Safety Bulletin

May 25, 2010

TO:               CAWP/H2AP Members
FROM:         Jason M. Koss, Director of Industry Relations
SUBJECT:    Allegheny County Passes Off-Road Diesel Equipment Idling Regulation

     A new Allegheny County regulation became effective on May 1, 2010 limiting the amount of time an off-road vehicle can idle its engine to no more than five minutes.    

     Vehicles that are subject to the In-Use Off-Road Diesel Powered Mobile Equipment Engine Idling regulation are used in construction, mining, rental, landscaping, recycling, landfilling, manufacturing, warehousing, industrial, and other operations, and must have 25 or more horsepower. This regulation does not apply to stationary or portable equipment, or equipment used in agricultural, marine, locomotive, military, or recreational purposes.   

     In general, the regulation says no vehicles or engines subject to this regulation may idle for more than five (5) consecutive minutes.  The Off-Road Idling regulation contains numerous exceptions, including idling to ensure safe operation of the equipment, to bring machine to operating temperature, during inspections, to accomplish work for which the equipment was designed, for operator's physical well being while accomplishing such work, when queuing so not to impede progress of the queue, and during emergencies.  Additionally, the equipment subject to this regulation must be located away from sensitive receptors, such as building fresh air intakes, to the extent possible.  Penalties for violations of the Off-Road Idling regulation range from $100 for the first offense to $500 for the second and subsequent offenses.

     Jobsites in Allegheny County with posted workplace notices where ten or more pieces of equipment subject to this regulation are used or stored must prominently display signage informing equipment operators of the requirements of this regulation and the penalties for non-compliance.  Attached is a sample poster that can be used to comply with this requirement.

     The complete regulation can be viewed at:  http://www.achd.net/air/air.html

Click Here for the Allegheny County Off-Road Diesel Powered Engine Idling Regulation Poster

     This Safety Bulletin may be downloaded at www.cawp.org under SAFETY.  If you have any questions or if you are interested in receiving future Safety bulletins via email, please contact Jason at the Association office at (412) 343-8000 or email jasonk@cawp.org.