OSHA decides against using EU’s electrical safety system
Washington – OSHA will not adopt the European Union's system for ensuring the safety of electrical products in the workplace, the agency announced Dec. 17.
EU had asked OSHA to explore adopting its system, called the Supplier's Declaration of Conformity. Under SDoC, manufacturers declare their products meet safety requirements before marketing them, and EU verifies compliance after products hit the market.
In contrast, OSHA requires employers to use electrical devices that already have been tested and certified by nationally recognized testing laboratories.
"OSHA's current system is a reliable and cost-effective approach to ensuring the safety of American workers," OSHA administrator David Michaels said in a press release. "A request for information did not reveal compelling evidence to abandon this system."
OSHA said a request for information did not show compelling evidence to abandon the current system, and the agency lacks the enforcement powers necessary for an SDoC system, which includes product recalls and bans.
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