Government Affairs
Working with Natural Gas: Purge it according to new emergency rule
There is a new temporary rule following the Con-Agra explosion. The building code has been changed and the new requirements can be found here:
http://www.ncdoi.com/OSFM/Engineering/BCC/engineering_bcc_temp_rules.asp
Crane and Derrick Standard Repealed and Replaced with Federal Rule
NCDOL is repealing their state rule and will replace it with the Federal Rule. There will be a transition period before the Federal rule takes effect so check with NCDOL. The big difference will be the certification training requirements will be delayed, but will be required.
North Carolina Bans Text-Messaging While Driving
North Carolina has become the 14th state to pass a law banning all drivers from text messaging while driving. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, in the first six months of 2009, seven states passed legislation banning text messaging while driving, bringing the total to 14 states and the District of Columbia. Washington-based GHSA posts state-specific information on cell phone driving laws on its Website.
Although the number of states banning text messaging while driving is expected to grow, Janet Froetscher, National Safety Council president & CEO, cautions that texting is only part of the ban advocated by the council. "No matter how you use a cell phone, for texting or conversation, your mind is on the cell phone, not on driving. Drivers using cell phones are at a four times greater risk of crashing than other drivers. We are calling for states to ban all forms of cell phone use while driving."
If you want to know more about our legislatures efforts in the arena of cell phone and texting while driving, go to the following link: http://handsfreeinfo.com/north-carolina-cell-phone-laws-legislation
North Carolina Pandemic Influenza Plan Available
Pandemic Flu is on CDC, OSHA, Homeland Security, NIOSH, etc's radar. Is it on yours? There are lots of resources and guidance coming out almost daily on the web. Check out the North Carolina Pandemic Influenza Plan online at http://www.epi.state.nc.us/epi/gcdc/pandemic.html.