Trade Release
May 26, 2009
Contact: Office of Communications
Phone: 202-693-1999

Three more OSHA standards added to revised shipyard industry document

WASHINGTON -- Fire Protection in Shipyard Employment, contamination issues related to Hexavalent Chromium and Employer Payment for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are three additions to the Shipyard Industry Standards, a revised guidance document recently published by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that provides employers and workers with an overview of all safety and health standards associated with the shipyard industry.

The standard's Fire Protection in Shipyard Employment subpart includes sections on implementing a fire safety plan, fire watches and fire response. The payment for personal protective equipment section advises employers of their obligation to provide PPE for workers at no cost to them. Hexavalent chromium has been added to the list of air contaminants whose concentrations should not exceed stated exposure levels.

"The Maritime Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health recommended that OSHA update and republish the shipyard and longshoring industry digests," said acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Jordan Barab. "The revised document is now up-to-date with current standards and will continue to serve as another resource for protecting the safety and health of shipyard workers."

Shipyard Industry Standards revises the existing Shipyard Industry Digest and incorporates new shipyard employment requirements that have been developed and finalized since the booklet was last published in 1998. It lists the guidelines for safety and health programs in the industry and incorporates topics such as management commitment; employee participation; hazard identification, assessment and control; and program evaluation.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, OSHA's role is to assure safe and healthful working conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; and providing training, outreach and education. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

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