95-5780. Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories; Clarification of the Types of Programs and Procedures  

  • [Federal Register Volume 60, Number 46 (Thursday, March 9, 1995)]
    [Notices]
    [Pages 12980-12985]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 95-5780]
    
    
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
    [Docket No. NRTL-1-95]
    
    
    Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories; Clarification of the 
    Types of Programs and Procedures
    
    AGENCY: Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Department of 
    Labor.
    
    ACTION: Notice of interpretation.
    
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    SUMMARY: This notice announces the Occupational Safety and Health 
    Administration's (OSHA) clarification of the types of programs and 
    procedures [[Page 12981]] that Nationally Recognized Testing 
    Laboratories (NRTL) may engage in under the OSHA/NRTL recognition 
    program, 29 CFR 1910.7. This notice addresses in particular those 
    programs under which the NRTL controls and audits, but does not itself 
    generate, the data relied upon for product certification. OSHA invites 
    currently recognized NRTLs as well as new applicants to request 
    approval for any of these acceptable procedures.
    
    EFFECTIVE DATE: March 9, 1995.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
    Office of Variance Determination, NRTL Recognition Program, 
    Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of 
    Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Room N3653, Washington, DC 20210.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    
    Background
    
        On March 6, 1984, (49 FR 8326), the Occupational Safety and Health 
    Administration proposed a comprehensive overhaul of its regulatory 
    procedures related to OSHA's requirements for safety testing or 
    certification of certain workplace equipment and materials. The goals 
    of the proposal were:
        (1) To assure that products required to be tested and certified 
    would be reliably tested and certified;
        (2) To implement testing and certification requirements and 
    procedures which would be administratively workable; and
        (3) To take advantage of developments by others in organizing and 
    evaluating product certification systems and in accrediting 
    laboratories for testing.
        In the proposal, OSHA stated that it was attempting to build upon 
    the self regulatory efforts of the private sector, particularly in the 
    fields of electrical and fire safety. OSHA intended to take full 
    advantage of the mechanisms which existed in the private sector or in 
    government, and to keep its long-term involvement in these activities 
    to a minimum (see 53 FR 12103 second column, first paragraph). A three 
    day informal public hearing was held on September 25, 26, and October 
    1, 1984. Based on the comments received and a review of the testimony 
    in the record, the Agency modified its original proposal and, on April 
    12, 1988, (53 FR 12102), promulgated a new section, 1910.7--Definition 
    and requirements for a nationally recognized testing laboratory, and a 
    new Appendix A to section 1910.7--OSHA Recognition Process for 
    Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories.
        The cornerstone of this regulation is the definition of the 
    regulatory term ``NRTL'', with respect to specific elements. There are 
    four elements that are identified as NRTL requirements: capability to 
    test and evaluate equipment; control of certified products; 
    independence; and procedures to produce creditable findings. These four 
    elements that define an NRTL are incorporated into the criteria for the 
    various types of procedures which OSHA approves and, when followed, 
    provide OSHA with a reasonable degree of assurance that the products 
    may be used safely in the workplace.
        As noted above, capability to test and evaluate equipment, and 
    independence are two of the elements required of an NRTL. These 
    elements are discussed in the preamble to the final rule.
        Capability to test does not mean that all testing will be done by 
    the NRTL. OSHA stated in the preamble that while it expected generally 
    that most applicants would do the testing in-house this was not a 
    requirement of the standard. OSHA recognized that, in some cases, 
    laboratories would subcontract out the testing of a certain product or 
    aspect thereof due to unique or special testing needs. Anticipating 
    this occurrence, OSHA stated that the laboratory actually doing the 
    work must have the necessary capability to conduct the tests, and the 
    laboratory applying for recognition would retain primary responsibility 
    for fulfilling the requirements of the standard and complying with the 
    procedures set out in Appendix A.
        Independence also does not mean that an NRTL has to carry out all 
    of its functions totally separate from other entities, including the 
    manufacturer. Simply put, the independence requirement means that the 
    analytical and decision making processes, which are the critical 
    functions that must be performed, are accomplished by an organization 
    which is financially independent of manufacturers, vendors, and users 
    of certified products. As long as the NRTL retains these functions, the 
    credibility of the testing and approval process will be maintained.
        OSHA believes that this understanding of the concept of 
    independence was implicit in the rule from the time of its adoption. 
    Thus the OSHA rule was intended to build upon the system of testing and 
    certification already in existence, not to supplant it. The existing 
    system did not require a rigid barrier between NRTL and manufacturer, 
    for example, which would completely prevent the NRTL from utilizing the 
    manufacturer's testing or other information sources. As long as the 
    NRTL, which was not economically affiliated with the manufacturer, had 
    ultimate authority and responsibility for the approval of the product 
    and use of the certification mark, the needs of independence would be 
    satisfied. The current clarification is consistent with and fleshes out 
    the past practice.
        OSHA intended a pragmatic application of the elements of 
    independence and capability to perform testing, as well as the other 
    elements that go into defining an NRTL. This can be seen from the 
    general discussion in the preamble to the final rule, and specifically 
    from the decision to grandfather the operations of UL and FMRC for a 
    five-year period.
        Thus, in the final rule, OSHA grandfathered some of the procedures 
    that were in existence at the time of the rule. ``It seems reasonable 
    that product testing systems already in place should be able to 
    continue their operations without Agency rulemaking on the testing 
    standards, methods and procedures they are using now and have 
    successfully used in the past. The operation of already existing 
    product testing systems, such as UL and FMRC, could be seriously 
    disrupted if the Agency attempted to undertake rulemaking on the 
    testing standards, methods and procedures they are using.'' (See 53 FR 
    12108, second column, last paragraph). The initial assessment for 
    renewal of UL and FMRC in 1993 and 1994, identified mature and 
    functioning procedures, some over thirty years old, which included the 
    acceptance of test data from other sources and use of contract 
    organizations for other services.
        In addition, OSHA's intent in the 1988 rule was to allow a level of 
    flexibility in meeting the mandatory requirements. OSHA recognized that 
    procedures may operationally vary from laboratory to laboratory, and 
    still be acceptable. For example, the preamble to the final rule stated 
    that, ``. . . while the record indicates that current safety testing 
    standards and practices may vary slightly among the third party safety 
    testing organizations, the testing laboratories themselves indicate 
    that they have compensating mechanisms and controls built into their 
    particular systems which are intended to assure that the ultimate 
    result will fall within an acceptable range'' (TR 534,550). ``The 
    laboratories claim that they use those testing standards, methods and 
    procedures which adequately address all necessary safety concerns and 
    thereby justify their decision to ``pass'' the item in question and to 
    allow the use of the laboratory's listing or identifying mark'' (Ex 38, 
    p 3; TR 552, [[Page 12982]] 553). (53 FR 12108, third column, first 
    paragraph).
        Thus, OSHA recognized that there were testing practices that might 
    vary and differ among laboratories. OSHA also recognized that the 
    compensating mechanisms and controls for each system and laboratory 
    depends upon the confidence the laboratory has in the final result 
    leading to use of the mark.
        OSHA's review of the applications for renewal of recognition 
    submitted by UL and FMRC have lead to the conclusion that it is 
    appropriate to provide further clarification of acceptable NRTL 
    procedures. In order for other NRTLs and future applicants to utilize 
    these types of procedures, OSHA has provided specific criteria that 
    will identify the critical elements of the various procedures. These 
    criteria, as discussed earlier, were derived from the four elements 
    that define an NRTL. By providing such criteria, an NRTL may tailor its 
    methods and testing techniques to any procedure the NRTL would like to 
    include.
        The identification of criteria discussed in this document will 
    provide guidance to applicants utilizing the various procedures, while 
    still allowing the flexibility that was identified in the discussion of 
    the regulation.
    
    Clarification
    
        The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is clarifying the 
    types of testing and certification procedures which may meet the 
    requirements for acceptance under section 1910.7.
        The Agency has previously determined that an NRTL may, but is not 
    obligated to, accept test data, component or product approvals, or 
    other information or data from another NRTL, as long as it is satisfied 
    with their appropriateness. The NRTL has the prerogative to retest or 
    reapprove, as it deems necessary.
        OSHA is aware that in addition to the procedures which were 
    previously clearly understood to be acceptable, NRTLs also utilize 
    procedures involving entities such as contractors, manufacturers, and 
    other laboratories, for the performance of many of their functions. 
    These other procedures are acceptable with certain controls in place. 
    OSHA recognizes that to maintain credibility of these procedures, a 
    higher level of expertise and controls by the NRTL will be required. 
    Therefore, applicants for these will be assessed and audited by OSHA to 
    more stringent guidelines. Generally, all acceptable procedures fall 
    within one or more of the following.
    
    1. The basic procedure where all product testing and evaluation is 
    performed in-house by the NRTL that will certify the product
    2. Acceptance of testing data from independent organizations, other 
    than NRTLs
    3. Acceptance of product evaluations from independent organizations, 
    other than NRTLs
    4. Acceptance of witnessed testing data
    5. Acceptance of testing data from non-independent organizations
    6. Acceptance of evaluation data from non-independent organizations 
    (requiring NRTL review prior to marketing)
    7. Acceptance of continued certification following minor product 
    modifications by the client
    8. Acceptance of product evaluations from organizations that function 
    as part of the International Electrotechnical Commission Certification 
    Body (IEC-CB) Scheme
    9. Acceptance of services other than testing or evaluation performed by 
    subcontractors or agents
    
        Certain procedures are unacceptable. Included among these are 
    manufacturer self-declaration, client self-certification, and other 
    similar procedures that permit non-NRTLs to determine conformance with 
    the product standard, i.e., certify the product.
        A number of procedures encountered during on-site investigations by 
    OSHA assessors have existed in one form or another prior to the 
    existence of the NRTL program in 1988. Most of these procedures appear 
    to have matured to a degree necessary to maintain product safety in the 
    workplace and included controls necessary for conformity with NRTL 
    program requirements.
        This Notice discussed procedures and criteria to be utilized by 
    OSHA assessors and auditors in evaluating each of them. OSHA will 
    continue to closely monitor progress under these criteria and evaluate 
    the effectiveness of the procedures.
        The specific criteria utilized for evaluating the procedures of an 
    applicant for recognition as a nationally recognized testing laboratory 
    are based upon ``national consensus standards and international 
    guides''.
        Three basic principles, to assure that product certifications would 
    provide necessary levels of safety, were derived from the rule.
        These principles are as follows:
        (1) The NRTL shall be capable of performing all aspects of a 
    product certification scheme on its own.
         The NRTL shall be recognized to perform the tests, 
    evaluations, and other services before it can accept such services from 
    other organizations.
        (2) Where the services of other organizations are used, the NRTL 
    shall retain control of, and responsibility for, all aspects of the 
    product certification scheme.
         The NRTL shall have procedures consistent with the 
    appropriate national standards and international guides for granting, 
    maintaining, and extending its qualification of an organization or 
    service.
         The NRTL shall use assessors who met the competence 
    requirements of the appropriate national standards and international 
    guides to evaluate the organization.
         The NRTL shall ensure that all aspects of certification 
    work performed by others--including participants, locations of testing, 
    witnessing, and evaluations--are identified in the NRTL and client 
    records and reports.
        (3) The NRTL shall ensure that each organization providing data, 
    product evaluations, or other services to the NRTL is capable of doing 
    so, and that the relationship between the NRTL and the organization 
    does not compromise the NRTL's independence.
         The NRTL shall be able to demonstrate that each 
    organization it employs is capable of providing data, product 
    evaluations, or other services that meet, or exceed, the quality of 
    those provided by the NRTL.
         The NRTL shall maintain reports of its assessments of such 
    organizations; these assessments shall conform to appropriate national 
    standards and international guides.
         The NRTL shall have a documented surveillance program to 
    ensure continued compliance with the NRTL's qualification procedures; 
    this surveillance program shall be consistent with the appropriate 
    national standards and international guides.
         The NRTL shall not be economically affiliated with any of 
    these outside organization.
        Procedures and specific criteria for each, were then developed from 
    the basic principles. These principles, wherever they are applicable, 
    shall be an integral requirement of the following procedures.
    
    1. The Basic Procuredure--All Product Testing and Evaluation is 
    Performed In-House by NRTL That Will Certify the Product
    
        This is the basic procedure utilized by an NRTL under conditions 
    where it is feasible. The first and second basic principles are 
    applicable to this procedure. [[Page 12983]] 
    
    2. Acceptance of Testing Data From Independent Organizations, Other 
    Than NRTLS
    
        As was noted previously in reference to the preamble to the final 
    rule, OSHA anticipated that most testing by an NRTL would be done in-
    house, but did not make this a requirement of the standard. 
    Subcontracting out of some of the tests was anticipated by OSHA, when 
    it noted that the laboratory actually doing the work must have the 
    necessary capability to conduct the tests, and the laboratory applying 
    for recognition would retain primary responsibility for fulfilling the 
    requirements of the standard and complying with the procedures set out 
    in Appendix A.
        An NRTL may accept testing conducted by an independent organization 
    provided the following criteria are complied with:
        The NRTL shall retain control of, and responsibility for, all 
    aspects of the product certification scheme.
         The NRTL shall review each test package and complete the 
    product evaluations required by the test standards.
         The NRTL shall ensure that all data in the test data 
    package originated with an organization that the NRTL qualified.
        The NRTL shall ensure that each organization providing testing data 
    is capable of conducting the test and that the relationship between the 
    NRTL and the organization does not compromise the NRTL's independence.
         The NRTL shall have a written program for assessing the 
    qualification of the organization to perform testing for each product 
    type it may be required to test.
         This qualification program shall include procedures for 
    evaluating the organization's independence, facilities, utilities, 
    environmental controls, personnel, testing and calibration equipment, 
    written testing procedures, calibration procedures, quality assurance 
    program, and other elements as outlined in the appropriate national 
    concensus standards and international guides.
    
    3. Acceptance of Product Evaluations From Independent Organizations, 
    Other Than NRTLS
    
        Although no clear distinction between testing and evaluation is 
    made in the final rule (29 CFR 1910.7), such distinction exists.
        Many NRTLs utilize outside organizations for specific or unique 
    tests. In these instances, the NRTL stipulates the tests and defines 
    the testing procedures to be utilized and, finally, evaluates the test 
    results to determine conformance of the product to the product standard 
    and certifies the product where it does conform.
        In this type procedure, the outside organization both tests and 
    evaluates the results of the tests to determine conformance of a 
    product to a standard, and them issues a test and evaluation report to 
    the NRTL. The NRTL, in return, weighs the report for validity and 
    conformance of the product to the product standard in order to decide 
    whether the product is certifiable.
        Authorization for an NRTL to accept product evaluations 
    significantly expands the scope of the services which may be provided 
    to the NRTL from an outside source. Acceptance of product evaluations 
    will require the NRTL to establish a more formalized, long-term 
    relationship with the independent organization to acquire confidence in 
    its evaluation procedures.
        An NRTL may accept product evaluations prepared by an independent 
    organization provided the following criteria, in addition to the 
    requirements in Procedure 1, are complied with:
        The NRTL shall retain control of, and responsibility for, all 
    aspects of the product certification scheme.
         The NRTL shall review each evaluation package, and 
    complete the product evaluations required by the test standards before 
    the product certification is issued.
         The NRTL shall ensure that evaluations are obtained from 
    an organization which it has qualified.
         The NRTL shall ensure that data relied upon have been 
    developed under the program established by the NRTL.
         The NRTL shall require the organization to establish and 
    maintain a system to document technical correspondence and test 
    standard interpretations.
         The NRTL shall assure that the organization, in preparing 
    the evaluation package, follows the written procedures established by 
    the NRTL.
        The NRTL shall ensure that each organization providing product 
    evaluations is capable of conducting the tests and performing the 
    evaluations, and that the relationship between the NRTL and the 
    organization does not compromise the NRTL's independence.
         The NRTL's qualification program shall be used to assess 
    the organization's procedures and personnel to determine its 
    qualifications relative to each product type it may be asked to 
    evaluate.
         The qualification program shall establish a minimum period 
    and level of mutual effort between the NRTL and the organization for 
    confidence-building. During this period the NRTL will witness 
    evaluations, verify the evaluations through inter-organizational 
    comparisons, and validate the competence of personnel to perform 
    product evaluations.
    
    4. Acceptance of Witnessed Testing Data
    
        This procedure involves technical personnel from the NRTL 
    witnessing product testing generally carried out at a location other 
    than that of the NRTL. The organization carrying out the tests may or 
    may not be independent.
        The majority of testing witnessed by representatives of the NRTL is 
    consistent with the statement in the preamble to the final rule that * 
    * * in some cases, laboratories may wish to subcontract out the testing 
    of a certain product or aspect thereof due to unique or special testing 
    needs.
        Representatives of an NRTL may witness testing provided the 
    following criteria are complied with:
        The NRTL shall retain control of, and responsibility for, all 
    aspects of the product certification scheme.
         The NRTL shall train its own personnel to take an active 
    role in witnessing each phase of the tests.
         This training shall include specific testing procedures 
    for each product type the trainees may witness.
        The NRTL shall assure that the organization providing the testing 
    data is capable of conducting the tests and that the relationship 
    between the NRTL and the organization does not compromise the NRTL's 
    independence.
         The NRTL shall have a written program for assessing the 
    qualification of the organization to perform testing for each product 
    type it may be required to test.
         This qualification program shall include procedures for 
    evaluating the outside organization's facilities, utilities, personnel, 
    testing and calibration equipment, written testing procedures, 
    calibration procedures, environmental controls, and other elements as 
    outlined in the appropriate national consensus standards and 
    international guides.
         The NRTL shall qualify the outside organization using the 
    NRTL's own staff.
    
    5. Acceptance of Testing Data From Non-Independent Organizations
    
        This program involves test data generated by an organization that 
    has a vested interest in the outcome of the test results.
        Data submitted under this program shall not include products 
    intended for use in hazardous (classified) locations 
    [[Page 12984]] (see 29 CFR 1910.307). A substantial number of tests of 
    products intended for use in hazardous locations involves subjective 
    analysis and have levels of complexity well beyond that required for 
    tests of products meant for use only in ordinary locations.
        An NRTL may accept testing conducted by a non-independent 
    organization provided the following criteria are complied with, in 
    addition to the requirements in Procedure 1, with the exception for the 
    need to document the independence of the organization:
        The NRTL shall establish procedures and maintain records which will 
    demonstrate that the test data are unbiased.
        The NRTL shall ensure that the organization providing the data is 
    capable of conducting the tests and that the relationship between the 
    NRTL and the organization does not compromise the NRTL's independence.
         The NRTL's qualification procedures shall establish a 
    minimum time period for confidence-building. During this period the 
    NRTL will witness tests and verify them by duplicate testing at the 
    NRTL's facility.
         The NRTL's surveillance program shall include annual site 
    evaluations, review of test packages, random samples and retests by the 
    NRTL, and other controls outlined in the appropriate national standards 
    and international guides.
    
    6. Acceptance of Evaluation Data From Non-Independent Organizations 
    (Requiring NRTL Review Prior To Marketing)
    
        This type of procedure enables an organization to evaluate a 
    product in which it has a vested interest. However, the product shall 
    not be released to the market until the NRTL has reviewed and concurred 
    with the evaluation.
        An NRTL may accept product evaluations prepared by a nonindependent 
    organization provided the following criteria are complied with:
        Except for the requirement for independence, the specific program 
    criteria in Procedures 1, 2, and 4 shall apply to product evaluations 
    by non-independent organizations. The following additional program 
    criteria shall also be required:
        The NRTL shall retain control of, and responsibility for, all 
    aspects of the product certification scheme.
         The NRTL shall establish and maintain records of procedure 
    and product deficiencies identified, and the corrective actions taken 
    by it and the organization.
         The NRTL shall establish and maintain a program to monitor 
    and confirm the organization's evaluations.
         The NRTL shall assure that no product is released to the 
    market until it has verified the organization's testing data and 
    concurred with its evaluation of the product.
        The NRTL shall assure that each organization providing data and 
    evaluations is capable of performing these functions and that the 
    relationship between the NRTL and the organization does not compromise 
    the NRTL's independence.
         The NRTL shall establish and maintain records that 
    demonstrate that the organization continues to be proficient in testing 
    and evaluation.
         The NRTL shall demonstrate that the organization's 
    laboratory has sustained the quality of its performance in testing 
    before being considered for this program.
    
    7. Acceptance of Continued Certification After Minor Product 
    Modifications by the Manufacturer
    
        This type of procedure would allow a manufacturer to make minor 
    changes to a certified product, test and evaluate the change or 
    changes, and continue to use the certification mark on the modified 
    product.
        With all the controls in place and a clear understanding of what a 
    ``minor'' product modification encompasses, there should be no reason 
    to consider this procedure as not falling within the scope of the NRTL 
    program. A minor product modification is one which involves the use of 
    an interchangeable component in a previously accepted product. Examples 
    are the substitution of an equivalent switch from a different 
    manufacturer, or the replacement of a motor with a comparable one of 
    different horsepower.
        An NRTL may accept minor product modifications from a manufacturer 
    without requiring recertification provided the following criteria, as 
    well as the criteria in Procedures 1, 2, 4, and 5 (except for the 
    requirements for independence), are complied with:
        The NRTL shall retain control of, and responsibility for, all 
    aspects of the product certification scheme.
         The NRTL shall clearly define what is meant by ``minor'' 
    modifications.
         The NRTL shall review each test and evaluation report for 
    each product modification.
        The NRTL shall assure that each manufacturer providing the test 
    data and evaluation is capable of conducting the tests and making the 
    product evaluations, and that the relationship between the NRTL and the 
    organization does not compromise the NRTL's independence.
         The NRTL shall demonstrate that the client has sustained 
    the quality of its performance in both testing and product evaluation 
    before being considered for this program.
    
    8. Acceptance of Product Evaluations From Organizations That Function 
    As Part of the International Electrotechnical Commission Certification 
    Body (IEC-CB) Scheme
    
        The IEC-CB scheme authorizes organizations accredited as certified 
    bodies to exchange product test data and evaluation reports with each 
    other.
        An NRTL may accept product evaluations from organizations that are 
    part of the IEC-CB scheme provided the following criteria are complied 
    with:
        The NRTL shall retain control of, and responsibility for, all 
    aspects of the product certification scheme.
         The NRTL shall physically evaluate each product.
         The NRTL shall review each test and evaluation report and 
    certificate of certification to determine that the correct nationally 
    recognized standards has been used to test the product and, where 
    applicable, that the US deviations have been properly applied.
         The NRTL shall have written procedures for the evaluation 
    of products, and for the interpretation of any results.
         The NRTL shall establish records that demonstrate that the 
    organizations furnishing test and evaluation reports continue to be 
    competent. These records will include documentation to demonstrate that 
    the organization understands the US deviations and has correctly 
    applied them.
         The NRTL shall determine that the components used in the 
    product are tested to a standard comparable to the appropriate 
    nationally recognized standard.
         The NRTL shall determine that components used in the 
    product have been certified through an appropriate regulatory 
    authority's scheme, and that the scheme includes routine evaluation of 
    the manufacturer's process.
    
    9. Acceptance of Services (Other Than Testing or Evaluation) Performed 
    by Subcontractors or Agents
    
        Services under this heading include follow-up activities, 
    calibration activities, and equipment maintenance accomplished by 
    subcontractors or agents.
        Athough there do not appear to be any references in 29 CFR 1910.7 
    or in the preamble to the final rule that specifically address this 
    issue, testing [[Page 12985]] laboratories, including the larger 
    organizations, have historically contracted for certain activities. 
    Most common are activities such as repair and calibration of test and 
    measurement instrumentation, security services, and quality system 
    accreditation. Assuming proper controls for such activities by the 
    NRTL, they should not affect the ability of the NTRL to produce 
    credible findings. It was never OSHA's intent to discourage or limit 
    activities such as the use of national or international standards for 
    quality assurance qualification and registration of a manufacturer by 
    organizations other than the NRTL. Such accreditation and services can 
    be useful tools for an NRTL as long as the NRTL retains ultimate 
    control and responsibility.
        The NRTL shall retain control of, and responsibility for, all 
    aspects of the product certification scheme.
         The NRTL shall assure that subcontractors or agents 
    performing service which may affect the certification of a product have 
    been assessed and qualified by the NRTL.
         The NRTL shall assure that subcontractors agents use the 
    follow-up procedures established by the NRTL.
         The NRTL shall maintain records of the results of the 
    follow-up visits.
        The NRTL shall assure that each agent or subcontractor providing a 
    service is capable of performing that service and that the relationship 
    between the agent or subcontractor does not compromise the NRTL's 
    independence.
         The NRTL shall be able to demonstrate that all 
    subcontractors and agents are capable of providing services equivalent 
    to that provided by the NRTL.
         The NRTL shall have written procedures to qualify 
    subcontractors or agents, to monitor their performance, to communicate 
    effectively with them, and to maintain manufacturer confidentiality.
         The NRTL's qualification rpocedures shall include: 
    qualification requirements; the subcontractor's or agent's quality 
    assurance and self-auditing programs; the NRTL's monitoring program; 
    and the documentation requirements for both the NRTL and the 
    subcontractor or agent.
         The NRTL's records shall include documentation to 
    demonstrate that the subcontractor or agent complies with the NRTL's 
    program.
         The NRTL shall use its own staff to qualify the 
    subcontractor or agent.
         The NRTL shall have the means to ensure that only follow-
    up inspectors who are qualified for the task are utilized.
         The NRTL's surveillance program shall include routine 
    audits of the facilities, staff, and procedures involved in its follow-
    up program.
         The follow-up procedures in foreign countries shall be as 
    stringent as those required in the US.
         The follow-up program shall include an initial assessment 
    of the manufacturers' procedures, the quality control system, 
    maintenance procedures, recordkeeping and other elements from the 
    appropriate national standards and international guides.
         The follow-up program shall have the capability to 
    identify variations in the manufacturers' ability to control the 
    quality of production.
         The NRTL shall periodically inspect samples of products 
    for compliance.
    
    The Use of An ``NRTL'' Certification Mark for Products Tested and 
    Certified In Accordance With OSHA's Requirements
    
        OSHA has received requests from several NRTL participants to 
    initiate action that would implement a requirement for the use of a 
    unique mark for the NRTL certified products. As a result of these 
    requests, OSHA will publish a separate document in the Federal Register 
    explaining how such a program may be implemented, as well as describing 
    the requirements which are considered to be part of such a program.
        In this separate document, OSHA will request comments on the 
    advantages and disadvantages of implementing such a program and invite 
    suggestions as to the proper approach OSHA should take. The document 
    will include the concerns of the Agency and will seek public 
    information that will enable it to determine the appropriate action.
    
    Authority
    
        Section 6(b) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, (84 
    Stat. 1593, 29 U.S.C. 655), Secretary of Labor's Order No. 1-90 (55 FR 
    9033).
    
        Signed at Washington, DC, this 3rd day of March 1995.
    Joseph A. Dear,
    Assistant Secretary.
    [FR Doc. 95-5780 Filed 3-8-95; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4510-26-M
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
3/9/1995
Published:
03/09/1995
Department:
Labor Department
Entry Type:
Notice
Action:
Notice of interpretation.
Document Number:
95-5780
Dates:
March 9, 1995.
Pages:
12980-12985 (6 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket No. NRTL-1-95
PDF File:
95-5780.pdf