Standards Comparison

    OSHA

    Mandatory
    1970

    US federal regulation assuring workplace safety and health

    VS

    AS9120B

    Mandatory
    2016

    Aerospace QMS standard for distributors' traceability and counterfeit prevention.

    Quick Verdict

    OSHA mandates workplace safety and health compliance across US industries via enforced standards and penalties, while AS9120B is a voluntary QMS certification for aerospace distributors ensuring traceability and counterfeit prevention. Organizations adopt OSHA to avoid fines; AS9120B for market access.

    Occupational Safety

    OSHA

    Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    Medium
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    Key Features

    • Enforces General Duty Clause for recognized hazards
    • Hierarchy of controls prioritizing engineering solutions
    • Codified standards in 29 CFR 1910 for general industry
    • Risk-based inspection prioritization and civil penalties
    • Mandatory OSHA 300 logs and electronic injury reporting
    Quality Management

    AS9120B

    AS9120B Quality Management Systems for Distributors

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    6-12 months

    Key Features

    • Counterfeit and suspected unapproved parts prevention
    • Robust product traceability and chain-of-custody controls
    • Enhanced external provider evaluation and flowdown
    • Configuration management for split lots and resale
    • Risk-based planning integrated with operations

    Detailed Analysis

    A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.

    OSHA Details

    What It Is

    Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSH Act) establishes OSHA as the U.S. federal agency enforcing workplace safety standards in 29 CFR Parts 1910-1928. It mandates safe conditions via specific standards and the General Duty Clause, using a performance-based, risk-hierarchy approach.

    Key Components

    • Subparts covering walking surfaces, PPE, HazCom, LOTO, toxic substances.
    • **Hierarchy of controlselimination, substitution, engineering, administrative, PPE.
    • Recordkeeping (OSHA 300/300A/301), electronic ITA submission.
    • Enforcement via inspections, citations, penalties up to $165K.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Legal compliance avoids fines, shutdowns; reduces injuries, insurance costs; enhances reputation, productivity. Strategic for risk management, ESG alignment.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: gap analysis, written programs (IIPP), training, audits. Applies to most U.S. employers; state plans may enhance. No certification, but ongoing inspections enforce compliance.

    AS9120B Details

    What It Is

    AS9120B is the IAQG quality management system standard for aerospace distributors, based on ISO 9001:2015's high-level structure. It applies to organizations procuring, storing, splitting, and reselling parts without alteration, emphasizing risk-based thinking to mitigate supply chain risks like traceability loss and counterfeits.

    Key Components

    • Over 100 aerospace-specific requirements beyond ISO 9001.
    • Core areas: context analysis, leadership, planning, support, operations (traceability, preservation, counterfeit prevention), performance evaluation, improvement.
    • Built on PDCA cycle; requires documented information, internal audits, management review.
    • Certification via accredited bodies, OASIS listing.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Commercial prerequisite for OEM/Tier-1 supply chains.
    • Reduces risks of nonconformities, enhances customer trust.
    • Improves efficiency, market access (2,442 global certifications).
    • Builds resilience against counterfeits, documentation errors.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, process design, training, audits (6-12 months).
    • For distributors globally; scales by size.
    • Involves risk registers, supplier controls, traceability systems.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    OSHA
    Workplace safety, health hazards, recordkeeping
    AS9120B
    Aerospace distribution QMS, traceability, counterfeit prevention

    Industry

    OSHA
    All US industries, general workplaces
    AS9120B
    Aerospace distributors globally

    Nature

    OSHA
    Mandatory US regulations, enforced by inspections
    AS9120B
    Voluntary certification standard

    Testing

    OSHA
    Inspections, injury reporting, no certification
    AS9120B
    Third-party audits, certification cycles

    Penalties

    OSHA
    Civil fines up to $165k, daily abatements
    AS9120B
    Loss of certification, market exclusion

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about OSHA and AS9120B

    OSHA FAQ

    AS9120B FAQ

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