1915 Subpart H
No. Hose or electric cords cannot be used to handle tools or materials when climbing ladders; the rule specifically prohibits that use. The employer must provide and have employees use hand lines, slings, tackles, or carriers such as tool bags with shoulder straps so workers’ hands are free on ship's ladders and access ladders Requirement in 1915.131(a).
Acceptable carriers include hand lines, slings, tackles, and tool bags with shoulder straps; these let workers keep their hands free while climbing. The standard lists those exact options and also states that using hose or electric cords for this purpose is prohibited, so choose one of the approved methods instead See 1915.131(a).
You must remove the dies and tools from reciprocating air tools when the tools are not in use. The standard requires removal to prevent unintended movement or hazards while the tool is idle See 1915.131(b).
Portable circular saws must have both upper and lower guards: the upper guard must cover the saw to the depth of the teeth except for the small arc needed to tilt the base for bevel cuts, and the lower guard must cover to the teeth depth except for the minimum arc needed for proper retraction and contact. The lower guard must automatically and instantly return to the covering position when the tool is withdrawn from the work Requirement in 1915.131(c).
No. The lower guard must automatically and instantly return to the covering position when the tool is withdrawn and must not be held open or disabled; any intentional disabling would violate the guard requirement. The standard requires automatic retraction and return of the lower guard so the blade is covered except for the minimum arc needed for cutting See 1915.131(c).
Yes. All moving parts of machinery on a dry dock must be guarded to prevent employee contact and reduce hazard risk. The standard states that the moving parts of machinery on a dry dock shall be guarded See 1915.131(d).
Before use, pneumatic tools must be secured to the extension hose or whip by a positive means that prevents accidental disconnection. The standard requires a positive attachment method so the tool cannot become detached during operation Requirement in 1915.131(e).
The moving parts of drive mechanisms—such as gearing and belting—on large portable tools must be adequately guarded to protect employees from contact or entanglement. The rule requires that these drive mechanism parts be guarded appropriately See 1915.131(f).
They must bear the word "air" in letters at least 1 inch high, painted on the manifolds or separate hose connections, or on signs permanently attached to them; grouped air connections may be marked in one location. The standard specifies the 1-inch minimum letter height and allows either painted marking or permanently attached signs See 1915.131(g).
Compressed air hose must be examined before use, and any hose that is visibly damaged or unsafe must not be used. The standard requires a pre-use inspection and removal from service of hoses that show visible damage See 1915.131(h).
The employer must take the saw out of service and repair the guard before allowing its use, because the lower guard is required to automatically return to the covering position to protect workers. This requirement is specified in the circular saw guard rule See 1915.131(c).
Yes, provided the quick-disconnect fitting is a positive means that prevents the tool from accidentally disconnecting, it meets the standard’s requirement to secure the pneumatic tool to the extension hose or whip. The standard requires a positive attachment method to prevent accidental disconnection See 1915.131(e).
The employer is responsible for ensuring that portable tool guards, hose connections, and fittings meet the requirements of the standard and remain in safe condition. Employers must provide and maintain the protections described in 1915.131. In addition, a competent person may be designated to recognize unsafe conditions and specify necessary protective measures, as explained in OSHA's letter about competent person responsibilities See 1915.131 and the competent person interpretation and https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2016-04-18.
Yes—employers must provide required PPE and generally must pay for it when the PPE is necessary to comply with OSHA requirements for shipyard employment. OSHA’s payment rule requires employers to supply PPE required by the standards without charging employees (subject to a few limited exceptions discussed in the agency guidance) See 1915 and OSHA’s interpretation on employer payment for PPE and https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2014-11-13.
Yes. The rule allows grouped air connections to be marked in one location rather than marking every individual fitting, as long as the marking clearly identifies them as air connections and uses letters at least 1 inch high on the manifold, separate connections, or a permanently attached sign See 1915.131(g).
A competent person should check for visible cuts, abrasions, kinks, bulges, exposed reinforcement, severe wear, leaks, and damaged couplings; any hose that appears unsafe or damaged must not be used. The standard requires that compressed air hose be examined before use and that visibly damaged hose not be used See 1915.131(h) and OSHA guidance on competent persons can clarify who can make these determinations [https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2016-04-18].