OSHA announced in the
April 21Federal Registerthat it will hold an informal
public hearing to receive testimony and documentary evidence on the proposed
rule for Confined Spaces in Construction, according to an agency release. The
hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. on July 22, 2008, at the Department of Labor’s
Frances Perkins Building in Washington, D.C. If a second or third day is
necessary, the hearing will begin at 9 a.m. on those days.
“The proposed rule is
intended to address construction-specific issues as they relate to confined
spaces and establish comprehensive procedures to protect employees,” said OSHA
director Edwin G. Foulke, Jr. “This hearing will allow interested parties the
opportunity to provide input on the proposed rule.”
The proposed standard was
originally published on Nov. 28, 2007 (72 FR 67351), and the public was given
until Feb. 28, 2008, to submit comments.
ISHNreaders who intend to present testimony at the hearing may notify OSHA in
writing of their intention to do so by no later than May 21, 2008. According to
OSHA, parties who request more than 10 minutes for their presentations at the
hearing and those who will present documentary evidence must provide the agency
with copies of their full testimony and all documentary evidence no later than
June 20, 2008.
Public Hearing on Confined Space Rule (4/25)