Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

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CMS Updates Its Respiratory Care Critical Element Pathway to Include Oxygen Signage Requirements https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/CMS-Updates-Its-Respiratory-Care-Critical-Element-Pathway-to-Include-Oxygen-Signage-Requirements.aspxCMS Updates Its Respiratory Care Critical Element Pathway to Include Oxygen Signage Requirements 3/10/2026 4:00:00 AM<p></p><div><div>One of the many life safety compliance topics that can be confusing and difficult to dissect are the requirements around oxygen signage.  This is likely why CMS recently added specific guidance around oxygen signage in their “Respiratory Care Critical Element Pathway”.  This document provides guidance applicable to areas where residents receive respiratory care services including oxygen therapy.     </div><div><br></div><div>This new guidance from CMS references the oxygen signage requirements that are outlined in The Healthcare Facilities Code® (NFPA 99).  This is home to most of the requirements related to oxygen systems, storage, and signage.  CMS has adopted the 2012 edition of NFPA 99.  Oxygen signage requirements fall into two categories: signage for oxygen storage and signage when oxygen is in use.   </div><div><br></div><div>When oxygen cylinders or containers are stored within an enclosure, a precautionary sign is required on the door or gate that is readable from a distance of five (5) feet away.  The signage must include the following wording: <br><br></div></div><div><div><br></div><div style="text-align:center;"><img src="/News-and-Communications/Blog/PublishingImages/Pages/Simplifying-Oxygen-Signage-Requirements-/Oxygen2.png" alt="Oxygen2.png" style="margin:5px;" /><br></div><div style="text-align:center;"><br></div><div style="text-align:center;"><div style="text-align:left;"><br></div><div style="text-align:left;">This requirement is intended to apply to rooms and enclosures where multiple cylinders are being stored, however it is not necessary to place signage everywhere an oxygen cylinder is located in a building.  For example, cylinders available for emergency use on carts, at nurse stations, and staged in small quantities are not intended to evoke the oxygen storage signage requirements.    </div><div style="text-align:left;"><br></div><div style="text-align:left;">The signage requirements that apply when oxygen is being utilized in the building depend on the facility’s smoking policy.  A facility that prohibits smoking is only required to provide precautionary signage at the building’s major entry points.  However, a facility whose policies do not prohibit smoking are required to provide precautionary signage wherever supplemental oxygen is in use, including the aisles and walkways leading to such areas.  In all cases, the signage must be readable from a distance of five (5) feet away.  The annex section of NFPA 99 suggests signage be no smaller than 8 X 11 inches and include the following wording and symbol:   <br><br></div><div><br></div></div><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img src="/News-and-Communications/Blog/PublishingImages/Pages/Simplifying-Oxygen-Signage-Requirements-/Oxygen.png" alt="Oxygen.png" style="font-size:14.6667px;margin:5px;" /> </div><div></div><div><div><br></div><div>Finally, in situations where liquid oxygen is utilized in the building, and the process of transfilling liquid oxygen from a base reservoir container to portable liquid oxygen containers occurs, the location that the transfilling occurs must be posted with signage indicating that transfilling is occurring and smoking in the immediate area is not permitted.  </div><div><br></div><div>Complying with the oxygen storage, use, and signage requirements in NFPA 99, in conjunction with the CMS Respiratory Care Critical Element Pathway, will mitigate the potential for survey findings, specifically K741, K923, and F689.   </div><div><br></div><div>The detailed requirements for oxygen signage can be found in Chapter 11 (Gas Equipment) of NFPA 99.  NFPA provides a <a href="https://www.nfpa.org/for-professionals/codes-and-standards/list-of-codes-and-standards/free-access" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">free viewer</a> where you can access codes and standards on their website.  Hardcopy and user-friendly on-line subscriptions are also available for a fee at <a href="http://www.nfpa.org/" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">www.nfpa.org</a>.  </div><div><br></div><div>AHCA is always available to support members with life safety compliance questions.  Inquiries can be emailed to <a href="mailto:emergencyprep@ahca.org" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">emergencyprep@ahca.org</a>.      <br></div> <br></div></div></div><div><br></div>One of the many life safety compliance topics that can be confusing and difficult to dissect are the requirements around oxygen signage.
Important Reminder: OSHA 300A Posting Deadline (Feb 1) and ITA Submission Deadline (March 2) – Resources Availablehttps://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Important-Reminder-OSHA-300A-Posting-Deadline-(Feb-1)-and-ITA-Submission-Deadline-(March-2)-–-Resources-Available-.aspxImportant Reminder: OSHA 300A Posting Deadline (Feb 1) and ITA Submission Deadline (March 2) – Resources Available1/20/2026 5:00:00 AM<p></p><div>As we begin 2026, there are two key upcoming Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) compliance deadlines for your workplace injury and illness recordkeeping: </div><div><br></div><div><ul><li><strong>Post your OSHA Form 300A (Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses)</strong> in a conspicuous location at each establishment by <strong>February 1, 2026.</strong> This posting must remain visible through April 30, 2026. The Form 300A summarizes data from the previous calendar year (2025) and must be certified by a company executive, even if no recordable incidents occurred. <br><br></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>Submit your required injury and illness data electronically through OSHA's Injury Tracking Application (ITA) by March 2, 2026.</strong> The ITA is already open for submissions (data entry for 2025 began January 2, 2026). Depending on your establishment's size and industry (most long term care is covered), you may need to submit Form 300A data, and potentially detailed information from Forms 300 and 301 if in a designated industry with 100+ employees.  <br><br></span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Use OSHA’s <a href="https://www.osha.gov/itareportapp?referrer=grok.com" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">ITA Coverage Application</a> to confirm your obligations. </span></li></ul></div><div><br></div><div>To access the ITA directly and begin or complete your submission: <strong>Injury Tracking Application (ITA) </strong>| Occupational Safety and Health Administration → <a href="https://www.osha.gov/injuryreporting?referrer=grok.com" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">https://www.osha.gov/injuryreporting</a> </div><div><br></div><div><strong>Need more information about OSHA Recordkeeping? Here is our AHCA/NCAL Resource Roadmap.  </strong></div><div><br></div><div>These resources offer practical, LTC-focused guidance to help you navigate recordkeeping, determinations, and ITA submissions effectively: </div><div><br></div><div><ol><li><strong>Basic OSHA Recordkeeping Requirements </strong></li><ul><li><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>Part 1</strong> - <a href="/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Navigating-OSHA-Recordkeeping-Introduction-Insights-and-NEW-Regulation.aspx?referrer=grok.com" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Navigating OSHA Recordkeeping: Introduction, Insights, and NEW Regulation  </a></span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>​Part 2</strong> - <a href="/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Navigating-OSHA-Recordkeeping-Introduction-Insights-and-NEW-Regulation-Continued.aspx?referrer=grok.com" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Navigating OSHA Recordkeeping: Introduction, Insights, and NEW Regulation <em>Continued</em> </a></span></li></ul><li><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>Determining Work-Relatedness (Including COVID-19 and Other Illnesses) </strong></span></li><ul><li><span style="font-size:11pt;"><a href="/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/OSHA-Recordkeeping-and-Reporting-A-Guide-to-Determination.aspx?referrer=grok.com" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">OSHA Recordkeeping and Reporting: A Guide to Determination </a></span></li></ul><li><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>OSHA Injury Tracking Application (ITA) and Electronic Submission</strong> </span></li><ul><li><span style="font-size:11pt;"><a href="/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Navigating-OSHA-Recordkeeping-and-the-Injury-Tracking-Application-(ITA)-Complying-With-the-2024-Requirements.aspx?referrer=grok.com" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Navigating OSHA Recordkeeping and the Injury Tracking Application: Complying with the New Requirements</a> <em>Note: This covers 2024 rule updates, still relevant for current compliance.) </em></span></li></ul><li><strong>Webinar Resource</strong> - <a href="/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Upcoming-Webinar-OSHA-Recordkeeping-and-New-Reporting-Requirements.aspx?referrer=grok.com" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">OSHA Recordkeeping and New Reporting Requirements Webinar</a> (includes details on expanded requirements, best practices, and common pitfalls) </li></ol></div><div><br></div><div>For questions on applicability, steps, or coverage determination, consult OSHA’s official site or contact our regulatory team at <a href="mailto:regulatory@ahca.org" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083">regulatory@ahca.org</a>. </div><div><br><br></div><p>​</p>As we begin 2026, there are two key upcoming Occupational Safety and Health Administration compliance deadlines for your workplace injury and illness recordkeeping.
Updated OSHA Guidelines Enhance Safety Programs for Small Businesses and Long Term Carehttps://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Updated-OSHA-Guidelines-Enhance-Safety-Programs-for-Small-Businesses-and-Long-Term-Care.aspxUpdated OSHA Guidelines Enhance Safety Programs for Small Businesses and Long Term Care7/16/2025 4:00:00 AM​<span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;">The Occupational </span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;">Safety and Health Administration </span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;">(OSHA) has released </span><a href="https://www.osha.gov/news/newsreleases/osha-national-news-release/20250714" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" style="font-size:11pt;"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">updated guidance</span></span></a><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;"> on </span><a href="https://www.osha.gov/fom/chapter-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" style="font-size:11pt;"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">pen</span><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">a</span><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">lty and debt collection</span></span></a><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;"> procedures to make it easier for employers, especially small businesses of 25 or fewer employees, to fix hazards quickly and stay in compliance. The new policy increases penalty reductions for small employers, allowing them to invest in resources to limit hazards and to keep workers safe.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}" style="font-size:11pt;"> </span><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"></span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">The guidance includes a 70 percent penalty reduction, previously limited to businesses with 10 or fewer employees, to include those with up to 25 employees. It also introduces a new 15 percent penalty reduction for employers who promptly address or correct a hazard. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"></span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">The new policies are effective immediately. Penalties issued before July 14, 2025, will remain under the previous penalty structure. Open investigations in which penalties have not yet been issued are covered by the new guidance. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></div><br><br><br>
OSHA Releases Several Proposed Ruleshttps://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/OSHA-Releases-Several-Proposed-Rules.aspxOSHA Releases Several Proposed Rules7/1/2025 4:00:00 AM​<span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;">The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) this week released several proposed rules on the </span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/05/14/2025-08384/request-for-information-rfi-ensuring-lawful-regulation-and-unleashing-innovation-to-make-american" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" style="font-size:11pt;"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">Fede</span><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">r</span><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">al Register</span></span></a><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;">. The proposed rules appear to have a direct impact on long term care and include the following:</span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}" style="font-size:11pt;"> </span><div><br></div><div><ol role="list" start="1"><li><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/07/01/2025-11625/occupational-exposure-to-covid-19-in-healthcare-settings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" style="font-size:11pt;"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">Federal Register: Occupational Exposure to COVID-19 in Healthcare Settings</span></span></a><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;"></span><span data-ccp-props="{}" style="font-size:11pt;"> </span></li><ul><li><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;">​OSHA is proposing to remove OSHA's COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard and its associated recordkeeping and reporting provisions from the Code of Federal Regulations.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}" style="font-size:11pt;"> </span></li></ul></ol></div><div><ol role="list" start="2"><li data-leveltext="%1." data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":0,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[65533,0],"469777803":"left","469777804":"%1.","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/07/01/2025-12236/occupational-safety-and-health-standards-interpretation-of-the-general-duty-clause-limitation-for" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">Federal </span><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">Register:</span><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink"> Occupational Safety and Health Standards; Interpretation of the General Duty Clause: Limitation for Inherently Risky Professional Activities</span></span></a><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"></span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li></ol></div><div><ol role="list" start="1"><ul><li><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;">​OSHA proposes to clarify its interpretation of the General Duty Clause, </span><a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/29/654" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" style="font-size:11pt;"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">29 U.S.C. 654(a)(1)</span></span></a><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;">, to exclude from enforcement known hazards that are inherent and inseparable from the core nature of a professional activity or performance.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}" style="font-size:11pt;"> </span></li></ul></ol></div><div><ol role="list" start="3"><li data-leveltext="%1." data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":0,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[65533,0],"469777803":"left","469777804":"%1.","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/07/01/2025-12235/amending-the-medical-evaluation-requirements-in-the-respiratory-protection-standard-for-certain" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">Federal </span><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">Register:</span><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink"> Amending the Medical Evaluation Requirements in the Respiratory Protection Standard for Certain Types of Respirators</span></span></a><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"></span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li></ol></div><div><ol role="list" start="1"><ul><li><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;">​OSHA is proposing to remove some medical evaluation requirements in the Respiratory Protection Rule for certain types of respirators. This proposed change would only impact filtering facepiece respirators and loose-fitting powered air-purifying respirators.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}" style="font-size:11pt;"> </span></li></ul></ol></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">An additional proposed rule was withdrawn:</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></div><div><ol role="list" start="1"><li data-leveltext="%1." data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":0,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[65533,0],"469777803":"left","469777804":"%1.","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"></span><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/07/01/2025-11624/occupational-injury-and-illness-recording-and-reporting-requirements-withdrawal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">Federal </span><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">Register:</span><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink"> Occupational Injury and Illness Recording and Reporting Requirements; Withdrawal</span></span></a><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">  - Effective July 1, 2025</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li></ol></div><div><ol role="list" start="1"><ul><li><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;">​​​OSHA is withdrawing the proposal to amend the OSHA 300 Log by adding a column that employers would use to record work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Withdrawal of the proposal does not change any employer's obligation to complete and retain occupational injury and illness records under OSHA's regulations. Withdrawal of the proposal also does not change the recording criteria or definitions used for these records.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}" style="font-size:11pt;"> </span></li></ul></ol></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">Please send any questions to </span><a href="mailto:regulatory@ahca.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">regulatory@ahca.org</span></span></a><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">. AHCA will submit comments to the Federal Register.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></div>

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