March 5, 2014
Contact: Office of Communications
Phone: 202-693-1999

OSHA extends comment period on agency standards to improve
chemical safety to March 31

WASHINGTON – The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is extending the public comment period on the request for information on potential revisions to its Process Safety Management standard and related standards for an additional 21 days to March 31, 2014.

In response to requests for an extension, the deadline to submit written comments is being extended from March 10 to March 31 to allow stakeholders additional time to comment on the proposed rule and supporting analyses.

The RFI is in response to executive order 13650, which seeks to improve chemical facility safety and security, issued in the wake of the April 2013 West, Texas, tragedy that killed 15 in an ammonium nitrate explosion. OSHA is requesting comments on its Process Safety Management standard and potential changes to PSM enforcement policies, as well as input on potential updates to the agency¿s Explosives and Blasting Agents, Flammable Liquids and Spray Finishing standards. The RFI also seeks information and data on specific rulemaking and policy options, and the workplace hazards they address. OSHA will use the information received in response to this RFI to determine what actions, if any, it may take.

Additional information on the executive order and the request for information may be found at http://www.osha.gov/chemicalexecutiveorder/index.html. Members of the public may comment on the request for information by visiting http://www.regulations.gov.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA¿s role is to ensure these conditions for America¿s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

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