OSHA Instruction

This instruction provides guidance to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) national, regional, and area offices; industry employer and employee groups; and State programs and federal agencies concerning OSHA's policy and procedures for implementing intervention and inspection programs to reduce or eliminate workplace hazards related to confined and enclosed spaces and other dangerous atmospheres in shipyard employment. As detailed in the Department of Labor's Strategic Plan, OSHA is particularly committed to focused interventions to reduce injuries, illnesses and fatalities in all industries, including shipyard employment. This instruction provides information and guidance to support intervention and inspection programs related to shipyard employment. This instruction: Supports DOL's Strategic Plan for increased emphasis on improving occupational safety and health in all industries, including shipyard employment. Provides OSHA compliance officers and consultants and other interested government and industry parties with information to support confined and enclosed spaces and other dangerous atmospheres intervention efforts and to minimize employee exposure to hazards. Supports the Site-Specific Targeting (SST) program for the shipbuilding and ship repairing industries, and the National Emphasis Program (NEP) on Shipbreaking. This instruction has been revised and updated to include significant changes as follows: Updates references and directives to include new documents and the current version of documents previously listed. Delivers available shipyard employment safety and health information in a web-based format with additional electronic links to noted references. Includes six flowcharts in Appendix A for easy reference. These flowcharts were previously developed and posted on OSHA's website to clarify the logical process for determining compliance with 29 CFR Part 1915, Subpart B requirements. Revises the format of the instruction to comply with current Agency procedures.