OSHA extends rulemaking on generation, T&D
- On September 14, OSHA announced that it is opening the record on a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on electric power generation, transmission and distribution and for electrical protective equipment.
The agency will use this limited opening to obtain comments related to safe proximity between a worker and exposed electrical parts.
OSHA published a proposed rule to revise the general industry and construction standards for electric power generation, transmission and distribution and for electrical protective equipment, such as insulating blankets, gloves and rubber sleeves. That proposal included revised minimum approach distances (MAD) to determine how close a worker or an object that the worker is holding can get to an electrical part. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers later made further corrections for calculating MAD and the current proposed rule includes those revisions.
"We want to incorporate the most accurate data for keeping workers at safe distances from dangerous electrical sources," said acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Jordan Barab. "Extending this rulemaking process will provide us with the information we need to provide the best possible protection for working men and women."
Related News

France's nuclear power stations to limit energy output due to high river temperatures
PARIS - The high temperature warning has come early this year but will affect fewer nuclear power plants.
High temperatures could halve nuclear power production at plants along France's Rhone River this week.
Output restrictions are expected at two nuclear plants in eastern France due to high temperature forecasts, nuclear operator EDF said. It comes several days ahead of a similar warning that was made last year but will affect fewer plants.
The hot weather is likely to halve the available power supply from the 3.6 GW Bugey plant from 13 July and the 2.6 GW Saint Alban plant from 16 July, the…