Scope: This standard provides the requirements for slinging.

Special Requirements: References other standards

1917.13(g) - Intermodal containers shall be handled in accordance with §1917.71(f) - terminals handling intermodal containers or roll-on roll-off operations.

Scope: This standard provides the requirements pertaining to railroad facilities.

Special Requirements: Controls, special precautions, operators, warning signs, posted

1917.17(g) - The employer shall institute all necessary controls during railcar movement to safeguard personnel. If winches or capstans are employed for movement, employees shall stand clear of the hauling rope and shall not stand between the rope and the cars.

1917.17(h) - Before being opened fully, doors shall be opened slightly to ensure that the load has not shifted during transit. Special precautions shall be taken if the doors being opened are visibly damaged.

1917.17(l) - Operators of railcar dumps shall have an unrestricted view of dumping operations and shall have emergency means of stopping movement.

1917.17(n) - Warning signs shall be posted where doorways open onto tracks, at blind corners and at similar places where vision may be restricted.

1917.17(o) - Warning signs shall be posted if insufficient clearance for personnel exists between railcars and structures.

Scope: This standard provides requirements relating to communications.

Special Requirements: Communication, warnings, instructions.

Cargo handling operations shall not be carried on when noise-producing, maintenance, construction or repair work interferes with the communication of warnings or instructions.

Scope: This standard provides requirements pertaining to hazardous cargo.

Special requirements: Inform, special precautions, instruct, designated person, notify, supervision, methods, determine

Hazardous cargo, material, substance or atmosphere means:

1. Any substance listed in 29 CFR part 1910, Subpart Z;
2. Any material in the Hazardous Materials Table and Hazardous Materials Communications Regulations of the Department of Transportation, 49 CFR part 172;
3. Any article not properly described by a name in the Hazardous Materials Table and Hazardous Materials Communications Regulations of the Department of Transportation, 49 CFR part 172 but which is properly classified under the definition of those categories of dangerous articles given in 49 CFR Part 173; or
4. Any atmosphere with an oxygen content of less than 19.5%.

1917.22(a) - Before cargo handling operations begin, the employer shall ascertain whether any hazardous cargo is to be handled and shall determine the nature of the hazard. The employer shall inform employees of the nature of any hazard and any special precautions to be taken to prevent employee exposure, and shall instruct employees to notify him of any leaks or spills.

1917.22(c) - If hazardous cargo is spilled or if its packaging leaks, employees shall be removed from the affected area until the employer has ascertained the specific hazards, provided any equipment, clothing and ventilation and fire protection equipment necessary to eliminate or protect against the hazard, and has instructed cleanup employees in a safe method of cleaning up and disposing of a spill and handling and disposing of leaking containers. Actual cleanup or disposal work shall be conducted under the supervision of a designated person.

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for hazardous atmospheres and substances. 

Special Requirements: Determination, designated person, attendant, test(s), results, personal protective equipment, records, respirators, posted, instructed, warning signs, monitor, observers, references other standards

Hazardous cargo, material, substance or atmosphere means:

1. Any substance listed in 29 CFR part 1910, Subpart Z;
2. Any material in the Hazardous Materials Table and Hazardous Materials Communications Regulations of the Department of Transportation, 49 CFR part 172;
3. Any article not properly described by a name in the Hazardous Materials Table and Hazardous Materials Communications Regulations of the Department of Transportation, 49 CFR part 172 but which is properly classified under the definition of those categories of dangerous articles given in 49 CFR Part 173; or
4. Any atmosphere with an oxygen content of less than 19.5%.

1917.23(a) - Purpose and scope. This section covers areas in which the employer is aware that a hazardous atmosphere or substance may exist, except where one or more of the following sections apply: §1917.22 Hazardous cargo; §1917.24 Carbon monoxide; §1917.25 Fumigants, pesticides, insecticides and hazardous preservatives; §1917.73 Terminal facilities handling menhaden and similar species of fish; §1917.152 Welding, cutting, and heating (hot work); and §1917.153 Spray painting.

1917.23(b) - Determination of hazard.

• 1917.23(b)(1) - When the employer is aware that a room, building, vehicle, railcar, or other space contains or has contained a hazardous atmosphere, a designated and appropriately equipped person shall test the atmosphere before employee entry to determine whether a hazardous atmosphere exists.
• 1917.23(b)(2) - Records of results of any tests required by this section shall be maintained for at least thirty (30) days.

1917.23(c) - Testing during ventilation. When mechanical ventilation is used to maintain a safe atmosphere, tests shall be made by a designated person to ensure that the atmosphere is not hazardous.

1917.23(d) - Entry into hazardous atmospheres. Only designated persons shall enter hazardous atmospheres, in which case the following shall apply:

• 1917.23(d)(1) - Persons entering a space containing a hazardous atmosphere shall be protected by respiratory and emergency protective equipment meeting the requirements of Subpart E - personal protection, of this part;
• 1917.23(d)(2) - Persons entering a space containing a hazardous atmosphere shall be instructed in the nature of the hazard, precautions to be taken, and the use of protective and emergency equipment. Standby observers, similarly equipped and instructed, shall continuously monitor the activity of employees within such space;
• 1917.23(d)(3) - Except for emergency or rescue operations, employees shall not enter into any atmosphere which has been identified as flammable or oxygen deficient (less than 19.5% oxygen). Persons who may be required to enter flammable or oxygen deficient atmospheres in emergency operations shall be instructed in the dangers attendant to those atmospheres and instructed in the use of self-contained breathing apparatus, which shall be utilized.
• 1917.23(d)(4) - To prevent inadvertent employee entry into spaces that have been identified as having hazardous, flammable or oxygen deficient atmospheres, appropriate warning signs or equivalent means shall be posted at all means of access to those spaces.

1917.23(e) - When the packaging of asbestos cargo leaks, spillage shall be cleaned up by designated employees protected from the harmful effects of asbestos as required by §1910.1001 of this chapter.

Scope: This standard provides the requirements pertaining to carbon monoxide. 

Special Requirements: Exposure limits, testing, designated person, instruments, exposure, determine, records, certified, references other standards

1917.24(a) - Exposure limits. The carbon monoxide content of the atmosphere in a room, building, vehicle, railcar, or any enclosed space shall be maintained at not more than 50 parts per million (ppm) (0.005%) as an eight hour average area level and employees shall be removed from the enclosed space if the carbon monoxide concentration exceeds a ceiling of 100 ppm (0.01%).

1917.24(b) - Testing. Tests to determine carbon monoxide concentration shall be made when necessary to ensure that employee exposure does not exceed the limits specified in paragraph (a) of this section.

1917.24(c) - Instrumentation. Tests for carbon monoxide concentration shall be made by designated persons using gas detector tube units certified by NIOSH under 30 CFR part 11 or other measuring instruments whose accuracy is as great or greater.

1917.24(d) - Records. A record of the date, time, location and results of carbon monoxide tests shall be available for at least thirty (30) days.

Scope: This standard provides the requirements pertaining to fumigants, pesticides, insecticides and hazardous preservatives (see also § 1917.2 Hazardous cargo, material, substance or atmosphere).

Special Requirements: Designated person, written warranty, determine, instruct(ed), signs, records, demonstrate, post, tests, results, inspection, precautions, PPE, respiratory protection, monitor, information, precautions, references other standards

Hazardous cargo, material, substance or atmosphere means:

1. Any substance listed in 29 CFR part 1910, Subpart Z;
2. Any material in the Hazardous Materials Table and Hazardous Materials Communications Regulations of the Department of Transportation, 49 CFR part 172;
3. Any article not properly described by a name in the Hazardous Materials Table and Hazardous Materials Communications Regulations of the Department of Transportation, 49 CFR part 172 but which is properly classified under the definition of those categories of dangerous articles given in 49 CFR Part 173; or
4. Any atmosphere with an oxygen content of less than 19.5%.

1917.25(a) - At any time that the concentration in any space reaches the level specified as hazardous by the fumigant manufacturer or by Table Z-1 of 29 CFR 1910.1000, whichever is lower, all employees shall be removed from the space and shall not be permitted to re-enter until such time as tests demonstrate that the atmosphere is safe.

1917.25(b) - Tests to determine the atmospheric concentration of chemicals used to treat cargo shall be: [Reference paragraph (b)(1) - (3)].

1917.25(c) - Results of any tests shall be available for at least 30 days. Such records may be entered on any retrievable medium, and shall be available for inspection.

1917.25(d) - Chemicals shall only be applied to cargoes by designated persons.

1917.25(e) - Only designated persons shall enter hazardous atmospheres, in which case the following provisions apply.

• 1917.25(e)(1) - Persons entering a space containing a hazardous atmosphere shall be protected by respiratory and emergency protective equipment meeting the requirements of Subpart E - personal protection, of this part; and
• 1917.25(e)(2) - Persons entering a space containing a hazardous atmosphere shall be instructed in the nature of the hazard, precautions to be taken, and the use of protective and emergency equipment. Standby observers, similarly equipped and instructed, shall continuously monitor the activity of employees within such a space.

1917.25(f) - Signs shall be clearly posted where fumigants, pesticides or hazardous preservatives have created a hazardous atmosphere. These signs shall note the danger, identify specific chemical hazards, and give appropriate information and precautions, including instructions for the emergency treatment of employees affected by any chemical in use.

1917.25(g) - In the case of containerized shipments of fumigated tobacco, the contents of the container shall be aerated by opening the container doors for a period of 48 hours after the completion of fumigation and prior to loading. When tobacco is within shipping cases having polyethylene or similar bag liners, the aeration period shall be 72 hours. The employer shall obtain a written warranty from the fumigation facility stating that the appropriate aeration period has been met.

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for first aid and lifesaving facilities. 

Special Requirements: Instruct, report, first aid kit, first aid certificate, checked, marked, determined, life saving equipment, approved, certified, communication

1917.26(a) - Employers shall instruct employees to report every injury, regardless of severity, to the employer.

1917.26(b) - A first aid kit shall be available at the terminal, and at least one person holding a valid first aid certificate shall be at the terminal when work is in progress.

1917.26(c) - First aid kit. First aid kits shall be weatherproof and shall contain individual sealed packages for each item that must be kept sterile. The contents of each kit shall be determined by a person certified in first aid and cognizant of the hazards found in marine cargo handling operations. The contents shall be checked at intervals that allow prompt replacement of expended items.

1917.26(d)(7) - Stretchers in permanent locations shall be mounted to prevent damage and shall be protected from the elements if located out-of-doors. If concealed from view, closures shall be marked to indicate the location of the life saving equipment.

1917.26(e) - Telephone or equivalent means of communication shall be readily available.

1917.26(f) - A U.S. Coast Guard approved 30-inch (76.2 cm) life ring, with at least 90 feet (27.43m) of line attached, shall be available at readily accessible points at each waterside work area where the employees' work exposes them to the hazard of drowning. Employees working on any bridge or structure leading to a detached vessel berthing installation shall wear U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices except where protected by railings, nets, or safety belts and lifelines. A readily available portable or permanent ladder giving access to the water shall also be provided within 200 feet (61 m) of such work areas.

Scope: This standard provides requirements for personnel qualifications.

Special Requirements: Qualifications, instructions, determined, signal code, machine operators, signs, notices, operating instructions, trained/training, designated person, supervised, accident prevention course, supervisory duties, references other standards

1917.27(a) - Qualifications of machinery operators. [Reference paragraph (a)(1) - (2)].

• 1917.27(a)(1) - Only those employees determined by the employer to be competent by reason of training or experience, and who understand the signs, notices and operating instructions and are familiar with the signal code in use shall be permitted to operate a crane, winch or other power operated cargo handling apparatus, or any power operated vehicle, or give signals to the operator of any hoisting apparatus. Exception: Employees being trained and supervised by a designated person may operate such machinery and give signals to operators during training.

1917.27(b) - Supervisory accident prevention proficiency.

• 1917.27(b)(1) - After October 3, 1985 immediate supervisors of cargo-handling operations of more than five (5) persons shall satisfactorily complete a course in accident prevention. Employees newly assigned to supervisory duties after that date shall be required to meet the provisions of this paragraph within ninety (90) days of such assignment.
• 1917.27(b)(2) - The course shall consist of instruction suited to the particular operations involved.^[3]

Scope: This standard provides the requirements pertaining to DOT markings, placards and labels.

Special Requirements: Marked, labeled, placarded, references other standards

1917.29(a) - Any employer who receives a package of hazardous material which is required to be marked, labeled or placarded in accordance with the U. S. Department of Transportation's Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR parts 171 through 180) shall retain those markings, labels and placards on the package until the packaging is sufficiently cleaned of residue and purged of vapors to remove any potential hazards.

1917.29(b) - Any employer who receives a freight container, rail freight car, motor vehicle, or transport vehicle that is required to be marked or placarded in accordance with the Hazardous Materials Regulations shall retain those markings and placards on the freight container, rail freight car, motor vehicle or transport vehicle until the hazardous materials which require the marking or placarding are sufficiently removed to prevent any potential hazards.

1917.29(c) - Markings, placards and labels shall be maintained in a manner that ensures that they are readily visible.

1917.29(d) - For non-bulk packages which will not be reshipped, the provisions of this section are met if a label or other acceptable marking is affixed in accordance with the Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200).

1917.29(e) - For the purposes of this section, the term "hazardous material" and any other terms not defined in this section have the same definition as in the Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR parts 171 through 180).

Special Requirements: Emergency action plan, elements, in writing, warning, procedures, designated actions, duties, alarm system, communicate, evacuation (procedures), training/train, review, written plan, references other standards

1917.30(a) - Emergency action plans.

• 1917.30(a)(1) - Scope and application. This paragraph (a) requires all employers to develop and implement an emergency action plan.^[3a] The emergency action plan shall be in writing (except as provided in paragraph (a)(5)(iv) of this section) and shall cover those designated actions employers and employees must take to ensure employee safety from fire and other emergencies.

• 1917.30(a)(2) - Elements. The following elements, at a minimum, shall be included in the plan: [Reference paragraph (a)(2)(i) - (vi)].

• 1917.30(a)(3) - Alarm system. The employer shall establish an employee alarm system that provides warning for necessary emergency action and for reaction time for safe escape of employees from the workplace or the immediate work area.

• 1917.30(a)(4) - Evacuation. The employer shall establish the types of evacuation to be used in emergency circumstances.

• 1917.30(a)(5) - Training.

  • 1917.30(a)(5)(i) - Before implementing the emergency action plan, the employer shall designate and train a sufficient number of persons to assist in the safe and orderly emergency evacuation of employees.

  • 1917.30(a)(5)(ii) - The employer shall review the plan with each employee covered by the plan at the following times: [Reference paragraph (a)(5)(ii)(A) - (C)].

  • 1917.30(a)(5)(iii) - The employer shall review with each employee upon initial assignment those parts of the plan that the employee must know to protect the employee in the event of an emergency. The written plan shall be kept at the workplace and be made available for employee review.

  • 1917.30(a)(5)(iv) - Employers with 10 or fewer employees may communicate the plan orally to employees and need not maintain a written plan.