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OSHA South Carolina Rules & Regulations

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a federal agency of the U.S. Department of Labor. This agency is charged with ensuring the safety and health of all workers through the development of workplace rules and regulations. Each state is permitted to develop its own rules and regulations in addition to the federal rules and regulations. South Carolina's state OSHA office has developed certain rules and regulations pertinent to South Carolina workers. These rules and regulations help ensure the physical safety of both private and public sector employees.

  1. Contractor Requirements for Construction Sites

    • For a company operating in South Carolina to be compliant with state OSHA laws, no construction contractor or subcontractor can force any worker to work in conditions that are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to health or safety. In addition, South Carolina OSHA guidelines applicable to construction sites redefine what a "competent person" is. The state OSHA guidelines define such a person as someone who has had specific training in and knowledge about the use of protective systems. This person must also be capable of identifying existing and potential hazards and possess the authority to correct these hazards.

    Spray Finishing with Flammable Materials

    • South Carolina's OSHA guidelines regarding spray finishing with flammable and combustible materials differ from the federal guidelines, providing companies with different specifics as to the environment in which spray finishing may be conducted. Specifically, equipment within 20 feet horizontally and 10 feet vertically of the spraying area cannot produce sparks under normal operating conditions. In addition, guidelines are in place regarding proper ventilation when using toxic materials for spray finishing. For instance, if the room where the spraying takes place is automatically ventilated when the spray device is in operation, then a 5-foot empty space must exist in front of the spray room. If the spray device and ventilation system are not interlocked, a 10-foot space is required.

    Powered Industrial Trucks Standards

    • South Carolina's OSHA guidelines also differ from federal guidelines when it comes to powered industrial truck standards. South Carolina's OSHA standards outline revised rules regarding trucks that are equipped with vertical only, or vertical and horizontal, lifting fork controls. These rules include the need to include a safety platform on the fork when lifting personnel as well as requirements that personnel on the platform should have some means to shut off power to the truck and that proper protection from falling objects be provided.

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