PA: New Safety Training Requirements Effective Oct. 1, 2015

The Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) a has issued a Notice regarding new Occupational, Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10 and OSHA 30 safety training (or equivalent) requirements in effect October 1, 2015.  L&I is offering Safety Training Information Sessions on the new training requirements on September 30, October 7, and October 14 at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.

OSHA 10 Safety Training.

Pursuant to the Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code, PA Admin. Code, Tit. 4, Subcode A, § A-1001.4, all workers directly performing construction or demolition activities for projects for which permits have been issued are required to complete OSHA 10 safety training or an approved equivalent. “OSHA 10” refers to a10-hour program designed and approved by the U.S. OSHA under its Outreach Training Program for Construction intended to train workers on the recognition, avoidance, abatement, and prevention of safety and health hazards in workplaces in construction.

This training requirement applies to all employees of licensed contractors (including plumbing, electrical, fire-suppression and warm-air contractors) and state-registered home improvement contractors. Upon request, workers will be required to furnish proof of required safety training to Department of Licenses and Inspections officials.

OSHA 30 Safety Training.

All contractors licensed under Section 9-1004 must employ at least 1 supervisory employee who has completed OSHA 30 safety training or an approved equivalent within the past 5 years.  “OSHA 30” refers to the 30-hour program designed and approved by the U.S. under its Outreach Training Program for Construction for additional training of supervisors and workers with some safety responsibilities. A Site Safety Manager with OSHA 30 training must be designated by the general contractor and present on the construction or demolition of a major building (PA Admin. Code, Tit. 4, Subcode A, § A-1001.5); a “major building” is a building that is either: (1) more than 3 stores in height, 92) more than 40 ft. in height, or (3) covers 10,000 sq. ft. or more of lot space, regardless of height (PA Admin. Code, Tit. 4, Subcode A, § A-1001.1).

According to the Notice, a licensed plumbing, electrical, fire suppression, and warm-air contractors are not required to employ an supervisory employee who has completed this training.

Identification of a supervisory employee and proof of training will be required for all new contractor license applications submitted after September 30, 2015 and for the renewal of all contractor licenses set to expire on or after March 31, 2016. This information is not required for the renewal of licenses set to expire on March 31, 2015.