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ez Explanations

Pulp, paper, and paperboard mills

RegSenseezExplanationPulp and Paper MillsSafety & HealthGeneral Industry SafetyBest ResultsOccupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), DOLSpecialized IndustriesEnglishFocus AreaUSA

The manufacture of pulp and paper is one of the world’s oldest and largest industries. Pulp, paper, and paperboard mills in the United States are a world leader in the production of pulp and paper. According to the U.S. EPA, these mills produce 9 million tons of pulp annually and 26 billion newspapers, books, and magazines. They are one of the nation’s largest industries made up of approximately 565 manufacturing facilities located in 42 states and employ over 200,000 people, according to OSHA.

Pulp and paper manufacturing can also be very hazardous due to massive weights and falling, rolling, and/or sliding pulpwood loads. Workers may be struck or crushed by loads or suffer lacerations from the misuse of equipment, particularly when machines are used improperly or without proper safeguards.

Scope

OSHA’s pulp/paper/paperboard standard applies to establishments where pulp, paper, and paperboard are manufactured and converted. The standard does not apply to logging and the transportation of logs to pulp, paper, and paperboard mills.

Regulatory citations

Key definitions

  • None

Summary of requirements

Employers covered by 1910.261 must:

  • Follow the specific “safe practices” listed in 1910.261, including those for locking out main disconnects before maintenance and providing emergency lighting where employees must remain during shutdown.
  • Store and handle pulpwood and pulp chips safely.
  • Ensure crane operators are trained and use appropriate signals.
  • Provide guards for conveyors, including pan guards so items will not fall off.
  • Provide a platform when conveyors cross passageways.
  • Ensure all paper and pulp machinery is guarded and maintained properly.
  • Install exhaust ventilation as appropriate for cutters, shredders, and dusters.
  • Observe safety precautions for sulfur burners.
  • Provide proper PPE, including gas masks when needed for protection against sulfurous acid and chlorine gases.
  • Inspect and maintain digesters and pressure vessels per industry standards.
  • Provide a quick operating emergency shower.
  • Handle all process chemicals safely.
  • Guard machinery and provide emergency stops on paper machines.
  • Ensure entry into closed vessels, tanks, chip bins and similar equipment is done safety and per the requirements in 1910.261 (and 1910.146 for hazards not addressed in 1910.261).
['Specialized Industries']
['Pulp and Paper Mills']
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