The National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA) is tracking OSHA proposals to revise fixed ladder, respiratory protection and sawmill standards after the agency wrapped up public hearings on August 26.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) held the virtual public hearings from August 19 to August 26. They covered proposed revisions to existing standards on respiratory protection, fixed ladders, certain chemicals, textiles and sawmills, all part of the agency’s broader deregulatory rulemaking effort.
One fixed ladder proposal would remove a 2036 deadline for existing ladders that extend more than 24 feet. Under that deadline, those ladders must switch from cages or wells to personal fall arrest or ladder safety systems.
OSHA also heard testimony on changes meant to align respiratory protection provisions across several chemical standards. Other proposals would revise safety color code, textile and sawmill requirements.
None of the proposals are final. OSHA will weigh the hearing record and public comments as it decides whether to move forward with the changes.
NLBMDA said it will keep monitoring these rulemakings and other OSHA activity affecting lumber and building material (LBM) dealers. The association also plans to submit comments on behalf of the industry on regulations that impact it.