OSHA Unified Agenda - [Proposed Rule Stage]

Title: Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories Fee Schedule--Revised Approach 

Abstract: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is proposing to adjust the fees that the Agency charges for the services it provides to Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTLs). A number of OSHA standards require that certain products and equipment used in the workplace be tested and certified by an organization that has been recognized by OSHA. OSHA requires NRTL applicants to provide detailed and comprehensive information about their programs, processes, and procedures in writing when they apply. OSHA reviews the written information and conducts an on-site assessment to determine whether the organization meets the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.7. OSHA uses a similar process when an NRTL applies for expansion or renewal of its recognition. In addition, the Agency conducts annual audits to ensure that the recognized laboratories maintain their programs and continue to meet the recognition requirements. In 2000, OSHA began charging NRTLs for the services it provides them. The services are processing of NRTL applications and audits of NRTL operations, and they define the fundamental functions of the NRTL Program. OSHA has determined that its current NRTL fee schedule does not recoup the full costs of the services performed because it does not recover certain indirect costs of those services. These indirect costs stem from attendant activities and accrue to the benefit of those services. OSHA’s proposed fee schedule would account for these indirect costs. In determining the revised fee structure, OSHA will follow the guidelines established by the Office of Management and Budget in Circular Number A-25. 

Agency: Department of Labor(DOL) 

Priority: Info./Admin./Other 

RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda 

Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Proposed Rule Stage 

Major: Undetermined 

Unfunded Mandates: No 

CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined (To search for a specific CFR, visit the Code of Federal Regulations.) 

Legal Authority: 31 USC 9701; 29 USC 653; 29 USC 655; 29 USC 657 

Legal Deadline:  None

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite
NPRM	07/00/2008

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No 

Government Levels Affected: None 

Federalism: No 

Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 

RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 

Agency Contact:
Mary Ann Garrahan
Director, Office of Technical Programs and Coordination Activities
Department of Labor
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
200 Constitution Avenue NW, Room N3655, FP Building,
Washington, DC 20210
Phone:202 693-2110
Fax:202 693-1644
Email: garrahan.maryann@dol.gov