Masonry Magazine August 2004 Page. 11
Excavations
The number of fatalities from trenching and excavations has nearly doubled in the last year. As such, OSHA has begun a review of the existing standard. They expect to complete this review by March 2005. They are currently accepting public comments on the existing standard. If this issue is of interest to you, I'd recommend you submit your concerns to OSHA in writing.
Hexavalent Chromium
OSHA is under court order to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking by October and must have it finalized by January 2006. I have not heard much out of OSHA lately on this proposal, but all indications are that they are still leaning toward the exclusion for wet Portland cement.
Employer Payment for Personal Protective Equipment
OSHA standards generally require that protective equipment (including PPE) be provided and used when necessary to protect employees from hazards that can cause injury, illness or physical harm. OSHA is reopening the record to get input on issues related to PPE considered to be a "tool of the trade." Comments were due by the end of July.
For complete details of the regulatory agenda, you may visit: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/15mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/ua040628/pdf/ua040413.pdf
If you have any questions about any of these issues, please don't hesitate to get in touch with me directly at mjmarshall@masoncontractors.com or (703) 671-4468.
Marian Marshall is director of MCAA's Government Affairs. She has over 25 years experience working with the Congress and Executive branches of the U.S. government and oversees all MCAA legislative, regulatory and political action activities.
EasyScale
SCAFFOLDING LIMITED
Unique and Patented Four-Point Suspended Scaffolding System
Your productivity will grow!
Costs less to use than any scaffolding system in the market!
Very simple to rig without height restrictions!
Safety is uncontested!
Complete with fully engineered and laid out drawing!
The result of years of close observation and experimentation under actual working conditions, the Easy Scale scaffolding system is the best choice for scaling the sides of new and existing buildings, finding applications in bridge maintenance, glazing and specialized demolition.
U.S. Patent No. 4997062
Canadian Patent No. 1274562
TRUMP
Call, fax, email or write for a free informative Easy Scale™ video.
Easy Scale
Scaffolding Limited
10 Ragged Lake Boulevard, Unit 7
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3S 1C2
Tel: (902) 450-5026 Fax: (902) 450-5204
Email: remopizzo@easyscale.net
Website: www.easyscale.net
AUTHORIZED STOCKING
U.S. DISTRIBUTOR:
Swing Staging, Inc.
49-47 31st Street
Long Island City, New York, U.S.A. 11101
Tel: (718) 361-2861 Fax: (718) 361-2902
Website: www.swingstaging.com
CIRCLE 189 ON READER SERVICE CARD
The Voice of the Mason Contractor
August 2004
Masonry 9