Specialized inspection procedures chapter 12

AKOSH standards for temporary labor camps are found in 8 AAC 61.1040 and must be applied before any application of standards under 29 CFR 1910.142 (adopted under the Alaska Administrative Code).

When conducting a housing inspection, CSHOs shall be primarily concerned with those facilities or conditions that most directly relate to employee safety and health. Accordingly, all housing inspections shall address at least the following:

1. Site.
   1. Review the location of the site for adequate drainage in relation to periodic flooding, swamps, pools, sinkholes, and other surfaces where water may collect and remain for extended periods.
   2. Determine whether the site is adequate in size to prevent overcrowding and whether it is located near (within 500 feet of) livestock.
   3. Evaluate the site for cleanliness and sanitation; i.e., free from rubbish, debris, wastepaper, garbage, and other refuse.
2. Shelter.
   1. Determine whether the shelter provides protection against the elements; has the proper floor elevation and floor space; whether rooms are used for combined purposes of sleeping, cooking, and eating; and whether all rooms have proper ventilation and screening.
   2. Determine which rooms are used for sleeping purposes, the number of occupants, the size of the rooms, and whether beds, cots, bunks, or lockers are provided.
   3. Determine what kind of cooking arrangements or facilities are provided, and whether all heating, cooking, and water heating equipment are installed in accordance with state and local codes.
3. Water Supply.

   Determine whether the water supply for drinking, cooking, bathing, and laundry is adequate and convenient, and has been approved by the appropriate local health authority.

4. Toilet Facilities.

   Determine the type, number, location, lighting, and sanitary conditions of toilet facilities.

5. Sewage Disposal.

   Determine whether all sewer lines and floor drains in camps with public sewers are connected.

6. Laundry, Handwashing, and Bathing Facilities.
   1. Determine the number, kind, locations, and conditions of these facilities, and whether there is an adequate supply of hot and cold running water.
   2. Determine also whether such facilities have appropriate floors, walls, partitions, and drains.
7. Lighting.
   1. Determine whether electric service is available, and if so, if appropriate light levels, number of ceiling-type light fixtures, and separate floor- or wall-type convenience outlets are provided.
   2. Determine also whether the light fixtures, floor, and wall outlets are properly grounded and covered.
8. Refuse Disposal and Insect and Rodent Control.

Determine the type, number, locations, and conditions of refuse disposal containers, and whether there are any infestations of animal or insect vectors or pests.

9. First-Aid Facilities.

Determine whether adequate first-aid facilities are available and maintained for emergency treatment.

The relevant dimensions and ratios specified in 8 AAC 61.1040 are mandatory. However, CSHOs may exercise discretion not to cite minor variations from specific dimensions and ratios when such violations do not have an immediate or direct effect on safety and health. In those cases in which the standard itself does not refer to specific dimensions or ratios but instead uses adequacy as the test for the cited conditions and facilities, the Chief of Enforcement shall determine whether a violation exists on a case-by-case basis, considering all relevant factors.

The following facts shall be carefully documented:

1. The age of the dwelling unit, including any additions. For recently built housing, the date construction began.
2. Number of dwelling units, number of occupants in each unit.
3. The approximate size of the area in which the housing is located and the distance between dwelling units and water supply, toilets, livestock, and service buildings.

AKOSH jurisdiction covers only housing that is a term and condition of employment. Factors in determining whether housing is a term and condition of employment include situations where:

1. Employers require employees to live in the housing.
2. The housing is in an isolated location, or the lack of economically comparable alternative housing makes it a practical necessity to live there.
3. Additional factors to consider in determining whether the housing is a term and condition of employment include, but are not limited to:
   1. Cost of the housing to the employee — Is it provided free or at a low rent?
   2. Ownership or control of the housing — Is the housing owned, controlled, or provided by the employer?
   3. Distance to the worksite from the camp, distance to the worksite from other non-camp residences — Is alternative housing reasonably accessible (distance, travel, cost, etc.) to the worksite?
   4. Benefit to the employer — Does the employer make the camp available in order to ensure that the business is provided with an adequate supply of labor?
   5. Relationship of the camp occupants to the employer — Are those living in the camp required to work for the employer upon demand?