Search Results for keywords:"safety standards"

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is conducting a new study on bathtub slip resistance to help develop safety standards for bathtubs and showers. This study aims to evaluate how slippery different bathtub surfaces are and will be conducted by Arizona State University in Phoenix. Participants will be monitored for how safely they can step in and out of wet and dry bathtub surfaces. The information gathered will be used to work on replacing an outdated safety standard for bathing surfaces, and participants will be compensated $100 for their time.

The Coast Guard has made available a policy letter titled "Guidelines for Obtaining STCW Endorsements for Basic and Advanced IGF Code Operations." This policy offers guidance on how mariners can voluntarily obtain endorsements for operating vessels that use gases or low flashpoint fuels in line with international safety and training standards. The endorsements are not mandatory, but the Coast Guard will issue them to mariners who meet the training requirements. This policy is intended to help mariners and vessel operators ensure compliance with international standards, especially when operating in foreign ports.

The Department of Labor is asking for public comments on a proposed information collection related to the safety standards for acrylonitrile (AN) exposure. This request is sponsored by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) and seeks approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The collection aims to ensure that workers are safe from harmful exposure to AN by monitoring exposure levels, providing medical surveillance, and training. The department is looking for feedback on various aspects of the information collection, including its necessity, accuracy, and methods to reduce the burden on respondents.

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.

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has finalized a rule updating its regulations for floating cabins on the Tennessee River System. These rules require that all existing floating cabins comply with safety and environmental standards and submit a permit application by October 1, 2029. The rule also clarifies electrical and wastewater standards, stating that floating cabin owners must follow all federal, state, and local regulations. If a cabin does not meet these standards, TVA may revoke the permit and require its removal from the river system.

The Rural Housing Service has issued a final rule to update regulations for the Single Family Housing Direct Loan Program and the SFH Guaranteed Loan Program. This change aims to provide borrowers with more purchase options and enhance the overall experience of these programs. Key updates include allowing the purchase of existing manufactured homes according to safety standards and extending land-lease terms for new energy-efficient homes. The rule also revises definitions and removes some administrative requirements, reflecting public feedback to improve access to affordable housing in rural areas.

The Department of Labor is asking for public comments on an information collection request related to safety standards in shipyard work. This request is being reviewed for approval by the Office of Management and Budget as part of the Paperwork Reduction Act process. They aim to minimize the paperwork burden while ensuring the safety requirements are useful and effective. The deadline for submitting comments is February 21, 2025, and they are encouraging feedback on ways to improve the information collection process.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a final rule, effective March 16, 2021, for the operation of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), such as drones, over people and at night under certain conditions. The rule introduces four categories of operations based on the risk of injury to people, allowing drones to fly over people without a waiver if they meet specific safety standards. It also requires drones flying at night to have anti-collision lights and operators to undergo training that covers night operations. Additionally, the rule allows drones to fly over moving vehicles, provided specific conditions are met to ensure safety.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) proposed a rule change to allow individuals with vision impairments in one eye to operate commercial motor vehicles without needing an exemption. Currently, these individuals need an exemption to drive interstate. The new rule suggests using a standard that includes a road test instead of requiring three years of intrastate driving experience. This change aims to simplify the qualification process and improve employment opportunities for drivers while maintaining safety standards.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new rule updating airworthiness directives for certain Embraer S.A. airplanes. This regulation replaces a previous directive and requires airlines to revise their maintenance or inspection programs to include new or stricter safety standards and structural changes necessary to prevent potential failures. The updated requirements aim to address issues like fatigue cracking, which can reduce the structural integrity of the aircraft, and possible safety hazards from latent system failures or ignition sources in fuel tanks. The new rule takes effect on March 17, 2025, affecting 662 airplanes in the U.S.