OSHA Requirements for Industrial Safety Supplies: A Checklist

When running an industrial operation, ensuring safety isn't just good practice—it’s a legal requirement. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets the rules for what workplaces need to stay compliant. Knowing what’s on the checklist can save you from penalties and keep your workers safe. Let’s walk through the essential items.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE isn’t optional when hazards are present. OSHA regulations require employers to assess the workplace for dangers and provide appropriate protective gear. The key categories include:

• Eye and Face Protection: ANSI-approved safety glasses, goggles, or face shields for exposure to flying debris, chemicals, or radiation. Keep spares handy—scratched or damaged gear won’t cut it.
• Respiratory Protection: If air quality is compromised by dust, fumes, or vapors, ensure workers have access to NIOSH-certified respirators. Fit testing is a must for tight-fitting models.
• Head Protection: Hard hats should meet ANSI standards and be inspected regularly for cracks or dents.
• Hearing Protection: Earplugs or earmuffs are essential in environments where noise exceeds 85 decibels. Make sure these are properly rated for the level of noise reduction needed.
• Hand Protection: Gloves must match the job. Kevlar for cuts, nitrile for chemicals, and insulated versions for extreme temperatures.
• Foot Protection: Steel-toed boots guard against crushing hazards, while slip-resistant soles are a lifesaver in slick conditions.

Hazard Communication (HazCom)

OSHA’s HazCom Standard ensures workers know what chemicals they’re handling. This means:

• Labels: All chemical containers must display proper labeling with hazard information.
• Safety Data Sheets (SDS): Accessible documentation for every chemical in use. Workers should know where to find these and how to read them.
• Training: Employees need education on chemical risks and handling procedures.

Failure to comply is one of the most cited OSHA violations, so don’t skimp here.

Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)

Working with machinery? LOTO procedures prevent accidental start-up during maintenance. OSHA requires:

• Standardized Devices: Locks, tags, and other restraints should be uniform across the facility.
• Training and Certification: Employees authorized to perform lockout/tagout need documented training.
• Written Procedures: Clear instructions for de-energizing equipment and applying locks and tags.

Fall Protection

Falls are a leading cause of workplace injuries, especially in construction. OSHA mandates fall protection for workers exposed to drops of six feet or more in most industries. What you’ll need includes:

• Guardrails: Install around elevated platforms or open holes.
• Safety Nets: Useful in areas where guardrails aren’t practical.
• Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS): Includes a harness, lanyard, and anchor point. Ensure all components meet OSHA specifications and are inspected regularly.

Fire Safety

OSHA’s fire safety requirements go beyond having extinguishers on hand. Key considerations include:

• Exit Routes: Marked, unobstructed pathways for emergency evacuation.
• Fire Extinguishers: Ensure the right type is available (Class A, B, C, etc.) and inspected yearly. Employees should know how to use them.
• Flammable Storage: Store flammable liquids in approved containers and cabinets to reduce risk.

Material Handling

Manual and mechanical material handling presents risks if not properly managed. OSHA emphasizes:

• Proper Lifting Techniques: Train workers to lift with their legs, not their back.
• Mechanical Aids: Use hoists, dollies, or forklifts for heavy loads. Operators must be certified to use forklifts safely.
• Storage: Keep materials stacked securely and away from exits or pathways.

Machine Guarding

Moving parts can cause serious injury. OSHA requires safeguards to protect workers from:

• Point of Operation: Where the work is performed, such as cutting or shaping.
• Rotating Parts: Shafts, gears, and pulleys must be shielded.
• Other Hazards: Protect against flying chips or sparks with barriers or screens.

Routine inspections ensure guards stay in place and equipment functions correctly.

Emergency Equipment

Emergencies can happen despite precautions. OSHA requires employers to prepare with the following:

• Eyewash Stations: Located within 10 seconds of hazards like chemical splashes. Flush capabilities should last at least 15 minutes.
• Emergency Showers: Necessary in areas where workers may be exposed to corrosive substances.
• First Aid Kits: Stocked based on workplace hazards. Workers should know where kits are located and who is trained in first aid.

Electrical Safety

Electrical hazards are less visible but just as dangerous. OSHA standards focus on:

• Grounding and Bonding: Prevent static electricity buildup in hazardous environments.
• Lockout Procedures: Essential for de-energizing electrical systems during repairs.
• Personal Protective Equipment: Insulated gloves and arc-rated clothing protect workers dealing with high-voltage equipment.

Workplace Housekeeping

A clean work area reduces accidents. OSHA encourages:

• Clear Pathways: Keep aisles free of tools, cords, or debris.
• Spill Management: Address liquid spills promptly and ensure spill kits are available for hazardous materials.
• Proper Waste Disposal: Separate general waste from hazardous materials and dispose of both appropriately.

Training Requirements

OSHA places significant emphasis on training. Workers need to know not only how to use equipment but also why certain practices are important. Training should cover:

• Specific Hazards: Tailored to the risks in the workplace.
• Regular Refreshers: Keep safety procedures top of mind.
• Recordkeeping: Document all training sessions to demonstrate compliance.

Recordkeeping and Reporting

OSHA requires employers to maintain records of workplace injuries and illnesses. Compliance involves:

• OSHA Forms 300, 300A, and 301: Keep these updated and accessible for inspections.
• Injury Reporting: Notify OSHA of severe injuries or fatalities within the specified timeframe.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Compliance isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about integrating safety into the work culture. Avoid these mistakes:

• Relying on outdated or uncertified equipment.
• Neglecting regular inspections.
• Overlooking the importance of worker feedback on safety equipment.

One purchasing manager shared how a routine audit uncovered expired respirator cartridges across their facility. The oversight could have led to worker exposure and a hefty OSHA fine. Lesson learned? Build regular checks into your safety supply management.

Safety doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does demand attention. Treat OSHA requirements not as burdens but as essential tools to protect your team. When in doubt, remember: investing in safety is always cheaper than dealing with accidents. Your workers—and your bottom line—will thank you.