OSHA’s proposed rule on emergency response under White House review

Washington — An update to OSHA’s standard on emergency response is undergoing a final review, according to the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs website.

The proposed rule, received by OIRA on Oct. 30, is intended to “address the full range of hazards or concerns currently facing emergency responders and other workers providing skilled support.” The review is one of the final steps before the proposed rule can be published.

In the Spring 2023 regulatory agenda, OSHA notes that some of its standards on emergency response and preparedness were issued decades ago, and none is comprehensive. The proposal is also expected to address “major changes” in performance specifications for protective clothing and equipment.

“The agency acknowledges that current OSHA standards also do not reflect all the major developments in safety and health practices that have already been accepted by the emergency response community and incorporated into industry consensus standards.”