OSHA Updates Consensus Standards for Acetylene Industry
September 3, 2009 // Published as a news service by IHS
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a final rule and notice of proposed rulemaking to revise its acetylene standard.
The revision replaces references to outdated consensus standards with updated references reflecting current industry practices in the acetylene industry, according to OSHA.
The revised standard requires employers to ensure that in-plant transfer, handling, storage and use of acetylene cylinders comply with Compressed Gas Association Pamphlet G-1-2003, "Acetylene."
Piping systems, facilities and equipment used to generate acetylene or to fill acetylene cylinders are required to comply with National Fire Protection Standard (NFPA) 51A - Standard for Acetylene Charging Plants.
According to OSHA, if it receives significant adverse comments within 30 days of publication, the notice of proposed rulemaking will allow the agency to continue the rulemaking as a notice and comment rulemaking.
If no adverse comments are received, the direct final rule will take effect Nov. 9, 2009. The revision, recommended by both the Compressed Gas Association and the U.S. Chemical Safety Board, is another step in updating outdated references in OSHA's standards.
For more information, review the Aug. 11 Federal Register posting titled, "OSHA 29 CFR Part 1910, Revising Standards Referenced in the Acetylene Standard."
Source: U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).