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IX. Environmental Impacts

In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), OSHA has reviewed this standard for occupational exposure to BD and determined that this action will have no significant impact on the external environment. The new standard can be achieved through a combination of engineering controls, work practices, and respirator use in maintenance situations. OSHA reviewed the extent to which any of the engineering controls or work practices might have an environmental impact. OSHA found that these controls will have no significant adverse impact on the eternal environment because no additional solid waste would be contaminated with BD and that any new releases to the external atmosphere would constitute an insignificant increase in emissions. Indeed, most of the recommended controls would prove advantageous from an environmental viewpoint. For example, such controls as replacing slip-tube gauges with magnetic gauges, use of closed loop sampling systems, and the use of dual mechanical seals all serve to reduce both worker exposures and emissions to the environment. Other controls, such as exhaust ventilation in laboratories, leave environmental emissions unchanged.

Based on its review, OSHA concludes that there will be no significant impact on the environment external to the work place as a result of the promulgation of this standard.