September 17, 2003—The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is extending until October 2, 2003, the period for comments on the agency’s proposal to amend its Respiratory Protection Standard. OSHA received several requests from interested parties and stakeholders asking for additional time to comment on the assigned protection factors, and changes to several substance-specific standards. The original deadline for comments was September 4, 2003.
Proposed revisions to the respiratory protection standard were published by OSHA on June 6, 2003. Proposed amendments incorporate new Assigned Protection Factors (APFs—numbers that reflect the workplace level of respiratory protection) for respiratory protection programs. The final respirator standard, when completed, is expected to prevent approximately 4,000 injuries and illnesses and prevent about 900 deaths annually from cancer and other chronic diseases.
Written comments must be submitted by October 2. Written comments (10 pages or fewer) can be faxed to OSHA’s Docket Office at 202/693-1648 or sent electronically to OSHA/E-Comments. Three copies of written comments and attachments must be submitted to the OSHA Docket Office, Docket H-049C (APF) or H-049D (CNP), Room N-2625, US Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Ave., Washington, DC 20210. Further information on submitting comments can be obtained by calling the Docket Office at 202/693-2350.
