OSHA revokes House Falls in Marine Terminals standard

On April 17, OSHA revoked its House Falls in Marine Terminals standard at 1917.41 after determining that the standard is no longer necessary to protect marine terminal employees from occupational safety and health (S&H) hazards. Since most cargo has been containerized and is moved by cranes, OSHA determined that removing 1917.41 would help reduce the compliance burden without compromising worker safety.

The standard, initially adopted in 1983, addressed serious S&H hazards within marine terminal operations and required:

• Span beams be secured to prevent accidental dislodgement;
• A safe means of access for employees working with house fall blocks; and
• Daily inspection of chains, links, shackles, swivels, blocks and other loose gear to prevent the use of defective equipment.