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Trade News Release
Mar. 19, 2008
Contact: Office of Communications
Phone: (202) 693-1999


OSHA Confirms the Effective Date of the Direct Final Rule to Update its Standards Based on National Consensus Standards

WASHINGTON -- The Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently announced in the Federal Register that it has issued a notice to confirm the effective date of its direct final rule on updated OSHA standards based on National Consensus Standards.

"This rule is part of OSHA's ongoing effort to update its regulatory references to consensus standards," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Edwin G. Foulke, Jr. "The revised standards will eliminate duplicative and confusing references in OSHA regulations while maintaining current levels of protection."

In the direct final rule, OSHA is eliminating several references to consensus standards that have requirements which duplicate or are comparable to other OSHA rules. It also removes a reference to American Welding Society standard A3.0-1969 ("Terms and Definitions").

Additionally, the direct final rule updates standards such as 29 CFR part 1910, subpart H ("Hazardous Materials"), 29 CFR part 1910, subpart Q ("Welding, Cutting and Brazing"), 29 CFR part 1910, subpart R ("Special Industries").

This direct final rule, published in the December 14, 2007, Federal Register (72 FR 71061) was effective March 13, 2008.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to promote the safety and health of America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.


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