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OSHA Cheat Page

OSHA Cheat Page

🦺 OSHA Construction Cheat Sheet

Key OSHA 29 CFR 1926 standards every contractor should know — including the “Focus Four” hazards.

👷 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

  • Hard hats: required where falling objects are possible (1926.100).
  • Eye/face protection: ANSI Z87.1 glasses/goggles (1926.102).
  • Hearing protection: required at ≥90 dBA 8-hr TWA (1926.101).
  • Respirators: per OSHA 1910.134 program, fit-test required.
  • Hi-vis vests: Class 2/3 required for roadway/traffic exposure.

☠️ OSHA Focus Four Hazards

The four leading causes of construction fatalities — responsible for ~60% of deaths:

  • ⬇️ Falls: from roofs, ladders, scaffolds → use PFAS, guardrails, nets.
  • ⚡ Electrocution: contact with overhead/underground power, faulty cords → maintain clearances, GFCIs, lockout/tagout.
  • 🚧 Struck-by: vehicles, falling tools, swinging loads → use barricades, PPE, spotters.
  • 🏗️ Caught-in/between: trench cave-ins, equipment, crushed between objects → trench protection, lockout, exclusion zones.

🪜 Fall Protection (1926.501)

  • Trigger height: 6' construction, 4' general industry.
  • Ladders: secure, extend 3' above landing.
  • Scaffolds: guardrails/PFAS if >10' (1926.451).
  • PFAS: max free fall 6', arrest force ≤1,800 lb.

⛏️ Excavation & Trenching (Subpart P)

  • Competent person: required daily inspections.
  • Protective system: required >5' depth.
  • Soil C slope: 1.5H:1V (34° max).
  • Access: ladders within 25' if >4' deep.

⚡ Electrical & Fire Protection

  • GFCI required for all 120V, ≤20A (1926.404).
  • Overhead line clearance: 10' ≤50kV.
  • Lockout/tagout for de-energization.
  • Fire extinguishers: 2A every 3,000 SF; 100' max travel.
  • Hot work: fire watch 30 min minimum.
  • Temporary lights: guarded bulbs, site-rated cords.

📝 Self Test

  1. List OSHA’s Focus Four hazards.
  2. At what height is fall protection required in construction?
  3. What slope is required for Type C soil at 10' deep?
  4. How far must fire extinguishers be spaced on job sites?
  5. What clearance is required around power lines ≤50kV?

Answers: (1) Falls, Electrocution, Struck-by, Caught-in/between. (2) 6'. (3) 1.5H:1V (34°). (4) ≤100' travel. (5) 10'.

🦺 OSHA Top 10 Site Violations

Most frequently cited standards (Federal OSHA) — FY 2024 (Oct 1, 2023 – Sep 30, 2024). Use this to spot problems fast and fix them before OSHA (or injuries) show up.

1) Fall Protection — General Req.

29 CFR 1926.501

  • Unprotected edges/holes ≥ 6'.
  • Missing/incorrect guardrails, covers, or PFAS.
  • Fix fast: Guardrails (42"±3"), secured & labeled covers, PFAS with 5,000-lb anchors or engineered.

2) Hazard Communication

29 CFR 1910.1200

  • No written HazCom program/chemical inventory.
  • Missing labels/SDS; no training.
  • Fix fast: Write the program, label all containers, maintain SDS, train & document.

3) Control of Hazardous Energy (LOTO)

29 CFR 1910.147

  • No energy control procedures or periodic inspections.
  • Untrained/unauthorized employees; no locks/tags.
  • Fix fast: Written, task-specific procedures; locks/tags; annual audits; training & documentation.

4) Ladders (Construction)

29 CFR 1926.1053

  • Top-step use, wrong angle, damaged ladders.
  • Not extending 3' above landing; unsecured.
  • Fix fast: 4:1 angle; extend 3'; secure; inspect daily; no top cap standing.

5) Respiratory Protection

29 CFR 1910.134

  • No written program, medical evals, or annual fit tests.
  • Wrong respirator/cartridge or poor maintenance.
  • Fix fast: Full program; medical clearance; fit testing; user seal checks; right filters.

6) Powered Industrial Trucks

29 CFR 1910.178

  • No operator training/evaluation or pre-use inspections.
  • Unsafe operation; seatbelts not used; poor charging/propane handling.
  • Fix fast: Train & certify; inspect daily; enforce seatbelts; post capacity; safe fueling/charging.

7) Fall Protection — Training

29 CFR 1926.503

  • No training by a qualified person; no documentation.
  • No retraining after changes/incidents.
  • Fix fast: Train on systems/anchors/inspection; document; retrain as conditions change.

8) Scaffolding (Construction)

29 CFR 1926.451

  • Missing guardrails/toeboards; incomplete decking.
  • Improper access, ties/bracing, or base plates.
  • Fix fast: Guard at ≥10'; full planking; proper access; tie-ins; competent-person inspections daily.

9) Eye & Face Protection (Constr.)

29 CFR 1926.102

  • No ANSI Z87.1 eyewear for grinding/sawing; no side shields.
  • Fix fast: Z87.1 glasses with side shields; face shields over glasses for high-impact tasks.

10) Machine Guarding

29 CFR 1910.212

  • Unguarded points of operation, belts, pulleys, rotating parts.
  • Fix fast: Fixed/interlocked guards; proper distances; train on guard removal/LOTO.

⚡ Rapid Compliance Checklist

  • Guard all edges/holes ≥6'; verify covers are secured & labeled.
  • Written HazCom program + chemical inventory + SDS + labels.
  • LOTO: task-specific procedures, locks/tags, annual audits, training.
  • Ladders: 4:1 angle, extend 3', secure, inspect; no top-cap standing.
  • Respirators: medical, fit test, right filters, cleaning/storage.
  • Forklifts: train/certify, daily inspections, seatbelts enforced.
  • Fall-training logs current; retrain after changes/incidents.
  • Scaffolds: full planking, guardrails, access, tie-ins; daily CP check.
  • Eye/face PPE: Z87.1; face shields for grinding/cutting.
  • Machine guards in place; no bypassing; LOTO before servicing.

Note: Always verify specific project specs, AHJ/state-plan requirements.

📝 Self Test

  1. Which CFR covers construction fall protection general requirements?
  2. Name the four common HazCom documentation elements.
  3. What must a ladder do at the upper landing?
  4. List three core parts of a compliant respiratory program.
  5. What are two required forklift safety practices?
  6. Which CFR covers fall-protection training requirements?
  7. Give two daily items a competent person checks on scaffolds.
  8. What standard governs eye/face protection in construction?
  9. Give one “fix fast” item for machine guarding.
  10. What standard governs control of hazardous energy?

Answers: (1) 1926.501. (2) Written program, inventory, labels, SDS (plus training). (3) Extend ~3' above & be secured. (4) Written program, medical evals, fit-testing (plus selection/maintenance). (5) Operator training/cert + daily inspections (seatbelts, safe charging). (6) 1926.503. (7) Guardrails/planking/access/tie-ins. (8) 1926.102. (9) Fixed/interlocked guards at point of operation; no bypassing. (10) 1910.147.)