Knowledge Base

The Ohio State University Forklift and Powered Industrial Truck Safety Program applies to all OSU staff members who operate and/or are responsible for powered industrial trucks.

The OSU Fall Protection Program outlines responsibilities for employees involved in elevated work; supervisors of employees involved in elevated work; elimination of fall hazards; and protection against fall hazards when they are present.

The preeminent safety standard for elevators (mechanical and hydraulic) has been developed by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME A17.3-2011) and has been adopted by The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Contractors perform all maintenance and service work on university elevators; OSU employees are not permitted to conduct maintenance or service. Contractors preforming maintenance or service work on any of OSU’s elevators are expected to know and follow all of the applications and practices contained in ASME A17.3-2011.

The Elevated Work Written Program is developed and maintained to provide safety related information to users of these devices and minimize injuries as a result of improper use. This program covers all Ohio State University (OSU) departmental personnel including staff and contractors utilizing equipment to perform elevated work on OSU property.

The Ohio State University Crane, Hoist and Sling Safety Program applies to all OSU staff members who operate and/or are responsible for cranes, hoists and slings. Moving large, heavy loads may involve the use of specialized lifting devices such as cranes, hoists and slings. There are significant safety issues to be considered, both for the operators and for workers in proximity to them. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established regulations and guidelines for the protection of workers and facilities relating to crane, hoist and slings in 29 CFR 1910 Subpart N (Materials Handling and Storage). The OSU Crane, Hoist and Sling Safety Program outlines departmental responsibilities and provides important safety information regarding the use of these specialized lifting devices.

The computer workstation is an essential tool in today's workplace. Although musculoskeletal and vision problems can occur, they can be controlled by using the proper equipment, designing workstations properly and following proper techniques and work practices.

The purpose of this Compressed Gas Safety Program is to provide the hazards associated with compressed gases and outline the steps to take to ensure employees who work with, or around compressed gases are not exposed to hazards; and to provide procedures for common compressed gas work duties to minimize exposure in accordance with the OSHA Hazardous Materials, Compressed Gas standards (29 CFR 1910.101); Department of Transportation Hazardous Materials Regulations; and Compressed Gas Association (CGA) guidelines.

The health and safety of faculty, staff and students who work and learn in the departments relating to art is a top priority at The Ohio State University. This is achieved through many written safety programs that relate to art and other occupations and through compliance with applicable State and Federal regulations. A good way to ensure safety in the art studio or laboratory is to understand the hazards that may be encountered and how to protect from them. This information must be obtained prior to beginning activities. Employees and students must be familiar with proper work practices, personal protective equipment and applicable safety guidelines.