New OSHA PELs not expected in 1999
Four substances will “definitely” be included in the first round of rulemaking on Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs), according to a high-ranking Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) official. The substances are trimellitic anhydride, gluteraldehyde (the PEL will be in the parts per billion), carbon disulfide, and hydrazine. Two more substances are to be included in this first round. Since neither one has been subjected to the necessary risk assessment and other scientific inquiry, a proposed rule for PELs is not expected this year.
A coalition of industry groups, headed by Organization Resources Counselors (ORC), has proposed to OSHA that the agency establish an advisory panel to participate in the PEL rulemaking process. ORC believes this would expedite the revision of the PELs of about 400 substances. Among the roles of the panel would be to act as a liaison between OSHA and affected parties in evaluating and collecting data.
(Source: ISEA, The Safety Equipment Association, Washington Report, Jan. 25, 1999, 2.) n
