Water Hazards

Question 1

When employees work near or over water, what are the five requirements per OSHA?

Answer 1

1. Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) must be provided (such as U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets or buoyant work vests)
2. Life saving Equipment such as ring buoys with at least 90 feet of line and at least one lifesaving skiff must be immediately available.
3. Employers must ensure that employees are trained in the proper use and maintenance of personal flotation devices and other life-saving equipment.
4. All PFDs and life-saving equipment must be inspected. Damaged or defective equipment must be removed from service and replaced promptly.
5. Employers must have a plan in place for rescuing employees in case of an emergency, including trained personnel ready to perform rescues and providing appropriate equipment.

Question 2

What are the requirements of life savings equipment, per OSHA?

Answer 2

Ring buoys with at least 90 feet of line must be readily available and spaced not more than 200 feet apart. At least one lifesaving skiff must be immediately available for rescue operations..