Recently OSHA proposed a rule that would replace OSHA's existing standard, 29 CFR 1910.156, which was originally promulgated in 1980 (titled as Fire Brigades), covers only a subset of present-day emergency responders (firefighters) and has only had minor updates since it was published.
In recognition that the current OSHA standard does not address the full range of hazards facing emergency responders, failure to recognize protective equipment performance and industry practices, conflict with other industry standards, and are not aligned with many current emergency response guidelines provided by other federal agencies (e.g., DHS/FEMA). In recognition of the inadequacy of the outdated safeguards provided by the current OSHA standards, the proposed rule seeks to ensure that workers involved in Emergency Response activities get the protections they deserve from the hazards they are likely to encounter while on the job.
The focus of the Emergency Response proposed rule is to provide basic workplace protections for workers who respond to emergencies as part of their regularly assigned duties. Notably, the scope of protected workers under the proposed rule would be expanded to include workers who provide emergency medical service and technical search and rescue.
Why is this important to our clients?
Several of our clients identify various personnel members to provide emergency response actions in the event of an emergency at their facilities. This would include Workplace Emergency Response Team (WERT) members. In these instances, some of the aspects of this revised standard would apply. TMC can assist in reviewing your Emergency Response Program (ERP) and/or Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and related training to assure these requirements are met.
Additional Information:
Comments