Powered industrial trucks, commonly called forklifts or lift trucks, are used in many industries, primarily to move materials. They can also be used to raise, lower, or remove large objects or a number of smaller objects on pallets or in boxes, crates, or other containers. Powered industrial trucks can either be ridden by the operator or controlled by a walking operator. Over-the-road haulage trucks and earth-moving equipment that has been modified to accept forks are not considered powered industrial trucks.

What are the hazards associated with operating powered industrial trucks?

There are many types of powered industrial trucks. Each type presents different operating hazards. For example, a sit-down, counterbalanced high-lift rider truck is more likely than a motorized hand truck to be involved in a falling load accident because the sit-down rider truck can lift a load much higher than a hand truck. Workplace type and conditions are also factors in hazards commonly associated with powered industrial trucks. For example, retail establishments often face greater challenges than other worksites in maintaining pedestrian safety. Beyond that, many workers can also be injured when (1) lift trucks are inadvertently driven off loading docks; (2) lifts fall between docks and an unsecured trailer; (3) they are struck by a lift truck; or (4) they fall while on elevated pallets and tines.

It is a violation of Federal law for anyone UNDER 18 years of age to operate a forklift or for anyone OVER 18 years of age who is not properly trained and certified to do so. Download the Sticker [47 KB PDF, 1 page].

What can be done to reduce the hazards related to powered industrial trucks?

Determining the best way to protect workers from injury largely depends on the type of truck operated and the worksite where it is being used. Employers must ensure that each powered industrial truck operator is competent to operate a powered industrial truck safely, as demonstrated by the successful completion of the training and evaluation specified in 29 CFR 1910.178(l)(1).

How can OSHA Help?

OSHA has developed this webpage to provide workers and employers useful, up-to-date information on powered industrial trucks. For other valuable worker protection information, such as Workers’ Rights, Employer Responsibilities and other services OSHA offers, read OSHA’s Workers page.

Sample Daily Checklists for Powered Industrial Trucks. Prepared by OSHA and the Industrial Trucking Association (ITA) Alliance. OSHA notes that this checklist and related graphics were developed in cooperation with the ITA as part of the OSHA-ITA Alliance.

Sample Daily Checklists for Powered Industrial Trucks. Prepared by the UAW-Ford National Joint Committee on Health and Safety. OSHA thanks the UAW-Ford National Joint Committee on Health and Safety for granting permission to use the checklists and related graphics.

Protecting Young Workers: Prohibition Against Young Workers Operating Forklifts. OSHA Safety and Health Information Bulletin (SHIB), (September 30, 2003). Informs employers that youth employment regulations (29 CFR 570) promulgated under the Fair Labor Standards Act prohibit most employees under the age of 18 years from operating forklifts for non-agricultural operations and reminds employers that all forklift operators must be trained and certified.

http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/poweredindustrialtrucks/

Want Water With That face Shield?

Face shield protection is an important part of personal protective equipment (PPE). OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1910.133 gives the requirements for employers to follow on the appropriate use and selection of face shields and protective eyewear. OSHA relies on ANSI to provide manufacturing standards for face shields as well as other eye and facial protective equipment. The manufacturing standard is ANSI Z87.1 and is titled, “American National Standard Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection.” The ANSI manufacturing standards for face shields includes testing for impact and optical clarity. Face shields are primarily designed to protect the face from flying objects, molten metal, liquid chemical splash, bodily fluids and potentially injurious light radiation.

The most current ANSI standard for eye and face protection is ANSI Z87.1 – 2010. Changes for the 2010 revision include the following:

• More emphasis on specific hazard as opposed to protector type
• Impact standards were changed from “basic impact” and “high impact” (2003 standard) to “non-impact” and “impact” (2010 standard)
• Greater side to side and top to bottom coverage
• New testing for splash, dust and fine dust

The ANSI 2003 standard states that face shields are considered secondary eye protection and must be used in conjunction with safety glasses or goggles. The 2010 standard does not distinguish between primary and secondary eye protection. Most manufacturers of face shields suggest using safety glasses or goggles underneath face shields for additional eye protection.

OSHA recognizes the revised 2010 standard. OSHA also recognizes the 2003 and 1989 (R1998) ANSI standards for eye and face protection. By recognizing the 2003 and 1989 standards, employers are allowed to continue to use eye and face shield protection products meeting the 2010, 2003 or 1989 (R1998) standards.

Face Shield Visor Materials

Face shield visors are constructed from several types of materials. These materials include polycarbonate, propionate, acetate, and PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol). It is important to select the proper visor for the work environment.

Polycarbonate – Polycarbonate material provides the best impact resistance and heat resistance of all visor materials. Specialty polycarbonate visors are also used for arc flash protection and high heat and radiation protection. Polycarbonate also provides chemical splash protection and holds up well in extremely cold temperatures. Polycarbonate is generally more expensive than other visor materials.

Acetate – Acetate provides the best clarity of all the visor materials and tends to be more scratch resistant. It also offers chemical splash and may be rated impact protection.

Propionate – Propionate material provides better impact protection than acetate while also offering chemical splash protection. Propionate material tends to be a lower price point than both acetate and polycarbonate.

PETG – PETG offers chemical splash protection and may provide impact protection. PETG tends to be the most economical option for face shield choices.

ANSI does not provide a standard that applies to chemical splash protection or chemical resistance. The manufacturer of the face shield is the best source for information on chemical resistance testing.

Some face shield visors come in steel or nylon mesh material. Mesh visors provide good airflow for worker comfort and are typically used in the logging and landscaping industry to protect the face from flying debris when cutting wood or shrubbery.

Specialty Face Shield Protection

Specialty face shields for arc flash, heat, radiation, and welding protection are available as well. Specialty shields such as these may need to meet specific requirements and it is generally best to contact a safety supply provider such as Grainger technical support to determine what protective shield will be most appropriate for your application or need.

Arc Flash – These face shields are used for protection against an arc flash. The requirements for arc flash protection are provided by National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in the NFPA’s 70E standard. Face shields are included in this standard and must provide protection based on Arc Thermal Performance Value (ATPV) which is measured in calories per square centimeter (cal/cm²). The calorie rating will need to be determined first in order to be able to select the shield that will provide the best protection. In determining the level of protection needed for your job or task, some methods available to you are; referring to the NFPA 70E-2012 Article 130 tables 130.4 ( C )(a) or (b), 130.7 ( C )(15)(a) and 130.7 ( C ) (16) or Annex D. Another option is to use an industry accepted software program or use a consulting firm to complete the risk assessment.

Heat and Radiation – There are face shields that will provide protection against heat and radiation. These face shields prevent burns by filtering out intense ultraviolet and infrared radiation. They are made from polycarbonate with special coatings. An example of this would be adding a thin layer of gold film to increase reflectivity.

Welding – Shaded welding face shields provide protection from UV and Infra-red radiation generated when working with molten metal. The shades usually range from Shade 2 – 14 with Shade 14 being the darkest shade. Refer to Quick Tips #109: Welding Safety for more information and proper selection of welding face shields.

When selecting a face shield or any other PPE, OSHA suggests conducting a worksite hazard assessment. OSHA provides guidelines in 29 CFR 1910 Subpart I Appendix B on how to evaluate worksite hazards and select the proper PPE. After selecting the proper PPE, employers should provide training to workers on the correct use and maintenance of their PPE. Proper hazard assessment, PPE selection and training can significantly reduce worker injuries and ensure a safe work environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

• ANSI Z87.1 – 2003 AND 2010
• 29 CFR 1910.133
• Elvex FAQ Face Protection
• Quick Tips #109: Welding Safety
• 
  http://www.plasticsintl.com/datasheets/PETG.pdf
  
• 
  http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/safetyhealth/comp3.html
  
• 
  http://www.osha.gov
  
• 
  http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=10120
  

  “Those hydraulics wont fail, Will they?”

Make Heavy Machinery Safety a Priority
Getting your workforce to operate machines safely and effectively requires a commitment from the top. Start by setting clear safety expectations.Then, work to provide the resources, motivation, and accountability you’ll need to ensure ongoing participation.

Implement a safety policy
Develop, distribute and enforce guidelines and policies that support your commitment to heavy machinery safety. Ask new employees to sign off on safety rules. Then, revisit those rules frequently to ensure they remain top-of-mind with your workforce. Download the following rules to use with your employees or as a guide in developing your own set of safety rules.

Template: Heavy Machine Operator Safety Rules

Get managers and supervisors on board
When managers and supervisors elevate safety to a company value it becomes contagious. Here are some of the things your management team can do to make safety a natural and effective part of your company culture:

• Provide sufficient staffing, funds, time and equipment so employees can work safely and efficiently.
• Demonstrate safe attitudes and lead by example.
• Strive to involve every employee with safety.
• Hold every employee accountable for safety and evaluate performance accordingly.
• Comply with all governmental agencies, insurance carriers and internal procedures.
• Ensure industry best practices are applied.
• Observe work activities to detect and correct unsafe actions.
• Brief employees on new hazards before they start work.
• Assist Human Resources in reviewing employment applications, post-offer employment physical reports and personnel files to determine physical qualifications for specified job classifications.
• Make transitional duty options available for injured employees.
• Consistently enforce safety rules and regulations, programs and protective measures.
• Work with the safety coordinator, safety committee and employees to implement new and maintain ongoing safety programs and comply with recommendations from outside consultants, OSHA inspectors and insurance companies.
• Acknowledge employees who work safely and set a good example for others.
• Review safety policies annually.

Turn employees into safety champions
Your employees have a vested interest in making the environments they work in safe and healthy. By involving them in your safety efforts, you’ll gain first-hand insight into potential hazards and problem resolution. What’s more, you’ll gain champions more willing to support and promote wellness and safety initiatives. Here are some tips to help get your workforce behind your safety program:

• Encourage employees to take an active role in safety by joining committees, coordinating safety activities, or other responsibilities.
• Provide a method for bottom-up communication to management.
• Provide quality training that is real, and applicable to the specific needs of the employees.
• Communicate expectations clearly.
• Require employees to sign off and acknowledge safety rules, policies and guidelines. Employees will be safe if their supervisors and managers model safe behavior.
• Maintain equipment well, and respond to maintenance requests by employees.
• Perform surprise and scheduled inspections.
• Investigate incidents and make positive changes.
• Develop a fraud-resistant incentive plan.
• Thank employees for a job well done.

Hand and power tools are a common part of our everyday lives and are present in nearly every industry. These tools help us to easily perform tasks that otherwise would be difficult or impossible. However, these simple tools can be hazardous and have the potential for causing severe injuries when used or maintained improperly. Special attention toward hand and power tool safety is necessary in order to reduce or eliminate these hazards.

Hand and power tool hazards are addressed in specific standards for the general industry, shipyard employment, marine terminals, longshoring, and the construction industry.

OSHA Standards

This section highlights OSHA standards, directives (instructions for compliance officers), and standard interpretations (official letters of interpretation of the standards) related to hand and power tools in the workplace.

Note: Twenty-five states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands have OSHA-approved State Plans and have adopted their own standards and enforcement policies. For the most part, these States adopt standards that are identical to Federal OSHA. However, some States have adopted different standards applicable to this topic or may have different enforcement policies.

General Industry (29 CFR 1910)

• 1910 Subpart P, Hand and portable powered tools and other hand-held equipment
  • 1910.241, Definitions
  • 1910.242, Hand and portable powered tools and equipment, general
  • 1910.243, Guarding of portable powered tools
  • 1910.244, Other portable tools and equipment

1910 Subpart R, Special industries

• 1910.266, Logging operations [related topic page]

1910 Subpart T, Commercial diving operations [related topic page]

• 1910.422, Procedures during dive

Shipyard Employment (29 CFR 1915)

• 1915 Subpart H, Tools and related equipment
  • 1915.131, General precautions
  • 1915.132, Portable electric tools
  • 1915.133, Hand tools
  • 1915.134, Abrasive wheels
  • 1915.135, Powder actuated fastening tools
  • 1915.136, Internal combustion engines, other than ship’s equipment

Marine Terminals (29 CFR 1917)

• 1917 Subpart C, Cargo handling gear and equipment
  • 1917.51, Hand tools

Longshoring (29 CFR 1918)

• 1918 Subpart G, Cargo handling gear and equipment other than ship’s gear
  • 1918.69, Tools

Construction Industry (29 CFR 1926)

• 1926 Subpart I, Tools – hand and power
  • 1926.300, General requirements
  • 1926.301, Hand tools
  • 1926.302, Power-operated hand tools
  • 1926.303, Abrasive wheels and tools
  • 1926.304, Woodworking tools
  • 1926.305, Jacks-lever and ratchet, screw, and hydraulic
  • 1926.306, Air receivers
  • 1926.307, Mechanical power-transmission apparatus

Directives

• 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart T — Commercial Diving Operations. CPL 02-00-151, (2011, June 13). Provides guidelines for the occupational safety and health standards for commercial diving operations, 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart T.

• Logging Operations, Inspection Procedures and Interpretive Guidance Including Twelve Previously Stayed Provisions. CPL 02-01-022 [CPL 2-1.22], (1996, September 27). Clarifies enforcement policies for the logging operations standard (29 CFR 1910.266), including paragraph (e) “Hand and portable power tools”.

• Logging Operations, Inspection Procedures and Interpretive Guidance. CPL 02-01-019 [CPL 2-1.19], (1995, March 17). Contains inspection and compliance information for hand and portable powered tools used in logging operations.

• Explosive Actuated Fastening Tools. STD 01-13-002 [STD 1-13.2A], (1985, December 9). Provides specific interpretation as to when magazine-fed, explosive power operated hand tools are considered “loaded”.

• Search all available directives.

Standard Interpretations

• D’AX wheels are to be guarded as cutting saws. (1998, June 22).

• Use of insulated hand tools. (1996, July 30).

• Letter requesting interpretation of the OSHA electrical standards as they apply to employees using insulated hand tools. (1996, May 20).

• The Canadian Standards Association, a nationally recognized testing laboratory, marking and double insulated tools. (1995, September 1).

• Certification of manufactured products intended for use in the workplace. (1994, December 14).

• All electric tools need to be tested by a qualified national testing laboratory and be listed and labeled. (1994, January 28).

• Use of general protective equipment and tools by employees when working near exposed energized conductors or circuit parts in the workplace. (1991, December 27).

• Marking recognition, regulations and policy of double insulated power tools. (1985, November 8).

• Applicability of 1910.212(a)(3)(ii) to Portable Pneumatic Powered Fastener Tools. (1985, March 25).

• Clarification that a safety device to automatically cut off the flow of compressed air applies only to pneumatic power tools. (1983, June 6).

• Pneumatic tools must be designed and used in accordance with good engineering practices. (1982, April 8).

• Clarification of 1910.212 and 1910.242 as applying to hand-type office paper cutters and sharp edged hand tools. (1976, September 15).

• Search all available standard interpretations.

Hazards and Solutions

Many workers are unaware of the potential hazards in their work environment, which makes them more vulnerable to injury. The following references aid in recognizing and controlling hand and power tool hazards in the workplace.

• Small Business Handbook. OSHA Publication 2209-02R, (2005). Also available as a 260 KB PDF, 56 pages.

• Hand and Power Tools. OSHA Publication 3080, (Revised 2002). Also available as a 171 KB PDF, 32 pages. Includes information on the dangers of hand and power tools and safety precautions.

• Carbon Monoxide Hazards from Small Gasoline Powered Engines. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Workplace Safety and Health Topic.

• NIOSH Update: NIOSH Pursues Hand-Vibration Studies to Understand, Address Risks. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), (2003, June 3). Announces that NIOSH is pursuing studies to help fill critical research gaps linking vibrating hand tools with worker injuries and point to ways for effectively reducing risks of hand-vibration disorders for employees who use jackhammers, chipping hammers, power drills, and other vibrating tools.

• NIOSH Numbered Publications: Hazard Controls . US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Published series for wood dust:
  • Control of Wood Dust from Horizontal Belt Sanders. Publication No. 96-121, (1996).
  • Control of Wood Dust from Shapers. Publication No. 96-122, (1996).
  • Control of Wood Dust from Automated Routers. Publication No. 96-123, (1996).
  • Control of Wood Dust from Large Diameter Disc Sanders. Publication No. 96-124, (1996).
  • Control of Wood Dust from Random Orbital Hand Sanders. Publication No. 96-125, (1996).
  • Control of Wood Dust from Orbital Hand Sanders. Publication No. 96-126, (1996).
  • Control of Wood Dust from Table Saws. Publication No. 96-127, (1996).

• Hand/Power Tools. National Ag Safety Database (NASD). Links to several informative documents covering machinery safety and hand/power tools.

Additional Information

Related Safety and Health Topics Pages

• Construction Industry

• Compressed Gas and Equipment

• Electrical

• Ergonomics

• Machine Guarding

Training

• Small Business Handbook. OSHA Publication 2209-02R, (2005). Also available as a 588 KB PDF, 56 pages.

• Construction Industry Safety and Health Outreach Program. OSHA, (1996, May). Table of contents for OSHA construction outreach materials. One of the sections contains information on hand and power tools.
  • Hand and Power Tools. Discusses that the employer is responsible for the safe condition of tools and equipment used by employees but the employees have the responsibility for properly using and maintaining tools, (2006, May).

Other Resources

• Working Outdoors in Warm Climates [74 KB PDF^*, 2 pages]. OSHA Fact Sheet, (2005, September).

This workplace seems to have taken the term ‘earthing connection’ (Grounding) literally with potentially lethal consequences for anyone in the vicinity.

1. PDF]

   Grounding Requirements for Portable Generators – OSHA

   www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data…Facts/grounding_port_generator.pdf

   File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat – Quick View
   frame of a portable generator need not be grounded … frame may serve as the ground (in place of the earth): … Proper grounding and bonding are a means …

2. [PDF]

   Using Portable Generators Safely – OSHA

   www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data…Facts/portable_generator_safety.pdf

   File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat – Quick View
   Make sure a generator is properly ground- ed and the grounding connections are tight. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for proper grounding methods.

3. Ground-Fault Protection on Construction Sites – OSHA

   www.osha.gov/doc/outreachtraining/htmlfiles/gfcicon.html

   Insulation and grounding are two recognized means of preventing injury during …. that the equipment grounding conductor is connected to its proper terminal. … on a two-wire, single-phase portable or vehicle-mounted generator rated not …

Putting up the Christmas tree. Yes, the lower person is standing on a chair under the cherry picker basket.

While this is not a workplace it still highlights the dangers of using powered equipment and working at heights.

Why Safety is important, even while not working!

In 2008, the Bureau of Labor Statistics‘ Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) reported 88 fatalities occurred in the year 2007 from scaffolds, staging. More… [42 KB PDF, 5 pages]. In a Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) study, 72% of workers injured in scaffold accidents attributed the accident either to the planking or support giving way, or to the employee slipping or being struck by a falling object. All of these can be controlled by compliance with OSHA standards. More… [118 KB PDF, 4 pages.] Scaffolding is addressed in specific standards for the general industry, shipyard employment, marine terminals, and longshoring.

OSHA Standards

This section highlights OSHA standards, Regulatory Agenda (a list of actions being taken with regard to OSHA standards), preambles to final rules (background to final rules), and directives (instructions for compliance officers).

Note: Twenty-five states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands have OSHA-approved State Plans and have adopted their own standards and enforcement policies. For the most part, these States adopt standards that are identical to Federal OSHA. However, some States have adopted different standards applicable to this topic or may have different enforcement policies.

General Industry (29 CFR 1910)

• 1910 Subpart B, Adoptionand extension of established federal standards
  • 1910.16, Longshoring and marine terminals
• 1910 Subpart D, Walking-working surfaces [related topic page]
  • 1910.25, Portable wood ladders
    • 1910.25(d)(2)(i)
  • 1910.28, Safety requirements for scaffolding
  • 1910.29, Manually propelled mobile ladder stands and scaffolds (towers)
• 1910 Subpart Q, Welding, cutting, and brazing [related topic page]
  • 1910.252, General requirements
    • 1910.252(b)(1)(i)
• 1910 Subpart R, Special industries
  • 1910.272, Grain handling facilities [related topic page]
    • Appendix A, Grain handling facilities

Shipyard Employment (29 CFR 1915)

• 1915 Subpart E, Scaffolds, ladders and other working surfaces
  • 1915.71, Scaffolds or staging
  • 1915.77, Working surfaces
    • 1915.77(c)
• 1915 Subpart G, Gear and equipment for rigging and materials handling
  • 1915.114, Chain falls and pull-lifts
    • 1915.114(d)
• 1915 Subpart P, Fire protection in shipyard employment
  • 1915.509, Definitions applicable to this subpart

Marine Terminals (29 CFR 1917)

• 1917 Subpart A, Scope and definitions
  • 1917.1, Scope and applicability
• 1917 Subpart F, Terminal facilities
  • 1917.119, Portable ladders
    • 1917.119(f)(2)
      • 1917.119(f)(2)(i)

Longshoring (29 CFR 1918)

• 1918 Subpart C, Gangways and other means of access
  • 1918.24, Fixed and portable ladders

Regulatory Agenda

• The OSHA Regulatory Agenda contains an entry related to scaffolds in shipyards.

Preambles to Final Rules

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Shipyard Employment(1996)
  • Summary and Explanation of Final Rule
• Search all available preambles to final rules.

Directives

• Shipyard Employment “Tool Bag” Directive. CPL 02-00-142, (2006, August 3). Provides guidance to OSHA for implementing intervention and inspection programs to reduce or eliminate workplace hazards in shipyard employment.
• Longshoring and Marine Terminal “Tool Shed” Directive. CPL 02-00-139, (2006, May 23). Provides consistent information and ensures consistent enforcement of OSHA’s marine cargo handling industry standards.
• Search all available directives.

Construction

For information related to construction, see OSHA’s Scaffolding – Construction page.

Hazards and Possible Solutions

The following references aid in recognizing scaffolds and the hazards associated with scaffolding in the workplace.

• Scaffolding. OSHA eTool. Includes FAQs, glossary, hazards and possible solutions for many types of scaffolding.
  • Suspended Scaffolds. Indicates requirements for two-point (swing stage) scaffolds, as well as single-point adjustable, multi-point adjustable, catenary, interior hung, needle-beam, multi-level, and float (ship) scaffolds.
  • Supported Scaffolds. Indicates requirements for frame scaffolds, as well as mobile, pump jack, ladder jack, tube coupler and pole scaffolds.
• Shipyard Employment. OSHA eTool. Describes common hazards and possible solutions for tasks performed during the ship repair process.
  • Scaffolds (Staging). Provides general requirements for all scaffolds and also includes information on specific types of scaffolding.
  • Aerial Lifts. Replaces traditional shipyard scaffolding.
• Key Switch Controlled Elevating and Rotating Aerial Lifts. OSHA Technical Information Bulletin (TIB), (2002, April 11). Also available as a 15 KB PDF, 3 pages. Alerts users that the subject lifts should only be operated when the operational mode switch key is inserted in the switch, unless the key is otherwise readily available and immediately accessible for use; and to provide recommendations for employers that own the subject aerial lifts.
• Using Aerial Lifts [21 KB PDF^*, 1 page]. OSHA Fact Sheet, (2005, October).
• Keeping Workers Safe During Clean Up and Recovery Operations Following Hurricanes. OSHA, (2005, September). Includes information such as news releases, public service announcements, fact sheets, frequently asked questions, and more.
• Use of Aerial Lifts. Hurricane eMatrix.
• Aerial Lifts Safety Tips Quick Card. OSHA Publication 3267, (2005). Also available as a 19 KB PDF, 1 page. Includes a list of safe work practices for aerial lifts.
• Selected Occupational Fatalities Related to Vehicle-Mounted Elevating and Rotating Work Platforms as Found in Reports of OSHA Fatality/Catastrophe Investigations. OSHA, (1991, July). Studies OSHA fatality/catastrophe investigation reports from 1986-1990 and includes summaries of individual reports, as well as analysis of data and recommended preventive measures.
• Mast Climbers Fundamentals of Safe Use – Ground Conditions Fact Sheet [80 KB PDF^*, 1 page]. OSHA and Scaffold Industry Association (SIA) Alliance, (2011, April). Provides information to ensure that the ground under the mast climber is solid and secure and that it remains safe during erection or dismantling of the structure.
• Mast Climbers Fundamentals of Safe Use – Tying to the Structure Fact Sheet [24 KB PDF^*, 1 page]. OSHA and Scaffold Industry Association (SIA) Alliance, (2011, April). Provides information to ensure that the method of tying the unit to the structure is properly planned and executed and that it remains safe during erection or dismantling of the structure.
• Mast Climbing Work Platform Safety Tips [101 KB PDF^* - 101 KB, 1 page]. OSHA and Scaffold Industry Association (SIA) Alliance, (2010, March). Also available as a 58 KB PDF^* (Portuguese version) and a 103 KB PDF^* (Spanish version). Addresses issues associated with the safe and proper use of Transport Platforms.
• Transport Platform (TP) Safety Tips [38 KB PDF, 1 page]. OSHA and Scaffold Industry Association (SIA) Alliance, (2009, October). Also available as a 27 KB PDF^* (Portuguese version) and a 44 KB PDF^* (Spanish version). Addresses issues associated with the use of mast climbing work platforms such as fall hazards and stable erection.
• Aerial Devices – Vehicle-Mounted Elevating & Rotating Work Platforms [167 KB PDF^*(English/Spanish), 2 pages]. OSHA and Altec Alliance, (2008, August). Provides information in English and Spanish to help employers inform their employees about the hazards with working on aerial devices and identifies guidelines for employees to follow.
• Aerial Equipment – Electrical Hazards [165 KB PDF^*(English/Spanish), 2 pages]. OSHA and Altec Alliance, (2008, August). Provides information in English and Spanish to help employers inform their employees about the electrical hazards associated with working on aerial devices and identifies guidelines for employees to follow.
• Operator Training for Aerial Equipment [160 KB PDF^*(English/Spanish), 2 pages]. OSHA and Altec Alliance, (2008, August). Provides information in English and Spanish to help employers identify the training recommended for employees on the inspection and operation of aerial equipment.
• Protect Yourself: Aerial Devices – Vehicle-Mounted Elevating & Rotating Work Platforms [167 KB PDF^*(English/Spanish), 2 pages]. OSHA and Altec Alliance, (2008, January). Provides information to help employers inform their employees about the hazards with working on aerial devices and identifies guidelines for employees to follow.
• Protect Yourself: Aerial Equipment – Electrical Hazards [165 KB PDF^*(English/Spanish), 2 pages]. OSHA and Altec Alliance, (2008, January). Provides information to help employers inform their employees about the electrical hazards associated with working on aerial devices and identifies guidelines for employees to follow.
• Protect Yourself: Operator Training for Elevating Equipment – General Training Guidance [160 KB PDF^*(English/Spanish), 2 pages]. OSHA and Altec Alliance, (2008, January). Provides information to help employers identify the training recommended for employees on the inspection and operation of elevating equipment.

Additional Information

Related Safety and Health Topics Pages

• Crane, Derrick, and Hoist Safety
• Fall Protection
• Sealant, Waterproofing, and Restoration Industry
• Walking/Working Surfaces

Training

• Scaffolding. OSHA. Provides training and reference materials.
  • Scaffolding. Slide Presentation, 50 slides. Also available as a 786 KB PPT.
    • Speaker notes [855 KB PDF^*, 50 pages].

What’s wrong with this picture?  Would you weld like this??

More than 365,000 individuals sustain welding-related eye injuries annually. The welding industry is rated number one among all industries for the highest number of eye injuries. Based on a Prevent Blindness America report (www.preventblindness.org), eye injuries accounted for approximately 15 percent of total injuries and accounted for more than three times the number reported in the construction industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 365,000 individuals become victims of eye injuries that are related to welding activities, at an estimated cost to employers of more than $467 million annually.

This article will address recommended personal protective equipment, OSHA guidelines, and ANSI standards for protective eyewear and apparel for the welding industry. After a quick review of the most common types of welding and welding-related activities, we will examine protective eyewear and apparel for the industry.

Welding is uniting two or more pieces of metal by using heat or, sometimes, pressure. Types of welding:

• Gas welding uses a combination of electric arc and gas to fuse metal surfaces together. For example, MIG (Metal Inert Gas) or TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding is common for more detailed work. Both use an inert gas such as argon or carbon dioxide, along with a consumable metal rod or wire to complete the weld.
• Arc welding uses an electric arc to heat, melt, and mix molten deposits of the coated electrode to create the metal bond.

Other possible injury sources related to welding are encountered in oxygen and arc cutting, which are sometimes used to sever or remove metal in welding. Additionally, torch soldering and brazing are related activities required of welders.

All PPE assessments should begin with a hazard evaluation. The Occupational Safety & Health Administration supports that the first hazard assessment procedure be given to engineering controls to remove or reduce sources of any possible injuries. After this assessment is completed, remaining potential hazards and sources of injuries will need to be identified.

Many PPE manufacturers can be a source for surveys with specific questions to help in obtaining the necessary information for making the most appropriate recommendations for eye, hand, and body requirements.

Eyewear
Let’s first examine protective eyewear considerations for welding. Perhaps the high number of welding-related eye injuries can be contributed to welding requirements that involve exposure to hot metal (molten) slag, vapors, fumes, flying particles, and infrared and ultraviolet radiation. ANSI defines optical radiation to include both UV and IR rays, which vary on the light spectrum in regard to their level of intensity (nanometer, nm). The opportunity for injuries is increased when welding at above “eye level” distances.

Welding environments require a combination of protective eyewear or goggles to be worn in combination with helmets to provide adequate protection. Torch soldering, brazing, and cutting activities may require only protective eyewear or goggles. Maximum orbital seal is essential to protect the eyes from harmful optical radiation. Dielectric (no metal parts) frames are necessary for welders near electrical systems to avoid possible arc flash burns.

Because UV and IR rays are not visible, exposure can go undetected. Overexposure to harmful optical radiation occurs within seconds of looking directly at a welding arc without eye protection. Welder’s flash and “arc eye” are common industry names for the condition medically named Photokeratitis.

As a general rule, select filter shades or lenses beginning with a shade too dark to see the welding zone. Then evaluate a lighter shade that provides adequate vision without going below the minimum protective shade. Most protective eyewear manufacturers offer 2.0, 3.0, and 5.0 filter shades, which protect against harmful optical radiation generated when working with molten metal, cutting, soldering, and brazing. A filter shade 2.0 lens allows 29-43 percent of light to be transmitted, filter shade 3.0 lenses allow 8.5-18 percent of light to be transmitted, and filter shade 5.0 lenses allow 1.8-3.6 percent of light to be transmitted. These shades are available in protective eyewear, goggles, and welding helmets.

Remember that welding helmets are secondary protectors, so they should not be used without protective eyewear or goggles being worn underneath. Care needs to be given to the selection process to achieve the most comfortable fit and best orbital seal.

OSHA’s 29 CFR 1910.252 lists minimum shade requirements for a variety of welding operations. Additionally, ANSI Z87.1-2003 addresses safety recommendations for protective eyewear.

Here is a general guide for filter shade recommendations: