OSH ACT AND OSHA STANDARDS

Standards - Standards Adoption

Once OSHA has developed plans to propose, amend, or revoke a standard, it publishes these intentions in the "Federal Register" as a "Notice of Proposed Rulemaking". Earlier notice is often given as "Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking."

An "Advance Notice" or a "Request for Information" is used, when necessary, to solicit information that can be used in drafting a proposal. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking includes the terms of the new rule and provides a specific time (at least 30 days from the date of publication, usually 60 days or more) for the public to respond.

Interested parties who submit written arguments and pertinent evidence may request a public hearing on the proposal when none has been announced in the notice. When such a hearing is requested, OSHA schedules one and publishes the time and place for it, in advance, in the "Federal Register".

After the close of the comment period and public hearing, if one is held, OSHA must publish in the "Federal Register" the full and final text of any standard amended or adopted, the date it becomes effective, an explanation of the standard and the reasons for implementing it. OSHA may also publish a determination that no standard or amendment needs to be issued.

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