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U.S. Department of Labor | |
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OSHA News Release
2005 - 06/14/2005 - OSHA Proposes Revised Rule on Electric Power Generation, Transmission, Distribution, and Protective Equipment |
OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
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Trade Release June 14, 2005 Contact: Bill Wright Phone: (202) 693-1999 OSHA Proposes Revised Rule on Electric Power Generation, Transmission, Distribution, and Protective Equipment
WASHINGTON - The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will publish a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) tomorrow to update the standard for the construction of electric power transmission and distribution installations to make it consistent with the recently revised general industry standard. The agency is accepting public comments on the proposal until Oct. 13, 2005. "The existing standards for this type of work have not been updated since 1971," said Jonathan L. Snare, Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA, "so it's important that we make sure that they are current and consistent with the more recent corresponding rules for electric power transmission and distribution systems." The proposed standard includes 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 electrical energy. OSHA is proposing to make the construction standard consistent with the more recently promulgated general industry standard for the maintenance and operation of electric power transmission and distribution installations. The proposal revises both the general industry and construction standards to reflect current technology in protecting employees from hazards associated with the industry. Key changes include new provisions specific to host employers and contractors, adding new requirements to protect workers against flame and electric arc hazards, a requirement for employers to provide flame-resistant clothing, and additional training. The agency will hold an informal public hearing in Washington, D.C., beginning Dec. 6, 2005. The hearing will commence at 10 a.m. on the first day, and at 9 a.m. on the second and subsequent days, which will be scheduled, if necessary. Parties who intend to present testimony at the hearing must notify OSHA in writing no later than Aug. 15, 2005. Hearing testimony and documentary evidence must be postmarked no later than Nov. 3, 2005. Complete instructions on submitting written comments, notices of intent to appear, hearing testimony, and documentary evidence, is available in the NPRM, scheduled for publication in tomorrow's Federal Register. Employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure the safety and health of America's workers by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov. # # #
This news release text is on the Internet at http://www.osha.gov. Information on this release will be made available to sensory impaired individuals upon request. Voice phone: (202) 693-1999. |
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OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
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