Comment from Holsonback, Luther; Individual

I am in full agreement with this new proposed rule for personal protective equipment. OSHA is constantly looking for ways to protect employees and employers. In many working environments where the possibility of falls, protection is important. Working with fuel tanks, we have ladder systems which give us access to the tops of the tanks. Currently their are no known requirements for climbing the ladder. However, if an individual were to fall they would possibly be seriously hurt. The rail systems do not fully protect an individual who is climbing the ladder. Personal protection as in a harness is needed to protect the individual climbing. Although these new requirements may cost more time and effort for those involved, it will be a great protection effort for the companies. This could also be a good tool for possible insurance rates to decline since it allows for safer operations. The proposed rule also cover individuals on rail cars or other type vehicles. Fuels trucks often require a person on top of the truck to ensure the truck does not over fill. The height of a fuel truck could present a large hazard if fumes were to overwhelm an individual causing them to become endangered and fall. These new requirements could also protect these events from happing by providing a safety devise that could help reduce the danger of falling to the ground. According to the charts, the rates of fatal falls have dropped up to 2007 but could possibly be reduced more if these measures were put into place.