29 CFR 1910 - OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS

In this final rule, OSHA is modifying its Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to conform to the United Nations' Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). OSHA has determined that the modifications will significantly reduce costs and burdens while also improving the quality and consistency of information provided to employers and employees regarding chemical hazards and associated protective measures. Consistent with the requirements of Executive Order 13563, which calls for assessment and, where appropriate, modification and improvement of existing rules, the Agency has concluded this improved information will enhance the effectiveness of the HCS in ensuring that employees are apprised of the chemical hazards to which they may be exposed, and in reducing the incidence of chemical-related occupational illnesses and injuries. The modifications to the standard include revised criteria for classification of chemical hazards; revised labeling provisions that include requirements for use of standardized signal words, pictograms, hazard statements, and precautionary statements; a specified format for safety data sheets; and related revisions to definitions of terms used in the standard, and requirements for employee training on labels and safety data sheets. OSHA is also modifying provisions of other standards, including standards for flammable and combustible liquids, process safety management, and most substance-specific health standards, to ensure consistency with the modified HCS requirements. The consequences of these modifications will be to improve safety, to facilitate global harmonization of standards, and to produce hundreds of millions of dollars in annual savings.

OSHA is confirming the effective date of its direct final rule that revises the Acetylene Standard for general industry by updating the reference to a standard published by a standards-developing organization, the Compressed Gas Association. In the December 5, 2011, direct final rule, OSHA stated that it would withdraw the companion proposed rule and confirm the effective date of the direct final rule if the Agency received no significant adverse comments. OSHA did not receive significant adverse comments on the direct final rule. Therefore, OSHA is confirming that the direct final rule will become effective on March 5, 2012.

OSHA is correcting typographical errors in, and making non-substantive technical amendments to, 16 OSHA standards. The technical amendments include updating or revising cross-references and updating OSHA recordkeeping log numbers.

In this direct final rule, the Agency is revising its Acetylene Standard for general industry by updating a reference to a standard published by a standards-developing organization (“SDO standards”). This rulemaking is a continuation of OSHA's ongoing effort to update references to SDO standards used throughout its rules.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is correcting a final rule on General Working Conditions in Shipyard Employment published in the Federal Register of May 2, 2011 (76 FR 24576).

OSHA is aware of employee safety risks in two areas, reinforcing operations in concrete work (construction only) and fatal backovers by vehicles and equipment (all industries), and is requesting information from the public on these risks. This RFI requests information that will assist the Agency in determining what steps, if any, it can take to prevent injuries and fatalities in these two areas.

In this final rule, OSHA is modifying its Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to conform to the United Nations' Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). OSHA has determined that the modifications will significantly reduce costs and burdens while also improving the quality and consistency of information provided to employers and employees regarding chemical hazards and associated protective measures. Consistent with the requirements of Executive Order 13563, which calls for assessment and, where appropriate, modification and improvement of existing rules, the Agency has concluded this improved information will enhance the effectiveness of the HCS in ensuring that employees are apprised of the chemical hazards to which they may be exposed, and in reducing the incidence of chemical-related occupational illnesses and injuries. The modifications to the standard include revised criteria for classification of chemical hazards; revised labeling provisions that include requirements for use of standardized signal words, pictograms, hazard statements, and precautionary statements; a specified format for safety data sheets; and related revisions to definitions of terms used in the standard, and requirements for employee training on labels and safety data sheets. OSHA is also modifying provisions of other standards, including standards for flammable and combustible liquids, process safety management, and most substance-specific health standards, to ensure consistency with the modified HCS requirements. The consequences of these modifications will be to improve safety, to facilitate global harmonization of standards, and to produce hundreds of millions of dollars in annual savings.

OSHA is correcting typographical errors in, and making non-substantive technical amendments to, 16 OSHA standards. The technical amendments include updating or revising cross-references and updating OSHA recordkeeping log numbers.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is correcting a final rule on General Working Conditions in Shipyard Employment published in the Federal Register of May 2, 2011 (76 FR 24576).

Phase III of the Standards Improvement Project (SIP-III) is the third in a series of rulemaking actions to improve and streamline OSHA standards. The Standards Improvement Project removes or revises individual requirements within rules that are confusing, outdated, duplicative, or inconsistent. OSHA identified several requirements for SIP-III (e.g., rigging, NIOSH records, and training certifications) for improvement based on the Agency's review of its standards, suggestions and comments from the public, or recommendations from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). OSHA believes that improving these standards will help employers to better understand their obligations, promote safety and health for employees, lead to increased compliance, and reduce compliance costs. OSHA estimates that these changes will result in annualized savings for employers of over $45 million, and will reduce paperwork burden by 1.85 million hours annually.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is revising its standards on general working conditions in shipyard employment. These revisions update existing requirements to reflect advances in industry practices and technology, consolidate some general safety and health requirements into a single subpart, and provide protection from hazards not addressed by existing standards, including the control of hazardous energy.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is adjusting the approach it uses for calculating the fees the Agency charges Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTLs), and also is requiring prepayment of these fees. This adjustment increases the fees; OSHA is phasing in the fee increase over three years for existing NRTLs and pending NRTL applicants. OSHA began charging NRTLs fees in 2000, and revised the fee schedule only twice since then (in 2002 and 2007).