⚛️NRC Updates Regulatory Guide on ASME Code Cases for Nuclear Plants
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is amending its regulations to incorporate by reference a regulatory guide that approves unconditioned code cases published by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). This action allows nuclear power plant applicants and licensees to use the code cases as voluntary alternatives to engineering standards for nuclear power plant components. These standards are set forth in the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code and ASME Operation and Maintenance of Nuclear Power Plants, which are currently incorporated by reference into the NRC's regulations.
Learn More⚛️NRC Proposes Approval of ASME Unconditioned Code Cases
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is proposing to amend its regulations to incorporate by reference a regulatory guide that approves unconditioned code cases published by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). This action would allow nuclear power plant applicants and licensees to use the code cases as voluntary alternatives to engineering standards for nuclear power plant components. These standards are set forth in the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code and ASME Operation and Maintenance of Nuclear Power Plants, which are currently incorporated by reference into the NRC's regulations. The NRC is requesting comments on this proposed rule.
Learn More⛏️MSHA Proposes Revision of Diesel Particulate Matter Regulations
MSHA is proposing to revise 30 CFR part 57 by removing outdated requirements for miners' exposures to diesel particulate matter (DPM) in underground metal and nonmetal mines (MNM). These revisions would streamline the requirements for DPM for underground MNM mine operators while maintaining the same level of protection for miners.
Learn More⚒️Proposed Rule to Rescind Outdated Coal Mine Safety Regulations
MSHA proposes to rescind requirements for the final mining of pillars. This practice is outdated and no longer used due to safety concerns.
Learn More🚂Update on the Definition of "Person" in Railroad Regulations
This final rule updates the definition of "person" in FRA's regulations to provide for regulatory consistency. FRA is making these clarifying changes to better align with FRA's safety jurisdiction and to conform definitions in FRA's older regulations with the definition of "person" that FRA has used in its most recent rulemakings. In one section where "person" is defined, FRA is also replacing references to specific penalty amounts with general references to FRA's minimum civil monetary penalty, ordinary maximum civil monetary penalty, and aggravated maximum civil monetary penalty amounts, consistent with FRA's current practice.
Learn More🛠️New Rule Facilitates Non-Permissible PAPR Usage in Mining
MSHA is proposing to allow the use of non-permissible Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) in specified underground areas of mines, if the equipment meets certain technical specifications and is operated under specific conditions. This proposed rule would codify technical specifications and working conditions to allow the use of non-permissible PAPRs in underground gassy mines. This proposed rule would reduce burden because mine operators would no longer need to submit a petition for modification to use non-permissible PAPRs.
Learn More🚆Regulatory Updates on Passenger Equipment Safety Standards by FRA
This rule makes administrative updates to FRA's passenger equipment safety standards regulations, including updating addresses in those regulations.
Learn More🚆Proposed Removal of Redundant Regulations in Railroad Industry
FRA intends to remove thirteen sections throughout its regulations that unnecessarily recite the approval of information collection requirements by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), state the assigned OMB control number associated with the entire CFR part, and list the sections in that part with information collection requirements.
Learn More⛏️Proposed Rule to Rescind Drilling Safety Requirements by MSHA
MSHA is proposing to rescind requirements for the maintenance of drill equipment and inspection of drilling areas before starting drilling operations at surface metal and nonmetal mines. Removing these provisions would not reduce protections afforded to miners because the requirements are duplicative and covered elsewhere in 30 CFR part 56.
Learn More⚒️MSHA Proposes Removal of Outdated Trolley Safety Regulations
MSHA is proposing to remove and revise provisions for metal and nonmental (MNM) mines and coal mines regarding the use of trolleys for transportation of mined ore, coal, material, and personnel. Trolleys are an outdated technology that have been replaced by more efficient belt conveyor haulage systems for transporting mined ore and coal. Diesel and battery-operated mobile equipment are now used to transport personnel and equipment. Trolleys are no longer used in MNM or coal mines and there is no anticipated future use of this legacy equipment in MNM and coal mines.
Learn More