Final answer:
Safe operating procedures for lifting devices can be found through OSHA standards and regulations, which cover a broad range of safety concerns. Specialized environments such as laboratories may have additional guidelines, for example, from the ASM. Compliance with these safety guidelines and use of protective equipment are crucial for workplace safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
General guidance for safe operating procedures using lifting devices can primarily be found through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which provides comprehensive standards and regulations. OSHA's standards cover various aspects including the requirement for fall protection, preventing trenching cave-ins, and providing training for operating dangerous equipment. Additionally, equipment-specific regulations, such as those by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for pilots, set limits on operational hours to ensure safety.
Workers must adhere to the rules and guidelines provided in the OSHA standards, as well as the General Duty Clause of the OSH Act that requires workplaces to be free of serious recognized hazards. For more specialized environments like laboratories, other guidelines such as those from the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) offer detailed procedures for biosafety.
Safety guidelines and procedures should always be followed as outlined in lab instructions, and by using protective equipment as specified in OSHA's safety materials like the "Job Safety and Health: It's the Law Poster" and the "Personal Protective Equipment fact sheet". It is important to obey all safety guidelines given by teachers and supervisors to reduce workplace accidents and ensure safe operation of equipment.