Masonry Magazine June 1992 Page. 39
LEGISLATIVE REPORT
# PREFAB MODULAR UNITS FOR PRISONS BILL (HR 3358)
This bill would require the Federal Bureau of Prisons to report to Congress on the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of using prefabricated modular steel cells. This action would need to be done before proceeding to construct any medium or maximum security facility.
Essentially it would force the Bureau to defend to Congress every decision it would make to use any material or design other than prefab modular steel units in such facilities.
# FIRE SAFETY BILL (HR 3360)
This legislation would expand fire safety efforts for a wide range of federally assisted construction projects. The legislation would cover federal buildings, various kinds of publicly assisted multi-family housing and other structures. The primary focus of the bill was to require sprinklers and smoke detectors in such structures.
On November 20, the House Subcommittee approved HR 3360 with language committing federal dollars to develop data in support of Balanced/Synergistic design. The National Institute of Standards and Technology could be required to study the performance and reliability of fire detection and suppression systems and compartmentation, including an assessment of conditions if there were a reduction or elimination of one or more systems.
# OSHA EXPANSIONS BILL (S 1622, HR 3160)
This bill would expand OSHA involvement in industrial activities by requiring employers to develop written safety plans to identify and correct safety hazards, investigate work related illnesses and injuries, provide emergency response and first aid services, provide safety and health committees within the workplace and offer employee participation in the committees, provide safety and health training and designate a representative to implement safety and health programs.
The bill would require OSHA to make emergency inspections in which there are circumstances that OSHA would assume were unsafe conditions, and to investigate work related deaths and serious accidents. They would grant employees the right to participate in OSHA safety and health actions against employers. It would establish employee rights and protections against employers. It would establish employee rights and protections against disciplinary action if OSHA safety and health violations are at issue. It would also establish victim's rights, including the right to appear and testify at settlement hearings. These rights may extend to family members in certain cases.
Status of current national legislation impacting mason contractors.
# INDOOR AIR POLLUTION RESEARCH BILL (S 455, HR 1066)
This legislation would establish a comprehensive program of research and development concerning indoor air contamination, the human health effects of indoor air contaminants and the technological methods of reducing human exposure to such contaminants.
They would provide training, education, information, and technical assistance regarding indoor air pollutants to the public and private sector. Status: S 455 passed the Senate by a vote of 88-7 during the recent session of Congress, and has now been sent to the House where the House version, HR 1066, awaits consideration.
# OSHA-CONSTRUCTION SAFETY BILL (HR 1063, S 673)
This bill would increase OSHA involvement and oversight of the construction industry. Those in favor of the bill cite high accident and death rates for construction workers as evidence that construction activities require more aggressive OSHA involvement.
The bill would seek to require contractors to: register jobsites with OSHA.
# New & Used LULL® Parts
WHOLESALE EQUIPMENT BROKERS
Used parts available for 7C, 4D, 400, 644, 844
& 1044 models. New bushings, bearings & seals.
Overnight delivery available.
LULL PARTS
NEW &
USED
1-800-225-3858
703-898-5170
FAX 703-898-6006
AL ERKERT
Wholesale Equipment Brokers, Inc.
Hubs, Axles, Cylinders, Hoses, Booms, Wheels
Transmissions, Carriages, Forks, Engines
212 FREEDOM COURT
P.O. BOX 3367/22402-3367
FREDERICKSBURG, VA 22408
MASONRY-MAY/JUNE, 1992 39