OSHA does have a CPR requirement in it's "Power Generation Transmission and Distribution" Standard codofied 1910.269
It only applies to that, not electrical work on "utilization systems". I'm not sure but I have a recolection that NFPA 70E might also has a CPR / first aid requirement.
1910.269(b)
"Medical services and first aid." The employer shall provide medical services and first aid as required in 1910.151 of this Part. In addition to the requirements of 1910.151 of this Part, the following requirements also apply:
..1910.269(b)(1)
1910.269(b)(1)
"Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid training." When employees are performing work on or associated with exposed lines or equipment energized at 50 volts or more, persons trained in first aid including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) shall be available as follows:
1910.269(b)(1)(i)
For field work involving two or more employees at a work location, at least two trained persons shall be available. However, only one trained person need be available if all new employees are trained in first aid, including CPR, within 3 months of their hiring dates.
1910.269(b)(1)(ii)
For fixed work locations such as generating stations, the number of trained persons available shall be sufficient to ensure that each employee exposed to electric shock can be reached within 4 minutes by a trained person. However, where the existing number of employees is insufficient to meet this requirement (at a remote substation, for example), all employees at the work location shall be trained.
1910.269(b)(2)
"First aid supplies." First aid supplies required by 1910.151(b) of this Part shall be placed in weatherproof containers if the supplies could be exposed to the weather.
1910.269(b)(3)
"First aid kits." Each first aid kit shall be maintained, shall be readily available for use, and shall be inspected frequently enough to ensure that expended items are replaced but at least once per year.
..1910.269(c)
1910.269(c)
"Job briefing." The employer shall ensure that the employee in charge conducts a job briefing with the employees involved before they start each job. The briefing shall cover at least the following subjects: hazards associated with the job, work procedures involved, special precautions, energy source controls, and personal protective equipment.
Thats all very nice but if qualified workers deenergized and lockout or where allowed live work but with all proper PPE, there would be no need for CPR. HOW OFTEN IN YOUR DAILY WORK DO YOU WORK ALONE, as opposed to having someone else present just watching ?
Can you administer CPR to yourself ?
It's also kinda like the two person rule (very limited) in the 1910.269 standard where everyone now wants to have two people at every job. Unfortunately that usually results in 2 people being injured or killed.
Im not sure these kinds of requirements (addressing symptoms) are as effective as preventing the injury / accident / fatality to begin with.
OSHA Professor
