OSHA has extended until Oct. 2, 2003, the period for comments on the agency's proposal to amend its respiratory protection standard.

Proposed revisions to the respiratory protection standard were published by OSHA on June 6, 2003. Proposed amendments incorporate new Assigned Protection Factors (APFs - numbers that reflect the workplace level of respiratory protection) for respiratory protection programs.

Written comments must be submitted by Oct. 2. Written comments (ten pages or fewer) can be faxed to OSHA's Docket Office at (202) 693-1648 or sent electronically to http://ecomments.osha.gov. Three copies of written comments and attachments must be submitted to the OSHA Docket Office, Docket H-049C (APF) or H-049D (CNP), Room N-2625, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Ave., Washington, D.C., 20210. Further information on submitting comments can be obtained by calling the Docket Office at (202) 693-2350.