Occupational Safety and Health Administration June 2005 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

OSHA solicits public comment concerning its request for an extension of the information collection requirements contained in the Cotton Dust Standard (29 CFR 1910.1043).

OSHA intends to re-charter the Maritime Advisory Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (MACOSH), which expires in April 2005. MACOSH advises the Secretary of Labor on matters relating to occupational safety and health programs, new initiatives, and standards for the maritime industries of the United States which include Longshoring, Marine Terminals, and Shipyards. The Committee will consist of 15 members and will be chosen from among a cross-section of individuals who represent the following interests: employers, employees; Federal and State safety and health organizations; professional organizations specializing in occupational safety and health; and national standards setting groups. OSHA invites persons interested in serving on MACOSH to submit their names for consideration for committee membership.

This notice contains all of the necessary information and forms needed to apply for grant funding. The U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) awards funds to nonprofit organizations to provide training and education programs or to develop training materials for employers and workers about safety and health topics selected by OSHA. Nonprofit organizations, including community-based and faith-based organizations, that are not an agency of a State or local government, are eligible to apply. State or local government-supported institutions of higher education are eligible to apply in accordance with 29 CFR part 95. This notice announces grant availability for two different categories of Susan Harwood Training grants. General descriptions of the two categories of grants are provided below.

OSHA is proposing to update the existing standard for the construction of electric power transmission and distribution installations and make it consistent with the more recently promulgated general industry standard addressing the maintenance and repair of electric power generation, transmission, and distribution lines and equipment. The proposal also makes some miscellaneous changes to both standards, including adding provisions related to host employers and contractors, flame resistant clothing, and training, and updates the construction standard for electrical protective equipment, makes it consistent with the corresponding general industry standard, and makes it applicable to construction generally. The existing rules for this type of work were issued in 1971. They are out of date and are not consistent with the more recent, corresponding rules for the operation and maintenance of electric power transmission and distribution systems. The revised standard would include requirements relating to enclosed spaces, working near energized parts, grounding for employee protection, work on underground and overhead installations, work in substations, and other special conditions and equipment unique to the transmission and distribution of electric energy. OSHA is also proposing a new standard on electrical protective equipment for the construction industry. The current standards for the design of electrical protective equipment, which apply only to electric power transmission and distribution work, adopt several national consensus standards by reference. The new standard would replace the incorporation of these out-of-date consensus standards with a set of performance-oriented requirements that is consistent with the latest revisions of these consensus standards and with the corresponding standard for general industry. Additionally, OSHA is proposing new requirements for the safe use and care of electrical protective equipment to complement the equipment design provisions. In addition, OSHA is proposing changes to the two corresponding general industry standards. These changes address: Class 00 rubber insulating gloves, electrical protective equipment made from materials other than rubber, training for electric power generation, transmission, and distribution workers, host-contractor responsibilities, job briefings, fall protection (including a requirement that employees in aerial lifts use harnesses), insulation and working position of employees working on or near live parts, protective clothing, minimum approach distances, deenergizing transmission and distribution lines and equipment, protective grounding, operating mechanical equipment near overhead power lines, and working in manholes and vaults. These changes would ensure that employers, where appropriate, face consistent requirements for work performed under the construction and general industry standards and would further protect employees performing electrical work covered under the general industry standards. The proposal would also update references to consensus standards in Sec. Sec. 1910.137 and 1910.269 and would add new appendices to help employers comply with provisions on protective clothing and the inspection of work positioning equipment. OSHA is also proposing to revise the general industry standard for foot protection. This standard has substantial application to employers performing work on electric power transmission and distribution installations, but that applies to employers in other industries as well. The proposal would remove the requirement for employees to wear protective footwear as protection against electric shock.

This notice announces the Agency's final decision on the application of Communication Certification Laboratory, Inc., (CCL) for renewal of its recognition as a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory and for expansion of its recognition to use additional test standards under 29 CFR 1910.7.

ACCSH will meet June 23-24, 2005 in Washington, DC. This meeting is open to the public. Time and Date: ACCSH will meet from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Thursday, June 23, 2005 and from 8:30 a.m. to Noon, Friday, June 24, 2005. Place: ACCSH will meet at Room N-3437 A-C in the Frances Perkins Building, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20210.