assessment. In addition, the rule addresses tower crane hazards,
addresses the use of synthetic slings for assembly/disassembly
work, and clarifies the scope of the regulation by providing
both a functional description and a list of examples for the
equipment that is covered.
To read the complete rule, visit www.ofr.gov/OFRUpload/
OFRData/2010-17818_PI.pdf. More information is available at
www.osha.gov/cranes-derricks/index.html.
OSHA Rule Would Update Standards
On July 2, OSHA issued a proposed rule that would update or
remove requirements within several outdated, repetitive or con-
flicting standards. The proposed rule,
Standards Improvement Project (SIP)-III,
is intended to maintain the relevance of
OSHA standards and make it easier for
employers to understand their regulatory
obligations.
One of the proposed updates pertains to
the definition of “potable water” in the
Sanitation standard (1910.141). In this up-
date, OSHA aims to sync its potable water
definition with that of the current EPA
clean water standard. OSHA also proposes
the removal of a provision in the Bloodborne Pathogens standard (1910.1030) that forces employers to provide hand dryers
that release warm air. The elimination of this standard would
permit the use of newer technologies that use room-temperature
air.
The recommendations in the proposed rule were generated
through OSHA’s review of its standards and input from the
public and the OSHA Office of Management and Budget. OSHA
is seeking additional comments and recommendations from the
public until Sept. 30, 2010. Suggestions and remarks regarding
SIP-III can be submitted through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at www.regulations.gov/search/Regs/home.html#home.
To read the proposed rule, visit http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/
2010/ 2010-15156.htm.
Universal Flu Vaccine
Within Reach?
Researchers funded by the National
Institutes of Health (NIH) have developed a way to stimulate antibodies that attack several strains of
influenza virus in mice, ferrets and
monkeys, NIH reported in July. The
researchers’ success is a significant
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