Safety requirements are getting stricter due to updates to the Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution (1910.269) and Electrical Protective Equipment (1926 subpart V) standards from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). To help organizations understand new requirements before key deadlines, Cintas Corporation (NASDAQ: CTAS), a leading provider of flame-resistant (FR) apparel, personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety training, has released its latest free guide, “Navigating the Changes to OSHA's Electrical Safety Standards Specific to Flame Resistant Clothing and Personal Protective Equipment.”

“It’s important that organizations are aware of the new OSHA requirements so they can maintain compliance with electrical safety standards, avoid fines and better protect employees from risks,” said Kevin Best, protective apparel regional manager, Cintas. “This guide highlights information from the 429-page final rule document to save safety managers time.”

The standards give employers until April 1, 2015 to comply. Until Aug. 31, 2015, no citations will be issued under these standards.  The revised standards will impact approximately more than 200,000 employees in North America  and OSHA expects they will help prevent an estimated 20 fatalities and 118 serious injuries per year . A major requirement for organizations will be to provide FR apparel and PPE for workers. FR apparel helps protect at-risk workers subject to electric arc hazards. Companies will also be responsible for ensuring proper care and maintenance of the garments worn by their employees.

The new guide from Cintas highlights changes to the standards, who is affected, important deadlines, FR apparel and PPE options, FR care and maintenance guidance and additional resources for safety professionals and others who need to know more about the updates.

“The upcoming deadlines are fast approaching and will require organizations to make investments in apparel and education for upper management, safety directors and workers,” added Best. “With a better understanding of the revised standards, it will be much easier for organizations to make the necessary changes in time.”

To download the free guide, visit http://bit.ly/1wRCl8r.  For more information about solutions for electrical safety, visit www.cintas.com.

About Cintas

Headquartered in Cincinnati, Cintas Corporation provides highly specialized services to businesses of all types primarily throughout North America. Cintas designs, manufactures and implements corporate identity uniform programs, and provides entrance mats, restroom supplies, first aid, safety and fire protection products and services. Cintas is a publicly held company traded over the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol CTAS and is a component of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index.