OSHA Implements Standards Improvement Projects

OSHA has implemented the SIP III, a third in a series of rulemaking actions that will streamline and simplify standards while reducing employer burdens. The new rule will include aligning air cylinder testing requirements for self-contained breathing apparatuses with U.S. Department of Transportation regulations. Other changes include updating the definition of the term potable water to be consistent with the current EPA standards, removing the outdated requirement that hand dryers use warm air and removing two medical record requirements from the commercial-driving standard. The sling standard will be updated as well by requiring employers use only slings marked with the manufacturers’ loading information. Finally, requirements for employers to transmit exposure and medical records to NIOSH will be deleted, saving significant costs to store and maintain the records. OSHA estimates that these changes save employers more than $45 million annually.