Occupational Safety and Health Administration – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

ACCSH Work Groups will meet September 9-10, 2008, and ACCSH will meet September 11-12, 2008, in Washington, DC.

In this rulemaking, OSHA is proposing to amend its regulations to add language clarifying that noncompliance with the personal protective equipment (PPE) and training requirements in safety and health standards in these parts may expose the employer to liability on a per-employee basis. The amendments consist of new paragraphs added to the introductory sections of the listed parts and changes to the language of some existing respirator and training requirements. This action, which is in accord with OSHA's longstanding position, is proposed in response to recent decisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission indicating that differences in wording among the various PPE and training provisions in OSHA safety and health standards affect the Agency's ability to treat an employer's failure to provide PPE or training to each covered employee as a separate violation. The amendments add no new compliance obligations. Employers are not required to provide any new type of PPE or training, to provide PPE or training to any employee not already covered by the existing requirements, or to provide PPE or training in a different manner than that already required. The amendments simply clarify the remedy for violations of these requirements.

OSHA solicits comments concerning its proposal to extend OMB approval of the information collection requirements contained in the Shipyard Employment Standards (29 CFR 1915.113(b)(1) and 29 CFR 1915.172(d)). The purpose of the collections of information (paperwork) provisions of the Standards is to reduce employees' risk of death or serious injury by ensuring that equipment has been tested and is in safe operating condition.

OSHA solicits public comment concerning its proposal to extend OMB approval of the information collection requirements specified by the Coke Oven Emissions Standard (29 CFR 1910.1029).

OSHA solicits comments concerning its request for an extension of the information collection requirements contained in the Electrical Standards for Construction (29 CFR part 1926, subpart K) and for General Industry (29 CFR part 1910, subpart S). The Standards address safety procedures for installation and maintenance of electric utilization equipment that prevent death and serious injuries among construction and general industry employees in the workplace caused by electrical hazards.

OSHA is scheduling informal public hearings on the proposed rule on general working conditions in shipyard employment.

OSHA solicits comments concerning its proposal to extend OMB approval of the information collection requirements contained in the Forging Machines Standard (29 CFR 1910.218). The paperwork provisions of the Standard specify requirements for developing and maintaining inspection records, and identifying manually operated valves and switches.

This notice announces the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's final decision to deny the renewal of recognition of Electrical Reliability Services, Inc. (formerly Electro-Test, Inc.) (ETI) as a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory under 29 CFR 1910.7.

The Department of Labor is inviting comments on its document entitled ``Proposed Guidance on Workplace Stockpiling of Respirators and Facemasks for Pandemic Influenza'' (Proposed Guidance). The Proposed Guidance is available on OSHA's Web page and through its publications office. Interested persons may submit written or electronic comments on the Proposed Guidance as discussed below.

The Maritime Advisory Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (``MACOSH'' or ``Committee'') was established to advise the Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA on issues relating to occupational safety and health in the maritime industries. The purpose of this Federal Register notice is to announce the MACOSH and workgroup meetings scheduled for May 20-21, 2008.

OSHA is convening an informal public hearing to receive testimony and documentary evidence on the proposed rule for Confined Spaces in Construction.

OSHA solicits public comment concerning its proposal to extend OMB approval of the information collection requirements specified by the Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories Standard (Sec. 1910.1450).

The Federal Advisory Council on Occupational Safety and Health (FACOSH) will meet April 10, 2008, in Washington, DC.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announces that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has extended its approval of a collection of information regarding occupational injuries and illnesses. OSHA sought approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA-95), and, as required by that Act, is announcing the approval number and expiration date for this requirement.

OSHA is confirming the effective date of its direct final rule that revises a number of standards for general industry that refer to national consensus standards. The direct final rule states that it would become effective on March 13, 2008 unless OSHA receives significant adverse comment on these revisions by January 14, 2008. OSHA received no adverse comments by that date and, therefore, is confirming that the rule will become effective on March 13, 2008.

OSHA solicits comments concerning its proposal to extend OMB approval of the information collection requirements contained in the Powered Industrial Truck Standard (29 CFR 1910.178). The information collection requirements addresses truck design, construction, and modification, as well as certification of training and evaluation for truck operators.

OSHA solicits public comment concerning its proposal to extend OMB approval of the information collection requirements contained in the Voluntary Protection Programs.

OSHA solicits public comment concerning its proposal to extend OMB approval of the information collection requirements specified in its subparts entitled Subpart A (``General Provisions'') and Subpart B (``Confined and Enclosed Spaces and Other Dangerous Atmospheres in Shipyard Employment'') (29 CFR part 1915).

The Secretary of Labor invites interested parties to submit nominations, and materials in support of nominations, for membership on ACCSH.

This notice announces the application of TUV America, Inc., (TUVAM) for expansion of its recognition and presents the Agency's preliminary finding to grant this request. This preliminary finding does not constitute an interim or temporary approval of this application.

OSHA solicits public comment concerning its proposal to extend OMB approval of the information collection requirements specified in its Standard on Commercial Diving Operations (29 CFR part 1910, subpart T).

The Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health invites interested parties to submit nominations for membership on NACOSH and announces the appointment of new NACOSH members.

On November 28, 2007, OSHA published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) titled ``Confined Spaces in Construction.'' The period for submitting written comments is being extended 30 days to allow parties affected by the rule more time to review the proposed rule and collect information and data necessary for comments.

OSHA is reopening the comment period for its review of the Methylene Chloride Standard under Section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act and Section 5 of Executive Order 12866 on Regulatory Planning and Review.

OSHA intends to recharter the Maritime Advisory Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (MACOSH), which expires on June 26, 2008. MACOSH advises the Secretary of Labor on matters relating to occupational safety and health programs, new initiatives, and standards for the maritime industries of the United States which include Longshoring, Marine Terminals, and Shipyard Employment. The Committee will consist of 15 members and will be chosen from among a cross- section of individuals who represent the following interests: employers; employees; Federal and State safety and health organizations; professional organizations specializing in occupational safety and health; national standards setting groups; and academia. OSHA invites persons interested in serving on MACOSH to submit their names for consideration for committee membership.