Possible new OSHA regulations could significantly impact firearms owners and shooters...

BuckNaked

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 1999
4,213
0
76
http://nssf.org/

http://www.nssf.org/news/PR_id...on/PR/&PR=BP070207.cfm

Threat to Firearm and Ammunition Industry

Proposed changes to an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulation will affect the manufacturing, transportation and storage of small arms ammunition, primers and smokeless propellants. NSSF, the National Association of Firearms Retailers and the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute are seeking a 60-day extension of the public comment period (currently scheduled to expire July 12) and are encouraging everyone in our industry to take action about this very serious threat to the industry.

http://www.nraila.org/Legislat...eral/Read.aspx?id=3145

Proposed ?Safety? Regulations Would Dry Up Ammunition Sales

Tuesday, July 03, 2007

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed new rules that would have a dramatic effect on the storage and transportation of ammunition and handloading components such as primers or black and smokeless powder. The proposed rule indiscriminately treats ammunition, powder and primers as ?explosives.? Among many other provisions, the proposed rule would:

* Prohibit possession of firearms in commercial ?facilities containing explosives??an obvious problem for your local gun store.
* Require evacuation of all ?facilities containing explosives??even your local Wal-Mart?during any electrical storm.
* Prohibit smoking within 50 feet of ?facilities containing explosives.?

It?s important to remember this is only a proposed rule right now, so there?s still time for concerned citizens to speak out before OSHA issues its final rule. The National Rifle Association, National Shooting Sports Foundation, and Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers? Institute will all be commenting on these proposed regulations, based on the severe effect these regulations (if finalized) would have on the availability of ammunition and reloading supplies to safe and responsible shooters.

The public comment period ends July 12. To file your own comment, or to learn more about the OSHA proposal, click here or go to http://www.regulations.gov/ and search for Docket Number OSHA-2007-0032?; you can read OSHA?s proposal and learn how to submit comments electronically, or by fax or mail.

-----------------------------

OSHA Docket Office Docket No. OSHA-2007-0032 U.S. Department of Labor, Room N-2625 200 Constitution Ave., N.W. Washington, DC 20210

Re.: Docket No. OSHA-2007-0032 (Explosives?Proposed Rule)

Dear Sir or Madam:

I am writing in strong opposition to OSHA?s proposed rules on ?explosives,? which go far beyond regulating true explosives. These proposed rules would impose severe restrictions on the transportation and storage of small arms ammunition?both complete cartridges and handloading components such as black and smokeless powder, primers, and percussion caps. These restrictions go far beyond existing transportation and fire protection regulations.

As a person who uses ammunition and components, I am very concerned that these regulations will have a serious effect on my ability to obtain these products. OSHA?s proposed rules would impose restrictions that very few gun stores, sporting goods stores, or ammunition dealers could comply with. (Prohibiting firearms in stores that sell ammunition, for example, is absurd?but would be required under the proposed rule.)

The proposed transportation regulations would also affect shooters? ability to buy these components by mail or online, because shipping companies would also have great difficulty complying with the proposed rules.

There is absolutely no evidence of any new safety hazard from storage or transportation of small arms ammunition or components that would justify these new rules. I also understand that organizations with expertise in this field, such as the National Rifle Association, National Shooting Sports Foundation, and Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers? Association, will be submitting detailed comments on this issue. I hope OSHA will listen to these organizations? comments as the agency develops a final rule on this issue.

Sincerely,

And last but not least ( and I am no fan of Worldnetdaily)

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/n...e.asp?ARTICLE_ID=56556

WEAPONS OF CHOICE
Work rules could blow up ammunition supplies
OSHA considering new requirements for handling 'explosives'
Posted: July 7, 2007
1:00 a.m. Eastern


© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com

The federal government is considering a series of new rules that would apply to workplaces where "explosives" are handled, giving rise to a concern that the restrictions could be used to limit ? or eliminate ? reasonable access to firearms ammunition.

Among those raising the issue is the National Rifle Association, which is publicizing a request that firearms owners express their opinion on the issue before a deadline of July 12.

"The proposed rule indiscriminately treats ammunition, powder and primers as 'explosives,'" the NRA said in a published statement, which noted the plan would:

(Story continues below)

* Prohibit possession of firearms in commercial "facilities containing explosives"?an obvious problem for your local gun store.

* Require evacuation of all "facilities containing explosives"?even your local Wal-Mart?during any electrical storm.

* Prohibit smoking within 50 feet of "facilities containing explosives."

The proposal by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration "would have a dramatic effect on the storage and transportation of ammunition and handloading components such as primers or black and smokeless powder," the group said.

OSHA's proposal would "revise" its standards for "explosives and blasting agents" to include ammunition.

"This revision ? is intended to enhance the protections provided to employees engaged in the manufacture, storage, sale, transportation, handling, and use of explosives," the federal agency said.

The NRA noted that it is important to note the rule ? at this point ? still is "proposed."

"So there's still time for concerned citizens to speak out before OSHA issues its final rule. The National Rifle Association, National Shooting Sports Foundation, and Sport Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute will all be commenting on these proposed regulations, based on the severe effect these regulations (if finalized) would have on the availability of ammunition and reloading supplies to safe and responsible shooters," the NRA said.

One WND reader described the situation as the "backdoor elimination of firearms," noting that Sens. Ted Kennedy, D-Mass., Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., and Barack Obama, D-Ill., all are on the OSHA oversight committee.

"If you want to keep your guns we had better raise more hell than the amnesty bill caught," the writer said. "Make sure your congressman hears about this or you won't have any ammo."

The NRA said those who are interested in commenting should go to the regulations.gov website and do a search for Docket Number OSHA-2007-0032.

Another reader suggested contacting firearms industry connections and ask them to contact the Department of Defense.

"My reasoning being if the arms industry loses its civilian market that will have a very large negative financial impact on them. This could negatively impact their ability to adequately meet the needs of DOD. So, DOD would have a very vested interest in telling OSHA to put a lid on it," he wrote.

The NRA even provided a sample letter for concerned citizens to complete and forward.

I am writing in strong opposition to OSHA's proposed rules on "explosives," which go far beyond regulating true explosives. These proposed rules would impose severe restrictions on the transportation and storage of small arms ammunition?both complete cartridges and handloading components such as black and smokeless powder, primers, and percussion caps. These restrictions go far beyond existing transportation and fire protection regulations.

As a person who uses ammunition and components, I am very concerned that these regulations will have a serious effect on my ability to obtain these products. OSHA's proposed rules would impose restrictions that very few gun stores, sporting goods stores, or ammunition dealers could comply with. (Prohibiting firearms in stores that sell ammunition, for example, is absurd?but would be required under the proposed rule.)

The issue was sparked by a petition several years ago from the Institute of Makers of Explosives and the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute to revise OSHA standards.

That requested a number of changes, including the exclusion of the manufacturers of explosives from various requirements that were duplicative.

"In response ?, OSHA carefully reviewed the requirements," and concluded that "workplace hazards associated with explosives activities pose significant risks to employees."

Thus, the new list of rules. As substantiation, OSHA cited the April 16, 1947, explosion of the SS Grandcamp, which was docked in Texas City, Texas, when its cargo full of ammonium nitrate blew up. The explosion killed 581 and injured 5,000 others.

One of the more esoteric requirements would be for employers "to ensure that adequate precautions are taken to prevent sources of induced current, such as ? snow storms, ? from causing the accidental detonation of electric blasting caps."

A vast range of other requirements would address building requirements, distances between storage areas, vehicles used to haul any such material, and even the distance (two feet) required between shelves for small arms ammunition.

Gun advocates say it's just another in a long list of attacks on the American right to bear arms, provided under the 2nd Amendment.

As WND reported just a week earlier, the government has begun using paperwork errors as small as the abbreviation of a city name to shut down some of the nation's longest-serving gun shops.

Officials said while as recently as 15 or 20 years ago, there were 250,000 licensed gun dealers in the United States, the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives today lists only 108,381.

There have been many mixed messages on what this might all mean, but some heavy hitters have put up some warning signs that this could be a significant blow to firearms owners...
 

mugs

Lifer
Apr 29, 2003
48,924
45
91
"Thus, the new list of rules. As substantiation, OSHA cited the April 16, 1947, explosion of the SS Grandcamp, which was docked in Texas City, Texas, when its cargo full of ammonium nitrate blew up. The explosion killed 581 and injured 5,000 others."

Is that the only incident they could come up with? Any incidents actually involving firearm ammunition?

Edit:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_City_Disaster
After reading that, it's perfectly clear why an incident that happened 60 years ago warrants prohibiting the sale of ammunition in gun stores. :confused:
 

K1052

Elite Member
Aug 21, 2003
45,898
32,700
136
Here we go again, hopefully the NRA can get this BS shot down.

 

Greenman

Lifer
Oct 15, 1999
20,284
5,057
136
it's just back door gun control, but rather than outlaw guns by an act of congress, they will stop the sale of ammo. Of course there will be black market ammo for sale the day this takes effect.
 

Ronstang

Lifer
Jul 8, 2000
12,493
18
81
Just look at which party wants you to be disarmed. Have you ever asked yourself why? They don't want any resistance to what they have planned for our future. If you want to completely throw this country away continue to vote for Democrats as they don't think you are smart enough to run your own life and plan on doing it for you.
 

jackace

Golden Member
Oct 6, 2004
1,307
0
0
Originally posted by: Ronstang
Just look at which party wants you to be disarmed. Have you ever asked yourself why? They don't want any resistance to what they have planned for our future. If you want to completely throw this country away continue to vote for Democrats as they don't think you are smart enough to run your own life and plan on doing it for you.

This post does make a good point. Hitler was able to kill 21 million (estimated) as fast as he did because of gun control measures that were implemented years in advance. Even in Africa those dictators are taking guns away from all the people they are trying to kill.
 

mugs

Lifer
Apr 29, 2003
48,924
45
91
Originally posted by: Ronstang
Just look at which party wants you to be disarmed. Have you ever asked yourself why? They don't want any resistance to what they have planned for our future. If you want to completely throw this country away continue to vote for Democrats as they don't think you are smart enough to run your own life and plan on doing it for you.

Do you have any basis for this theory?
 

Ronstang

Lifer
Jul 8, 2000
12,493
18
81
Originally posted by: mugs
Originally posted by: Ronstang
Just look at which party wants you to be disarmed. Have you ever asked yourself why? They don't want any resistance to what they have planned for our future. If you want to completely throw this country away continue to vote for Democrats as they don't think you are smart enough to run your own life and plan on doing it for you.

Do you have any basis for this theory?

History and current events around the globe, but the blind do not see.
 

Analog

Lifer
Jan 7, 2002
12,755
3
0
Originally posted by: mugs
Originally posted by: Ronstang
Just look at which party wants you to be disarmed. Have you ever asked yourself why? They don't want any resistance to what they have planned for our future. If you want to completely throw this country away continue to vote for Democrats as they don't think you are smart enough to run your own life and plan on doing it for you.

Do you have any basis for this theory?

Just about any totalitarian system would be the basis for this conjecture IMO.
 

FallenHero

Diamond Member
Jan 2, 2006
5,659
0
0
Thanks for posting this. It reminded me to join the NRA (something I've been putting off for some time now)
 

mugs

Lifer
Apr 29, 2003
48,924
45
91
Originally posted by: Analog
Originally posted by: mugs
Originally posted by: Ronstang
Just look at which party wants you to be disarmed. Have you ever asked yourself why? They don't want any resistance to what they have planned for our future. If you want to completely throw this country away continue to vote for Democrats as they don't think you are smart enough to run your own life and plan on doing it for you.

Do you have any basis for this theory?

Just about any totalitarian system would be the basis for this conjecture IMO.

And what about societies that have banned guns but have not oppressed their people? Do you just ignore them because they do not support your point?

See, you are what is wrong with politics in this country. It's not about what is right anymore, it's about beating the other side. It doesn't matter to you if what you say is true, you're attacking the bad guys. You're as bad as dmccowen.
 

Analog

Lifer
Jan 7, 2002
12,755
3
0
Originally posted by: mugs
Originally posted by: Analog
Originally posted by: mugs
Originally posted by: Ronstang
Just look at which party wants you to be disarmed. Have you ever asked yourself why? They don't want any resistance to what they have planned for our future. If you want to completely throw this country away continue to vote for Democrats as they don't think you are smart enough to run your own life and plan on doing it for you.

Do you have any basis for this theory?

Just about any totalitarian system would be the basis for this conjecture IMO.

And what about societies that have banned guns but have not oppressed their people? Do you just ignore them because they do not support your point?

See, you are what is wrong with politics in this country. It's not about what is right anymore, it's about beating the other side. It doesn't matter to you if what you say is true, you're attacking the bad guys. You're as bad as dmccowen.

I won't just bend over and hand over the rights that were given to me, that were fought for by countless brave men, just because it pleases a particular party's agenda. See, you are what is wrong with people today. When you give freedom away, you and your kids will never get it back. When you let others think for you, you - in a sense - become a slave. I'm not attacking you or your opinion. I, believe that dissent is essential in our system. But on the same token, think about the RIGHT to dissent, and you will also understand that, in the same way, that RIGHT was hard fought, and I hope that you won't collapse and give it away as easily as you would the other.
:)
 

mugs

Lifer
Apr 29, 2003
48,924
45
91
Originally posted by: Analog
Originally posted by: mugs
Originally posted by: Analog
Originally posted by: mugs
Originally posted by: Ronstang
Just look at which party wants you to be disarmed. Have you ever asked yourself why? They don't want any resistance to what they have planned for our future. If you want to completely throw this country away continue to vote for Democrats as they don't think you are smart enough to run your own life and plan on doing it for you.

Do you have any basis for this theory?

Just about any totalitarian system would be the basis for this conjecture IMO.

And what about societies that have banned guns but have not oppressed their people? Do you just ignore them because they do not support your point?

See, you are what is wrong with politics in this country. It's not about what is right anymore, it's about beating the other side. It doesn't matter to you if what you say is true, you're attacking the bad guys. You're as bad as dmccowen.

I won't just bend over and hand over the rights that were given to me, that were fought for by countless brave men, just because it pleases a particular party's agenda. See, you are what is wrong with people today. When you give freedom away, you and your kids will never get it back. When you let others think for you, you - in a sense - become a slave. I'm not attacking you or your opinion. I, believe that dissent is essential in our system. But on the same token, think about the RIGHT to dissent, and you will also understand that, in the same way, that RIGHT was hard fought, and I hope that you won't collapse and give it away as easily as you would the other.
:)

Where did you get the idea that I support gun control? :confused:
 

kamaz

Junior Member
Jul 8, 2007
7
0
0
Originally posted by: Ronstang
Just look at which party wants you to be disarmed. Have you ever asked yourself why? They don't want any resistance to what they have planned for our future. If you want to completely throw this country away continue to vote for Democrats as they don't think you are smart enough to run your own life and plan on doing it for you.

If you want to throw this country away keep voting for the Democrats OR Republicans....wait a second. Oh damn, there goes the country.
 

BuckNaked

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 1999
4,213
0
76
Originally posted by: KLin
Ths document listed at http://www.regulations.gov is 55 pages long. Only 16 public comments made so far.

Direct Link

From some of the forums I have visited and seen this issue discussed, there has been a tremendous amount of frustration about submitting comments and it not being added or displayed.


Originally posted by: kamaz
Originally posted by: Ronstang
Just look at which party wants you to be disarmed. Have you ever asked yourself why? They don't want any resistance to what they have planned for our future. If you want to completely throw this country away continue to vote for Democrats as they don't think you are smart enough to run your own life and plan on doing it for you.

If you want to throw this country away keep voting for the Democrats OR Republicans....wait a second. Oh damn, there goes the country.

I feel that both political parties are so divided and polarized, that neither adequately offers an alternative that has balanced views that are inline with moderate outlooks... I feel the current two party system really doesn't offer enough choice, and I am beginning to view it as a failure for the American people.
 

RU482

Lifer
Apr 9, 2000
12,689
3
81
Originally posted by: mugs

And what about societies that have banned guns but have not oppressed their people? Do you just ignore them because they do not support your point?

See, you are what is wrong with politics in this country. It's not about what is right anymore, it's about beating the other side. It doesn't matter to you if what you say is true, you're attacking the bad guys. You're as bad as dmccowen.

Just curious...what societies have banned guns and not oppressed their people?
 

Amused

Elite Member
Apr 14, 2001
55,826
13,876
146
Originally posted by: mugs
Originally posted by: Analog
Originally posted by: mugs
Originally posted by: Ronstang
Just look at which party wants you to be disarmed. Have you ever asked yourself why? They don't want any resistance to what they have planned for our future. If you want to completely throw this country away continue to vote for Democrats as they don't think you are smart enough to run your own life and plan on doing it for you.

Do you have any basis for this theory?

Just about any totalitarian system would be the basis for this conjecture IMO.

And what about societies that have banned guns but have not oppressed their people? Do you just ignore them because they do not support your point?

See, you are what is wrong with politics in this country. It's not about what is right anymore, it's about beating the other side. It doesn't matter to you if what you say is true, you're attacking the bad guys. You're as bad as dmccowen.

Not every country that has banned civilian ownership of guns has become overly oppressive... yet. But every country that has become overly oppressive had first banned civilian ownership of guns.

It's enough to be VERY suspect of any politician or government who tries to ban civilian ownership.
 

BoberFett

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
37,563
9
81
Originally posted by: senseamp
The paranoia is strong in this thread.
Awe, poor senseamp. Go back to P&N where the other nanny staters will love you and tuck you in at night.
 

Darwin333

Lifer
Dec 11, 2006
19,946
2,328
126
Something to consider. One of the main reasons that our founding fathers included the 2nd amendment was to give the people the ability to retake their government if it ever became oppressive or tyrannical. A lot of people here feel that our government is heading that way. A good number of those people are on the left side of the political side. It makes me wonder why mainly (but not exclusively) the left that wants more gun control.
 

Amused

Elite Member
Apr 14, 2001
55,826
13,876
146
Originally posted by: senseamp
The paranoia is strong in this thread.

And more than justified by history.

Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.
 

waggy

No Lifer
Dec 14, 2000
68,145
10
81
Originally posted by: Amused
Originally posted by: senseamp
The paranoia is strong in this thread.

And more than justified by history.

Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

true. but i really doubt they will do it this way. the Adminstration has the balls to just flat out ban them and damn the laws.



as some others said the 2nd was put in to re-take the goverment. personally i feel that time has been long past. Also it would be damn impossible to do now. they have already restricted weapons that we would need.

 

pontifex

Lifer
Dec 5, 2000
43,806
46
91
Originally posted by: waggy
Originally posted by: Amused
Originally posted by: senseamp
The paranoia is strong in this thread.

And more than justified by history.

Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

true. but i really doubt they will do it this way. the Adminstration has the balls to just flat out ban them and damn the laws.



as some others said the 2nd was put in to re-take the goverment. personally i feel that time has been long past. Also it would be damn impossible to do now. they have already restricted weapons that we would need.

i'm sure if we really needed them, we could get them. criminals don't seem to have much problem getting them.