OSHA has announced in the Federal Register that they have extended the public comment period for 30 days on the Agency's Confined Spaces in Construction Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. The Notice was originally published in the November 28, 2007, Federal Register (72 FR 67351).

The proposed rule addresses issues specific to the construction industry. It uses a step-by-step approach to confined space safety by explaining how to assess the hazards, classify the space, and implement effective procedures to protect employees. The rule would also require controlling contractors to coordinate confined space operations among a site's multiple employers.

Public comments must be submitted no later than February 28, 2008. For more information, see the rule.