OSHA’s spring regulatory agenda of 2017 lacked one thing, the combustible dust standard that had been in the works since 2009. The reasons for abandoning, according to OSHA was resource constraints and the rise of other priorities.

This was largely seen as part of Trump’s administration pledge of removing some of the stringent regulations on industries pertaining to worker safety laws. Also, the beryllium and silica regulations have experienced delays. OSHA intended to revoke some parts of the beryllium rules on shipyard and construction industries.

This agenda might come as a relief to industries that have combustible dust but it is important to know that OSHA doesn’t need a formal standard to set penalties. OSHA can use the General Duty Clause or the Combustible Dust National Emphasis Program to issue fines under 18 different CFR standards.

The rules might be constantly changing but one thing remains constant, as an employer, you must understand and prevent hazards caused by combustible dust to keep your workers and facility safe.