Trade News Release
Dec. 29, 2006
Contact: Elaine Fraser
Phone: (202) 693-1999
WASHINGTON -- An updated direct final rule that incorporates more recent National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards into the Department of Labor¿s Occupational Safety and Health Administration¿s (OSHA) fire protection standard for shipyards will go into effect Jan. 16, 2007.
OSHA issued a revised fire protection final rule for shipyard employment in September 2004 that incorporated 19 NFPA standards. NFPA subsequently updated a number of these consensus standards. Because the newer standards had not been included in the 2004 proposal, the public had not been given adequate notice to allow the Agency to reference them in the final rule.
The direct final rule adds 10 updated National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards to OSHA¿s shipyard fire protection standard and requires employers to use the more recent versions. The updated standards also incorporate some newer technologies for fire protection equipment so employees may receive greater protection from shipyard fire hazards.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA¿s role is to assure the safety and health of America¿s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.
U.S. Labor Department news releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this release will be made available in alternative format upon request (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office. Please specify which news release when placing your request. Call 202-693-7773 or TTY 202-693-7755.
Dec. 29, 2006
Contact: Elaine Fraser
Phone: (202) 693-1999
Direct Final Rule to Update Fire Protection Standards for Shipyards Becomes Effective in January
WASHINGTON -- An updated direct final rule that incorporates more recent National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards into the Department of Labor¿s Occupational Safety and Health Administration¿s (OSHA) fire protection standard for shipyards will go into effect Jan. 16, 2007.
OSHA issued a revised fire protection final rule for shipyard employment in September 2004 that incorporated 19 NFPA standards. NFPA subsequently updated a number of these consensus standards. Because the newer standards had not been included in the 2004 proposal, the public had not been given adequate notice to allow the Agency to reference them in the final rule.
The direct final rule adds 10 updated National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards to OSHA¿s shipyard fire protection standard and requires employers to use the more recent versions. The updated standards also incorporate some newer technologies for fire protection equipment so employees may receive greater protection from shipyard fire hazards.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA¿s role is to assure the safety and health of America¿s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.
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U.S. Labor Department news releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this release will be made available in alternative format upon request (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office. Please specify which news release when placing your request. Call 202-693-7773 or TTY 202-693-7755.