OSHA has announced that it is accepting public comments on the direct final rule that will update OSHA standards based on National Consensus Standards.

This direct final rule and the accompanying Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) address welding definitions; abrasive wheel specifications; floor and wall openings, railings, and toeboards; marking of portable compressed gas cylinders; and spray finishing.

"This rule is part of OSHA's ongoing effort to update its regulatory references to consensus standards," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Edwin G. Foulke, Jr. "The revisions will clarify employer obligations and maintain current levels of employee protection."

In the direct final rule, OSHA is deleting several references to consensus standards that have requirements that duplicate or are comparable to other OSHA rules. The rule will become effective on March 13, 2008, unless significant adverse comments are received by January 14, 2008.

For more information, see the rule.