Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/752514
POWDER COATING, November 2016 5 OSHA proposes rule to improve provisions in its standards WASHINGTON, D.C.—As part of an ongoing effort to revise provisions in its standards that may be confusing, outdated, or unnecessary, OSHA is proposing 18 changes to the agency's recordkeeping, general industry, mar- itime, and construction standards. The changes would modernize OSHA stan- dards, help employers better under- stand their responsibilities, increase compliance, and reduce compliance costs. The revisions would improve the safety and health protections afforded to workers across all industries. The proposed revisions would save em- ployers an estimated $3.2 million per year. They are based on responses to a public Request for Information issued in 2012 as well as recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Construc- tion Safety and Health, OSHA staff, and the Office of Management and Budget. Individuals may submit comments elec- tronically via the Federal eRulemaking Portal at www.regulations.gov. Com- ments must be submitted by Dec. 5, 2016. This is the fourth rule proposed under OSHA's Standards Improve- ment Project, which began in 1995 in response to a Presidential memorandum to improve government regulations. Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are re- sponsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and pro- viding training, education and assistance. Smart release coating holds off rust SWANSEA, Wales—Researchers have developed a smart release coating that could serve as a potential alternative to the use of hexavalent chromium as a corrosion inhibitor. The work of the Swansea University team, led by Profes- sor Geraint Williams, is said to provide a safer, smarter way of protecting steel from rust and corrosion. Their break- through comes at an important time as hexavalent chromium, the corrosion in- hibitor used most widely at this time, is scheduled to be banned across the Eu-