Page 102 - Safety Memo

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1. Employees shall be trained in the safe use of ladders C. Laser beams must never be pointed or directed at persons.
before using them. 1801(g)
2. Supervisors of employees who routinely use ladders shall D. Lasers must have a label indicating their maximum output.
also be trained in ladder safety training. 1801(i)
3. The training may be provided as part of the employer’s IIP E. Employees who have a potential exposure to direct or reflect
Program (T8 CCR 3203). laser light greater than 5 milliwatts shall be provided with anti-
laser eye protection as specified in Section 3382(e), 1801(c).
4. The training shall address the following topics, unless the
employer demonstrates that a topic is not applicable to F. Warning signs and labels (in accordance with ANSI) must be
the workplace: posted in areas where lasers are used. 1801(d)
a. Importance of using ladders safely including injuries
due to falls from ladders. 3276(f)(1) Lead
b. Selection of ladders, including types, proper length,
maximum working loads, and electrical hazards. Occupational exposures to lead can occur in construction
3276(f)(2) activities, such as plumbing system retrofits; the spraying,
removal, or heating of paint that contains lead; and the welding,
c. Maintenance, inspection, and removal of damaged
ladders from service. 3276(f)(3) cutting, and grinding of lead-containing construction materials.
d. Erecting ladders including footing support, top Occupational lead exposures can affect workers as well as family
support, securing, and angle of inclination. 3276(f)(4) members and friends who come into contact with the “take
-home” lead on the worker’s clothing, hair, hands, etc. The toxic
e. Climbing and working on ladders including user’s effects of lead on the human body have been well documented
position and points of contact with the ladder. and include damage to the kidneys, brain, and reproductive
3276(f)(5) organs that, in turn, causes the loss of kidney function, sterility,
f. Causes of falls, including haste, sudden movement, decreased fertility, and birth defects and mental retardation
lack of attention, footwear, and user’s physical in offspring.
condition. 3276(f)(6)
Because of the serious, and in many cases, life-threatening health
g. Prohibited uses including climbing on cross bracing, effects of lead, the employer must be thoroughly knowledgeable
uses other than designed, exceeding maximum about the regulations to protect people from lead exposure
lengths, and not meeting minimum overlap before their employees engage in any work exposing them to
requirements. 3276(f)(7) lead. 1532.1
L. It is a good idea to make sure that the stepladder is A. Cal/OSHA enforces the “Lead in Construction Safety Orders”
properly set up and that the spreader is in the locked position that makes employers responsible for the following: 1532.1.
before use.
1. For each jobsite the lead hazard must be assessed.
1532.1(d)(1)
Laser Equipment 2. Where lead is present the following is required:
The primary hazard of using laser equipment is injury to the a. Lead dust must be controlled by HEPA vacuuming, wet
eyes. The following are selected regulatory requirements: cleanup, or other effective methods. 1532.1(h)
A. Only qualified persons may operate laser equipment. 1801(a) b. The employer shall assure that food, beverage, and
tobacco products are not present or used in areas
B. Equipment must be turned off or shielded when unattended where employees are exposed to lead above the
and not in use. 1801(e)

92 Cal/OSHA Pocket Guide for the Construction Industry | June 2015 Cal/OSHA Pocket Guide for the Construction Industry | June 2015 93