OSHA Reform for Composite Manufacturers
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Standards Office has responded to requests from a joint effort by the American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) and the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) to reform its fire safety regulations for composite resin spray. The office stated that the industry had satisfied its challenge to demonstrate that employers complying with NFPA 33 provide an adequate level of protection against fire and explosion hazards associated with their resin and gelcoat spray operations. The information was gathered in a Sept. 22 meeting with officials in OSHA’s Enforcement Office from an industry petition for recognition of the adequacy of NFPA 33. The matter now goes to OSHA directly, where a favorable response would signify composite manufacturers no longer being cited for a “failure to comply” with OSHA regulations, as long as they are in compliance with the NFPA rule.
