News Release USDL 98-134
Monday, April 6, 1998
Contact: Bill Wright (202) 219-8151

Standards for Dipping and Coating Operations offered in two versions

Worker protection rules for dipping and coating operations are being rewritten into plain language to help employers and employees better understand the requirements, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced today.

The proposed revision, the second plain language initiative undertaken by the agency, is expected to preserve safety and health protections for employees and, at the same time, not increase regulatory obligations placed on employers. (The first plain language initiative dealt with workplace emergency routes, proposed in September 1996).

"We serve all Americans better when we communicate simply and clearly about worker safety and health," said Charles N. Jeffress, OSHA's assistant secretary. "The proposed revision will result in performance-oriented requirements that are less rigid and much easier to understand. Simple language leads to better understanding and, therefore, improved safety and health."

The standards for dipping and coating operations are designed to protect employees from fire, explosion and other hazards associated with such operations. The revision being proposed will achieve three purposes: (1) rewrite the rules in plain language; (2) consolidate them into one subpart of the Code of Federal Regulations (from the current two sections); and (3) update them to increase compliance options available to employers without increasing the risk of injury to employees.

The text will be dramatically shortened, thereby eliminating duplicative requirements and simplifying the overly-technical language and requirements of existing dip tank requirements. The proposal also results in limited updating of the existing rules which will make them more consistent with the latest National Fire Protection Association standard.

OSHA is presenting the proposal in two plain language formats. The first is organized in the traditional OSHA regulatory format, while the second version incorporates a question and answer design. Both versions include a detailed table of contents intended to make the standard easier to use than what is currently on the books. OSHA solicits comments on which format to use.

The proposal, in either format, will not change the substantive requirements for dipping and coating operations, nor will it impose additional burdens on employers. Both versions will ensure continued safety and health protection for employees. OSHA believes that the performance-oriented language of the proposed standard will facilitate employer compliance because it provides employers with more compliance options.

Notice of the proposed rule is scheduled to be published in the Apr. 7, 1998 Federal Register. Comments and requests for hearings must be postmarked not later than June 6, 1998, and submitted in quadruplicate to the OSHA Docket Office, Docket No. S-022, Room N-2625, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210 (telephone (202) 219-7894). Comments of 10 pages or less may be faxed to the Docket Office, if followed by an original and three copies mailed within two days, at (202) 219-5046.

EXAMPLES OF PLAIN LANGUAGE STANDARD