OSHA Requirements for Retrofit Machines

Technology has not only advanced industrial capabilities and capacities, but also created efficiencies that improve worker safety. That's why as machinery has improved in many industries, the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has tightened its requirements for worker safety. While there are exceptions in situations where upgrades may be prohibitively expensive and create economic hardship, OSHA requires employers to bring their old equipment into line with safety standards on new machinery.

Dry Cleaning

• Today's dry cleaning technology has advanced significantly in terms of safety. Dry-to-dry, closed looped systems make it so employees no longer have to open machines containing clothes saturated with toxic chemicals as they did with older transfer machines. Perchloroethylene, referred to in the industry as "perc," still leaks into the air -- even on new equipment. OSHA does not require dry cleaners to discard their old machines nor can transfer machines become closed loop. However, dry cleaners using old equipment must retrofit their machines by adding air monitoring devices to measure perc emissions and ensure that workplace air stays within acceptable particle levels. Devices can include battery-powered pumps or monitoring badges.

Off-Road Diesel Vehicles

• The State of California Air Resources Board and OSHA developed a joint policy on off-road diesel vehicles which took effect in March, 2010. The policy requires manufacturers of new diesel equipment to include technologies which reduce emissions and old equipment to undergo retrofits to include this technology. The specific devices required of each vehicle vary by manufacturer and design -- however, they must bring emissions into line with the new standards. Because retrofit exhaust equipment does not always take proper account of vehicle design, OSHA and the ARB exempted vehicles whose operators' vision would be impaired by retrofitting.

Poultry Processing Equipment

• Poultry processing plants use heavy, sharp and powerful equipment. OSHA has many regulations over processes, procedures and equipment in these high-risk work environments. Plants must retrofit all equipment to have adequate guards and barriers to keep things from striking employees and also to prevent employees from getting body parts or hair caught in equipment. Where risks are present, but machine guards are not possible, manufacturers should devise their own safety barriers and safety adaptations as possible. Machines with hazardous power sources, control panels or access to dangerous power sources should be fitted with secured panels or cases whenever possible.