[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 55 (Tuesday, March 23, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 13897-13912]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-6824]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

29 CFR Part 1910

[Docket No. S-022]
RIN 1218-AB55


Dipping and Coating Operations

AGENCY: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Labor.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: OSHA's standards for dipping and coating operations, codified 
at sections 1910.108 and 1910.94(d), are designed to protect employees 
from fire, explosion, and other hazards associated with these 
operations. On April 7, 1998 (63 FR 16918), OSHA published proposed 
revisions to these standards in the Federal Register. The Federal 
Register announcement requested comments on the proposed rule, as well 
as on three major issues identified by OSHA. Based on these comments 
and other considerations, the Agency has developed the final standard 
to accomplish several goals: To rewrite the former standards in plain 
language; to consolidate the former requirements in sequential sections 
(sections 1910.122 through 1910.126 in subpart H of part 1910); and to 
update the former standards to increase the compliance options 
available to employers. In addition to achieving these goals, OSHA 
concludes that the final rule being published today will enhance 
employee protection by making it more understandable and useful to 
employers and employees and more flexible and performance-oriented than 
the former rules. The final rule accomplishes these goals without 
increasing the regulatory burden of employers or reducing employee 
protection.

DATES: The final rule becomes effective April 22, 1999. The 
incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the final 
rule is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of April 
22, 1999.

ADDRESSES: In accordance with 28 U.S.C. 2112(a), the Agency designates 
the Associate Solicitor for Occupational Safety and Health, Office of 
the Solicitor of Labor, Room S-4004, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 
Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210 to receive petitions 
for review of the final rule.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Bonnie Friedman, Director, Office 
of Public Affairs, Room N-3647, Occupational Safety and Health 
Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, 
N.W., Washington, DC 20210; telephone: (202) 693-1999. For additional 
copies of this Federal Register notice contact: OSHA, Office of 
Publications, U.S. Department of Labor, Room N-3101, 200 Constitution 
Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210; telephone: (202) 693-1888. 
Electronic copies of this Federal Register notice, as well as news 
releases, fact sheets, and other relevant documents, can be obtained 
from OSHA's web page on the Internet at http://www.OSHA.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    In May 1995, President Clinton asked all Federal regulatory 
agencies to review their regulations to determine if they were 
inconsistent, duplicative, outdated, or in need of being rewritten in 
plain language. In response, OSHA conducted a line-by-line review of 
its standards, and committed the Agency to eliminating those found to 
be unnecessary, duplicative, or inconsistent and to rewriting those 
found to be complex and outdated. The Agency's dip-tank standards were 
identified by that review as needing clarification.
    OSHA chose to rewrite these standards in plain language because dip 
tanks pose serious hazards to employees engaged in dipping and coating 
operations. There are hundreds of thousands of dip tanks in America. 
Wherever metals are coated, furniture is stripped and refinished, 
automobiles are repaired, aircraft are maintained, and leather is 
tanned, dip tanks are an essential part of the process. The liquids 
used to perform these operations are often dangerous, both from a 
safety and health standpoint. These liquids include flammable 
substances such as acetone, corrosive materials such as cyanide acids 
and chromic acids, and chronic toxins such as perchloroethylene and 
methylene chloride. Most facilities with dip tanks are small: OSHA 
estimates that the majority of these facilities have fewer than 20 
employees. Industries with large numbers of dip tanks include 
automobile manufacturing, electronic manufacturing, electroplating, 
defense, transportation equipment, computer manufacturing, automobile 
repair, paint stripping, and other service industries.
    The final rule does not change the technical substance of the 
former standards or alter the regulatory obligations placed on 
employers or the safety and health protections provided to employees. 
OSHA believes, moreover, that the performance-oriented language of the 
final rule will facilitate compliance because it gives employers more 
compliance options than they had under the former standards.

II. Summary and Explanation of the Final Rule

    This section consists of five parts. Part 1 summarizes the comments 
received by OSHA on the three issues raised in the proposal. The issues 
are listed together, followed by the comments on each issue and OSHA's 
responses. The second part summarizes the comments on specific 
paragraphs of the proposal, as well as OSHA's discussion of the 
comments. In the third part, OSHA responds to general comments made 
about the rulemaking, while the fourth part describes technical and 
editorial revisions made by OSHA to the final regulatory text. Part 5 
consists of tables that compare provisions of the former and final 
rules.
    Note that OSHA has redesignated the section numbers in the final 
rule as 1910.122 through 1910.126, instead of 1910.121 through 
1910.125, as proposed. This revision is explained more fully in Part 4, 
paragraph a.

Part 1

    OSHA received the following comments on the three issues raised in 
the proposal.
    (a) The first issue, which addressed whether the plain-language 
version of the final rule reduces employee protections or increases 
employer burden when compared with the former standards, received only 
one comment (Ex. 4-13). This commenter stated that the plain-language 
version improved employee protection because the performance-oriented 
language would ``accommodate technical advancement in industries 
impacted by the standard.'' This comment substantiates the Agency's 
finding that the proposed standard ``will enhance employee protection 
by * * * providing additional compliance flexibility to employers.'' 
(63 FR 16918)
    (b) The second issue, which concerned commenters' preference for 
the traditional format or question-and-

[[Page 13898]]

answer format (both of which were proposed), elicited five comments. 
One commenter (Ex. 4-6) had no preference, stating that ``either plain 
language alternative format * * * [is] acceptable and more user 
friendly than the current standard.'' Another commenter (Ex. 4-7) 
preferred the traditional format but provided no rationale for this 
preference. Three commenters (Exs. 4-3, 4-5, and 4-13) preferred the 
traditional format on the grounds that it simplified the regulatory 
text and made it easy to follow. One of these commenters (Ex. 4-5) 
noted that the paragraph headings in the traditional format are 
``informative and useful; they should make it easier [to find 
information quickly].'' Another commenter (Ex. 4-12) objected to the 
question-and-answer format because it is ``redundant and more time 
consuming to review,'' adding that locating a specific requirement 
depends too much on the reader's asking of the correct question. 
Additionally, this commenter stated that existing training programs 
``are built around the traditional format, and a change of format would 
require a more comprehensive approach than proposed here.'' One 
commenter (Ex. 4-8) favored the question-and-answer format because the 
simple paragraphs are ``devoted to a single, unified topic'' and ``are 
more 'user friendly' and thus will be more easily understood.''
    Existing Federal policy favors the use, when appropriate, of the 
question-and-answer format and personal pronouns to enhance 
understandability and directness. Based on a recent memorandum from 
President Clinton (Presidential Memorandum for the Heads of Executive 
Departments and Agencies, June 1, 1998) and additional guidance 
received from the National Partnership for Reinventing Government (Vice 
Presidential Memorandum to the Heads of Executive Departments and 
Agencies, July 29, 1998), OSHA decided that the final rule will follow 
the question-and-answer plain-language format. To address commenters' 
concerns (Exs. 4-3, 4-5, and 4-13), OSHA removed proposed sentences 
that were repeated in both the question and answer to the question, 
shortened the questions, and made them specific to the topic of the 
provision.
    (c) The third issue raised in the proposal asked whether provisions 
of the former dip-tank standards should be updated. Only one comment 
(Ex. 4-12) was received on this topic, and this commenter stated that 
there was no need to update the standards further. The Agency, 
therefore, concludes that no further updating of the dip-tank standards 
is necessary at this time.

Part 2

    OSHA received the following comments on specific proposed 
paragraphs.
    Proposed paragraphs 1910.122(a) and (b) (final paragraphs 
1910.123(a) and (b)), which addressed the scope of the rule, received 
one comment (Ex. 4-4). This commenter stated that the two paragraphs 
should be combined because ``[s]eparating them serves no purpose.'' 
OSHA has not combined paragraphs (a) and (b) in the final rule because 
the Agency believes it is appropriate to separate provisions 
establishing the final rule's applicability from those providing 
examples of covered operations.
    Four commenters (Exs. 4-6, 4-7, 4-9, and 4-11) were concerned that 
the scope of the proposed rule had been enlarged over that of the 
former standards because the proposal used the phrase ``liquid other 
than water.'' For example, one commenter (Ex. 4-6) interpreted this 
phrase as including, for example, water-based materials. According to 
this commenter, ``the hazard associated with materials having high 
flash points (e.g. greater than 140 or 200 degrees Fahrenheit; Class II 
or Class IIIA liquids), and low toxicity, do [sic] not appear to 
warrant inclusion in this type of a standard. This can include numerous 
water-based materials that can be used for cleaning, coating or 
treating.''
    Another commenter (Ex. 4-7) argued that the scope of the proposed 
rule was broader than that of the former standard because the hazard 
assessment required by paragraph (d)(2) of former section 1910.94 had 
been removed and ``[w]ithout a hazard assessment the proposed rule's 
coverage would significantly expand and add burdensome requirements 
where there is little hazard.'' Another commenter (Ex. 4-9) stated, 
``Logically, the proposed rule should [require employers to] assess the 
severity and exposure to a hazard based on existing OSHA requirements 
(Z table). Then if the hazard or exposure warranted employee 
protection, the proposed rules would be required.''
    The major concern of these commenters was that the scope of the 
rule had been broadened beyond that of former sections 1910.94(d) and 
1910.108. In situations where the ventilation requirements of former 
paragraph 1910.94(d) did not apply (because employers were using 
cleaning solutions such as soap and water in their dip tanks), the 
commenters assumed that the training, personal-protection, hygiene-
facilities, physical-examination, and first-aid requirements also did 
not apply. This assumption is not correct. Under the former rule 
(1910.94(d)(2)) and the final rule (1910.124(b)), even if a dipping or 
coating operation is exempt from the ventilation requirements, it may 
still be covered by other provisions, depending on the characteristics 
of the operation. For example, the hygiene facilities provision of the 
final rule applies when employees are exposed to ``liquids that may 
burn, irritate, or otherwise harm their skin''; this clarification is 
explained below in OSHA's response to the comments on proposed 
paragraph 1910.123(g). Similarly, the physical-examination and first-
aid requirements also apply when specific conditions exist (see the 
discussion of paragraph 1910.123(h) below). As discussed below, these 
provisions are no broader in scope in the final rule than they were 
before.
    In addition, the final rule cross-references the personal-
protective equipment (PPE) requirements of subpart I, instead of 
including them in the rule. The effect of this change, which is 
described in connection with the discussion below of paragraphs 
1910.123(e) and (f), is that the final rule's PPE requirements will 
only be triggered when the contents of the dip tank warrant use of PPE.
    Proposed paragraph 1910.122(d) (final paragraph 1910.123(d)) 
defined ``approved'' to mean that the ``equipment is listed or approved 
by a nationally recognized testing laboratory as defined by 
Sec. 1910.7.'' One commenter (Ex. 4-4) recommended that the definition 
be revised to ``allow equipment and systems that can be shown to meet a 
recognized design standard.'' OSHA has not adopted this suggestion 
because 29 CFR 1910.7 ensures that a nationally recognized testing 
laboratory (NRTL) has evaluated approved equipment and found it to be 
safe.
    In defining the term ``approved,'' OSHA refers to section 1910.7 
because it permits uniform and high-quality evaluation of health and 
safety equipment required by OSHA standards. OSHA has recognized many 
NRTLs under 29 CFR 1910.7 to provide equipment manufacturers with 
testing services; a list of these laboratories can be obtained from 
OSHA's Technical Support Directorate. In addition, this commenter is 
recommending a substantive revision to the former standards that OSHA 
has not considered, and which, therefore, is beyond the scope of this 
rulemaking.
    Proposed paragraph 1910.122(d) (final paragraph 1910.123(d)) 
defined

[[Page 13899]]

``combustible liquid'' as ``a liquid having a flash point of 100 deg. F 
(37.8 deg. C) or above.'' One commenter (Ex. 4-1) recommended that 
``[t]he * * * definition should be expanded to state `but less than 
200 deg. F,' '' and another commenter (Ex. 4-7) stated that Class III 
liquids should not be covered and Class II liquids should be defined as 
having ``a flash point above * * * 100 degrees Fahrenheit and below 140 
degrees Fahrenheit.''
    OSHA has retained the proposed definition of ``combustible 
liquids'' in the final rule because it is consistent with the 
definition of such liquids in section 1910.106(a) (as well as NFPA 34-
1995); in addition, the regulated community has considerable experience 
using this definition when managing flammable and combustible liquids. 
However, the Agency also has added a statement at the beginning of 
section 1910.125 of the final rule excepting combustible liquids with 
flashpoints of 200 deg. F or above from the rule unless the liquid is 
heated as part of the dipping or coating operation or a heated object 
is placed in an unheated liquid having such a flashpoint. This 
exception, which responds to the comments on this provision, is 
warranted because no combustible or explosive vapors are produced under 
these conditions.
    Proposed paragraph 1910.122(d) (final paragraph 1910.123(d)) 
defined ``dip tank'' as ``a tank, vat, or container that holds liquids 
used for dipping or coating operations. In dipping or coating 
operations, an object may be immersed totally or partially in a dip 
tank, or held in the vapor above the dip tank.'' There were four 
comments on this definition (Exs. 4-1, 4-6, 4-7, and 4-10). One 
commenter (Ex. 4-1) observed that objects are often held ``within the 
vapor layer, which is above the liquid level and below the condensing 
coils within the tank.'' OSHA agrees with this commenter and, in the 
final rule, revised the last part of the second sentence of the 
definition to read ``or suspended in a vapor coming from the dip 
tank.''
    This commenter (Ex. 4-1) also noted that OSHA Instruction STD 1-5.5 
states that parts-washing sinks are not dip tanks. Other commenters 
(Exs. 4-6, 4-7, and 4-10) argued that containers having a capacity or 
surface area below a specific level (e.g., 60 gallons or 25 square 
feet) should not be covered by the definition.
    The proposed definition of ``dip tank'' was adopted from those in 
former paragraphs 1910.94(d)(1)(i) and 1910.108(a)(1), which contained 
no exceptions based on the dip tank's type, capacity, or surface area. 
Therefore, all containers, regardless of capacity or surface area, are 
covered by the applicable requirements of the final rule; to exempt 
some tanks based on these considerations would diminish the protections 
provided to employees by the final rule. The Agency also notes that 
OSHA Instruction STD 1-5.5, which was published in 1978, pertained to 
parts-washing tanks that were supplied with drains. The use of such 
tanks is no longer permitted by Environmental Protection Agency rules, 
which prohibit the draining of flammable or combustible liquids into 
sewer systems or ground-water reservoirs. Consequently, OSHA will soon 
issue a directive canceling STD 1-5.5.
    Another commenter (Ex. 4-7) recommended that ``OSHA should use 
[its] existing definition [of dip tanks] in 29 CFR 1910.108(a)(1).'' In 
response, OSHA notes that the definition of ``dip tank'' in former 
paragraph 1910.108(a)(1) covered only flammable and combustible 
liquids, while other liquids were covered by the definition in former 
paragraph 1910.94(d)(1)(i). The final standard's definition of dip tank 
combines the coverage and operations addressed by the definitions in 
both sections 1910.94(d) and 1910.108.
    Proposed paragraph 1910.122(d) (final paragraph 1910.123(d)) 
defined ``vapor area'' as ``any space containing dipping or coating 
operations, its drain boards, and associated drying or conveying 
equipment.'' Four commenters (Exs. 4-1, 4-2, 4-4, and 4-7) stated that 
the definition was vague and should be revised to ``provide an 
objective and simple test to determine the boundaries of a `vapor area' 
so that employers complying with the standard can clearly establish the 
point in their operations at which such precautions as explosion-proof 
or intrinsically electrical equipment must be used'' (Ex. 4-2). A 
second commenter (Ex. 4-4) stated that ``[t]he definition [of vapor 
area] should include any associated equipment that might operate above 
25% of the LFL, as is the case in NFPA 34's definition in Section 1-
6.'' This commenter also recommended that OSHA adopt the definition of 
``vapor source'' from section 1-6 of NFPA 34-1995. Finally, a third 
commenter (Ex. 4-7) urged OSHA to ``consider adding `or hazardous 
concentrations of vapors' [to the definition] so that this encompasses 
both [former] regulations.''
    OSHA agrees with these commenters that the definition of ``vapor 
area'' in the final rule should be more specific. Consequently, the 
Agency revised the definition to include areas in which the 
concentration of flammable vapors exceeds 25% of the LFL. The revised 
definition, therefore, is consistent with the phrase ``dangerous 
quantities'' in the definition of ``vapor area'' in former paragraph 
1910.108(a)(2). However, OSHA sees no need to adopt a definition for 
``vapor source'' because this term is not used in the regulatory text.
    Proposed paragraph 1910.123(a) (final paragraph 1910.124(a)), which 
addressed the construction requirements for dip tanks and would have 
required the tank and its drain boards to be able ``to withstand any 
expected load,'' received only one comment (Ex. 4-7): ``A more concise 
wording would read `Dip tanks must be constructed for their intended 
service.' '' The Agency interprets the phrase ``to withstand any 
expected load'' in the standard as referring to the strength of the dip 
tank. The term ``service'' in the commenter's recommended language 
appears to address the usefulness of a dip tank, not its strength. 
Therefore, OSHA is not adopting this commenter's suggestion.
    Proposed paragraph 1910.123(b) (final paragraph 1910.124(b)), which 
specified the requirements for adequate ventilation, elicited only the 
following comment (Ex. 4-4): ``NFPA 34 Section 5-2 is more definitive 
[than the parallel provision in the proposed rule] in that it sets a 
performance requirement for the ventilation system to limit the extent 
of the vapor area to not more than 5 feet beyond the vapor source, as 
defined in NFPA 34.'' OSHA believes that, for optimal employee 
protection and consistency with the requirements of former paragraphs 
1910.94(d)(3) and 1910.108(b)(1), no area above the dip tank may have a 
concentration greater than 25% of the lower flammable limit for the 
substance in the tank. Additionally, paragraph 1910.124(b)(4) of the 
final standard states, as did the proposal, that the employer who 
complies with NFPA 34-1995 also meets the mechanical-ventilation 
requirements of the OSHA standard.
    Proposed paragraph 1910.123(b)(2) (final paragraph 1910.124(b)(3)), 
which concerned tank covers and materials that may be used as 
alternatives to ventilation in some circumstances, elicited only one 
comment. This commenter (Ex. 4-4) stated that ``[w]hile a tank cover 
will reduce ignitable vapors, it can be argued that the floating beads 
[allowed by the standard to replace or supplement ventilation in some 
cases] will increase the surface area from which vapors can evolve.'' 
According to the final rule, however, tank covers or floating materials

[[Page 13900]]

(including floating beads) cannot be used when these controls do not 
``maintain the airborne concentrations of the hazardous material and 
the worker's exposure below the limits specified in paragraphs (b)(1) 
and (b)(2) of this section.'' OSHA, therefore, believes that this 
commenter's concern has been addressed by this revision to the final 
rule.
    Proposed paragraph 1910.123(b)(3) (final paragraph 1910.124(b)(4)), 
which contained ventilation specifications, elicited only one comment 
(Ex. 4-4); this commenter urged OSHA to adopt the ventilation design 
and installation requirements in NFPA 91. OSHA reviewed the most recent 
NFPA 91 consensus standard and believes that it is a useful reference 
for constructing and installing ventilation systems; unlike the 
references specified in final paragraph 1910.124(b)(4), however, NFPA 
91 does not contain the information necessary to determine the volumes 
and flow rates necessary to remove vapor hazards from the workplace.
    Proposed paragraph 1910.123(b)(4) (final paragraph 1910.124(b)(5)), 
which addressed mechanical ventilation, received only one comment (Ex. 
4-7). This commenter stated that this paragraph does not allow 
employers to use dilution (non-mechanical) ventilation to control low-
level exposures to airborne contaminants. This is a misinterpretation 
of proposed paragraph 1910.123(b)(4), however, because that paragraph 
does not require that mechanical ventilation be used, only that it 
``draw the flow of air into a hood or exhaust duct'' when it is used. 
Therefore, non-mechanical dilution ventilation (e.g., open windows and 
doors) can be used when it meets the specifications of final paragraphs 
1910.124(b)(1) and (b)(2).
    Proposed paragraph 1910.123(c)(2)(i) (final paragraph 
1910.124(c)(2)(i)), which specified that recirculated exhaust air be 
free of solid particulates, was the subject of a comment (Ex. 4-7) that 
stated ``this requirement is unnecessary unless the particulate poses a 
health or fire hazard.'' OSHA agrees that this requirement applies only 
to particulates that pose health and fire hazards to employees, and has 
revised the final provision accordingly.
    Proposed paragraph 1910.123(c)(3)(iii), which required that the 
flow rate of make-up air be measured when an exhaust hood is installed, 
elicited two comments (Exs. 4-3 and 4-10). The first commenter (Ex. 4-
3) endorsed the proposed revision because it would improve compliance, 
while the second commenter (Ex. 4-10) noted, ``[For small operations, 
t]here [may be] numerous exhausts and numerous sources of make-up air. 
In these cases the flow rate of make up air can not be measured.''
    OSHA has decided that this provision is redundant with the 
requirements of final paragraph 1910.124(d)(1), which requires that the 
correct airflow be evaluated and maintained to ensure that the volume 
of outside air is at least 90 percent of the volume of the exhaust air. 
Therefore, the paragraph as proposed is not included in the final rule.
    Proposed paragraph 1910.123(d) (final paragraph 1910.124(e)), which 
addressed employee entry into dip tanks, received only one comment (Ex. 
4-7). This commenter asked whether the permit requirements of OSHA's 
Permit-Required Confined Spaces standard (29 CFR 1910.146) will apply 
to dip tanks because that standard defines confined-space entry as 
``breaking the plane of the confined space with any part of the body.'' 
This commenter observed that ``[i]n dipping and coating operations 
employees may be required to break the plane of the tank to dip or coat 
parts.''
    According to paragraph (b) of 29 CFR 1910.146, a permit-required 
confined space must be ``large enough and so configured that an 
employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work,'' have ``limited 
or restricted means for entry or exit,'' and not be ``designed for 
continuous employee occupancy.'' In response to this commenter, OSHA 
notes that entry into dip tanks that meet this definition must be done 
in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.146, and that the 
standard would be cited if improper entry occurs.
    Proposed paragraph 1910.123(e) (final paragraph 1910.124(f)), which 
addressed training requirements for employees who work in or near a 
vapor area, was found by two commenters (Exs. 4-1 and 4-7) to duplicate 
other OSHA training requirements. The proposed provision would have 
required employers to instruct employees working in or near a vapor 
area in the hazards of their jobs, first-aid products, and PPE. One 
commenter (Ex. 4-7) stated that ``[t]he requirements of 29 CFR 
1910.1200 already require [hazard training]. This [proposed] 
requirement is duplicative and burdensome. [Also, 29 CFR 1910.38 and 
1910.151 specify first-aid procedures.]''
    OSHA agrees that the proposed requirement for hazard training would 
have duplicated the provisions of paragraph (h) of the Hazard 
Communication standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200, and has therefore deleted it 
from the final Dipping and Coating Operations standard. However, OSHA 
does not agree that paragraph (a) of section 1910.38 addresses first 
aid directly; instead, it requires that designated employees be trained 
to assist ``in the safe and orderly emergency evacuation of [other] 
employees.'' Paragraph (c) of section 1910.151 requires that ``a person 
or persons be trained to render first aid'' when ``an infirmary, 
clinic, or hospital is not in near proximity * * * for the treatment of 
all injured employees * * *.'' The first-aid provision of section 
1910.151, therefore, does not duplicate the proposed requirement, which 
stated that ``all employees who work in or near a vapor area must 
receive ``appropriate first-aid instruction.'' Adopting the first-aid 
requirements of section 1910.151 in lieu of the proposed requirement 
would reduce substantially the protection afforded to employees by this 
paragraph of the final rule, and OSHA has thus not adopted this 
suggestion.
    For clarity, OSHA has revised the language of paragraph 1910.124(f) 
to state that employees must ``know'' about the first-aid procedures 
appropriate to the dipping and coating hazards to which they are 
exposed. This revision eliminates the proposed provision, which would 
have required employers to document that employees involved in dipping 
or coating operations had received the required instruction.
    Proposed paragraph 1910.123(f), which specified requirements for 
personal protective equipment (PPE), elicited two comments (Exs. 4-1 
and 4-7) recommending that the provision be dropped because it 
duplicated the hazard-assessment, training, and PPE requirements of 29 
CFR subpart I. Two other commenters (Exs. 4-10 and 4-11) noted that a 
hazard assessment conducted under the proposed provision would require 
PPE when employees were exposed to minor hazards, such as soap-and-
water solutions. A fifth commenter (Ex. 4-13) recommended that the ANSI 
consensus standard for eye and face protection, ANSI Z87.1-1989, be 
referenced in this paragraph.
    OSHA agrees that this proposed paragraph would have duplicated the 
requirements of 29 CFR 1910, subpart I, and has accordingly deleted it 
from the final standard. OSHA notes that the requirements of 29 CFR 
1910, subpart I, including the Respiratory Protection requirements at 
section 1910.134, have always applied, as appropriate, to employers who 
are involved in dipping or coating operations, and will continue to do 
so. Paragraph (b)(1) of section 1910.133 (``Eye and Face Protection''),

[[Page 13901]]

which applies to employers who engage in dipping or coating operations, 
refers to ANSI Z87.1-1987; thus, adding a cross-reference to the ANSI 
standard is not necessary, as suggested by one commenter (Ex. 4-1).
    Proposed paragraph 1910.123(g) (final paragraph 1910.124(g)), which 
addressed hygiene facilities, elicited two comments. The first 
commenter (Ex. 4-3) stated that proposed paragraph (g)(3), which would 
have regulated washing facilities, was too vague and recommended that a 
minimum number of basins be specified. The second commenter (Ex. 4-7), 
however, found that proposed paragraph (g)(3) was ``well stated'' but 
that proposed paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2), which would have required 
storage, emergency-shower, and eye-wash facilities, were ``unnecessary 
and burdensome.''
    On review of these provisions (proposed paragraphs (g)(1) and 
(g)(2)), OSHA has decided to narrow their application to those 
employees exposed to liquids that ``burn, irritate, or otherwise [are] 
harmful to the skin.'' This revision is consistent with section 
1910.94(d) of the former rule.
    To clarify the requirement in proposed paragraph (g)(3) and to 
ensure that an adequate number of hygiene facilities is provided to 
employees, OSHA has revised this provision to specify, consistent with 
former section 1910.94(d)(9)(ix), that ``at least one basin with a hot-
water faucet [be provided] for every 10 employees who work with such 
liquids.''
    Proposed paragraph 1910.123(h) (final paragraph 1910.124(h)), which 
specified physical examination and first-aid requirements, received two 
comments (Exs. 4-7, 4-10) that were concerned with the regulatory 
burden imposed by the proposed paragraph. One commenter stated that 
``[p]hysical exams may be required dependent on the health risk but 
certainly [are] not required for cleaning operations using mild 
surfactants'' (Ex. 4-7). This commenter noted that the medical service 
and first-aid requirements of section 1910.151 appear to duplicate the 
provisions of this paragraph, and that many employers ``utilize first 
aid providers who bring their supplies with them to an emergency.'' The 
second commenter (Ex. 4-10) believed that the requirement proposed in 
paragraph (h)(4), which would have required first-aid supplies to be 
located near dipping and coating operations, contradicted the provision 
in proposed paragraph (h)(2) for a properly designated person to treat 
skin abrasions, cuts, rashes, or open sores, stating that ``[t]he 
presence of first aid supplies near the operation would encourage 
administration of first aid by the operators [who] are not necessarily 
the properly designated people.''
    OSHA has not adopted the suggestions of these commenters because 
doing so would reduce the level of employee protection provided by the 
final rule. For example, even a mild surfactant may worsen a serious 
skin lesion and cause it to require the attention of a health care 
provider. Further, requiring that the first-aid kit be located ``near 
the dipping and coating operations'' could facilitate more rapid 
intervention in a medical emergency than merely having such supplies 
``readily available,'' as required by paragraph (b) of section 
1910.151. The Agency notes, however, that paragraph (h)(4) of the final 
rule specifies only that the first-aid supplies be ``appropriate.'' 
This means that less hazardous dipping or coating operations would be 
likely to require fewer first-aid supplies than more hazardous 
operations. In response to the comments in Ex. 4-10, the Agency finds 
that final rule paragraphs 1910.124 (h)(2) and (h)(4) do not contradict 
each other; paragraph (h)(2) addresses the treatment of skin abrasions, 
cuts, rashes, or open sores to prevent skin exposure to hazardous 
chemicals, while paragraph (h)(4) designates the location of first-aid 
supplies to be used after an injurious exposure has occurred.
    As noted above in the summary and explanation for final rule 
paragraph 1910.124(g), the Agency has determined that these 
requirements apply only when specific liquids are being used. 
Accordingly, paragraph 1910.124 (h) of the final rule has been revised 
to require physical examination and first aid only when employees are 
exposed to ``liquids that may burn, irritate, or otherwise harm their 
skin[.]''
    Proposed paragraph 1910.123(j) (final paragraph 1910.124(j)), 
addressed the inspection and maintenance of dipping and coating 
operations, including quarterly inspections of ventilation systems. One 
commenter (Ex. 4-3) endorsed the proposed language because it would 
improve compliance, while another commenter (Ex. 4-7) found the 
requirement ``too prescriptive'' and recommended that it be replaced 
with more performance-based language. This commenter stated that ``[i]n 
some corrosive atmospheres[,] quarterly [inspections] would be too 
infrequent. In other non-corrosive atmospheres[,] quarterly 
[inspections] would be too frequent and a waste of maintenance 
resources'' (Ex. 4-7).
    The proposed requirement was adapted from paragraph (d)(8)(i) of 
former section 1910.94, which specified inspections ``[a]t intervals of 
not more than 3 months operation.'' Consequently, this commenter (Ex. 
4-7) is recommending a substantive revision to the standard that is 
beyond the scope of this rulemaking. OSHA also believes that the final 
rule's phrase, ``at least quarterly,'' imposes a duty on employers to 
inspect at more frequent intervals when doing so is necessary ``to 
ensure that proper rates are maintained.''
    Proposed paragraph 1910.124 (final paragraph 1910.125), which 
specified requirements for dipping and coating operations that use 
flammable or combustible liquids, elicited only one comment (Ex. 4-4). 
This commenter encouraged OSHA to reinstate the former rule's 
requirement for bottom drains, at least for large tanks, and to adopt 
the language of NFPA 34-1995, section 3-6, because ``draining the tank, 
particularly a large one, also removes a substantial amount of the fuel 
from the fire area quickly. Deleting this requirement presents a much 
greater risk for a severe and long-lived fire.''
    OSHA agrees with the commenter that properly installed bottom 
drains are necessary to quickly remove the substantial quantities of 
flammable and combustible liquids often present in large dip tanks; 
such removal reduces the risk of severe and long-lived fires that, 
under some conditions (e.g., delayed evacuation/exit), could pose 
serious risks to employees. Accordingly, paragraph 1910.125(c) of the 
final rule requires bottom drains for large dip tanks. However, unlike 
paragraph (c)(3) of former section 1910.108 or section 3-6 of the NFPA 
standard, this paragraph of the final rule uses performance-based 
language. For example, the final rule requires only that tanks 
discharge to a safe location, not to ``closed properly vented salvage 
tanks or to a safe location outside,'' as specified by the former 
standard. The Agency believes that the term ``safe location'' includes 
``closed and vented salvage tanks.'' The former standard and NFPA 34-
1995 also specify the pipe sizes that must be used to drain dip tanks 
of various capacities, while this paragraph of the final rule requires 
only that the pipes be ``correctly sized'' to remove the flammable 
liquid. The revised language does specify, however, that the pipes be 
capable of removing the dip tank's contents ``within five minutes after 
the fire begins,'' consistent with the language in NFPA 34-1995. This 
revision thus replaces the table in former paragraph 
1910.108(c)(3)(iii) that specified correct pipe size and clarifies the 
requirement in former paragraph

[[Page 13902]]

1910.108(c)(3)(i) that ``bottom drains [be] * * * arranged to quickly 
drain the tank * * *''
    Paragraph 1910.125(c) of the final rule retains the exception from 
the bottom-drain requirements for dip tanks that contain highly viscous 
liquids. To clarify the provision, however, OSHA has replaced the 
phrase ``makes this impractical'' with the language ``does not allow 
the liquid to flow or be pumped easily.'' Also included in this 
paragraph of the final rule is the provision in NFPA 34-1995 that 
excepts dip tanks that have automatic-closing doors from the bottom-
drain requirements; former section 1910.108 did not have this 
exception. OSHA believes that automatic-closing doors eliminate fire 
and explosion hazards if they meet the requirements of paragraph (f)(3) 
of final section 1910.125 and, therefore, will protect employees at 
least as well as bottom drains.
    Proposed paragraph 1910.124(b)(5) (final paragraph 1910.125(b)(2)), 
which addressed the clogging of overflow pipes, elicited only the 
following comment (Ex. 4-4): ``[The NFPA Committee is] not aware of any 
problems with firefighting foam clogging the overflow pipe on a dip 
tank.'' The proposed provision was adopted from a requirement in 
paragraph (g)(3) of former section 1910.108, and OSHA believes that it 
is necessary to address the possibility of overflow pipe blockage. 
Paragraph 1910.125(b)(2) of the final rule thus includes the provision 
as proposed.
    Proposed paragraph 1910.124(d) (final paragraph 1910.125(e)), which 
required the control of ignition sources, received only one comment 
(Ex. 4-4). This commenter stated that OSHA should substitute chapter 4 
of NFPA 34-1995 for this entire paragraph of the final rule because, in 
the commenter's opinion, the NFPA chapter provides ``diagrams that 
greatly simplify interpreting the requirements and establishing the 
limits of the hazardous (classified) location.'' OSHA finds that by 
defining the vapor area and the hazardous area surrounding the vapor 
area in objective terms, paragraph 1910.125(e) of the final rule will 
provide employers with the information necessary to identify hazardous 
areas and sources of ignition. Paragraph 1910.125(e) of the final rule 
also specifies the means of controlling ignition sources. OSHA has 
therefore not accepted this commenter's suggestion.
    Proposed paragraph 1910.124(d)(2) (final paragraph 
1910.125(e)(1)(i)), which specified the area that must be free of 
ignition sources, elicited several comments (Exs. 4-3, 4-7, 4-11). One 
commenter (Ex. 4-3) generally endorsed the proposed provision. Two 
commenters, however, recommended that the paragraph be revised. The 
first of these commenters (Ex. 4-7) stated that the requirement should 
be performance based and recommended the following language: ``Open 
flames must be kept out of the vapor area * * * to prevent ignition.'' 
The second commenter (Ex. 4-11) believed that the proposed paragraph 
expanded the requirement in former section 1910.108 because it did not 
define hazardous areas by the quantity of flammable vapors present; 
this commenter recommended that OSHA instead adopt ``the same distances 
as described in NFPA 34-1995.''
    OSHA believes that keeping ignition sources (including open flames) 
out of areas that are within 20 feet of the vapor area, which is a 
requirement taken from paragraphs (e)(1)(i) and (e)(2) of former 
section 1910.108, will afford employees more protection than merely 
excluding ``open flames'' from the vapor area (as specified in Ex. 4-
7's recommended language). OSHA believes that the revised definition of 
``vapor area'' in the final rule, which states that a vapor area is an 
``area where the vapor concentration exceeds 25% of the LFL,'' when 
used in combination with the definition of an ``adjacent area'' as an 
``area within 20 feet * * * of a vapor area,'' will make paragraph 
1910.125(e) of the final rule consistent with the requirements of 
former paragraph 1910.108(e)(2) and satisfy these commenters' concerns.
    Proposed paragraph 1910.124(d)(6) (final paragraphs 
1910.125(e)(4)(ii) and (e)(4)(iii)), which delineated the procedure for 
disposing of rags and other contaminated material, was found by the 
single commenter (Ex. 4-3) to be a ``[g]ood change, [because it] 
removes all confusion.'' The language of the final rule is thus 
unchanged from that proposed.
    Proposed paragraph 1910.124(d)(7) (final paragraph 1910.125(e)(5)), 
which prohibited smoking in a vapor area, elicited one comment (Ex. 4-
13). This commenter recommended that the no-smoking signs required by 
this paragraph conform to the characteristics for such signs specified 
in the ANSI Z535.2-1991 consensus standard.
    The proposed no-smoking provision was adopted from paragraph (f)(4) 
of former section 1910.108. The Agency also regulates warning signs in 
Sec. 1910.145 to ensure that warning signs used in general industry 
conform with uniform specifications and are readily understood by 
employees. OSHA believes, therefore, that employer familiarity with the 
former standard and the provisions of Sec. 1910.145 will enhance their 
compliance with final paragraph 1910.125(e)(5). Adopting ANSI Z535.2-
1991 would require employers to comply with new sign requirements, 
thereby increasing their regulatory burden. Adopting ANSI Z535.2-1991 
would require substantial changes to the former rule and, therefore, is 
beyond the scope of this plain-language rulemaking. (OSHA also notes 
that ANSI has since issued an updated version of this consensus 
standard, ANSI Z535.2-1998. Either version (1991 or 1998) will be 
acceptable for the design of no-smoking signs to comply with final 
paragraph 1910.125(e)(5).)
    Proposed paragraph 1910.124(e)(1)(i) (final paragraph 
1910.125(f)(1)), which prescribed fire protection for dip tanks having 
a specified volume or surface area, received only one comment (Ex. 4-
4). This commenter stated that section 7-6 of NFPA 34-1995 should be 
substituted for this paragraph because the NFPA standard ``covers the 
smaller processes and allows a choice between a self-closing cover or a 
fire suppression system.'' OSHA based the size limitations specified in 
this requirement on paragraphs (c) and (h) of former section 1910.108; 
revising this requirement to cover smaller dip tanks would represent a 
substantive change to the former rule and is beyond the scope of this 
plain-language rulemaking.
    Proposed paragraph 1910.125(d)(5) (final paragraph 1910.126(d)(5)), 
required that solvent-cleaning and vapor-degreasing tanks ``with a 
vapor area larger than 4 feet\2\ (.38m\2\) . . . have cleanout or 
sludge doors located near the bottom of each tank.'' One commenter (Ex. 
4-1) criticized the proposed language for using the term ``vapor area'' 
in a manner that was inconsistent with the definition of the term in 
proposed paragraph 1910.122(d). After reviewing the proposed paragraph, 
OSHA decided to delete it from the final standard because the Agency 
determined that it served no valid safety and health purpose (see the 
explanation of this action below in paragraph (j) of Part 4).
    Proposed paragraph 1910.125(g)(7) (final paragraph 1910.126(g)(6)), 
which specified the fences, rails, or guards required in paint-
detearing operations, received only a single comment (Ex. 4-13). This 
commenter recommended that such fences, rails, or guards be installed 
according to the ANSI A1264.1-1995 consensus standard. The ANSI 
consensus standard, which is more detailed than the final rule's 
provision,

[[Page 13903]]

would require construction of a complete guardrail system for this 
purpose. OSHA believes that it is appropriate to permit a single rail 
when doing so will safely isolate employees from detearing operations. 
Accordingly, OSHA has not made the suggested change to the final rule.

Part 3

    The following discussion addresses general comments on this plain 
language rulemaking.
    One commenter (Ex. 4-4) recommended that ``OSHA abandon its attempt 
to re-write portions of a 25-year-old standard'' to conform to various 
parts of NFPA 34-1995 and instead adopt NFPA 34-1995 in its entirety. 
This commenter also encouraged OSHA to include references in the final 
rule stating that ``any ventilation system designed, installed, and 
operated in accordance with NFPA 34 and NFPA 91 meets the requirements 
of [this rule] for fire protection purposes,'' and ``that any dipping/
coating system that meets the requirements of NFPA 34 also meets [the 
requirements of this rule].'' In a related matter, this commenter and 
another commenter (Ex. 4-13) asked why this rulemaking did not comply 
with the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1996 
(NTTAA), which mandates that Federal regulatory agencies ``use 
technical standards that are developed or adopted by voluntary 
consensus standards bodies. . . .''
    In response, OSHA notes that the NTTAA's requirements do not apply 
where the Agency determines that use of a consensus standard ``is 
inconsistent with applicable law or otherwise impractical . . . .'' (15 
U.S.C. 272 note.) In the case of this plain-language rewrite, adopting 
the recommended language would result in substantive revisions to the 
former standards and would therefore be beyond the scope of this 
rulemaking. In addition, the recommended NFPA standards use 
specification language, which is inconsistent with OSHA's emphasis on 
performance-oriented language in this rulemaking.

Part 4

    OSHA has made various technical and editorial corrections to the 
regulatory text of the final rule.
    In this final rule, OSHA has made the following changes to clarify 
the rule's meaning, to make the rule easier to follow, and to correct 
errors in the proposed rule. Specifically, OSHA has:
    (a) Redesignated the section numbers in the final rule as 29 CFR 
1910.122 to 29 CFR 1910.126 instead of 29 CFR 1910.121 to 29 CFR 
1910.125. This revision is necessary because OSHA has reserved section 
1910.121 for a future rule addressing the accreditation of training 
programs for workers involved in hazardous-waste operations and 
emergency-response activities.
    (b) Removed proposed paragraph 1910.122(c)(2) from the final rule. 
The proposed paragraph, which was adopted from former paragraph 
1910.94(d)(13)(ii), excepted surface-coating operations covered by 29 
CFR 1910.107 from the scope of the standard. OSHA removed this 
provision from the final standard because the Agency interpreted the 
phrase ``excluding open-tank operations'' in former paragraph 
1910.94(d)(13)(ii) to mean that the exception applied only when 
surface-coating operations do not involve dip tanks. OSHA believes that 
it is unnecessary to specify that the final standard, which regulates 
dip-tank operations, does not apply to surface-coating operations that 
do not involve dip tanks.
    (c) Added two definitions to paragraph 1910.123(d) of the final 
rule. The first definition, of the term ``adjacent area,'' clarifies 
the use of this term in paragraphs 1910.125(e)(1)(i) and (e)(1)(ii) of 
the final rule, and is consistent with the definition of ``adjacent 
area'' in paragraph (e)(2) of former section 1910.108. In both 
definitions, an adjacent area is defined as distinct from, and 
excluding, the vapor area.
    The second definition, of the pronoun ``you,'' was added because 
the final rule uses the ``you'' form of the question-and-answer plain-
language style, as recommended in Federal plain-language guidance. This 
definition makes clear that employers are responsible for implementing 
the requirements of the final rule, as mandated by the Occupational 
Safety and Health Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C. 651 et seq.).
    (d) Removed the proposed definition of ``safe distance'' from the 
final rule to avoid confusion when the term is used in the context of 
spark production (see paragraphs 1910.126(g)(3) and (g)(4)(iii) of the 
final rule), as opposed to its use in the context of the removal of an 
employee from a fire hazard (see paragraph 1910.125(a)(4) of the final 
rule). The meaning of the term now is specified separately in 
paragraphs 1910.126(a)(4), (g)(3), and (g)(4)(iii) of the final rule.
    (e) Restored the requirement in former paragraph 1910.94(d)(9)(vii) 
to limit the water pressure in a water hose used for emergency eye 
washing and showering to 25 pounds per square inch (1.62 k/cm\2\) or 
less; this limit was inadvertently left out of the proposal. OSHA added 
this requirement to paragraph 1910.124(g)(2) of the final rule because 
the pressure limitation is necessary to prevent possible eye injury 
while using the hose.
    (f) Removed from the final rule the first sentence in proposed 
paragraph 1910.124(j)(1), which required employers to ``inspect 
[dipping and coating] equipment and promptly correct any deficiencies . 
. . [.]'' This provision is redundant in large part with the 
requirement in proposed paragraph 1910.124(j)(1)(ii) ``[T]o inspect all 
dipping and coating equipment . . . periodically.'' The periodic 
inspection requirement is specified in paragraph 1910.124(j)(3) of the 
final rule. The proposed requirement to ``promptly correct any 
deficiencies'' was added to final paragraph 1910.124(j)(3) because 
paragraph (f)(3) of former section 1910.108 required employers to 
promptly correct any defects found during periodic inspections of dip 
tanks.
    (g) Moved an exception from the requirements to control ignition 
sources was from the note to proposed paragraph 1910.125(a) to 
paragraph 1910.125(e)(1)(i) of the final rule. OSHA determined that the 
exception in the former rule (paragraph 1910.108(e)(1)(i)) actually 
applies to electrostatic paint-detearing operations instead of 
hardening and tempering tanks. Accordingly, the exception has been 
moved to paragraph 1910.125(e)(1)(i) of the final rule, which specifies 
controls for electrical sources of ignition.
    (h) Restored, in final rule paragraph 1910.126(a)(5), a provision 
inadvertently excluded from proposed paragraph 1910.125(a)(5) that 
permitted bottom drains in hardening or tempering tanks to be combined 
with the oil-circulating system.
    (i) Removed from the final rule the note in proposed paragraph 
1910.125(d)(2) because the combustion chamber must be air tight (except 
for the flue opening) regardless of the solvent used in vapor 
degreasing tanks.
    (j) Removed proposed paragraph 1910.125(d)(5) from the final rule. 
The proposed paragraph required that solvent-cleaning and vapor-
degreasing tanks that have a surface area larger than 4 
feet2 (.38 m2) be equipped with ``cleanout or 
sludge doors located near the bottom of the tank.'' OSHA determined 
that the purpose of this provision, which was adopted from former 
paragraph 1910.94(d)(12)(iv), was to provide employers with a 
convenient means of cleaning residue from the bottom of the tanks; 
therefore,

[[Page 13904]]

the provision served no valid safety and health purpose.

Part 5

    Comparing provisions of the former rules and the final rule.
    The following tables show the paragraph designations of the former 
rules and the corresponding provisions of the final rule. Table I 
covers the requirements from former section 1910.94(d), and Table II 
lists the provisions from former section 1910.108. Table III contains 
the provisions of final sections 1910.123 through 1910.126 and the 
sources for each provision in former sections 1910.94(d) and 1910.108.

                                                     Table I
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Former Section 1910.94(d)                        Final Sections 1910.123 through 1910.126
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(d) Open surface tanks. (1) General   1910.123(a) and (b).
 (i) Application..
    (d)(1)(ii) Exhaust system         1910.124(b)(4).
     construction.
    (d)(2)(i) to (d)(2)(vii)          Covered by standards referenced in 1910.124(b)(4).
     Classification of open-surface
     tank operations.
    (d)(3) Ventilation..............  1910.124(b)(1) and (b)(2).
    (d)(4)(i) to (d)(4)(v) Control    Covered by standards referenced in 1910.124(b)(4).
     requirements.
    (d)(5) Spray cleaning and         1910.126(f).
     degreasing.
    (d)(6) Control means other than   1910.124(b)(3).
     ventilation.
    (d)(7)(i) and (d)(7)(ii) System   1910.124(b)(4).
     design.
    (d)(7)(iii) Protect against       1910.124(b)(6).
     exhaust system fire.
    (d)(7)(iv) Exhaust system meets   1910.124(b)(4).
     consensus standards.
    (d)(8) Operation (i) Maintain     1910.124(j)(1) and (j)(2).
     airflow..
    (d)(8)(ii),(iii) Exhaust          1910.124(c) and (d).
     discharge; makeup air.
    (d)(9) Personal protection. (i)   1910.124(f).
     Training.
    (d)(9)(ii) Protective shoes.....  Deleted, covered by subpart I of 29 CFR 1910.
    (d)(9)(iii) Protective gloves...  Deleted, covered by subpart I of 29 CFR 1910.
    (d)(9)(iv) Protective garments..  Deleted, covered by subpart I of 29 CFR 1910.
    (d)(9)(v) Protective goggles....  Deleted, covered by subpart I of 29 CFR 1910.
    (d)(9)(vi) Respirators..........  Deleted, covered by subpart I of 29 CFR 1910.
    (d)(9)(vii) Emergency showers...  1910.124(g)(2).
    (d)(9)(viii) Physician            1910.124(h)(1), (h)(2), and (h)(4).
     authorization, examination.
    (d)(9)(ix) Washing facilities...  1910.124(g)(3).
    (d)(9)(x) Locker space..........  1910.124(g)(1).
    (d)(9)(xi) First aid............  1910.124(h)(3).
    (d)(10) Special precautions for   1910.126(e).
     cyanide.
    (d)(11) Inspection, maintenance,  Covered by section 1910.22(a).
     and installation. (i) Floors.
    (d)(11)(ii) Tank cleaning.......  1910.124(i).
    (d)(11)(iii) Test tanks before    1910.124(e).
     entering.
    (d)(11)(iv) and (d)(11)(v)        Covered by section 1910.146.
     Entering tank.
    (d)(11)(vi) Welding operations..  1910.124(j)(4) and (j)(5).
    (d)(12) Vapor degreasing tanks.   1910.126(d)(1).
     (i) Vapor control.
    (d)(12)(ii) Keep gas vapors away  1910.126(d)(2) and (d)(3).
     from heating units.
    (d)(12)(iii) Do not create        1910.126(d)(4).
     excessive vapors.
    (d)(12)(iv) Solvent-cleaning and  Deleted; unnecessary.
     vapor-degreasing tanks must
     have cleanout or sludge doors.
    (d)(13) Scope. (i) Coverage.....  1910.123(a), (b), and (c).
    (d)(13)(ii) Molten materials      1910.123(c).
     operations defined.
    (d)(13)(iii) Surface coating      Deleted; unnecessary.
     operations defined.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                                    Table II
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Former section 1910.108                         Final sections 1910.123 through 1910.126
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) Definitions applicable to this    1910.123(d).
 section-(1) Dip tank.
    (a)(2) Vapor area...............  1910.123(d).
    (a)(3) Approved.................  1910.123(d).
    (a)(4) Lister...................  Deleted; unnecessary
(b) Ventilation-(1) Vapor area        1910.124(b)(1), (b)(3), (b)(4), and (b)(5), and 1910.125(d)(2)
 ventilation.
    (b)(2) Ventilation combined with  1910.125(e)(3).
     drying.
(c) Construction of dip tanks. (1)    1910.124(a) and 125(a).
 General.
    (c)(2) Overflow pipes. (i) Tank   1910.125(b)(1).
     capacity.
    (c)(2)(ii) Overflow pipe          1910.125(b)(2)(i).
     capacity.
    (c)(2)(iii) and (c)(2)(iv)        1910.125(b)(2)(ii) and (b)(2)(iii).
     Overflow pipe cleaning and
     location.
    (c)(3)(i) to (c)(3)(iii) Bottom   1910.125(c).
     drains.
    (c)(4) Salvage tanks............  Deleted; property protection.
    (c)(5) Automatic extinguishing    1910.125(f)(1) and (f)(3).
     facilities.
    (c)(6) Conveyor systems.........  1910.125(d).
    (c)(7) Heating dip tank liquids.  1910.125(g).
(d) Liquids used in dip tanks,        1910.125(e)(2).
 storage, and handling.
(e) Electrical and other sources of   1910.125(e)(1).
 ignition. (1) Vapor areas. (i) No
 open flames, explosion proof
 equipment.
    (e)(1)(ii) Electrical equipment   1910.125(e)(1)(i).
     in vapor areas.
    (e)(2) Adjacent areas...........  1910.125(e)(1).
(f) Operations and maintenance. (1)   1910.125(e)(4)(i).
 General.
    (f)(2) Waste cans...............  1910.125(e)(4)(ii) and (e)(4) (iii).

[[Page 13905]]

 
    (f)(3) Inspection of dip tanks..  1910.124(j)(1) and (3).
    (f)(4) Warning signs............  1910.125(e)(5).
(g) Extinguishment. (1)               1910.125(f)(2)(i).
 Extinguishers.
    (g)(2) Automatic water spray      1910.125(f)(2)(ii).
     extinguishing systems.
    (g)(3) Automatic foam             1910.125(b)(2) and 1910.125(f)(2)(ii).
     extinguishing systems.
    (g)(4) Automatic carbon dioxide   1910.125(f)(2)(ii).
     systems.
    (g)(5) Dry chemical               1910.125(f)(2)(ii).
     extinguishing systems.
    (g)(6) Dip tank covers. (i)       1910.125(f)(3) and (f)(3)(i).
     Automatically activated.
    (g)(6)(ii) to (g)(6)(iv)          1910.125(f)(3)(ii) and (f)(3)(iii).
     Construction and use of covers.
(h) Special dip tank applications.    1910.126(a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii).
 (1) Hardening and tempering tanks.
 (i) Location.
    (h)(1)(ii) Noncombustible hood    1910.126(a)(1)(iii).
     and vent.
    (h)(1)(iii) Temperature of        1910.126(a)(4).
     cooling medium.
    (h)(1)(iv) High temperature       1910.126(a)(2) and (a)(3).
     limit switch.
    (h)(1)(v) Automatic               1910.125(f)(1)(ii) and (f)(2)(ii).
     extinguishing facilities.
    (h)(1)(vi) No pressurized air...  1910.126(a)(6).
    (h)(1)(vii) Bottom drain........  1910.125(c)(3), and 1910.126(a)(4) and (a)(5).
    (h)(2) Flow coat; general. (i)    1910.126 (introductory paragraph).
     All preceding standards apply.
    (h)(2)(ii) Strong and rigid       1910.126(b)(2).
     piping.
    (h)(2)(iii) Paint pumped at low   1910.126(b)(1).
     pressure.
    (h)(2)(iv) Area of dip tank.....  Covered by section 1910.123(d) (definition of ``dip tank'').
    (h)(3) Electrostatic apparatus..  1910.126(g).
    (h)(4) Roll coating.............  1910.126 (introductory paragraph) and 1910.126(c).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                                    Table III
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Final sections 1910.123 through
  1910.126 (final section 1910.122
  contains a table of contents for      Former sections 1910.94(d) and 1910.108 (or applicable NFPA standards)
   final sections 1910.123 through
              1910.126)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1910.123 Dipping and coating
 operations: Coverage and
 definitions:
    (a) Does this standard apply to
     me?
        (a)(1) Using a liquid in a    1910.94(d)(1)(i) and (d)(13)(i).
         dip tank.
        (a)(2) Draining or drying an  1910.94(d)(13)(i).
         object.
    (b) What operations are covered?  1910.94(d)(13)(i).
    (c) What operations are not       1910.94(d)(13)(i) and (d)(13)(ii).
     covered? Operations using
     molten material.
    (d)How are terms used in          1910.108(a).
     sections 1910.123 through
     1910.126 defined?
        ``Adjacent area''...........  1910.108(e)(2).
        ``Approved''................  1910.108(a)(3).
        ``Autoignition temperature''  NFPA 325-1994.
        ``Combustible liquid''......  1910.1200(c).
        ``Dip tank''................  1910.108(a)(1).
        ``Flammable liquid''........  1910.1200(c).
        ``Flashpoint''..............  1910.1200(c).
        ``Lower flammable limit       NFPA 325-1994.
         (LEL)''.
        ``Vapor area''..............  1910.108(a)(2).
        ``You''
1910.124 General requirements for
 dipping and coating operations:
    (a) What construction             1910.108(c)(1).
     requirements apply to dip
     tanks?
    (b) What ventilation
     requirements apply to vapor
     areas?
        (b)(1) Keep airborne          1910.94(d)(3) and 1910.108(b)(1)
         concentrations below 25% of
         the LFL.
        (b)(2) Meet the levels        1910.94(d)(3).
         specified in part 1910,
         subpart Z..
        (b)(3) Use of tank covers or  1910.94(d)(6).
         floating materials.
        (b)(4) Mechanical             1910.94(d)(1)(ii), (d)(2), (d)(4), and (d)(7)(i) to (d)(7)(iv); and
         ventilation requirements.     1910.108(b)(1).
        (b)(5) Airflow requirements   1910.108(b)(1).
         for mechanical ventilation.
        (b)(6) Requirements for an    1910.94(d)(7)(iii).
         independent exhaust system.
    (c) What requirements must I
     follow to recirculate exhaust
     air into the workplace?
        (c)(1) Meet the requirements  1910.94(d)(3) and (d)(8)(ii), and NFPA 34-1995.
         of paragraph (b) of this
         section.
        (c)(2) Other requirements     NFPA 34-1995.
         for recirculated exhaust
         air.
        (c)(3) Requirements for an    NFPA 34-1995.
         alarm.
    (d) What must I do when I use an
     exhaust hood?
        (d)(1) Volume requirements..  1910.94(d)(8)(iii).
        (d)(2) Prevent damage to      1910.94(d)(8)(iii).
         exhaust hoods.
    (e) What requirements must I      1910.94(d)(11)(iii) to (d)(11)(v).
     follow when an employee enters
     a dip tank?.
    (f) What first-aid procedures     1910.94(d)(9)(i).
     must my employees know?
    (g) What hygiene facilities must
     I provide?
        (g)(1) Storage space........  1910.94(d)(9)(x).
        (g)(2) Emergency shower and   1910.94(d)(9)(vii).
         eye-wash station.
        (g)(3) Washing facilities...  1910.94(d)(9)(ix).
    (h) What treatment and first aid
     must I provide?
        (h)(1) For sores, burns, or   1910.94(d)(9)(viii).
         other skin lesions.

[[Page 13906]]

 
        (h)(2) For small skin         1910.94(d)(9)(viii).
         abrasions, cuts, rashes, or
         open sores.
        (h)(3) First-aid supplies...  1910.94(d)(9)(xi).
        (h)(4) Periodic examinations  1910.94(d)(9)(viii).
         for employees exposed to
         chromic acid.
    (i) What must I do before an
     employee cleans a dip tank?
        (i)(1) Drain the dip tank     1910.94(d)(11)(ii).
         and open cleanout doors.
        (i)(2) Ventilate vapor        1910.94(d)(11)(ii).
         pockets.
    (j) What must I do to inspect
     and maintain my dipping or
     coating operation?
        (j)(1) Inspect ventilation    1910.94(d)(8)(i) and 1910.108(f)(3).
         hoods and ductwork.
        (j)(2) Ensure an adequate     1910.94(d)(8)(i).
         airflow.
        (j)(3) Periodically inspect   1910.108(f)(3).
         dipping and coating
         equipment.
        (j)(4) Protect employees      1910.94(d)(11)(vi).
         from toxic exposures during
         welding, burning, or open-
         flame work.
        (j)(5) Remove solvents and    1910.94(d)(11)(vi).
         vapors before welding,
         burning, or open-flame work.
1910.125 Additional requirements for
 dipping and coating operations that
 use flammable or combustible
 liquids:
        (a) What type of              1910.108(c)(1).
         construction material must
         be used in making my dip
         tank?
    (b) When must I provide overflow
     piping?
        (b)(1) When overflow pipes    1910.108(c)(2)(i).
         are required.
        (b)(2) Overflow pipe          1910.108(c)(2)(ii), (c)(2)(iii), and (c)(2)(iv).
         requirements.
    (c) When must I provide a bottom
     drain?
        (c)(1) For dip tanks over     1910.108(c)(3)(i); NFPA 34.
         500 gallons (1893 L), with
         specified exceptions.
        (c)(2) Bottom drain           1910.108(c)(3)(ii); NFPA 34.
         requirements.
        (c)(3) Manual and automatic   1910.108(c)(3)(i).
         operation.
        (c)(4) Use of automatic       1910.108(c)(3)(i).
         pumps.
    (d) When must my conveyor
     systems shut down
     automatically?
        (d)(1) When there is a fire.  1910.108(c)(6).
        (d)(2) When the ventilation   1910.108(b)(1) and (c)(6).
         rate drops.
    (e) What ignition and fuel
     sources must be controlled?
        (e)(1) Ignition sources in    1910.108(e)(1) and (e)(2).
         the vapor area and any
         adjacent area.
        (e)(2) Electrical bonding     1910.108(d).
         and grounding of portable
         containers.
        (e)(3) Ignition from a        1910.108(b)(2).
         heating system.
        (e)(4) Ignition from          1910.108(f)(1) and (f)(2).
         combustible debris and
         stock, rags and other
         contaminated material, and
         the content of waste cans.
        (e)(5) Prohibit smoking in a  1910.108(f)(4).
         vapor area.
    (f) What fire protection must I
     provide?
        (f)(1) Tanks covered by       1910.108(c)(5) and (h)(1)(v).
         these requirements.
        (f)(2) Types of fire-         1910.108(c)(5) and (g)(1) to (g)(5).
         extinguishing equipment
         required (manual and
         automatic).
        (f)(3) Requirements for fire- 1910.108(g)(6).
         extinguishing covers.
    (g) To what temperature may I
     heat a liquid in a dip tank?
        (g)(1) Below the liquid's     NFPA 34-1995.
         boiling point.
        (g)(2) At least 100 deg. F    NFPA 34-1995.
         (37.8 deg. C) below the
         liquid's autoignition
         temperature.
1910.126 Additional requirements for
 special dipping and coating
 operations:
    (a) What additional requirements
     apply to hardening or tempering
     tanks?
        (a)(1) Location, flooring,    1910.108(h)(1)(i) and (h)(1)(ii).
         and venting requirements.
        (a)(2) Alarm requirements...  1910.108(h)(1)(iv).
        (a)(3) Limit switch to shut   1910.108(h)(1)(iv).
         down the conveyor.
        (a)(4) Circulating cooling    1910.108(h)(1)(iii).
         system.
        (a)(5) Bottom drains          1910.108(h)(1)(vii).
         combined with oil-
         circulating system.
        (a)(6) Prohibit use of        1910.108(h)(1)(vi).
         pressurized air to fill or
         agitate.
    (b) What additional requirements
     apply to flow coating?
        (b)(1) Use of direct low-     1910.108(h)(2)(iii).
         pressure pumping systems or
         gravity tanks to supply
         paint.
        (b)(2) Piping requirements..  1910.108(h)(2)(ii).
    (c) What additional requirements
     apply to roll coating, roll
     spreading, or roll
     impregnating?
        (c)(1) Requirements for       1910.108(h)(4)(ii).
         bonding and grounding
         metallic parts and
         installing static
         collectors.
        (c)(2) Requirement to         1910.108(h)(4)(ii).
         maintain a conductive
         atmosphere.
    (d) What additional requirements
     apply to vapor degreasing
     tanks?
        (d)(1) Maintain the vapor     1910.94(d)(12)(i).
         level below the top of the
         tank.
        (d)(2) Prevent solvent fumes  1910.94(d)(12)(ii).
         from entering the air-fuel
         mixture.
        (d)(3) Requirements for       1910.94(d)(12)(ii).
         flues and draft diverters.
        (d)(4) Temperature limit for  1910.94(d)(12)(iii).
         the heating element.
    (e) What additional requirements  1910.94(d)(10).
     apply to cyanide tanks?.
    (f) What additional requirements
     apply to spray cleaning tanks
     and degreasing tanks?
        (f)(1) Enclose spray          1910.94(d)(5).
         operations.
        (f)(2) Mechanical             1910.94(d)(5).
         ventilation required.
    (g) What additional requirements
     apply to electrostatic paint
     detearing?
        (g)(1) Approved               1910.108(h)(3)(ii), (h)(3)(iv), and (h)(3)(xi).
         electrostatic equipment
         including electrodes.

[[Page 13907]]

 
        (g)(2) Use of conveyors to    1910.108(h)(3)(vii).
         support goods being paint-
         deteared.
        (g)(3) No manual handling of  1910.108(h)(3)(viii).
         goods being paint-deteared.
        (g)(4) Requirement to         1910.108(h)(3)(vi).
         maintain the safe distance.
        (g)(5) Automatic controls     1910.108(h)(3)(ix).
         required.
        (g)(6) Fences, rails, or      1910.108(h)(3)(x).
         guards required.
        (g)(7) Requirements for fire  1910.108(h)(3)(xiii).
         protection.
        (g)(8) Collecting paint       1910.108(h)(3)(xiv).
         deposits.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

IV. Legal Considerations

    Because the final rule is only a plain language redrafting of two 
former Agency rules, it is not necessary to determine significant risk 
or the extent to which the final rule reduces that risk. In Industrial 
Union Department, AFL-CIO v. American Petroleum Institute, 448 U.S. 607 
(1980), the Supreme Court ruled that, before OSHA can increase the 
protection afforded by a standard, the Agency must find that the hazard 
being regulated poses a significant risk to employees and that a new, 
more protective, standard is ``reasonably necessary and appropriate'' 
to reduce that risk. The final rule that replaces the Agency's former 
rules regulating dipping and coating operations does not directly 
increase or decrease the protection afforded to employees, nor does it 
increase employers' compliance burdens. Therefore, no finding of 
significant risk is necessary.
    The Agency believes, however, that improved employee protection is 
likely to result from implementation of the final rule because 
employers and employees who clearly understand what a rule requires are 
more likely to comply with that rule. In addition, because the final 
rule is more performance-oriented than the former rules regulating 
dipping and coating operations, employers will find it easier to comply 
with the final rule.

V. Economic Analysis

    The final rule is not a significant rule under Executive Order 
12866 or a major rule under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act or Section 
801 of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA) 
because it imposes no additional costs on any private or public sector 
entity and does not meet any of the other criteria for a significant or 
major rule specified by the Executive Order or the other statutes. 
Because the final rule does not impose any additional costs on 
employers whose operations involve dipping and coating, no economic or 
regulatory flexibility analysis of the final rule is required.

VI. Regulatory Flexibility Certification

    In accordance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601 et 
seq (as amended), OSHA has examined the regulatory requirements of the 
final rule to determine if it will have a significant economic impact 
on a substantial number of small entities. As indicated in section V of 
this preamble, the final rule does not increase employers' compliance 
costs, and may even reduce the regulatory burden on all affected 
employers, both large and small. Accordingly, the Agency certifies that 
the final rule does not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities.

VII. Environmental Impact Assessment

    OSHA has reviewed the final rule in accordance with the 
requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 
(42 U.S.C. 4321 3et seq.), the regulations of the Council on 
Environmental Quality (40 U.S.C. part 1500), and the Department of 
Labor's NEPA procedures (29 CFR part 11). As noted earlier in this 
preamble, the final rule imposes the same requirements on employers as 
the standards it replaces; consequently, the final rule has no 
additional impact on the environment, including no impact on the 
release of materials that contaminate natural resources or the 
environment, beyond the impact imposed by OSHA's former standards 
regulating dipping and coating operations.

VIII. Paperwork Reduction Act

    This final rule contains a collection of information requirement. 
Under 1910.126(g)(4), employers are required to determine how far away 
employees should remain when electrostatic paint detearing equipment is 
being used. This distance is called the ``safe distance.'' The employer 
must conspicuously display this ``safe distance'' on a sign located 
near the equipment. OSHA does not believe that the provision imposes a 
burden on the employer to collect or display the information because 
OSHA believes the information has already been determined and displayed 
on the few, about 12, pieces of equipment in use today. Newer 
technology appears to have eliminated the need to manufacture or use 
electrostatic paint detearing equipment. OSHA solicited public comments 
on this information collection requirement. There were no comments 
submitted in response to the collection of information associated with 
this provision.
    In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 
3501-3520), OSHA requested OMB approval of the collection of 
information requirement described above. On June 1, 1998, the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) granted approval of the information 
requirement under OMB Control Number 1218-0237. The approval expires on 
June 30, 2001.
    Under 5 CFR 1320.5(b), an Agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a 
person is not required to respond to, a collection of information 
unless the collection displays a valid control number.

IX. Unfunded Mandates

    OSHA has reviewed the final rule in accordance with the Unfunded 
Mandates Reform Act of 1995, 2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq., and Executive Order 
12875. As discussed above in section IV of this preamble (``Legal 
Considerations''), OSHA has determined that the final rule imposes no 
new regulatory burdens on any employer, either public or private. The 
scope and content of the final rule remain the same as those of the 
former standards regulating dipping and coating operations and have not 
been expanded to include additional employers. Consequently, compliance 
with the final rule requires no additional expenditures by either 
public or private employers. In sum, the final rule does not mandate 
that State, local, and tribal governments adopt new, unfunded 
regulatory obligations.

X. Federalism

    The final rule which revises the former standards regulating 
dipping and coating operations has been reviewed for Federalism issues, 
and the Agency

[[Page 13908]]

certifies that the final rule has been assessed in accordance with the 
principles, criteria, and requirements set forth in Sections 2 through 
5 of Executive Order 12612.
    Executive Order 12612 requires that Federal agencies, to the extent 
possible, refrain from limiting State policy options, consult with 
States before taking actions that restrict State policy options, and 
take such actions only when clear constitutional authority exists and 
the problem is of national scope. The Executive Order provides for 
preemption of State law only when Congress has expressed an intent that 
a Federal agency do so. Any such preemption must be limited to the 
extent possible.
    With respect to States that do not have occupational safety and 
health plans approved by OSHA under Section 18 of the Occupational 
Safety and Health Act of 1970 (the ``Act'') (29 U.S.C. 667), OSHA finds 
that the final rule conforms to the preemption provisions of the Act. 
Under these provisions, OSHA is authorized to preempt State 
promulgation and enforcement of requirements dealing with occupational 
safety and health issues covered by OSHA standards unless the State has 
an OSHA-approved State occupational safety and health plan. (See Gade 
v. National Solid Wastes Management Association, 112 S.Ct. 2374 
(1992).) States without such programs are, by 29 U.S.C. 667, prohibited 
from issuing citations for violations of requirements covered by OSHA 
standards. The final rule does not expand this limitation.
    Regarding States that have OSHA-approved occupational safety and 
health plans (``State-plan states''), OSHA finds that the final rule 
complies with Executive Order 12612 because the final rule addresses a 
problem that is national in scope, and Section 18(c)(2) of the Act (29 
U.S.C. 667(c)(2)) requires State-plan States to adopt OSHA's final 
rule, or develop an alternative rule that is at least as effective as 
OSHA's final rule. Having already adopted OSHA's former standards 
regulating dipping and coating operations (or having developed 
alternative standards acceptable to OSHA), State-plan States are not 
obligated to adopt the final rule; they may, however, choose to adopt 
the final rule, and OSHA encourages them to do so.

XI. State Plan States

    OSHA encourages the 25 States and Territories with their own OSHA-
approved occupational safety and health plans to revise their standards 
regulating dipping and coating operations according to the final rule 
that resulted from this rulemaking. These States are: Alaska, Arizona, 
California, Connecticut (State and local government employees only), 
Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, 
New Mexico, New York (State and local government employees only), North 
Carolina, Oregon, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, 
Vermont, Virginia, Virgin Islands, Washington, and Wyoming.

XII. List of Subjects in 29 CFR Part 1910

    Coating; Combustible liquid; Dipping; Dip tanks; Fire protection; 
Flammable liquid; Incorporation by reference; Occupational safety and 
health; Ventilation.

XIII. Authority

    This document was prepared under the direction of Charles N. 
Jeffress, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and 
Health, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., 
Washington, DC 20210. The final rule is issued under the authority of 
Sections 4, 6, and 8 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 
(29 U.S.C. 653, 655, 657); Secretary of Labor's Order No 6-96 (62 FR 
111); and 29 CFR part 1911.

    Signed at Washington, D.C., this 15th day of March, 1999.
Charles N. Jeffress,
Assistant Secretary of Labor.

    OSHA amends 29 CFR part 1910 as follows:

PART 1910--OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS

Subpart A--General

    1. The Authority citation for subpart A of part 1910 is revised to 
read as follows:

    Authority: Sections 4, 6, and 8 of the Occupational Safety and 
Health Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C. 653, 655, 657); Secretary of Labor's 
Order Nos. 12-71 (36 FR 8754), 8-76 (41 FR 25059), 9-83 (48 FR 
35736), 1-90 (55 FR 9033), or 6-96 (62 FR 111), as applicable.

    Sections 1910.6, 1910.7, and 1910.8 also issued under 29 CFR part 
1911.


Sec. 1910.6  [Amended]

    1. Paragraph (b)(1) of Sec. 1910.6 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 1910.6   Incorporation by reference.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (1) ``Industrial Ventilation: A Manual of Recommended Practice'' 
(22nd ed., 1995), incorporation by reference (IBR) approved for 
Sec. 1910.124(b)(4)(iii).
* * * * *
    2. Paragraph (e)(50) of Sec. 1910.6 is revised to read as follows:
* * * * *
    (e) * * *
    (50) ANSI Z9.1-71 Practices for Ventilation and Operation of Open-
Surface Tanks, IBR approved for Sec. 1910.124(b)(4)(iv).
* * * * *
    3. Paragraphs (e)(51) through (e)(70) of Sec. 1910.6 are 
redesignated as paragraphs (e)(53) through (e)(72), respectively, and 
new paragraphs (e)(51) and (e)(52) are added to read as follows:
* * * * *
    (e) * * *
    (51) ANSI Z9.2-60 Fundamentals Governing the Design and Operation 
of Local Exhaust Systems, IBR approved for Secs. 1910.94(a)(4)(i) 
introductory text, (a)(6) introductory text, (b)(3)(ix), (b)(4)(i) and 
(ii), (c)(3)(i) introductory text, (c)(5)(iii)(b), and (c)(7)(iv)(a); 
1910.261(a)(3)(xx), (g)(1)(i) and (iii), and (h)(2)(ii).
    (52) ANSI Z9.2-79 Fundamentals Governing the Design and Operation 
of Local Exhaust Systems, IBR approved for Sec. 1910.124(b)(4)(i).
* * * * *
    4. Paragraph (q) introductory text of Sec. 1910.6 is revised to 
read as follows:
* * * * *
    (q) The following material is available for purchase from the 
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 11 Tracy Drive, Avon, MA 
02322:
    5. Paragraph (q)(4) of Sec. 1910.6 is revised to read as follows:
* * * * *
    (q) * * *
    (4) NFPA 34-1966 Standard for Dip Tanks Containing Flammable or 
Combustible Liquids, IBR approved for Sec. 1910.124(b)(4)(iv).
* * * * *
    6. Paragraphs (q)(5) through (q)(32) of Sec. 1910.6 are 
redesignated as paragraphs (q)(6) through (q)(33), respectively, and a 
new paragraph (q)(5) is added to read as follows:
* * * * *
    (q) * * *
    (5) NFPA 34-1995 Standard for Dip Tanks Containing Flammable or 
Combustible Liquids, IBR approved for Sec. 1910.124(b)(4)(ii).
* * * * *

Subpart G--Occupational Health and Environmental Control

    1. The Authority citation for subpart G of part 1910 is revised to 
read as follows:


[[Page 13909]]


    Authority: Sections 4, 6, and 8 of the Occupational Safety and 
Health Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C. 653, 655, 657); Secretary of Labor's 
Orders Nos. 12-71 (36 FR 8754), 8-76 (41 FR 25059), 9-83 (48 FR 
35736), 1-90 (55 FR 9033), or 6-96 (62 FR 111), as applicable; and 
29 CFR part 1911.


Sec. 1910.94  [Amended]

    2. Paragraph (d) of Sec. 1910.94 is removed.

Subpart H--Hazardous Materials

    1. The Authority citation for subpart H of 29 CFR part 1910 is 
revised to read as follows:

    Authority: Sections 4, 6, and 8 of the Occupational Safety and 
Health Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C. 653, 655, 657); Secretary of Labor's 
Orders Nos. 12-71 (36 FR 8754), 8-76 (41 FR 25059), 9-83 (48 FR 
35736), 1-90 (55 FR 9033), or 6-96 (62 FR 111), as applicable; and 
29 CFR part 11.

    Sections 1910.103, 1910.106 through 1910.111, and 1910.119, 
1910.120, and 1910.122 through 1910.126 also issued under 29 CFR part 
1911.
    Section 1910.119 also issued under Section 304, Clean Air Act 
Amendments of 1990 (Pub.L. 101-549), reprinted at 29 U.S.C. 655 Note.
    Section 1910.120 also issued under Section 126, Superfund 
Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 as amended (29 U.S.C. 655 
Note), and 5 U.S.C. 553.


Sec. 1910.108  [Reserved]

    2. Section 1910.108 is removed and reserved.


Sec. 1910.121  [Reserved]

    3. Section 1910.121 is added and reserved.
    4. New Secs. 1910.122 through 1910.126 are added to read as 
follows:

DIPPING AND COATING OPERATIONS


Sec. 1910.122  Table of contents.

    This section lists the paragraph headings contained in 
Secs. 1910.123 through 1910.126.


Sec. 1910.123  Dipping and coating operations: Coverage and 
definitions.

(a) Does this rule apply to me?
(b) What operations are covered?
(c) What operations are not covered?
(d) How are terms used in Secs. 1910.123 through 1910.126 defined?


Sec. 1910.124  General requirements for dipping and coating operations.

(a) What construction requirements apply to dip tanks?
(b) What ventilation requirements apply to vapor areas?
(c) What requirements must I follow to recirculate exhaust air into 
the workplace?
(d) What must I do when I use an exhaust hood?
(e) What requirements must I follow when an employee enters a dip 
tank?
(f) What first-aid procedures must my employees know?
(g) What hygiene facilities must I provide?
(h) What treatment and first aid must I provide?
(i) What must I do before an employee cleans a dip tank?
(j) What must I do to inspect and maintain my dipping or coating 
operation?


Sec. 1910.125  Additional requirements for dipping and coating 
operations that use flammable or combustible liquids.

(a) What type of construction material must be used in making my dip 
tank?
(b) When must I provide overflow piping?
(c) When must I provide a bottom drain?
(d) When must my conveyer system shut down automatically?
(e) What ignition and fuel sources must be controlled?
(f) What fire protection must I provide?
(g) To what temperature may I heat a liquid in a dip tank?


Sec. 1910.126  Additional requirements for special dipping and coating 
applications.

(a) What additional requirements apply to hardening or tempering 
tanks?
(b) What additional requirements apply to flow coating?
(c) What additional requirements apply to roll coating, roll 
spreading, or roll impregnating?
(d) What additional requirements apply to vapor degreasing tanks?
(e) What additional requirements apply to cyanide tanks?
(f) What additional requirements apply to spray cleaning tanks and 
spray degreasing tanks?
(g) What additional requirements apply to electrostatic paint 
detearing?


Sec. 1910.123  Dipping and coating operations: Coverage and 
definitions.

    (a) Does this rule apply to me? (1) This rule (Secs. 1910.123 
through 1910.126) applies when you use a dip tank containing a liquid 
other than water. It applies when you use the liquid in the tank or its 
vapor to:
    (i) Clean an object;
    (ii) Coat an object;
    (iii) Alter the surface of an object; or
    (iv) Change the character of an object.
    (2) This rule also applies to the draining or drying of an object 
you have dipped or coated.
    (b) What operations are covered? Examples of covered operations are 
paint dipping, electroplating, pickling, quenching, tanning, 
degreasing, stripping, cleaning, roll coating, flow coating, and 
curtain coating.
    (c) What operations are not covered? You are not covered by this 
rule if your dip-tank operation only uses a molten material (a molten 
metal, alloy, or salt, for example).
    (d) How are terms used in Secs. 1910.123 through 1910.126 defined?
    Adjacent area means any area within 20 feet (6.1 m) of a vapor area 
that is not separated from the vapor area by tight partitions.
    Approved means that the equipment so designated is listed or 
approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, as defined by 
Sec. 1910.7.
    Autoignition temperature means the minimum temperature required to 
cause self-sustained combustion, independent of any other source of 
heat.
    Combustible liquid means a liquid having a flash point of 100 deg. 
F (37.8 deg. C) or above.
    Dip tank means a container holding a liquid other than water and 
that is used for dipping or coating. An object may be immersed (or 
partially immersed) in a dip tank or it may be suspended in a vapor 
coming from the tank.
    Flammable liquid means a liquid having a flashpoint below 100 deg. 
F (37.8 deg. C).
    Flashpoint means the minimum temperature at which a liquid gives 
off a vapor in sufficient concentration to ignite if tested in 
accordance with the definition of ``flashpoint'' in Sec. 1910.1200(c).
    Lower flammable limit (LFL) means the lowest concentration of a 
material that will propagate a flame. The LFL is usually expressed as a 
percent by volume of the material in air (or other oxidant).
    Vapor area means any space containing a dip tank, including its 
drain boards, associated drying or conveying equipment, and any 
surrounding area where the vapor concentration exceeds 25% of the LFL 
of the liquid in the tank.
    You means the employer, as defined by the Occupational Safety and 
Health Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C. 651 et seq.).


Sec. 1910.124  General requirements for dipping and coating operations.

    (a) What construction requirements apply to dip tanks? Any 
container that you use as a dip tank must be strong enough to withstand 
any expected load.
    (b) What ventilation requirements apply to vapor areas? (1) The 
ventilation that you provide to a vapor area must keep the airborne 
concentration of any substance below 25% of its LFL.
    (2) When a liquid in a dip tank creates an exposure hazard covered 
by a standard listed in subpart Z of this part, you must control worker 
exposure as required by that standard.
    (3) You may use a tank cover or material that floats on the surface 
of the liquid in a dip tank to replace or supplement ventilation. The 
method or combination of methods you choose must maintain the airborne

[[Page 13910]]

concentration of the hazardous material and the worker's exposure 
within the limits specified in paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this 
section.
    (4) When you use mechanical ventilation, it must conform to the 
following standards that are incorporated by reference as specified in 
Sec. 1910.6:
    (i) ANSI Z9.2-1979, Fundamentals Governing the Design and Operation 
of Local Exhaust Systems;
    (ii) NFPA 34-1995, Standard for Dip Tanks Containing Flammable or 
Combustible Liquids;
    (iii) ACGIH's ``Industrial Ventilation: A Manual of Recommended 
Practice'' (22nd ed., 1995); or
    (iv) ANSI Z9.1-1971, Practices for Ventilation and Operation of 
Open-Surface Tanks, and NFPA 34-1966, Standard for Dip Tanks Containing 
Flammable or Combustible Liquids.
    (5) When you use mechanical ventilation, it must draw the flow of 
air into a hood or exhaust duct.
    (6) When you use mechanical ventilation, each dip tank must have an 
independent exhaust system unless the combination of substances being 
removed will not cause a:
    (i) Fire;
    (ii) Explosion; or
    (iii) Chemical reaction.
    (c) What requirements must I follow to recirculate exhaust air into 
the workplace? (1) You may not recirculate exhaust air when any 
substance in that air poses a health hazard to employees or exceeds 25% 
of its LFL.
    (2) You must ensure that any exhaust air recirculated from a 
dipping or coating operation using flammable or combustible liquids is:
    (i) Free of any solid particulate that poses a health or safety 
hazard for employees; and
    (ii) Monitored by approved equipment.
    (3) You must have a system that sounds an alarm and automatically 
shuts down the operation when the vapor concentration for any substance 
in the exhaust airstream exceeds 25% of its LFL.
    (d) What must I do when I use an exhaust hood? You must:
    (1) Provide each room having exhaust hoods with a volume of outside 
air that is at least 90 percent of the volume of the exhaust air; and
    (2) Ensure that the outside air supply does not damage exhaust 
hoods.
    (e) What requirements must I follow when an employee enters a dip 
tank? When an employee enters a dip tank, you must meet the entry 
requirements of Sec. 1910.146, OSHA's standard for Permit-Required 
Confined Spaces, as applicable.
    (f) What first-aid procedures must my employees know? Your 
employees must know the first-aid procedures that are appropriate to 
the dipping or coating hazards to which they are exposed.
    (g) What hygiene facilities must I provide? When your employees 
work with liquids that may burn, irritate, or otherwise harm their 
skin, you must provide:
    (1) Locker space or other storage space to prevent contamination of 
the employee's street clothes;
    (2) An emergency shower and eye-wash station close to the dipping 
or coating operation. In place of this equipment, you may use a water 
hose that is at least 4 feet (1.22 m) long and at least \3/4\ of an 
inch (18 mm) thick with a quick-opening valve and carrying a pressure 
of 25 pounds per square inch (1.62 k/cm2) or less; and
    (3) At least one basin with a hot-water faucet for every 10 
employees who work with such liquids. (See paragraph (d) of 
Sec. 1910.141.)
    (h) What treatment and first aid must I provide? When your 
employees work with liquids that may burn, irritate, or otherwise harm 
their skin, you must provide:
    (1) A physician's approval before an employee with a sore, burn, or 
other skin lesion that requires medical treatment works in a vapor 
area;
    (2) Treatment by a properly designated person of any small skin 
abrasion, cut, rash, or open sore;
    (3) Appropriate first-aid supplies that are located near the 
dipping or coating operation; and
    (4) For employees who work with chromic acid, periodic examinations 
of their exposed body parts, especially their nostrils.
    (i) What must I do before an employee cleans a dip tank? Before 
permitting an employee to clean the interior of a dip tank, you must:
    (1) Drain the contents of the tank and open the cleanout doors; and
    (2) Ventilate and clear any pockets where hazardous vapors may have 
accumulated.
    (j) What must I do to inspect and maintain my dipping or coating 
operation? You must:
    (1) Inspect the hoods and ductwork of the ventilation system for 
corrosion or damage:
    (i) At least quarterly during operation; and
    (ii) Prior to operation after a prolonged shutdown.
    (2) Ensure that the airflow is adequate:
    (i) At least quarterly during operation; and (
     ii) Prior to operation after a prolonged shutdown.
    (3) Periodically inspect all dipping and coating equipment, 
including covers, drains, overflow piping, and electrical and fire-
extinguishing systems, and promptly correct any deficiencies;
    (4) Provide mechanical ventilation or respirators (selected and 
used as specified in Sec. 1910.134, OSHA's Respiratory Protection 
standard) to protect employees in the vapor area from exposure to toxic 
substances released during welding, burning, or open-flame work; and
    (5) Have dip tanks thoroughly cleaned of solvents and vapors before 
permitting welding, burning, or open-flame work on them.


Sec. 1910.125  Additional requirements for dipping and coating 
operations that use flammable or combustible liquids.

    If you use flammable or combustible liquids, you must comply with 
the requirements of this section as well as the requirements of 
sections 1910.123, 1910.124, and 1910.126, as applicable.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  You must comply with this section
                 if:                                                     And:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 The flashpoint of the         The liquid is heated as part of the operation; or
 flammable or combustible liquid is
 200 deg. F (93.3 deg. C) or above.
                                       A heated object is placed in the liquid.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (a) What type of construction material must be used in making my 
dip tank? Your dip tank must be made of noncombustible material.
    (b) When must I provide overflow piping? (1) You must provide 
properly trapped overflow piping that discharges to a safe location for 
any dip tank having:
    (i) A capacity greater than 150 gallons (568 L); or
    (ii) A liquid surface area greater than 10 feet \2\ (0.95 
m2).
    (2) You must also ensure that:

[[Page 13911]]

    (i) Any overflow piping is at least 3 inches (7.6 cm) in diameter 
and has sufficient capacity to prevent the dip tank from overflowing;
    (ii) Piping connections on drains and overflow pipes allow ready 
access to the interior of the pipe for inspection and cleaning; and
    (iii) The bottom of the overflow connection is at least 6 inches 
(15.2 cm) below the top of the dip tank.
    (c) When must I provide a bottom drain? (1) You must provide a 
bottom drain for dip tanks that contain more than 500 gallons (1893 L) 
of liquid, unless:
    (i) The dip tank is equipped with an automatic closing cover 
meeting the requirements of paragraph (f)(3) of this section; or
    (ii) The viscosity of the liquid at normal atmospheric temperature 
does not allow the liquid to flow or be pumped easily.
    (2) You must ensure that the bottom drain required by this section:
    (i) Will empty the dip tank during a fire;
    (ii) Is properly trapped;
    (iii) Has pipes that permit the dip tank's contents to be removed 
within five minutes after a fire begins; and
    (iv) Discharges to a safe location.
    (3) Any bottom drain you provide must be capable of manual and 
automatic operation, and manual operation must be from a safe and 
accessible location.
    (4) You must ensure that automatic pumps are used when gravity flow 
from the bottom drain is impractical.
    (d) When must my conveyor system shut down automatically? If your 
conveyor system is used with a dip tank, the system must shut down 
automatically:
    (1) If there is a fire; or
    (2) If the ventilation rate drops below what is required by 
paragraph (b) of Sec. 1910.124.
    (e) What ignition and fuel sources must be controlled? (1) In each 
vapor area and any adjacent area, you must ensure that:
    (i) All electrical wiring and equipment conform to the applicable 
hazardous (classified)-area requirements of subpart S of this part 
(except as specifically permitted in paragraph (g) of Sec. 1910.126); 
and
    (ii) There are no flames, spark-producing devices, or other 
surfaces that are hot enough to ignite vapors.
    (2) You must ensure that any portable container used to add liquid 
to the tank is electrically bonded to the dip tank and positively 
grounded to prevent static electrical sparks or arcs.
    (3) You must ensure that a heating system that is used in a drying 
operation and could cause ignition:
    (i) Is installed in accordance with NFPA 86A-1969, Standard for 
Ovens and Furnaces (which is incorporated by reference in Sec. 1910.6 
of this part);
    (ii) Has adequate mechanical ventilation that operates before and 
during the drying operation; and
    (iii) Shuts down automatically if any ventilating fan fails to 
maintain adequate ventilation.
    (4) You also must ensure that:
    (i) All vapor areas are free of combustible debris and as free as 
practicable of combustible stock;
    (ii) Rags and other material contaminated with liquids from dipping 
or coating operations are placed in approved waste cans immediately 
after use; and
    (iii) Waste can contents are properly disposed of at the end of 
each shift.
    (5) You must prohibit smoking in a vapor area and must post a 
readily visible ``No Smoking'' sign near each dip tank.
    (f) What fire protection must I provide? (1) You must provide the 
fire protection required by this paragraph (f) for:
    (i) Any dip tank having a capacity of at least 150 gallons (568 L) 
or a liquid surface area of at least 4 feet 2 (0.38 m 
1); and
    (ii) Any hardening or tempering tank having a capacity of at least 
500 gallons (1893 L) or a liquid surface area of at least 25 feet 
2 (2.37 m 2).
    (2) For every vapor area, you must provide:
    (i) Manual fire extinguishers that are suitable for flammable and 
combustible liquid fires and that conform to the requirements of 
Sec. 1910.157; and
    (ii) An automatic fire-extinguishing system that conforms to the 
requirements of subpart L of this part.
    (3) You may substitute a cover that is closed by an approved 
automatic device for the automatic fire-extinguishing system if the 
cover:
    (i) Can also be activated manually;
    (ii) Is noncombustible or tin-clad, with the enclosing metal 
applied with locked joints; and
    (iii) Is kept closed when the dip tank is not in use.
    (g) To what temperature may I heat a liquid in a dip tank? You must 
maintain the temperature of the liquid in a dip tank:
    (1) Below the liquid's boiling point; and
    (2) At least 100 deg. F (37.8 deg. C) below the liquid's 
autoignition temperature.


Sec. 1910.126  Additional requirements for special dipping and coating 
operations.

    In addition to the requirements in Secs. 1910.123 through 1910.125, 
you must comply with any requirement in this section that applies to 
your operation.
    (a) What additional requirements apply to hardening or tempering 
tanks?
    (1) You must ensure that hardening or tempering tanks:
    (i) Are located as far as practicable from furnaces;
    (ii) Are on noncombustible flooring; and
    (iii) Have noncombustible hoods and vents (or equivalent devices) 
for venting to the outside. For this purpose, vent ducts must be 
treated as flues and kept away from combustible materials, particularly 
roofs.
    (2) You must equip each tank with an alarm that will sound if the 
temperature of the liquid comes within 50 deg. F (10 deg. C) of its 
flashpoint (the alarm set point).
    (3) When practicable, you must also provide each tank with a limit 
switch to shut down the conveyor supplying work to the tank.
    (4) If the temperature of the liquid can exceed the alarm set 
point, you must equip the tank with a circulating cooling system.
    (5) If the tank has a bottom drain, the bottom drain may be 
combined with the oil-circulating system.
    (6) You must not use air under pressure when you fill the dip tank 
or agitate the liquid in the dip tank.
    (b) What additional requirements apply to flow coating? (1) You 
must use a direct low-pressure pumping system or a 10-gallon (38 L) or 
smaller gravity tank to supply the paint for flow coating. In case of 
fire, an approved heat-actuated device must shut down the pumping 
system.
    (2) You must ensure that the piping is substantial and rigidly 
supported.
    (c) What additional requirements apply to roll coating, roll 
spreading, or roll impregnating?
    When these operations use a flammable or combustible liquid that 
has a flashpoint below 140 deg. F (60 deg. C), you must prevent 
sparking of static electricity by:
    (1) Bonding and grounding all metallic parts (including rotating 
parts) and installing static collectors; or
    (2) Maintaining a conductive atmosphere (for example, one with a 
high relative humidity) in the vapor area.
    (d) What additional requirements apply to vapor degreasing tanks? 
(1) You must ensure that the condenser or vapor-level thermostat keeps 
the vapor level at least 36 inches (91 cm) or one-half the tank width, 
whichever is less,

[[Page 13912]]

below the top of the vapor degreasing tank.
    (2) When you use gas as a fuel to heat the tank liquid, you must 
prevent solvent vapors from entering the air-fuel mixture. To do this, 
you must make the combustion chamber airtight (except for the flue 
opening).
    (3) The flue must be made of corrosion-resistant material, and it 
must extend to the outside. You must install a draft diverter if 
mechanical exhaust is used on the flue.
    (4) You must not allow the temperature of the heating element to 
cause a solvent or mixture to decompose or to generate an excessive 
amount of vapor.
    (e) What additional requirements apply to cyanide tanks? You must 
ensure that cyanide tanks have a dike or other safeguard to prevent 
cyanide from mixing with an acid if a dip tank fails.
    (f) What additional requirements apply to spray cleaning tanks and 
spray degreasing tanks? If you spray a liquid in the air over an open-
surface cleaning or degreasing tank, you must control the spraying to 
the extent feasible by:
    (1) Enclosing the spraying operation; and
    (2) Using mechanical ventilation to provide enough inward air 
velocity to prevent the spray from leaving the vapor area.
    (g) What additional requirements apply to electrostatic paint 
detearing? (1) You must use only approved electrostatic equipment in 
paint-detearing operations. Electrodes in such equipment must be 
substantial, rigidly supported, permanently located, and effectively 
insulated from ground by nonporous, noncombustible, clean, dry 
insulators.
    (2) You must use conveyors to support any goods being paint 
deteared.
    (3) You must ensure that goods being electrostatically deteared are 
not manually handled.
    (4) Between goods being electrostatically deteared and the 
electrodes or conductors of the electrostatic equipment, you must 
maintain a minimum distance of twice the sparking distance. This 
minimum distance must be displayed conspicuously on a sign located near 
the equipment.
    (5) You must ensure that the electrostatic equipment has automatic 
controls that immediately disconnect the power supply to the high-
voltage transformer and signal the operator if:
    (i) Ventilation or the conveyors fail to operate;
    (ii) A ground (or imminent ground) occurs anywhere in the high-
voltage system; or
    (iii) Goods being electrostatically deteared come within twice the 
sparking distance of the electrodes or conductors of the equipment.
    (6) You must use fences, rails, or guards, made of conducting 
material and adequately grounded, to separate paint-detearing 
operations from storage areas and from personnel.
    (7) To protect paint-detearing operations from fire, you must have 
in place:
    (i) Automatic sprinklers; or
    (ii) An automatic fire-extinguishing system conforming to the 
requirements of subpart L of this part.
    (8) To collect paint deposits, you must:
    (i) Provide drip plates and screens; and
    (ii) Clean these plates and screens in a safe location.

[FR Doc. 99-6824 Filed 3-22-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-26-P