March 5, 2013
Contact: Office of Communications
Phone: 202-693-1999

OSHA seeks public input on proposed policies to update its
Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory Program

UPDATE: This revised release reflects a change in the date and room number for the stakeholder meeting.

WASHINGTON – The Occupational Safety and Health Administration will hold a public forum to discuss proposed interim policies for the Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory Program on March 15 in Washington, D.C. The forum will focus on proposed interim policies regarding NRTL independence, the initial application process and timeline, and renewal process.

OSHA staff is currently re-examining several aspects of the NRTL Program and may propose new or revised guidelines. The meeting will serve as a forum to solicit input from stakeholders concerning specific issues related to the NRTL Program.

NRTLs are third-party laboratories that meet OSHA¿s requirements for performing safety testing and certification of products used in the workplace. NRTLs test and certify these products to determine whether they conform to appropriate U.S. product-safety standards.

The forum will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday, March 15 in the Francis Perkins Building, U.S. Department of Labor, Room C-5515, Conference Room 1A-B, 200 Constitution Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20210. Comments must be submitted electronically, by mail or facsimile by Feb. 13. Individuals interested in attending must register electronically, by phone or facsimile by Feb. 22. See the Federal Register notice for submission and registration details. For additional updates, visit OSHA¿s Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory Program Improvement Project Web page.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA¿s role is to ensure these conditions for America¿s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

###

U.S. Labor Department news releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this release will be made available in alternative format upon request (large print, Braille, audiotape or disc) from the Central Office for Assistive Services and Technology. Please specify which news release when placing your request. Call 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.