Question: When do I need handrails?

Answer: Whenever there is a drop from one level to another of more than 4 feet.

Question: What are the requirements for handrails (standard railing)?

Answer: A standard handrail shall consist of a top rail, intermediate (mid) rail, and posts. The top rail shall be 42 inches above the floor or platform and the mid rail shall be approximately halfway between the top rail and the surface below. Posts made of steel shall not be more than 8 feet apart. Toeboards are required if there may be traffic passing under the platform or catwalk.

Question: When do I need stair railings?

Answer: Stair railings are required for flights of stairs having four or more risers. Three steps and a landing require a stair rail. The top rail shall be from 30-34 inches above the front edge of the tread and the mid rail shall be approximately halfway between the tread and the top rail.

Question: How often should I inspect my portable fire extinguishers?

Answer: Portable fire extinguishers shall be inspected monthly and the inspection shall be documented.

Question: When should I post the company OSHA 300A log?

Answer: The 300A – Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses must be posted for three months from February 1 to April 30 every year.

Question: I've heard of companies being cited for recordkeeping violations regarding the OSHA 300 log. What is the most common problem OSHA finds with the logs?

Answer: The most common violation is insufficient data included in Column "F" of the 300 form. Column "F" instructions state, "Describe injury or illness, parts of body affected, and object/substance that directly injured or made the person ill."

To record "broken arm" in Column "F" is not sufficient. A better description might be, "Fractured lower left arm after falling 15 feet from extension ladder and striking concrete floor."

Question: How do I know if I have proper machine guarding on a piece of equipment?

Answer: To paraphrase 29 CFR 1910.212(a)(3)(ii), guarding shall be designed and constructed to prevent any part of the operator's body from being placed in the danger zone of the equipment while in operation. A good rule of thumb is, if you can touch any part of a rotating shaft, pulley, belt, sprocket, chain, or other ingoing nip point, the equipment is not adequately guarded.

Question: What are the requirements for repairing a damaged extension cord?

Answer: 29 CFR 1910.305(g)(2)(ii) states, Flexible cords may be used only in continuous lengths without splice or tap. Hard-service cord and junior hard-service cord No. 14 and larger may be repaired if spliced so that the splice retains the insulation, outer sheath properties, and usage characteristics of the cord being spliced." If you have a hard-service No. 14 or heavier cord, it may be spliced, if done properly, according to the regulations. Wrapping a damaged sheath or splice with electrical tape is not an approved repair.