|
Technical Issues
Issues Update - OSHA/MSHA
AEM continues its strong liaison with federal agencies involved in rulemaking that impacts equipment manufacturers.
OSHA Crane Regulations
In a recent letter to PCSA, OSHA's Directorate of Construction stated that the agency has included the updating of the crane standard as part of the agenda for 2002. |
|
The Crane Technical Committee of AEM's Power Crane and Shovel Association (PCSA) has been active in expressing its concern and that of the crane industry regarding OSHA's reluctance to update the Code of Federal Regulations for cranes (29CFR 1926.550).
The latest version (2000) of ANSI B30.5 Crane Standard clearly covers hydraulic cranes and current safe work practices. The OSHA regulation currently incorporates the 1968 ANSI Crane Standard and does little to address these critical issues, which could adversely impact workplace safety.
OSHA has responded to AEM's concerns: In a recent letter to PCSA, OSHA's Directorate of Construction stated that the Agency has included the updating of the crane standard as part of its agenda for 2002.
ROPS for Roller/Compactors
Current OSHA regulations, unchanged since 1971, do not specifically call for ROPS on roller/compactors. AEM's Compaction and Paving Machinery Technical Committee (CPMTC) is addressing this issue and has met with the OSHA Construction Directorate to urge updating of the regulations and offer industry help in developing detailed requirements.
Noise and Crystalline Silica Exposure
OSHA has placed both hearing conservation and silica exposure limits on its 2002 agenda. A hearing conservation proposal is expected by mid-year, and a consensus based process should be initiated before year's end to modernize and standardize OSHA silica limits.
Mining Safety and Health Regulations
MSHA has taken a clear lead over its companion organization OSHA in the area of hearing conservation, hearing loss measurement and issuance of guidelines. |
|
AEM continues to monitor actions of MSHA as it affects member companies' equipment. Dust, noise and diesel particulate matter are all recognized by MSHA as serious health hazards to miners because of their potential impact on lung diseases and acute hearing loss.
Within the U.S. Department of Labor, MSHA has taken a clear lead over its companion organization OSHA in the area of hearing conservation, hearing loss measurement and issuance of guidelines and has established a “non-enforcement” division to provide other guidance.
For more information on crane and mining issues, contact AEM's Richard Dressler at 414-298-4132; for information on noise, silica and ROPS, contact AEM's Russ Hutchison at 414-298-4118.
>>Go to Issues Update - European Regulations
<<Back to Advisor Index
|
