Occupational Exposure Limits

NIOSH is extending the public comment period on the draft document, “Criteria for a Recommended Standard: Occupational Exposure to Diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione" to Friday, November 18, 2011.  Written comments were to be received by October 14, 2011. NIOSH received requests to extend the comment period to permit the public more time to gather and submit information.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has announced its intent to review its approach to classifying carcinogens and establishing recommended exposure limits (RELs) for occupational exposures to hazards associated with cancer.  In its August 23 Federal Register notice, NIOSH requested information from stakeholders and the public on issues associated with revision of the Carcinogen and REL Policies.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has requested public comment on its draft Current Intelligence Bulletin, Occupational Exposure to Carbon Nano tubes and Nano fibers, by February 18, 2011. In addition, the Agency has scheduled a public meeting for February 3, 2011 in Cincinnati, Ohio, to discuss and obtain comments on the draft document.  

The United Auto Workers Union (UAW) revived a petition first made to the U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration in October of 1993, calling last week for a immediate action to promulgate a comprehensive standard for occupational exposure to metal-working fluids (MWF).  The new effort is based on what the UAW says is new scientific evidence for respiratory disease and cancer allegedly caused by exposure to metalworking fluids under prevailing conditions, as well as new knowledge regarding microbial growth and exposure control measures.

At the “OSHA Listens” public meeting, held March 4 in Washington, DC and attended by a large number of OSHA stakeholders, ORC Senior Vice President Frank White outlined three ways the agency could improve its policies and programs.

During his campaign for the presidency, Barack Obama made a number of pledges to "strengthen occupational safety and health" by increasing funding for OSHA inspections and training....