1218-0195-Asbestos in Shipyards (02-20-09)

SUPPORTING STATEMENT FOR THE
INFORMATION COLLECTION REQUIREMENTS OF THE
ASBESTOS IN SHIPYARDS STANDARD (29 CFR 1915.1001) 1
(OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET (OMB)
CONTROL NO. 1218-0195 (February 2009))

Justification
1. Explain the circumstances that make the collection of information necessary. Identify any legal or
administrative requirements that necessitate the collection. Attach a copy of the appropriate section of each
statute and regulation mandating or authorizing the collection of information.

The main objective of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) is to “assure so far as
possible every working man and woman in the Nation safe and healthful working conditions and
to preserve our human resources” (29 U.S.C. 651). To achieve this objective, the OSH Act
specifically authorizes “the development and promulgation of occupational safety and health
regulations” (29 U.S.C. 651).
To protect employee health, the OSH Act authorizes the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) to develop standards that provide for “monitoring or measuring
employee exposure” to occupational hazards and “prescribe the type and frequency of medical
examinations and other tests which shall be made available [by the employer] to employees
exposed to such hazards in order to most effectively determine whether the health of such
employees is adversely affected by such exposure” (29 U.S.C. 655). In addition, the OSH Act
mandates that “[e]ach employer shall make, keep and preserve, and make available to the
Secretary [of Labor] . . . such records regarding [his/her] activities relating to this Act as the
Secretary . . . may prescribe by regulation as necessary or appropriate for the enforcement of this
Act or for developing information regarding the causes and prevention of occupational accidents
and illnesses” (29 U.S.C. 657). In addition, the OSH Act directs OSHA to “issue regulations
requiring employers to maintain accurate records of employee exposure to potentially toxic
materials or other harmful physical agents which are required to be monitored and measured,"
and further specifies that such regulations provide “for each employee or former employee to
have access to such records as will indicate [their] own exposure to toxic materials or harmful
physical agents” (29 U.S.C. 657). The OSH Act states further that “[t]he Secretary . . . shall . . .
prescribe such rules and regulations as [he/she] may deem necessary to carry out [his/her]
responsibilities under this Act, including rules and regulations dealing with the inspection of an
employer’s establishment” (29 U.S.C. 651).
Under the authority granted by the OSH Act, OSHA published a health standard governing
employee exposure to asbestos (29 CFR 1915.1001). The basis for this standard is a
determination by the Assistant Secretary for OSHA that occupational exposure to asbestos poses
a hazard to workers. Years of exposure to asbestos can cause numerous disabling or fatal
1

The purpose of this supporting statement is to analyze and describe the burden hours and costs associated with
provisions of the Asbestos in Shipyard Standard that contain paperwork requirements; this supporting statement
does not provide information or guidance on how to comply with, or how to enforce, the Standard.

diseases. Among these diseases are asbestosis, an emphysema-like condition; lung cancer;
mesothelioma, a cancerous tumor that spreads rapidly in the cells of membranes covering the
lungs and body organs; and gastrointestinal cancer.
The specific collection requirements of this standard are outlined below and fully discussed
under questions 2 and 12.
2. Indicate how, by whom, and for what purpose the information is to be used. Except for a new collection,
indicate the actual use the agency has made of the information received from the current collection.

Multi-employer Worksites (§ 1915.1001(d)(1))
Employers performing work that requires the establishment of a regulated area must inform other
employers on the site of the nature of the employer’s work with asbestos and/or presumed
asbestos containing material (PACM), of the existence of and requirements pertaining to
regulated areas, and the measures taken to ensure that employees of such other employers are not
exposed to asbestos. Informing other employers at the worksite of asbestos and/or PACM
ensures that the hazards concerning asbestos are known to all employers and employees working
near this toxin; so that proper measures can be taken to eliminate any unnecessary exposures.
Regulated Areas (§ 1915.1001(e))
The Asbestos (Shipyards) standard requires employers who are conducting Class I, II, or III 2
asbestos work to designate areas where an employee's exposure to airborne concentrations of
asbestos exceeds, or can reasonably be expected to exceed, the permissible exposure limits
(PELs) - the eight (8)-hour time-weighted average limit 3 or the excursion limit (EL) 4 . The area
must be demarcated in any manner that minimizes the number of persons within the area and
protects persons outside the area from exposure to airborne asbestos.
Designated areas where employee exposures are over the PELs warn employees who are not
essential to the performance of tasks within the areas to keep out. Demarcation also warns
2

Class I asbestos work means activities involving the removal of thermal system
insulation (TSI) or surfacing asbestos containing material (ACM) or PACM. Class II work
means activities involving removal of ACM which is neither TSI or surfacing ACM. Class III
asbestos work means repair and maintenance operations where “ACM”, including TSI and
surfacing ACM and PACM, is likely to be disturbed.
3

Paragraph (c)(1) requires that the employer ensure that no employee is exposed to an
airborne concentration of asbestos in excess of 0.1 fiber per cubic centimeter of air as an (8) hour
time-weighted average (TWA), as determined by the method prescribed in Appendix A of the
standard, or by an equivalent method.
4

Paragraph (c)(2) requires that the employer ensure that no employee is exposed to an
airborne concentration of asbestos in excess of 1.0 fiber per cubic centimeter of air (1f/cc) as
averaged over a sampling period of thirty (30) minutes, as determined by the method prescribed
in Appendix A of the standard, or by an equivalent method.
2

employees required to be in the regulated area that respirators need to be worn to avoid excessive
exposure via inhalation and that good personal hygiene must be practiced to avoid exposure to
asbestos via ingestion.
Exposure Assessments and Monitoring (§ 1915.1001(f))
Each employer who has a workplace or work operation where exposure-monitoring is required
must conduct an exposure assessment to determine accurately the airborne concentrations of
asbestos to which the employees may be exposed. Depending on the operation and class of
asbestos work, the employer must conduct initial exposure assessment and/or negative exposure
assessment. These assessments may include: using objective data to demonstrate that the
materials or products the employer is working with cannot release airborne fibers in
concentrations exceeding the TWA and EL; using previous monitoring results which represent
workplace conditions "closely resembling" materials, products, processes, etc. of the current
worksite; and/or exposure-monitoring of the worksite operation.
Exposure monitoring assists employers in identifying areas of operation that may require efforts
to reduce exposure and come into compliance with the standard. Monitoring results also assist
employers in determining the necessity for using engineering controls, instituting or modifying
work practices and in selecting appropriate respiratory protection to prevent employees from
over exposure.
Employee Notification of Monitoring Results (§ 1915.1001(f)(5))
Employers must either post, or individually inform employees in writing, of their exposuremonitoring results as soon as possible but no later than 5 working days after the receipt of the
results. Posting enhances the collective knowledge in the workplace of employee exposures;
which in turn enhances each employee's understanding of his/her own exposure. Posting the
results facilitates other employees, their designated representatives, supervisor and employers in
becoming aware of exposure levels within the workplace.
Alternative Control Methods for Class I work (§ 1915.1001(g)(6))
Employers may use other exposure controls methods not referenced in paragraph (g)(5), or my
modify paragraph (g)(5) methods when performing Class I asbestos work. However, if an
employer chooses methods other than those in paragraph (g)(5), the employer must ensure that
the alternative control method encloses, contains or isolates the processes or source of airborne
asbestos dust, or otherwise captures or redirects such dust before it enters the breathing zone of
employees.
In addition, a certified industrial hygienist or licensed professional engineer who is also qualified
as a project designer must evaluate the work area and the projected work practices and
engineering controls. This person must also certify that: the planned control method is adequate
to reduce direct and indirect employee exposure to below the PELS under the worst-case
conditions of use, and that the planned control method will prevent asbestos contamination
outside the regulated area, and that the planned control method will prevent asbestos
3

contamination outside the regulated areas, as measured by clearance sampling which meets the
requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Asbestos in Schools Rule issued under
AHERA rules, or perimeter monitoring which meets the criteria in paragraph (g)(4)(ii)(B) of this
standard.
Where the TSI or surfacing material to be removed is 25 linear or 10 square feet or less, the
evaluation required in paragraph (g)(6) may be performed by a qualified person 5 and may omit
consideration of perimeter or clearance monitoring otherwise required.
The evaluation of employee exposure required in paragraph (g)(6) must include and be based on
sampling and analytical data representing employee exposure during the use of such method
under worst-case conditions and by employees whose training and experience is equivalent to
employees who are to perform the current job.
Respirator Program (§ 1915.1001(h)(3)(i))
When respirators are required, the employer must establish a respiratory protection program in
accordance with 29 1910.134 (b), (d), (e) and (f). 29 1910.134 (b) and (e) require that written
standard operating procedures governing the selection and use of respirators be established as
well as covering safe use of respirators in dangerous atmospheres that might be encountered in
normal operations or in emergencies. The purpose of these requirements is to ensure that
employers establish a standardized procedure for selecting, using, and maintaining respirators for
each workplace where respirators will be used. Developing and writing down procedures
requires employers to think through just how all of their requirements of the respiratory standard
will be met in their workplace.
Respirator Fit Testing (§ 1915.1001(h)(4))
The employer must perform and record the results of either quantitative or qualitative fit tests at
the time of initial fitting and at least every six months thereafter for each employee wearing a
negative-pressure respirator. The test is used to select a respirator facepiece that exhibits
minimum leakage and provides the required protection. Test protocols outlined in Appendix C
of the standard must be followed and a record kept of the test.

5

Qualified person means, in addition to the definition in 29 CFR 1926.32(f), one who is
capable of identifying existing asbestos hazards in the workplace and selecting the appropriate
control strategy for asbestos exposure, who has the authority to take prompt corrective measures
to eliminate them, as specified in 29 CFR 1926.32(f); in addition for Class I and Class II work
who is specially trained in a training course which meet the criteria of the Environmental
Protection Agency’s (EPA) Model Accreditation Plan (40 CFR Part 763) for supervisor, or its
equivalent, and for Class III and Class IV work, who is trained in a manner consistent with EPA
requirements for training of local education agency maintenance and custodial staff as set forth at
40 CFR 763.92(a)(2).
4

Laundering Protective Clothing (§ 1915.1001(i)(2)(ii))
Employers must notify the laundry of the potential harmful effects of asbestos. By providing this
information to the person doing the laundry, they can be protected from the potentially harmful
effects of asbestos.
Duties of Building /Vessel and Facility Owners (§ 1915.1001(k)(2))
Building/vessel and facility owners must identify the presence, location, and quantity of ACM
and/or PACM at job work sites and notify the following in writing or through personal
communication: prospective employers applying or bidding for work whose employees
reasonably can be expected to work in or adjacent to areas containing such material; employees
of the owner who will work in or adjacent to areas containing such material; on multi-employer
worksites, all employers of employees who will be performing work within or adjacent to areas
containing such materials; and tenants who will occupy areas containing such material. This is
to ensure that the hazards concerning asbestos are properly conveyed to all employers and
employees working in the presence of this toxin.
Duties of Employers (§ 1915.1001(k)(3))
The following applies to employers whose employees perform work subject to this standard in or
adjacent to areas containing ACM and PACM. Building/vessel and facility owners whose
employees perform such work must comply with the following provision to the extent possible.
Before work in areas containing ACM and/or PACM is begun, employers must identify the
presence, location and quantity of ACM and PACM and inform the following persons with the
information: owners of the building/vessel or facility; employees who will perform the work; and
employers of employees who work and/or will be working in adjacent areas. Further, within 10
days of the completion of such work, the employer whose employees have performed the work
must inform the building/vessel or facility owner and employers of employees who will be
working in the area of the current location and quantity of PACM and/or ACM remaining in the
area. Again, this is to ensure that the hazards concerning asbestos are properly conveyed to all
employers and employees working in the presence of this toxin.
Also, within 24 hours of its discovery, all employers who discover ACM and/or PACM on a
worksite must convey information concerning the presence, location, and quantity of the newly
discovered ACM and/or PACM to the owner and to other employers of employees working at
the worksite. This is also to ensure that everyone is aware that the toxin is present.
Criterion to Rebut the Designation of Installed Material as PACM (§ 1915.1001(k)(5))
Employers and/or building/vessel owners may demonstrate that PACM does not contain asbestos
by conducting inspections and tests of the materials. If the material is not ACM, building/vessel
owners and/or employers are not required to communicate the information, however they must
retain information, data and analysis supporting the determination that PACM does not contain
asbestos. This is to ensure that the recognition of asbestos hazards is properly recognized.
5

Warning Signs (§ 1915.1001(k)(6) and (7))
Building/vessels owners must post signs at entrances to mechanical rooms/areas, where
employees can reasonably be expected to enter, which contain ACM and/or PACM. These signs
must identify the material which is present, its location, and appropriate work practices that will
ensure ACM or PACM is not disturbed. Employees must be able to comprehend these signs.
Posting warning signs serve to warn employees, who may otherwise not know, that they are
entering a regulated area. Such signs would warn employees that entry is permitted only if the
employee is authorized and there is a specific need to enter the area. Warning signs supplement
the training which employees receive under this standard.
Paragraph (k)(7) requires that regulated areas be identified by warning signs. Such signs must be
posted at such a distance from the regulated area, that employees may read the signs and take
necessary protective steps before entering the area. The warning signs must contain the
following information; “DANGER, ASBESTOS, CANCER AND LUNG DISEASE HAZARD,
AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY.” Where employees are required to wear respirators in
the regulated areas, the warnings signs must also state: “RESPIRATORS AND PROTECTION
CLOTHING ARE REQUIRED IN THIS AREA.”
Labels (§ 1915.1001(k)(8)(i), (ii), and (iii))
Employers must affix labels to any material/products containing asbestos. Labels must be used
in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1200(f); OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard.
The labels must be printed in large, bold letter on a contrasting background, contain a warning
statement against breathing asbestos fibers, and state: “DANGER, CONTAINS ASBESTOS
FIBERS, AVOID CREATING DUST, CANCER AND LUNG DISEASE HAZARD.”
Warning labels assure that downstream employers and employees are informed of the associated
hazards with asbestos and that special practices may need to be implemented to insure against
exposure. Furthermore, hazard labels alert other employers who, in the absence of such labels,
might not know that asbestos is present in their workplace and that they have incurred obligation
of complying with the standard.
Employee Information and Training (§ 1915.1001(k)(9), (o)(4))
Employers must institute a training program for all employees who are likely to be exposed in
excess of a PEL and for all employees who perform Class I through Class IV asbestos
operations. Employers must ensure that employees participate in the training program.
Employers must train employees prior to or at the time of their initial assignment and at least
annually thereafter. Training requirements and length vary depending on the type of operation.
Requirements are as follow:

6

Class I and II:
Training for Class I and II operations, that require the use of critical barriers, or equivalent
isolation methods, or negative pressure enclosures under this standard, must be the equivalent in
curriculum, training method and length to the EPA Model Accreditation Plan (MAP) asbestos
abatement workers training (40 CFR part 763, subpart E, appendix C).
Training for other Class II work:
Employers must train employees that work with asbestos containing roofing materials, flooring
materials, sliding materials, ceiling tiles, or transite panels, on the following elements in
paragraph (k)(9): methods of recognizing asbestos, including requirements in paragraph (k)(1)
of the standard to presume that certain building materials contain asbestos; the health effects
associated with asbestos exposure; the relationship between smoking and producing lung cancer;
the nature of operations that could result in exposure to asbestos; the importance of necessary
protective controls to minimize exposure including, as applicable, engineering controls, work
practices, respirators, housekeeping procedures, hygiene facilities, protective clothing,
decontamination procedures, emergency procedures, and waste disposal procedures, and any
necessary instruction in the use of these controls and procedures; the purpose, proper use, fitting
instructions, and limitations of respirators as required by 29 CFR 1910.134; the appropriate work
practices for the job; medical surveillance requirements; the content of the standard and the
appendices; the names, addresses and phone numbers of public health organizations which
provide information, materials and/or conduct programs concerning smoking cessation 6 ; and the
requirements for posting signs and affixing labels and the meaning of the required legends for
such signs and labels.
Also, training must include the specific work practices and engineering controls set forth in
paragraph (g) of the standard which specifically relate to this category. Such course must
include “hands-on” training and must take at least 8 hours.
If an employee works with more than one of the categories of material specified in the preceding
paragraph, they must receive training in the work practices applicable to each category of
material that the employee removes and each removal method that the employee uses.
Employees performing Class II operations but are not working with asbestos contained in
roofing, flooring materials, siding materials, ceiling tiles or transite materials must receive the
same training as above but, in addition, must receive the specific work practices and engineering
controls as stated in paragraph (g) of the standard which specifically relates to the category of
material being removed. This training must also be “hands-on.”
Class III
Training for Class III employees must be equivalent to the Operations and Maintenance course
developed by EPA for maintenance and custodial workers who conduct activities that will result
6

Employers may distribute the list of such organizations contained in Appendix J to
comply with this requirement.
7

in the disturbance of ACM. The training must include "hand-on" training in the use of
respiratory protection and work practices and shall take at least 16 hours.
Class IV
Training for Class IV employees must be equivalent in curriculum and training method to the
awareness training course developed by EPA for maintenance and custodial workers in buildings
containing ACM as stated at 40 CFR 763.92 (a)(1). The course must include available
information concerning the locations of thermal system insulation and surfacing ACM/PACM,
and asbestos-containing flooring material, or flooring material where the absence of asbestos has
not yet been certified; and instruction in recognition of damage, deterioration, and delamination
of asbestos containing building materials. The course shall take at least 2 hours.
Employees likely to be exposed in excess of the PELs
Employees who are likely to be exposed in excess of the PEL, but who are not included in the
above must be trained in accordance with paragraph (k)(9). These requirements are discussed
above under Class II training.
In addition to training for Class I, II, III & IV employees, the standard (1915.1001(o)) requires
employers to provide training for competent persons. The training method and length will also
vary depending on the nature of the qualified person's work. For example, in Class I and II
asbestos work, the qualified person must be trained in all aspects of asbestos removal and
handling. Qualified persons involved in Class III and IV asbestos work must receive training
equivalent in curriculum and training method to the 16-hour Operations and Maintenance course
developed by EPA for maintenance and custodial workers.
Training is essential to inform employees of the hazards to which they are exposed and to
provide employees with the necessary understanding of the degree to which they themselves can
minimize the health hazard potential. Training serves to explain and reinforce the information
presented to employees on signs, labels and MSDS's. These written forms of information and
warning will be successful and relevant only when employees understand the information
presented and are aware of the actions to be taken to avoid or minimize exposures.
Training provides information to the employee to enable them to be able to recognize how and
where he or she might be occupationally exposed and what steps should be taken to limit
exposure. Workers must be provided information on location, use, and work practices.
Medical Examinations and Consultations (§ 1915.1001(m)(2))
Employers must provide all employees who are engaged in Class I, II, III work for 30 days or
more per year, or who are exposed at or above the PEL with medical examinations. Employee
medical examinations must be provided by or under the supervision of a licensed physician and
at no cost to the employee.

8

Medical examinations and consultation must be provided prior to assignment where negativepressure respirators are worn and must be provided 10 working days after the thirtieth day of
exposure for employees working 30 or more days per year in Class I, II, and III work. Annual
medical examinations must be offered by the employer to these employees.
Employers must offer more frequent employee medical examinations if the examining physician
determines such examinations are necessary.
Employee medical examinations must include the following: a medical and work history with
special emphasis directed to the pulmonary, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal systems; a
standardized questionnaire contained in Part 1 of Appendix D on the initial visit, an abbreviated
questionnaire on annual visits; and any other examinations that the physician determines to be
necessary.
Medical examinations and the related information collection requirements provide continuous
monitoring of the health of potentially exposed employees. Records of medical examinations are
used by physicians who must periodically examine employees exposed to asbestos. Without
records of previous medical examinations, the physician may not be able to determine whether
an employee has suffered adverse health effects since his or her last examination. Further, when
symptoms of organic damage appear, the physician often needs information as to the patient's
previous medical conditions to make an accurate diagnosis of the new problem, its apparent
cause, and the course of treatment required.
Medical records are also designed so that employees can determine whether or not treatment is
needed for occupational exposures.
The maintenance period for records regarding employee health is necessary because of the
lengthy latency periods associated with the manifestation of disease due to exposure to asbestos.
Information Provided to Physician (§ 1915.1001(m)(3))
Paragraph (m)(3) requires employers to make the following information available to the
physician: a copy of the standard including Appendices D, E and I; a description of the affected
employee’s duties as they relate to the employee’s asbestos exposure; the employee’s
representative exposure level, or anticipated exposure level; a description of any personal
protective and respiratory equipment used or to be used; and information from previous medical
examinations.
Making the required information available to the physician will aid in the evaluation of the
employee's health and fitness for particular asbestos exposed job assignment.
Physician's Written Opinion (§ 1915.1001(m)(4))
Employers must obtain from the physician a written opinion, and instruct the physician not to
reveal any medical findings not associated with occupational exposure to asbestos. This written
opinion must include the following: the physician’s opinion as to whether the employee has any
9

detected medical conditions that would place the employee at an increased risk of material health
impairment from exposure to asbestos; recommendations on employee limitations on the use of
personal protective equipment; a statement that the employee has been informed of their results
of the medical examination and of any medical conditions that may result from asbestos
exposure; and, a statement that the employee has been informed by the physician of the increased
risk of lung cancer attributable to the combined effect of smoking and asbestos exposure. The
employer must provide a copy of the opinion to the employee within 30 days from receipt.
The purpose in requiring the employer to obtain a written opinion from the examining physician
is to provide the employer with a medical basis to aid in the determination of initial placement of
employees and to assess the employee's ability to use protective clothing and equipment. The
physician's opinion will also provide information to the employer as to whether the employee
may be suffering from overexposure asbestos. The requirement that a physician's opinion be in
written form will ensure that employers have had the benefit of the information.
The requirement that an employee be provided a copy of the physician's written opinion will
ensure that the employee is informed of the results of the medical examination.
Objective Data Records (§ 1915.1001(n)(1))
Employers relying on objective data showing that products made from or containing asbestos
will not expose employees to asbestos in excess of the PELs must establish and maintain an
accurate record. This record must contain the elements as stated in paragraph (n)(1) of the
standard.
The purpose of requiring an employer to document objective data determinations and retain them
is to discourage abuse of this provision since employees and their representatives are permitted
access to this information. Access enables employees and their representatives to ensure that the
exemption determination is a reasonable one, thereby encouraging use of objective data
determinations only in cases where the data warrant such use. Maintaining a record of the
objective data determinations will permit OSHA to ascertain whether compliance with the
standard has been achieved.
Exposure Measurements and Medical Surveillance (§ 1915.1001(n)(2) and(3))
The standard requires employers to maintain employee exposure and medical records.
Medical and monitoring records are maintained for employee disclosure and are designed to
provide valuable information to both the employee and the employer. The medical and
monitoring records required by this standard will aid the employee and his/her physician in
determining whether or not treatment is needed for occupational exposure to asbestos and what
level of treatment is necessary. The employer benefits by keeping these records, since the
information will enable the employer to better ensure that employees are not being overexposed;
such information may alert the employer that steps must be initiated in order to reduce
exposures.

10

The standard requires that exposure records be kept for at least 30 years and that medical records
be kept for the duration of employment plus 30 years. It is necessary to keep these records for
extended periods of time because of the long latency period commonly associated with
carcinogenesis. Cancer often cannot be detected until 20 or more years after the first exposure.
Training Records (§ 1915.1001(n)(4))
Employers must maintain employee's training records for one year beyond the last date of
employment by that employer. Maintaining training programs/materials provides a resource for
an employee to refresh his or her training should they need it during the year. Retaining records
of training demonstrates to OSHA, that the employer has been conducting annual training.
Records to Rebut PACM (§ 1915.1001(n)(5))
Where the building owner and employer have relied on data to demonstrate that PACM is not
asbestos-containing, such data shall be maintained for a long as they are relied upon to rebut the
presumption. This is to ensure that all PACMs are properly distinguished from ACMs. This is
important in the communications of asbestos hazards to both employers and employees.
Records of Required Notification (§ 1915.1001(n)(6))
Where the building/vessel owner has communicated and received information concerning the
identity, location and quantity of ACM and PACM, written records of such notification and their
content shall be maintained by the owner for the duration of ownership and shall be transferred
to successive owners of such buildings/facilities/vessels. This is to ensure that any new owners
of such buildings/facilities/vessels are aware of the hazards of asbestos.
Availability (§ 1915.1001(n)(7)(ii) and (iii))
The employer, upon request, must make any exposure and medical records required by
paragraphs (f) and (n) of this section available for examination and copying to affected
employees, former employees, designated representatives, in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1020
(a) through (e) and (g) through (i).
Transfer of Records (§ 1915.1001(n)(8))
Under certain circumstances, employers are required to transfer records to NIOSH. Records that
have been transferred may be used for research purposes. In addition, by having employee
records submitted to NIOSH, NIOSH serves as a repository. Employees may then be able to
access their records if needed for health or other reasons.
3. Describe whether, and to what extent, the collection of information ion involves the use of automated,
electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology,
e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses, and the basis for the decision for adopting this means of
collection. Also describe any consideration of using information technology to reduce burden.

11

Employers may use improved information technology when establishing and maintaining
exposure monitoring and medical-surveillance records. OSHA wrote the paperwork
requirements of the Regulation in performance-oriented language (i.e., in terms of what data to
maintain, not how to maintain the data).
4. Describe efforts to identify duplication. Show specifically why any similar information already available
cannot be used or modified for use for the purposes described in Item 2 above.

The information required to be collected and maintained is specific to each employer and
employee involved and is not available or duplicated by another source. The information
required by this standard is available only from employers. At this time, there is no indication
that any alternate source is available.
5. If the collection of information impacts small businesses or other small entities (Item 5 of OMB Form
83-I), describe any methods used to minimize burden.

The information collection requirements of the Standard do not have a significant impact on a
substantial number of small entities.
6. Describe the consequence to Federal program or policy activities if the collection is not conducted or is
conducted less frequently, as well as any technical or legal obstacles to reducing burden.

The information collection frequencies specified by this Standard are the minimum that OSHA
believes are necessary to ensure that the employer and OSHA can effectively monitor the
exposure and health status of employees working with asbestos in shipyards.
7. Explain any special circumstances that would cause an information collection to be conducted in a
manner:
·

Requiring respondents to report information to the agency more often than quarterly;

·

Requiring respondents to prepare a written response to a collection of information in fewer than 30
days after receipt of it;

·

Requiring respondents to submit more than an original and two copies of any document;

·

Requiring respondents to retain records, other than health, medical, government contract, grant-inaid, or tax records for more than three years;

·

In connection with a statistical survey that is not designed to produce valid and reliable results that
can be generalized to the universe of study;

·

Requiring the use of statistical data classification that has not been reviewed and approved by OMB;

·

That includes a pledge of confidentially that is not supported by authority established in statute or
regulation that is not supported by disclosure and data security policies that are consistent with the
pledge, or which unnecessarily impedes sharing of data with other agencies for compatible
confidential use; or

·

Requiring respondents to submit proprietary trade secret, or other confidential information unless
the agency can prove that it has instituted procedures to protect the information's confidentially to
the extent permitted by law.
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In accordance with paragraph (k)(3)(iii), once an employer has completed work subject to this
standard, the employer must inform building/vessel or facility owner and any employers whose
employees may be working in the area, of the current location and quantity of PACM and/or
ACM that is remaining in the former regulated area and final monitoring results if any, within 10
days of completion of such work.
Paragraph (k)(4) requires, all employers who discover ACM and/or PACM on a worksite must
convey information concerning the presence, location, and quantity of the newly discovered
ACM and/or PACM to the owner and to other employers of employees working at the worksite,
within 24 hours. This is also to ensure that everyone is aware that the toxin is present.
8.

If applicable, provide a copy and identify the data and page number of publication in the Federal
Register of the agency's notice, required by 5 CFR 1320.8(d), soliciting comments on the information
collection prior to submission to OMB. Summarize public comments received in response to that
notice and describe actions taken by the agency in response to these comments. Specifically address
comments received on cost and hour burden.
Describe efforts to consult with persons outside the agency to obtain their views on the availability of
data, frequency of collection, the clarity of instructions and recordkeeping, disclosure, or reporting
format (if any), and on the data elements to be recorded, disclosed, or reported.
Consultation with representatives of those from whom information is to be obtained or those who
must compile records should occur at least once every 3 years -- even if the collection of information
activity is the same as in prior periods. There may be circumstances that may preclude consultation
in a specific situation. These circumstances should be explained.

As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), OSHA
published a Federal Register on November 4, 2008 (73 FR 65683, Docket No. OSHA-20080048) soliciting comments from the public and other interested parties on its extension of the
information collection requirements contained in the Asbestos in Shipyards Standards. This
notice is part of a preclearance consultation program intended to provide those interested parties
the opportunity to comment on OSHA’s request for an extension by the Office of Management
and Budget (OMB) of a previous approval of the information collection requirements found in
the Asbestos in Shipyards Standard. The Agency did not receive any comments regarding the
proposed information collection request.
9.

Explain any decision to provide any payment or gift to respondents, other than reenumeration of
contractors or grantees.

The Agency will not provide payments or gifts to the respondents.
10.

Describe any assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents and the basis for the assurance in
statute, regulation, or agency policy.

To ensure that the personal information contained in medical records required by the Standard
remains confidential, the Agency developed and implemented § 1913.10 (“Rules of agency
practice and procedure concerning OSHA access to employee medical records”) to regulate
access to these records.
13

11.

Provide additional justification for any questions of a sensitive nature, such as sexual behavior and
attitudes, religious beliefs, and other matters that are commonly considered private. This
justification should include the reason why the agency considers the questions necessary, the specific
uses to be made of the information, the explanation to be given to persons form whom the
information is requested, and any steps to be taken to obtain their consent.

The paperwork requirements specified by the Standard do not require the collection of sensitive
information.
12.

Provide estimates of the hour burden of the collection of information. The statement should:
Indicate the number of respondents, frequency of response, annual hour burden, and an explanation
of how the burden was estimated. Unless directed to do so, agencies should not conduct special
surveys to obtain information on which to base hour burden estimates. Consultation with a sample
(fewer than 10) of potential respondents is desirable. If the hour burden on respondents is expected
to vary widely because of differences in activity, size, or complexity, show the range of estimated
hour burden, and explain the reasons for the variance. Generally, estimates should not include
burden hours for customary and usual business practices.
If this request for approval covers more than one form, provide separate hour burden estimates for
each form and aggregate the hour burdens in Item 13 of OMB Form 83-I.
Provide estimates of annualized cost to respondents for the hour burdens for collections of
information, identifying and using appropriate wage rate categories.

ESTABLISHMENTS
OSHA assumes that shipyard employees may be exposed to asbestos when repairing foreign or
older vessels. The Agency assumes that of the 638 shipyards, the six largest shipyards do not
repair vessels containing Asbestos lagging, for example, this work is contracted out. Of the
remaining 632 shipyards, approximately half repair vessels that have little or no machinery, for
example, barges and other small craft; therefore, employees would not engage in asbestos
removal. In addition, OSHA assumes that each of the 316 remaining shipyards employ three
employees; for a total of 948 employees who may be exposed to asbestos materials.
Wage Rates for Shipyards
The Agency determined average wage rates for Asbestos in Shipyards using average hourly
earnings, including benefits, to represent the cost of employee time. The Agency adopted the
mean wage rates from “Employer Costs for Employee Compensation, June 2008,” U.S.
Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics http://stats.bls.gov/home.htm. Total
compensation for these occupational categories includes an adjustment of 29.4 percent
(Employer Costs for Employee Compensation, June 2008) for fringe benefits; this figure
represents the average level of fringe benefits in the private sector. The costs of labor used in this
analysis are, therefore, estimates of total hourly compensation. These hourly wages are:
Supervisors
Employees
Clerical/Secretary

$42.96
$27.17
$22.06
14

Table 1
Summary of Burden hours and Costs
Information Collection Requirement

Multi-employer Worksites

1

Requested
Burden
Hours
15

Regulated Areas

0

0

0

$0

Exposure Assessment and Monitoring

11

190

179

$8,162

Notification of Monitoring Results

1

15

14

$331

Methods of Compliance

13

13

0

$558

Respirator Program

0

0

0

$0

Emergency-Use Respirator Certification

0

0

0

$0

394

379

-15

$13,290

0

0

0

$0

Duties of Bldg. and Facility Owners

10

10

0

$430

Duties of Employers

8

8

0

$344

Criterion to Rebut PACM

0

0

0

$0

Warning Signs and Labels

0

0

0

$0

446

431

-15

$18,516

Medical Examinations

384

374

-10

$10,162

Medical Questionnaires (Part 1)

30

29

-1

$788

Medical Questionnaires (Part II)

33

32

-1

$869

Information Provided to Physician

20

20

0

$441

Physicians Written Opinion

20

20

0

$441

Objective Data Records

1

20

19

$441

Exposure & Medical Records

21

35

14

$772

Training Records

20

20

0

$441

Records of Notification

1

1

0

$22

Employee Access

10

10

0

$221

Transfer of Records

1

1

0

$22

Respirator Fit Testing
Laundering Protective Clothing

Current
Burden Hours

Change

Estimated
Cost

14

$644

Communication of Hazards

Employee Information and Training
Medical Surveillance

15

1

1

0

$43

1,426

1,624

198

$56,938

OSHA Access
Total

Annual Burden Hour and Cost Determinations
Multi-employer worksites (§ 1915.1001(d))
OSHA estimates that 20% of the 316 employers (63) conduct sampling three times annually. As
a clerical employee may not be present at a multi-employer worksite, OSHA assumes a manager
takes 5 minutes (.08 hour) to post each notification.
Burden hours: 63 x 3 notifications annually x .08 hour = 15 hours
Cost: 15 hours x $42.96 = $644
Regulated Areas (§ 1915.1001(e))
All class I, II and III asbestos work is conducted within regulated areas that are demarcated.
Employers may use signs as prescribed in section (k) of the standard. Burden for this activity is
therefore addressed in that paragraph.
Exposure Assessments and Monitoring (§ 1915.1001(f))
Initial Assessment/Monitoring
The Agency estimates 316 employers conduct exposure assessment, and that 80% of these
employers use means other than exposure-monitoring sampling, i.e., objective data, prior
sampling, etc., to demonstrate compliance with the PEL. The remaining 20% of the employers
conduct exposure-monitoring of the job sites. These employers take an average of three samples
annually and each sample takes one hour of supervisor time to collect and mail the samples for
analysis.

Burden hours:
Cost:

(20% x 316 employers) x 3 samples per year x 1 hour per
sample = 190 hours
190 hours x $42.96= $8,162

Periodic monitoring
In addition to initial monitoring, employers must conduct periodic monitoring at various times
when workers are being exposed above the PEL. However, OSHA assumes that no periodic
monitoring occurs. Monitoring is expensive and it is more beneficial for employers to take other
measures to ensure compliance with the PEL such as equipping employees with supplied-air
respirators and following control methods outlined in the standard. Employers are assumed to
use the least burdensome method to comply with exposure provisions and therefore no burden
has been taken for periodic monitoring.
16

Notification of Monitoring Results (§ 1915.1001(f)(5))
It is assumed employers would choose the least costly method to comply with this provision
which would be posting the results of the monitoring in a central location. Posting requires 5
minutes (.08 hour) of secretarial time.
Burden hours: (20% x 316 employers) x 3 samples per year x .08 hour = 15
hour
Cost: 15 hours x $22.06 = $331
Methods of Compliance (§ 1915.1001(g))
Provisions contained in this paragraph of the regulation require employers to use prescribed
engineering controls and work practices, including monitoring and notifying employers of
findings (paragraph (g)(4)(ii)(B)). The burden for this requirement is included under the
exposure monitoring section or the methods of compliance section for alternate methods of
compliance in the paperwork package (see narrative below).
The standard prescribes work practices for various operations involving asbestos. However,
employers involved with Class I and II operations may choose to use an alternate control
method. The paperwork burden for this requirement follows.
Alternative Control Methods for Class I Work
OSHA has received, on average, 7 notifications annually from employers who choose new or
modified control technology to reduce exposures in Class I asbestos. OSHA estimates it takes a
supervisor, on average, 1.83 hours to develop the alternative control methods.
Burden hours: 7 notifications x 1.83 hours = 13 hours
Cost: 13 hours x $42.96 = $558
Additional Controls for Class II Work
The Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) assumed that work in shipyards would be predominately
Class I work, so no burden was assumed for Class II work.
Respiratory Protection (§ 1915.1001(h))
Respirator Program (§ 1915.1001(h)(3)(i))
Employers must institute a respiratory protection program in accordance with §1910.134. This
burden is taken in the “Respiratory Protection” information collection request (OMB Control
Number 1218-0099).

17

Emergency-Use Respirators (§ 1910.134(f))
The respiratory protection standard which is incorporated by reference in the asbestos standard
requires that emergency-use respirators be inspected monthly and after each emergency use.
This burden is taken in the “Respiratory Protection” information collection request (OMB
Control Number 1218-0099).
Respirator Fit Testing (§ 1915.1001(h)(4)(ii))
The burden associated with this provision is based on a total of 1 hour (30 minutes of employee
time and 30 minutes of supervisory time) to conduct and record the results of the fit testing twice
a year. OSHA estimates that 20% of the 948 employees exposed above the PEL wearing
negative pressure respirators are fit tested.
Burden hours: (20% x 948 employees) x 2 tests per year x 1 hour = 379 hours
Cost: 379 hours x [.5 x $42.96] = $ 8,141
[.5 x $27.17] = $ 5,149
$13,290

Protective Clothing (§ 1915.1001(i)(2)(ii))
The standard requires that employers inform any person who launders or cleans asbestoscontaminated protective clothing of asbestos hazards. In the RIA, OSHA assumed that all
affected employers will provide their employees with disposable clothing which requires no
laundering. Therefore, no burden has been taken for this provision.
Communication of hazards (§ 1915.1001(k))
Paragraph (k) requires building vessels and facility owners, along with employers of potentially
exposed employees, to convey specific information to building tenants, employees and other
employers/contractors regarding the location of ACM and PACM in their work environment.
Burden for this activity follows.
Duties of Building and Facility Owners (§ 1915.1001(k)(1))
OSHA estimates that 22% of 52.5 projects or 11 projects a year are involved and that it takes
building owners up to .75 hours to evaluate high risk jobs and .08 hours to notify persons of the
existence of ACM and/or PACM. Further, building owners take another .05 hours per project to
notify others such as contractors/other employers. The RIA breaks out the notification and
evaluation burden as follows:
Identification of ACM/PACM and notification by building owners to their employees and
tenants

18

For the 11 projects, OSHA estimates a facility owner will take 45 minutes (.75 hour) to evaluate
high risk jobs and five minutes (.08 hour) to notify persons; for a total of .83 hours.
Burden hours: 11 projects x .83 hour = 9 hours
Cost: 9 hours x $42.96 = $387
Notification by building owners to contractors (other employers)
Building owners take 3 minutes (.05 hour) to notify contractors. The universe is the same as
above, 11 projects.
Burden hours: 11 projects x .05 hour = 1 hour
Cost: 1 hour x $42.96 = $43
Duties of Employers (§ 1915.1001(k)(2)(3))
Identification of ACM/PACM and Notification by Contractors to Building Owners
OSHA estimates the time to identify/document and notify owners of ACM/PACM in high risk
projects is 30 minutes (.5 hour). Further, the Agency recognizes that there might be some
overlap in the counting of building owners notification to contractors and this provision. Taking
these assumptions into account, the RIA estimated that the weighted time for this provision
would be .5 hour. The number of projects and compliance rate is the same as above.
Burden hours: 11 projects x .5 hour = 6 hours
Cost: 6 hours x $42.96 = $258
Notification by contractors to employees and employers
The time to notify employees and other employers at the project takes approximately 5 minutes
(.08 hr). The number of projects is the same as above.
Burden hours: 11 projects x .08 hour = 1 hour
Cost: 1 hour x $42.96 = $43
Notification by contractors to owners on asbestos remaining in the building.
Within 10 days after a job is completed, the employers whose employees have performed the
asbestos work are required to inform the building owners of remaining asbestos. The number of
projects and the compliance rate are the same as above. It takes a contractor 5 minutes (.08 hour)
to perform this notification.
Burden hours: 11 projects x .08 hour = 1 hour
Cost: 1 hour x $42.96 = $43

19

In addition to the above requirements, all employers who discover ACM and/or PACM on a
worksite shall convey information concerning the presence, location and quantity of the newly
discovered ACM and/or PACM to the owner and to other employers of employees working at
the work site, within 24 hours of the discovery. The burden for this activity is accounted for in
the above notification estimates.
Criteria to Rebut the Designation of Installed Material as PACM (§ 1915.1001(k)(5))
An employer or owner may demonstrate that PACM does not contain asbestos by conducting
inspections and tests of the materials. If the material is not ACM, building owners and/or
employers are not required to communicate the information, however they must retain
information of the results. This evaluation was to be conducted for buildings constructed before
1981. Burden for this evaluation was taken in a previous information collection request. Since
this was a one time event, there is no recurring burden.
Warning Signs (§ 1915.1001(k)(6) and (7))
Under this section warning signs are to be posted and displayed at each regulated area. The
standard provides the language to be included on the signs, therefore no burden is assumed for
this provision.
Labels (§ 1915.1001(k)(8)(i), (ii) and (iii))
Under this section warning labels are to be affixed to all products containing asbestos and to all
containers containing such products. The standard provides the language to be included on the
labels; therefore, no burden is assumed for this provision.
Employee Information and Training (§ 1915.1001(k)(9))
Qualified person training (§ 1915.1001(o)(4))
The RIA assumed that shipyard work is predominately Class I work, and so no burden is taken
for the other classes of work. Twenty percent of the 948 employees, 190 employees, are trained
annually. OSHA assumes a turnover rate of 1.3, and training takes 32 hours. Other variables
include that some employers were already providing training that would meet OSHA
requirements under the EPA regulation and a greater number of employees would receive the
shorter-length training courses. Further, OSHA assumes 20 employees can be trained in one
training session.
Burden hours: (190 employees ÷ 20 sessions] x 1.3 turnover rate x 1 time per year x
32 hours = 395 hours
Cost: 395 hours x $42.96 = $16,969
In addition to training for Class I, II, III & IV employees, the standard (§ 1915.1001(o)) requires
employers to provide training for qualified persons. The training method and length will also
vary depending on the nature of the qualified person's work. For example, in Class I and II
asbestos work, the qualified person must be trained in all aspects of asbestos removal and
20

handling. Qualified persons involved in Class III and IV asbestos work must receive training
equivalent in curriculum and training method to the 16-hour Operations and Maintenance course
developed by EPA for maintenance and custodial workers. The RIA assumed that 20% of 88.5
qualified persons or 18 qualified persons would be trained in 20-person training sessions. A noncompliance rate of 0.2 and training of 40 hours were assumed.
Burden hours: [18 qualified persons ÷ 20 sessions] x 1 time per year x 40 hours = 36
hours
Cost: 36 hours x $42.96 = $1,547
Medical Surveillance (§ 1915.1001(m))
Medical Examinations (§ 1915.1001(m)(2))
OSHA assumes 20% of the 948 employees (190 employees) require examinations annually and
such examinations take 1.5 hours of employee time per examination (this includes 30 minutes of
travel time). An employee turnover rate of 30% is used in the equation. Therefore, the total
number of employees receiving a medical examination is 256 employees.
Burden hours: [190 employees + (197 x 30% turnover rate)] x 1 per year x 1.5
hours = 374 hours
Cost: 374 hours x $27.17 = $10,162
Medical Questionnaire (§ 1915.1001(m)(2)(ii)(B)) Part I
As part of the initial examination, Part I of a medical questionnaire is administered. Completing
the questionnaire takes 30 minutes (.50 hour) for each new employee/examination. The number
of new employees is based on a 30% turnover rate for the 190 employees (20% of the 948)
subject to medical surveillance for a total of 30 hours.
Burden hours: 190 employees x 30% turnover rate x 1 per year x .50 hour = 29 hours
Cost: 29 hours x $27.17 = $788
Medical Questionnaire (§ 1915.1001(m)(2)(ii)(B)) Part II
As part of the annual medical examination, a follow-up medical questionnaire is administered for
each employee. The abbreviated questionnaire takes each of the 190 employees receiving the
annual medical examinations 10 minutes (.17 hour) to complete.
Burden hours: 190 examinations x 1 per year x .17 hour = 32 hours
Cost: 32 hours x $27.17 = $869
Information Provided to the Physician (§ 1915.1001(m)(3))
Employers provide information for 247 employees. A clerical takes 5 minutes (.08 hour) to
provide this information to the examining physician.
21

Burden hours: 247 employee medical examinations x .08 hour = 20 hours
Cost: 20 hours x $22.06 = $441
Physician's Written Opinion (§ 1915.1001(m)(4))
As stated above, the estimated number of examinations is based on the current and new
employees, and 5 minutes of secretarial time (.08 hour).
Burden hours: 247 employee medical examinations x .08 hour = 20 hours
Cost: 20 hours x $22.06 = $441
Recordkeeping (§ 1915.1001 (n))
The Agency estimates that it takes a secretary 5 minutes (.08 hour) to maintain records
associated with objective data, exposure-monitoring, and medical records. Also that it takes 5
minutes to make the records available to employees.
Objective Data
The Agency assumes that 80% of the employers use objective data to exempt themselves from
performing exposure-monitoring. Therefore, the burden is as follows:
Burden hours: (80% x 316 employers) x 1 sample per year x .08 hour = 20 hour
Cost: 20 hour x $22.06 = $441
Exposure Monitoring
Burden hours: (20% x 316 employers) x 3 samples per year x .08 hour = 15 hour
Cost: 15 hour x $22.06 = $331
Medical Records
Burden hours: 247 medical examinations x .08 hour = 20 hours
Cost: 20 hours x $22.06 = $441
Training Records
Note: The 1.3 turnover rate equates to (190 employees + (190 x 30%)).
Burden hours: 190 employees x 1.3 turnover rate x 1 per year x .08 hour = 20 hours
Cost: 20 hours x $22.06 = $441

22

Records of Notifications by Building Owners
Burden hours: 11 Projects x 1 time per year x .08 hour = 1 hour
Cost: 1 hour x $22.06 = $22
Employee Access to Records
The Agency assumes that 10% of the employees will request to see his/her records annually,
therefore, the burden and cost associated is as follows:
Burden hours: 948 employees x 10% x 1.3 turnover rate x .08 hour = 10 hours
Cost: 10 hours x $22.06 = $221
OSHA Access to Records
The previous ICR estimates OSHA conducts 4 inspections a year. It takes a supervisor 5
minutes (.08 hour) to disclose records to compliance officer, thus the burden and cost is as
follows:
Burden hours: 4 inspections x .08 hour = 1 hour
Cost: 1 hour x $42.96 = $43
Transfer of Records
Whenever the employer ceases to do business and there is no successor employer to receive and
retain the records for the prescribed period, the employer shall notify and transfer the records to
NIOSH. In the past, NIOSH received asbestos records relating to construction and burden was
accounted for in the construction paperwork package. Based on the previous ICR, no records
will be transmitted for shipyards; however, to allow for any future transfers of any asbestos in
shipyard records to NIOSH during the period of this clearance, the Agency has allocated 1
burden hour at a cost of $22.06 to process each record or $22.
13.

Provide an estimate of the total annual cost burden to respondents or recordkeepers resulting from the
collection of information. (Do not include the cost of any hour burden shown in Items 12 and 14).
The cost estimate should be split into two components: (a) a total capital and start-up cost component
(annualized over its expected useful life); and (b) a total operation and maintenance and purchase of
services component. The estimates should take into account costs associated with generating, maintaining,
and disclosing or providing the information. Include descriptions of methods used to estimate major cost
factors including system and technology acquisition, expected useful life of capital equipment, the discount
rate(s), and the time period over which costs will be incurred. Capital and start-up costs include, among
other items, preparations for collecting information such as purchasing computers and software;
monitoring, sampling, drilling and testing equipment; and record storage facilities.
If cost estimates are expected to vary widely, agencies should present ranges of cost burdens and explain
the reasons for the variance. The cost of purchasing or contracting out information collection services
should be a part of this cost burden estimate. In developing cost burden estimates, agencies may consult
with a sample of respondents (fewer than 10), utilize the 60-day pre-OMB submission public comment
process and use existing economic or regulatory impact analysis associated with the rulemaking containing
the information collection, as appropriate.

23

Generally, estimates should not include purchases of equipment or services, or portions thereof, made: (1)
prior to October 1, 1995, (2) to achieve regulatory compliance with requirements not associated with the
information collection, (3) for reasons other than to provide information or keep records for the
government, or (4) as part of customary and usual business or private practices.

Exposure monitoring
The Agency assumes that employers will incur costs for analyzing and supplies used in
monitoring the employees. Twenty percent of the 316 employers conduct exposure-monitoring.
The Agency assumes a cost of $30 per sample; this includes supplies used and the analysis of the
sample taken. The costs are as follows:
Cost: 316 employers x 20% x 3 samples per year x $30 = $5,688
Medical Examinations
The Agency assumes that employers will incur a cost of $130 per exam. The total cost is as
follows:
247 employee medical examinations x $130 = $32,110
TOTAL COST UNDER ITEM 13: $37,798
14.

Provide estimates of annualized cost to the Federal government. Also, provide a description of the method
used to estimate cost, which should include quantification of hours, operational expenses (such as
equipment, overhead, printing, and support staff), and any other expense that would not have been
incurred without this collection of information. Agencies also may aggregate cost estimates from Items 12,
13, and 14 in a single table.

The Asbestos Standard requires that if an employer ceases to do business and there is no
successor to preserve and maintain employee records for the required periods of time, the records
must be transmitted to NIOSH. Also, at the expiration of the retention period for the records
required to be maintained, employers must notify NIOSH at least three months prior to the
disposal of such records and transmit those records to NIOSH if requested within the period.
The cost to the Federal government consists of the costs associated with processing records from
employers who cease to do business and have no successor to preserve and maintain employee
records, or when the retention period for those records has expired and NIOSH has requested the
records be transmitted to them. OSHA determines the cost by contacting NIOSH to learn how
many records NIOSH has received from employers in the past year. OSHA then uses this figure
to estimate the number of records NIOSH will receive in the future.
However, to allow for any future transfer of records to NIOSH during the period covered by this
clearance, we have allocated a burden of one hour for the request. NIOSH estimated that 15
records can be processed in one hour at a cost $15.00 per hour. Therefore, the Federal cost for
records transfer is estimated to be $15.00 per year.

24

Federal Inspections
The Agency assumes that it will take a compliance officer (GS 12, step 5) who earns $39.70
(www.opm.gov) per hour 10 minutes to review the records. Therefore, the cost to the Federal
Government related to inspections is as follows:
4 inspections x $39.70 x .17 hour = $27
15.

Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments.

OSHA increased the number of employers who may have asbestos in the workplace from 19 to
316. Therefore, the Agency is requesting an adjustment increase in burden hours and burden
costs.
16.

For collections of information whose results will be published, outline plans for tabulation, and
publication. Address any complex analytical techniques that will be used. Provide the time schedule for
the entire project, including beginning and ending dates of the collection of information, completion of
report, publication dates, and other actions.

The information required to be collected by the Asbestos in Shipyards Standard will not have
results that will be published for statistical use.
17.

If seeking approval to not display the expiration date for OMB approval of the information collection,
explain the reasons that display would be inappropriate.

There are no forms on which to display the expiration date.
18.

Explain each exception to the certification statement in ROCIS.

OSHA is not requesting an exception to the certification statement in ROCIS.

25