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OSHA Regulations for Public Entities in Virginia

Public businesses and organizations must meet Virginia Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules and regulations to continue to operate. The state OSHA plan went into effect on September 28, 1976. Laws incorporated into the plan protect Virginia residents, particularly employees and customers who frequent these public entities, from hazardous chemicals and other potentially dangerous conditions. Organizations and businesses that fail to comply with the laws receive fines and penalties.

  1. Asbestos Notification

    • Organizations that work with asbestos are required to have a licensed asbestos contractor on site. The inspector must give the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry a 20 day notice before work in an asbestos area commences. Contractors must keep a record of each asbestos or lead project that the organization works on. Records are to include the name, address and license number of the project supervisor. The address and building location where the work was performed as well as the start and end dates for the project must also be included in the record. The report has to provide the location where the asbestos was deposited or dumped.

    OSHA Inspections

    • The Virginia Secretary of Labor and the secretary's representatives are authorized to enter any public organization located in the state to inspect the area for safety issues. They can also enter areas to investigate whether or not a previously cited (for unsafe practices) organization remains in compliance with OSHA regulations such as posted safety warnings and chemicals properly stored.

    Safety Training

    • Employees who handle hazardous materials or chemicals must receive Department of Labor and Industry approved training that alerts the employees on the proper way to use and store chemicals and hazardous materials. Additionally, employees must receive first aid training so they will know how to respond in the event of an emergency. Each employee who works in an enclosed area where hazardous or toxic chemicals and materials are stored (e.g. sewers, boiler rooms, underground utility vaults) must be informed of the dangers involved in working in the area.

    Sanitation

    • Potable water must be stored and made available to employees. Potable drinking water is not to be used for any other purpose. Containers that hold the water are to be clearly marked. Public organizations must also ensure that their facilities provide clean bathrooms for employees to use. Hot and cold water must be available in bathrooms. Employees who handle hazardous materials are to be provided a washing area (shower, sink) where they can wash their hands and other parts of their bodies that might have come in contact with the hazardous materials.

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