Comprehensive Occupational Safety and Health Acronyms and Procedures

Introductory Occupational Safety and Health Administration Organizations and Terms

• OSHA: Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

• NIOSH: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

• HHE: Health Hazard Evaluations.

• COSH: National Council for Occupational Safety and Health.

• PPE: Personal Protective Equipment.

• SDS: Safety Data Sheets.

Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Health

• MSD: MusculoSkeletal Disorders.

• CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• RSI: Repetitive Strain Injury.

• HAVS: Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome.

Walking-Working Surfaces and Fall Protection

• BLS: Bureau of Labor Statistics.

• RDS: Rope Descent Systems.

• PFAS: Personal Fall Arrest System.

Emergency Action Plans (EAP) and Fire Protection

• EAP: EMERGENCY ACTION PLANS.

• PASS: A methodology used for the operation of fire extinguishers, representing the following steps:

  • P: Pull

  • A: Aim

  • S: Squeeze

  • S: Sweep

Avoiding Electrocution Hazards and Electrical Safety

• AC: Alternating Current.

• DC: Direct-Current.

• BESAFE: A mnemonic used to identify the primary hazards associated with electricity:

  • B: Burns

  • E: Electrocution

  • S: Shock

  • A: Arc flash

  • F: Fire

  • E: Explosions

• GFCI: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter.

Safe Driving Practices and Transportation Oversight

• NSC: National Safety Council.

• NHTSA: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.