OSHA settles petition, issues memos on new electrical rule

Washington – OSHA recently issued, as part of a legal settlement, several enforcement memorandums and a question-and-answer document on its updated Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution; Electrical Protective Equipment Standard.

The final rule, published last April, features new or revised requirements for fall protection, minimum approach distances, arc flash protection, and protective equipment for construction and general industry.

Shortly after OSHA published the rule, the Edison Electric Institute, the Utility Line Clearance Coalition and the Tree Care Industry Association filed a petition requesting a court review of the standard.

OSHA and the groups reached a settlement agreement on Feb. 13. The documents issued as part of the agreement include:

• A Q&A on the final rule 
• A memo to OSHA field offices on enforcement of some fall protection requirements 
• A memo to OSHA field offices regarding enforcement dates 
• A memo to OSHA field offices clarifying how the standard applies to line-clearance tree trimming