Page 270 - Safety Memo

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 E. Employees who have potential exposure to direct or reflected
IIPP (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
discussion of injuries due to falls from ladders. Lead
3276(f)(1)
b. Selection of ladders, including types, proper length, Occupational exposures to lead can occur in construction
maximum working loads, and electrical hazards. activities, such as plumbing system retrofits; the spraying,
3276(f)(2) removal, or heating of paint that contains lead; and the welding,
c. Maintenance, inspection, and removal of damaged cutting, and grinding of lead-containing construction materials.
ladders from service. 3276(f)(3) Occupational lead exposures can affect workers as well as family
d. Erecting ladders, including footing support, top members and friends who come in contact with the “take-home”
support, securing, and angle of inclination. 3276(f)(4) lead on the worker’s clothing, hair, hands, etc. The toxic effects of
lead on the human body have been well documented and include
e. Climbing and working on ladders, including user’s damage to the kidneys, brain, and reproductive organs that, in turn,
position and points of contact with the ladder. causes the loss of kidney function, sterility, decreased fertility, and
3276(f)(5)
birth defects and mental retardation in offspring.
f. Causes of falls, including haste, sudden movement,
lack of attention, footwear, and user’s physical Because of the serious, and in many cases life threatening, health
condition. 3276(f)(6) effects of lead, the employer must be thoroughly knowledgeable
about the regulations to protect people from lead exposure before
g. Prohibited uses, including climbing on cross bracing, their employees engage in any work exposing them to lead.
uses other than designed, exceeding maximum 1532.1
lengths, and not meeting minimum overlap
requirements. 3276(f)(7) A. Cal/OSHA enforces the “Lead in Construction Safety Orders,”
which make employers responsible for the following: 1532.1.
L. It is a good idea to make sure that the stepladder is
properly set up and that the spreader is in the locked position 1. For each job site, the lead hazard must be assessed.
before use. 1532.1(d)(1)
2. Where lead is present, the following is required:
Laser Equipment a. Lead dust must be controlled by HEPA vacuuming, wet
cleanup, or other effective methods. 1532.1(h)
The primary hazard of using laser equipment is injury to the b. The employer shall assure that food, beverage, and
eyes. The following are selected regulatory requirements: tobacco products are not present or used in areas
A. Only qualified persons may operate laser equipment. 1801(a) where employees are exposed to lead above the
B. Equipment must be turned off or shielded when unattended
and not in use. 1801(e)

98 Cal/OSHA Pocket Guide for the Construction Industry | June 2019 Cal/OSHA Pocket Guide for the Construction Industry | June 2019 99