When operating within a facility or warehouse, facility managers must ensure that all safety painting and signage are up to date. Improperly placed signs or fading paint can lead to serious accidents and workplace hazards. To keep employees safe, it is essential to regularly inspect the facility for any maintenance needs.

However, ensuring that you stay up to date on various regulated safety standards is the key to a safe working environment. Spill containment and painting must be done in accordance with OSHA regulations, and any signage should clearly indicate safety warnings.

To help facility maintenance teams stay up-to-date and compliant with safety regulations, we've put together this short guide to ensure that your facility is compliant and safe for everyone.

Understanding Current Facility Maintenance Regulations

OSHA's facility maintenance regulations cover a wide range of topics, including fall protection, hazardous materials, electrical safety, machine guarding, and more.

For instance, employers must provide fall protection when working at heights greater than four feet in general industry workplaces or five feet in construction sites. Additionally, employers must ensure that all hazardous materials are properly labeled and stored according to OSHA's standards.

Of the many regulations required by OSHA for facility maintenance, a set of critical ones relate to painting, spill containment, and signage. The type of equipment used for each job will depend on its intended purpose; however, there are certain standard safety requirements that should be followed for each task.

Painting Safety Standards

Painting can often involve hazardous materials or dangerous heights. To protect employees, facilities must ensure that all painting equipment is in proper condition and that safety guards are in place. OSHA requires an adequately maintained guardrail system for any job where heights exceed six feet.

Regarding hazardous materials, painting must be done with approved paints and primers listed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA also has strict regulations on the disposal of hazardous materials, so facilities must make sure to dispose of any used paint and primer correctly.

Here are some tips to help you maintain safety painting standards:

1. Always use the appropriate ladder or scaffolding for any job above four feet: If someone is working at a height higher than four feet, then that person should be using the correct ladder or scaffolding to ensure their safety.

2. Select paints and primers approved by EPA: Use only paints and primers listed by the EPA to protect your workers from hazardous materials. When choosing MRO chemicals, always research the safety data sheet to determine which products are safe for use in your facility.

3. Train employees on proper painting techniques: Make sure everyone who works with paints and primers is trained on the correct methods for using them safely. This will help ensure that all painting jobs are completed correctly and without any potential hazards.

4. Clear spaces of debris before painting: Before beginning any painting job, the space should be cleared of all debris and other materials that could cause slips, trips, or falls. This includes any hazardous materials that may be present in the work area.

Spill Containment Safety Standards

Spills can happen at any time and without warning. To keep your facility safe, it is vital to ensure that you have a spill containment system in place. According to OSHA, all spills should be contained immediately and disposed of properly, as hazardous materials can cause serious health risks.

Here are some tips to help you maintain safety spill containment standards:

1. Use absorbent materials to contain spills: Always use absorbent materials such as oil absorbent pads and granules to quickly contain any spills that occur in your facility. This will help minimize the risk of spreading hazardous materials around the area.

2. Have a spill kit on hand: Always keep a spill kit in your facility to ensure that spills can be contained quickly and easily. A good spill kit should include absorbent materials, protective gloves, eyewear, and other items necessary for proper cleanup.

3. Train employees on proper spill-cleaning methods: Ensure all of your employees are trained on the correct methods for cleaning up a spill. This will help ensure that spills are cleaned up properly and without any potential hazards.

4. Label hazardous materials: Always make sure to label any hazardous materials in your facility, so anyone who comes into contact with them knows what they are dealing with. This will help prevent any potential health risks when it comes to spills.

Signage Requirements

A third safety standard that facilities need to consider is ensuring they have the correct signage. Signage serves a vital role in keeping your facility safe and secure, as it can alert people to potential hazards or remind them of important safety protocols.

For instance, warehouses and other facilities may need signs indicating fire exits, first-aid locations, or the proper disposal of hazardous materials. OSHA also requires that certain areas, such as exit routes and hazardous material storage, be clearly marked with appropriate signage.

Here are some tips to help you maintain safety signage standards:

1. Post clear and visible signage: Ensure that all signage is clear and visible to everyone, whether they’re close by or far away. This will help ensure that people can spot any potential hazards quickly.

2. Use universal symbols: Everyone should be able to understand the signs in your facility, even if they don’t speak the same language. Use universal symbols to inform people of potential dangers or safety protocols whenever possible.

3. Label hazardous materials: Always label any hazardous materials in your facility with the appropriate signage, such as warning signs or hazard symbols. This will help alert people working with the materials to any potential risks they may need to be aware of.

4. Inspect your signage regularly: Regularly inspect it to ensure it is still visible and in good condition. This will help reduce the risk of anyone being injured due to a lack of visibility or understanding of the signs.

Don't Risk Compliance Violations

Following these safety standards will help ensure that your facility is a safe and secure place to work.

Keeping up with the latest regulations is key to running a successful business, so always stay on top of any safety protocol or guidelines changes. Doing this can help keep your employees and customers safe while protecting yourself from potential compliance violations.

Remember: Safety is everyone’s responsibility! Ensure you take the necessary steps to ensure your facility meets all safety requirements. With a little bit of effort, you can help keep your facility safe and compliant for years to come.

Trust Alta Max With Your MRO & Safety Products

When it comes to maintaining safety standards in your facility, trust Alta Max to provide you with all the MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations) supplies you need. We offer extensive safety products, such as spill kits, eye protection gear, and more. With our help, you can keep your facility safe and compliant while ensuring that everyone is well-protected.

Alta Max is your source for all safety equipment and signage to create a safe and efficient facility. We carry all your MRO and safety products. Please send your requests to orders@altamax.net.