Document ID: OSHA-2012-0055-0001
Agency: osha
Document Type: Notice
Title: Meetings: Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory Program
Posted Date: 2013-02-01T05:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 22 (Friday, February 1, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 7460-7463]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-02173]

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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

[Docket No. OSHA-2012-0055]

Stakeholder Meeting on the Nationally Recognized Testing 
Laboratory Program

AGENCY: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Labor.

ACTION: Notice of stakeholder meeting.

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SUMMARY: OSHA invites interested parties to attend an informal 
stakeholder meeting concerning Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory 
(NRTL) Program policies. The meeting will focus on the following 
topics: NRTL independence; the NRTL initial application process and 
timeline; the NRTL renewal process; and, at OSHA's discretion and as 
time permits, other topics raised by participants or OSHA staff. OSHA 
plans to use the information gathered at this meeting to explore 
development of new or revised policies, procedures, or guidelines for 
the NRTL Program.

DATES: The stakeholder meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 6, 
2013, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., e.t., in Washington, DC. The deadline to 
register to attend the meeting as a participant or an observer is 
Friday, February 22, 2013. Those who submit their registrations after 
February 22, 2013, may not receive confirmation of their attendance 
from OSHA. The

[[Page 7461]]

deadline to submit, in writing, suggestions of additional topics for 
the meeting is Wednesday, February 13, 2013. Information concerning 
other forms of attendance (e.g., by phone) and the room number for the 
meeting will be available, no later than Wednesday, February 20, 2013, 
on OSHA's NRTL Program Web site http://www.osha.gov/nrtlpi, and in the 
docket for this meeting (Docket ID: OSHA-2012-0055, available at http://www.regulations.gov, and the OSHA Docket Office).

ADDRESSES: The meeting location, and addresses for registering and for 
suggesting additional topics, are as follows:

1. Stakeholder Meeting

    OSHA will hold the stakeholder meeting in the Francis Perkins 
Building, U.S. Department of Labor, at 200 Constitution Avenue NW., 
Washington, DC 20210. See DATES and SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION 
concerning the room number for the meeting.

2. Registration to Attend

    To register to attend as a participant or an observer, use one of 
the three methods listed below. For additional information about 
registering, see the ``Registration'' section of this notice under 
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION below.
    a. Electronically: Email your notification to attend to Ms. Lisa 
Saylor Gentry at gentry.lisa@dol.gov, and label the subject line of the 
email ``NRTL March 6, 2013, Stakeholder Meeting Registration.''
    b. Facsimile: Fax your notification to attend to Ms. Gentry at 
(202) 693-1644, and label it ``NRTL March 6, 2013, Stakeholder Meeting 
Registration.''
    c. Regular or express mail, hand delivery, or messenger (courier) 
service: Send your notification to attend to: OSHA Directorate of 
Technical Support and Emergency Management, 200 Constitution Ave. NW., 
Room N-3655, Washington, DC 20210, Attention: Lisa Saylor Gentry. On 
the outside of the envelope, write ``NRTL March 6, 2013, Stakeholder 
Meeting Registration.'' Note that security procedures may result in 
significant delays in receiving registrations by regular mail. If you 
have any questions about these instructions, contact Ms. Gentry at 
(202) 693-1996.

3. Suggesting Additional Topics

    Submit, in writing to the public docket, your suggestions for 
additional topics to address at the meeting through one of the three 
methods listed below. For additional information about submissions to 
the public docket, see the ``Submissions to the Public Docket'' section 
of this notice under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION, below.
    a. Electronically: Submit suggested topics and any attachments 
electronically at http://www.regulations.gov, which is the Federal 
eRulemaking Portal. Follow the instructions online for making 
electronic submissions.
    b. Facsimile: If submissions, including attachments, are not longer 
than ten (10) pages, commenters may fax them to the OSHA Docket Office 
at (202) 693-1648.
    c. Regular or express mail, hand delivery, or messenger (courier) 
service: Submit suggestions of additional topics and any attachments 
to: OSHA Docket Office, Docket No. OSHA-2012-0055, Technical Data 
Center, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., 
Washington, DC 20210; telephone: (202) 693-2350 (TDY number: (877) 889-
5627). Note that security procedures may result in significant delays 
in receiving submissions and other written materials by regular mail. 
Contact the OSHA Docket Office for information about security 
procedures concerning delivery of materials by regular or express mail, 
hand delivery, or messenger (courier) service. The hours of operation 
for the OSHA Docket Office are 8:15 a.m.-4:45 p.m., e.t.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Information regarding this notice is 
available from the following sources:
    Press inquiries: Contact Frank Meilinger, Director, OSHA Office of 
Communications, Room N-3647, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution 
Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20210; telephone: (202) 693-1999; email: 
meilinger.francis2@dol.gov.
    General and technical information: Contact Lisa Saylor Gentry, 
Program Analyst, OSHA Directorate of Technical Services and Emergency 
Management, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room 
N-3655,Washington, DC 20210; telephone: (202) 693-1996; email: 
gentry.lisa@dol.gov.
    Copies of this Federal Register notice: Electronic copies are 
available at http://www.regulations.gov. This Federal Register notice, 
as well as news releases and other relevant information, also are 
available on the OSHA Web page at http://www.osha.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

1. Background

    OSHA's safety standards require that a Nationally Recognized 
Testing Laboratory (NRTL) approve thirty-eight (38) types of products 
as safe for use in the workplace. NRTLs are independent laboratories 
that meet OSHA's requirements for performing safety testing and 
certification of products used in the workplace. NRTLs test and certify 
(i.e., approve) these products to determine whether they conform to 
appropriate U.S. product-safety test standards. Each NRTL authorizes 
manufacturers of approved products to use the NRTL's certification mark 
to signify the NRTL tested and certified the product as meeting the 
requirements of the appropriate test standard(s). To obtain and retain 
recognition from OSHA as an NRTL, the NRTLs must meet the requirements 
of 29 CFR 1910.7, as well as the policies contained in the NRTL Program 
Directive, Directive Number CPL 01-00-003.
    OSHA staff currently is reexamining several aspects of the NRTL 
Program in an effort to determine whether it should revise NRTL Program 
policies, procedures, or guidelines to improve the quality of services 
provided to NRTLs. As part of that effort, the NRTL Program may soon 
propose new or revised policies, procedures, or guidelines in the areas 
of independence, the NRTL application process, and the process for NRTL 
renewal. Any revisions that OSHA plans to make will not reduce worker 
safety.
    OSHA will conduct this stakeholder meeting as a group discussion on 
certain topics described below. OSHA determined that informal 
discussion with stakeholders would be beneficial to its further 
deliberations on how to proceed with respect to proposing new or 
revised NRTL Program policies, procedures, or guidelines. The meeting 
also will serve as a forum to solicit input from stakeholders 
concerning specific topics related to the NRTL Program, which will 
inform OSHA staff as they continue in their development and update 
efforts. To facilitate as much group interaction as possible, OSHA is 
not permitting formal presentations by meeting attendees.

2. Stakeholder Meeting

    The meeting will last about three hours. Attendees should arrive at 
least thirty (30) minutes early to allow time for security clearance. 
The nearest Metro station is Judiciary Square (Red Line), and private 
parking is available within walking distance of the building. Meeting 
attendees must have a valid photo identification (e.g., driver's 
license), and will need to obtain a pass from our security desk to 
enter the building. Security-clearance information is available at 
http://www.dol.gov/dol/aboutdol/visit.htm. Information concerning other 
forms of attendance (e.g., by phone) and the room number

[[Page 7462]]

for the meeting will be available, no later than Wednesday, February 
20, 2013, on OSHA's NRTL Program Web site http://www.osha.gov/nrtlpi, 
and in the docket for this meeting (Docket ID: OSHA-2012-0055, 
available at http://www.regulations.gov, and the OSHA Docket Office).
    OSHA is limiting the meeting to approximately 20 participants, but 
may accommodate more participants at its discretion and as time 
permits. OSHA will try to accommodate all attendees who wish to 
participate. To ensure that all views are represented, OSHA encourages 
individuals and groups having similar interests to consolidate their 
information and participate through a single representative. Members of 
the general public not chosen to participate may observe, but not 
participate in, the meeting, unless time permits; such participation is 
at OSHA's discretion. OSHA staff will be present to take part in the 
discussions.
    The specific topics for discussion include:
    a. The effectiveness of the current NRTL Program independence 
policy, and a potential draft NRTL Program independence policy and 
draft independence worksheet;
    b. The NRTL Program initial application timeline and the 
application process;
    c. The NRTL Program process for NRTL renewal; and
    d. At OSHA's discretion and as time permits, any other topics 
submitted to OSHA through the process, described in the ``Suggesting 
Additional Topics'' section under ADDRESSES above and in the 
``Submissions to the Public Docket'' section, below, or raised by OSHA 
staff.
    OSHA will provide to the public the final meeting agenda, and any 
specific documents OSHA will use at the stakeholder meeting, by 
Wednesday February 20, 2013. These documents will be available by that 
date at OSHA's NRTL Program Web site http://www.osha.gov/nrtlpi; and in 
the docket for this notice, Docket ID: OSHA-2012-0055, available at: 
http://www.regulations.gov, and the OSHA Docket Office.
    Eastern Research Group (ERG), Inc., (110 Hartwell Avenue, 
Lexington, MA 02421) will provide a facilitator for the meeting. OSHA 
will prepare a full transcript of the meeting, and post this transcript 
on the NRTL Program Web site http://www.osha.gov/nrtlpi, and in the 
docket for this notice, Docket ID: OSHA-2012-0055, available at http://www.regulations.gov and the OSHA Docket Office.

3. Registration

    Submit a notification to attend as a participant or an observer in 
the stakeholder meeting by Friday, February 22, 2013, using one of the 
three methods described above in the ``Notification to Attend'' section 
of this notice under ADDRESSES. If you would like to attend by means 
other than in-person attendance (e.g., if you would like to attend by 
phone), please include this information with your registration.
    OSHA will accommodate attendees who do not register for the meeting 
if space permits. However, those who wish to participate in the meeting 
must register as participants. OSHA will consider as an observer any 
attendee who does not register as a participant.
    The number of attendees who may participate in the meeting is 
limited; therefore, OSHA will grant priority as a participant to 
current or former NRTLs, and current NRTL applicants. Only one 
representative from each organization may attend as a participant, but 
this organization may have more than one observer in attendance (space 
permitting).
    Any individual or entity not affiliated with a current or former 
NRTL, or a current NRTL applicant, wishing to participate in the 
meeting must submit, with their notification to attend, a written 
statement that indicates their interest in the NRTL Program and the 
specific topic(s) they wish to discuss. OSHA will treat these 
submissions as suggestions for potential additional topics for 
discussion at the meeting, and will enter the statements into the 
docket for the meeting. However, if OSHA receives these statements 
after Wednesday, February 13, 2013 (the last day to timely submit 
topics), OSHA may not review the statements for the purpose of 
generating a meeting agenda (see relevant discussion in the 
``Submissions to the Public Docket'' section, directly below).
    Registrants not affiliated with a current or former NRTL, or a 
current NRTL applicant, who raise a specific topic they would like 
discussed at the meeting will have priority as participants over 
similar attendees who raise broad topics only. OSHA cannot guarantee 
participation for all those who register as participants, but it will, 
at its discretion, accommodate registrants who want to participate, and 
make every effort to ensure a fair representation of interests and to 
facilitate gathering diverse viewpoints.
    In registering, current or former NRTLs, and current NRTL 
applicants, need not submit statements indicating their interest in the 
NRTL Program and the specific topic(s) they wish to discuss. However, 
these organizations are welcome to submit, in writing, suggestions for 
additional topics for discussion (pursuant to the procedures described 
in the ``Suggesting Additional Topics'' section under ADDRESSES, above, 
and in the ``Submissions to the Public Docket'' section, directly 
below).
    When registering, please provide the following information:
    a. Name, contact address, daytime phone, fax, and email address;
    b. The organization for which you work or represent, if any;
    c. Whether you are employed at, affiliated with, or represent a 
current or former NRTL or a current NRTL applicant;
    d. Whether you are attending as a participant or observer;
    e. If you will be attending by means other than in-person 
attendance (e.g., by phone) and wish to be a participant; and
    f. If you are not affiliated with a current or former NRTL, or 
current NRTL applicant, and wish to attend as a participant, a written 
statement that indicates your interest in the NRTL Program and the 
specific topic(s) you wish to discuss. (OSHA will, at its discretion, 
make these topics part of the meeting agenda.)

4. Submissions to the Public Docket

    All submissions to the public docket must: (1) Be made using any of 
the methods listed above in the section of this notice titled 
``Suggesting Additional Topics'' under ADDRESSES; and (2) include the 
Agency name (i.e., OSHA) and the OSHA docket number (i.e., OSHA-2012-
0055). To be considered timely, you must make submissions to the public 
docket by Wednesday, February 13, 2013.
    Note that a submission to the public docket does not constitute 
registration to attend the meeting as a participant or an observer. To 
register as a participant or an observer, you must follow the 
procedures described above in the section of this notice titled 
``Registration'' under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
    OSHA will use the submissions it timely receives to help it 
establish the meeting agenda, which it will release on Wednesday 
February 20, 2013, by way of OSHA's NRTL Program Web site http://www.osha.gov/nrtlpi, and in the docket for this notice, Docket ID: 
OSHA-2012-0055, available at http://www.regulations.gov and the OSHA 
Docket Office. OSHA will consider submissions made after February 13, 
2013, untimely and may not use such submissions in generating the 
meeting agenda.

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    OSHA will place all submissions, including any personal 
information, in the public docket without revision. Therefore, OSHA 
cautions commenters about submitting statements they do not want made 
public, or submissions that contain personal information (either about 
themselves or others) such as Social Security numbers, birth dates, and 
medical data. To read or download submissions or other material in the 
docket (e.g., public submissions of suggested topics), go to http://www.regulations.gov or to the OSHA Docket Office. All documents placed 
in the docket will be referenced electronically at http://www.regulations.gov (Docket ID: OSHA-2012-0055); however, some 
information (e.g., copyrighted material) is not publicly available to 
read or download through the Web site. All submissions, including 
copyrighted material, will be available for inspection at the OSHA 
Docket Office. Contact the OSHA Docket Office for assistance in 
locating docket submissions.

Authority and Signature

    David Michaels, Ph.D., MPH, Assistant Secretary of Labor for 
Occupational Safety and Health, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., 
Washington, DC 20210, authorized the preparation of this notice. 
Accordingly, the Agency is issuing this notice pursuant to 29 U.S.C. 
657(g)(2)), and Secretary of Labor's Order No. 1-2012 (77 FR 3912, Jan. 
25, 2012).

    Signed at Washington, DC, on January 29, 2013.
David Michaels,
Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health.
[FR Doc. 2013-02173 Filed 1-31-13; 8:45 am]
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