OSHA and EPA Regulations and Aviation Ground Operations

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was formed in 1970 to protect workers from hazardous situations. This act was signed into law to ensure that workers have a safe and healthy environment to perform their duties. OSHA covers all workers and employers in the United States, except for those already covered by federal statues. This includes the aviation ground operations such as ground, ramp, and airport operations, but does not include operations inside the aircraft.

Chronology of Major OSHA Standards Affecting Aviation Operations, per (Wells & Rodrigues, 2004):

-1971, “Comprehensive standards were first adopted to provide a baseline for safety and health protection in occupational environments…Sample aviation operations that are regulated include aircraft manufacturing and assembly, hangar and other maintenance shop operations, painting and stripping, ramp and flight line operations, baggage handling, cleaning crew activities, and airport operations” (p. 39).

-1978, the “Lead Standard” was established to protect about 835,000 workers from the hazardous effects of exposure to this substance. This reduced the risk of exposure by 75%.

-1980, OSHA gained permission to access employee health records and toxic exposure records and the “Fire Protection Standard” was expanded in regard to extinguishing major workplace fires.

- 1981, “Electrical Standards” were updated for workplaces that include aviation hangars, assembly, and maintenance so that they were easier to comply with the rules.

- 1983, “Hazard Communication Standard” was passed to inform employees of possible toxic materials that are being handled. “Aviation applications would include aircraft manufacturing and assembly jobs, cleaning crew tasks, and hangar and other maintenance shop activities” (p.20).

-1989, “Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard” (HAZWOPER) was created to protect people from hazardous spill or sites. Aviation examples include, “ aircraft refueling, battery maintenance and disposal, deicing operations, and manufacturing process discharges” (p.20).

- 1991, “Bloodborne Pathogens Standard” was introduced to protect aviation employees from exposure to AIDS, hepatitis B, and other infectious diseases.

- 2000, “Ergonomics Program Standard” was enacted in an attempt to prevent musculoskeletal injuries that include injuries from repetitive motion, unusual positions, etc…

According to Alexander and Rodrigues (2004), “the EPA was established to enable coordinated and effective government action on the behalf of the environment. The agency strives to abate and control pollution systematically by integrating a variety of research, monitoring, standard-setting and enforcement activities. The EPA also reinforces efforts among other federal agencies with respect to the impact of their operations on the environment”.

Chronology of Major Environmental Laws Affecting Aviation Operations per Alexander and Rodrigues (2004):

- National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) was the first law enacted specifically for protecting the environment. “The Act requires Environmental Assessments (EAs) and Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) on the impact of all major undertakings and alternative courses of action on the environment” (p.13).

- Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) gave the EPA the power to control hazardous material in all stages of use. This impacts the aviation industry in the following ways stated by Alexander & Rodrigues (p.14, 15):

-painting, degreasing, and cleaning of aircraft generate paint wastes, phenols, organic solvents, acids, and alkalis
-plating, stripping, rust prevention, and stain removal generate cyanides, chromium, and other toxic metals
-spills and leaks from fuel systems and storage tanks generate fuels, oils, and grease
-spent or leaking batteries from aircraft, air traffic control tower backup, and other power supply sources generate toxic and reactive wastes
-miscellaneous wastes include glycol used for deicing and other detergents

-Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) was established in 1976 so the EPA could monitor/control chemicals to protect the environment and the people who handle them. “Aircraft manufacturing and assembly processes, discharges, and effluents are controlled by this regualtion” (Alexander & Rodrigues, p.15).

- Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act (EPCRA) was passed in 1986 so communities can better protect their people from chemical hazards. All states are required to have a State Emergency Response Commission, which is further broken down into localities and the respective emergency responders (firefighters, emergency responders, etc…). Aircraft rescue and fire fighting (ARFF) and fires not related to aircraft are covered under this Act.

Economic accomplishments of any government agency are, a lot of the time, subjective to whoever is asked. The government does not have a spotless track record for being fiscally responsible or efficient with anything they do. The EPA and OSHA have both increased the number of federal jobs available because more people are needed to ensure that employers are compliant with the rules and regulations imposed by both agencies. This is the only economic accomplishment I can think of that a government agency can bestow upon our country.

Reference: Wells, Alexander T. & Rodrigues, Clarence C. (2004). Commercial Aviation Safety. New York: The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.