Honorable Joseph A. Dear
Assistant Secretary
U.S. Department of Labor
200 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20210
Dear Mr. Dear:
The Office of Advocacy would like to applaud your efforts to improve the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTL) program.
We understand that OSHA is considering the development of a voluntary mark system for testing workplace products for electrical safety. This national mark would signify the important role that the program plays in safety standards. Employees, employers, manufacturers and laboratories would enjoy the benefits. More qualified labs, particularly small firms, would participate in the NRTL program. In turn, manufacturers would have a larger selection of OSHA-approved laboratories. As a result, workers and employers could rely on one designated mark for certification.
OSHA also is evaluating the merits of streamlining the approval process for the NRTL program. As we understand it, labs would be given a simpler process to expand the scope of their accreditation. Once a laboratory passes the rigorous standards of OSHA accreditation, it is appropriate to provide the company with a flexible mechanism to extend its service to the community.
We urge you to continue the progress in these areas. Small laboratories will benefit while providing a valuable service to the workplace.
If we can be of any assistance, please contact me or Anita Drummond of my staff at (202) 205-6532.
Sincerely,
Jere W. Glover
Chief Counsel for Advocacy