Federal Agencies

Washington — Confined and concentrated combustible dust can ignite and generate secondary dust explosions “powerful enough to destroy buildings,” the Chemical Safety Board warns.

Washington — OSHA is seeking input on its proposal to delete 16 test standards from the agency’s Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory Program’s List of Appropriate Test Standards.

Arlington, VA — Good worksite housekeeping can significantly reduce miners’ exposure to respirable dust and silica, the Mine Safety and Health Administration says in a recently published health alert.

Washington — The Senate has confirmed Derek Barrs as the new head of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Washington — The Senate has confirmed David Keeling as the new leader of OSHA. Legislators approved S. Res 412 with a 51-46 vote on Oct. 3, then voted 51-47 on Oct. 7 to confirm Keeling and more than 100 other nominees.

Washington — Employers of nonagricultural workers operating near farmland can reduce the risk of pesticide exposure by notifying farms about their work, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises.

Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency is accepting comment on a proposal that would change how the agency evaluates a chemical’s risk to workers.

Washington — People and groups that participated in public hearings on OSHA’s proposed heat rule now have until Oct. 30 to submit post-hearing comments.

Washington — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is seeking feedback on two pilot programs intended to increase flexibility for truck drivers who must comply with federal rest requirements.

Washington — NIOSH has updated its Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Respiratory Protection Handbook.