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Archived News Release--Caution:
information may be out of date.
For more information call: (202) 219-8151.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
announced today that it will stay enforcement until Aug. 9, 12 provisions of
the new final rule on logging operations.
"OSHA is responding to concerns and questions that have
been raised about these provisions," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for
Occupational Safety and Health Joseph A. Dear. "We want to make sure that
employers protect the safety of loggers and have the necessary information and
equipment to enable them to fully comply with the standard."
On Oct. 12, 1994, OSHA issued the final logging rule,
which included, among other things, requirements for the use of personal
protective equipment; first-aid kits at logging work sites; machine stability
and slope limitations; discharge of hydraulic and pneumatic storage devices on
forestry machines; machine braking systems; vehicle inspection and maintenance;
and tree harvesting. All provisions were to become effective Feb. 9.
Several parties have raised questions about some of these
requirements. After considering their questions, OSHA has determined that a
six-month delay is appropriate to clarify language in the regulatory text so
that it most adequately expresses its intent with respect to some of these
provisions and to provide additional information on other provisions.
The provisions subject to the six-month stay involve
requirements relating to logging boots that protect against penetration by
chain saws; face protection [eye protection will remain effective Feb. 9,
1995]; health-care provider approval of first-aid kits; machine operation on
slopes greater than recommended by the manufacturer; discharge of stored energy
from hydraulic and pneumatic storage; machine rollover protective structures
(ROPS); machine operator cab protective material for the lower portion; the
capability of the secondary machine braking system; the employer's obligation
to assure that employee-owned vehicles for use off public roads are in
serviceable condition; and backcuts for loggers employing the Humboldt cutting
method.
All other provisions of the standard continue to be
effective Feb. 9.
Notice of the delay in effective date for the provisions
was included in the Wednesday, Feb. 8 Federal Register.
Archived News Release--Caution:
information may be out of date.
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