Let’s walk through the specifics to identify what portions affect laundries. The House passed its bill to enforce a new standard on combustible dust buildup for overhead and walls for all industries. OSHA is now required to look at combustible dust and lint issues even if the inspection is precipitated by other concerns (OSHA Directive CPL 03-00-008). House of Representatives required that OSHA enforce NFPA 654 Standard for the Prevention of Fire and Dust Explosions from the Manufacturing, Processing, and Handling of Combustible Particulate Solids for all industries.Įssentially, OSHA is putting teeth to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) standards last issued in 2006 in a systematic and rigorous way. To prevent more disasters of this type, the U.S. OSHA’s interest in this area was reignited in February 2008 when a tragic fire in a sugar plant-sparked by combustible dust-killed 13 employees and seriously injured 60. (Editor’s note: While passed by the House, this bill did not become law.)SUGAR PLANT FIRE REIGNITES OSHA INTEREST

5522-the Worker Protection Against Combustible Dust Explosions and Fires Act of 2008-that pushed to mandate stringent new standards for this area to be enforced by OSHA. To avoid possible penalties, laundries should examine legislation such as House Bill H.R. This extra attention has translated into a regulatory push for higher standards and the potential for significant fines for lack of compliance. WASHINGTON - The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has recently taken more action to impose fines and enforce regulations concerning combustible dust and lint in laundry facilities.

Rons dust lint