What is OSHA 1910.269?

OSHA 1910.269

What is OSHA 1910.269?  In very basic terms this federal regulation addresses the operation and maintenance of electrical power generation, control, transformation, transmission, and distribution lines and equipment.  Within the layers of this regulation lies a section addressing flame resistant clothing.  The code states that an employer shall ensure that each employee who is exposed to the hazards of flames or electric arcs does not wear clothing that, when exposed to flames or electric arcs, could increase the extent of injury that would be sustained by the employee. (OSHA 1910.269(l)(6)(iii))

OSHA recently revised part of 1910.269 to include the following:

Employees may not wear flammable clothing in conjunction with flame-resistant clothing if the flammable clothing poses an ignition hazard.  Although outer flame-resistant layers may not have openings that expose flammable inner layers, when an outer flame-resistant layer would be unable to resist break open the next (inner) layer must be flame-resistant if it could ignite.

OSHA also revised paragraph (g)(3) of §1926.960 and paragraph (l)(8)(iii) of §1910.269 to require an employer to ensure that each employee exposed to hazards from flames or electric arcs does not wear clothing that could melt onto his or her skin or that could ignite and continue to burn when exposed to flames or the heat energy estimated under §§1926.960(g)(2) and 1910.269(l)(8)(ii).

In basic terms OSHA is making it mandatory for certain employers to provide protective clothing that will not melt, drip, or ignite and that will not contribute to injury by July 10, 2014.  Employers will then be required to perform an Arc Flash Hazard Assessment by January 1, 2015.  By April 1, 2015 employers will be required to provide Arc Rated Clothing that matches the Arc Flash Hazard assessment to employees.

These revisions are sure to have employers and employees wondering what options they have to comply with the revised OSHA 1910.269.  To read the full OSHA revision click here. For information on flame resistant garment options, contact our customer service team by dialing 800.553.0672 or email us at CustomerService@thinkNSA.com