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Personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential in the battery room. That’s not just our opinion: OSHA 1926.441(a)(5) specifically states that “face shields, aprons, and rubber gloves shall be provided for workers handling acids or batteries.”

Great waste management allows for a much more efficient operation. That’s particularly true for warehouses, construction sites, factories, and other businesses that generate a large quantity of waste and recyclables. When workers spend their time emptying roll-out carts, they’re not at their most productive — and when containers aren’t movable, excess materials and waste will stack up quickly.

As the federal agency charged with keeping workplaces in the U.S. as safe as possible, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforces regulations about personal protective equipment (PPE) in the construction industry — but it’s not always easy to figure out what the OSHA PPE standards really mean to employers.

Whether they power electric forklifts, back-up power systems, or utility vehicles, industrial batteries are essentially giant cases of lead, water, and sulfuric acid. It’s easy to see why battery spills can be so hazardous. Given the risk, it’s crucial for every workplace that handles these power units to understand the battery spill containment requirements outlined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

What size dumpsters do you need to handle all your workplace waste without overspending or taking up too much valuable space? While large steel dumpsters are typically designed for heavy-duty waste applications, many small businesses can get by with a smaller, more manageable unit — and 2-yard dumpsters are often the best choice.

For certain operations, opportunity charging offers significant benefits. Staying efficient often means keeping forklifts on the floor, and while opportunity charging can reduce the lifespan of industrial batteries, the tradeoff is worthwhile for many facilities.

The ideal response to workplace hazards is to remove them entirely. Of course, that’s not always possible, which is why workers need personal protective equipment, or PPE — especially in industrial environments that may involve falling objects, chemical exposure, or ergonomic risks. That much is clear. What sometimes gets confusing for employers and employees alike, however, is determining who’s responsible for providing industrial PPE. Can workers bring in their own hardhats and steel-toed boots, or is the employer always responsible for providing these items?

Waste management requires durable containers made with high-quality, low-maintenance materials, particularly in industrial and commercial settings. Plastic garbage bins have numerous advantages over metal: They’re easy to sanitize, lightweight, and maneuverable. They’re also much quieter than all-steel dumpsters, which is an essential consideration if your facility is near a residential area.

Oils can make a workplace unsafe by creating slip hazards. Many oils are also highly flammable, so spills need to be addressed as soon as they occur. By maintaining a steady stock of oil-specific cleanup supplies, businesses can comply with OSHA requirements while managers enjoy peace of mind.

Face shields (or vision protective shields) are simple barriers used to prevent injuries from splashing fluids, flying objects, and some infectious materials. They’re a useful component of a well-structured safety plan, and they can assist with OSHA compliance in certain circumstances. To use them effectively, however, it’s helpful to know what they can and can’t do.