Search Results for keywords:"safety standards"

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is seeking public comments on a revised safety standard for stationary activity centers, originally referenced by the ASTM F2012-18ε1 standard. The new standard, ASTM F2012-2024, has been updated by ASTM, and CPSC is evaluating its impact on product safety. The public has until February 4, 2025, to submit their comments. The revision and its potential to improve safety are being assessed under the guidelines of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008.

Rockwell Mining, LLC has submitted a petition to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to modify an existing safety standard for their Coal Branch No. 1 Mine in West Virginia. The company wants permission to use specific Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) underground, which are not MSHA-approved but considered intrinsically safe by the company. These respirators, made by 3M and CleanSpace, offer constant airflow and protection, especially benefiting miners with facial hair or those who struggle with tight-fitting masks. The petition outlines detailed training, examination, and maintenance requirements to ensure the equipment is used safely.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has granted a five-year exemption to Daimler Trucks North America, allowing six drivers with German commercial licenses to drive commercial vehicles in the U.S. without a U.S. commercial driver's license. This exemption helps the drivers test Daimler vehicles in real-world conditions to ensure product standards. The drivers must comply with specific safety conditions, including being accompanied by a U.S. CDL holder and undergoing a drug and alcohol testing program similar to U.S. requirements. The FMCSA believes this will maintain or enhance safety standards on U.S. roads.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has decided to grant exemptions to three individuals with epilepsy or seizure disorders, allowing them to operate commercial motor vehicles across state lines. This decision, effective from January 11, 2021, until January 11, 2023, was based on each individual's medical history and stable treatment regimen. The individuals granted these exemptions have been seizure-free for many years while on medication. The FMCSA believes that this exemption ensures a safety level similar to, or better than, what the standard regulations would achieve.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has received a petition from Rockwell Mining, LLC, requesting to modify the safety standard regarding the use of certain unapproved air purifying respirators in their Coal Branch No. 2 Mine. This modification seeks to incorporate alternatives to the currently available NIOSH-approved respirators, specifically the CleanSpace EX and 3M Versaflo TR-800 units, which provide continuous filtered air and suit miners with facial hair who cannot use traditional respirators. The petition argues that this alternative method offers protection equal to the existing standards, and the equipment will be maintained and operated under strict conditions to ensure safety. Public comments on this request are open until January 15, 2025.

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 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 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 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.