OSHA updates PPE guidance to protect workers from arc flash risks

OSHA issues new guidelines for electrical safety equipment The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has released updated personal protective equipment (PPE) guidance to safeguard workers from electrical arc flash hazards. The announcement emphasizes the need for arc-rated protective clothing and equipment for employees working on or near energized electrical systems. […]
IAFF leadership to address OSHA on new emergency response standards for firefighters

IAFF testifies on proposed OSHA emergency response standards for U.S. firefighter safety A virtual Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) hearing begins today (November 12) to discuss the proposed Emergency Response Standard (ERS). This proposal is poised to modernize firefighting safety standards for the first time in four decades. International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) […]
OSHA public hearing on Emergency Response Standard set for November

OSHA announces public hearing dates for Emergency Response Standard The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will hold a public hearing on its proposed Emergency Response Standard starting November 12. As reported by the National Volunteer Fire Council, OSHA recently confirmed the receipt of Notices of Intention to Appear (NOITA) by email to individuals who […]
NVFC continues advocacy as OSHA’s proposed standard awaits further review

Congressional hearings address potential impact on volunteer fire departments As reported by The NVFC, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) proposed Emergency Response Standard has raised concerns regarding its impact on volunteer fire departments. The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has been actively advocating for these concerns to be heard by encouraging public comments […]
OSHA’s proposed fire department regulations face criticism from Congresswoman Tenney and local officials

Congresswoman Tenney calls for OSHA to reconsider new fire department regulations Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, representing New York’s 24th District, joined local officials and volunteer firefighters in Oswego County to express concerns over proposed regulatory changes by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The proposed regulations aim to replace the existing Fire Brigades Standard with […]
NVFC testimony challenges OSHA’s new Emergency Response Standard

Proposed changes to OSHA’s fire brigades standard The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is proposing changes to its 1980 Fire Brigades rule by introducing a new Emergency Response Standard. Tim Bradley, the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) North Carolina director, testified on July 24, 2024, before the House Subcommittee on Workforce Protections, expressing concerns […]
Deadline to submit comments on proposed OSHA Emergency Response Standard is today

IAFC comments on OSHA Emergency Response Standard The deadline for submitting comments on the proposed Emergency Response Standard to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is today, July 22. Comments can be submitted here. The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) submitted its comments on July 11, in response to Docket No. OSHA-2007-0073. The […]
Proposed update to firefighter safety standards divides union and volunteer fire departments

Nationwide debate over firefighter safety standards The Biden administration’s proposal to update safety standards for firefighters and emergency responders has sparked a division among major labor unions and volunteer fire departments. As reported by Politico, the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) supports the new standards proposed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), […]
Volunteer fire departments in New York face challenges with proposed OSHA regulations

OSHA proposes new safety regulations for firefighters Volunteer fire officials across New York state are expressing concern about the cost implications of proposed federal safety regulations for firefighters. As reported by Syracuse.com, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) introduced its proposed Emergency Response standard late last year. This standard aims to set comprehensive workplace […]
IAFF calls for increased investment in fire fighter safety

Fire fighter safety standards to be updated by OSHA The nation’s approach to fire fighter safety has failed over the last 40 years, and new federal standards must require more investment in staffing, training, and other resources to keep fire fighters safe, the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) told Congress. “Our reliance on consensus […]