The hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. July 22, 2008, at the Dept. of Labor's Frances Perkins Building in Washington, DC. If a second or third day is necessary, the hearing will begin at 9 a.m. on those days.

"The proposed rule is intended to address construction-specific issues as they relate to confined spaces and establish comprehensive procedures to protect employees," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Edwin G. Foulke, Jr. "This hearing will allow interested parties the opportunity to provide input on the proposed rule."

OSHA published the proposed Confined Spaces in Construction Standard on Nov. 28, 2007 (72 FR 67351), and the public was given until Feb. 28, to submit comments. Those who intend to present testimony at the hearing must notify OSHA in writing of their intention to do so no later than May 21, 2008.

Parties who request more than 10 minutes for their presentations at the hearing and those who will present documentary evidence must provide the agency with copies of their full testimony and all documentary evidence no later than June 20, 2008.

For more information, visit www.osha.gov.