Osha and EPA in the Aviation Industry - Coursework Example

EPA, on the other hand, conducts routine environmental assessments and enforces national standards under different environmental laws. The organization also has powers to fine or sanction institutions whose operations contravene the set environmental statutes.

OSHA’s standards apply to the aviation industry safety standards. For example, when working on a flight line, the employee is to be provided with protective gear such as safety glasses, steel toe boots, hearing protection equipment, and so forth. These requirements are by the OSHA standards. In addition, OSHA requires that employees who work in high-noise environments be subjected to periodic hearing examinations (Rodrigues and Cusick, 2012).

The organization also outlines guidelines to be followed in the identification of methods for handling hazardous chemicals such as hydraulic fluids, jet fuel, battery maintenance, and so forth. This standard demands that all employees tasked with maintaining these dangerous chemicals must undergo appropriate training. Moreover, a material safety data sheet that lists all the chemicals on site, their composition, and the precautions to be adhered to should be made available.

The Environmental Protection Agency is primarily tasked with regulating the disposal of hazardous chemicals in the environment. The organization's Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) has a direct impact on the aviation industry. The RCRA Act requires the airlines to take up the responsibility for the management, control, and disposal of toxic substances related to the industry (Rule, 2011). These materials include hydraulic fuels, jet fuel spills, painting spills, and leaking acid. If these hazardous substances are disposed of inappropriately, the airline in question takes full responsibility for its action and is forced to pay heavy fines for decontamination of the affected areas. EPA requires airlines to report any release of hazardous substances that exceeds the recommended minimum.

The failure of the airline industry to implement the recommendations as outlined by the standards set out by both EPA and OSHA may bring about heavy fines and compensations to the involved parties. A memorandum of understanding was formulated to establish and improve the working relationship between OSHA and EPA in 1991. The MOU intended to create a framework that would allow better coordination and consultation between the two agencies. This would in turn speed up the identification of environmental and workplace health and safety issues and the efficient implementation of the required standards (Rule, 2011). The collaboration between these two agencies has ensured greater efficiency and effectiveness in the protection of not only the workers but the general public and the environment at large. This has been made possible through the effective and timely implementation of the set laws and regulations relating to work safety.