SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Notice of the Application for Expansion

OSHA is providing notice that MET Laboratories, Inc. (MET), is applying for expansion of the current recognition as a NRTL. MET requests the addition of one test standard to the NRTL scope of recognition.

OSHA recognition of a NRTL signifies that the organization meets the requirements specified in 29 CFR 1910.7. Recognition is an acknowledgment that the organization can perform independent safety testing and certification of the specific products covered within the scope of recognition. Each NRTL's scope of recognition includes: (1) The type of products the NRTL may test, with each type specified by the applicable test standard; and (2) the recognized site(s) that has/have the technical capability to perform the product-testing and product-certification activities for test standards within the NRTL's scope. Recognition is not a delegation or grant of government authority; however, recognition enables employers to use products approved by the NRTL to meet OSHA standards that require product testing and certification.

The agency processes applications by a NRTL for initial recognition and for an expansion or renewal of this recognition, following requirements in Appendix A to 29 CFR 1910.7. This appendix requires that the agency publish two notices in the Federal Register in processing an application. In the first notice, OSHA announces the application and provides a preliminary finding. In the second notice, the agency provides a final decision on the application. These notices set forth the NRTL's scope of recognition or modifications of that scope. OSHA maintains an informational web page for each NRTL, including MET, which details the NRTL's scope of recognition. These pages are available from the OSHA website at http://www.osha.gov/​dts/​otpca/​nrtl/​index.html.

MET currently has one facility (site) recognized by OSHA for product testing and certification, with the headquarters located at: MET Laboratories, Inc., 914 West Patapsco Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21230. A complete list of MET's scope of recognition is available at https://www.osha.gov/​dts/​otpca/​nrtl/​met.html.

II. General Background on the Application

MET submitted one application, dated September 25, 2018 (OSHA-2006-0028-0080), to expand the recognition to include one additional test standard. OSHA staff performed a detailed analysis of the application packet and reviewed other pertinent information. OSHA did not perform any on-site reviews in relation to this application.

Table 1, below, lists the appropriate test standard found in MET's application for expansion for testing and certification of products under the NRTL Program.

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III. Preliminary Findings on the Application

MET submitted an acceptable application for expansion of the scope of recognition. OSHA's review of the application file, and pertinent documentation, indicate that MET has met the requirements prescribed by 29 CFR 1910.7 for expanding the recognition to include the addition of the one test standard for NRTL testing and certification listed in Table 1. This preliminary finding does not constitute an interim or temporary approval of MET's application.

OSHA welcomes public comment as to whether MET meets the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.7 for expansion of the recognition as a NRTL. Comments should consist of pertinent written documents and exhibits. Commenters needing more time to comment must submit a request in writing, stating the reasons for the request. Commenters must submit the written request for an extension by the due date for comments. OSHA will limit any extension to 10 days unless the requester justifies a longer period. OSHA may deny a request for an extension if the request is not adequately justified. To obtain or review copies of the exhibits identified in this notice, as well as comments submitted to the docket, contact the Docket Office. These materials also are available online at http://www.regulations.gov under Docket No. OSHA-2006-0028.

OSHA staff will review all comments to the docket submitted in a timely manner and, after addressing the issues raised by these comments, will make a recommendation to the Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health whether to grant MET's application for expansion of the scope of recognition. The Assistant Secretary will make the final decision on granting the application. In making this decision, the Assistant Secretary may undertake other proceedings prescribed in Appendix A to 29 CFR 1910.7.

OSHA will publish a public notice of the final decision in the Federal Register .

IV. Authority and Signature

Douglas L. Parker, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health, authorized the preparation of this notice. Accordingly, the agency is issuing this notice pursuant to 29 U.S.C. 657(g)(2), Secretary of Labor's Order No. 8-2020 (85 FR 58393, Sept. 18, 2020), and 29 CFR 1910.7.

87 FR 4051