Abstract:
On June 17, 1986, OSHA issued revised standards governing occupational exposure to asbestos for general industry (29 CFR 1910. 1001) and construction (29 CFR 1926.58), (51 FR 22612). These standards reduced the 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) permissible exposure limit (PEL) tenfold to 0.2 fibers per cubic centimeter of air (f/cc). On July 20, 1990, OSHA proposed revisions addressing the remaining remand issues. These proposed changes would: Reduce the PEL to 0.1 f/cc; extend the reporting and information transfer requirements; expand the requirement for a competent person to oversee all construction operations; and, clarify the negative pressure enclosure requirement and the definition of small-scale, short duration operations. Public hearings on the proposed revisions were held in Washington, DC, in January and February, 1991. The post-hearing comment and briefing periods closed on July 26, 1991. OSHA now reopens the rulemaking record for 60 days for the limited purpose of receiving additional comments and information concerning worker exposure due to asbestos in public and commercial buildings/facilities, and the need for building/facility owners and other employers to communicate the presence and location of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) in their buildings/facilities in order to protect building/facility service and maintenance workers and other exposed employees. The purpose of this notice is to inform participants of specific regulatory provisions being considered by the Agency and to solicit supplemental comment and information on this approach and other suggested regulatory provisions intended to provide such protection. OSHA also invites written comment on submissions to the record after the close of the post-hearing comment period. Information and comments should be sent in quadruplicate by January 4, 1993, to the Docket Officer, Docket H-033e, room N2625, OSHA/USDOL 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20210, (telephone (202)523- 7894). Comments limited to 10 pages or less may also be transmitted by facsimile to: (202)523-5046, provided the original and 4 copies of the comment are sent to the Docket Officer immediately thereafter. Mr. James Foster, room N3647, Office of Information and Consumer Affairs, OSHA, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20210. Telephone (202)523-8151.
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