The Association is aware and familiar with the proposed new 29 CFR 1910.156 regulation and seeks, through this page, to convey the actions and intents of the Association in the adoption and application of this update to the current regulation. This page will offer the reader an overview of the actions and positions of the Association.
Proposed Standard– Read the proposed Emergency Response Standard in the Federal Register and submit a comment through the public comment portal (deadline was July 22, 2024).
Timeline
January 2024 — Department of Labor releases the proposed standard
March 2024 — The Executive Committee of the SC Association assigns authors of a position paper
April 2024 — The Executive Committee approves the position paper
April 2024 — The Executive Committee takes the position paper to the federal elected delegation in Washington DC
- Association submitted Position Paper and Formal Response To The Proposed Ruling and Comment Period for the OSHA Regulation
May 2024 — Creation of the web site and education of the membership
May 2024 — The Association creates a fire service study ad-hoc committee from around the state to prepare and respond
June 2024 — The issue is offered at South Carolina Fire-Rescue
July 19, 2024 — The Association posted its official comments
July 22, 2024 — US DOL OSHA public comment period ends
Fall 2024 — The Association enlarges the Ad-Hoc group to include partner/affiliated agencies and organizations
November 7, 2024 — Federal OSHA regulation 1910.156 Statewide Stakeholders Meeting
November 12 through December 4, 2024 — Public testimony on the regulation
- November 19, 2024 - Association provides testimony
January 15, 2025 — Association submitted written reply to public testimony
January 24, 2025 — Stakeholders group meeting during Fire Service Improvement Conference
- State plan is in development
January 29, 2025 — Association submitted Department of Labor Secretary confirmation hearing letter to Senators Graham and Scott
SC State Firefighters' Association Action
Our Ad-Hoc Committee and Mission
Our Partner's Position
- NVFC
- NVFC's website on the subject
- NVFC 2024 Spring Board meeting minutes
- NVFC Webinar: Update from OSHA on the Proposed Emergency Response Standard
- Recording of the webinar in the NVFC Virtual Classroom
- More comprehensive webinar that OSHA did with the U.S. Fire Administration
- The Testimony on the Regulation
- IAFC
- A Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology hearing entitled, “Stakeholder Perspectives on OSHA’s Proposed Rule to Update the Fire Brigades Standard” was held on June 4, 2024. To view this hearing, click HERE.
What you can do
OSHA's proposed Emergency Response Standard is here, and understanding it is crucial for your safety and department operations. By staying informed and getting involved, you're able to influence policy that impacts you.
Here are a few steps you can take.
1. Read the proposed standard
First, read the standard. Dive into the details and grasp the full scope of these proposed protocols. Knowledge is power, and being informed empowers you to make a difference.
2. Read the comments
Next, read the comments. See what experts and peers are saying. This is your opportunity to gain insights and perspectives that can shape your understanding and inform your next steps.
3. Contact your state and federal representatives
Then, contact your state and federal representatives. Your voice matters—it can influence policy and ensure that the best practices are implemented. Don't underestimate the power of your advocacy.
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