OSHA extinguishes Open Fires in Marine Terminals standard

On April 28, OSHA revoked its Open Fires in Marine Terminals standard at 1917.21 after determining that the standard is no longer necessary to protect marine terminal employees from occupational safety and health hazards. The standard prohibited open fires and fires in drums or similar containers. OSHA stated that since this is no longer typical practice, removing 1917.21 would lessen the compliance burden without compromising worker safety.

The agency noted that containerization and technological advancements in the marine terminals industry have reduced employees’ exposure to the elements. If exposure occurs, employees can wear heated jackets, which were unavailable when the Open Fires standard was first issued in 1983.