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In This Issue

  1. ASME B31.8 Q (operator qualification standard) Update
  2. RCP’s Fantastic 1-Page Version of New SPCC Regulation
  3. TNRCC Issues New Instructions for Form PI-1S Registration for Air Standard Permit
  4. OPS clarifies compliance dates for new Annual Reporting Requirements for Hazardous Liquid Pipelines
  5. Pending Audits?
  6. The Office of Pipeline Safety is looking for a Deputy Associate Administrator
  7. Need A Security Plan or Audit?
  8. Gas Integrity Management Update
  9. Integrity Management Plan Up-to-Date?
  10. Final Rule to Reduce Hazardous Air Emissions From Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines
  11. Need to update your Public Awareness Program?
  12. API and NFPA Sign Joint Alliance with OSHA Highlights Safety and Health at Petroleum and Petrochemical Liquid Storage Facilities
  13. Acquiring a pipeline?
  14. Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Stakeholder Meeting Summary
  15. EPA Issues Notice of Proposed Reissuance of General NPDES Permit for Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration Facilities on the Outer Continental Shelf and Contiguous State Waters (NPDES Permit Number AKG280000)
  16. OSHA Issues Interim Final Rule with Procedures for the Handling of Discrimination Complaints under Section 6 of the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002
  17. RCP Services Spotlight – Risk Management Program (RMP) Support The RMP resubmission clock is ticking! Is your plan ready to go?

OSHA Issues Interim Final Rule with Procedures for the Handling of Discrimination Complaints under Section 6 of the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002

This interim rule (29 CFR Part 1981) provides the text of regulations governing the employee protection (“whistleblower”) provisions of Section 6 of the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002 (“Pipeline Safety Act”), enacted into law December 17, 2002. This rule establishes procedures and time frames for the handling of discrimination complaints under the Pipeline Safety Act, including procedures and time frames for employee complaints to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”), investigations by OSHA, appeals of OSHA determinations to an administrative law judge (“ALJ”) for a hearing de novo, hearings by ALJs, review of ALJ decisions by the Administrative Review Board (acting on behalf of the Secretary) and judicial review of the Secretary’s final decision. The interim final rule is effective on April 5, 2004. The entire Federal Register document can be downloaded from RCP’s website here through the DOT Gateway.

For more information contact Thomas Marple, Director, Office of Investigative Assistance, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, Room N-3610, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20210; telephone (202) 693-2199.