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 is July 22).
Association's official reply to Docket ID OSHA-2007-0073 – Read the Association's official comments on the NPRM.
Timeline
January 2024 – Dept 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
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 SC 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, 2025 - 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
SC State Firefighters' Association Action and Position
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.
Congressional Activities
The SC State Firefighters' Association is attending meetings with members of Congress as well as hearings related to this proposed standard. Our efforts to educate our congressional delegation is taking effect.
- Amidst EMS, Firefighter Shortages Biden’s OSHA Hamstrings Emergency Responders Press Release (June 24, 2024)
Call to Action
Your replies to OSAH are important. But equally important are your department specific impact answers to the linked questions OSHA is asking. Review these questions to help cater your formal reply.
STEP 1:
Please submit a formal comment to OSHA. This is the site where your department specific examples and replies can be filed. You can submit as an individual, an organization or department and even anonymous. This feedback is important to the process and will allow your voice to be heard.
Federal OSHA Proposed Rule Comment
STEP 2:
It’s important for us to make sure we represent all of our membership. We want to hear directly from you about your concerns with specific examples on how the proposed standard could impact your department. This will assist the Association in representing you in next steps.
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