OSHA extends deadline for comments on TB proposal
Agency also announces new hearing schedule
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration has extended the period for comments on its proposed standard to protect health care workers exposed to tuberculosis.
The deadline for filing written comments and notices of intent to appear at the hearings is now Feb. 17. Originally scheduled to end Dec. 16, 1997, the comment period was extended after requests from six major organizations that will be affected by the proposed standard. Those organizations include the American Hospital Association, the American Medical Association, and the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology.
"We understand that this is a very complex issue, with far-reaching implications," says Charles N. Jeffress, OSHA’s assistant secretary. "We’ve said all along that we seek broad participation in this process. Extending the comment period will provide organizations and individuals the time they need to prepare their comments and testimony."
The deadline for submission of testimony for those who plan to testify for more than 10 minutes at a hearing or who are submitting documentary evidence is Feb. 27. The public hearing originally scheduled to begin Feb. 3 in Washington, DC, will now start April 7. That hearing will be in the auditorium of the Department of Labor (Frances Perkins Building), 200 Constitution Ave. NW, beginning at 10 a.m.
OSHA also is adding hearings in Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York City to accommodate interested parties who are unable to attend in Washington. Dates and specific locations will be announced later.
Comments on the proposed standard, testimony, documentary evidence, and notices of intent to appear at hearings must be submitted in quadruplicate to the Docket Officer, Docket No. H-371, Room N-2625, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20210. Copies of 10 pages or less may be faxed to (202) 219-5046.
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