Department of Labor June 2005 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (ETA), announces the availability of approximately $5 million in demonstration grant funds to test unique and innovative training strategies for services to individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) (those who do not speak English as their primary language and who have a limited ability to read, speak, write, or understand English \1\ ) and Hispanic Americans, specifically, those who lack basic and occupational skills needed by high-growth occupations. This demonstration program is targeted to incumbent workers, new job entrants or youth who lack the language, basic skills, and occupational skills necessary to succeed in the 21st century workplace. This demonstration program emphasizes the use of innovative contextualized learning strategies which simultaneously provide language and occupational skills training that open career opportunities and pathways for LEP and Hispanic Americans.

In notice document 05-10619 beginning of page 30777 in the issue of Friday, May 27, 2005, make the following correction: On page 30777, in the third column, third sentence of Section II ``Award Information'', the language, ``The duration of the project(s) funded by this solicitation is four (4) years'', is incorrect. This sentence should be changed to read, ``The duration of the project(s) funded by this solicitation must be between 30 months and 48 months.''

In notice document 05-10621 beginning on page 30805 in the issue of Friday, May 27, 2005, make the following correction: On page 30805, in the second column, third sentence of Section II ``Award Information'', the language, ``The duration of the project(s) funded by this solicitation is four (4) years'', is incorrect. This sentence should be changed to read, ``The duration of the project(s) funded by this solicitation must be between 30 months and 48 months.''

The Department of Labor, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a preclearance consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA95) (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)). This program helps to ensure that requested data can be provided in the desired format, reporting burden (time and financial resources) is minimized, collection instruments are clearly understood, and the impact of collection requirements on respondents can be properly assessed. Currently, the Employment Standards Administration is soliciting comments concerning the proposed collection: Application for Authority for an Institution of Higher Education to Employ its Full-Time Students at Subminimum Wages Under Regulations 29 CFR Part 519 (WH-201). A copy of the proposed information collection request can be obtained by contacting the office listed below in the addresses section of this notice.

OSHA is proposing to update the existing standard for the construction of electric power transmission and distribution installations and make it consistent with the more recently promulgated general industry standard addressing the maintenance and repair of electric power generation, transmission, and distribution lines and equipment. The proposal also makes some miscellaneous changes to both standards, including adding provisions related to host employers and contractors, flame resistant clothing, and training, and updates the construction standard for electrical protective equipment, makes it consistent with the corresponding general industry standard, and makes it applicable to construction generally. The existing rules for this type of work were issued in 1971. They are out of date and are not consistent with the more recent, corresponding rules for the operation and maintenance of electric power transmission and distribution systems. The revised standard would include requirements relating to enclosed spaces, working near energized parts, grounding for employee protection, work on underground and overhead installations, work in substations, and other special conditions and equipment unique to the transmission and distribution of electric energy. OSHA is also proposing a new standard on electrical protective equipment for the construction industry. The current standards for the design of electrical protective equipment, which apply only to electric power transmission and distribution work, adopt several national consensus standards by reference. The new standard would replace the incorporation of these out-of-date consensus standards with a set of performance-oriented requirements that is consistent with the latest revisions of these consensus standards and with the corresponding standard for general industry. Additionally, OSHA is proposing new requirements for the safe use and care of electrical protective equipment to complement the equipment design provisions. In addition, OSHA is proposing changes to the two corresponding general industry standards. These changes address: Class 00 rubber insulating gloves, electrical protective equipment made from materials other than rubber, training for electric power generation, transmission, and distribution workers, host-contractor responsibilities, job briefings, fall protection (including a requirement that employees in aerial lifts use harnesses), insulation and working position of employees working on or near live parts, protective clothing, minimum approach distances, deenergizing transmission and distribution lines and equipment, protective grounding, operating mechanical equipment near overhead power lines, and working in manholes and vaults. These changes would ensure that employers, where appropriate, face consistent requirements for work performed under the construction and general industry standards and would further protect employees performing electrical work covered under the general industry standards. The proposal would also update references to consensus standards in Sec. Sec. 1910.137 and 1910.269 and would add new appendices to help employers comply with provisions on protective clothing and the inspection of work positioning equipment. OSHA is also proposing to revise the general industry standard for foot protection. This standard has substantial application to employers performing work on electric power transmission and distribution installations, but that applies to employers in other industries as well. The proposal would remove the requirement for employees to wear protective footwear as protection against electric shock.

In compliance with the Energy Policy Act of 1992 and Executive Order 13149, this notice announces the availability of the 2004 report which summarizes the U.S. Department of Labor's (DOL) compliance with the annual alternative fuel vehicle acquisition requirement for its fleet. The web site also contains the Department's previous annual reports for fiscal years 1999-2003. Additionally, the reports include data relative to the agency's effort in reducing petroleum consumption.

This notice announces the Agency's final decision on the application of Communication Certification Laboratory, Inc., (CCL) for renewal of its recognition as a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory and for expansion of its recognition to use additional test standards under 29 CFR 1910.7.

This document requests comments from the public for the purpose of developing a comprehensive agenda for the third National Summit on Retirement Savings (2006 National Summit), tentatively planned to be convened in early March, 2006. The 2006 National Summit is called for by the Savings Are Vital To Everyone's Retirement (SAVER) Act of 1997 (Pub. L. 105-92). The first National Summit was held on June 4-5, 1998, and the second Summit was held on February 28-March 1, 2002, both in Washington, DC.