OSHA provides update on development of new standards

Washington – A webchat with OSHA staff that took place days after the July 7 release of the agency’s spring regulatory agenda provided a few details regarding the development of several new and anticipated standards.

Among the rules discussed:

• A draft of the injury and illness prevention program standard will be publicly released once the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act panel review begins, which is set to occur “shortly.”
• Publication of a final rule on hazard communication is scheduled for September. Although an implementation period for the rule has not been decided, OSHA staff said the agency was considering recommendations from the public that range from three to 15 years.
• The SBREFA review of the proposed combustible dust standard is set for December, a delay of eight months due to an “expert forum” taking place to better prepare OSHA for the review.
• A notice of proposed rulemaking for the crystalline silica standard was scheduled to occur “soon.” At press time, it was under review by the Office of Management and Budget.
• A publication date for the diacetyl NPRM was unavailable due to an ongoing risk assessment peer review of NIOSH’s criteria document, which will be used for the rule.