Four Types of OSHA Standards
Horizontal Standards
Most standards are horizontal or "general," which means they apply to any employer in any industry.
Examples of horizontal standards are the standards relating to:
- Fire protection
- Working surfaces
- First aid.
Vertical Standards
Some standards are relevant only to a particular industry, and are called vertical, or "particular" standards. Examples of vertical standards are those applying to the:
- Longshoring industry
- Construction industry
- Special industries covered in subpart R of CFR 1910.
Performance Standards
Performance standards allow the employer to choose a method of compliance. An example of a performance standard would state: "One or more methods of fall protection shall be provided..."
Specification Standards
Specification standards provide the exact procedure or measurement the employer must use to comply. An example of a specification standards would state, "When guardrails are used, the top rail shall be between 38 inches and 43 inches in height..."
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
4-3. Which of the following types of OSHA standards allows the employer to choose a method of compliance?
You forgot to answer the question!