Regulatory & Standards


Because faces come in many shapes and sizes, workers may need to try on a variety of models and/or sizes for their PPE in order to find a combination that is acceptable. (3M Personal Safety Division photo)

Understanding Requirements of an OSHA Respiratory Protection Program

If there is no way through engineering or administrative controls to get exposure to acceptable levels, respiratory protection must be provided.

FDA Wants More Data on Hand Sanitizers

"Today, consumers are using antiseptic rubs more frequently at home, work, school and in other public settings where the risk of infection is relatively low," said Dr. Janet Woodcock, M.D., director of FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. "These products provide a convenient alternative when hand washing with plain soap and water is unavailable, but it's our responsibility to determine whether these products are safe and effective so that consumers can be confident when using them on themselves and their families multiple times a day. To do that, we must fill the gaps in scientific data on certain active ingredients."

Dr. David Michaels outlined several regulatory initiatives still coming from OSHA during his final months as the the assistant secretary, during his June 28 plenary session speech at ASSE

OSHA Civil Penalties Rising in August

OSHA Assistant Secretary Dr. David Michaels on June 28 outlined several more regulatory initiatives he said it will address during his final months as the agency's chief.

WorkSafeBC Planning Safety Committee Changes

The proposed changes were developed following two fatal explosions in early 2012 at sawmills in the province.

U.S. Supreme Court Limits Drunk Driving Test Laws

Police must obtain a search warrant before requiring drivers to submit to blood tests, the court ruled June 23.

Two parts of the ISO 16140 series have now been published. (ISO photo)

ISO Updates Standard on Validating Microorganism Testing in Food

The ISO 16140-1:2016 standard for the validation of alternative (proprietary) microbiological methods provides a specific protocol and guidelines.

AMA Adopts Guidance on Selecting LED Lighting to Minimize Human Effects

The Annual Meeting of the AMA adopted guidance for selecting LED options to minimize potential risk.

Community Risk Reduction is defined in NFPA 1035 as "programs, actions, and services used by a community, which prevent or mitigate the loss of life, property, and resources associated with life safety, fire, and other disasters within a community."

NFPA White Paper Aids in Establishing Community Risk Reduction Programs

The association's Urban Fire and Life Safety Task Force released the white paper last week.



DOT Finalizes Drone Regulations

FAA said that, according to industry estimates, the rule could generate more than $82 billion for the U.S. economy and create more than 100,000 new jobs during the next 10 years. The new rule takes effect in late August.

Two Past ASSE Presidents Made Fellows

Nancy McWilliams of Virginia Beach, Va., and Kathy Seabrook of Mendham, N.J., will receive the honor of Fellow, recognizing their career-long commitments to worker safety and their leadership in the profession, during the Safety 2016 conference.

AAR Opposes Two-Person Rail Crew Mandate

"This proposed rule is a textbook example of unnecessary regulation, and, if implemented, would have a chilling effect on the development of new technologies that could make the world's safest transportation network even safer. While the Department of Transportation is throwing its full support behind the development of autonomous vehicles as a way to improve safety on our roadways, it is doing the opposite with our railroads," said Edward R. Hamberger, the Association of American Railroads' president and CEO.

DOL to Update Sex Discrimination Regulations for Contractors

The update will clarify rules for contractors, as well as ensure equal opportunity.

DOT Wants Input About Assaults on Transit Workers

The Federal Transit Administration opened what it calls a national online dialogue this week about assaults on transit workers and announced it will publish a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that establishes rail and bus safety standards protecting rail and bus operators from the risk of assault. The online dialogue began June 13 and continues until July 25.

DOT Agencies Extend Sleep Apnea Comment Period to July 8

The comment period had been set to end June 8 on the FMCSA and FRA notice requesting information about the evaluation of safety-sensitive personnel for moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea.

MSHA Proposes Workplace Examination Rule

The rule would help prevent injuries at metal and nonmetal mines.

"Using a seat belt is one of the safest, easiest, and smartest choices drivers and passengers can make before starting out on any road trip," said FMCSA Acting Administrator Scott Darling. "This rule further protects large truck occupants and will undoubtedly save more lives."

New Rule Says Passengers in Large Commercial Trucks Must Wear Seat Belts

"Using a seat belt is one of the safest, easiest, and smartest choices drivers and passengers can make before starting out on any road trip," said FMCSA Acting Administrator Scott Darling. "This rule further protects large truck occupants and will undoubtedly save more lives."

OSHA intends to establish a SBREFA panel in October 2016 as it works to develop a comprehensive combustible dust standard for general industry.

Combustible Dust Standard Drawing Closer?

OSHA intends to establish a SBREFA panel in October 2016 as it works to develop a comprehensive combustible dust standard for general industry.

FAA Posts Guidance on Oil and Gas Extraction at Airports

The advisory circular does not create new requirements, but instead describes how they apply to extraction at federally obligated airports.

OSHA Investigation at Georgia Nursery Reveals Deadly Workplace Hazards

Evergreen Nursery has been cited for 18 serious violations.

New ASSE Executive Director Welcomes the Challenge

"The board has made it clear it wants ASSE to improve service to our current members and attract new ones, bolster the educational outreach available through our professional development offerings, become a leader in developing OSH standards, and elevate the value of the profession within the business community," said Dennis Hudson, whose appointment is effective June 1. "It's a tall order, but with all 72 employees working together, ASSE will be better and stronger than ever."

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