Mid-December finds the regulatory world relatively quiet as the holidays approach. The next few weeks will be busy with plans and get-togethers, so remember to plan for safe travel. Designated drivers are everyone’s friend. Here’s the latest news:

PHMSA

The agency is proposing to establish new categorical exclusions in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act’s implementing procedures. Categorical exclusions are categories of actions that an agency has determined normally do not have a significant effect on the human environment, individually or in the aggregate. Categorical exclusions are a form of review that agencies use to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act for proposed actions that normally have no or minimal environmental effects. PHMSA requests the views of the public on its proposal to establish these CEs and agency National Environmental Policy Act procedures. Submit written comments on or before January 9, 2025. Find out more here.

Transport Canada

The ministry published another in its series of regulatory guidance documents explaining its interpretation of the various sections of the TDGR. These guidance documents do not change the regulations, but instead offer users the ministry’s recommendations for applying them in practical ways.  This new document deals with the classification of dangerous goods. Find it here.

OSHA

The agency is finalizing a revision to its personal protective equipment standard for construction (Part 1926) to explicitly require that the equipment must fit properly. This final rule is effective January 13, 2025. Find details at the link.

The agency also published an ICR dealing with injury rates related to the operation of mechanical power presses. See this ICR here.

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