Question: What are the requirements for fit-testing of respirators?

Answer:

A fit test is a method used to select the right size respirator for the user. Fit testing of all negative or positive pressure tight-fitting facepiece respirators is required prior to initial use, whenever a different respirator facepiece is used, and at least annually thereafter. An additional fit test is required whenever there are changes in the user's physical condition that could affect respirator fit (e.g., facial scarring, dental changes, cosmetic surgery, or an obvious change in body weight). The employee must be fit tested with the same make, model, style, and size of respirator that will be used. See frequently asked questions on respiratory protection or the safety and health topics page on respiratory protection.

Question: If I think I am getting sick at work because of mold, what should my employer do?

Answer:

Employers are required to follow the General Duty Clause of the OSH Act, which requires them to provide workers with a safe workplace that does not have any known hazards that cause or are likely to cause death or serious injury.

OSHA has a number of guidance documents that employers can use to assist them in hazard recognition, detection, control and clean-up of mold. In general the best way to control mold is to identify and control the source or sources of moisture. Once the employer controls the source or sources of moisture, they can ensure the mold-bearing material can either be cleaned or removed. For further information on this subject, see OSHA's Molds Safety and Health Topics page.

Question: Does OSHA regulate cigarette smoking in the workplace?

Answer:

OSHA does not have a regulation that addresses smoking in the workplace except for a limited number of regulations that address smoking and other sources of ignition from a fire safety perspective.

Question: What should I do if I am being exposed to chemicals, dust or other hazards?

Answer:

OSHA does not have a specific indoor air quality (IAQ) standard for construction or general industry activities, but does provide guidelines addressing the most common workplace complaints about IAQ. These are typically related to temperature, humidity, lack of outside air ventilation, or smoking. OSHA standards address potential hazardous conditions leading to serious physical harm or death. Such standards may include those for specific air contaminants, ventilation systems, or the General Duty Clause of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSH Act).

For guidelines and additional information on this subject, see OSHA's Safety and Health Topics page on Indoor Air Quality and Frequently Asked Questions about Indoor Air Quality.

Question: If I think there is an indoor air quality problem at work, what can I do?

Answer:

Employers are required to follow the General Duty Clause of the OSH Act, which requires them to provide workers with a safe workplace that does not have any known hazards that cause or are likely to cause death or serious injury. Employers should be reasonably aware of the possible sources of poor air quality, and they should have the resources necessary to recognize and control workplace hazards. It is also their responsibility to inform employees of the immediate dangers that are present.

For more information, see NIOSH's Health Hazard Evaluation Program.

You can also contact your local OSHA Office or file a safety and health complaint and OSHA will keep your information confidential.

Question: Can my company use the OSHA logo on our products?

Answer:

The OSHA logo is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and carries all of the legal protections afforded by federal trademark registration. OSHA cannot approve, endorse, or promote the products or services of others, nor does the agency allow the use of its logo to endorse private entities, products or services.

Question: Can OSHA approve my new product?

Answer:

OSHA does not endorse commercial products.

While OSHA does not approve or endorse products, there are a small number of products which if used in a workplace do require approval before being acceptable to OSHA. Products which use electric energy, liquid petroleum gas, and fire suppression equipment, to name a few, must be "acceptable" to OSHA. This generally means that the product must be tested and certified by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL). An NRTL is a private-sector organization that OSHA has recognized as meeting the legal requirements in 29 CFR 1910.7 to perform testing and certification of products using consensus based test standards. See the complete list of products requiring NRTL approval. Products that require testing and certification by an NRTL can be submitted directly to the NRTL for testing.

Question: Can an employer restrict restroom use?

Answer:

OSHA's Sanitation standard requires that employers make toilet facilities available so that employees can use them when they need to. The employer may not impose unreasonable restrictions on employee use of the facilities. For more information, see the restrooms page.

Question: Are employers required to provide drinking water?

Answer:

OSHA Standards require an employer to provide potable water in the workplace and permit employees to drink it. Potable water includes tap water that is safe for drinking. Employers cannot require employees to pay for water that is provided. An employer does not have to provide bottled water if potable water is available. See OSHA's sanitation standard for more information.

Question: Can my employer stop me from seeing injury or illness records?

Answer:

No. Current and former employees, or their representatives, have the right to access injury and illness records. Employers must give the requester a copy of the relevant record(s) by the end of the next business day.