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December 2008
OSHA Issues Final PPE Rule

OSHA announced its final rule on employer-paid personal protective equipment (PPE) on November 14, 2007 with publication in the Federal Register on November 15, 2007. Under the rule, all PPE, with a few exceptions, are provided at no cost to the employee. This final rule clarifies who is responsible for paying for all PPE.

The final rule contains a few exceptions for ordinary safety-toed footwear, ordinary prescription safety eyewear, and ordinary clothing and weather-related gear. The final rule also clarifies OSHA's requirements regarding payment for employee-owned PPE and replacement PPE.
 
The rule became effective on February 13, 2008 and had an enforcement deadline of May 15, 2008 to allow employers time to change their existing PPE payment policies to accommodate the final rule.

Be sure to read The PPE Final Rule for a comprehensive review of the requirements.

OSHA recently issued a new guide for general industry on the selection and use of slings when handling and moving materials. The document, Guidance on Safe Sling Use, updates the 1975 standard by including information on synthetic round slings, and newer grade materials being used in alloy steel chain and wire rope slings. Improper selection and use of slings can result in sling failure or load slippage which can lead to injuries or death. According to OSHA accident data, there were four fatalities from 1994 to 1996 due to the misuse or failure of slings

Important:

This information is offered by the Gases and Welding Distributors Association and your local distributor as general guidance only and may not explain all relevant safety precautions or hazards.

 

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