Regulatory & Standards


Make a thorough assessment of all fall hazards, including sides and edges, hoist areas, and skylights. (MSA photo)

The Importance of Testing and Meeting Fall Protection Standards

Although ANSI standards are voluntary, they represent the consensus of industry experts and frequently provide more detailed product performance guidelines.

ANSI Publishes Report on 2018 U.S.-German Standards Panel

The April event focused on securing future technologies, cybersecurity, and other challenges, as well as solutions for smart manufacturing, mobility, and agriculture.

OSHA, ISEA Sign Two-Year Alliance

They plan to provide members, employers, and workers with information on how to properly select, use, maintain, and store PPE and safety equipment, as well as share information on developments in national consensus standards for personal protective and safety equipment.

NFPA Moving CO Alarm Requirements into Fire Alarm Code

NFPA task groups and technical committees have worked during the past three years to integrate the requirements of NFPA 720 into NFPA 72. NFPA's goal is to provide smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm requirements in a single, comprehensive document.

Trenching Stand Down Under Way

OSHA has partnered with the National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA) and the North American Excavation and Shoring Association (NAXSA) to promote a Trench Safety Stand Down during June 18-23.

World Standards Day 2018 Focused on Hazard Mitigation, Built Environment

ANSI and NIST hosted a World Standards Day 2018 event in Washington, D.C., on June 14 with expert discussions focused on codes and standards and their significant role in supporting strong, resilient 21st century infrastructure solutions.

FRA Hosts First Positive Train Control Symposium

The agency will host two more this summer: July 16, focused on best practices for PTC system field testing and interoperability testing, and Aug. 20, focused on lessons learned and best practices for PTC Safety Plans.

New Standard Applies ISO 9001 Principles to Nuclear Industry

"It is a win-win standard because it gives buyers the assurance of a standardized level of quality while securing safety and quality for those in the supply chain," said Bertrand-Marie Nahon, convenor of the working group that developed the standard.



Silica Standard Enforcement Begins with Compliance Assistance

Most provisions of the standard become enforceable on June 23. OSHA announced it intends to issue interim enforcement guidance until a compliance directive on the new standard is finalized.

OSHA Sets Long Timetables for Tree Care, Infectious Disease Standards

The semiannual regulatory flexibility agenda includes rules that are likely to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. Two from OSHA are prerule stage -- Communication Tower Safety and a Tree Care Standard -- and two are long-term actions -- Infectious Diseases and Process Safety Management.

Hearing Concerns Proposed California Regulations for Metal Shredders

Currently there are six metal shredding facilities in the state. The California Department of Toxic Substances Control plans to set enforceable operating requirements for metal shredding facilities through a hazardous waste permit.

ASSE Officially Becomes ASSP

The society's website is now www.assp.org and features a complete redesign that showcases ASSP's strategic priorities of education, advocacy, standards, and member communities. Members voted last year to switch to ASSP.

Testing multiple places on the fingers is crucial to properly protecting workers because it reflects the reality of how end-users really experience workplace injuries.

ISEA 138: Raising the Standard for Hand Impact Protection

The standard is specifically designed for industrial gloves and the special protection they offer to workers.

The exposition will take place at the Henry B. González Convention Center, which was built in 1968. (VisitSanAntonio.com photo)

Safety and Security in Sunny San Antonio

A particularly relevant session this year is the June 6 General Session, a panel discussion about preparing for workplace violence and active shooter incidents.

Comments Due Soon on OSHA Crane Operators Rule

The rule will provide long-term clarity on crane operator certification requirements, and it would change the categories of certifications for crane operators to ensure more operators are able to meet the requirement.

Bloodborne Pathogens Compliance Still a Concern

Two former OSHA staffers identified the agency's most-cited violations during 25 years of enforcement (1991-2015), presenting their findings at AIHce EXP 2018.

NIOSH and FDA Collaborate to Streamline Regulatory Oversight for N95 Respirators

NIOSH and FDA Collaborate to Streamline Regulatory Oversight for N95 Respirators

Subject to conditions and limitations, some N95s will be exempt from FDA premarket notification requirements, meaning that N95 manufacturers will be able to submit a single application to NIOSH rather than submitting paperwork for clearance and approval from both agencies.

New ASSE Standard Coming Soon for Wind Turbine Construction, Demolition

Remote work, turbine height, limited access, and turbine manufacturer variables are challenges addressed in ANSI/ASSE A10.21, which establishes requirements for job site work and equipment. Publication of the new standard is expected in June 2018.

OSHA Recognizes Pennsylvania Manufacturer as Star Site

MI Windows and Doors, which produces new construction and replacement windows for businesses and homes, recorded an injury and illness rate 54 percent below the national average in the last three years.

ANSI Launches Accreditation Program for EPA Formaldehyde Testing Rule

ANSI is one of four accreditation bodies recognized by EPA to provide accreditation services under the final rule, which is intended to reduce exposure to formaldehyde emissions from certain wood products produced domestically or imported into the United States.

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