Regulatory & Standards


On March 13, 2018, Harald Reichel, an aerospace engineer with NTSB’s Office of Aviation Safety, examines the engine of the  Liberty Helicopters helicopter that crashed in the East River on March 11. (NTSB Photo by Chris O’Neil)

Urgent NTSB Safety Recommendation Follows Liberty Helicopters Crash

The agency's March 19 recommendation seeks an FAA ban on flights using unsafe passenger harness systems.

California's Housekeepers Ergonomics Standard Takes Effect July 1

The regulation requires employers in the hotel and lodging industry to implement and maintain an effective Musculoskeletal Injury Prevention Program so employees won't be hurt from tasks such as lifting mattresses, pulling linens, pushing heavy carts, and slipping, tripping, or falling while cleaning bathrooms.

CARB Awards Grant for Ultra-Low NOx Truck Demonstration Project

California's ultra-low NOx emissions standard is 0.02 grams per brake horsepower-hour. This program will demonstrate the first diesel engine to comply with this state standard.

Two New Members Join NFPA Standards Council

New members Jack Poole of Poole Fire Protection Inc. and Rodger Reiswig of Johnson Controls are serving three-year terms effective Jan. 1, 2018.

Florida DEP Presents 2017 Plant Excellence Awards

Each year, the department presents awards to domestic wastewater and drinking water facilities around the state that demonstrate excellence in operation, maintenance, innovative treatment, waste reduction, pollution prevention, recycling, or other achievements.

WorkSafeBC Ammonia Inspection Initiative Now in Second Phase

Phase one focused on ice rinks and recreational facilities. Of the 223 sites inspected, 181 were using ammonia refrigeration systems. Inspecting officers issued 1,134 orders, three compliance agreements were created, and one stop use order was issued.

OSHA to Start Enforcing New Beryllium Rule in May

OSHA said it also will begin enforcing on May 11, 2018, the new, lower 8-hour permissible exposure limit and short-term (15-minute) exposure limit for construction and shipyard industries.

Oregon Pesticide Rule Still Open for Comments

The proposal would add protections to EPA's Application Exclusion Zone, which surrounds and moves with pesticide-spray equipment during applications. It must be free of all people other than appropriately trained and equipped pesticide handlers.



NCCCO Says Don't Sit Out OSHA's One-Year Delay

"It's not the first time the industry has had to come to terms with an extension of this rule, but, in the minds of most safety-conscious professionals, this should not be a reason to further delay training and certification," said NCCCO CEO Graham Brent.

The hazmat rules are constantly under construction, with a new requirement or restriction always on the horizon. (Lion Technology Inc. photo)

Is America's Hazmat in Good Hands?

Yes, for now. But the world will need a new crop of dedicated dangerous goods professionals to ensure hazmat reaches its destination, safely and on time.

Preparing for Automated Driving Systems

Weighty questions about the technologies include how the current standard for stability control testing can be amended for ADS vehicles that have no steering wheel.

Dropped Objects Standard Comments Due By March 26

"This initiative is a direct effort to fill the void in guidance on dropped object incidents, which have continued to rise in recent years," Boake Paugh, president of West Coast Corporation and a member of ISEA's Dropped Object Prevention Group.

EASA Publishes First Opinion on Safe Drone Operations in Europe

The formal opinion is a step toward keeping drone operations safe and secure and the adoption of concrete regulatory proposals by the European Commission.

Commerce Secretary Promises 'One-Stop Shop' for Space Commerce

"The rate of regulatory change must match the rate of technological change," Wilbur Ross said during the second meeting of the re-activated National Space Council. "The government must not stand in the way of this progress, as it so often does. It is time to unshackle business activity in space."

NYC Releases Trade Waste Safety Manual

The 54-page manual includes sections on topics such as traffic and road safety on the collection route, proper lifting technique while collecting, personal protective equipment, and vehicle inspection.

ASTM Exoskeletons Standards Group Gets to Work

The new committee on exoskeletons and exosuits, F48, held its first meeting this month and decided what the subcommittees and task groups will focus on. The need for technical standards has grown as use of exoskeletons grows in manufacturing, military, health care, and other applications.

WV Medical Cannabis Board to Recommend Smokable Marijuana

The board also will recommend removing a cap on the number of growers, processors, and dispensaries in West Virginia.

SAMHSA Publishes Best Practices on Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder

Treatment Improvement Protocol 63, "Medications for Opioid Use Disorder," reviews the use of methadone, naltrexone, and buprenorphine, the three FDA-approved medications to treat opioid use disorders.

MSHA Proximity Detection Deadline Nears

Many mine operators already have installed proximity detection systems in accordance with the regulation. MSHA posted a reminder to make sure the rest are in compliance by the deadline.

ISO Releases Revised ISO 31000 Risk Management Guidelines

ISO 31000:2018 is a shorter and clearer guide to help organizations improve planning and decision-making through the use of risk management principles.

Featured

Artificial Intelligence

Webinars