Updating OSHA Standards Based on National Consensus Standards; Signage, 35585-35593 [2013-13910]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 114 (Thursday, June 13, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 35585-35593]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-13910]


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

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

29 CFR Parts 1910 and 1926

[Docket No. OSHA-2013-0005]
RIN 1218-AC77


Updating OSHA Standards Based on National Consensus Standards; 
Signage

AGENCY: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 
Department of Labor.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (``OSHA'' or 
``the Agency'') proposes to update its general industry and 
construction signage standards by adding references to the latest 
versions of the American National Standards Institute (``ANSI'') 
standards on specifications for accident prevention signs and tags, 
ANSI Z535.1-2006(R2011), Z535.2-2011, and Z535.5-2011. OSHA also is 
proposing to retain the existing references to the earlier ANSI 
standards, ANSI Z53.1-1967, Z35.1-1968, and Z35.2-1968, in its signage 
standards, thereby providing employers an option to comply with the 
updated or earlier standards. In addition, OSHA is proposing to 
incorporate by reference Part VI of the Manual of Uniform Traffic 
Control Devices (``MUTCD''), 1988 Edition, Revision 3, into the 
incorporation-by-reference section of the construction standards, 
having inadvertently omitted this edition of the MUTCD from this

[[Page 35586]]

section during an earlier rulemaking, and amend citations in two 
provisions of the construction standards to show the correct 
incorporation-by-reference section. In addition, OSHA is publishing a 
direct final rule in today's Federal Register adding the same 
references.

DATES: Submit comments on this proposed rule (including comments on the 
information-collection (paperwork) determination described under the 
section titled Procedural Determinations, hearing requests, and other 
information by July 15, 2013. All submissions must bear a postmark or 
provide other evidence of the submission date (the following section 
titled ADDRESSES describes the available methods of making 
submissions).

ADDRESSES: Submit comments, hearing requests, and other information as 
follows:
     Electronic. Submit comments electronically to https://www.regulations.gov, which is the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Follow 
the instructions online for submitting comments.
     Facsimile. OSHA allows facsimile transmission of comments 
and hearing requests that are 10 pages or fewer in length (including 
attachments). Send these documents to the OSHA Docket Office at (202) 
693-1648; OSHA does not require hard copies of these documents. Instead 
of transmitting facsimile copies of attachments that supplement these 
documents (e.g., studies, journal articles), commenters must submit 
these attachments to the OSHA Docket Office, Technical Data Center, 
Room N-2625, OSHA, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Ave. NW., 
Washington, DC 20210. These attachments must clearly identify the 
sender's name, date, subject, and docket number (i.e., OSHA-2013-0005) 
so that the Agency can attach them to the appropriate document.
     Regular mail, express delivery, hand delivery, and 
messenger (courier) service. Submit comments and any additional 
material (e.g., studies, journal articles) to the OSHA Docket Office, 
Docket No. OSHA-2013-0005 or RIN 1218-AC77, Technical Data Center, Room 
N-2625, OSHA, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Ave. NW., 
Washington, DC 20210; telephone: (202) 693-2350. (OSHA's TTY number is 
(877) 889-5627.) Note that security procedures may result in 
significant delays in receiving comments and other written materials by 
regular mail. Contact the OSHA Docket Office for information about 
security procedures for delivery of materials by express delivery, hand 
delivery, and messenger service. The hours of operation for the OSHA 
Docket Office are 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., e.t.
     Instructions. All submissions must include the Agency name 
and the OSHA docket number (i.e., OSHA Docket No. OSHA-2013-0005). OSHA 
will place comments and other material, including any personal 
information, in the public docket without revision, and these materials 
will be available online at https://www.regulations.gov. Therefore, the 
Agency cautions commenters about submitting statements they do not want 
made public, or submitting comments that contain personal information 
(either about themselves or others) such as Social Security numbers, 
birth dates, and medical data.
    OSHA invites comment on all issues related to this proposed rule. 
The Agency also welcomes comments on its findings that this proposed 
rule would have no negative economic, paperwork, or other regulatory 
impact on the regulated community. This proposed rule is the companion 
document of a direct final rule published in the ``Rules'' section of 
today's Federal Register. If OSHA receives no significant adverse 
comments on the proposed rule or direct final rule, the Agency will 
publish a Federal Register notice confirming the effective date of the 
final rule and withdrawing this companion proposed rule. The final rule 
may include minor stylistic or technical corrections of the direct 
final rule. For the purpose of judicial review, OSHA considers the date 
that the Agency confirms the effective date of the final rule to be the 
date of issuance. If, however, OSHA receives any significant adverse 
comments on the direct final rule or this proposal, the Agency will 
publish a timely withdrawal of the direct final rule and proceed with 
this proposed rule, which addresses the same revisions of its signage 
standards.
     Docket. The electronic docket for this proposed rule 
established at https://www.regulations.gov lists most of the documents 
in the docket. Some information (e.g., copyrighted material), however, 
cannot be read or downloaded through this Web site. All submissions, 
including copyrighted material, are accessible at the OSHA Docket 
Office. Contact the OSHA Docket Office for assistance in locating 
docket submissions.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
    General information and press inquiries: Contact Frank Meilinger, 
OSHA, Office of Communications, Room N-3647, U.S. Department of Labor, 
200 Constitution Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20210; telephone: (202) 693-
1999.
    Technical inquiries: Contact Kenneth Stevanus, Directorate of 
Standards and Guidance, Room N-3609, OSHA, U.S. Department of Labor, 
200 Constitution Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20210; telephone: (202) 693-
2260; fax: (202) 693-1663.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Copies of this Federal Register notice. Electronic copies of this 
Federal Register notice are available at https://www.regulations.gov. 
This Federal Register notice, as well as news releases and other 
relevant information, also are available at OSHA's Web page at https://www.osha.gov.

Table of Contents

I. Direct Final Rulemaking
II. Background
III. Summary and Explanation of Revisions to the Signage Standards
IV. Procedural Determinations
    A. Legal Considerations
    B. Preliminary Economic Analysis and Regulatory Flexibility Act 
Certification
    C. OMB Review Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
    D. Federalism
    E. State-Plan States
    F. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
    G. Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments
    H. Consultation with the Advisory Committee on Construction 
Safety and Health
V. Authority and Signature

I. Direct Final Rulemaking

    In a direct final rulemaking, an agency publishes a direct final 
rule in the Federal Register along with a statement that the rule will 
become effective unless the agency receives any significant adverse 
comments within a specified period. The agency also publishes 
concurrently with the direct final rule an identical proposed rule. If 
the agency receives no significant adverse comments, the direct final 
rule will become effective. However, should the agency receive any 
significant adverse comments, the agency will withdraw the direct final 
rule and treat the comments as submissions on the proposed rule.
    OSHA uses direct final rules to update existing consensus standards 
when it expects the rulemaking to be noncontroversial; when the rule 
provides protection to employees that is at least equivalent to the 
protection afforded to them by the previous standard-development 
organization standard; and when the rule imposes no significant new 
compliance costs on employers (69 FR 68283, 68285 (2004)). OSHA used 
direct final rules previously

[[Page 35587]]

to update or, when appropriate, revoke references to previous national 
consensus standards in OSHA rules (see, e.g., 69 FR 68283 (2004); 70 FR 
76979 (2006); 76 FR 75782 (2011); and 77 FR 37587 (2012)).
    For the purposes of a direct final rule, a significant adverse 
comment is one that ``explains why the rule would be inappropriate, 
including challenges to the rule's underlying premise or approach, or 
why it would be ineffective or unacceptable without a change'' (see 60 
FR 43108, 43111(1995)). In determining whether a comment necessitates 
withdrawal of the direct final rule, OSHA will consider whether the 
comment raises an issue serious enough to warrant a substantive 
response in a notice-and-comment process. OSHA will not consider a 
comment recommending additional revisions to a rule to be a significant 
adverse comment unless the comment states why the direct final rule 
would be ineffective without the revisions. If OSHA receives a timely 
significant adverse comment, it will publish a Federal Register notice 
withdrawing the direct final rule no later than 90 days after the 
publication date of this current notice.
    This notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) furthers the objectives 
of Executive Order 13563, which requires that the regulatory process 
``promote predictability and reduce uncertainty'' and ``identify and 
use the best, most innovative and least burdensome tools for achieving 
regulatory ends.'' As described below, the revisions will make the 
requirements of OSHA's signage standards consistent with the most 
recent national consensus standards, thereby increasing employers' 
compliance flexibility without compromising employee safety (for the 
purposes of this rulemaking, the term ``signage standards'' refers to 
standards that regulate both signs and tags). Accordingly, the Agency 
concludes that updating the references to the national consensus 
standards in its signage standards is consistent with, and promotes the 
objectives of, Executive Order 13563.

II. Background

    In June 2009, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association 
(NEMA) contacted OSHA and, based on a letter from ANSI, requested that 
the Agency add references to the latest versions of ANSI's Z535 series 
of standards to OSHA's signage standards. Letter dated June 2, 2009, 
from Kyle Pitsor, Vice President, Government Relations, NEMA, to 
Richard Fairfax, Director, Directorate of Enforcement Programs, OSHA 
(Ex. OSHA-2013-0005-0003, p. 1), attaching a letter dated May 28, 2009, 
from Geoffrey Peckham, Chair, ANSI Z535.2 Subcommittee, to Mr. Fairfax 
(Ex. OSHA-2013-0005-0003, p. 3). NEMA specifically advocated 
incorporating by reference ANSI Z535.2, ``Environmental and Facility 
Safety Signs,'' in OSHA standards that refer to old \1\ versions of 
this ANSI standard. Pitsor letter (Ex. OSHA-2013-0005-0003, p. 1); 
accord Peckham letter (Ex. OSHA-2013-0005-0003, p. 3).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ The terms ``old'' and ``older,'' as used in this Federal 
Register notice, refer specifically to signs or tags that comply 
with ANSI Z53.1-1967, Z35.1-1968, and Z35.2-1968.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Over the next few years, OSHA staff met with NEMA several times to 
discuss the association's request that OSHA adopt ANSI's Z535 series of 
standards. Besides urging OSHA to incorporate ANSI Z535.2 by reference, 
NEMA also asked the Agency to update its standards' references to ANSI 
Z53.1-67, ``Safety Color Code for Marking Physical Hazards and the 
Identification of Certain Equipment,'' by citing the current version of 
this standard, ANSI Z535.1, ``Safety Colors.'' As a result of these 
meetings and as recorded in a second letter to OSHA, NEMA provided the 
Agency with side-by-side comparisons of ANSI Z35.1-68, Z535.2-2007, and 
Z535.2-2011, and ANSI Z53.1-67, Z535.1-2006, and Z535.1-2006(R2011), 
and other relevant materials such as signs, which OSHA evaluated. 
Letter dated March 30, 2011, from Evan Gaddis, President and CEO, NEMA, 
to Dr. David Michaels, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational 
Safety and Health; Side-by-Side Comparisons of ANSI standards; NEMA 
Signage Materials (Exs. OSHA-2013-0005-0004 through -0006). OSHA also 
subsequently considered whether it should also incorporate by reference 
ANSI Z535.5, ``Safety Tags and Barricade Tapes (for Temporary 
Hazards),'' into those OSHA standards that refer to a much older 
version of this ANSI standard.
    At present, employers continue to use the old signs and tags not 
only because they are long-lasting and rarely need replacing, but also 
because they comply with OSHA's current signage standards, which 
incorporate the old ANSI standards by reference. Both NEMA and ANSI 
contend that incorporating the new ANSI standards by reference is 
necessary to encourage employers to buy and use signs and tags that 
comply with these standards without receiving a de minimis notice for 
failure to comply with the old ANSI standards.\2\ Pitsor letter (Ex. 
OSHA-2013-0005-0003, p. 1); Peckham letter (Ex. OSHA-2013-0005-0003, p. 
3).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ According to OSHA's Field Operations Manual (FOM), a de 
minimis condition occurs when ``[a]n employer has implemented a 
measure different than the one specified in a standard, that has no 
direct or immediate relationship to safety or health.'' FOM, CPL 02-
00-150, Ch. 4, Sec.  VIII, pp. 4-36 to 4-37 (Apr. 22, 2011), 
available on OSHA's Web page. OSHA issues no citations or penalties 
for these conditions, but compliance officers will document the 
condition during an inspection. Id. at 4-36. See, also, Letter of 
Interpretation dated February 22, 2011, from Thomas Galassi, 
Director, Directorate of Enforcement Programs, OSHA, to Richard A. 
Eichel, ATA Safety, describing OSHA's de minimis enforcement policy 
with regard to ANSI signs; available at https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=INTERPRETATIONS&p_id=27641.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    NEMA and ANSI further assert that signs and tags meeting the latest 
version of the ANSI standards, the Z535 series, provide an equal or 
greater level of protection than the currently required signs that 
comply with the old ANSI standards, Z35.1, Z35.2, and Z53.1, cited in 
OSHA's standards. Pitsor letter (Ex. OSHA-2013-0005-0003, p. 1); 
Peckham letter (Ex. OSHA-2013-0005-0003, p. 3). In its letter, ANSI 
provides an exhibit demonstrating why it believes the new Z535.2-2007 
signs are at least as protective as the old Z35.1 signs (Peckham 
letter, Ex. OSHA-2013-0005-0003, p. 10 (Peckham's Ex. 6).\3\ The 
exhibit, which compares the information contained in the two sets of 
signs, shows that the new Z535.2 signs typically have at least as much 
information as the old, Z35.1, signs. Moreover, the new ANSI safety-
color standard, ANSI Z535.1-2006(2011), includes two safety colors, 
brown and gray, that were not in Z53.1-1967. See ANSI Z535.1-
2006(2011), pp. v-vi (ANSI also added safety blue in the 1979 revision 
after deleting this color in the 1971 revision).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ This exhibit is actually Exhibit 6 of the Peckham letter, 
but is mislabeled as Exhibit 5.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ANSI and NEMA also claim that the new signs provide additional 
information, including the specific identity of the hazard, a 
description of how serious the hazard is, how to avoid the hazard, and 
the probable consequences of not avoiding the hazard. Peckham letter 
(Exs. OSHA-2013-0005-0003, pp. 7-9, and OSHA-2013-0005-0006, pp. 9-11). 
ANSI further argues that the old sign formats ``lack the ability to 
contain [the] symbols, more extensive word messages, multiple messages, 
and additional languages'' necessary to communicate critical safety 
information to an increasingly multicultural work force. Id., pp. 6 and 
9-10. NEMA also submitted an ANSI timeline of the institute's 
standards, and the safety signs that complied with those

[[Page 35588]]

standards, for the years 1914 to 2011; this timeline illustrates 
additions made to the information contained in these signs during this 
period. NEMA Signage Materials, pp. 6-8 (Ex. OSHA-2013-0005-0006). 
Based on the available record, OSHA believes that the new signs are at 
least as protective as the old ones. Therefore, this NPRM is proposing 
to incorporate the ANSI Z535 series by reference in the applicable OSHA 
signage standards so that employers will be able to buy and use the new 
signs without the prospect of receiving de minimis notices for using 
noncompliant signs. OSHA invites the public to comment on its 
conclusion that the new signs are as effective as the old ones.

III. Summary and Explanation of Revisions to the Signage Standards

    As discussed in a previous Federal Register notice (69 FR 68283 
(2004)), OSHA is undertaking a series of projects to update its 
standards to incorporate the latest versions of national consensus and 
industry standards. These projects include updating or removing 
national consensus and industry standards cited in existing OSHA 
standards, updating the text of standards that OSHA adopted directly 
from previous national consensus standards, and, when appropriate, 
replacing specific references to previous national consensus and 
industry standards with performance requirements.
    This NPRM proposes to update the references to ANSI consensus 
standards in four provisions of OSHA's general industry and 
construction standards: 29 CFR 1910.97, Nonionizing radiation; Sec.  
1910.145, Specifications for accident prevention signs and tags; Sec.  
1910.261, Pulp, paper, and paper board mills; and Sec.  1926.200, 
Accident prevention signs and tags. These provisions incorporate by 
reference ANSI consensus standards Z53.1-1967, ``Safety Color Code for 
Marking Physical Hazards and the Identification of Certain Equipment''; 
Z35.1-1968, ``Specifications for Accident Prevention Signs''; and 
Z35.2-1968, ``Specifications for Accident Prevention Tags.'' The NPRM 
would allow employers to comply with either these ANSI standards or the 
latest versions of them, Z535.1-2006(R2011), Z535.2-2011, and Z535.5-
2011. The latter compliance option would allow employers to update 
their signage based on the newest ANSI consensus standards without 
violating OSHA's requirements. In addition, since employers would not 
have to update their signage, there would be no additional compliance 
cost or burden resulting from this rulemaking. The NPRM would revise 
the above four provisions in the following ways:
    (1) OSHA's general industry standard on nonionizing radiation at 
Sec.  1910.97(a)(3)(ii) requires employers to use the color 
specification provided by ANSI 53.1-1953, ``Safety Color Code for 
Marking Physical Hazards,'' which OSHA incorporated by reference under 
Sec.  1910.6 in 1974 (39 FR 23502 (1974)). Currently, Sec.  1910.6 
refers to ANSI Z53.1-1967, ``Safety Color Code for Marking Physical 
Hazards and the Identification of Certain Equipment'' because, on March 
7, 1996, OSHA incorporated ANSI Z53.1-1967 by reference under Sec.  
1910.6 without revising the reference to ANSI Z53.1-1953 in Sec.  
1910.97(a)(3)(ii) (see 61 FR 9228, 9232 (1996)). In addition, OSHA did 
not obtain approval from the Office of the Federal Register during the 
1996 rulemaking to incorporate ANSI Z53.1-1967 by reference under Sec.  
1910.6. With this NPRM, OSHA would correct this oversight by 
incorporating ANSI Z53.1-1967 by reference under Sec.  1910.6 after 
obtaining approval to do so from the Office of the Federal Register. In 
addition, this NPRM would update the nonionizing radiation provision by 
incorporating ANSI Z535.1-2006(R2011), ``Safety Colors,'' by reference. 
This addition would allow employers to comply with the 1967 version or 
the 2006(R2011) version of the cited ANSI standard.
    (2) OSHA's general industry standard on specifications for 
accident-prevention signs and tags at Sec.  1910.145 refers to ANSI 
standard Z53.1-1967, ``Safety Colors for Marking Physical Hazards and 
the Identification of Certain Equipment,'' which Sec.  1910.6 
incorporated by reference in three places: Sec. Sec.  1910.145(d)(2), 
Danger signs; 1910.145(d)(4), Caution signs; and 1910.145(d)(6), Safety 
instruction signs. However, as noted above, the Office of the Federal 
Register did not approve ANSI Z53.1-1967 for incorporation by reference 
under Sec.  1910.6. Therefore, this NPRM would correct this oversight 
by incorporating that ANSI standard by reference under Sec.  1910.6 
after receiving approval from the Office of the Federal Register to do 
so.
    Each of the three cited provisions of Sec.  1910.145(d) specifies 
the colors employers must use for each type of sign, and requires that 
the signs meet the specifications in Table 1, ``Fundamental 
Specification of Safety Colors for CIE Standard Source `C,' '' of ANSI 
Z53.1-1967. The NPRM would update each of these sections by referencing 
Table 1, ``Specification of the Safety Colors for CIE Illuminate C and 
the CIE 1931, 2[deg] Standard Observer,'' of ANSI Z535.1-2006(R2011), 
``Safety Colors,'' which it incorporates by reference. This addition 
would allow employers to comply with the 1967 version or the 
2006(R2011) version of the cited ANSI standard.
    (3) OSHA's general industry standard on pulp, paper, and paper 
board mills at Sec.  1910.261 refers to ANSI Z35.1-1968, 
``Specifications for Accident Prevention Signs,'' which Sec.  
1910.6(e)(59) incorporates by reference in two places. First, Sec.  
1910.261(c)(16) refers to this 1968 ANSI standard. The NPRM would 
update Sec.  1910.261(c)(16) by incorporating ANSI Z535.2-2011, 
``Environmental and Facility Safety Signs,'' by reference in Sec.  
1910.6(e)(60). This addition would allow employers to comply with the 
1968 version or the 2011 version of the cited ANSI standard.
    Second, Sec.  1910.6(e)(59) incorporates Z35.1-1968, 
``Specifications for Accident Prevention Signs,'' by reference in Sec.  
1910.261(a)(3)(xxiv). However, on June 18, 1998, as part of an OSHA 
rulemaking, the Agency removed subsection Sec.  1910.261(a)(3)(xxiv) 
from the pulp, paper, and paper board mills standard, but did not 
remove the reference to Sec.  1910.261(a)(3)(xxiv) in Sec.  
1910.6(e)(59). The NPRM would correct this oversight.
    (4) OSHA's construction standard on accident prevention signs and 
tags, Sec.  1926.200, refers to ANSI standards Z35.1-1968, 
``Specifications for Accident Prevention Signs''; Z35.2-1968, 
``Specifications for Accident Prevention Tags''; or Z53.1-1967, 
``Safety Color Code for Marking Physical Hazards and the Identification 
of Certain Equipment,'' in five places discussed below.\4\ In addition, 
as discussed below, Sec.  1926.200 would incorporate by reference Part 
VI of the MUTCD, 1988 Edition, Revision 3.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ Although Sec.  1926.200(c)(3) currently refers to ANSI 
Z53.1-1967, OSHA did not incorporate that ANSI standard by reference 
under Sec.  1926.6. This NPRM, therefore, would correct this 
oversight by incorporating ANSI Z53.1-1967 by reference under Sec.  
1926.6.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The first reference to one of these old ANSI standards is in Sec.  
1926.200(b)(1), Danger signs, which refers to Figure G-1, which is 
identical to Figure 1 in ANSI Z35.1-1968, ``Specifications for Accident 
Prevention Signs.'' The second reference is in Sec.  1926.200(c)(1), 
Caution signs, which refers to Figure G-2, which is identical to Figure 
4 in the same ANSI standard. The NPRM would remove Figures G-1 and G-2 
from Sec.  1926.200(b)(1) and (c)(1), and update these provisions by 
referencing the appropriate figures from ANSI Z35.1-1968 and ANSI 
Z535.2-2011, ``Environmental and Facility Safety

[[Page 35589]]

Signs.'' These revisions, therefore, would give employers the option of 
using the figures from either ANSI standard.
    The third reference to an old ANSI standard is in Sec.  
1926.200(c)(3), which refers to ANSI Z53.1-1967, ``Safety Color Code 
for Marking Physical Hazards and the Identification of Certain 
Equipment.'' This OSHA provision specifies the colors employers must 
use in caution signs, and requires that the signs meet the 
specifications in Table 1 of ANSI Z53.1-1967. This NPRM would update 
Sec.  1926.200(c)(3) by adding a reference to Table 1 of ANSI Z535.1-
2006(R2011), ``Safety Colors,'' the latest version of Z53.1-1967. This 
addition, therefore, would allow employers to use either Table 1 of 
Z53.1-1967 or Table 1 of Z535.1-2006(R2011).
    The fourth reference to an old ANSI standard is in Sec.  
1926.200(h)(2), Accident prevention tags, which says that 
specifications for accident-prevention tags similar to the 
specifications in Table G-1 apply; OSHA based Table G-1 on Figures 1 to 
4 in ANSI Z35.2-1968, ``Specifications for Accident Prevention Tags.'' 
The NPRM would remove Table G-1 from Sec.  1926.200(h)(2), and update 
this provision by referencing Figures 1 to 4 of ANSI Z35.2-1968 and 
Figures 1 to 8 of Z535.5-2011, ``Safety Tags and Barricade Tapes (for 
Temporary Hazards).'' These revisions, therefore, would give employers 
the option of using the figures from either ANSI standard.
    The fifth reference to the old ANSI standards is in Sec.  
1926.200(i), which refers to ANSI Z35.1-1968, ``Specifications for 
Accident Prevention Signs,'' and Z35.2-1968, ``Specifications for 
Accident Prevention Tags.'' Section 1926.200(i) requires employers to 
follow these two ANSI standards with respect to OSHA rules not 
specifically prescribed in 29 CFR 1926, subpart G. This NPRM would 
update Sec.  1926.200(i) by adding Z535.2-2011, ``Environmental and 
Facility Safety Signs,'' and Z535.5-2011, ``Safety Tags and Barricade 
Tapes (for Temporary Hazards),'' the latest versions of the cited ANSI 
standards, as references. These additions would allow employers to 
comply with Z35.1-1968 or Z535.2-11 for signs, and Z35.2-1968 or 
Z535.5-11 for tags.
    This NPRM also would update paragraph (g)(2) of Sec.  1926.200 by 
removing the language referring to the Director of the Federal 
Register's approval for incorporation by reference of Part VI of the 
1988 Edition, Revision 3, of the MUTCD, and adding a reference to Sec.  
1926.6 instead (i.e., this reference indicates such approval). 
Additionally, in an earlier rulemaking (see 75 FR 47906, 48132 (2010)), 
OSHA inadvertently removed Part VI of the MUTCD from Sec.  1926.6. This 
NPRM would correct this oversight by returning the reference to Part VI 
of the MUTCD to Sec.  1926.6; it also would remove the reference to 
Sec.  1926.200(g)(2) as the incorporation-by-reference provision in 
Sec.  1926.201(a) and Sec.  1926.202, and replace it with a reference 
to Sec.  1926.6.
    In summary, OSHA believes, based on the discussion above under 
Background, that many general industry and construction employers 
currently comply with the ANSI signage requirements incorporated by 
reference in its existing signage standards, i.e., ANSI Z35.1-1968, 
Z35.2-1968, and Z53.1-1967. Therefore, OSHA is proposing to retain 
these requirements in its signage standards. OSHA also determined that 
the latest editions of the ANSI signage standards, i.e., Z535.1-
2006(R2011), Z535.2-2011, and Z535.5-2011, provide at least as 
effective protection to employees as the old ANSI standards 
incorporated by reference in the Agency's signage standards. 
Accordingly, this NPRM would give employers the option of complying 
with the old or the new ANSI standards. Since employers could choose to 
comply with OSHA's existing signage standards, incorporating the new 
ANSI standards by reference would not increase the cost or burden of 
compliance.

IV. Procedural Determinations

A. Legal Considerations

    The purpose of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSH 
Act), 29 U.S.C. 65-78, is to assure, as far as possible, safe and 
healthful working conditions for all employees. 29 U.S.C. 651(b). To 
achieve this goal, Congress authorized the Secretary of Labor to 
promulgate and enforce occupational safety and health standards. 29 
U.S.C. 654(b), 655(b). A safety or health standard is a standard that 
``requires conditions, or the adoption or use of one or more practices, 
means, methods, operations, or processes reasonably necessary or 
appropriate to provide safe or healthful employment and places of 
employment.'' 29 U.S.C. 652(8). A standard is reasonably necessary or 
appropriate within the meaning of Section 652(8) of the OSH Act when a 
significant risk of material harm exists in the workplace and the 
proposed standard would substantially reduce or eliminate that 
workplace risk. See Industrial Union Department, AFL-CIO v. American 
Petroleum Institute, 448 U.S. 607 (1980). OSHA has already determined 
that requirements specified by signage standards, including design 
requirements, are reasonably necessary or appropriate within the 
meaning of Section 652(8) (see, e.g., 49 FR 49726, 49737 (1978); 51 FR 
33251, 33251-33259 (1986)).
    This NPRM would neither reduce employee protection nor alter an 
employer's obligations under the existing standards. Under this NPRM, 
employers would be able to continue to use the same signs and tags they 
are using currently to meet their compliance obligations under the 
existing standards' design-criteria requirements. This NPRM would 
provide employers with additional options for meeting the design-
criteria requirements for signage protection. Therefore, this NPRM 
would not alter the substantive protection that employers must provide 
to employees or impose a new compliance burden on employers. 
Accordingly, OSHA need not, in this rulemaking, determine significant 
risk or the extent to which this NPRM would reduce that risk, as 
typically required by Industrial Union Department.

B. Preliminary Economic Analysis and Regulatory Flexibility Act 
Certification

    This NPRM is not economically significant within the context of 
Executive Order 12866, or a major rule under the Unfunded Mandates 
Reform Act or Section 801 of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement 
Fairness Act. In addition, this NPRM complies with Executive Order 
13563. The rulemaking imposes no additional costs on any private-sector 
or public-sector entity, and does not meet any of the criteria for an 
economically significant or major rule specified by the Executive Order 
or relevant statutes.
    This rulemaking would allow employers increased flexibility in 
choosing signage for the protection of their employees. This NPRM, 
however, would not require an employer to update or replace its signage 
solely as a result of this rule if the employer's current signage 
protection meets the revised standards. Because the NPRM imposes no 
costs, OSHA certifies that it would not have a significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of small entities.

C. OMB Review Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995

    This rulemaking does not impose new information-collection 
requirements for purposes of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 
U.S.C. 3501-30.

[[Page 35590]]

Accordingly, the Agency does not have to prepare an Information 
Collection Request in association with this rulemaking.
    Members of the public may respond to this paperwork determination 
by sending their written comments to the Office of Information and 
Regulatory Affairs, Attn: OSHA Desk Officer (RIN 1218-AC77), Office of 
Management and Budget, Room 10235, 725 17th Street NW., Washington, DC 
20503. The Agency encourages commenters to submit these comments to the 
rulemaking docket, along with their comments on other parts of this 
NPRM. For instructions on submitting these comments and accessing the 
docket, see the sections of this Federal Register notice titled DATES 
and ADDRESSES. OSHA, however, will not consider any comment received on 
this paperwork determination to be a ``significant adverse comment'' as 
specified above under the section titled Direct Final Rulemaking.
    To make inquiries, or to request other information, contact Mr. 
Todd Owen, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, OSHA, Room N-3609, 
U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Ave. NW., Washington, DC 
20210; telephone (202) 693-2222.

D. Federalism

    OSHA reviewed this NPRM in accordance with the Executive Order on 
Federalism (Executive Order 13132, 64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999), which 
requires that agencies, to the extent possible, refrain from limiting 
state policy options, consult with states prior to taking any actions 
that would restrict state policy options, and take such actions only 
when clear constitutional authority exists and the problem is national 
in scope. Executive Order 13132 provides for preemption of state law 
only with the expressed consent of Congress. Agencies must limit any 
such preemption to the extent possible.
    Under Section 18 of the OSH Act, 29 U.S.C. 667, Congress expressly 
provides that states may adopt, with Federal approval, a plan for the 
development and enforcement of occupational safety and health standards 
(29 U.S.C. 667); OSHA refers to states that obtain Federal approval for 
such a plan as ``State-Plan states.'' Occupational safety and health 
standards developed by State-Plan states must be at least as effective 
in providing safe and healthful employment and places of employment as 
the Federal standards. Subject to these requirements, State-Plan states 
are free to develop and enforce under state law their own requirements 
for occupational safety and health standards.
    While OSHA drafted this NPRM to protect employees in every state, 
Section 18(c)(2) of the OSH Act permits State-Plan states and U.S. 
territories to develop and enforce their own standards for signage 
protection provided these requirements are at least as effective in 
providing safe and healthful employment and places of employment as the 
requirements specified in this NPRM.
    In summary, this NPRM complies with Executive Order 13132. In 
states without OSHA-approved state plans, this rulemaking limits state 
policy options in the same manner as other OSHA standards. In State-
Plan states, this rulemaking does not significantly limit state policy 
options because, as explained in the following section, State-Plan 
states do not have to adopt any final standard developed from this 
NPRM.

E. State-Plan States

    When Federal OSHA promulgates a new standard or amends an existing 
standard to make it more stringent, the 27 states or U.S. territories 
with their own OSHA-approved occupational safety and health plans must 
revise their standards to reflect the new standard or amendment, or 
show OSHA why such action is unnecessary, e.g., because an existing 
state standard covering this area is at least as effective in 
protecting workers as the new Federal standard or amendment. 29 CFR 
1953.5(a). In this regard, the state standard must be at least as 
effective as the final Federal rule. State-Plan states must adopt the 
Federal standard or complete their own standard within six months of 
the publication date of the final Federal rule. When OSHA promulgates a 
new standard or amendment that does not impose additional or more 
stringent requirements than the existing standard, State-Plan states 
need not amend their standards, although OSHA may encourage them to do 
so. The following 21 states and 1 U.S. territory have OSHA-approved 
occupational safety and health plans that apply only to private-sector 
employers: Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, 
Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, North 
Carolina, Oregon, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, 
Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming. In addition, Connecticut, 
Illinois, New Jersey, New York, and the Virgin Islands have OSHA-
approved state plans that apply only to state and local government 
employees.
    This NPRM would not impose any additional or more stringent 
requirements on employers compared to existing OSHA standards. This 
NPRM proposes to incorporate by reference three recent editions of the 
applicable national consensus standards in OSHA's existing signage 
protection standards. This NPRM would not require employers to update 
or replace their signage solely as a result of this rulemaking if their 
current signage meets the requirements of this NPRM. OSHA believes that 
adding the new references to ANSI Z535.1-2006(R2011), ANSI Z535.2-2011, 
and ANSI Z535.5-2011, while retaining the current references to ANSI 
Z35.1-1968, Z35.2-1968, and Z53.1-1967, would impose no additional 
compliance obligations on employers because employers can continue 
using their existing signage and, when necessary, update their signage 
and not be out of compliance.
    Therefore, this NPRM does not require action under 29 CFR 
1953.5(a), and State-Plan states do not need to adopt this rule or show 
OSHA why such action is unnecessary. However, to the extent these 
State-Plan states have the same standards as the OSHA standards 
affected by this NPRM, OSHA encourages them to adopt the amendments 
that may result from this rulemaking.

F. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995

    OSHA reviewed this NPRM according to the Unfunded Mandates Reform 
Act of 1995 (UMRA), 2 U.S.C. 1501-1571, and Executive Order 12875, 58 
FR 58093 (1993). 75 FR 48130; 2010. As discussed above in Section IV.B 
(``Final Economic Analysis and Regulatory Flexibility Certification'') 
of this preamble, OSHA determined that this NPRM imposes no additional 
costs on any private-sector or public-sector entity. Accordingly, this 
NPRM requires no additional expenditures by either public or private 
employers.
    As noted above under Section IV.E (``State-Plan States'') of this 
preamble, OSHA standards do not apply to state or local governments 
except in states that elected voluntarily to adopt an OSHA-approved 
state plan. Consequently, this NPRM does not meet the definition of a 
``Federal intergovernmental mandate'' (see Section 421(5) of the UMRA, 
2 U.S.C. 658(5)). Therefore, for the purposes of the UMRA, OSHA 
certifies that this NPRM does not mandate that state, local, or tribal 
governments adopt new, unfunded regulatory obligations, or increase 
expenditures by the private sector of more than $100 million in any 
year.

[[Page 35591]]

G. Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal Governments

    OSHA reviewed this NPRM in accordance with Executive Order 13175, 
65 FR 67249 (2000), and determined that it does not have ``tribal 
implications'' as defined in that order. This NPRM does not have 
substantial direct effects on one or more Indian tribes, on the 
relationship between the Federal government and Indian tribes, or on 
the distribution of power and responsibilities between the Federal 
government and Indian tribes.

H. Consultation With the Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and 
Health

    Under 29 CFR parts 1911 and 1912, OSHA must consult with the 
Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health (``ACCSH'' or 
``the Committee''), established pursuant to Section 107 of the Contract 
Work Hours and Safety Standards Act, 40 U.S.C. 3701-3708, in setting 
standards for construction work. Specifically, Sec.  1911.10(a) 
requires the Assistant Secretary to provide ACCSH with a proposed rule 
(along with pertinent factual information), and give the Committee an 
opportunity to submit recommendations. See, also, Sec.  1912.3(a) 
(``[W]henever occupational safety or health standards for construction 
activities are proposed, the Assistant Secretary [for Occupational 
Safety and Health] shall consult the Advisory Committee'').
    On March 18, 2013, OSHA presented to the ACCSH a draft of this 
NPRM, as well as a table comparing the current regulatory text with the 
proposed regulatory text for the provisions of 29 CFR 1926.200 subject 
to this rulemaking. OSHA explained that it was proposing to update 
these provisions by allowing employers to comply with either the older 
ANSI standards, Z35.1-1968, Z35.2-1968, and Z53.1-1967, or the latest 
ANSI standards, Z535.1-006(R2011), Z535.2-2011, and Z535.5-2011. The 
ACCSH subsequently recommended that OSHA proceed with the proposed rule 
to update Sec.  1926.200 (a transcript of these proceedings is 
available at Docket No. OSHA-2013-0005-0007, pp. 41-46). ACCSH members 
also suggested that OSHA consider replacing the illustrations of the 
old signs and tags it is removing from Sec.  1926.200(b)(1), (c)(1), 
and (h)(2) with the new ones, or a combination of the old ones and the 
new ones. Id. at 21-23. OSHA will consider this suggestion for a future 
rulemaking.

V. Authority and Signature

    David Michaels, Ph.D., MPH, Assistant Secretary of Labor for 
Occupational Safety and Health, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 
Constitution Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20210, authorized the preparation 
of this NPRM. OSHA is issuing this NPRM pursuant to 29 U.S.C. 653, 655, 
and 657; 5 U.S.C. 553; 40 U.S.C. 3701-3708; Secretary of Labor's Order 
1-2012, 77 FR 3912 (2012); and 29 CFR part 1911.

List of Subjects in 29 CFR Parts 1910 and 1926

    Construction, General industry, Occupational safety and health, 
Safety, Signs, Tags.

    Signed at Washington, DC, on June 5, 2013.
David Michaels,
Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health.

Proposed Amendments to Standards

    For the reasons stated above in the preamble, the Occupational 
Safety and Health Administration is proposing to amend 29 CFR parts 
1910 and 1926 as follows:

PART 1910--[AMENDED]

Subpart A--[Amended]

0
1. The authority citation for subpart A of part 1910 continues to read 
as follows:

    Authority: 29 U.S.C. 653, 655, 657; Secretary of Labor's Order 
No. 12-71 (36 FR 8754), 8-76 (41 FR 25059), 9-83 (48 FR 35736), 1-90 
(55 FR 9033), 6-96 (62 FR 111), 3-2000 (65 FR 50017), 5-2002 (67 FR 
65008), 5-2007 (72 FR 31159), 4-2010 (75 FR 55355), or 1-2012 (77 FR 
3912), as applicable.
    Sections 1910.6, 1910.7, 1910.8 and 1910.9 also issued under 29 
CFR 1911. Section 1910.7(f) also issued under 31 U.S.C. 9701, 29 
U.S.C. 9a, 5 U.S.C. 553; Public Law 106-113 (113 Stat. 1501A-222); 
Pub. L. 11-8 and 111-317; and OMB Circular A-25 (dated July 8, 1993) 
(58 FR 38142, July 15, 1993).

0
2. Amend Sec.  1910.6 as follows:
0
a. Revise paragraphs (e)(59) and (e)(65);
0
b. Redesignate paragraphs (e)(66) through (e)(77) as paragraphs (e)(68) 
through (e)(79); and
0
c. Add paragraphs (e)(66) and (e)(67).


Sec.  1910.6  Incorporation by reference.

* * * * *
    (e) * * *
    (59) ANSI Z35.1-1968, Specifications for Accident Prevention Signs; 
IBR approved for Sec.  1910.261(c). Copies available for purchase from 
the IHS Standards Store, 15 Inverness Way East, Englewood, CO 80112; 
telephone: 1-877-413-5184; Web site: www.global.ihs.com.
* * * * *
    (65) USAS Z53.1-1967 (also referred to as ANSI Z53.1-1967), Safety 
Color Code for Marking Physical Hazards, ANSI approved October 9, 1967; 
IBR approved for Sec.  1910.97(a) and 1910.145(d). Copies available for 
purchase from the IHS Standards Store, 15 Inverness Way East, 
Englewood, CO 80112; telephone: 1-877-413-5184; Web site: 
www.global.ihs.com.
    (66) ANSI Z535.1-2006(R2011), Safety Colors, reaffirmed July 19, 
2011; IBR approved for Sec. Sec.  1910.97(a) and 1910.145(d). Copies 
available for purchase from the International Safety Equipment 
Association, 1901 North Moore Street, Arlington, VA 22209-1762; 
telephone: 703-525-1695; fax: 703-528-2148; Web site: 
www.safetyequipment.org.
    (67) ANSI Z535.2-2011, Environmental and Facility Safety Signs, 
published September 15, 2011; IBR approved for Sec.  1910.261(c). 
Copies available for purchase from the International Safety Equipment 
Association, 1901 North Moore Street, Arlington, VA 22209-1762; 
telephone: 703-525-1695; fax: 703-528-2148; Web site: 
www.safetyequipment.org.
* * * * *

Subpart G--[Amended]

0
3. Revise the authority citation for subpart G of part 1910 to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 29 U.S.C. 653, 655, 657; Secretary of Labor's Order 
No. 12-71 (36 FR 8754), 8-76 (41 FR 25059), 9-83 (48 FR 35736), 1-90 
(55 FR 9033), 6-96 (62 FR 111), 3-2000 (65 FR 50017), 5-2002 (67 FR 
50017), 5-2007 (72 FR 31159), 4-2010 (75 FR 55355), or 1-2012 (77 FR 
3912), as applicable; and 29 CFR part 1911.

0
4. Amend Sec.  1910.97 by revising paragraph (a)(3)(ii) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  1910.97  Nonionizing radiation.

* * * * *
    (a) * * *
    (3) * * *
    (ii) ANSI Z53.1-1967 or ANSI Z535.1-2006(R2011), incorporated by 
reference in Sec.  1910.6, is for use for color specification. All 
lettering and the border shall be of aluminum color.
* * * * *

Subpart J--[Amended]

0
5. Revise the authority citation for subpart J of part 1910 to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 29 U.S.C. 653, 655, 657; Secretary of Labor's Order 
No. 12-71 (36 FR 8754), 8-76 (41 FR 25059), 9-83 (48 FR

[[Page 35592]]

35736), 1-90 (55 FR 9033), 6-96 (62 FR 111), 3-2000 (65 FR 50017), 
5-2007 (72 FR 31159), 4-2010 (75 FR 55355), or 1-2012 (77 FR 3912), 
as applicable.
    Sections 1910.141, 1910.142, 1910.145, 1910.146, and 1910.147 
also issued under 29 CFR part 1911.

0
6. Amend Sec.  1910.145 by revising paragraphs (d)(2), (d)(4), and 
(d)(6) to read as follows:


Sec.  1910.145  Specifications for accident prevention signs and tags.

* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (2) Danger signs. The colors red, black, and white shall be those 
of opaque glossy samples as specified in Table 1, ``Fundamental 
Specification of Safety Colors for CIE Standard Source `C,' '' of ANSI 
Z53.1-1967 or in Table 1, ``Specification of the Safety Colors for CIE 
Illuminate C and the CIE 1931, 2[deg] Standard Observer,'' of ANSI 
Z535.1-2006(R2011), incorporated by reference in Sec.  1910.6.
* * * * *
    (4) Caution signs. The standard color of the background shall be 
yellow; and the panel, black with yellow letters. Any letters used 
against the yellow background shall be black. The colors shall be those 
of opaque glossy samples as specified in Table 1 of ANSI Z53.1-1967 or 
Table 1 of ANSI Z535.1-2006(R2011), incorporated by reference in Sec.  
1910.6.
* * * * *
    (6) Safety instruction signs. The standard color of the background 
shall be white; and the panel, green with white letters. Any letters 
used against the white background shall be black. The colors shall be 
those of opaque glossy samples as specified in Table 1 of ANSI Z53.1-
1967 or in Table 1 of ANSI Z535.1-2006(R2011), incorporated by 
reference in Sec.  1910.6.
* * * * *

Subpart R--[Amended]

0
7. Revise the authority citation for subpart R of part 1910 to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 29 U.S.C. 653, 655, 657; Secretary of Labor's Order 
No. 12-71 (36 FR 8754), 8-76 (41 FR 25059), 9-83 (48 FR 35736), 1-90 
(55 FR 9033), 6-96 (62 FR 111), 5-2007 (72 FR 31159)), 4-2010 (75 FR 
55355), or 1-2012 (77 FR 3912), as applicable; and 29 CFR part 1911.

0
8. Amend Sec.  1910.261 by revising paragraph (c)(16) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  1910.261  Pulp, paper, and paperboard mills.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (16) Signs. When conveyors cross walkways or roadways in the yards, 
the employer must erect signs reading ``Danger--Overhead Conveyor'' or 
an equivalent warning, in accordance with ANSI Z35.1-1968 or ANSI 
Z535.2-2011, incorporated by reference in Sec.  1910.6.
* * * * *

PART 1926--[AMENDED]

Subpart A--[Amended]

0
9. The authority citation for subpart A of part 1926 continues to read 
as follows:

    Authority: 40 U.S.C. 333; 29 U.S.C. 653, 655, 657; Secretary of 
Labor's Order No. 12-71 (36 FR 8754), 8-76 (41 FR 25059), 9-83 (48 
FR 35736), 6-96 (62 FR 111), 5-2007 (72 FR 31160), 4-2010 (75 FR 
55355), or 1-2012 (77 FR 3912), as applicable; and 29 CFR part 1911.

0
10. Amend Sec.  1926.6 as follows:
0
a. Revise paragraph (h)(24);
0
b. Redesignate paragraphs (h)(27) through (h)(30) as (h)(31) through 
(h)(34) and paragraph (u)(1) as (u)(2);
0
c. Add paragraphs (h)(27) through (h)(30), and (u)(1); and
0
d. Revise newly redesignated paragraph (u)(2).


Sec.  1926.6  Incorporation by reference.

* * * * *
    (h) * * *
    (24) ANSI Z35.1-1968, Specifications for Accident Prevention Signs; 
IBR approved for Sec.  1926.200(b), (c), and 1 (i). Copies available 
for purchase from the IHS Standards Store, 15 Inverness Way East, 
Englewood, CO 80112; telephone: 1-877-413-5184; Web site: 
www.global.ihs.com.
* * * * *
    (27) USA Z53.1-1967 (also referred to as ANSI Z53.1-1967), Safety 
Color Code for Marking Physical Hazards, ANSI approved October 9, 1967; 
IBR approved for Sec.  1926.200(c). Copies available for purchase from 
the IHS Standards Store, 15 Inverness Way East, Englewood, CO 80112; 
telephone: 1-877-413-5184; Web site: www.global.ihs.com.
    (28) ANSI Z535.1-2006(R2011), Safety Colors, reaffirmed July 19, 
2011; IBR approved for Sec.  1926.200(c). Copies available for purchase 
from the International Safety Equipment Association, 1901 North Moore 
Street, Arlington, VA 22209-1762; telephone: 703-525-1695; fax: 703-
528-2148; Web site: www.safetyequipment.org.
    (29) ANSI Z535.2-2011, Environmental and Facility Safety Signs, 
published September 15, 2011; IBR approved for Sec.  1926.200(b), (c), 
and (i). Copies available for purchase from the International Safety 
Equipment Association, 1901 North Moore Street, Arlington, VA 22209-
1762; telephone: 703-525-1695; fax: 703-528-2148; Web site: 
www.safetyequipment.org.
    (30) ANSI Z535.5-2011, Safety Tags and Barricade Tapes (for 
Temporary Hazards), published September 15, 2011, including Errata, 
November 14, 2011; IBR approved for Sec.  1926.200(h) and (i). Copies 
available for purchase from the International Safety Equipment 
Association, 1901 North Moore Street, Arlington, VA 22209-1762; 
telephone: 703-525-1695; fax: 703-528-2148; Web site: 
www.safetyequipment.org.
* * * * *
    (u) * * *
    (1) Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), Part VI, 
Standards and Guides for Traffic Controls for Street and Highway 
Construction, Maintenance, Utility, and Incident Management Operation, 
1988 Edition, Revision 3, September 3, 1993; IBR approved for 
Sec. Sec.  1926.200(g), 1926.201(a), and 1926.202. Electronic copies of 
the MUTCD, 1988 Edition, Revision 3, are available for downloading at 
https://www.osha.gov/doc/highway_workzones/mutcd/.
    (2) Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), Millennium 
Edition, Dec. 2000; IBR approved for Sec. Sec.  1926.200(g)), 
1926.201(a), and 1926.202. Electronic copies of the MUTCD 2000 are 
available for downloading at https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/kno-millennium_12.18.00.htm.
* * * * *

Subpart G--[Amended]

0
11. Revise the authority citation for subpart G of part 1926 to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 40 U.S.C. 333; 29 U.S.C. 653, 655, 657; Secretary of 
Labor's Order No. 12-71 (36 FR 8754), 8-76 (41 FR 25059), 9-83 (48 
FR 35736), 3-2000 (65 FR 50017), 5-2002 (67 FR 65008), 5-2007 (72 FR 
31159), 4-2010 (75 FR 55355), or 1-2012 (77 FR 3912), as applicable; 
and 29 CFR part 1911.

0
12. Amend Sec.  1926.200 by revising paragraphs (b)(1), (c)(1), (c)(3), 
(g)(2), (h)(2), and (i) to read as follows:


Sec.  1926.200  Accident prevention signs and tags.

* * * * *
    (b) Danger signs. (1) Danger signs shall be used only where an 
immediate hazard exists, and shall follow the specifications provided 
in Figure 1 of ANSI Z35.1-1968 or in Figure 2 of ANSI Z535.2-2011, 
incorporated by reference in Sec.  1926.6.
* * * * *

[[Page 35593]]

    (c) Caution signs. (1) Caution signs shall be used only to warn 
against potential hazards or to caution against unsafe practices, and 
shall follow the specifications provided in Figure 4 of ANSI Z35.1-1968 
or in Figure 2 of ANSI Z535.2-2011, incorporated by reference for the 
sections specified in Sec.  1926.6.
* * * * *
    (3) The standard color of the background shall be yellow; and the 
panel, black with yellow letters. Any letters used against the yellow 
background shall be black. The colors shall be those of opaque glossy 
samples as specified in Table 1 of ANSI Z53.1-1967 or in Table 1 of 
ANSI Z535.1-2006(R2011), incorporated by reference in Sec.  1926.6.
* * * * *
    (g) * * *
    (2) All traffic control signs or devices used for protection of 
construction workers shall conform to Part VI of the MUTCD, 1988 
Edition, Revision 3, or Part VI of the MUTCD, Millennium Edition, 
incorporated by reference in Sec.  1926.6.
    (h) * * *
    (2) For accident prevention tags, employers shall follow 
specifications that are similar to those in Figures 1 to 4 of ANSI 
Z35.2-1968 or Figures 1 to 8 of ANSI Z535.5-2011, incorporated by 
reference in Sec.  1926.6.
    (i) Additional rules. ANSI Z35.1-1968, ANSI Z535.2-2011, ANSI 
Z35.2-1968, and ANSI Z535.5-2011, incorporated by reference in Sec.  
1926.6, contain rules in addition to those specifically prescribed in 
this subpart. The employer shall comply with ANSI Z35.1-1968 or ANSI 
Z535.2-2011, and ANSI Z35.2-1968 or Z535.5-2011, with respect to such 
additional rules.
0
13. Amend Sec.  1926.201 by revising paragraph (a) to read as follows:


Sec.  1926.201  Signaling.

    (a) Flaggers. Signaling by flaggers and the use of flaggers, 
including warning garments worn by flaggers, shall conform to Part VI 
of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (1988 Edition, 
Revision 3, or the Millennium Edition), incorporated by reference in 
Sec.  1926.6.
* * * * *
0
14. Revise Sec.  1926.202 to read as follows:


Sec.  1926.202  Barricades.

    Barricades for protection of employees shall conform to Part VI of 
the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (1988 Edition, Revision 
3, or the Millennium Edition), incorporated by reference in Sec.  
1926.6.
[FR Doc. 2013-13910 Filed 6-12-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-26-P