EPAâs asbestos worker protection rule is designed to provide occupational exposure protection to state and local government employees who are engaged in asbestos abatement activities in states that do not have state plans approved by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The rule provides protection for public employees not covered by the OSHA standard from the adverse health effects associated with occupational exposure to asbestos. Specifically, the rule requires state and local governments to monitor employee exposure to asbestos, take action to reduce exposure to asbestos, monitor employee health and train employees about asbestos hazards.
The rule includes a number of information reporting and recordkeeping requirements. State and local government agencies are required to provide employees with information about exposures to asbestos and the associated health effects. The rule also requires state and local governments to notify EPA before commencing any asbestos abatement project. State and local governments must maintain medical surveillance and monitoring records and training records on their employees, must establish a set of written procedures for respirator programs and must maintain procedures and records of respirator fit tests. EPA will use the information to monitor compliance with the asbestos worker protection rule.
US Code:
15 USC 2607
Name of Law: Reporting and retention of information
US Code:
15 USC 2605
Name of Law: Regulation of hazardous chemical substances and mixtures
There is a net increase of 9,452 hours in the total estimated respondent burden compared with that identified in the ICR currently approved by OMB. This increase reflects an increase of 24,371 hours to account for updates made from previous ICRs to standardize methodology, and a decrease of 14,919 hours due to Maineâs new status of having an OSHA-approved state plan whereby its entities are no longer covered under this ICR. This change is an adjustment.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
1246ss13_AttachG.docx
1246ss13_AttachF.pdf
Reading and Interpreting the Regulation