Presco is concerned about safety. The safety industry and our own job site safety are issues we concern ourselves with everyday. We serve some of the best in the field of work-place and job site safety in our customers and distributors such as Abatix, Grainger, Inline Distribution, and Aramsco are all customers of ours that are in this venue. We are the industry leader in cation tape and barricade tape for workplace safety. One of the things we want to be able to do is better inform the public and our featured distributors about changes and news in the industry. Please note that many of these safety regulations are put in place by OSHA or the EPA, as well as other state and federal agencies. When there is a change in the regulations or standards we would like to keep abreast of these changes and help our clients stay ahead of the curve.
There are some upcoming dates to take note of as OSHA standards on asbestos and lead dangers are changing in the future and you want to be able to be in compliance rather than face a fine or to have a job site shut down. Asbestos notifications and warning sign revisions go into effect June 1, 2015 and then again June 1, 2016 and can be seen in detail below. Also take note that the warning signs for Lead Danger postings will also change and take effect June 1, 2016. And as always please remember Presco and any one of our fantastic and professional distributors for all your safety and marking product needs.
OSHA Asbestos Guideline Revisions
From the OSHA standards:
ASBESTOS:
1910.1001(j)(4)
Warning signs—
1910.1001(j)(4)(i)
Posting. Warning signs shall be provided and displayed at each regulated area. In addition, warning signs shall be posted at all approaches to regulated areas so that an employee may read the signs and take necessary protective steps before entering the area.
1910.1001(j)(4)(ii)
Sign specifications:
1910.1001(j)(4)(ii)(A)
The warning signs required by paragraph (j)(4)(i) of this section shall bear the following legend:
DANGER
ASBESTOS
MAY CAUSE CANCER
CAUSES DAMAGE TO LUNGS
AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY
1910.1001(j)(4)(ii)(B)
In addition, where the use of respirators and protective clothing is required in the regulated area under this section, the warning signs shall include the following:
WEAR RESPIRATORY PROTECTION AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING IN THIS AREA
1910.1001(j)(4)(ii)(C)
Prior to June 1, 2016, employers may use the following legend in lieu of that specified in paragraph (j)(4)(ii)(A) of this section:
DANGER
ASBESTOS
CANCER AND LUNG DISEASE
HAZARD
AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY
1910.1001(j)(4)(ii)(D)
Prior to June 1, 2016, employers may use the following legend in lieu of that specified in paragraph (j)(4)(ii)(B) of this section:
RESPIRATORS AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING ARE REQUIRED IN THIS AREA
1910.1001(j)(4)(iii)
The employer shall ensure that employees working in and contiguous to regulated areas comprehend the warning signs required to be posted by paragraph (j)(4)(i) of this section. Means to ensure employee comprehension may include the use of foreign languages, pictographs and graphics.
1910.1001(j)(4)(iv)
At the entrance to mechanical rooms/areas in which employees reasonably can be expected to enter and which contain ACM and/or PACM, the building owner shall post signs which identify the material which is present, its location, and appropriate work practices which, if followed, will ensure that ACM and/or PACM will not be disturbed. The employer shall ensure, to the extent feasible, that employees who come in contact with these signs can comprehend them. Means to ensure employee comprehension may include the use of foreign languages, pictographs, graphics, and awareness training.
1910.1001(j)(5)
Warning labels—
1910.1001(j)(5)(i)
Labeling. Labels shall be affixed to all raw materials, mixtures, scrap, waste, debris, and other products containing asbestos fibers, or to their containers. When a building owner or employer identifies previously installed ACM and/or PACM, labels or signs shall be affixed or posted so that employees will be notified of what materials contain ACM and/or PACM. The employer shall attach such labels in areas where they will clearly be noticed by employees who are likely to be exposed, such as at the entrance to mechanical room/areas. Signs required by paragraph (j) of this section may be posted in lieu of labels so long as they contain the information required for labeling.
1910.1001(j)(5)(ii)
Label specifications. In addition to the requirements of paragraph (j)(1), the employer shall ensure that labels of bags or containers of protective clothing and equipment, scrap, waste, and debris containing asbestos fibers include the following information:
DANGER
CONTAINS ASBESTOS FIBERS
MAY CAUSE CANCER
CAUSES DAMAGE TO LUNGS
DO NOT BREATHE DUST
AVOID CREATING DUST
1910.1001(j)(5)(iii)
Prior to June 1, 2015, employers may include the following information on raw materials, mixtures or labels of bags or containers of protective clothing and equipment, scrap, waste, and debris containing asbestos fibers in lieu of the labeling requirements in paragraphs (j)(1)(i) and (j)(5)(ii) of this section:
DANGER
CONTAINS ASBESTOS FIBERS
AVOID CREATING DUST
CANCER AND LUNG DISEASE HAZARD
1910.1001(j)(6)
The provisions for labels and for safety data sheets required by paragraph (j) of this section do not apply where:
1910.1001(j)(6)(i)
Asbestos fibers have been modified by a bonding agent, coating, binder, or other material provided that the manufacturer can demonstrate that during any reasonably foreseeable use, handling, storage, disposal, processing, or transportation, no airborne concentrations of fibers of asbestos in excess of the TWA permissible exposure level and/or excursion limit will be released or
1910.1001(j)(6)(ii)
Asbestos is present in a product in concentrations less than 1.0%.
And LEAD:
1910.1025(m)(2)(i)
The employer shall post the following warning signs in each work area where the PEL is exceeded:
DANGER
LEAD
MAY DAMAGE FERTILITY OR THE UNBORN CHILD
CAUSES DAMAGE TO THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
DO NOT EAT, DRINK OR SMOKE IN THIS AREA
1910.1025(m)(2)(ii)
The employer shall ensure that no statement appears on or near any sign required by this paragraph (m)(2) which contradicts or detracts from the meaning of the required sign.
1910.1025(m)(2)(iii)
The employer shall ensure that signs required by this paragraph (m)(2) are illuminated and cleaned as necessary so that the legend is readily visible.
1910.1025(m)(2)(iv)
The employer may use signs required by other statutes, regulations, or ordinances in addition to, or in combination with, signs required by this paragraph (m)(2).
1910.1025(m)(2)(v)
Prior to June 1, 2016, employers may use the following legend in lieu of that specified in paragraph (m)(2)(ii) of this section:
WARNING
LEAD WORK AREA
POISON
NO SMOKING OR EATING