Safety Guy - Jim Stanley writes
Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis said OSHA would pursue a dedicated, comprehensive rule-making on combustible dust.
Under the previous administration, OSHA pursued targeted enforcement of employers through a National Emphasis Program (mostly in federal enforcement states), outreach, training and cooperative programs on combustible dust rather that issuing a dedicated standard. OSHA claimed that rules such as the housekeeping standard and the general duty clause (Section 5A1) already existed to regulate the combustible dust hazard in general industry.
Any employer with potential combustible dust hazards should review the Chemical Safety Board video (29 minutes) posted on this blog.
A dedicated standard is absolutely needed and must be a top priority of OSHA so that affected employers and employees can comment and participate in the process.
Haase - Jim, I think you speak for the group with the importance of the rule. While worker safety rules are typically ignored by most popular media (won't see on fox or cnn) it is critical that trade groups, business's and the public encourage OSHA and regulators to pass rules that have 'multi life saving and health' benefits. This rule is that.
Prevention of explosions, wear on respiratory systems, pulmonary function diseases and spread of air borne carcinogens are just to name a few...
