OSHA Allows Open Fires at Busy Ports: Old Ban Deemed Unneeded
Published Date: 4/28/2026
Rule
Summary
OSHA is officially getting rid of the old rule that banned open fires at marine terminals because it’s no longer needed to keep workers safe. This change affects anyone working at these busy ports and starts right away on April 28, 2026. It’s a win for businesses too, cutting down on unnecessary rules without extra costs or risks.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Open Fires Ban Revoked at Ports
If you work in a marine terminal (places like wharves, piers, docks, or adjacent storage used to move cargo between ship and shore), the Open Fires Standard (29 CFR 1917.21) is revoked effective April 28, 2026. OSHA says the standard is no longer necessary to protect employees and that revoking it removes an old prohibition without compromising worker safety.
Small Cost Savings for Maritime Employers
OSHA estimates the revocation affects about 2,617 maritime establishments (NAICS 488310, 488320, 488330, 488390) and will reduce employer labor burden from familiarization time. Depending on the scenario, OSHA estimates annual industry-wide compliance familiarization savings of $15,377 (full scenario), $9,115 (midpoint), or $2,853 (new-entrant-only scenario), based on 10 minutes (or 5 minutes midpoint) saved per new hire at a loaded wage of $65.41.
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: 2026-08259, Miscellaneous Revisions to the Qualification and Certification of Conductors
Starting May 28, 2026, train conductors will get simpler, electronic certificates instead of bulky paper ones. Railroads must now clearly explain why they revoke a conductor’s certification, and they’ll always have to prove their case in hearings. These changes make conductor rules easier to follow without costing extra time or money.
Next: 2026-08264, Five-Year Review of the Oil Pipeline Index
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission just set a new price index to guide oil pipeline rate changes for the next five years, starting July 1, 2026. This means oil pipeline companies will see rate ceilings adjusted based on a Producer Price Index minus 0.55%, reflecting updated data and policies. The new rule kicks in June 29, 2026, helping keep pipeline rates fair and predictable for everyone involved.