OSHA’s newly published semiannual regulatory agenda includes eight workplace standards. Published in the Dec. 10 Federal Register, the Fall 2007 agenda includes only significant items due to a change of printing mandated by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

Included in the pre-rule stage of the Fall 2007 agenda is occupational exposure to crystalline silica. While a target date to complete a peer review of risk assessment was slated for September 2007, a peer review of crystalline silica’s health effects and risk assessment of the proposed rule is schedule to be completed by January 2008.

Occupational exposure to beryllium is also listed in the pre-rule stage. OSHA has set a target date of January 2008 to complete a SBREFA (Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act) report.

Also listed in the pre-rule stage is methylene chloride. The agency will end its review of the Methylene Chloride Standard (29 CFR 1910.1052) in June 2008.

Listed in the proposed rule stage are:

• Confined spaces in construction (Part 1926): Preventing suffocation/explosions in confined spaces.
• Cranes and derricks.
• Occupational exposure to diacetyl and food flavorings containing diacetyl — OSHA is scheduled to initiate a SBREFA in January 2008.

Electric power transmission and distribution; electrical protective equipment, aimed at protecting workers from electrocutions and other electrical hazards, is listed in the final rule stage, with final action slated for April 2008.

Finally, lead in construction is listed under completed actions.