OSHA has announced recently that it will issue an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Combustible Dust Hazards. The convention includes stakeholder meetings to assess possible regulatory methods and request data, as well as comments on issues related to combustible dust. These issues include the following:
- Hazard recognition
- Hazard assessment
- Hazard communication
- Defining combustible dust
“Over the years, combustible dust explosions have caused many deaths and devastating injuries that could have been prevented,” said Hilda L. Solis, U.S. Secretary of Labor. “OSHA is reinvigorating the regulatory process to ensure workers receive the protection they need while also ensuring that employers have the tools needed to make their workplaces safer.”
OSHA said that more than 130 workers have been lost and more than 780 injured, since 1980, because of combustible dust explosions.
Related Links:
Proper Management of Hazardous Chemicals: Plan and Training for Workers
MSDS in Your Hazard Communication Program: Your Guard against Hazardous Chemicals
All about Material Safety Data Sheets
5 Distractions that Cause Workplace Hazards
New Bill to Protect Workers from Combustible Dust Explosion
