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Archived News Release--Caution:
information may be out of date.
For more information call: (202) 219-8151
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.
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EXAMPLES OF PLAIN LANGUAGE STANDARD
Current 29 CFR 1910.108 |
Proposed Redraft in Plain Language (Traditional Format
Version) |
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1910.108(d) Liquids used in dip tanks, storage and handling. The
storage of flammable and combustible liquids in connection with dipping
operations shall conform to the requirements of sec. 1910.106, where
applicable. Where portable containers are used for the replenishment of
flammable and combustible liquids, provision shall be made so that both the
container and tank shall be positively grounded and electrically bonded to
prevent static electric sparks. |
1910.124(d) Ignition sources must be controlled. (3) When a
portable container is used to add a liquid to a dip tank, the container and
tank must be electrically bonded to each other, and positively grounded, to
prevent static electrical sparks or arcs. |
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1910.108(f)(2) Waste cans. When waste or rags are used in
connection with dipping operations, approved metal waste cans shall be provided
and all impregnated rags or waste deposited therein immediately after use. The
contents of the waste cans shall be properly disposed of at least once daily at
the end of each shift. |
1910.124(d)(6) Rags or other material contaminated with liquids
from dipping and coating operations must be placed in an approved waste can
immediately after use, and the contents of the waste can must be properly
disposed of at the end of each shift. |
Archived News Release--Caution:
information may be out of date.
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