OSHA Instruction REP.1 November 18, 1991 Office of Human Resources and Organizational Management

Subject: OSHA Metric Program

A. PURPOSE. This instruction establishes policies and assigns responsibilities for implementing the metric system of measurement within the OSHA.

B. SCOPE. This instructions applies to all offices throughout the OSHA.

C. ACTION. Program Directors, Regional Administrators and Office Directors, in coordination with appropriate officials, shall initiate all actions necessary to implement this instruction.

D. BACKGROUND.

1. The Metric Conversion Act of 1975 stated that the policy of the United States shall be to coordinate and plan the increasing use of the metric system in the United States.

2. On August 23, 1988, the President signed the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act (OTC Act) of 1988, which amended the Metric Conversion Act of 1975 to declare:

a. That the metric system of measurement is the preferred system of weights and measures for United States trade and commerce;

b. That each Federal agency, by a date certain and to the extent economically feasible by the end of fiscal year 1992, will use the metric system of measurement in its procurements, grants and other business related activities (unless metric usage is impractical or would have an adverse impact on the market share of U.S. firms); and

c. That agencies will seek out ways to increase understanding of the metric system of measurement through educational information and guidance in Government publications.

OSHA Instruction REP.1 November 18, 1991 Office of Human Resources and Organizational Management

3. On July 25, 1991, the President signed Executive Order 12770, Metric Usage in Federal Government Programs, to implement the metric provisions of the OTC Act.

E. DEFINITIONS.

1. METRICATION. Any activity that increases the use of the metric system, including metric training and initiation or conversion of measurement-sensitive processes and systems to the metric system.

2. METRIC SYSTEM. The International System of Units of the International Bureau of Weights and Measures. The units are listed in Federal Standard 376A, Preferred Metric Units for General Use by the Federal Government.

F. POLICIES.

1. The OSHA will implement the metric system in a manner and on a schedule consistent with the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988.

2. OSHA Program Directors, Regional Administrators, and Office Directors will use the metric system in rulemaking, procurements, grants, and other business- related activities considering security, operational, economic, technical, logistical, training, and safety requirements.

3. The OSHA will encourage industry in the change to the metric system by acquiring commercially available metric products and services that meet the functional requirements of the OSHA and its customers, so long as competition is maintained.

4. Specifications and standards for OSHA rules and procurements will be developed in metric unless metric usage is not practical or would have an adverse impact on the market. Commercially developed metric specifications and internationally or domestically developed voluntary standards using metric will be adopted whenever possible. A dual system will be used where metric alone is not practical or appropriate.

OSHA Instruction REP.1 November 18, 1991 Office of Human Resources and Organizational Management

5. Measuring devices and shop and laboratory equipment should be procured in metric or dual units when possible.

6. Metric conversion costs will be handled in the OSHA as normal operating expenses rather than as special one-time costs. However, these costs are to be identified to the extent practicable. This includes the cost of metric aids, tools, equipment, and training. Significant cost savings resulting from metric conversion also should be identified to the extent practical.

7. The OSHA will establish training plans and practices that increase employee awareness and understanding of metric system conversion.

G. COORDINATION WITH THE PRIVATE SECTOR. Because the private sector has an essential role in the transition to the use of metric measurements, its needs and capabilities must be considered along with those of the Federal Government. The U.S. Metric Association (USMA) and the American National Metric Council (ANMC) traditionally have been regarded as the principal representatives of private sector metric interests, plans, and conversion action. Federal agencies, including the OSHA must work closely with the USMA and ANMC to aid in exchanging ideas, plans, and methods needed to fulfill the intent of the OTC Act. Coordination with other private sector organization involved in metrication activities also may be beneficial.

H. RESPONSIBILITIES.

1. The Director of Administrative Programs will:

a. Ensure the OSHA's implementation of the OTC Act.

b. Represent the OSHA on DOL committees.

c. Establish OSHA policy for the use of metric system measurement and approve or disapprove deviations from that policy.

d. Ensure appropriate OSHA representation on authorized committees.

OSHA Instruction REP.1 November 18, 1991 Office of Human Resources and Organizational Management

e. Appoint the OSHA Metric Coordinator to represent the OSHA on metrication committees.

2. The OSHA Metric Steering Group representing Directorates and top-level Offices with primary responsibility will formulate metric policy for the approval of the Assistant Secretary for the OSHA.

3. The Directorate of Federal and State Programs will identify and coordinate appropriate metrication training programs for OSHA employees.

4. The Office of Information and Consumer Affairs will:

a. Advise, clear, coordinate, and assist in the production of all publications and audiovisuals proposed by the OSHA offices to inform the public and other government agencies of new uses of the metric system in OSHA programs.

b. Devise and implement economical, effective means for informing OSHA employees of new uses of the metric system within the agency and for increasing employee understanding of the metric system of measurements.

5. The Office of Program Budgeting, Planning and Financial Management will include in annual budget submission to the Congress the OSHA's progress in its implementing the metric system pursuant to section 12 of the OTC Act (see paragraph 10).

6. Program Directors, Regional Administrators, and Office Directors will:

a. Appoint an official as their Metric Coordinator to monitor metric conversion activities for which they are responsible;

OSHA Instruction REP.1 November 18, 1991 Office of Human Resources and Organizational Management b. Develop metric guidelines applicable to their specific mission and responsibility. Guidelines will be consistent with this instruction, the "Metric Handbook for Federal Officials" (available from the National Technical Information Service) regarding the selection of proper metric units and symbols, and guidelines and interpretations developed by the OSHA Metric Steering Group.

I. REPORTING.

1. OSHA Program Directors, Regional Administrators and top level Office Directors shall submit to the Director of Administrative Programs by November 1 of each year, a report for the past fiscal year including:

a. Significant metric information milestones or accomplishments;

b. Significant problems encountered in metric conversions;

c. Any recommendations regarding OSHA metric program policy or activities, including actions planned for the current fiscal year to further implement the metric system; and

d. Other relevant information.

2. The OSHA Metric Coordinator shall consolidate the above reports into an annual OSHA Metric Report. This report shall be submitted for approval to the Assistant Secretary for the OSHA by December 1 of each year.

3. The Director of Administrative Programs will present the final report to the DOL Comptroller by December 31 of each year for submission to the Congress as part of the annual budget following section 12 of the OTC Act.

4. The reporting shall cease one year after full implementation by the OSHA of the metric system.

OSHA Instruction REP.1 November 18, 1991 Office of Human Resources and Organizational Management

J. PROGRAM OPERATION.

1. The OSHA Metric Program will be operated through a Metric Steering Group, chaired by the Director of Technical Support, and shall include a Metric Coordinator from each Program Directorate and top level Office. General guidance for the OSHA Metric Steering Group will be provided by the Director of Technical Support as necessary.

2. The OSHA Metric Steering Group will meet as necessary to assist in achieving a uniform and coordinated approach to implementing the requirement of the OTC Act. Guidelines and interpretations will be developed by the group.

Gerard F. Scannell Assistant Secretary

Distribution: National, Regional and Area Offices

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