Search Results for keywords:"Japan Electrical Safety

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is evaluating the application from Japan Electrical Safety & Environment Technology Laboratories (JET) to become a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL). This status would allow JET to test and certify products for workplace safety, meeting OSHA's standards. The public is invited to comment by May 27, 2025, before a final decision is made. OSHA confirms that JET seems to satisfy all necessary requirements, but this is still a preliminary finding.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a new rule to enhance safety standards for electric vehicles. This rule creates a new Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 305a to replace the existing standard, expanding requirements to cover both light and heavy vehicles while focusing on the safety of the propulsion battery systems. NHTSA requires manufacturers to submit standardized emergency response documents to assist responders in handling electric vehicles safely. This regulation aligns U.S. standards with the Global Technical Regulation No. 20 on electric vehicle safety and includes documentation requirements for risk mitigation in diverse conditions.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), under the Department of Labor, announced the approval of several petitions for modification of mandatory safety standards in mines. These petitions, which were evaluated between July 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024, allow for alternative safety methods that provide miners with protection comparable to the original standards. Among the modifications granted are those for Peabody Twentymile Coal Mining in Colorado and Panther Creek Mining in West Virginia, addressing various electrical safety regulations at the respective mines. The decisions were based on a detailed investigation of the conditions at the mines and compliance with specific safety requirements.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is reopening the public comment period for a draft regulatory guide, DG-1361, titled "Environmental Qualification of Certain Electrical Equipment Important to Safety for Nuclear Power Plants." Originally published for comments on December 17, 2020, the initial comment period ended on February 16, 2021. To provide more time for feedback, the NRC has extended the comment period by an additional 60 days, with a new deadline of April 19, 2021. The draft guide proposes a new standard for assessing the safety equipment at nuclear power plants and includes updates from past standards and additional international guidelines.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has updated its regulations for testing and approving electric motor-driven equipment in gassy mines. The new rules allow manufacturers to use eight ANSI-approved standards for safety, which can replace some specific MSHA requirements but offer flexibility while maintaining safety. These changes are intended to encourage the use of innovative technology in mines and make the approval process more efficient for manufacturers. The rule becomes effective on January 9, 2025.

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is proposing to update more than 20 incorporated consensus standards in the Federal pipeline safety regulations. This proposed rulemaking involves incorporating newer versions of technical standards, clarifying regulatory language, and making minor corrections to improve clarity without imposing new initiatives on pipeline operators. The changes will allow operators to use the latest technologies and practices in pipeline safety, while also aligning with federal policies to incorporate voluntary consensus standards. Public comments on the proposal are invited until March 16, 2021.

The Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone on the Atchafalaya River near Cypress Passage for a planned demolition of overhead powerlines scheduled on January 9, 2025. This area will be off-limits to vessels and people within a 500-yard radius, except with permission, to protect against the hazards posed by powerlines on the water's surface during the 12-hour operation. This rule is intended to ensure the safety of personnel, vessels, and the marine environment in the vicinity of the demolition. The regulation will be enforced through communication on VHF radio channels, and it is not expected to have significant economic impacts on small businesses.

The Department of the Army is adding to a previous environmental impact statement concerning necessary heat and electrical upgrades at Fort Wainwright in Alaska. The current coal-powered heating and power plant is old and poses safety and reliability issues, and its potential failure could impact mission readiness. The Army is examining several alternatives, including building new power infrastructure or continuing periodic upgrades to the existing system. They plan to release the updated environmental impact statement in 2025 and will invite the public to provide feedback.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has issued a final rule modifying the Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards. This rule adopts certain recommendations from the Manufactured Housing Consensus Committee (MHCC) to enhance safety, affordability, and flexibility of manufactured homes. Key amendments include updates to standards for attached garages and structures, interior passage dimensions, carbon monoxide and smoke alarms, and stairway design and requirements. The rule aims to modernize the standards, align them with best practices, and incorporate new technologies to provide benefits to consumers and the broader community.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced a delay in the effective date of new construction and safety standards for manufactured homes. Initially set to take effect on March 17, 2025, the new date is now September 15, 2025. This adjustment aligns with a Presidential order for a regulatory review period and responds to manufacturers' requests for more time to adjust to new regulations. The delay aims to ensure all changes are properly reviewed and implemented for better housing safety and quality.