California State Plan approval

The California State Plan received initial approval on May 1, 1973. See 1952.7(a).

An operational status agreement means OSHA and California agreed on how the State Plan will operate in place of federal enforcement while OSHA retains oversight responsibilities. See 1952.7(b) and the general Part 1952 provisions.

The California State Plan covers all private‑sector employers and employees, and also covers State and local government employers and employees in California, with several notable exceptions. See 1952.7(c).

For current information on exceptions and additional plan details, you should consult the California State Plan information referenced in 1952.7(c). See that section for the pointer to the State Plan page and contact details.

Generally, federal OSHA does not enforce its standards in workplaces covered by an approved State Plan because the State Plan takes the enforcement role in the State. See the Part overview at 1952 and the coverage statement in 1952.7(c).

Yes — 1952.7(c) notes the State Plan covers most employers but also refers to several exceptions; some federal workplaces (for example, certain federal agencies or maritime/federal enclaves) are generally outside State Plan enforcement and remain under federal OSHA. Check the current exceptions referenced in 1952.7(c).

Yes — an approved State Plan like California's enforces State standards that must be at least as effective as federal standards but may be different or more stringent than federal OSHA. See 1952 for the Part governing State Plans and 1952.7(c) for California coverage.

California employers covered by the State Plan should contact the State Plan agency (Cal/OSHA) for enforcement, inspections, and complaint handling because the State Plan enforces occupational safety and health in the State; see 1952.7(c) and the Part overview at 1952.

Yes — 1952.7(c) explicitly states that the plan covers State and local government employers and employees within California, subject to the exceptions referenced in that paragraph.

Federal OSHA retains oversight and monitoring authority over approved State Plans to ensure they remain at least as effective as federal protections and to address deficiencies or withdrawal if necessary. See the Part overview at 1952 and the California coverage note in 1952.7.

The Bloodborne Pathogens Standard applies only where there is actual or reasonably anticipated exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM); routine contact with diluted raw sewage is generally not covered unless it is visibly contaminated with blood or involves items like used hypodermic needles or first‑aid duties. See the federal interpretation at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2007-07-30 and consult 1952.7(c) for California State Plan coverage — the State Plan agency enforces applicable bloodborne pathogen provisions in California.

The employer is responsible for evaluating job classifications and tasks to determine whether employees have occupational exposure to blood or OPIM and therefore are covered by the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. See the interpretation at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2007-07-30 and refer to 1952.7(c) for State Plan enforcement in California.

Yes — employees who are designated to render first aid and who have a reasonable expectation of exposure to blood or OPIM must be offered the hepatitis B vaccination in accordance with the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. See the interpretation at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2007-07-30 and check California enforcement procedures under 1952.7(c).

OSHA’s interpretation confirms that a small, power‑ventilated structure used to capture paint overspray and conduct it outside can meet the definition of a spray booth under OSHA rules when it functions to capture overspray. See the interpretation at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2004-08-12 and consult California plan requirements via 1952.7(c).

Yes — OSHA stated a properly installed dry chemical extinguishing system (or a CO2 system meeting OSHA requirements) may be used in lieu of automatic sprinklers for a spray booth if it provides an equivalent level of protection. See the interpretation at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2004-08-12 and check California-specific fire protection requirements under 1952.7(c).

OSHA indicated that paint storage rooms must meet the flammable and combustible liquids standard (federal 1910.106) and that design and construction requirements for inside storage rooms are found at 1910.106(d)(4); see the interpretation at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2004-08-12 and consult California State Plan enforcement via 1952.7(c).

Yes — employers in California must follow the California State Plan's standards and enforcement rules even when federal OSHA guidance is relevant; federal Letters of Interpretation are useful for technical guidance but the State Plan agency implements and enforces the applicable State standards. See 1952.7(c) and the Part overview at 1952.

A California safety manager should follow the California State Plan standard enforced in the State and consult the State Plan agency for clarification, while noting federal interpretations may provide helpful technical context; see 1952 and the California coverage note at 1952.7(c).

Coverage details and exceptions can change, so you should consult the California State Plan information referenced in 1952.7(c) and the Part overview at 1952 for current guidance and links to the State Plan office.