FR 2021-03649

The document discusses a notice issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a division of the U.S. Department of Labor. This notice addresses an application from CSA Group Testing & Certification Inc. (CSA) seeking to expand its recognition as a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL). The expansion aims to include four additional test standards under CSA's current NRTL scope of recognition. As part of this process, OSHA has made a preliminary finding in favor of this expansion and has opened the floor for public comments until March 10, 2021.

General Summary

This notice serves as a formal announcement by OSHA regarding CSA's request to broaden the range of test standards they are recognized to perform. CSA Group Testing & Certification Inc. wants to add four new test standards to those already under its certification capabilities. OSHA's preliminary finding suggests that CSA meets the necessary requirements for this expansion, but the organization is inviting input from the public before making a final decision. The public and interested parties can submit their comments electronically, ensuring transparency and inclusivity in this decision-making process.

Significant Issues or Concerns

While the document doesn't directly highlight specific concerns, the invitation for public comment is crucial as it allows external stakeholders, industry experts, and the general public to share their insights or objections. A potential issue might arise if the public feels that the additional standards could compromise safety, or there might be a concern about whether CSA is equipped to perform additional testing reliably. Another concern might revolve around the transparency of CSA’s operations, given that their headquarters are based outside the United States, in Ontario, Canada.

Public Impact

The document potentially impacts the public by ensuring that any product certified by CSA under the NRTL program adheres to stringent safety standards. This median step is crucial for maintaining public safety in products that require certification for workplace use. The public call for comments reflects a democratic approach, allowing everyday citizens to voice their opinions and concerns about safety standards, indirectly influencing OSHA's final decision.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For CSA Group Testing & Certification Inc., receiving expanded recognition would likely open new business opportunities, allowing them to certify more products, potentially increasing their market share and credibility as a testing laboratory. For manufacturers and companies seeking NRTL certification for their products, CSA's expanded capabilities could offer more options or streamline certification processes. This expansion might result in higher competition among NRTLs, potentially driving down costs or leading to improvements in service offerings. Conversely, inadequate oversight from OSHA or insufficient capability from CSA could lead to certification issues, negatively impacting companies relying on these certifications for product approvals.

Overall, this notice underscores OSHA's ongoing commitment to maintaining high standards for NRTL services while providing a platform for public participation in decision-making processes involving workplace safety.