Page 227 - Safety Memo

C. The following information must be displayed on the device: Note: Check Table AC-1 frequently as the content is regularly
3638(c) updated; and employers must display the required warning signs in
work areas where hazardous contaminants and dust are present.
1. Manufacturer’s name, model, and serial number.
2. Rated capacity at the maximum platform height and
maximum platform travel height. Air Compressors
3. Operating instructions. General requirements for air compressors include:
4. Cautions and restrictions. A. Employers must obtain a DOSH permit for the air tanks of air
D. Devices must be designed to applicable American National compressors operated at a work site. 461(a)
Standards Institute (ANSI) standards. 3638(b) Exception: No permit is required for tanks with a diameter of
Note: See clearances for operations near high-voltage less than 6 inches, tanks equipped with a safety valve set to
conductors in the Electrical section of this guide. open at no more than 15 psi pressure, or tanks having a
volume of 1 1/2 cu. ft. or less with a safety valve set to open
at no more than 150 psi. 461(f)
Airborne Contaminants and Dust B. Warning signs are required for electric air compressors
equipped with an automatic-start function. 3320
The employer must control employees’ exposures to airborne
contaminants and employees’ skin contact with those C. Safety valves must be popped weekly. 1696(d)
substances identified in Table AC-1 of 5155 and 1528. Airborne D. Air tanks must be drained per manufacturer’s
contaminants suspended in the air can exist in different forms, recommendation. 1696(c)
including gases, vapors, and particulates (particles of either E. Fans shall be guarded with a shroud or side screens. 1696(b)
liquids or solids). Table AC-1 contains the Permissible Exposure
Limits (PELs) for these substances. The PEL applies to the sum F. Portable air compressors on wheels must be prevented from
of the exposures to the substance in the vapor state and from rolling. 1696(a)
the particulate fraction. 5155
Some of the substances listed in Table AC-1 also have specific Asbestos
performance standards, noted in the CSOs and the GISOs,
for controlling employee exposure. These substances include The word “asbestos” refers to six naturally occurring, fibrous,
asbestos (1529); cadmium (1532); lead (1532.1); benzene (5218); hydrated mineral silicates that differ in chemical composition.
methylenedianiline (1535); beryllium (1535.1); concrete and
masonry materials (1530.1); chromium (VI) (1532.2); respirable They are actinolite, amosite, anthophyllite, chrysotile,
crystalline silica (1532.3); carbon monoxide (5155); internal crocidolite, and tremolite. Nonfibrous forms of the last three
combustion engines (1533), vinyl chloride (5210); and welding minerals listed here are regulated by GISO 5208.1. You may
fumes (1536, 1537). encounter asbestos at a construction site in the following
applications and areas:
Airborne contaminants must be controlled by: 5141
• Excavations where asbestos-bearing rock outcroppings
• Applying engineering controls. are at or near the surface.
• Removing employees from exposure to the hazard and • Fireproofing for steel-frame high-rise buildings.
by limiting the daily exposure of employees to the
hazard. • Pipe and boiler insulation.
• Providing respiratory protective equipment whenever
such engineering controls are not practical or fail to
achieve full compliance.

12 Cal/OSHA Pocket Guide for the Construction Industry June 2019 Cal/OSHA Pocket Guide for the Construction Industry | June 2019 13