Subparts D–F: Health Controls, PPE, and Fire Protection
Subpart D: health and environmental controls
Subpart D requires medical services and first aid (1926.50), sanitation and potable water (1926.51), noise controls (1926.52), air contaminant limits (1926.55), illumination (1926.56), and ventilation (1926.57). Hazard communication for construction is 1926.59, which enforces 1910.1200: labels, safety data sheets, and training.
Subpart E: PPE
1926.95 requires PPE appropriate to the hazard, employer-provided at no cost, maintained, and used. Subpart E addresses head protection (1926.100), hearing protection (1926.101), eye and face protection (1926.102), respiratory protection (1926.103, which incorporates 1910.134), and work over or near water (1926.106).
Subpart F: fire protection
1926.150 requires firefighting equipment and access; 1926.151 covers fire prevention and ignition sources; 1926.152 regulates flammable liquids; 1926.153 covers LP gas; 1926.154 covers temporary heating devices. Fire extinguishers must be suitable, accessible, and inspected.
Worked example
A worker uses a portable grinder. The hazard assessment calls for eye protection with side shields plus a face shield for grinding. The employer must provide both at no cost, train the worker in their use, and verify the face shield is in good condition. A dust mask alone would not satisfy eye/face protection.
Traps
PPE is not optional and generally cannot be charged to employees. A respirator requires a full 1910.134 program-medical evaluation, fit testing, training-not just issuing a mask. Flammable liquids have storage limits and bonding/grounding rules; a fire extinguisher does not replace ignition-source control.