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OSHA asks public for input on emergency response standard

Emergency Management Alert, September 17, 2007

OSHA wants to update its emergency response standards and is calling upon the public for help. It has published a Request for Information to gather information to determine what action, if any, the Agency should take to further address emergency response and preparedness. The Request for Information was published in the September 11 Federal Register. OSHA is accepting comments from the public until December 10. 

"Elements of the health and safety for emergency responder[s] are currently regulated by OSHA, primarily under six standards," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Edwin G. Foulke, Jr., in an OSHA press release. "Some of these standards were promulgated decades ago [but] none were designed as comprehensive emergency response standards. Emergency responders often encounter significant hazards while on the job, and this Agency wants to ensure it is doing everything possible to keep these vital employees safe and healthy while at work."

OSHA says that current standards do not reflect all of the major improvements in safety and health practices that have already been accepted by the emergency response community and incorporated into industry consensus standard. "The Request for Information is intended to gather information about current thinking and practices relative to emergency responders and skilled support employees."

The public may submit comments electronically at http://www.regulations.gov, the Federal eRulemaking Portal; or by sending or hand delivering three copies to the OSHA Docket Office, Room N-2625, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20210. Submissions that are less than ten pages may be sent by FAX to (202) 693-1648. Comments must include the Agency name and the docket number for this Request for information, Docket No. S-023B. See the Federal Register notice for more information on submitting comments.

For more information, contact Carol Jones, acting director, Office of Biological Hazards, OSHA Directorate of Standards and Guidance, Room N-3718, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Ave. N.W., Washington DC, 20210, telephone (202) 693-2299.

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