Semiannual Regulatory Agenda. | Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Publication Date:

04/24/2006
Publication Type:

Unified Agenda
Fed Register #:
71:22896-22901
Title:

Semiannual Regulatory Agenda.

NOTE: This section for the Department of Labor (OSHA)
is on pages 22900-22901

Occupational Safety and Health Administration -- Prerule Stage

Sequence Number	Title	Regulation Identification Number
1975	Occupational Exposure to Crystalline Silica	1218-AB70
1976	Occupational Exposure to Beryllium	1218-AB76
1977	Cranes and Derricks	1218-AC01
1978	Excavations (Section 610 Review)	1218-AC02
1979	Emergency Response and Preparedness	1218-AC17
1980	Lead in Construction (Section 610 Review)	1218-AC18
1981	Standards Improvement	1218-AC19
1982	Hazard Communication	1218-AC20
1983	Notice on Supplier's Declaration of Conformity (SDoC)	1218-AC21
1984	Revision and Update of Standards for Power Presses	1218-AC22

Occupational Safety and Health Administration -- Proposed Rule Stage

Sequence Number	Title	Regulation Identification Number
1985	Confined Spaces in Construction (Part 1926): Preventing Suffocation/ Explosions in Confined Spaces	1218-AB47
1986	General Working Conditions for Shipyard Employment	1218-AB50
1987	Electric Power Transmission and Distribution; Electrical Protective Equipment	1218-AB67
1988	Updating OSHA Standards Based on National Consensus Standards	1218-AC08
1989	Explosives	1218-AC09

Occupational Safety and Health Administration -- Final Rule Stage

Sequence Number	Title	Regulation Identification Number
1990	Assigned Protection Factors: Amendments to the Final Rule on Respiratory Protection	1218-AA05
1991	Longshoring and Marine Terminals (Parts 1917 and 1918) --Reopening of the Record (Vertical Tandem Lifts (VTLs))	1218-AA56
1992	Employer Payment for Personal Protective Equipment	1218-AB77
1993	Revision and Update of Subpart S -- Electrical Standards	1218-AB95
1994	NFPA Standards in Shipyard Fire Protection	1218-AC16
1995	New York State Plan -- Certification	1218-AC24
1996	Procedures for Handling Discrimination Complaints Under Federal Employee Protection Statutes	1218-AC25

Occupational Safety and Health Administration -- Long-Term Actions

Sequence Number	Title	Regulation Identification Number
1977	Walking Working Surfaces and Personal Fall Protection Systems (1910) (Slips, Trips, and Fall Prevention)	1218-AB80
1998	Hearing Conservation Program for Construction Workers	1218-AB89
1999	Ionizing Radiation	1218-AC11

Occupational Safety and Health Administration -- Completed Actions

Sequence Number	Title	Regulation Identification Number
2000	Occupational Exposure to Hexavalent Chromium (Preventing Occupational Illness: Chromium)	1218-AB45
2001	Slip Resistance of Skeletal Structural Steel	1218-AC14
2002	Rollover Protective Structures; Overhead Protection	1218-AC15

Department of Labor (DOL)	Prerule Stage
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

1975. OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO CRYSTALLINE SILICA

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 29 USC 657

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910; 29 CFR 1915; 29 CFR 1917; 29 CFR 1918; 29 CFR 1926

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Crystalline silica is a significant component of the earth's crust, and many workers in a wide range of industries are exposed to it, usually in the form of respirable quartz or, less frequently, cristobalite. Chronic silicosis is a uniquely occupational disease resulting from exposure of employees over long periods of time (10 years or more). Exposure to high levels of respirable crystalline silica causes acute or accelerated forms of silicosis that are ultimately fatal. The current OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL) for general industry is based on a formula recommended by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) in 1971 (PEL=10mg/cubic meter/(% silica + 2), as respirable dust). The current PEL for construction and maritime (derived from ACGIH's 1962 Threshold Limit Value) is based on particle counting technology, which is considered obsolete. NIOSH and ACGIH recommend a 50ug/m3 exposure limit for respirable crystalline silica.

Both industry and worker groups have recognized that a comprehensive standard for crystalline silica is needed to provide for exposure monitoring, medical surveillance, and worker training. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has published a recommended standard for addressing the hazards of crystalline silica. The Building Construction Trades Department of the AFL-CIO has also developed a recommended comprehensive program standard. These standards include provisions for methods of compliance, exposure monitoring, training, and medical surveillance.

Statement of Need: Over two million workers are exposed to crystalline silica dust in general industry, construction and maritime industries. Industries that could be particularly affected by a standard for crystalline silica include: foundries, industries that have abrasive blasting operations, paint manufacture, glass and concrete product manufacture, brick making, china and pottery manufacture, manufacture of plumbing fixtures, and many construction activities including highway repair, masonry, concrete work, rock drilling, and tuckpointing. The seriousness of the health hazards associated with silica exposure is demonstrated by the fatalities and disabling illnesses that continue to occur; between 1990 and 1996, 200 to 300 deaths per year are known to have occurred where silicosis was identified on death certificates as an underlying or contributing cause of death. It is likely that many more cases have occurred where silicosis went undetected. In addition, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has designated crystalline silica as a known human carcinogen. Exposure to crystalline silica has also been associated with an increased risk of developing tuberculosis and other nonmalignant respiratory diseases, as well as renal and autoimmune respiratory diseases. Exposure studies and OSHA enforcement data indicate that some workers continue to be exposed to levels of crystalline silica far in excess of current exposure limits. Congress has included compensation of silicosis victims on Federal nuclear testing sites in the Energy Employees' Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000. There is a particular need for the Agency to modernize its exposure limits for construction and maritime, and to address some specific issues that will need to be resolved to propose a comprehensive standard.

Summary of Legal Basis: The legal basis for the proposed rule is a preliminary determination that workers are exposed to a significant risk of silicosis and other serious disease and that rulemaking is needed to substantially reduce the risk. In addition, the proposed rule will recognize that the PELs for construction and maritime are outdated and need to be revised to reflect current sampling and analytical technologies.

Alternatives: Over the past several years, the Agency has attempted to address this problem through a variety of non-regulatory approaches, including initiation of a Special Emphasis Program on silica in October 1997, sponsorship with NIOSH and MSHA of the National Conference to Eliminate Silicosis, and dissemination of guidance information on its Web site. The Agency is currently evaluating several options for the scope of the rulemaking.

Anticipated Cost and Benefits: The scope of the proposed rulemaking and estimates of the costs and benefits are still under development.

Risks: A detailed risk analysis is under way.

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite

Completed SBREFA Report	12/19/03
Complete Peer Review of Health Effects and Risk Assessment	11/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Dorothy Dougherty, Acting Director, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Room 3718, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1950
Fax: 202 693-1678
Email: dougherty.dorothy@dol.gov

RIN: 1218-AB70

1976. OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO BERYLLIUM

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 29 USC 657

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: In 1999 and 2001, OSHA was petitioned to issue an emergency temporary standard by the Paper Allied-Industrial, Chemical, and Energy Workers Union, Public Citizen Health Research Group and others. The Agency denied the petitions but stated its intent to begin data gathering to collect needed information on beryllium's toxicity, risks, and patterns of usage.

On November 26, 2002, OSHA published a Request for Information (RFI) (67 FR 70707) to solicit information pertinent to occupational exposure to beryllium including: current exposures to beryllium; the relationship between exposure to beryllium and the development of adverse health effects; exposure assessment and monitoring methods; exposure control methods; and medical surveillance. In addition, the Agency conducted field surveys of selected work sites to assess current exposures and control methods being used to reduce employee exposures to beryllium. OSHA is using this information to develop a proposed rule addressing occupational exposure to beryllium.

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite

Request for Information	11/26/02	67 FR 70707
Complete SBREFA Report	08/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dorothy Dougherty, Acting Director, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Room 3718, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1950
Fax: 202 693-1678
Email: dougherty.dorothy@dol.gov

1977. CRANES AND DERRICKS

Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined.

Legal Authority: 29 USC 651(b); 29 USC 655(b); 40 USC 333

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1926

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Subpart N addresses hazards associated with various types of hoisting equipment used at construction sites. Such equipment includes cranes and derricks. The existing rule, which dates back to 1971, is based in part on industry consensus standards from 1958, 1968, and 1969. There have been considerable technological changes since those consensus standards were developed. Industry consensus standards for derricks and for crawler, truck and locomotive cranes were updated as recently as 1995.

A cross-section of the industry asked OSHA to update subpart N. OSHA determined that the existing rule needs to be revised and established a negotiated rulemaking committee to develop a draft proposed rule.

The negotiated rulemaking committee completed 11 meetings since July of 2003 and in July 2004 submitted a recommended revision of the crane standard to the Assistant Secretary of OSHA. OSHA is currently conducting an economic analysis of the draft rule. At the time this Semi-Annual Regulatory Agenda went to press, a determination had not yet been made as to whether a SBREFA Panel will be needed. Should the SBREFA process not be needed, as determined by a regulatory flexibility screening analysis, and not used, a proposed rule would be the next step. If a SBREFA panel is convened, the next step will be to issue a SBREFA Panel Report.

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite

Notice of Intent To Establish Negotiated Rulemaking	07/16/02	67 FR 46612
Comment Period End	09/16/02
Request for Comments on Proposed Committee Members	02/27/03	68 FR 9036
Request for Comment Period End	03/31/03	68 FR 9036
Established Negotiated Rulemaking Committee	06/12/03	68 FR 35172
Rulemaking Negotiations Completed	07/30/04
SBREFA Panel Report	09/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Russell B. Swanson, Director, Directorate of Construction, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-2020
Fax: 202 693-1689

RIN: 1218-AC01

1978. EXCAVATIONS (SECTION 610 REVIEW)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 651 et seq; 5 USC 610

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1926.650 to 1926.652

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: OSHA has undertaken a review of the Agency's Excavations Standard (29 CFR 1926.650 to 1926.652) in accordance with the requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act and section 5 of Executive Order 12866. The review is considering the continued need for the rule, the impacts of the rule, public comments on the rule, the complexity of the rule, and whether the rule overlaps, duplicates, or conflicts with other regulations.

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite

Begin Review	12/01/01
Request for Comments	08/21/02	67 FR 54103
Comment Period End	11/19/02
End Review	09/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John Smith, Directorate of Evaluation and Analysis, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-2225 Fax: 202 693-1641
Email: smith.john@dol.gov

RIN: 1218-AC02

1979. EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND PREPAREDNESS

Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 29 USC 657

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Emergency responder health and safety is currently regulated primarily under the following standards: the fire brigade standard (29 CFR 1910.156); hazardous waste operations and emergency response (29 CFR 1910.120); the respiratory protection standard (29 CFR 1910.134); the permit-required confined space standard (29 CFR 1910.146); and the bloodborne pathogens standard (29 CFR 1910.1030). Some of these standards were promulgated decades ago and none were designed as comprehensive emergency response standards. Consequently, they do not address the full range of hazards or concerns currently facing emergency responders. Many do not reflect major changes in performance specifications for protective clothing and equipment. Current OSHA standards also do not reflect all the major developments in safety and health practices that have already been accepted by the emergency response community and incorporated into National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and American National Standards Institute consensus standards. OSHA will be collecting information to evaluate what action the agency should take.

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite

Request for Information	05/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Federalism: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Dorothy Dougherty, Acting Director, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Room 3718, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1950
Fax: 202 693-1678
Email: dougherty.dorothy@dol.gov

RIN: 1218-AC17

1980. LEAD IN CONSTRUCTION (SECTION 610 REVIEW)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 5 USC 553; 5 USC 610

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1926.62

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: OSHA will undertake a review of the Lead in Construction Standard (29 CFR 1926.62) in accordance with the requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act and section 5 of Executive Order 12866. The review will consider the continued need for the rule, impacts of the rule comments on the rule received from the public, the complexity of the rule, whether the rule overlaps, duplicates or conflicts with other Federal, State or local regulations, and the degree to which technology, economic conditions or other factors may have changed since the rule was last evaluated.

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite

Begin Review	06/06/05	70 FR 32739
End Review Comment Period Extended 11/00/2005	09/06/05	70 FR 32739
End Review	12/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John Smith, Directorate of Evaluation and Analysis, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-2225
Fax: 202 693-1641
Email: smith.john@dol.gov

RIN: 1218-AC18

1981. STANDARDS IMPROVEMENT

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b)

CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: OSHA is continuing its efforts to remove or revise duplicative, unnecessary, and inconsistent safety and health standards. This effort builds upon the success of the Standards Improvement Project (SIPS) Phase I published on June 18, 1998 (63 FR 33450) and Phase II published on January 5, 2005 (70 FR 1111). The Agency believes that such changes can reduce compliance costs and reduce the paperwork burden associated with a number of its standards. The Agency will only consider such changes if they do not diminish employee protections. To initiate the project, OSHA will be publishing an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) to solicit input from the public on rules that may be addressed in Phase III of SIPS. The Agency plans to include both safety and health topics in Phase III.

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite

ANPRM	06/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Dorothy Dougherty, Acting Director, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Room 3718, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1950
Fax: 202 693-1678
Email: dougherty.dorothy@dol.gov

RIN: 1218-AC19

1982. HAZARD COMMUNICATION

Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined.

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 29 USC 657

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910.1200; 29 CFR 1915.1200; 29 CFR 1917.28; 29 CFR 1918.90; 29 CFR 1926.59; 29 CFR 1928.21

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) requires chemical manufacturers and importers to evaluate the hazards of the chemicals they produce or import, and prepare labels and material safety data sheets to convey the hazards and associated protective measures to users of the chemicals. All employers with hazardous chemicals in their workplaces are required to have a hazard communication program, including labels on containers, material safety data sheets, and training for employees. Within the United States (US), there are other Federal agencies that also have requirements for classification and labeling of chemicals at different stages of the life cycle. Internationally, there are a number of countries that have developed similar laws that require information about chemicals to be prepared and transmitted to affected parties. These laws vary with regard to the scope of substances covered, definitions of hazards, the specificity of requirements (e.g., specification of a format for MSDSs), and the use of symbols and pictograms. The inconsistencies between the various laws are substantial enough that different labels and safety data sheets must often be used for the same product when it is marketed in different nations.

The diverse and sometimes conflicting national and international requirements can create confusion among those who seek to use hazard information. Labels and safety data sheets may include symbols and hazard statements that are unfamiliar to readers or not well understood. Containers may be labeled with such a large volume of information that important statements are not easily recognized. Development of multiple sets of labels and safety data sheets is a major compliance burden for chemical manufacturers, distributors, and transporters involved in international trade. Small businesses may have particular difficulty in coping with the complexities and costs involved.

As a result of this situation, and in recognition of the extensive international trade in chemicals, there has been a longstanding effort to harmonize these requirements and develop a system that can be used around the world. In 2003, the United Nations adopted the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). Countries are now considering adoption of the GHS into their national regulatory systems. There is an international goal to have as many countries as possible implement the GHS by 2008. OSHA is considering modifying its HCS to make it consistent with the GHS. This would involve changing the criteria for classifying health and physical hazards, adopting standardized labeling requirements, and requiring a standardized order of information for safety data sheets.

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite

ANPRM	05/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dorothy Dougherty, Acting Director, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Room 3718, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1950
Fax: 202 693-1678
Email: dougherty.dorothy@dol.gov

RIN: 1218-AC20

1983. NOTICE ON SUPPLIER'S DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY (SDOC)

Priority: Info./Admin./Other. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b)

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: OSHA requests information and comments on a specific proposal submitted to OSHA to permit the use of a Supplier's Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) as part of, or as an alternative to, the Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTLs) product approval process. NTRLs are third-party (i.e., independent) organizations, and many of OSHA's workplace standards require that certain types of equipment be approved (i.e., tested and certified) by an NRTL. Under SDoC, manufacturers self-approve their products.

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite

Request for Information	11/15/05	70 FR 69355
RFI Comment Period End	02/13/06
Review Comments	10/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Ruth McCully, Director, Directorate of Science, Technology, and Medicine, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room N3653, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-2300
Fax: 202 693-1644
Email: mccully.ruth@dol.gov

RIN: 1218-AC21

1984. • REVISION AND UPDATE OF STANDARDS FOR POWER PRESSES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 29 USC 657

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910.217

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) mechanical power press standard, (29 CFR 1910.217), protects employees from injuries that result from working with or around mechanical power presses through the use of machine guards (prevents hands in danger zone) and through limitations on initiation of a press cycle (either two-hand or foot operated). A presence-sensing device (PSD), typically a light curtain, initiates a press cycle only when the system indicates that no objects, such as a hand, are within the hazard zone. OSHA adopted the use of presence-sensing device initiation(PSDI) on mechanical power presses believing that the provision would substantially protect workers and improve productivity. However, OSHA required ht PSDI systems be validated by an OSHA-certified third party, and no organization has agreed to validate PSDI installations. OSHA performed a look back review of PSDI and determined that the current ANSI standard permits PSDI without independent validation but includes other provisions to maintain PSDI safety.

Based on its completion of the look back review of PSDI (69 FR 31927), OSHA is planning to revise and update standard on power presses, which currently covers only mechanical power presses. OSHA will base the revision of the 2001 or later edition of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard on Mechanical Power Presses, ANSI B11.1. Further, OSHA is considering expanding the standard to cover other presses such as hydraulic and pneumatic power presses and to include the latest guarding techniques. This revision will provide the first major update of the Mechanical Power Presses Standard since it was originally published in 1971.

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite

ANPRM	09/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Federalism: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Dorothy Dougherty, Acting Director, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Room 3718, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1950
Fax: 202 693-1678
Email: dougherty.dorothy@dol.gov

RIN: 1218-AC22

Department of Labor (DOL)	Proposed Rule Stage
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

1985. CONFINED SPACES IN CONSTRUCTION (PART 1926): PREVENTING SUFFOCATION/ EXPLOSIONS IN CONFINED SPACES

Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 40 USC 333

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1926.36

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: In January 1993, OSHA issued a general industry rule to protect employees who enter confined spaces (29 CFR 1910.146). This standard does not apply to the construction industry because of differences in the nature of the worksite in the construction industry. In discussions with the United Steel Workers of America on a settlement agreement for the general industry standard, OSHA agreed to issue a proposed rule to extend confined-space protection to construction workers appropriate to their work environment.

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite

SBREFA Panel Report	11/24/03
NPRM	10/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Russell B. Swanson, Director, Directorate of Construction, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-2020
Fax: 202 693-1689

RIN: 1218-AB47

1986. GENERAL WORKING CONDITIONS FOR SHIPYARD EMPLOYMENT

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 33 USC 941

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1915 subpart F

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: During the 1980s, OSHA initiated a project to update and consolidate the various OSHA shipyard standards that were applied in the shipbuilding, ship repair, and shipbreaking industries. Publication of a proposal addressing general working conditions in shipyards is part of this project. The operations addressed in this rulemaking relate to general working conditions such as housekeeping, illumination, sanitation, first aid, and lockout/tagout. About 100,000 workers are potentially exposed to these hazards annually.

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite

NPRM	10/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dorothy Dougherty, Acting Director, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Room 3718, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1950
Fax: 202 693-1678
Email: dougherty.dorothy@dol.gov

RIN: 1218-AB50

1987. ELECTRIC POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION; ELECTRICAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 40 USC 333

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910.136; 29 CFR 1910.137; 29 CFR 1910.269; 29 CFR 1926 subpart V; 29 CFR 1926.97

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Electrical hazards are a major cause of occupational death in the United States. The annual fatality rate for power line workers is about 50 deaths per 100,000 employees. The construction industry standard addressing the safety of these workers during the construction of electric power transmission and distribution lines is over 30 years old. OSHA has developed a revision of this standard that will prevent many of these fatalities, add flexibility to the standard, and update and streamline the standard. OSHA also intends to amend the corresponding standard for general industry so that requirements for work performed during the maintenance of electric power transmission and distribution installations are the same as those for similar work in construction. In addition, OSHA will be revising a few miscellaneous general industry requirements primarily affecting electric transmission and distribution work, including provisions on electrical protective equipment and foot protection. This rulemaking also addresses fall protection in aerial lifts for power generation, transmission and distribution work. OSHA published an NPRM on June 15, 2005. A public hearing took place beginning on March 6, 2006.

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite

SBREFA Report	06/30/03
NPRM	06/15/05	70 FR 34821
NPRM Comment Period End	10/13/05
Comment Period Extended to 01/11/2006	10/12/05	70 FR 59290
Public Hearing to be held 03/06/2006	10/12/05	70 FR 59290
Post-Hearing Comment Period End	07/14/06

1988. UPDATING OSHA STANDARDS BASED ON NATIONAL CONSENSUS STANDARDS

Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined.

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b)

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910; 29 CFR 1915; 29 CFR 1917; 29 CFR 1918; 29 CFR 1926

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Under section 6(a) of the OSH Act, during the first 2 years of the Act, the Agency was directed to adopt national consensus standards as OSHA standards. Some of these standards were adopted as regulatory text, while others were incorporated by reference. In the more than 30 years since these standards were adopted by OSHA, the organizations responsible for these consensus standards have issued updated versions of these standards. However, in most cases, OSHA has not revised its regulations to reflect later editions of the consensus standards. OSHA standards also continue to incorporate by reference various consensus standards that are now outdated and, in some cases, out of print.

The Agency is undertaking a multi-year project to update these standards. A notice describing the project was published in the Federal Register on November 24, 2004 (69 FR 68283). The first final rule was published on September 13, 2005. Several additional sets of standards are in preparation.

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite

NPRM	11/24/04	69 FR 68706
Direct Final Rule	11/24/04	69 FR 68712
NPRM Comment Period End	12/27/04	69 FR 68706
Withdraw Direct Final Rule	02/18/05	70 FR 8290
Direct Final Rule Effective Date	02/22/05
Final Rule	09/13/05	70 FR 53925
Final Rule Effective	11/14/05
NPRM	09/00/06
Direct Final Rule	09/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Dorothy Dougherty, Acting Director, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Room 3718, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1950
Fax: 202 693-1678
Email: dougherty.dorothy@dol.gov

RIN: 1218-AC08

1989. EXPLOSIVES

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b)

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910.109

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: OSHA is amending 29 CFR 1910.109 that addresses explosives and blasting agents. These OSHA regulations were published in 1974, and many of the provisions do not reflect technological and safety advances made by the industry since that time. Additionally, the standard contains outdated references and classifications. Two trade associations representing many of the employers subject to this rule have petitioned the Agency to consider revising it, and have recommended changes they believe address the concerns they are raising. Initially, OSHA planned to revise the pyrotechnics requirements in this NPRM. However, based on our work to date, it appears appropriate to reserve action on these requirements for a second phase of rulemaking. The agency therefore plans to propose revisions to 29 CFR 1910.109 without any changes to the existing pyrotechnics requirements, and at a future date will develop a proposed rule for pyrotechnics revision.

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite

NPRM	08/00/06

Department of Labor (DOL)	Final Rule Stage
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

1990. ASSIGNED PROTECTION FACTORS: AMENDMENTS TO THE FINAL RULE ON RESPIRATORY PROTECTION

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 29 USC 657

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910.134

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: In January 1998, OSHA published the final Respiratory Protection standard (29 CFR 1910.134), except for reserved provisions on assigned protection factors (APFs) and maximum use concentrations (MUCs). APFs are numbers that describe the effectiveness of the various classes of respirators in reducing employee exposure to airborne contaminants (including particulates, gases, vapors, biological agents, etc.). Employers, employees, and safety and health professionals use APFs to determine the type of respirator to protect the health of employees in various hazardous environments. Maximum use concentrations establish the maximum airborne concentration of a contaminant in which a respirator with a given APF may be used.

Currently, OSHA relies on the APFs developed by NIOSH in the 1980s unless OSHA has assigned a different APF in a substance-specific health standard. However, many employers follow the more recent APFs published in an industry consensus standard, ANSI Z88.2-1992. For some classes of respirators, the NIOSH and ANSI APFs vary greatly.

This rulemaking action will complete the 1998 standard, reduce compliance confusion among employers, and provide employees with consistent and appropriate respiratory protection. On June 6, 2003, OSHA published an NPRM on Assigned Protection Factors in the Federal Register at 68 FR 34036 containing a proposed APF table, and requesting public comment. The extended comment period ended October 2, 2003, and an informal public hearing was held January 28-30, 2004.

Statement of Need: About five million employees wear respirators as part of their regular job duties. Due to inconsistencies between the APFs found in ANSI Z88.2-1992 and in the NIOSH Respirator Decision Logic, employers, employees, and safety and health professionals are often uncertain about what respirator to select to provide protection against hazardous air contaminants.

Summary of Legal Basis: The legal basis for this proposed rule is the determination that assigned protection factors and maximum use concentrations are necessary to complete the final Respiratory Protection standard and provide the full protection under that standard.

Alternatives: OSHA has considered allowing the current situation to continue. Accordingly, OSHA generally enforces NIOSH APFs, but many employers follow the more recent ANSI Z88.2-1992 APFs. However, allowing the situation to continue results in inconsistent enforcement, lack of guidance for employers, and the potential for inadequate employee protection.

Anticipated Cost and Benefits: The estimated compliance costs for OSHA's proposed APF rule are $4.6 million. The APFs proposed in this rulemaking help to ensure that the benefits attributed to proper respiratory protection under 29 CFR 1910.134 are achieved, as well as provide an additional degree of protection.

Risks: The preamble to the final Respiratory Protection rule (63 FR 1270, Jan. 8, 1998) discusses the significance of the risks potentially associated with the use of respiratory protection. No independent finding of significant risk has been made for the APF rulemaking since it only addresses a single provision of the larger rule.

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite

ANPRM	05/14/82	47 FR 20803
ANPRM Comment Period End	09/13/82
NPRM	11/15/94	59 FR 58884
Final Rule	01/08/98	63 FR 1152
Final Rule Effective	04/08/98
NPRM	06/06/03	68 FR 34036
NPRM Comment Period End	09/04/03
NPRM Comment Period Extended	10/02/03	68 FR 53311
Public Hearing on 01/28/2004	11/12/03	68 FR 64036
Final Rule: Revocation of Respiratory Protection M. TB	12/31/03	68 FR 75767
Public Hearing	01/28/04
Post-Hearing Comment and Brief Period Extended	03/30/04	69 FR 16510
Post-Hearing Comment Period End	04/29/04
Post-Hearing Briefs End	05/29/04
Final Action	07/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal

Agency Contact: Dorothy Dougherty, Acting Director, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Room 3718, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1950
Fax: 202 693-1678
Email: dougherty.dorothy@dol.gov

RIN: 1218-AA05

1991. LONGSHORING AND MARINE TERMINALS (PARTS 1917 AND 1918) -- REOPENING OF THE RECORD (VERTICAL TANDEM LIFTS (VTLS))

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined.

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 33 USC 941

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1918.11; 29 CFR 1918.85

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: OSHA issued a final rule on Longshoring on July 25, 1997 (62 FR 40142). However, in that rule, the Agency reserved provisions related to vertical tandem lifts. Vertical tandem lifts (VTLs) involve the lifting of two or more empty intermodal containers, secured together with twist locks, at the same time. OSHA has continued to work with national and international organizations to gather additional information on the safety of VTLs. The Agency has published an NPRM to address safety issues related to VTLs. The extended comment period concluded 2/13/04, and an informal public hearing was held on 7/29-30/ 04. The rulemaking record was open through 11/30/04. Subsequently, new information was submitted to the docket. The Administrative Law Judge gave hearing participants 45 days to review this information and comment on it. Comments were due June 27, 2005. The Agency is analyzing the information and comments received to prepare the final action.

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite

NPRM	06/06/94	59 FR 28594
NPRM Comment Period End	09/23/94
Final Rule on Longshoring/Marine	07/25/97	62 FR 40142
Public Meeting on VTLs - 1/27/1998	10/09/97	62 FR 52671
Second NPRM	09/16/03	68 FR 54298
NPRM Comment Period End 2/13/04	12/10/03	68 FR 68804
Public Hearing	07/29/04	69 FR 19361
Final Action	11/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dorothy Dougherty, Acting Director, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Room 3718, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1950
Fax: 202 693-1678
Email: dougherty.dorothy@dol.gov

RIN: 1218-AA56

1992. EMPLOYER PAYMENT FOR PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 29 USC 657; 33 USC 941; 40 USC 333

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910.132; 29 CFR 1915.152; 29 CFR 1917.96; 29 CFR 1918.106; 29 CFR 1926.95

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Generally, OSHA standards require that protective equipment (including personal protective equipment (PPE)) be provided and used when necessary to protect employees from hazards that can cause them injury, illness, or physical harm. In this discussion, OSHA uses the abbreviation PPE to cover both personal protective equipment and other protective equipment. In 1999, OSHA proposed to require employers to pay for PPE, with a few exceptions. The Agency continues to consider how to address this issue, and re-opened the record on 7/8/2004 to get input on issues related to PPE considered to be a "tool of the trade". The comment period ended 8/23/2004.

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite

NPRM	03/30/99	64 FR 15401
NPRM Comment Period End	06/14/99
Informal Public Hearing End	08/13/99
Limited Reopening of Record	07/08/04	69 FR 41221
Comment Period End	08/23/04
Final Action	09/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State

Agency Contact: Dorothy Dougherty, Acting Director, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Room 3718, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1950
Fax: 202 693-1678
Email: dougherty.dorothy@dol.gov

RIN: 1218-AB77

1993. REVISION AND UPDATE OF SUBPART S -- ELECTRICAL STANDARDS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b)

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910 subpart S

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is planning to revise and update its 29 CFR 1910 subpart S-Electrical Standards. OSHA will rely heavily on the National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA's) 70 E standard for Electrical Safety Requirements for Employee Workplaces. This revision will provide the first update of the General Industry-Electrical Standard since it was originally published in 1981. OSHA intends to complete this project in several stages. The first stage will cover design safety standards for electrical systems, while the second stage will cover safety-related maintenance and work practice requirements and safety requirements for special equipment. It will thus allow the latest technological developments to be considered. Several of these state-of-the-art safety developments will be addressed by OSHA for the first time. OSHA has evaluated public comment received in response to the NPRM, and a final action is being prepared.

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite

NPRM	04/05/04	69 FR 17773
NPRM Comment Period End	06/04/04
Final Action	07/00/06

1994. NFPA STANDARDS IN SHIPYARD FIRE PROTECTION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 29 USC 657

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1915.4; 29 CFR 1915.505; 29 CFR 1915.507

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: In this rulemaking, OSHA is updating National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards incorporated by reference in the OSHA 29 CFR part 1915 subpart P fire protection standards. OSHA published a final rule for subpart P in 2004 that included nine NFPA standards that have been updated since the rule was proposed. OSHA plans to issue a direct final rulemaking, along with a notice of proposed rulemaking, to update the NFPA standards.

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite

Direct Final Rule	06/00/06

1995. • NEW YORK STATE PLAN -- CERTIFICATION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 667

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1956

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: OSHA will certify under section 18(c) of the OSH Act that the New York State occupational safety and health plan for public employees only, which is administered by the New York Department of Labor, Public Employee Safety and Health Program (PESH), has completed and submitted all the documentation (statutes, regulations, procedures, et al.) necessary for a structurally complete State Plan and that the components of its plan have been determined to be "at least as effective" as the Federal program.

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite

Final Action 07/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

Agency Contact: Paula O. White, Director, Cooperative and State Programs, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-2200
Fax: 202 693-1671
Email: paula.white@dol.gov

RIN: 1218-AC24

1996. • PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINTS UNDER FEDERAL EMPLOYEE PROTECTION STATUTES

Priority: Info./Admin./Other. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined.

Legal Authority: 42 USC 300j-9(i); 33 USC 1367; 15 USC 2622; 42 USC 6971; 42 USC 7622; 42 USC 9610; 42 USC 5851; . . .

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 24

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Section 629, the employee protection provision of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 amended the Energy Reorganization Act of 1978, 42 USC Sec. 5851. The amendments add Department of Energy and Nuclear Regulatory Commission employees to the employees covered under the Act, as are contractors and subcontractors of the Commission. In addition, Congress added a "kick-out" provision allowing the complainant to remove the complaint to District Court if the Secretary of Labor has not issued a final decision within a year of the filing of the complaint. These are significant changes to the ERA, necessitating immediate revision of the regulations, 29 C.F.R. Part 24, Procedures for the Handling of Discrimination Complaints under Federal Employee Protection Statutes, which governs whistleblower investigations under the Energy Reorganization Act of 1978 as well as under the six EPA statutes.

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite

Interim Final Rule	05/00/06
Interim Final Rule Comment Period End	06/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Nilgun Tolek, Director, Office of Investigative Assistance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, N3610, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FPB, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-2531
Fax: 202 693-2369

RIN: 1218-AC25

1997. WALKING WORKING SURFACES AND PERSONAL FALL PROTECTION SYSTEMS (1910) (SLIPS, TRIPS, AND FALL PREVENTION)

Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b)

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910 subparts D and I

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: In 1990, OSHA proposed a rule (55 FR 13360) addressing slip, trip, and fall hazards and establishing requirements for personal fall protection systems. Since that time, new technologies and procedures have become available to protect employees from these hazards. The Agency has been working to update these rules to reflect current technology. OSHA published a notice to re-open the rulemaking for comment on a number of issues raised in the record for the NPRM. As a result of the comments received on that notice, OSHA has determined that the rule proposed in 1990 is out-of-date and does not reflect current industry practice or technology. The Agency will develop a new proposal, modified to reflect current information, as well as re-assess the impact.

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite

NPRM	04/10/90	55 FR 13360
NPRM Comment Period End	08/22/90
Hearing	09/11/90	55 FR 29224
Reopen Record	05/02/03	68 FR 23527
Comment Period End	07/31/03
NPRM	04/00/07

1998. HEARING CONSERVATION PROGRAM FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKERS

Priority: Economically Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 40 USC 333

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1926.52

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: OSHA issued a section 6(b)(5) health standard mandating a comprehensive hearing conservation program for noise-exposed workers in general industry in 1983. However, no rule was promulgated to cover workers in the construction industry. A number of recent studies have shown that many construction workers experience work-related hearing loss. In addition, the use of engineering, administrative and personal protective equipment to reduce exposures to noise is not extensive in this industry. OSHA published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking to gather information on the extent of noise-induced hearing loss among workers in different trades in this industry, current practices to reduce this loss, and additional approaches and protections that could be used to prevent such loss in the future. Work continues on collecting and analyzing information to determine technological and economic feasibility of possible approaches.

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite

ANPRM	08/05/02	67 FR 50610
ANPRM Comment Period End	11/04/02
Stakeholder Meetings	03/24/04
Additional Stakeholder Meeting	07/21/04
Next Action Undetermined

1999. IONIZING RADIATION

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b)

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910.109

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: OSHA is considering amending 29 CFR 1910.1096 that addresses exposure to ionizing radiation. The OSHA regulations were published in 1974, with only minor revisions since that time. The Department of Energy and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission both have more extensive radiation standards that reflect new technological and safety advances. In addition, radiation is now used for a broader variety of purposes, including health care, food safety, mail processing, and baggage screening. OSHA is in the process of reviewing information about the issue, and will determine the appropriate course of action regarding this standard when the review is completed. A request for information was published on May 3, 2005. Subsequently, the National Academy of Science released the latest version of a significant report on the biological effects of ionizing radiation. OSHA extended the comment period on the request for information to ensure commenters had the opportunity to consider this new report. The next step for the ionizing radiation project is to hold discussions with key stakeholders. OSHA plans to hold a series of meetings targeted to specific stakeholder groups including state organizations with responsibility for worker exposure to ionizing radiation, professional associations and specific industry groups such as dental, medical and veterinary professionals. OSHA believes that these targeted meetings will be detailed technical discussions that will inform the Agency on current practices, the use radiation devices and approaches to protecting employees from exposure to ionizing radiation.

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite

Request for Information (RFI)	05/03/05	70 FR 22828
Request for Information Comment Period End	08/01/05	70 FR 22828
Request for Information Comment Period Extended	11/28/05	70 FR 44074
Stakeholder Meetings	04/00/07

Department of Labor (DOL)	Completed Actions
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

2000. OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO HEXAVALENT CHROMIUM (PREVENTING OCCUPATIONAL ILLNESS: CHROMIUM)

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

Unfunded Mandates: This action may affect the private sector under PL 104-4.

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 29 USC 657

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910

Legal Deadline: NPRM, Judicial, October 4, 2004. Final, Judicial, February 28, 2006.

Abstract: In July 1993, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was petitioned for an emergency temporary standard (ETS) to reduce the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for occupational exposures to hexavalent chromium (CrVI). The Oil, Chemical, and Atomic Workers International Unions (OCAW) and Public Citizen's Health Research Group (HRG) petitioned OSHA to promulgate an ETS to lower the PEL for CrVI compounds to 0.5 micrograms per cubic meter of air (ug/m3) as an eight-hour, time-weighted average (TWA). The current PEL in general industry is a ceiling value of 100 ug/m3, measured as CrVI and reported as chromic anhydride (CrO3). The amount of CrVI in the anhydride compound equates to a PEL of 52 ug/m3. The ceiling limit applies to all forms of CrVI, including chromic acid and chromates, lead chromate, and zinc chromate. The current PEL of CrVI in the construction industry is 100 ug/m3 as a TWA PEL, which also equates to a PEL of 52 ug/m3. After reviewing the petition, OSHA denied the request for an ETS and initiated a section 6(b)(5) rulemaking.

OSHA began collecting data and performing preliminary analyses relevant to occupational exposure to CrVI. However, in 1997, OSHA was sued by HRG OCAW for unreasonable delay in issuing a final CrVI standard. The 3rd Circuit, U.S. Court of Appeals ruled in OSHA's favor and the Agency continued its data collection and analytic efforts on CrVI. In 2002, OSHA was sued again by HRG and Paper, Allied-International, Chemical and Energy Workers International Union (PACE) for continued unreasonable delay in issuing a final CrVI standard. In August, 2002 OSHA published a Request for Information on CrVI to solicit additional information on key issues related to controlling exposures to CrVI and on December 4, 2002, OSHA announced its intent to proceed with developing a proposed standard. On December 24, 2002, the 3rd Circuit, U.S. Court of Appeals ruled in favor of HRG and ordered the Agency to proceed expeditiously with a CrVI standard. OSHA published a notice of proposed rulemaking on CrVI on October 4, 2004. Public hearings were held February 1-15, 2005. A post-hearing comment period, established by the Administrative Law Judge, closed on April 20, 2005. After a review of the record and consideration of all comments and data submitted in response to the proposal of October 4, 2004, OSHA published a final CrVI standard on February 28, 2006. The final CrVI standard sets a new permissible exposure limit of 5 ug/m3 as a TWA for all CrVI compounds and covers general industry, construction and shipyards.

Statement of Need: Approximately 558,000 workers are exposed to CrVI in general industry, maritime, construction, and agriculture. Industries or work processes that could be particularly affected by a standard for CrVI include: Electroplating, welding, painting, chromate production, chromate pigment production, ferrochromium production, iron and steel production, chromium catalyst production, and chromium dioxide and sulfate production. Exposure to CrVI has been shown to produce lung cancer, an often fatal disease, among workers exposed to CrVI compounds. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies CrVI compounds as a Group 1 Carcinogen: Agents considered to be carcinogenic in humans. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) have also designated CrVI compounds as known and confirmed human carcinogens, respectively. Similarly, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) considers CrVI compounds to be potential occupational carcinogens. OSHA's current standards for CrVI compounds, adopted in 1971, were established to protect against nasal irritation. Therefore, there is a need to revise the current standard to protect workers from lung cancer.

Summary of Legal Basis: The legal basis for the rule is a determination that workers are exposed to a significant risk of lung cancer and dermatoses and that rulemaking was needed to substantially reduce the risk.

Alternatives: OSHA considered non-regulatory approaches, including the dissemination of guidance on its Web site. However, OSHA determined that rulemaking is a necessary step to ensure that workers are protected from the hazards of CrVI and the Agency was ordered by the U.S. Court of Appeals to move forward with a final rule.

Anticipated Cost and Benefits: OSHA estimated the cost of the final standard at $282 million per year. OSHA estimated the standard would prevent an average of 40 to 145 cases of cancer per year.

Risks: A detailed risk analysis is included in the final rule.

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite

Request for Information	08/22/02	67 FR 54389
Comment Period End	11/20/02
Initiate SBREFA Process	12/23/03
SBREFA Report	04/20/04
NPRM	10/04/04	69 FR 59305
NPRM Comment Period End	01/03/05
Public Hearings 2/1-15/2005	02/01/05
Final Rule	02/28/06	71 FR 10100
Final Action Effective	05/30/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

Agency Contact: Dorothy Dougherty, Acting Director, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Room 3718, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1950
Fax: 202 693-1678
Email: dougherty.dorothy@dol.gov

RIN: 1218-AB45

2001. SLIP RESISTANCE OF SKELETAL STRUCTURAL STEEL

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b) ; 40 USC 333; 29 CFR 1911

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1926.754(c)(3)

Legal Deadline: Other, Judicial, July 18, 2004, Notice of limited reopening of record for 1926.754(c)(3). Final, Judicial, January 18, 2006, Final Rule Deadline per Settlement Agreement. Per Settlement Agreement (Steel Coalition, Resilient Floor Covering Institute v. OSHA).

Abstract: On May 11, 1994 OSHA established the Steel Erection Negotiated Rulemaking Advisory Committee. On August 13, 1998 OSHA published a notice of proposed rule making, permitting time for written comments and public hearings. Following notice and comment the final rule for the steel erection standard was published on January 18, 2001. On April 3, 2003, OSHA entered into a settlement agreement with the Steel Coalition and Resilient Floor Covering Institute whereby OSHA agreed to a limited reopening of the administrative record of docket S- 775 regarding paragraph 1926.754(c)(3). On July 15, 2004, OSHA published a notice in the Federal Register reopening the record for this limited purpose. The July notice solicited information regarding section 1926.754(c)(3) only. On January 18, 2006, OSHA published a notice of a final rule revoking 1926.754(c)(3).

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite

NPRM	07/15/04	69 FR 42379
NPRM Comment Period End	10/13/04
Final Rule	01/18/06	71 FR 2879
Final Rule Effective	01/18/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Russell B. Swanson, Director, Directorate of Construction, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-2020
Fax: 202 693-1689

RIN: 1218-AC14

2002. ROLLOVER PROTECTIVE STRUCTURES; OVERHEAD PROTECTION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 29 CFR 1928 subpart C; sec 4, 6, and 8 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (29 USC 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) or 5-2002(67 FR 65008) as applicable.sec 1928.51, 192; 29 CFR 1926 subpart W - Rollover Protective Structures; Overhead Protection: sec 107, Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act (Construction Safety Act), 40 USC 333; sec 1926.1002 and 19

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1926; 29 CFR 1928

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: In 1996, OSHA published a technical amendment revising the construction and agriculture standards that regulate testing of roll- over protective structures (ROPS) used to protect employees who operate wheel-type tractors. This revision removed the original, detailed ROPS standards and replaced them with references to national consensus standards for ROPS-testing requirements. The Agency believed that the national consensus standards largely duplicated the ROPS standards they replaced, and that any differences between them were not substantive. Subsequently, OSHA identified several substantive differences between the national consensus standards and the original ROPS standards. The direct final rule will reinstate the original ROPS standards.

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite

Direct Final Rule	12/29/05	70 FR 76979
Direct Final Rule Effective	02/27/06	71 FR 9909