OSHA ISSUES FINAL RULE REVISING STANDARDS FOR INDUSTRY

摘要

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced in early April the final revised rules for workers performing electric power generation, transmission, and distribution work. These industry-specific rules 1910.269 (originally published in 1994 after the industry requested specific safety standards governing the utility industry) and 1926, Subpart V (originally published in 1973 and governing the construction of electric transmission and distribution facilities) harmonize the two standards to make them virtually the same in areas that they cover. OSHA's 1926, Subpart V is a 41-year-old construction standard for electric power line work to make it more consistent with the corresponding general industry standard (1910.269). In addition, the standards adopt revised approach-distance requirements and add new requirements to protect workers from electric arcs. General industry and construction standards for electrical protective equipment also are revised under the final rule.