NIOSH Develops Guide for Ergonomics Program Development

In 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) issued guidelines for developing practical and cost-effective approaches to protecting workers from job-related musculoskeletal disorders. It describes the basic elements of a workplace program aimed at preventing work-related MSDs by focusing on management commitment, worker participation, and training as essential elements in an overall ergonomics program. It also includes a "toolbox" which is a collection of techniques, methods, reference materials, and other resource information to help employers develop a successful program.

Elements of Ergonomics Programs: A Primer Based on Workplace Evaluations of Musculoskeletal Disorders outlines methods that are commonly used for identifying, correcting, and preventing MSDs. The book, a culmination of two decades of NIOSH research, contains many illustrations and charts on how those techniques can be tailored for specific types of workplaces. It covers these basic steps for controlling work-related musculoskeletal disorders:

• Determine if musculoskeletal problems exist.

• Develop roles for both managers and workers in the ergonomics program.

• Recognize and fill training needs.

• Gather and analyze data to define the scope and characteristics of ergonomics concerns.

• Develop control solutions.

• Establish health care management.

• Create a proactive ergonomics program.

What is Ergonomics?

Ergonomics is the science of fitting the job to the worker. In the workplace, ergonomic principles are used to make alterations to a job so that it conforms to the person doing that job, rather than to force the person to fit the job. Redesigning various job functions to match a person's stature will reduce stress on the body and eliminate many potential injuries associated with the overuse of muscles, unnatural postures, and repetitive motions.

Ergonomic solutions may involve the redesign of tasks, workstations, tools, lighting, and equipment to fit a worker's physical capabilities and limitations. This may mean adjusting the height of a workstation or a computer screen, or rearranging the steps in a process so the worker will not have to lift and twist in the same motion.

Today, technological advances which result in more specialized tasks, higher assembly line speeds, and increased repetition are often major causes of ergonomic problems. Consequently, workers' hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, backs, and legs may be subjected to thousands of repetitive twisting, forceful, or flexing motions during a typical workday. When this occurs on the job, the stress on those body parts builds up over time and results in musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

The goal of a workplace ergonomics program is to reduce or eliminate the risk factors that lead to MSDs. Jobs that expose workers to excessive vibration, repetitive motions, heavy lifting, awkward postures, and continual contact pressure will be assessed and ways found to reduce exposure to those factors that cause MSDs. Identifying ergonomic risk factors in your workplace is the first step toward making changes that will improve the safety and health of all workers.

Bureau of Labor Statistics Reports on Ergonomic Injuries

In their 1998 report on lost-worktime injury and illness characteristics, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that workers afflicted with carpal tunnel syndrome missed an average of 24 days of work. Women suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome more often than men. Surprisingly, more women sustained carpal tunnel syndrome by operating machinery, on assembly lines, and tending retail stores than they did typing, keying, and performing other duties associated with office workers.

Virtually all cases of carpal tunnel syndrome resulted from stress or strain on a worker's wrist due to a task's repetitive nature. Examples include grasping and unravelling bolts of cloth, scanning groceries, typing or data entry, and cutting meat or poultry on an assembly line. According to the BLS, these repetitive motion injuries resulted in the longest absences from work — an average of 15 days.

In 1998, there were nearly 593,000 musculoskeletal disorders reported, accounting for more than one out of three of the injuries and illnesses involving recuperation away from work. Manufacturing and services industries each accounted for 26 percent of the MSDs, followed by retail trade with 15 percent. Three occupations — nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants; truck drivers; and laborers, non-construction — together accounted for one out of five MSDs.

As the work force continues to age and medical costs continue to escalate, the cost of ergonomic-related illnesses in the workplace will rise. If you look beyond worker health and the dollars-and-cents side of the issue, however, there is at least one other reason why you should be concerned with ergonomic hazards in the workplace. Even though OSHA's ergonomics standard has been withdrawn, the Agency can and will continue to cite and fine companies with a pattern of ergonomic-related injuries under the 5(a)(1) or General Duty clause of the OSH Act.

Why is Ergonomics a Concern?

In the past, workers were usually trained to perform the task and any changes made to work processes were done for reasons relating to productivity, without regard to worker comfort. For example, incorporating the assembly line into production facilities increased production rates, but necessitated that each worker in the line perform the same task or tasks all day long, often at increasing production rates. These same changes in production methods, which were often made as a result of technological advances that saved companies hundreds or thousands of dollars, are now costing companies in the form of workers' compensation claims, lost work time, and training.

Many of these technological advances require workers to perform repetitive procedures or work in positions that put a great deal of stress on the musculoskeletal system. This stress can be caused by any number of factors including repetitive motion, excessive force, mechanical stresses caused by tools or machines, poor posture, awkward positioning, lifting, vibrations, temperature extremes, and unaccustomed activity.

The cost of worker injuries and illnesses caused by these ergonomic stressors is staggering. Over one third of all workers' compensation costs are associated with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), injuries caused by trauma to the body occurring over a period of time. A conservative estimate of the medical costs of treating one industrial case of carpal tunnel syndrome, a type of disorder affecting the wrists and hands, is about $20,000 a year.

This cost estimate does not take into consideration the costs involved with lost work time, replacement workers, and reduced productivity. Lower back pain, for example, which is often associated with improper or repeated lifting or sitting for an extended period of time, is responsible for about 1,400 lost work days per 1,000 workers every year. Only the common cold and the flu cause workers to miss more work annually.

Special Industries | Training Requirements

Pulp, Paper, and Paperboard Mills §1910.261(h)(3)(ii)–(iv)

(ii) Gas masks capable of absorbing chlorine shall be supplied, conveniently placed, and regularly inspected, and workers who may be exposed to chlorine gas shall be instructed in their use.

(iii) Gas masks must be provided for emergency use in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.134.

(iv) For emergency and rescue operations, the employer must provide employees with self-contained breathing apparatuses or supplied-air respirators, and ensure that employees use these respirators, in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.134.

Laundry Machinery and Operations §1910.264(d)(1)(v)

(v) Instruction of employees. Employees shall be properly instructed as to the hazards of their work and be instructed in safe practices, by bulletins, printed rules, and verbal instructions.

Sawmills §1910.265(c)(3)(x)

(x) Lift trucks. Lift trucks shall be designed, constructed, maintained, and operated in accordance with the requirements of §1910.178. [Only trained and authorized operators shall be permitted to operate a powered industrial truck. Methods shall be devised to train operators in the safe operation of powered industrial trucks.]

Logging Operations §1910.266(c)

Designated person. An employee who has the requisite knowledge, training and experience to perform specific duties.

Logging operations. Operations associated with felling and moving trees and logs from the stump to the point of delivery, such as, but not limited to, marking danger trees and trees/logs to be cut to length, felling, limbing, bucking, debarking, chipping, yarding, loading, unloading, storing, and transporting machines, equipment and personnel to, from and between logging sites.

§1910.266(d)(7)(iii) and (10)(ii)

(7) Signaling and signal equipment. (iii) Only a designated person shall give signals, except in an emergency.

(10) Explosives and blasting agents. (ii) Only a designated person shall handle or use explosives and blasting agents.

§1910.266(e)(2)(iii)–(xiv)

(2) Chain saws. (iii) The chain saw shall be operated and adjusted in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

(iv) The chain saw shall be fueled at least 10 feet (3 m) from any open flame or other source of ignition.

(v) The chain saw shall be started at least 10 feet (3 m) from the fueling area.

(vi) The chain saw shall be started on the ground or where otherwise firmly supported. Drop starting a chain saw is prohibited.

(vii) The chain saw shall be started with the chain brake engaged.

(viii) The chain saw shall be held with the thumbs and fingers of both hands encircling the handles during operation unless the employer demonstrates that a greater hazard is posed by keeping both hands on the chain saw in that particular situation.

(ix) The chain-saw operator shall be certain of footing before starting to cut. The chain saw shall not be used in a position or at a distance that could cause the operator to become off-balance, to have insecure footing, or to relinquish a firm grip on the saw.

(x) Prior to felling any tree, the chain-saw operator shall clear away brush or other potential obstacles which might interfere with cutting the tree or using the retreat path.

(xi) The chain saw shall not be used to cut directly overhead.

(xii) The chain saw shall be carried in a manner that will prevent operator contact with the cutting chain and muffler.

(xiii) The chain saw shall be shut off or the throttle released before the feller starts his retreat.

(xiv) The chain saw shall be shut down or the chain brake shall be engaged whenever a saw is carried further than 50 feet (15.2 m). The chain saw shall be shut down or the chain brake shall be engaged when a saw is carried less than 50 feet if conditions such as, but not limited to, the terrain, underbrush and slippery surfaces, may create a hazard for an employee.

§1910.266(f)(1)(iii) and (2)(i)

(1) General requirements. (iii) The employer shall assure that operating and maintenance instructions are available on the machine or in the area where the machine is being operated. Each machine operator and maintenance employee shall comply with the operating and maintenance instructions.

(2) Machine operation. (i) The machine shall be started and operated only by a designated person.

§1910.266(g)(3)–(4)

(g) Vehicles. (3) The employer shall assure that operating and maintenance instructions are available in each vehicle. Each vehicle operator and maintenance employee shall comply with the operating and maintenance instructions.

(4) The employer shall assure that each vehicle operator has a valid operator's license for the class of vehicle being operated.

§1910.266(i)(1)–(2)

(i) Training. (1) The employer shall provide training for each employee, including supervisors, at no cost to the employee.

(2) Frequency. Training shall be provided as follows:

(i) As soon as possible but not later than the effective date of this section for initial training for each current and new employee;

(ii) Prior to initial assignment for each new employee;

(iii) Whenever the employee is assigned new work tasks, tools, equipment, machines or vehicles; and

(iv) Whenever an employee demonstrates unsafe job performance.

(3) Content. At a minimum, training shall consist of the following elements:

(i) Safe performance of assigned work tasks;

(ii) Safe use, operation and maintenance of tools, machines and vehicles the employee uses or operates, including emphasis on understanding and following the manufacturer's operating and maintenance instructions, warnings and precautions;

(iii) Recognition of safety and health hazards associated with the employee's specific work tasks, including the use of measures and work practices to prevent or control those hazards;

(iv) Recognition, prevention and control of other safety and health hazards in the logging industry;

(v) Procedures, practices and requirements of the employer's work site; and

(vi) The requirements of this standard.

(4) Training of an employee due to unsafe job performance, or assignment of new work tasks, tools, equipment, machines, or vehicles may be limited to those elements in paragraph (i)(3) of this section which are relevant to the circumstances giving rise to the need for training.

(5) Portability of training. (i) Each current employee who has received training in the particular elements specified in paragraph (i)(3) of this section shall not be required to be retrained in those elements.

(ii) Each new employee who has received training in the particular elements specified in paragraph (i)(3) of this section shall not be required to be retrained in those elements prior to initial assignment.

(iii) The employer shall train each current and new employee in those elements for which the employee has not received training.

(iv) The employer is responsible for ensuring that each current and new employee can properly and safely perform the work tasks and operate the tools, equipment, machines, and vehicles used in their job.

(6) Each new employee and each employee who is required to be trained as specified in paragraph (i)(2) of this section, shall work under the close supervision of a designated person until the employee demonstrates to the employer the ability to safely perform their new duties independently.

(7) First-aid training. (i) The employer shall assure that each employee, including supervisors, receives or has received first-aid and CPR training meeting at least the requirements specified in Appendix B.

(ii) The employer shall assure that each employee's first-aid and CPR training and/or certificate of training remain current.

(8) All training shall be conducted by a designated person.

(9) The employer shall assure that all training required by this section is presented in a manner that the employee is able to understand. The employer shall assure that all training materials used are appropriate in content and vocabulary to the educational level, literacy, and language skills of the employees being trained.

(10) Certification of training. (i) The employer shall verify compliance with paragraph (i) of this section by preparing a written certification record. The written certification record shall contain the name or other identity of the employee trained, the date(s) of the training, and the signature of the person who conducted the training or the signature of the employer. If the employer relies on training conducted prior to the employee's hiring or completed prior to the effective date of this section, the certification record shall indicate the date the employer determined the prior training was adequate.

(ii) The most recent training certification shall be maintained.

(11) Safety and health meetings. The employer shall hold safety and health meetings as necessary and at least each month for each employee. Safety and health meetings may be conducted individually, in crew meetings, in larger groups, or as part of other staff meetings.

Appendix B to §1910.266—First-Aid and CPR Training (Mandatory)

The following is deemed to be the minimal acceptable first-aid and CPR training program for employees engaged in logging activities.

First-aid and CPR training shall be conducted using the conventional methods of training such as lecture, demonstration, practical exercise and examination (both written and practical). The length of training must be sufficient to assure that trainees understand the concepts of first aid and can demonstrate their ability to perform the various procedures contained in the outline below.

At a minimum, first-aid and CPR training shall consist of the following:

1. The definition of first-aid.

2. Legal issues of applying first-aid (Good Samaritan Laws).

3. Basic anatomy.

4. Patient assessment and first-aid for the following:

   1. Respiratory arrest.

   2. Cardiac arrest.

   3. Hemorrhage.

   4. Lacerations/abrasions.

   5. Amputations.

   6. Musculoskeletal injuries.

   7. Shock.

   8. Eye injuries.

   9. Burns.

   10. Loss of consciousness.

   11. Extreme temperature exposure (hypothermia/hyperthermia)

   12. Paralysis

   13. Poisoning.

   14. Loss of mental functioning (psychosis/hallucinations, etc.). Artificial ventilation.

   15. Drug overdose.

5. CPR.

6. Application of dressings and slings.

7. Treatment of strains, sprains, and fractures.

8. Immobilization of injured persons.

9. Handling and transporting injured persons.

10. Treatment of bites, stings, or contact with poisonous plants or animals.

Telecommunications §1910.268(b)(2)(i)

(i) Employees assigned to work with storage batteries shall be instructed in emergency procedures such as dealing with accidential acid spills.

§1910.268(c)(1)–(3)

(c) Training. Employers shall provide training in the various precautions and safe practices described in this section and shall insure that employees do not engage in the activities to which §1910.268 applies until such employees have received proper training in the various precautions and safe practices required by §1910.268. However, where the employer can demonstrate that an employee is already trained in the precautions and safe practices required by §1910.268 prior to his employment, training need not be provided to that employee in accordance with §1910.268. Where training is required, it shall consist of on-the-job training or classroom-type training or a combination of both. The training program shall include a list of the subject courses and the types of personnel required to receive such instruction. A written description of the training program and a record of employees who have received such training shall be maintained for the duration of the employee's employment and shall be made available upon request to the Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health. Such training shall, where appropriate, include the following subjects:

(1) Recognition and avoidance of dangers relating to encounters with harmful substances, and animal, insect, or plant life.

(2) Procedures to be followed in emergency situations, and

(3) First aid training, including instruction in artificial respiration.

§1910.268(g)(3)(ii)–(iii)

(ii) The employers shall ensure that pole climbers are inspected by a competent person for the following conditions: Fractured or cracked gaffs or leg irons, loose or dull gaffs, broken straps or buckles. If any of these conditions exist, the defect shall be corrected before the climbers are used.

(iii) Pole climbers shall be inspected as required in §1910.268(g)(3) before each day's use and a gaff cut-out test performed at least weekly when in use.

§1910.268(h)(1)

(1) The employer shall ensure that no employee nor any material or equipment may be supported or permitted to be supported on any portion of a ladder unless it is first determined, by inspections and checks conducted by a competent person, that such ladder is adequately strong, in good condition, and properly secured in place, as required in Subpart D of Part 1910 and as required in §1910.268.

§1910.268(j)(1)(i)–(ii)

(i) The employer shall ensure that visual inspections are made of the equipment by a competent person each day the equipment is to be used to ascertain that it is in good condition.

(ii) The employer shall ensure that tests shall be made at the beginning of each shift by a competent person to insure the vehicle brakes and operating systems are in proper working condition.

§1910.268(j)(4)(iv)(D) and (F)

(D) Only persons trained in the operation of the derrick shall be permitted to operate the derrick.

(F) The employer shall ensure that the derrick and its associated equipment are inspected by a competent person at intervals set by the manufacturer but in no case less than once per year. Records shall be maintained including the dates of inspections, and necessary repairs made, if corrective action was required.

§1910.268(l)(1)

(1) Employees involved in using high voltages to locate trouble or test cables shall be instructed in the precautions necessary for their own safety, and the safety of other employees.

§1910.268(o)(1)(ii) and (o)(3)

(ii) While work is being performed in the manhole, a person with basic first aid training shall be immediately available to render assistance if there is cause for believing that a safety hazard exists, and if the requirements contained in paragraphs (d)(1) and (o)(1)(i) of §1910.268 do not adequately protect the employee(s)…

(3) Joint power and telecommunication manholes. While work is being performed in a manhole occupied jointly by an electric utility and a telecommunication utility, an employee with basic first aid training shall be available in the immediate vicinity to render emergency assistance as may be required. The employee who presence is required in the immediate vicinity for the purposes of rendering emergency assistance is not to be precluded from occasionally entering a manhole to provide assistance other than in an emergency. The requirement of §1910.268(o)(3) does not preclude a qualified employee [any worker who by reason of his training and experience has demonstrated his ability to safely perform his duties], working alone, from entering for brief periods of time, a manhole where energized cables or equipment are in service, for the purpose of inspection, housekeeping, taking readings, or similar work if such work can be performed safely.

§1910.268(q)(1)(ii)(A)

(ii) Employees engaged in line-clearing operations shall be instructed that:

(A) A direct contact is made when any part of the body touches or contacts an energized conductor, or other energized electrical fixture or apparatus.

§1910.268(q)(1)(ii)(B)–(D)

(B) An indirect contact is made when any part of the body touches any object in contact with an energized electrical conductor, or other energized fixture or apparatus.

(C) An indirect contact can be made through conductive tools, tree branches, trucks, equipment, or other objects, or as a result of communications wires, cables, fences, or guy wires being accidentally energized.

(D) Electric shock will occur when an employee, by either direct or indirect contact with an energized conductor, energized tree limb, tools, equipment, or other object, provides a path for the flow of electricity to a grounded object or to the ground itself. Simultaneous contact with two energized conductors will also cause electric shock which may result in serious or fatal injury.

§1910.268(q)(2)(ii)–(iv)

(ii) Only qualified employees [any worker who by reason of his training and experience has demonstrated his ability to safely perform his duties] or trainees, familiar with the special techniques and hazards involved in line clearance, shall be permitted to perform the work if it is found that an electrical hazard exists.

(iii) During all tree working operations aloft where an electrical hazard of more than 750V exists, there shall be a second employee [a tree worker who through related training and on-the-job experience is familiar

with the special techniques and hazards involved in line clearance] or trainee qualified in line clearance trimming [any worker regularly assigned to a line-clearance tree-trimming crew and undergoing on-the-job training who, in the course of such training, has demonstrated his ability to perform his duties safely at his level of training] within normal voice communication.

(iv) Where tree work is performed by employees qualified in line-clearance tree trimming and trainees qualified in line-clearance tree trimming, the clearances from energized conductors given in Table R-3 shall apply.

Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution §1910.269(a)(2)(i)–(vii)

(2) Training. (i) Employees shall be trained in and familiar with the safety-related work practices, safety procedures, and other safety requirements in this section that pertain to their respective job assignments. Employees shall also be trained in and familiar with any other safety practices, including applicable emergency procedures (such as pole top and manhole rescue), that are not specifically addressed by this section but that are related to their work and are necessary for their safety.

(ii) Qualified employees shall also be trained and competent in:

(A) The skills and techniques necessary to distinguish exposed live parts from other parts of electric equipment.

(B) The skills and techniques necessary to determine the nominal voltage of exposed live parts.

(C) The minimum approach distances specified in this section corresponding to the voltages to which the qualified employee will be exposed, and

(D) The proper use of the special precautionary techniques, personal protective equipment, insulating and shielding materials, and insulated tools for working on or near exposed energized parts of electric equipment.

Note

For the purposes of this section, a person must have this training in order to be considered a qualified person.

(iii) The employer shall determine, through regular supervision and through inspections conducted on at least an annual basis, that each employee is complying with the safety-related work practices required by this section.

(iv) An employee shall receive additional training (or retraining) under any of the following conditions:

(A) If the supervision and annual inspections required by paragraph (a)(2)(iii) of this section indicate that the employee is not complying with the safety-related work practices required by this section, or

(B) If new technology, new types of equipment, or changes in procedures necessitate the use of safety-related work practices that are different from those which the employee would normally use, or

(C) If he or she must employ safety-related work practices that are not normally used during his or her regular job duties.

Note

OSHA would consider tasks that are performed less often than once per year to necessitate retraining before the performance of the work practices involved.

(v) The training required by paragraph (a)(2) of this section shall be of the classroom or on-the-job type.

(vi) The training shall establish employee proficiency in the work practices required by this section and shall introduce the procedures necessary for compliance with this section.

(vii) The employer shall certify that each employee has received the training required by paragraph (a)(2) of this section. This certification shall be made when the employee demonstrates proficiency in the work practices involved and shall be maintained for the duration of the employee's employment.

Note

Employment records that indicate that an employee has received the required training are an acceptable means of meeting this requirement.

Grain Handling Facilities §1910.272(e)(1)–(2)

(e) Training. (1) The employer shall provide training to employees at least annually and when changes in job assignment will expose them to new hazards. Current employees, and new employees prior to starting work, shall be trained in at least the following:

(i) General safety precautions associated with the facility, including recognition and preventive measures for the hazards related to dust accumulations and common ignition sources such as smoking; and,

(ii) Specific procedures and safety practices applicable to their job tasks including but not limited to, cleaning procedures for grinding equipment, clearing procedures for choked legs, housekeeping procedures, hot work procedures, preventive maintenance procedures and lock-out/tag-out procedures.

(2) Employees assigned special tasks, such as bin entry and handling of flammable or toxic substances, shall be provided training to perform these tasks safely.

Note to Paragraph (e)(2):

Training for an employee who enters grain storage structures includes training about engulfment and mechanical hazards and how to avoid them.

§1910.272(g)(5)

(g) Entry into grain storage structures. (5) The employee acting as observer shall be trained in rescue procedures, including notification methods for obtaining additional assistance.

§1910.272(i)(2)

(i) Contractors. (2) The employer shall explain the applicable provisions of the emergency action plan to contractors.

Welding, Cutting, and Brazing | Training Requirements

Welding, Cutting, and Brazing §1910.252(a)(2)(iii)(B)

(B) Fire watchers shall have fire extinguishing equipment readily available and be trained in its use. They shall be familiar with facilities for sounding an alarm in the event of a fire. They shall watch for fires in all exposed areas, try to extinguish them only when obviously within the capacity of the equipment available, or otherwise sound the alarm. A fire watch shall be maintained for at least a half hour after completion of welding or cutting operations to detect and extinguish possible smoldering fires.

§1910.252(a)(2)(iv)

(iv) Authorization. Before cutting or welding is permitted, the area shall be inspected by the individual responsible for authorizing cutting and welding operations. He shall designate precautions to be followed in granting authorization to proceed preferably in the form of a written permit.

§1910.253(a)(4)

(4) Personnel. Workmen in charge of the oxygen or fuel-gas supply equipment, including generators, and oxygen or fuel-gas distribution piping systems shall be properly instructed and judged competent by their employers for this important work before being left in charge. Rules and instructions covering the operation and maintenance of oxygen or fuel-gas supply equipment, including generators, and oxygen or fuel-gas distribution piping systems shall be readily available.

§1910.253(e)(6)(ii)

(ii) When regulators or parts of regulators, including gages, need repair, the work shall be performed by skilled mechanics who have been properly instructed.

§1910.254(a)(3)

(3) Instruction. Workmen designated to operate arc welding equipment shall have been properly instructed and qualified to operate such equipment as specified in paragraph (d) of this section.

§1910.254(d)(1)

(d) Operation and maintenance—(1) General. Workmen assigned to operate or maintain arc welding equipment shall be acquainted with the requirements of this section and with §1910.252(a), (b) and (c) of this part; if doing gas-shielded arc welding, also Recommended Safe Practices for Gas-Shielded Arc Welding, A6.1—1966, American Welding Society, which is incorporated by reference as specified in §1910.6.

§1910.254(d)(9)(i)

(9) Maintenance. (i) The operator should report any equipment defect or safety hazard to his supervisor and the use of the equipment shall be discontinued until its safety has been assured. Repairs shall be made only by qualified personnel.

§1910.255(a)(1)

(a) General—(1) Installation. All equipment shall be installed by a qualified electrician in conformance with subpart S of this part. There shall be a safety-type disconnecting switch or circuit breaker or circuit interrupter to open each power circuit to the machine, conveniently located at or near the machine, so that the power can be shut off when the machine or its controls are to be serviced.

§1910.255(a)(3)

(3) Personnel. Workmen designated to operate resistance welding equipment shall have been properly instructed and judged competent to operate such equipment.

§1910.255(e)

(e) Maintenance. Periodic inspection shall be made by qualified maintenance personnel, and a certification record maintained. The certification record shall include the date of inspection, the signature of the person who performed the inspection and the serial number, or other identifier, for the equipment inspected. The operator shall be instructed to report any equipment defects to his supervisor and the use of the equipment shall be discontinued until safety repairs have been completed.

Machinery and Machine Guarding

Woodworking Machinery Requirements §1910.213(s)(5)

(5) Sharpening or tensioning of saw blades or cutters shall be done only by persons of demonstrated skill in this kind of work.

Mechanical Power Presses §1910.217(e)(3)

(3) Training of maintenance personnel. It shall be the responsibility of the employer to insure the original and continuing competence of personnel caring for, inspecting, and maintaining power presses.

§1910.217(f)(2)

(2) Instruction to operators. The employer shall train and instruct the operator in the safe method of work before starting work on any operation covered by this section. The employer shall insure by adequate supervision that correct operating procedures are being followed.

§1910.217(h)(13)(i)–(ii)

(13) Operator training. (i) The operator training required by paragraph (f)(2) of this section shall be provided to the employee before the employee initially operates the press and as needed to maintain competence, but not less than annually thereafter. It shall include instruction relative to the following items for presses used in the PSDI mode.

(A) The manufacturer's recommended test procedures for checking operation of the presence sensing device. This shall include the use of the test rod required by paragraph (h)(10)(i) of this section.

(B) The safety distance required.

(C) The operation, function and performance of the PSDI mode.

(D) The requirements for hand tools that may be used in the PSDI mode.

(E) The severe consequences that can result if he or she attempts to circumvent or by-pass any of the safeguard or operating functions of the PSDI system.

(ii) The employer shall certify that employees have been trained by preparing a certification record which includes the identity of the person trained, the signature of the employer or the person who conducted the training, and the date the training was completed. The certification record shall be prepared at the completion of training and shall be maintained on file for the duration of the employee's employment. The certification record shall be made available upon request to the Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health.

Forging Machines §1910.218(a)(2)(iii)

(2) Inspection and maintenance. It shall be the responsibility of the employer to maintain all forge shop equipment in a condition which will ensure continued safe operation. This responsibility includes:

(iii) Training personnel for the proper inspection and maintenance of forging machinery and equipment.