House approves combustible dust bill

   In a 247-165 vote on April 30, the House approved legislation that would compel OSHA to issue new rules aimed at preventing dust accumulations in industrial workplaces. The Combustible Dust Explosion and Fire Prevention Act (H.R. 5522) moves to the Senate for consideration. To read the Combustible Dust Explosion and Fire Prevention Act of 2008 Click Here.

   The House's action comes in the wake of a Feb. 7 explosion at the Imperial Sugar refinery in Port Wentworth, GA, that killed 13 workers and injured more than 60 others. The bill would force OSHA to issue an interim final rule within 90 days of enactment and a final rule within 18 months. OSHA has resisted promulgating a rule and instead initiated a National Emphasis Program to ramp up inspections of workplaces where dust hazards may be likely, the agency said. To read the rest click below.

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