SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Notice of the Applications for Expansion

OSHA is providing notice that SGS North America, Inc. (SGS), is applying for expansion of the current recognition as a NRTL. SGS requests the addition of two test standards to the NRTL scope of recognition.

OSHA's 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 SGS, which details the NRTL's scope of recognition. These pages are available from the OSHA website at www.osha.gov/​dts/​otpca/​nrtl/​index.html.

II. General Background on the Applications

SGS submitted two applications to OSHA for expansion of the NRTL scope of recognition: the first application dated January 9, 2025 (OSHA-2006-0040-0097) requested the addition of one test standard, and the second application dated July 18, 2025 (OSHA-2006-0040-0096) requesting the addition of another test standard. In total, the expansion applications requested the addition of two test standards to the NRTL scope of recognition. OSHA staff performed a detailed analysis of the application packets and reviewed other pertinent information. OSHA did not perform an on-site review in response to these applications. OSHA staff has preliminarily determined that OSHA should grant the applications for test standard expansion.

Table 1, below, lists the appropriate test standards found in SGS's applications for expansion for testing and certification of products under the NRTL Program.

III. Preliminary Findings on the Applications

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

OSHA seeks comment on this preliminary determination.

IV. Public Participation

OSHA welcomes public comment as to whether SGS meets the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.7 for expansion of 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 by the due date for comments. OSHA will limit any extension to 10 days unless the requester justifies a longer time period. OSHA may deny a request for an extension if it is not adequately justified.

To review copies of the exhibits identified in this notice, as well as comments submitted to the docket, contact the Docket Office, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. These materials also are generally available online at www.regulations.gov under Docket No. OSHA-2006-0040 (for further information, see the “ Docket ” heading in the section of this notice titled ADDRESSES ).

OSHA staff will review all comments to the docket submitted in a timely manner. After addressing the issues raised by these comments, staff will make a recommendation to the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health on whether to grant SGS's applications for expansion of the scope of recognition. The Assistant Secretary will make the final decision on granting the applications. 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 .

V. Authority and Signature

Amanda Laihow, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20210, 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. 7-2025 (90 FR 27878; June 30, 2025), and 29 CFR 1910.7.

91 FR 54402