Search Results for keywords:"safety standards"

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has decided to withdraw a proposed rule from October 29, 2024, concerning updates to procedures for waivers and safety-related proceedings. These updates aimed to clarify what is meant by "in the public interest" and "consistent with railroad safety" in the waiver standards. The FRA cited resource constraints and existing guidance on the topic as reasons for the withdrawal but emphasized their commitment to engaging with stakeholders on rail safety issues. The FRA may consider similar regulations in the future and appreciates the input received from stakeholders during this process.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has received a petition from Patton Mining LLC requesting a change to a current safety standard for their equipment used at the Deer Run Mine in Illinois. The existing rule requires all wheels of nonpermissible diesel-powered equipment to have working brakes. The company wants permission to operate a grader without front brakes, proposing alternatives to ensure safety, including limiting its speed and adjusting training for operators. MSHA invites public comments on this proposal until March 26, 2021.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued special conditions for the Airbus Model A330-243 airplane, which is being modified by TC Inter-Informatics to include unique oblique side-facing seats with inflatable lapbelts. These conditions address the lack of adequate safety standards in existing regulations for this type of seating. They include criteria for injury protection, body contact, neck and spine protection, and head rotation limits to ensure passenger safety. The FAA invites public comments on these special conditions, which will apply to other models if the same seat configuration is used.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), part of the Department of Transportation, has announced the denial of requests from 37 individuals seeking exemptions from the vision requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. These individuals wanted to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce, but upon evaluation, the FMCSA determined that granting these exemptions would not ensure a safety level equivalent to the existing standards. The reasons for denial included lack of experience with vision deficiencies, insufficient recent driving experience, or other issues such as unstable vision.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) decided to deny Polytech Plastic Molding, Inc.'s request for an exemption that would allow their vehicles to use a special lighting module. This module, made by Intellistop, Inc., can make brake lights flash to improve visibility. FMCSA denied the request because Polytech didn't prove the modification would be as safe as the current standards, and because of a lack of legal operations data due to an inactive USDOT number. Although some comments supported the potential safety benefits, the agency was concerned about safety risks and proper regulatory compliance.

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 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 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 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.