with the sampling
performed. There is normally at least one inspection
associated – the inspection associated with the employee
sampling performed by the CSHO that initiated the self-
sampling.
Inspection Dates Tab
Inspection dates for CSHO sampling should be the same as
the associated employer inspection dates and times.
Inspection Type Tab
Initiating Type: Other-ATARs
Secondary Types: NONE
Emphasis Programs ALL BLANK
Inspection Category: Appropriate to the discipline of the CSHO
Sampling Performed: Yes
Scope of Inspection: No Inspection
Reason No Inspection: Other
Explanation: CSHO Self-Sampling
Strategic Plan Activity: BLANK
Contact Info Tab
Employees Contacted: Add all names of OSHA employees sampled during this
sampling session. Normally, the job title will be “CSHO”
OIS Sampling Sheets
Complete OIS sampling sheets according to established guidelines. CSHO self-sampling is
normally a one-time exposure. In this normal case, use the following information for the
Employee/Area Record:
Sampled Subject: Enter first and last name of OSHA employee sampled –
address information is not required.
Sampled Employee Job
Number of Employees Exposed: Number of OSHA employees involved in sampling
Job Title: CSHO or other appropriate title
Occupation Title: INSPECTORS AND COMPLIANCE OFFICERS
EXCEPT CONSTR.
Exposure of person monitored: Not Typical
Explain: CSHO Self-Monitoring
Frequency: Single Exposure (normally)
Exposure Duration: Length of sampling with appropriate Unit for Duration
Creating an Area Office Establishment in OIS
This is a one-time step and should be completed by one person in the office—e.g., the system
administrator or other designated person. It is important to complete this step prior to entering
CSHO sampling data as all inspections entered will use the same establishment to facilitate ease
of tracking and data collection. Office managers and supervisors should be familiar with the
27-3
Area Office establishment. Once it is created, this file will help new staff create CSHO Sampling
Records and also help Regional Safety and Health Committee personnel when data is needed for
committee review.
THIS STEP IS ONLY DONE ONCE PER OFFICE.
First search to ensure an establishment has not already been created. From the main OIS screen,
click “Search Establishment”. Enter the search criteria:
“USDOL%” in the “Name” field.
In the “Address” section, select the appropriate State, County, and/or City to narrow the search.
There should be only one establishment for each Area Office to ensure all sampling records for a
particular office are accurately recorded. If an OIS establishment record for your office has
already been created, use or modify that establishment. If multiple establishments have been
created for your area office, clean up the establishment records so that only one record remains
and is used by all staff.
If an establishment record has not been created for your office, click the Create Establishment
button from the search screen:
Enter the information for your office:
Establishment Name: “USDOL OSHA”

Doing Business as Name: Your Office Name; e.g., “Boise Area Office”
Federal EIN: 530199187
NAICS: 926150
Business & Mailing Address: Your office business and mailing address.
These are normally the same address.
Ownership Type: Federal Government
Legal Establishment Type: LEAVE BLANK
27-4
Federal Agency Code: 1102 – OSHA
Leave other fields at their default value.
When finished, click Save.
27-5
APPENDIX C
SITE VISIT CHEMICAL SELF-MONITORING DECISION FLOW CHART
1
See section V.A.2.
2
For chemicals with poor warning properties, high odor, or low OELs, see Appendix A
27-6
APPENDIX D
PASSIVE SAMPLERS
Below is a partial list of chemicals that may be sampled using passive samplers.
OSHA Validated Methods Manufacturer Validated Methods

2-Butanone (methyl ethyl ketone, MEK) 1,2-Dichloroethene (1,2-dichloroethylene)
Benzene 1-Bromopropane (propyl bromide)
Ethyl benzene 1-Methylcyclohexanol
Hexone (methyl isobutyl ketone [MIBK]) Acetone
Hydrogen cyanide Acrylonitrile
Isobutyl acetate Benzene
Methyl ethyl ketone (2-butanone) Dichloromethane (methylene chloride)
Methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK), (hexone) Ethyl methacrylate
m-Xylene Ethylene oxide
n-Butyl acetate Halothane
Nitrous oxide Isoflurane
o-Xylene Methyl acrylate
Perchloroethylene (tetrachloroethylene) Methyl t-butyl ether (MTBE)
p-Xylene Methylene chloride (dichloromethane)
sec-Butyl acetate n-Butyl acetate
Styrene n-Pentane
t-Butyl acetate Perchloroethylene (tetrachloroethylene)
Tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene) Propyl bromide (1-bromopropane)
Toluene Styrene
Trichloroethylene t-Butyl methyl ether (MTBE)
Tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene)
Trichloroethylene
Vinyl acetate
27-7

OSHA Safety Code

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

OSHA Safety Code

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

OSHA Safety Code

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

OSHA Field

Safety and Health

DIRECTIVE NUMBER: ADM 04-00-003 EFFECTIVE DATE: 5/06/2020

Purpose: This Instruction establishes a Safety and Health Management System

References: Occupational Safety and Health Act, Public Law 91-596

Presidential Executive Order 12196 of February 26, 1980

Title 29: Subtitle B--Regulations Relating to Labor: Chapter XVII

Department of Labor Manual Series (DLMS) 4, Chapter 800, DOL Safety

See also Reference paragraphs in individual chapters.

State Impact: None. For State reference only.

Action Offices: OSHA Regions, Directorate of Technical Support and Emergency

Contact: Office of Science and Technology Assessment

By and Under the Authority of

CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................. 1-1

I. PURPOSE ........................................................................................................................... 1-1

I. MANAGEMENT COMMITMENT AND LEADERSHIP .............................................................. 2-3

I. PURPOSE ......................................................................................................................... 3-15

I. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ........................................................................................ 4-29

I. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ........................................................................................ 5-32

I. PURPOSE ......................................................................................................................... 6-34

I. PURPOSE ......................................................................................................................... 7-42

I. PURPOSE ........................................................................................................................... 8-1

I. PURPOSE ........................................................................................................................... 9-9

I. PURPOSE ....................................................................................................................... 10-15

I. PURPOSE ....................................................................................................................... 11-21

I. PURPOSE ....................................................................................................................... 12-25

I. PURPOSE ....................................................................................................................... 13-28

I. PURPOSE ....................................................................................................................... 14-40

I. PURPOSE ....................................................................................................................... 15-44

I. PURPOSE ....................................................................................................................... 16-48

I. PURPOSE ....................................................................................................................... 17-64

I.PURPOSE ....................................................................................................................... 18-80

I. PURPOSE ..................................................................................................................... 19-100

I. PURPOSE ..................................................................................................................... 20-115

I. PURPOSE ..................................................................................................................... 22-123

I. PURPOSE ..................................................................................................................... 23-135

I. PURPOSE ..................................................................................................................... 24-137

I. PURPOSE ..................................................................................................................... 25-140

I. PURPOSE ..................................................................................................................... 26-181

I. PURPOSE ..................................................................................................................... 27-198

This Instruction applies OSHA-wide.

Occupational Safety and Health Programs, Presidential Executive Order 12196,

Regulations Relating to Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration,

Note: See also Reference sections for individual chapters.

OSHA Regions, Directorate of Technical Support and Emergency Management,

V. Federal Program Change

VI. Changes to Existing MOUs

I. Management Commitment and Leadership

This SHMS establishes the framework of a continuing process for providing

Roles and Responsibilities

a. The Assistant Secretary bears responsibility for the health and

b. The National Field Safety and Health Steering Committee consists

a. Support the Regions in the implementation of the SHMS, e.g. provide

b. Maintain oversight of SHMS.

c. Review and submit, to National Field Safety and Health Steering

d. Review Annual SHMS Self-Evaluations submitted by the Regions and

e. Compile and maintain injury/illness/incident reports and analyze

f. Provide safety and health performance updates on a semi-annual basis

i. Regional progress towards safety and health goals;

ii. Regional percent completion of mandatory training;