OSHA’s Top Ten Violations: Is Your Shop in Compliance?
By Natalie Schoonover, CCAR Environmental/Safety Specialist

The U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has released its list of the ten most-violated OSHA standards in the automotive repair industry during the most recent 12-month period.

The list was generated from data about citations issued from October 1, 2004 through September 30, 2005.

The most-cited standard was Hazardous Communication (29 CFR 1910.1200). The purpose of this standard is to evaluate the potential hazards of chemicals in the shop and communicate information concerning the hazards the technicians can be exposed to. To comply with this standard, a shop must do the following:

• Maintain a written hazard communication program
• Keep a list of hazardous chemicals present in the shop
• Label all chemical containers
• Have Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) in a readily accessible location for everyone in the shop
• Train employees annually on the hazards of chemicals and on protective measures in the shop

Respiratory protection (29 CFR 1910.134) was the second most-cited standard. To stay in compliance, air purifying respirators (APRs) are to be worn to protect workers exposed to dusts, fumes, gases, sprays and/or vapors. In addition to having technicians wear respirators, the shop must have a Respiratory Protection program in placeis required to be taught by the employer. The key elements in implementing a Respiratory Protection plan are:

• A written plan with details on implementing procedures for the program
• Assessment of respiratory hazardous in the shop
• Engineering techniques to reduce respiratory hazards
• Training guidelines on appropriate respiratory usage and proper care of respirator
• Medical surveillance of technicians 

Here are the other top violations for the automotive repair industry are:

Shops are advised to keep these standards in mine, to avoid monetary penalties and stay in compliance with all the other OSHA standards. A good way to make sure your in compliance is to walk around the shop and make sure you're shop is not violating any OSHA regulations. In addition, hold shop meetings to discuss ways to get into compliance and other safety issues that technician have concerns about.