OSHA has begun working on a compliance directive to address process safety hazards posed by reactive chemicals, according to Aaron Trippler, director of government affairs for the American Industrial Hygiene Association.

OSHA’s action is a result of a request from Congress to revise the standard. In 2002 the Chemical Safety Board urged OSHA to address the standard but no action was taken. When finished, the compliance directive will be an instructional manual to clarify the dangers posed by reactive chemicals.

Meanwhile, two House Democrats have written acting OSHA chief Jordan Barab urging him to go beyond a policy directive and expand the agency’s process safety management standards.