Word came late this afternoon that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has granted a 60-day extension for those who wish to submit comments on its proposed regulations that arbitrarily define ammunition, gunpowder, primers and other common reloading items as “explosives.”
Ironically, news of the OSHA proposal became literally explosive itself after shooting blogs and Internet firearms forums began circulating its details this past weekend.
As I blogged here on July 5, industry representatives say the proposed rules pose a serious threat to the commerce of ammo and reloading supplies.
One proposed provision prohibits firearm possession in commercial “facilities containing explosives,” creating an unworkable dilemma for gun and ammo retailers. Another prohibits delivery drivers from leaving “explosives” unattended, preventing services such as UPS and Fed-Ex from delivering ammo or gunpowder to individuals or dealers, a move that would cripple the online and catalog ammo and reloading supply business.
Thanks to efforts from the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) and affiliate Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI), the comment period was extended from July 12 to September 10, according to a news item electronically released by the NSSF late today.
The release stated that NSSF, SAAMI and the National Association of Firearms Retailers will conduct a more thorough review of the proposed regulations and will continue discussions with OSHA.
“OSHA’s proposed regulations still pose a serious threat to the firearms and ammunition industry. Industry members are, therefore, still encouraged to take action by submitting their own comments on the proposed regulations to OSHA by Sept. 10,” the release stated.
Stay tuned–this one’s far from over.