Industrial Strength Podcast – Episode 20: Changes to 1910.156

Episode Overview

In this episode of the Industrial Strength Podcast, hosts Steve, Jeff, and Randy return to dive deep into the proposed updates to OSHA’s 1910.156 standard. Unlike last week's discussion on NFPA 470, this week focuses on how the proposed transformation of the fire brigade standard into a comprehensive emergency response standard could affect all emergency response units—from hazmat and fire to EMS and technical rescue.

With their typical blend of expertise, humor, and real-world insights, the team unpacks the implications of these changes, what they mean for industrial and municipal teams, and how organizations can prepare.

 

Segment Breakdown & Timestamps

• 00:37 – 01:20 | Welcome & Recap
• Hosts introduce themselves and briefly recap the previous episode’s focus on NFPA 470.
• 01:20 – 03:26 | Introduction to OSHA 1910.156 Proposed Changes
• Overview of how OSHA is proposing a major overhaul, shifting from a fire brigade focus to a broader emergency response standard.
• Early discussion on how NFPA standards are being incorporated.
• 03:27 – 06:28 | Expanded Scope of the Standard
• New inclusion of medical teams, confined space, technical rescue, and volunteer brigades.
• Debate on why OSHA is initiating this change now.
• 06:29 – 09:33 | Key Changes: From Industrial to Universal
• Impacts of merging industrial and municipal standards.
• Introduction of broader inclusivity across emergency services.
• 09:34 – 13:05 | Emergency Response Program Requirements
• Introduction of required plans tailored to facility-specific hazards.
• Challenges for small departments to implement pre-planning.
• 13:06 – 16:07 | SOPs and Real-World Limitations
• The difficulty of writing meaningful SOPs for non-standard emergencies.
• Tension between real-world fieldwork and regulatory compliance.
• 16:08 – 23:34 | Enhanced Medical Surveillance
• Breakdown of medical exam mandates and their implications.
• Costs, scheduling, and new requirements for EMS teams.
• 23:35 – 27:14 | Behavioral Health & Fitness Standards
• Introduction of behavioral health and physical fitness programs.
• Debate over fitness-for-duty standards and department size challenges.
• 27:15 – 30:29 | Documentation and Reporting Requirements
• New mandates for maintaining detailed training, exposure, and medical records.
• Discussion of the possible duration and format of required records.
• 30:30 – 34:31 | Implementation Timeline & Final Thoughts
• Public comment period is over; awaiting OSHA's rollout.
• Anticipation of a lengthy grace period and concerns for small departments.
• 34:32 – 35:42 | Teaser for Next Episode & Contact Info
• Teaser for upcoming guest and Jeff’s favorite topic: bulging drums.

Listener contact info: [e-mail]