On October 19, 2010, OSHA announced in the Federal Register (75 Fed.Reg. 64,216) (
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-26135.pdf) its intention to revise the Agency’s “official interpretation of the term
feasible administrative or engineering controls as used in the applicable sections of OSHA’s General Industry and Construction Occupational Noise Exposure standards”. OSHA is seeking comments on its proposed interpretation with a deadline of December 20, 2010. Articles on this proposal have appeared in both the October 21, and October 28 editions of BNA’s Occupational Safety & Health Reporter.
OSHA “proposes to clarify that feasible as used in the standard has its ordinary meaning of capable of being done”. In its conclusion, OSHA states that it proposes to “consider administrative or engineering controls economically feasible if they will not threaten the employer’s ability to remain in business or if the threat to viability results from the employer’s having failed to keep up with industry safety and health standards.” Note – because this is not a new standard or an amendment to an existing standard, OSHA does not intend to proceed with formal rulemaking on this proposal.
Obviously, this is an important issue. Several members have already expressed concern. We would like your comments on it:
Is this issue of concern to you?
Would the proposed change cause a significant increase in your noise control costs?
Should we establish a task force to develop a position and to submit comments?
Would you participate in a task force (the task force could meet in person, or remotely)?
