Oxendine announces "Toughest Industrial Safety Regs in Nation"

Atlanta (March 10, 2008) – Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John W. Oxendine said today that new regulations issued by his office will dramatically improve safety for industrial workers in Georgia. 

   “These regulations will set new standards for safety in industries that produce flammable dust in their manufacturing processes,” Oxendine said. 

   Oxendine said the new rules will require all industries in Georgia that produce combustible dust to draw up emergency plans, practice implementing the plan, and train employees in evacuation techniques. 

   At Oxendine’s request, the International Fire Code Committee has approved for their final action hearings, requirements for factory fire emergency evacuation procedures and drills for the 2009 edition of the International Fire Code.

   All manufacturers in Georgia will be required to have a designated safety officer. Monthly reporting will ensure that emergency plans are in place and drills are conducted. 

   “The explosion and fire at the Imperial Sugar plant was the most devastating loss of life in Georgia in sixteen years,” Oxendine said. “I want to make sure this type of accident never happens again.”