Tunneling Team Gets OSHA's Temporary Safety Rule Bypass
Published Date: 7/24/2025
Notice
Summary
McNally Tunneling Corp. and ASI Marine asked OSHA for special permission to change some safety rules about working in compressed air. OSHA gave them a temporary yes while they decide if it can be permanent and wants your thoughts! This affects workers in tunneling and marine jobs and could change how safety rules apply, with no immediate cost changes announced.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Interim Order Granted for Compressed-Air Work
OSHA has granted an interim order allowing McNally Tunneling Corp./ASI Marine to operate under an alternative set of rules for work in compressed air environments. This interim order is in effect while OSHA considers whether to make the change permanent; the notice says there are no immediate cost changes announced.
Permanent Variance Application and Public Comment
McNally Tunneling Corp./ASI Marine has applied for a permanent variance from OSHA's compressed-air work standard, and OSHA is accepting public comments to decide whether to grant a permanent variance. If granted later, the permanent variance would change which safety rules apply to the applicant's compressed-air work.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-11093, Amending the Medical Evaluation Requirements in the Respiratory Protection Standard for Certain Types of Respirators
OSHA wants to make it easier for workers using certain respirators by removing some medical check-ups for filtering facepiece and loose-fitting powered air-purifying respirators. This change affects workers who wear these masks and could save time and money on medical evaluations. The public can share their thoughts until July 6, 2026, before the rule is finalized.
2026-10456, Department of Labor Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Annual Adjustments for 2026
Good news for businesses and workers: the Department of Labor won’t raise any fines or penalties in 2026 because the usual inflation data wasn’t available. This means all civil penalties stay the same starting May 27, 2026. So, no surprise cost hikes this year—just steady rules and steady fees!
2026-06578, Walking-Working Surfaces
OSHA is proposing to remove the deadline that requires all fixed ladders over 24 feet to have personal fall arrest or ladder safety systems. They’re also asking if employers should be allowed to keep using ladder cages instead of these newer safety systems. This affects employers with tall ladders and could change safety rules, with comments due by June 5, 2026.
2026-19833, Intertek Testing Services NA, Inc.: Application for Expansion of Recognition
Intertek Testing Services NA, Inc. wants to expand its official status as a trusted safety tester recognized by OSHA. This means they can test more products to keep workers safe. If you have thoughts or info about this, you have until October 14, 2026, to speak up—no cost changes announced yet, but more testing means more safety!
2026-19267, RETC, LLC.: Application for Expansion of Recognition
RETC, LLC. wants to expand its role as a trusted safety tester recognized by OSHA. This means they could test more products to keep workers safe. If you have thoughts or info, speak up by October 6, 2026, so OSHA can consider it before making a final call.
2026-19268, TUV SUD America, Inc.: Application for Expansion of Recognition
TUV SUD America, Inc. wants to expand its official testing powers by adding two new test standards to its recognized list. This change affects companies relying on TUVAM for safety testing and could speed up product approvals. You’ve got until October 6, 2026, to share your thoughts or ask for more time to comment.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-13888, UL LLC: Grant of Expansion of Recognition and Modification to the NRTL Program's List of Appropriate Test Standards
OSHA just gave UL LLC a bigger thumbs-up as a top testing lab, letting them handle more safety tests. They also added a new safety test to the official list, making sure products get checked better and faster. This means companies working with UL can expect smoother approvals soon, with no extra costs announced.
Next: 2025-13892, Child and Adult Care Food Program: National Average Payment Rates, Day Care Home Food Service Payment Rates, and Administrative Reimbursement Rates for Sponsoring Organizations of Day Care Homes for the Period July 1, 2025, Through June 30, 2026
Starting July 1, 2025, the Child and Adult Care Food Program is raising payment rates for meals and snacks in child care centers, day care homes, and adult day care centers to keep up with rising food costs. These changes also include extra boosts for places like Alaska and Hawaii where food is pricier. This means sponsors and providers will get more money to help feed kids and adults better for the next year.