Final answer:
John has identified a violation of the Occupational Safety and Health Act by the fire department for not providing adequate protective equipment to firefighters, which is necessary to maintain a safe workplace as mandated by OSHA regulations.
Step-by-step explanation:
John's observation that the fire department does not provide adequate equipment for protection against hazardous substances suggests a violation of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA). The OSHA is meant to protect workers, including firefighters, from health and safety hazards on the job. This involves providing adequate personal protective equipment and training to ensure a safe workplace. According to OSHA regulations, employers are responsible for providing a workplace without serious hazards, which includes supplying necessary personal protective equipment at no cost and offering safety training that is easily understandable by all employees.
The fire department's failure to provide adequate protective equipment is in direct violation of standards set by OSHA, as it is the responsibility of the employer to protect workers from exposure to harmful substances and conditions by using methods such as personal protective equipment, training, and effective safety measures. Therefore, the act being violated by the fire department in John's case is the Occupational Safety and Health Act.