What can replace Federal standards when they are more stringent?

State standards can replace federal standards when they are more stringent because states have the authority to implement regulations that enhance safety and protection beyond what the federal government mandates. This ability allows states to address local conditions, industries, and populations more effectively. If a state recognizes a certain risk or issue that is not sufficiently covered by federal regulations, it can create its own rules that provide a higher level of safety or health protection. This is particularly important in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and in this case, steamfitting, where local factors may necessitate stronger measures.

For example, a state may decide to impose stricter occupational safety requirements due to higher incidences of workplace injuries in that specific region, thus ensuring better overall protection for its workers. This principle upholds the notion that states can tailor regulations to better suit their unique circumstances while still operating within the broader framework of federal laws, provided that the state standards are at least as strict or stricter than those set at the federal level.