Question: Why can't I view my comment on Regulations.gov?

Answer:

A comment may not be viewable on Regulations.gov for two reasons: (1) it is under Agency review or (2) access was restricted by OSHA's Technical Data Center.

Agency Review

Once a comment is received, Docket Office personnel must review it before it is posted to Regulations.gov.

Comments are typically posted within five (5) days of receipt by OSHA's Docket Office. However, posting times may vary in situations where there is a high volume response to an Agency action such as a mass mail campaign.

NOTE: Mass mails are three or more similar and/or nearly identical form letters sponsored by organizations such as industry associations, labor unions, and other stakeholders in response to an Agency action.

Once processed, your comment may be publicly viewable on Regulations.gov. The best way to find it is to enter your Comment Tracking Number in the search field on the homepage. You can also search by keyword or Submitter Name.

Agency Restrictions

Comments containing threatening language or profanity will be rejected without notice from OSHA's Docket Office.

The inclusion of any copyrighted material without accompanying proof of one's explicit right to redistribute that material will result in the comment being restricted from view at Regulations.gov. Comments may be restricted for other reasons as well (e.g., a comment contains personally identifiable information (PII) or confidential business information (CBI)).

Question: How do I find my comment on Regulations.gov?

Answer:

The Comment Tracking Number is the best way to find your comment once it has been posted on Regulations.gov. After submitting your comment, a confirmation page will appear which contains a Comment Tracking Number. We encourage you to retain this number for your records.

Once you submit a comment, it may not be immediately posted to Regulations.gov. Once the Docket Office completes its review and posts your comment, you can find it online by entering the Comment Tracking Number in the search field on the homepage. You can also search by your name or text contained in your comment.

Question: Can I edit my comment after submitting it?

Answer:

Comments cannot be edited once submitted. To make changes, submit another comment referring to your previous comment correcting any errors and/or re-stating your position or opinion.

For additional questions, please contact OSHA's Docket Office at (202) 693-2350 or technicaldatacenter@dol.gov.

Question: Does OSHA publicly disclose my comments on a rulemaking?

Answer:

Generally, comments submitted to OSHA will be posted to www.regulations.gov and also made available for in-person viewing at Agency's Docket Office.

NOTE: Public submissions are restricted from view on Regulations.gov if they:

• Are protected by copyright law
• Contain Personal Identifiable Information (PII)
• Contain Confidential Business Information (CBI)
• Contain vulgarities
• Are available at a cost from a publisher
• Are physical items that cannot be uploaded (e.g. a hard hat, chemicals, books etc.)

Public submissions are restricted from in-person viewing at the Technical Data Center's Public Reading Room if they contain PII.

Question: How do I attach items to a comment submitted on Regulations.gov?

Answer:

On the Submit a Comment page:

• Click the Choose files button to find an attachment stored on your computer or other disk.
• Select the file you want to attach. The name of the file will appear in the File Name field in the Upload file browser. Regulations.gov accepts the following file types: .bmp, .doc, .xls, .pdf, .gif, .htm, .html, .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .ppt, .rtf, .sgml, .tif, .tiff, .txt, .wpd, .xml, .docx, .xlsx, .pptx.
• If you are uploading more than one attachment to the comment web form, please use the following standardized file naming convention:
  • Attachment1_<insert title of document>
  • Attachment2_<insert title of document>
  • Attachment3_<insert title of document>
• Click the Open button to confirm that you have found the correct file.

Repeat these steps for any additional files you wish to attach.

Before you submit a comment, you must enter all required fields.

NOTE: Most browsers will include the Drop files here text. Users can drag and drop the attachment files into the browser.

Question: How do I submit a comment on Regulations.gov?

Answer:

Once you locate a document that is open for comment, click the Comment button on either the Search Results or the Document Details page. This will display the comment form. You can enter your comment on the form, attach files (up to 10MB each), as well as your personal information when applicable. Be sure to complete all required fields.

Please note that information entered on the web form may be viewable publicly.

• Type your comment where the page instructs to “Start typing comment here…”
• What is your comment about? Select an option from the drop-down list.
• Attach any files related to your comment (up to 10MB each).
• Enter your email address.
• Check the opt-in box to receive a confirmation email and Comment Tracking Number.
• Select the appropriate box to identify if your comment is from an individual, organization or if you would like it to be an anonymous submission.
• Enter any required contact information
• Check the reCAPTCHA security box test.

NOTE: You will only receive a Comment Tracking Number if you select the opt-in box when completing the comment form.

NOTE: The comment due date indicated on Regulations.gov is based on Eastern Time. For example, if the comment due date is listed as 12/31/2025, then you have until 11:59PM ET on 12/31/2025 to submit your comment via Regulations.gov.

More advice for commenters can be found at Tips for Submitting Effective Comments page on Regulations.gov.

Question: How do I submit a comment?

Answer:

Comments may be submitted online at www.regulations.gov under the Docket ID number listed in the corresponding Federal Register notice (FRN).

Question: What are Public Submissions?

Answer:

Public submissions are responses, from individuals or representatives of an organization, to a request for information from the Agency. These submissions may include comments expressing an opinion or position taken by a member of the public or other external stakeholder about an Agency rulemaking or other action. Other submissions may include nominations to serve on an Agency advisory committee or a notice of intent to appear at a hearing.

Question: What are Docket phases?

Answer:

Docket phases are electronic folders that represent the latest action taken in a docket's lifecycle. When a new docket is created, an initial phase is established. Each time an agency initiates an action related to a rulemaking or non-rulemaking docket activity, the action prompts the creation of a new phase.

Examples of docket phases include Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM), Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA) and Final rule.