DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

[Docket No. H-372]

RIN 1218-AB58

Occupational Exposure to Metalworking Fluids

AGENCY: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), U.S. Department of Labor.

ACTION: Notice of intent to form a Standards Advisory Committee; Request for committee membership nominations.

SUMMARY: OSHA announces its intent to establish a Standards Advisory Committee ("the Committee") to make recommendations regarding a proposed rule for occupational exposure to metalworking fluids under Sections 6(b)(1) and 7(b) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. The Committee will consist of a maximum of 15 members and will include a cross-section of individuals representing the following affected interests: industry; labor; federal and state safety and health organizations; professional organizations; and national standards-setting groups. OSHA invites interested parties to submit nominations for membership on the Committee.

DATES: Nominations for membership must be postmarked by September 30, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Nominations for membership on the Committee should be sent to: OSHA, U.S. Department of Labor, Directorate of Health Standards Programs, Metalworking Fluids Project Officer, Rm. N-3718, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ann Cyr, Acting Director, OSHA, Office of Information and Consumer Affairs, Rm N-3647, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210; Telephone: (202) 219-8151.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

The International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace & Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) petitioned OSHA to take emergency regulatory action to protect workers from the risks of occupational cancers and respiratory illnesses due to exposure to metalworking fluids (Exhibit #1). Subsequently, OSHA sent an interim response to the UAW stating that the decision to proceed with rulemaking would depend on the results of the OSHA Priority Planning Process, a participatory activity designed to set an agenda for the Agency to pursue high-priority occupational health and safety hazards.

Following the final Priority Planning Process report, which identified metalworking fluids as an issue worthy of Agency action, the Assistant Secretary asked the National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health (NACOSH) for a recommendation about how to proceed with a rulemaking for metalworking fluids. In May 1996, NACOSH unanimously recommended that OSHA form a Standards Advisory Committee to address the problems caused by occupational exposure to metalworking fluids. The Assistant Secretary accepted the recommendation of NACOSH.

II. Committee Formation

Section 7 (b) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 describes the requirements for creating a Standards Advisory Committee. The Committee is appointed by the Secretary to assist him in standard-setting under section 6 of the Act. The Standards Advisory Committee will consist of not more than 15 members. The Agency recognizes the complex issues surrounding metalworking fluids and encourages the nomination of academics and other experienced professionals to the Committee. The Agency is particularly concerned with the impact a rule on metalworking fluids could have on small employers; therefore OSHA specifically requests nominations for Committee membership from the small business community.

III. Public Participation

Applicants should be qualified by experience, knowledge, and affiliation, and meet the following criteria:

Labor -- must be recommended by a labor organization representing employees who are exposed to metalworking fluids;

Industry -- must be recommended by an industry or association representing companies whose employees are exposed to metalworking fluids;

State or Federal Safety and Health Organization -- must be a Federal or State employee with responsibilities in occupational health and safety and have experience in the safe use of metalworking fluids;

Professional Organizations/National Standards-Setting Groups -- must be recommended by a professional organization/national standards-setting group that regulates or represents occupational safety and health interests in the safe use of metalworking fluids.

Interested persons may apply for or nominate other persons for membership on this committee. Such nominations should be submitted to OSHA, Directorate of Health Standards Programs, Metalworking Fluids Project Officer, Rm. N3718, 200 Constitution Ave., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20210.

Each application or nomination must include: (1) The name of the applicant or nominee and a description of the interest such person seeks to represent; (2) The social security number, address, phone number, title, position, experience, qualifications and resume of the nominee; (3) Evidence that the applicant or nominee is qualified to represent parties having the same interest the person proposes to represent; and (4) A written commitment that the applicant or nominee shall be able to attend regular meetings of the Committee and participate in good faith.

IV. Authority

This document was prepared under the direction of Joseph A. Dear, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210, pursuant to Sections 6 (b) (1) and 7 (b) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 and the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5.U.S.C. App. 2.

Signed at Washington, D.C., this 22nd day of August, 1996.

Joseph A. Dear,
Assistant Secretary of Labor.

[FR Doc. 96-21926 Filed 8-28-96; 8:45 am]