OSHA Proposes to Bring Its Standards Up to Date

WASHINGTON -- OSHA has proposed a Standards Improvement Project (SIP)-III, to revise and remove requirements within several OSHA standards that are outdated, duplicative or inconsistent.

This rulemaking will help keep OSHA standards up-to-date and will help employers better understand their regulatory obligations.

For example, OSHA is proposing in SIP-III to update the definition for "potable water" in the Sanitation standard (1910.141) with the current EPA clean water standard. OSHA is also proposing to remove an outdated provision in the Bloodborne Pathogens standard (1910.1030) that requires employers to provide hand dryers that use warm air. This will allow use of newer technologies that use room temperature air.

These SIP-Phase III recommendations evolved through the agency's review of its standards, suggestions and comments from the public, and recommendations from the Office of Management and Budget. The proposal builds on the success of SIP-Phase I published June 18, 1998, and SIP-Phase II published Jan. 5, 2005.

Those interested in submitting comments for this proposed rule can submit them through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov. Comments may also be submitted by mail to the OSHA Docket Office, Docket No. OSHA-2006-0049, U.S. Department of Labor, Room N-2625, 200 Constitution Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210. Submissions can also be faxed to the OSHA Docket Office at 202-693-1648. OSHA will accept comments until Sept. 30, 2010.

General information inquiries should be directed to Ryan Tremain, OSHA Directorate of Standards and Guidance, at 202-693-1950.

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 assure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.