Table 8 shows the summary of total benefits expected to be achieved through promulgation of the final rules. In assessing the technological feasibility of these final rules, OSHA reviewed existing electric power generation, transmission, and distribution practices and electrical protective equipment practices among the affected industries. Based on this review, OSHA considers the implementation of the final rules to be technologically feasible. The final rule in 1910.269 has included several new provisions or requirements that differ from the proposed rule. These new modifications primarily involve personnel time to develop programs and procedures and to train employees.
Any equipment required to comply is either currently in use or readily available.
OSHA has determined, based on its review, that all of the work practices and specifications required by the final standard are consistent with equipment procurement, installation, and work practices widely accepted in these industries. The cost of compliance with the final standards were estimated using the baseline of current electric utility practices. Electric utilities have had to comply with other parts of OSHA standards since 1970, and have been subject to various national consensus standards such as the National Electrical Safety Code and those of the American Society for Testing and Materials. Since many costs have already been incurred to comply with these standards, this analysis covers incremental costs that will need to be incurred to comply with new requirements imposed by 1910.137 and 1910.269. Compliance costs of the standards were based on industry profile information, current compliance rates, unit costs for required equipment, and hourly compensation of labor.