Safety Agency Revokes Ban on Open Fires in Marine Terminals

The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration revoked a 43-year-old prohibition on open fires in marine terminals, saying workers no longer commonly use drum fires to stay warm.

OSHA determined the standard was no longer necessary, noting that drum-based fires and open fires aren’t standard practice due to improved safety and cargo containerization.

The agency also noted workers now mostly rely on personal protective equipment such as heat jackets to keep themselves warm rather than rely on open fires.

The agency cited this action as a deregulatory action.