OSHA AI Agent
Get instant answers to any safety question.
Request Demo
OSHA 1917.4

OMB information collection approvals

1917 Subpart A

14 Questions & Answers
10 Interpretations

Questions & Answers

Under 1917.4, what does OSHA list about information collection and OMB control numbers?

The list in 1917.4 identifies which specific sections or paragraphs in Part 1917 include paperwork or information-collection requirements and gives the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control numbers assigned to those requirements. See the list in 1917.4 for the exact citations and the OMB control numbers shown on that page.

Under 1917.4, which specific 1917 citations are shown as having OMB-approved information collection requirements?

The citations shown in 1917.4 are the exact paragraphs OSHA identified as containing an information-collection requirement and the OMB control numbers assigned to them. The page lists many paragraphs (for example, 1917.17(n), 1917.23(b)(1), 1917.26(d)(7), 1917.42(g)(3), 1917.45(f)(1)(i), 1917.50(c)(1), 1917.71(a), 1917.111(b), 1917.115(c), 1917.152(d)(2)(v), and others). You can find the full citation list and control numbers on the 1917.4 OMB list.

Under 1917.4, what do the OMB control numbers and expiration dates mean?

The OMB control number shown next to a paragraph in 1917.4 identifies the Office of Management and Budget approval for the paperwork/information-collection burden associated with that paragraph; the date shown in the text indicates when that particular approval was scheduled to expire. See 1917.4 for the listed control numbers and the expiration dates that were published with that list.

Under 1917.4, if an OMB control number listed has an expiration date, does that mean employers stop following the standard when it expires?

No — the regulatory obligations in the cited OSHA standard paragraph remain in effect even if an OMB control number approaching expiration is shown in the 1917.4 list; the OMB approval relates to the paperwork burden and its administrative approval cycle, not the underlying safety requirement. You should verify current OMB approval status and any updated control numbers with OSHA, starting at the 1917.4 OMB list.

Under 1917.4, how do I find exactly what information I must collect for a listed paragraph such as 1917.42(b)(1)?

Look up the full text of the specific paragraph cited to see the paperwork or recordkeeping requirement. For example, open 1917.42 and read paragraph (b)(1) to find the exact information collection requirement identified by 1917.4. The 1917.4 page itself only lists which paragraphs have OMB-approved collections and the control numbers — the details are in the cited paragraph.

Under 1917.26(d)(7), does OSHA require first-aid trained staff at marine terminals and what training applies for bleeding control?

Yes — marine-terminal standards require that one or more on-site individuals be trained to render first aid, and OSHA expects those first-aiders to be "adequately trained." See 1917.26 for the marine-terminals first-aid requirement and OSHA's interpretation on first aid and bleeding control at First aid and bleeding control. The interpretation explains that OSHA does not certify training programs but that employers must ensure first-aiders are adequately trained and that employers may provide bleeding-control kits and training as appropriate.

Under 1917.50, are reach stackers required to have the certification that 1917.50 normally requires for certain equipment?

No — reach stackers used in marine terminals are considered powered industrial trucks and are exempt from the certification requirement of 1917.50. See the 1917.50 rule and OSHA's reach-stacker memorandum, "Exemption of Variable Boom Reach Equipment ('Reach Stackers')," at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2017-03-17, which explains the exemption and points out that powered industrial trucks remain subject to other applicable requirements and training.

Under 1917.45, can a crane operator leave the controls while a suspended load is unattended?

No — a crane operator who becomes incapacitated or who leaves the controls while a load is suspended creates an unsafe condition; employers must ensure the person assigned to operate the equipment is physically able to perform the task without unscheduled interruption. See the general crane/operator safety requirements in 1917.45 and OSHA's interpretation on this specific scenario at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2013-09-13.

Under 1917.45(e), does OSHA require crane hooks to have safety latches to prevent accidental load disengagement?

Yes — 1917.45 includes a requirement that crane hooks be latched or otherwise secured to prevent accidental load disengagement in marine terminal operations. See 1917.45 and OSHA's interpretation on hooks and safety latches at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2006-01-10-0, which clarifies that use of a self-closing safety latch is required where the standard calls for hooks to be latched or otherwise secured.

Under 1917.50, may a marine terminal install strobe lights on powered industrial trucks instead of audible backup alarms to reduce noise exposure?

Yes — but only if the modification does not compromise safety and is approved as required by the marine-terminal equipment-modification rules. OSHA's maritime interpretation explains that installing a strobe light is allowed provided the employer obtains the manufacturer's written approval or the written approval of a qualified professional engineer (as the relevant maritime standard requires). See the general marine-terminal powered-truck rules at 1917.50 and OSHA's guidance on strobe lights and truck modifications at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2004-12-21-0. The interpretation also notes operators may need refresher training if the modification affects safe operation.

Under 1917.4, how should an employer confirm the current status of an OMB control number listed for a particular paragraph?

Employers should check the OSHA standard page for the specific citation and consult OSHA's current publications or contact OSHA to verify the current OMB control number and status. The 1917.4 OMB list shows the control numbers and expiration dates as published; OSHA's website will show any updates or renewed OMB approvals.

Under 1917.152(d)(2)(v) and (vi), what does inclusion in the 1917.4 list tell me about paperwork requirements?

Inclusion of 1917.152(d)(2)(v) and (vi) in the 1917.4 list means OSHA identified those specific subparagraphs as containing information-collection or recordkeeping obligations that have an assigned OMB control number. To see the exact paperwork or recordkeeping language you must follow, read the cited paragraph at 1917.152 and consult the 1917.4 OMB list for the control number.

Under 1917.23(b)(1), if 1917.4 lists that paragraph as an information-collection item, what practical steps should an employer take to comply?

First, read the exact language of 1917.23, paragraph (b)(1) to identify the records, reports, or forms required. Second, implement a written system or form to collect and retain the required information, and third, confirm the OMB control number from the 1917.4 list to ensure the paperwork burden has been approved. If unclear, contact OSHA for guidance on acceptable formats.

Under 1917.4, can employers include the listed OMB control number on their forms for the corresponding requirement?

Yes — it is a practical and common practice to show the applicable OMB control number on forms or instructions for a required information collection so users and inspectors can see the administrative approval; you can confirm the relevant control number on the 1917.4 list and then reference that number on your form or form instructions.