80_FR_48423 80 FR 48268 - Closed-Circuit Escape Respirators; Extension of Transition Period

80 FR 48268 - Closed-Circuit Escape Respirators; Extension of Transition Period

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 155 (August 12, 2015)

Page Range48268-48272
FR Document2015-19750

In March 2012, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published a final rule establishing a new standard for the certification of closed-circuit escape respirators (CCERs) by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The new standard was originally designed to take effect over a 3-year transition period. HHS has determined that extending the concluding date for the transition is necessary to allow sufficient time for respirator manufacturers to meet the demands of the mining, maritime, railroad and other industries. Pursuant to this final action, NIOSH extends the phase-in period until 1 year after the date that the first approval is granted to certain CCER models.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 155 (Wednesday, August 12, 2015)
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 155 (Wednesday, August 12, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 48268-48272]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-19750]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

42 CFR Part 84

[Docket Number CDC-2015-0004; NIOSH-280]
RIN 0920-AA60


Closed-Circuit Escape Respirators; Extension of Transition Period

AGENCY: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HHS.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: In March 2012, the Department of Health and Human Services 
(HHS) published a final rule establishing a new standard for the 
certification of closed-circuit escape respirators (CCERs) by the 
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) within 
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The new standard 
was originally designed to take effect over a 3-year transition period. 
HHS has determined that extending the concluding date for the 
transition is necessary to allow sufficient time for respirator 
manufacturers to meet the demands of the mining, maritime, railroad and 
other industries. Pursuant to this final action, NIOSH extends the 
phase-in period until 1 year after the date that the first approval is 
granted to certain CCER models.

DATES: This rule is effective on August 12, 2015.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rachel Weiss, Program Analyst; 1090 
Tusculum Avenue, MS: C-46, Cincinnati, OH 45226; telephone (855) 818-
1629 (this is a toll-free number); email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

[[Page 48269]]

Table of Contents

I. Public Participation
II. Background
    A. History of Rulemaking
    B. Need for Rulemaking
    C. Scope
III. Response to Public Comments
IV. Summary of Final Rule
V. Regulatory Assessment Requirements
    A. Executive Orders 12866 and 13563
    B. Regulatory Flexibility Act
    C. Paperwork Reduction Act
    D. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act
    E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
    F. Executive Order 12988 (Civil Justice)
    G. Executive Order 13132 (Federalism)
    H. Executive Order 13045 (Protection of Children From 
Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks)
    I. Executive Order 13211 (Actions Concerning Regulations That 
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use)
    J. Plain Writing Act of 2010

I. Public Participation

    On January 29, 2015, HHS published an interim final rule to amend 
the transition deadline established in 42 CFR 84.301 (80 FR 4801), and 
invited interested persons or organizations to participate in this 
rulemaking by submitting written views, arguments, recommendations, and 
data. Comments were invited on any topic related to this rulemaking and 
specifically on the following question related to this rulemaking:
    Will a compliance date 6 months after the date that the first 
approval is granted in each of three categories of CCER types provide 
sufficient time for respirator manufacturers to develop production 
capacity to meet expected market demand, while not causing undue loss 
of sales revenue that may be expected from achieving the first 
successful design for the given size?
    We received four submissions to the docket: One from a respirator 
manufacturer, one from a mining association, one from a coal company, 
and one from three coal companies and another mining association. A 
summary of comments and HHS responses are found in Section III, below.

II. Background

A. History of Rulemaking

    Under Title 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations (42 CFR) part 
84--Approval of Respiratory Protective Devices, NIOSH approves 
respirators used by workers in mines and other workplaces for 
protection against hazardous atmospheres. The Mine Safety and Health 
Administration (MSHA) and the Occupational Safety and Health 
Administration (OSHA) require U.S. employers to supply NIOSH-approved 
respirators to their employees whenever the employer requires the use 
of respirators.
    A closed-circuit escape respirator (CCER) is an apparatus in which 
the wearer's exhalation is rebreathed after the carbon dioxide in the 
exhaled breath has been effectively removed and a suitable oxygen 
supply has been restored from a source within the device (e.g., 
compressed, chemical, or liquid oxygen). CCERs are used in certain 
industrial and other work settings during emergencies to enable users 
to escape from atmospheres that can be immediately dangerous to life 
and health. The CCER, known in the mining industry as a self-contained 
self-rescuer, is used by miners to escape dangerous atmospheres in 
mines. It is also used by certain Navy and Coast Guard personnel, such 
as crews working below decks on vessels, where it is referred to as an 
emergency escape breathing device, and in the railroad industry, where 
it is known as an emergency escape breathing apparatus. To a lesser 
extent, it is also used by non-mining workers who work in tunnels, 
underground, or in confined spaces.
    Requirements for the certification of CCERs were updated in a 2012 
final rule, in which HHS codified a new Subpart O and removed only 
those technical requirements in 42 CFR part 84--Subpart H that were 
uniquely applicable to CCERs. All other applicable requirements of 42 
CFR part 84 were unchanged. The purpose of these updated requirements 
is to enable NIOSH and MSHA to more effectively ensure the performance, 
reliability, and safety of CCERs.
    The effective date for the new standard in Subpart O was April 9, 
2012. Beginning on that date, any new application for a certificate of 
approval for a CCER would be required to meet the new Subpart O 
standard. Manufacturers were allowed to continue to manufacture, label, 
and sell respirators certified to the prior Subpart H standard until 
April 9, 2015.
    On January 29, 2015, HHS published an interim final rule to amend 
the compliance deadline established in 42 CFR 84.301 (80 FR 4801). The 
interim final rule amended 42 CFR 84.301 to allow NIOSH to extend the 
original 3-year period for continued manufacturing, labeling, and sale 
of CCERs approved under Subpart H to allow for the orderly 
implementation of the new testing and certification requirements of 
Subpart O. The amendments authorized the continued manufacturing, 
labeling, and selling of CCERs approved under the former standard in 
Subpart H until either April 9, 2015 or 6 months after the date that 
NIOSH first approves a CCER model under the capacity rating categories 
Cap 1 (for mining applications) and Cap 3 (mining and non-mining) 
described in 42 CFR 84.304, whichever date came later.

B. Need for Rulemaking

    HHS has determined that extending the concluding date for the 
transition is necessary to allow sufficient time for respirator 
manufacturers to meet the demands of the mining, maritime, railroad, 
and other industries. Two manufacturers recently received NIOSH 
approval for their small-capacity non-mining respirators; however, no 
large-capacity units designed for underground coal mining and other 
industries have received NIOSH approval to date. HHS published the 
interim final rule in response to concerns expressed by mining industry 
and maritime stakeholders that an adequate number of new CCERs would 
not be available for purchase by the Subpart O compliance deadline, 
leaving miners, sailors, and other workers with insufficient 
protection.

C. Scope

    Pursuant to this final rule, which amends 42 CFR 84.301, NIOSH will 
extend the deadline for Subpart O compliance until 1 year after the 
date on which NIOSH approves the first CCER in each of the following 
three categories, described in 42 CFR 84.304: Cap 1 mining, Cap 3 
mining, and Cap 3 non-mining.
    CCER Cap 1 non-mining and Cap 2 mining and non-mining categories 
are not included in this rulemaking. Approval TC-13G-0001 was issued to 
Avon Protection Systems, Inc. on July 24, 2014 for its ER-2 emergency 
escape breathing device (EEBD). The ER-2 EEBD is certified by NIOSH as 
a Cap 1, 20-liter, CCER for use in non-mining applications. A second 
approval for a Cap 1 non-mining CCER was awarded to Ocenco Incorporated 
on December 2, 2014. The Cap 2 mining and non-mining categories are not 
included in this rulemaking because there are no units previously 
approved under Subpart H that are equivalent to the Cap 2 categories.
    Approval TC-13G-003 was issued to Avon Protection Systems on May 
13, 2015, for a Cap 1 unit for use in mining applications. The Avon 
approval triggered a 6-month transition for the category of Cap 1 
mining respirators, in accordance with the language of the interim 
final rule. With the publication of this final rule, that extension is

[[Page 48270]]

continued for an additional 6 months, until May 13, 2016.

III. Response to Public Comments

    As discussed above in the Public Participation section, HHS 
received four submissions to the rulemaking docket. Although the 
commenters were unanimous in their support of an extension, they cited 
a variety of reasons for the insufficiency of the 6-month extension 
established in the interim final rule.
    Comment: Six months is an arbitrary date and HHS should have 
consulted respirator manufacturers regarding the amount of time 
necessary for approved devices to be available to end-users. The phase-
in period should be extended from 6 to 16 months after the first 
approval to allow time for other manufacturers to obtain NIOSH approval 
and establish production capabilities, for the end-user to make 
procurement decisions, and for the manufacturer to finalize production 
activities after receiving procurement orders.
    Response: NIOSH works closely with respirator manufacturers and did 
consult with several regarding the implementation of Subpart O. We also 
reached out to end-users and other stakeholders to learn about their 
current and future respirator needs. Although we received anecdotal 
reports that user demand is greater than the availability of units 
capable of being produced under the new standard, users did not 
validate those reports. Consequently, after consulting with 
manufacturers and end-users, we originally determined that the 
compliance deadline, 3 years after publication of the new Subpart O 
standard, offered ample time for manufacturers to develop, produce, and 
deploy Subpart O CCERs. However, because only a handful of units were 
submitted to NIOSH for approval testing during the 3 years since the 
establishment of Subpart O, we decided to accommodate manufacturers by 
extending the transition period to 6 months after the first approval in 
each category. Based on our experience, we considered that the 6 month 
extension would allow for an estimated 8 weeks to begin production and 
another 8 weeks to develop sufficient capacity. We understand that this 
extension may still not be adequate for manufacturers to develop and 
produce CCERs in sufficient quantity to meet the needs of end-users. 
Accordingly, HHS agrees to extend the transition period further, as 
discussed below.
    Comment: The 6-month extension after a first approval could create 
a monopoly if the first manufacturer to receive approval receives the 
approval long before competitors and then saturates the market, thus 
disincentivizing competitors.
    Response: HHS has provided an extended implementation period for 
the development and provision of an adequate supply of Subpart O CCERs. 
This implementation period does not restrict the opportunity for 
competition but does provide substantial incentive for timely 
development of compliant new technology, which is in the interest of 
worker safety. We expect that manufacturers who have been in the CCER 
market have incentive to stay in the market. We are not amending the 
regulatory text based on this comment.
    Comment: HHS did not contact the two respirator manufacturers that 
have received approval for Cap 1 non-mining devices concerning the 
amount of time needed to produce units sufficient to meet demand.
    Response: We did communicate with both manufacturers that have 
units approved and asked for input on production times. However, we did 
not receive timely feedback on this point. Because both companies 
received approvals for Cap 1 non-mining devices prior to publication of 
the interim final rule, and because those approvals were granted many 
months before the April 9, 2015 Subpart O transition deadline, we did 
not find it appropriate to offer an extension for this category. 
Accordingly, we are not offering an extension for Cap 1 non-mining 
CCERs in this final rule.
    Comment: HHS could amend the rule text to allow the Subpart H 
standard to be extended until 6 months after the date of the NIOSH 
approval of ``two or more'' respirator models under each category. The 
extension of the transition period must be of sufficient duration to 
accommodate the approval of multiple devices, in order to give the 
mining industry a choice in the selection of CCERs.
    Response: The intent of this rulemaking is to permit the first 
awardee time to build a practical volume of inventory to meet market 
needs. We do not agree with the suggestion to amend the text to offer 
an extension after two or more models are approved because this would 
diminish the incentive of the remaining manufacturers (without an 
approved device) to be timely in the development of their Subpart O 
CCERs. Thus, we are not amending the regulatory text to offer an 
extension after two or more models are approved.
    Comment: The 6-month extension will not allow time for 
manufacturers to fill purchase orders and may result in mines not being 
able to obtain sufficient numbers of units to meet MSHA requirements. 
This could result in mines having to stop operations until additional 
units could be obtained. Further, if only one type of respirator is 
approved under Subpart O and is the only new device available on the 
market and that device utilizes a different technology from the types 
of respirator used in a particular mine, the mine might be forced to 
mix units. Mixing units would require additional training and could 
result in added stress and confusion during an emergency.
    Response: We agree to extend the Subpart O transition deadline 
beyond the 6 months offered in the interim final rule. This should 
alleviate concerns regarding the availability of units. Regarding the 
mixing of units of different technologies, underground mines have been 
permitted to co-mingle respirator types in the past. This can be done 
safely provided all persons are trained on the available respirator 
types. We are not aware that co-mingling of respirators has jeopardized 
worker safety and do not anticipate any such safety concerns as a 
result of this action.
    Comment: Significant delays in certification processing may occur 
because NIOSH is still refining the test equipment and training 
certification testing personnel and because there is no indication that 
any CCER will meet the Cap 3 requirements.
    Response: Respirator application processing comprises several 
different steps, including initial review, quality assurance review, 
laboratory testing, and final review; NIOSH is able to process multiple 
respirator applications simultaneously. Approval processing and testing 
typically takes between 4 and 6 months, depending on the completeness 
of the application and respirator complexity. Although our laboratory 
is only able to conduct certification testing on one CCER at a time, we 
do not anticipate any NIOSH-caused delays in the certification process 
as a result of equipment or personnel development. Nevertheless, HHS's 
interest is in ensuring at least one supplier of Subpart O CCERs in 
categories where Subpart H units currently exist. The extension offered 
in this final rule is designed to begin after NIOSH testing and 
approval of one application is complete.
    We do expect NIOSH approval of Cap 3 CCERs to occur in short order. 
Because two manufacturers have recently received approvals for Cap 1 
CCERs for non-mining applications, NIOSH expects that manufacturers 
will be able to meet the Cap 3 requirements, which require less of a 
performance increase from existing respirators in the

[[Page 48271]]

general class than did the development of respirators to meet the Cap 1 
requirements.
    Comment: HHS must consider the cumulative effect on coal companies 
of expected advancements in respirator technology. The mining industry 
will only be able to accommodate one technology change in the coming 
years--either CCERs that comply with the Subpart O standard or CCERs 
that have adopted new R&D developments for additional functionalities, 
such as seamless changeover between units and verbal communication.
    Response: HHS agrees that the scenario outlined in the comment is 
undesirable, but notes that Subpart O, as its forerunner, Subpart H, is 
a performance standard, not a design standard. HHS does not foresee any 
reason that desirable new technologies such as the ones identified in 
the comment cannot be incorporated into CCER designs which meet the 
Subpart O performance requirements. Although the schedule for adoption 
of additional functionalities is beyond the control of NIOSH and we 
cannot predict the timing of future R&D developments, extension of the 
transition deadline is one way to better accommodate any new 
technologies which may be imminently achievable in practical CCER 
designs.
    Comment: The rule should recognize the significant distinctions 
between the underground coal mining industry and the maritime, 
railroad, and other industries.
    Response: HHS agrees that this action should distinguish mining 
applications from non-mining and we did attempt to structure the 
extension to recognize the different needs of the different industries. 
For example, the maritime and railroad industries use Cap 1 non-mining 
devices; because two Cap 1 non-mining CCERs have already been approved, 
Cap 1 non-mining devices are not addressed in this rulemaking. We are 
not amending the regulatory text based on this comment.

IV. Summary of Final Rule

    This final rule amends 42 CFR 84.301 to allow NIOSH to extend the 
original 3-year period for continued manufacturing, labeling, and sale 
of CCERs approved under Subpart H to allow for the orderly 
implementation of the new testing and certification requirements of 
Subpart O. This provision allows NIOSH to extend the original 
transition period to allow manufacturers to obtain NIOSH approval, 
establish production capacity, and complete the modification of 
existing CCER designs, if necessary, or develop new designs that comply 
with the new testing and certification requirements. An extension also 
ensures that a constant supply of approved CCERs will remain available 
for purchase. The new Subpart O standard will continue to be applied to 
all new CCER designs that are submitted for approval. In accordance 
with this final rule, all types of CCERs approved under Subpart H that 
were manufactured and labeled as NIOSH-approved, and sold by April 9, 
2015, and including those units manufactured and labeled as NIOSH-
approved and sold during the extended periods established by this rule, 
may continue to be used as NIOSH-approved respirators until the end of 
their service life.
    In response to the public comments, HHS is amending Sec.  84.301(a) 
and thereby authorizes the continued manufacturing, labeling, and 
selling of CCERs approved under the former standard in Subpart H until 
1 year after the date that NIOSH first approves a CCER model under the 
capacity rating categories Cap 1 (for mining applications) and Cap 3 
(mining and non-mining) described in 42 CFR 84.304. This extension is 
in accordance with the comment requesting an increase in the duration 
of the extension from 6 to 16 months, as we understand that the 16-
month request includes at least 5 months for manufacturers to receive 
NIOSH approval after a first approval in a given category (leaving 11 
months, in the commenter's estimation, for completion of the 
manufacturing and procurement processes). We anticipate that most 
applications will have been submitted to NIOSH by the time a first 
approval is granted, and find that building additional time into the 
extension for the approval process will unnecessarily delay the Subpart 
O transition.
    We have also amended the paragraph to clarify that a Cap 1 device 
under Subpart O is comparable to a device with a rated service time of 
less than 20 minutes under Subpart H, and a Cap III device under 
Subpart O is comparable to a device with a rated service time of 
greater than 50 minutes under Subpart H. Finally, we have removed 
reference to April 9, 2015 in paragraph (a), as that date has passed.
    HHS received no comments on the provisions of paragraphs (b) or (c) 
and, accordingly, they are unchanged. Paragraph (b) clarifies that any 
non-major modifications to those approved devices must continue to meet 
the prior Subpart H standard. CCERs with major modifications that will 
result in a new NIOSH approval must conform to the new Subpart O 
standard. Paragraph (c) states that Subpart O applies to all CCERs 
submitted to NIOSH for approval after the effective date of the final 
rule, April 9, 2012.

V. Regulatory Assessment Requirements

A. Executive Order 12866 and Executive Order 13563

    Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess all 
costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if 
regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize 
net benefits (including potential economic, environmental, public 
health and safety effects, distributive impacts, and equity). E.O. 
13563 emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs and benefits, 
of reducing costs, of harmonizing rules, and of promoting flexibility.
    This final rule is not being treated as a ``significant'' action 
under E.O. 12866. It amends existing 42 CFR 84.301 to allow NIOSH to 
extend the deadline for a respirator certification standard established 
in 2012, and does not result in any costs to affected stakeholders; it 
does not raise any novel legal or policy issues. Accordingly, HHS has 
not prepared an economic analysis and the Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB) has not reviewed this rulemaking.
    The rule does not interfere with State, local, or tribal 
governments in the exercise of their governmental functions.

B. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA), 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq., 
requires each agency to consider the potential impact of its 
regulations on small entities including small businesses, small 
governmental units, and small not-for-profit organizations. HHS 
certifies that this final rule will not have a significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of small entities, including both small 
manufacturers of CCERs and the small mining operators that are required 
to purchase them, within the meaning of the RFA.

C. Paperwork Reduction Act

    The Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq., requires an 
agency to invite public comment on and to obtain OMB approval of any 
rule of general applicability that requires recordkeeping, reporting, 
or disclosure requirements.
    NIOSH has obtained approval from OMB to collect information from 
respirator manufacturers under ``Information Collection Provisions in

[[Page 48272]]

42 CFR part 84--Tests and Requirements for Certification and Approval 
of Respiratory Protective Devices'' (OMB Control No. 0920-0109, exp. 
November 30, 2017), which covers information collected under 42 CFR 
part 84. This rulemaking does not increase the reporting burden on 
respirator manufacturers.

D. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act

    As required by Congress under the Small Business Regulatory 
Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), the Department 
will report the promulgation of this rule to Congress prior to its 
effective date. The report will state that the Department has concluded 
that this rule is not a ``major rule'' because it is not likely to 
result in an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more.

E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995

    Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531 
et seq.) directs agencies to assess the effects of Federal regulatory 
actions on State, local, and tribal governments, and the private sector 
``other than to the extent that such regulations incorporate 
requirements specifically set forth in law.'' For purposes of the 
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act, this rule does not include any Federal 
mandate that may result in increased annual expenditures in excess of 
$100 million by State, local or tribal governments in the aggregate, or 
by the private sector.

F. Executive Order 12988 (Civil Justice)

    This rule has been drafted and reviewed in accordance with 
Executive Order 12988, ``Civil Justice Reform,'' and will not unduly 
burden the Federal court system. NIOSH has provided clear deadline 
extension requirements that will be applied uniformly to all 
applications from manufacturers of CCERs in certain categories. This 
rule has been reviewed carefully to eliminate drafting errors and 
ambiguities.

G. Executive Order 13132 (Federalism)

    The Department has reviewed this rule in accordance with Executive 
Order 13132 regarding federalism, and has determined that it does not 
have ``federalism implications.'' The rule does not ``have substantial 
direct effects on the States, on the relationship between the national 
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government.''

H. Executive Order 13045 (Protection of Children From Environmental 
Health Risks and Safety Risks)

    In accordance with Executive Order 13045, HHS has evaluated the 
environmental health and safety effects of this rule on children. HHS 
has determined that the rule would have no effect on children.

I. Executive Order 13211 (Actions Concerning Regulations That 
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use)

    In accordance with Executive Order 13211, HHS has evaluated the 
effects of this rule on energy supply, distribution or use, and has 
determined that the rule will not have a significant adverse effect.

J. Plain Writing Act of 2010

    Under Public Law 111-274 (October 13, 2010), executive Departments 
and Agencies are required to use plain language in documents that 
explain to the public how to comply with a requirement the Federal 
Government administers or enforces. HHS has attempted to use plain 
language in promulgating the final rule consistent with the Federal 
Plain Writing Act guidelines.

List of Subjects in 42 CFR Part 84

    Incorporation by reference, Mine safety and health, Occupational 
safety and health, Personal protective equipment, Respirators.

Final Rule

    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Department of Health 
and Human Services amends 42 CFR part 84 as follows:

PART 84--APPROVAL OF RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE DEVICES

0
1. The authority citation for part 84 is revised to read as follows:

    Authority: 29 U.S.C. 651 et seq.; 30 U.S.C. 3, 5, 7, 811, 
842(h), 844.


0
2. Revise Sec.  84.301 to read as follows:


Sec.  84.301  Applicability to new and previously approved CCERs.

    (a) The continued manufacturing, labeling, and sale of CCERs 
previously approved under subpart H is authorized for units intended to 
be used in mining applications with durations comparable to Cap 1 (all 
CCERs with a rated service time <=20 minutes), and units intended to be 
used in mining and non-mining applications with durations comparable to 
Cap 3 (all CCERs with a rated service time >=50 minutes), until 1 year 
after the date of the first NIOSH approval of a respirator model under 
each respective category specified.
    (b) Any manufacturer-requested modification to a device approved 
under the former subpart H standard must comply with the former subpart 
H standard and address an identified worker safety or health concern to 
be granted an extension of the NIOSH approval. Major modifications to 
the configuration that will result in a new approval number must meet 
and be issued approvals under the requirements of this subpart O.
    (c) This subpart O applies to all CCERs submitted to NIOSH for a 
certificate of approval after April 9, 2012.

    Dated: August 5, 2015.
Sylvia M. Burwell,
Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services.
[FR Doc. 2015-19750 Filed 8-11-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4163-18-P



                                                48268            Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 155 / Wednesday, August 12, 2015 / Rules and Regulations

                                                G. Executive Order 13045: Protection of                 PART 60—STANDARDS OF                                  and that is constructed primarily of
                                                Children From Environmental Health                      PERFORMANCE FOR NEW                                   nonearthen materials (such as wood,
                                                Risks and Safety Risks                                  STATIONARY SOURCES                                    concrete, steel, fiberglass, or plastic)
                                                  The EPA interprets Executive Order                                                                          which provide structural support. A
                                                                                                        ■ 1. The authority citation for part 60               well completion vessel that receives
                                                13045 as applying only to those
                                                                                                        continues to read as follows:                         recovered liquids from a well after
                                                regulatory actions that concern
                                                environmental health or safety risks that                   Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401, et seq.                startup of production following
                                                the EPA has reason to believe may                                                                             flowback for a period which exceeds 60
                                                disproportionately affect children, per                 Subpart OOOO—Standards of                             days is considered a storage vessel
                                                the definition of ‘‘covered regulatory                  Performance for Crude Oil and Natural                 under this subpart. A tank or other
                                                action’’ in section 2–202 of the                        Gas Production, Transmission, and                     vessel shall not be considered a storage
                                                Executive Order. This action is not                     Distribution                                          vessel if it has been removed from
                                                subject to Executive Order 13045                                                                              service in accordance with the
                                                                                                        ■ 2. Section 60.5365(e)(4) is revised to              requirements of § 60.5395(f) until such
                                                because it does not concern an                          read as follows:
                                                environmental health risk or safety risk.                                                                     time as such tank or other vessel has
                                                                                                        § 60.5365    Am I subject to this subpart?            been returned to service. * * *
                                                H. Executive Order 13211: Actions                                                                             *     *      *     *    *
                                                Concerning Regulations That                             *      *      *      *    *
                                                                                                          (e) * * *                                           [FR Doc. 2015–19733 Filed 8–11–15; 8:45 am]
                                                Significantly Affect Energy Supply,                       (4) For each new, reconstructed, or                 BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
                                                Distribution, or Use                                    modified storage vessel with startup,
                                                  This action is not subject to Executive               startup of production, or which is
                                                Order 13211 because it is not a                         returned to service, affected facility                DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
                                                significant regulatory action under                     status is determined as follows: If a                 HUMAN SERVICES
                                                Executive Order 12866.                                  storage vessel is reconnected to the
                                                                                                        original source of liquids or is used to              42 CFR Part 84
                                                I. National Technology Transfer and
                                                Advancement Act (NTTAA)                                 replace any storage vessel affected                   [Docket Number CDC–2015–0004; NIOSH–
                                                                                                        facility, it is a storage vessel affected             280]
                                                   This rulemaking does not involve                     facility subject to the same requirements
                                                technical standards.                                    as before being removed from service, or              RIN 0920–AA60
                                                J. Executive Order 12898: Federal                       applicable to the storage vessel affected
                                                                                                        facility being replaced, immediately                  Closed-Circuit Escape Respirators;
                                                Actions To Address Environmental                                                                              Extension of Transition Period
                                                Justice in Minority Populations and                     upon startup, startup of production, or
                                                Low-Income Populations                                  return to service.                                    AGENCY:  Centers for Disease Control and
                                                   The EPA believes the human health or                 *      *      *      *    *                           Prevention, HHS.
                                                environmental risk addressed by this                    ■ 3. Section 60.5430 is amended by                    ACTION: Final rule.
                                                action will not have potential                          revising the definitions for ‘‘Low
                                                disproportionately high and adverse                     pressure gas well,’’ ‘‘Returned to                    SUMMARY:    In March 2012, the
                                                human health or environmental effects                   service,’’ and the first three sentences in           Department of Health and Human
                                                on minority, low-income, or indigenous                  the introductory text of ‘‘Storage vessel’’           Services (HHS) published a final rule
                                                populations because it does not affect                  to read as follows:                                   establishing a new standard for the
                                                the level of protection provided to                                                                           certification of closed-circuit escape
                                                                                                        § 60.5430    What definitions apply to this           respirators (CCERs) by the National
                                                human health or the environment. This                   subpart?
                                                action is a reconsideration of an existing                                                                    Institute for Occupational Safety and
                                                                                                        *      *     *     *     *                            Health (NIOSH) within the Centers for
                                                rule and imposes no new impacts or                         Low pressure gas well means a well
                                                costs.                                                                                                        Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
                                                                                                        with reservoir pressure and vertical well             The new standard was originally
                                                K. Congressional Review Act (CRA)                       depth such that 0.445 times the                       designed to take effect over a 3-year
                                                                                                        reservoir pressure (in psia) minus 0.038              transition period. HHS has determined
                                                  This action is subject to the CRA, and
                                                                                                        times the true vertical well depth (in                that extending the concluding date for
                                                the EPA will submit a rule report to
                                                                                                        feet) minus 67.578 psia is less than the              the transition is necessary to allow
                                                each House of the Congress and to the
                                                                                                        flow line pressure at the sales meter.                sufficient time for respirator
                                                Comptroller General of the United
                                                States. This action is not a ‘‘major rule’’             *      *     *     *     *                            manufacturers to meet the demands of
                                                as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).                             Returned to service means that a                   the mining, maritime, railroad and other
                                                                                                        Group 1 or Group 2 storage vessel                     industries. Pursuant to this final action,
                                                List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 60                      affected facility that was removed from               NIOSH extends the phase-in period
                                                  Administrative practice and                           service has been:                                     until 1 year after the date that the first
                                                procedure, Air pollution control,                          (1) Reconnected to the original source             approval is granted to certain CCER
                                                Environmental protection,                               of liquids or has been used to replace                models.
                                                Intergovernmental relations, Reporting                  any storage vessel affected facility; or
                                                                                                           (2) Installed in any location covered              DATES: This rule is effective on August
                                                and recordkeeping.                                                                                            12, 2015.
                                                                                                        by this subpart and introduced with
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                                  Dated: July 31, 2015.                                 crude oil, condensate, intermediate                   FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                Gina McCarthy,                                          hydrocarbon liquids or produced water.                Rachel Weiss, Program Analyst; 1090
                                                Administrator.                                          *      *     *     *     *                            Tusculum Avenue, MS: C–46,
                                                  For the reasons set out in the                           Storage vessel means a tank or other               Cincinnati, OH 45226; telephone (855)
                                                preamble, title 40, chapter I of the Code               vessel that contains an accumulation of               818–1629 (this is a toll-free number);
                                                of Federal Regulations is amended as                    crude oil, condensate, intermediate                   email NIOSHregs@cdc.gov.
                                                follows:                                                hydrocarbon liquids, or produced water,               SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:



                                           VerDate Sep<11>2014   18:35 Aug 11, 2015   Jkt 235001   PO 00000   Frm 00034   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\12AUR1.SGM   12AUR1


                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 155 / Wednesday, August 12, 2015 / Rules and Regulations                                       48269

                                                Table of Contents                                       employers to supply NIOSH-approved                    standard in Subpart H until either April
                                                I. Public Participation
                                                                                                        respirators to their employees whenever               9, 2015 or 6 months after the date that
                                                II. Background                                          the employer requires the use of                      NIOSH first approves a CCER model
                                                   A. History of Rulemaking                             respirators.                                          under the capacity rating categories Cap
                                                   B. Need for Rulemaking                                  A closed-circuit escape respirator                 1 (for mining applications) and Cap 3
                                                   C. Scope                                             (CCER) is an apparatus in which the                   (mining and non-mining) described in
                                                III. Response to Public Comments                        wearer’s exhalation is rebreathed after               42 CFR 84.304, whichever date came
                                                IV. Summary of Final Rule                               the carbon dioxide in the exhaled breath              later.
                                                V. Regulatory Assessment Requirements                   has been effectively removed and a
                                                   A. Executive Orders 12866 and 13563                  suitable oxygen supply has been                       B. Need for Rulemaking
                                                   B. Regulatory Flexibility Act                        restored from a source within the device                HHS has determined that extending
                                                   C. Paperwork Reduction Act                                                                                 the concluding date for the transition is
                                                                                                        (e.g., compressed, chemical, or liquid
                                                   D. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement
                                                                                                        oxygen). CCERs are used in certain                    necessary to allow sufficient time for
                                                      Fairness Act
                                                   E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995              industrial and other work settings                    respirator manufacturers to meet the
                                                   F. Executive Order 12988 (Civil Justice)             during emergencies to enable users to                 demands of the mining, maritime,
                                                   G. Executive Order 13132 (Federalism)                escape from atmospheres that can be                   railroad, and other industries. Two
                                                   H. Executive Order 13045 (Protection of              immediately dangerous to life and                     manufacturers recently received NIOSH
                                                      Children From Environmental Health                health. The CCER, known in the mining                 approval for their small-capacity non-
                                                      Risks and Safety Risks)                           industry as a self-contained self-rescuer,            mining respirators; however, no large-
                                                   I. Executive Order 13211 (Actions                    is used by miners to escape dangerous                 capacity units designed for underground
                                                      Concerning Regulations That                       atmospheres in mines. It is also used by              coal mining and other industries have
                                                      Significantly Affect Energy Supply,                                                                     received NIOSH approval to date. HHS
                                                                                                        certain Navy and Coast Guard
                                                      Distribution, or Use)
                                                                                                        personnel, such as crews working below                published the interim final rule in
                                                   J. Plain Writing Act of 2010
                                                                                                        decks on vessels, where it is referred to             response to concerns expressed by
                                                I. Public Participation                                 as an emergency escape breathing                      mining industry and maritime
                                                   On January 29, 2015, HHS published                   device, and in the railroad industry,                 stakeholders that an adequate number of
                                                an interim final rule to amend the                      where it is known as an emergency                     new CCERs would not be available for
                                                transition deadline established in 42                   escape breathing apparatus. To a lesser               purchase by the Subpart O compliance
                                                CFR 84.301 (80 FR 4801), and invited                    extent, it is also used by non-mining                 deadline, leaving miners, sailors, and
                                                interested persons or organizations to                  workers who work in tunnels,                          other workers with insufficient
                                                participate in this rulemaking by                       underground, or in confined spaces.                   protection.
                                                submitting written views, arguments,                       Requirements for the certification of
                                                                                                                                                              C. Scope
                                                recommendations, and data. Comments                     CCERs were updated in a 2012 final
                                                                                                        rule, in which HHS codified a new                        Pursuant to this final rule, which
                                                were invited on any topic related to this                                                                     amends 42 CFR 84.301, NIOSH will
                                                rulemaking and specifically on the                      Subpart O and removed only those
                                                                                                        technical requirements in 42 CFR part                 extend the deadline for Subpart O
                                                following question related to this                                                                            compliance until 1 year after the date on
                                                                                                        84—Subpart H that were uniquely
                                                rulemaking:                                                                                                   which NIOSH approves the first CCER
                                                   Will a compliance date 6 months after                applicable to CCERs. All other
                                                                                                        applicable requirements of 42 CFR part                in each of the following three categories,
                                                the date that the first approval is granted
                                                                                                        84 were unchanged. The purpose of                     described in 42 CFR 84.304: Cap 1
                                                in each of three categories of CCER
                                                                                                        these updated requirements is to enable               mining, Cap 3 mining, and Cap 3 non-
                                                types provide sufficient time for
                                                                                                        NIOSH and MSHA to more effectively                    mining.
                                                respirator manufacturers to develop                                                                              CCER Cap 1 non-mining and Cap 2
                                                                                                        ensure the performance, reliability, and
                                                production capacity to meet expected                                                                          mining and non-mining categories are
                                                                                                        safety of CCERs.
                                                market demand, while not causing                           The effective date for the new                     not included in this rulemaking.
                                                undue loss of sales revenue that may be                 standard in Subpart O was April 9,                    Approval TC–13G–0001 was issued to
                                                expected from achieving the first                       2012. Beginning on that date, any new                 Avon Protection Systems, Inc. on July
                                                successful design for the given size?                   application for a certificate of approval             24, 2014 for its ER–2 emergency escape
                                                   We received four submissions to the                                                                        breathing device (EEBD). The ER–2
                                                                                                        for a CCER would be required to meet
                                                docket: One from a respirator                           the new Subpart O standard.                           EEBD is certified by NIOSH as a Cap 1,
                                                manufacturer, one from a mining                         Manufacturers were allowed to continue                20-liter, CCER for use in non-mining
                                                association, one from a coal company,                   to manufacture, label, and sell                       applications. A second approval for a
                                                and one from three coal companies and                   respirators certified to the prior Subpart            Cap 1 non-mining CCER was awarded to
                                                another mining association. A summary                   H standard until April 9, 2015.                       Ocenco Incorporated on December 2,
                                                of comments and HHS responses are                          On January 29, 2015, HHS published                 2014. The Cap 2 mining and non-mining
                                                found in Section III, below.                            an interim final rule to amend the                    categories are not included in this
                                                II. Background                                          compliance deadline established in 42                 rulemaking because there are no units
                                                                                                        CFR 84.301 (80 FR 4801). The interim                  previously approved under Subpart H
                                                A. History of Rulemaking                                final rule amended 42 CFR 84.301 to                   that are equivalent to the Cap 2
                                                  Under Title 42 of the Code of Federal                 allow NIOSH to extend the original 3-                 categories.
                                                Regulations (42 CFR) part 84—Approval                   year period for continued                                Approval TC–13G–003 was issued to
                                                of Respiratory Protective Devices,                      manufacturing, labeling, and sale of                  Avon Protection Systems on May 13,
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                                NIOSH approves respirators used by                      CCERs approved under Subpart H to                     2015, for a Cap 1 unit for use in mining
                                                workers in mines and other workplaces                   allow for the orderly implementation of               applications. The Avon approval
                                                for protection against hazardous                        the new testing and certification                     triggered a 6-month transition for the
                                                atmospheres. The Mine Safety and                        requirements of Subpart O. The                        category of Cap 1 mining respirators, in
                                                Health Administration (MSHA) and the                    amendments authorized the continued                   accordance with the language of the
                                                Occupational Safety and Health                          manufacturing, labeling, and selling of               interim final rule. With the publication
                                                Administration (OSHA) require U.S.                      CCERs approved under the former                       of this final rule, that extension is


                                           VerDate Sep<11>2014   18:35 Aug 11, 2015   Jkt 235001   PO 00000   Frm 00035   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\12AUR1.SGM   12AUR1


                                                48270            Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 155 / Wednesday, August 12, 2015 / Rules and Regulations

                                                continued for an additional 6 months,                   receive approval receives the approval                numbers of units to meet MSHA
                                                until May 13, 2016.                                     long before competitors and then                      requirements. This could result in
                                                                                                        saturates the market, thus                            mines having to stop operations until
                                                III. Response to Public Comments
                                                                                                        disincentivizing competitors.                         additional units could be obtained.
                                                   As discussed above in the Public                        Response: HHS has provided an                      Further, if only one type of respirator is
                                                Participation section, HHS received four                extended implementation period for the                approved under Subpart O and is the
                                                submissions to the rulemaking docket.                   development and provision of an                       only new device available on the market
                                                Although the commenters were                            adequate supply of Subpart O CCERs.                   and that device utilizes a different
                                                unanimous in their support of an                        This implementation period does not                   technology from the types of respirator
                                                extension, they cited a variety of reasons              restrict the opportunity for competition              used in a particular mine, the mine
                                                for the insufficiency of the 6-month                    but does provide substantial incentive                might be forced to mix units. Mixing
                                                extension established in the interim                    for timely development of compliant                   units would require additional training
                                                final rule.                                             new technology, which is in the interest              and could result in added stress and
                                                   Comment: Six months is an arbitrary                  of worker safety. We expect that                      confusion during an emergency.
                                                date and HHS should have consulted                      manufacturers who have been in the                       Response: We agree to extend the
                                                respirator manufacturers regarding the                  CCER market have incentive to stay in                 Subpart O transition deadline beyond
                                                amount of time necessary for approved                   the market. We are not amending the                   the 6 months offered in the interim final
                                                devices to be available to end-users. The               regulatory text based on this comment.                rule. This should alleviate concerns
                                                phase-in period should be extended                         Comment: HHS did not contact the                   regarding the availability of units.
                                                from 6 to 16 months after the first                     two respirator manufacturers that have                Regarding the mixing of units of
                                                approval to allow time for other                        received approval for Cap 1 non-mining                different technologies, underground
                                                manufacturers to obtain NIOSH                           devices concerning the amount of time                 mines have been permitted to co-mingle
                                                approval and establish production                       needed to produce units sufficient to                 respirator types in the past. This can be
                                                capabilities, for the end-user to make                  meet demand.                                          done safely provided all persons are
                                                procurement decisions, and for the                         Response: We did communicate with                  trained on the available respirator types.
                                                manufacturer to finalize production                     both manufacturers that have units                    We are not aware that co-mingling of
                                                activities after receiving procurement                  approved and asked for input on                       respirators has jeopardized worker
                                                orders.                                                 production times. However, we did not                 safety and do not anticipate any such
                                                   Response: NIOSH works closely with                   receive timely feedback on this point.                safety concerns as a result of this action.
                                                respirator manufacturers and did                        Because both companies received                          Comment: Significant delays in
                                                consult with several regarding the                      approvals for Cap 1 non-mining devices                certification processing may occur
                                                implementation of Subpart O. We also                    prior to publication of the interim final             because NIOSH is still refining the test
                                                reached out to end-users and other                      rule, and because those approvals were                equipment and training certification
                                                stakeholders to learn about their current               granted many months before the April 9,               testing personnel and because there is
                                                and future respirator needs. Although                   2015 Subpart O transition deadline, we                no indication that any CCER will meet
                                                we received anecdotal reports that user                 did not find it appropriate to offer an               the Cap 3 requirements.
                                                demand is greater than the availability                 extension for this category. Accordingly,                Response: Respirator application
                                                of units capable of being produced                      we are not offering an extension for Cap              processing comprises several different
                                                under the new standard, users did not                   1 non-mining CCERs in this final rule.                steps, including initial review, quality
                                                validate those reports. Consequently,                      Comment: HHS could amend the rule                  assurance review, laboratory testing,
                                                after consulting with manufacturers and                 text to allow the Subpart H standard to               and final review; NIOSH is able to
                                                end-users, we originally determined that                be extended until 6 months after the                  process multiple respirator applications
                                                the compliance deadline, 3 years after                  date of the NIOSH approval of ‘‘two or                simultaneously. Approval processing
                                                publication of the new Subpart O                        more’’ respirator models under each                   and testing typically takes between 4
                                                standard, offered ample time for                        category. The extension of the transition             and 6 months, depending on the
                                                manufacturers to develop, produce, and                  period must be of sufficient duration to              completeness of the application and
                                                deploy Subpart O CCERs. However,                        accommodate the approval of multiple                  respirator complexity. Although our
                                                because only a handful of units were                    devices, in order to give the mining                  laboratory is only able to conduct
                                                submitted to NIOSH for approval testing                 industry a choice in the selection of                 certification testing on one CCER at a
                                                during the 3 years since the                            CCERs.                                                time, we do not anticipate any NIOSH-
                                                establishment of Subpart O, we decided                     Response: The intent of this                       caused delays in the certification
                                                to accommodate manufacturers by                         rulemaking is to permit the first                     process as a result of equipment or
                                                extending the transition period to 6                    awardee time to build a practical                     personnel development. Nevertheless,
                                                months after the first approval in each                 volume of inventory to meet market                    HHS’s interest is in ensuring at least one
                                                category. Based on our experience, we                   needs. We do not agree with the                       supplier of Subpart O CCERs in
                                                considered that the 6 month extension                   suggestion to amend the text to offer an              categories where Subpart H units
                                                would allow for an estimated 8 weeks                    extension after two or more models are                currently exist. The extension offered in
                                                to begin production and another 8                       approved because this would diminish                  this final rule is designed to begin after
                                                weeks to develop sufficient capacity.                   the incentive of the remaining                        NIOSH testing and approval of one
                                                We understand that this extension may                   manufacturers (without an approved                    application is complete.
                                                still not be adequate for manufacturers                 device) to be timely in the development                  We do expect NIOSH approval of Cap
                                                to develop and produce CCERs in                         of their Subpart O CCERs. Thus, we are                3 CCERs to occur in short order.
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                                sufficient quantity to meet the needs of                not amending the regulatory text to offer             Because two manufacturers have
                                                end-users. Accordingly, HHS agrees to                   an extension after two or more models                 recently received approvals for Cap 1
                                                extend the transition period further, as                are approved.                                         CCERs for non-mining applications,
                                                discussed below.                                           Comment: The 6-month extension                     NIOSH expects that manufacturers will
                                                   Comment: The 6-month extension                       will not allow time for manufacturers to              be able to meet the Cap 3 requirements,
                                                after a first approval could create a                   fill purchase orders and may result in                which require less of a performance
                                                monopoly if the first manufacturer to                   mines not being able to obtain sufficient             increase from existing respirators in the


                                           VerDate Sep<11>2014   18:35 Aug 11, 2015   Jkt 235001   PO 00000   Frm 00036   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\12AUR1.SGM   12AUR1


                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 155 / Wednesday, August 12, 2015 / Rules and Regulations                                        48271

                                                general class than did the development                  the new testing and certification                     CCERs submitted to NIOSH for approval
                                                of respirators to meet the Cap 1                        requirements. An extension also ensures               after the effective date of the final rule,
                                                requirements.                                           that a constant supply of approved                    April 9, 2012.
                                                   Comment: HHS must consider the                       CCERs will remain available for
                                                cumulative effect on coal companies of                                                                        V. Regulatory Assessment
                                                                                                        purchase. The new Subpart O standard
                                                expected advancements in respirator                                                                           Requirements
                                                                                                        will continue to be applied to all new
                                                technology. The mining industry will                    CCER designs that are submitted for                   A. Executive Order 12866 and Executive
                                                only be able to accommodate one                         approval. In accordance with this final               Order 13563
                                                technology change in the coming                         rule, all types of CCERs approved under
                                                years—either CCERs that comply with                                                                              Executive Orders 12866 and 13563
                                                                                                        Subpart H that were manufactured and
                                                the Subpart O standard or CCERs that                                                                          direct agencies to assess all costs and
                                                                                                        labeled as NIOSH-approved, and sold by
                                                have adopted new R&D developments                                                                             benefits of available regulatory
                                                                                                        April 9, 2015, and including those units
                                                for additional functionalities, such as                                                                       alternatives and, if regulation is
                                                                                                        manufactured and labeled as NIOSH-
                                                seamless changeover between units and                                                                         necessary, to select regulatory
                                                                                                        approved and sold during the extended
                                                verbal communication.                                                                                         approaches that maximize net benefits
                                                                                                        periods established by this rule, may
                                                   Response: HHS agrees that the                                                                              (including potential economic,
                                                                                                        continue to be used as NIOSH-approved
                                                scenario outlined in the comment is                     respirators until the end of their service            environmental, public health and safety
                                                undesirable, but notes that Subpart O, as               life.                                                 effects, distributive impacts, and
                                                its forerunner, Subpart H, is a                            In response to the public comments,                equity). E.O. 13563 emphasizes the
                                                performance standard, not a design                      HHS is amending § 84.301(a) and                       importance of quantifying both costs
                                                standard. HHS does not foresee any                      thereby authorizes the continued                      and benefits, of reducing costs, of
                                                reason that desirable new technologies                  manufacturing, labeling, and selling of               harmonizing rules, and of promoting
                                                such as the ones identified in the                      CCERs approved under the former                       flexibility.
                                                comment cannot be incorporated into                     standard in Subpart H until 1 year after                 This final rule is not being treated as
                                                CCER designs which meet the Subpart                     the date that NIOSH first approves a                  a ‘‘significant’’ action under E.O. 12866.
                                                O performance requirements. Although                    CCER model under the capacity rating                  It amends existing 42 CFR 84.301 to
                                                the schedule for adoption of additional                 categories Cap 1 (for mining                          allow NIOSH to extend the deadline for
                                                functionalities is beyond the control of                applications) and Cap 3 (mining and                   a respirator certification standard
                                                NIOSH and we cannot predict the                         non-mining) described in 42 CFR                       established in 2012, and does not result
                                                timing of future R&D developments,                      84.304. This extension is in accordance               in any costs to affected stakeholders; it
                                                extension of the transition deadline is                 with the comment requesting an                        does not raise any novel legal or policy
                                                one way to better accommodate any new                   increase in the duration of the extension             issues. Accordingly, HHS has not
                                                technologies which may be imminently                    from 6 to 16 months, as we understand                 prepared an economic analysis and the
                                                achievable in practical CCER designs.                   that the 16-month request includes at                 Office of Management and Budget
                                                   Comment: The rule should recognize                   least 5 months for manufacturers to                   (OMB) has not reviewed this
                                                the significant distinctions between the                receive NIOSH approval after a first                  rulemaking.
                                                underground coal mining industry and                    approval in a given category (leaving 11                 The rule does not interfere with State,
                                                the maritime, railroad, and other                       months, in the commenter’s estimation,                local, or tribal governments in the
                                                industries.                                             for completion of the manufacturing and               exercise of their governmental
                                                   Response: HHS agrees that this action                procurement processes). We anticipate                 functions.
                                                should distinguish mining applications                  that most applications will have been                 B. Regulatory Flexibility Act
                                                from non-mining and we did attempt to                   submitted to NIOSH by the time a first
                                                structure the extension to recognize the                approval is granted, and find that                      The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA),
                                                different needs of the different                        building additional time into the                     5 U.S.C. 601 et seq., requires each
                                                industries. For example, the maritime                   extension for the approval process will               agency to consider the potential impact
                                                and railroad industries use Cap 1 non-                  unnecessarily delay the Subpart O                     of its regulations on small entities
                                                mining devices; because two Cap 1 non-                  transition.                                           including small businesses, small
                                                mining CCERs have already been                             We have also amended the paragraph                 governmental units, and small not-for-
                                                approved, Cap 1 non-mining devices are                  to clarify that a Cap 1 device under                  profit organizations. HHS certifies that
                                                not addressed in this rulemaking. We                    Subpart O is comparable to a device                   this final rule will not have a significant
                                                are not amending the regulatory text                    with a rated service time of less than 20             economic impact on a substantial
                                                based on this comment.                                  minutes under Subpart H, and a Cap III                number of small entities, including both
                                                                                                        device under Subpart O is comparable                  small manufacturers of CCERs and the
                                                IV. Summary of Final Rule                               to a device with a rated service time of              small mining operators that are required
                                                   This final rule amends 42 CFR 84.301                 greater than 50 minutes under Subpart                 to purchase them, within the meaning of
                                                to allow NIOSH to extend the original                   H. Finally, we have removed reference                 the RFA.
                                                3-year period for continued                             to April 9, 2015 in paragraph (a), as that
                                                manufacturing, labeling, and sale of                                                                          C. Paperwork Reduction Act
                                                                                                        date has passed.
                                                CCERs approved under Subpart H to                          HHS received no comments on the                       The Paperwork Reduction Act, 44
                                                allow for the orderly implementation of                 provisions of paragraphs (b) or (c) and,              U.S.C. 3501 et seq., requires an agency
                                                the new testing and certification                       accordingly, they are unchanged.                      to invite public comment on and to
                                                requirements of Subpart O. This                         Paragraph (b) clarifies that any non-                 obtain OMB approval of any rule of
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                                provision allows NIOSH to extend the                    major modifications to those approved                 general applicability that requires
                                                original transition period to allow                     devices must continue to meet the prior               recordkeeping, reporting, or disclosure
                                                manufacturers to obtain NIOSH                           Subpart H standard. CCERs with major                  requirements.
                                                approval, establish production capacity,                modifications that will result in a new                  NIOSH has obtained approval from
                                                and complete the modification of                        NIOSH approval must conform to the                    OMB to collect information from
                                                existing CCER designs, if necessary, or                 new Subpart O standard. Paragraph (c)                 respirator manufacturers under
                                                develop new designs that comply with                    states that Subpart O applies to all                  ‘‘Information Collection Provisions in


                                           VerDate Sep<11>2014   18:35 Aug 11, 2015   Jkt 235001   PO 00000   Frm 00037   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\12AUR1.SGM   12AUR1


                                                48272            Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 155 / Wednesday, August 12, 2015 / Rules and Regulations

                                                42 CFR part 84—Tests and                                H. Executive Order 13045 (Protection of               respirator model under each respective
                                                Requirements for Certification and                      Children From Environmental Health                    category specified.
                                                Approval of Respiratory Protective                      Risks and Safety Risks)                                  (b) Any manufacturer-requested
                                                Devices’’ (OMB Control No. 0920–0109,                      In accordance with Executive Order                 modification to a device approved
                                                exp. November 30, 2017), which covers                   13045, HHS has evaluated the                          under the former subpart H standard
                                                information collected under 42 CFR part                 environmental health and safety effects               must comply with the former subpart H
                                                84. This rulemaking does not increase                   of this rule on children. HHS has                     standard and address an identified
                                                the reporting burden on respirator                      determined that the rule would have no                worker safety or health concern to be
                                                manufacturers.                                          effect on children.                                   granted an extension of the NIOSH
                                                                                                                                                              approval. Major modifications to the
                                                D. Small Business Regulatory                            I. Executive Order 13211 (Actions                     configuration that will result in a new
                                                Enforcement Fairness Act                                Concerning Regulations That                           approval number must meet and be
                                                                                                        Significantly Affect Energy Supply,                   issued approvals under the
                                                  As required by Congress under the
                                                                                                        Distribution, or Use)                                 requirements of this subpart O.
                                                Small Business Regulatory Enforcement
                                                Fairness Act of 1996 (5 U.S.C. 801 et                      In accordance with Executive Order                    (c) This subpart O applies to all
                                                seq.), the Department will report the                   13211, HHS has evaluated the effects of               CCERs submitted to NIOSH for a
                                                promulgation of this rule to Congress                   this rule on energy supply, distribution              certificate of approval after April 9,
                                                prior to its effective date. The report                 or use, and has determined that the rule              2012.
                                                will state that the Department has                      will not have a significant adverse                     Dated: August 5, 2015.
                                                concluded that this rule is not a ‘‘major               effect.                                               Sylvia M. Burwell,
                                                rule’’ because it is not likely to result in            J. Plain Writing Act of 2010                          Secretary, Department of Health and Human
                                                an annual effect on the economy of $100                                                                       Services.
                                                million or more.                                           Under Public Law 111–274 (October
                                                                                                                                                              [FR Doc. 2015–19750 Filed 8–11–15; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                        13, 2010), executive Departments and
                                                E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of                                                                            BILLING CODE 4163–18–P
                                                                                                        Agencies are required to use plain
                                                1995                                                    language in documents that explain to
                                                                                                        the public how to comply with a
                                                   Title II of the Unfunded Mandates                                                                          DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
                                                                                                        requirement the Federal Government
                                                Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531 et                                                                          HUMAN SERVICES
                                                                                                        administers or enforces. HHS has
                                                seq.) directs agencies to assess the                    attempted to use plain language in
                                                effects of Federal regulatory actions on                                                                      42 CFR Part 68b
                                                                                                        promulgating the final rule consistent
                                                State, local, and tribal governments, and               with the Federal Plain Writing Act                    RIN 0925–AA10
                                                the private sector ‘‘other than to the                  guidelines.
                                                extent that such regulations incorporate                                                                      [Docket No. NIH–2007–0930]
                                                requirements specifically set forth in                  List of Subjects in 42 CFR Part 84
                                                law.’’ For purposes of the Unfunded                                                                           National Institutes of Health
                                                                                                          Incorporation by reference, Mine
                                                Mandates Reform Act, this rule does not                                                                       Undergraduate Scholarship Program
                                                                                                        safety and health, Occupational safety
                                                include any Federal mandate that may                                                                          Regarding Professions Needed by
                                                                                                        and health, Personal protective
                                                result in increased annual expenditures                                                                       National Research Institutes
                                                                                                        equipment, Respirators.
                                                in excess of $100 million by State, local                                                                     AGENCY:    National Institutes of Health,
                                                or tribal governments in the aggregate,                 Final Rule
                                                                                                                                                              HHS.
                                                or by the private sector.                                 For the reasons discussed in the
                                                                                                                                                              ACTION:   Final rule.
                                                                                                        preamble, the Department of Health and
                                                F. Executive Order 12988 (Civil Justice)                Human Services amends 42 CFR part 84                  SUMMARY:    The National Institutes of
                                                  This rule has been drafted and                        as follows:                                           Health (NIH), through the Department of
                                                reviewed in accordance with Executive                                                                         Health and Human Services (HHS), is
                                                                                                        PART 84—APPROVAL OF
                                                Order 12988, ‘‘Civil Justice Reform,’’                                                                        issuing regulations to implement
                                                                                                        RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
                                                and will not unduly burden the Federal                                                                        provisions of the Public Health Service
                                                court system. NIOSH has provided clear                  ■ 1. The authority citation for part 84 is            Act authorizing the NIH Undergraduate
                                                deadline extension requirements that                    revised to read as follows:                           Scholarship Program Regarding
                                                will be applied uniformly to all                                                                              Professions Needed by National
                                                                                                           Authority: 29 U.S.C. 651 et seq.; 30 U.S.C.
                                                applications from manufacturers of                                                                            Research Institutes (UGSP). The purpose
                                                                                                        3, 5, 7, 811, 842(h), 844.
                                                CCERs in certain categories. This rule                                                                        of the program is to recruit
                                                has been reviewed carefully to eliminate                ■   2. Revise § 84.301 to read as follows:            appropriately qualified undergraduate
                                                drafting errors and ambiguities.                        § 84.301 Applicability to new and                     students from disadvantaged
                                                                                                        previously approved CCERs.                            backgrounds to conduct research in the
                                                G. Executive Order 13132 (Federalism)                                                                         intramural research program as
                                                                                                          (a) The continued manufacturing,
                                                   The Department has reviewed this                     labeling, and sale of CCERs previously                employees of the NIH by providing
                                                rule in accordance with Executive Order                 approved under subpart H is authorized                scholarship support.
                                                13132 regarding federalism, and has                     for units intended to be used in mining               DATES: This final rule is effective
                                                determined that it does not have                        applications with durations comparable                September 11, 2015.
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                                ‘‘federalism implications.’’ The rule                   to Cap 1 (all CCERs with a rated service              FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jerry
                                                does not ‘‘have substantial direct effects              time ≤20 minutes), and units intended                 Moore, NIH Regulations Officer, Office
                                                on the States, on the relationship                      to be used in mining and non-mining                   of Management Assessment, NIH, 6011
                                                between the national government and                     applications with durations comparable                Executive Boulevard, Room 601, MSC
                                                the States, or on the distribution of                   to Cap 3 (all CCERs with a rated service              7669, Rockville MD 20852; by email at
                                                power and responsibilities among the                    time ≥50 minutes), until 1 year after the             jm40z@nih.gov; by fax on 301–402–0169
                                                various levels of government.’’                         date of the first NIOSH approval of a                 (not a toll-free number); or by telephone


                                           VerDate Sep<11>2014   18:35 Aug 11, 2015   Jkt 235001   PO 00000   Frm 00038   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\12AUR1.SGM   12AUR1



Document Created: 2016-09-27 22:27:36
Document Modified: 2016-09-27 22:27:36
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionFinal rule.
DatesThis rule is effective on August 12, 2015.
ContactRachel Weiss, Program Analyst; 1090 Tusculum Avenue, MS: C-46, Cincinnati, OH 45226; telephone (855) 818- 1629 (this is a toll-free number); email [email protected]
FR Citation80 FR 48268 
RIN Number0920-AA60
CFR AssociatedIncorporation by Reference; Mine Safety and Health; Occupational Safety and Health; Personal Protective Equipment and Respirators

2025 Federal Register | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
USC | CFR | eCFR