Search Results for keywords:"safety standards"

Brightline West has asked the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for a waiver to bypass some specific railroad safety regulations pertaining to the new high-speed trainsets they plan to operate between California and Nevada. These electric trainsets, which Siemens Mobility will manufacture, will adhere to certain alternative safety standards instead of the current ones. Brightline claims these trainsets include advanced features that negate the need for traditional safety equipment. The FRA doesn't see the need for a public hearing to decide on this waiver because similar exemptions have been granted before. Interested individuals may submit comments or ask for a public hearing before March 22, 2021.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) received a petition from Rockwell Mining, LLC to modify safety regulations regarding equipment used at their Coal Branch No. 2 Mine in West Virginia. The company seeks permission to use two types of Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs), which are not MSHA-approved, because they believe these PAPRs offer better respiratory protection and comfort for miners, especially those with facial hair or who cannot wear tight-fitting respirators. The proposal outlines detailed training, inspection, and maintenance guidelines to ensure safety and compliance. Public comments on the petition are to be submitted by January 15, 2025.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) proposes a voluntary program called the ADS-equipped Vehicle Safety, Transparency, and Evaluation Program (AV STEP) for vehicles with automated driving systems (ADS). The program aims to review and oversee these vehicles, focusing on safety and public transparency. Participants can apply to perform specific operations or seek exemptions from certain safety standards. The program is designed to help NHTSA monitor the safe development of ADS while collecting data that could inform future safety standards.

Transamerica Tire Co. Ltd. discovered that some Transeagle ST tires made by Shandong Yinbao Tyre were mislabeled with an extra character in their Tire Identification Number (TIN), making it noncompliant with safety standards. However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) decided that this labeling error does not affect the tires' safety or performance. As a result, Transamerica doesn't need to notify owners or provide a remedy for this issue. NHTSA granted an exemption because the tires otherwise meet all performance requirements, and the error doesn't compromise safety during a recall.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is renewing exemptions for 11 individuals with epilepsy or seizure disorders, allowing them to continue driving commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce. These exemptions make an exception to a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation that generally prohibits such individuals from driving due to safety concerns. Recent evaluations found that these drivers can maintain a safety level equal to or greater than what the law typically requires. The exemptions are valid for two years, provided safety standards are met during that period.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has received a petition to create a mandatory regulation for pool ladders that are child-resistant, specifically designed for above-ground and portable pools. This petition aims to prevent drowning incidents among children under five years old, especially those aged between one and three. CPSC is seeking public comments on the petition by June 9, 2025, and is particularly interested in any studies or data related to the child-resistance of pool ladders. The petition suggests that while voluntary standards exist, there is no reliable method to ensure ladders meet child-resistance requirements, which the proposed regulation aims to address.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has received a petition from Rockwell Mining, LLC, requesting a modification to current safety standards. The petition concerns the use of unapproved Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) at the Flying Eagle Mine in West Virginia. The company proposes using alternative respirators, which they claim offer safety and comfort benefits over existing options, although these devices are not MSHA-approved. The petition outlines that the proposed changes will maintain miner safety and includes detailed conditions for their use, inspection, and maintenance.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) received a petition from Kanawha Eagle Mining, LLC to allow the use of specific Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) near certain mining areas at the North Eagle Mine in West Virginia. These respirators, which are not currently approved by MSHA, are claimed to provide safety and comfort for miners, especially those with facial hair or who cannot use tight-fitting masks. The proposal outlines an alternative method to ensure safety while using these PAPRs, including regular inspections, training, and adherence to manufacturer guidelines. The petition argues that this method will maintain or exceed the current safety standards for miners.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has decided to renew the hearing requirement exemptions for nine individuals who drive commercial motor vehicles across states. This means these drivers, who are hard of hearing or deaf, can continue to operate their vehicles safely until November 2022. FMCSA evaluated their eligibility and found that they meet safety standards comparable to those with typical hearing abilities. The exemptions will remain active as long as the drivers comply with the set conditions and maintain safety standards.

Peabody Twentymile Mining, LLC has submitted a petition to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to modify an existing safety standard, allowing the use of a new kind of respirator called the Drager X-plore 8700 at its Foidel Creek Mine in Colorado. The company wants to use these new respirators because the previously used ones, made by 3M, have been discontinued. While not currently approved by MSHA, Peabody believes the Drager X-plore 8700 offers the same level of safety as the old models. The petition sets out safety measures and training plans to ensure miner safety when using these new devices. The deadline for public comments on this proposal is April 2, 2025.