OSHA Modifies Lab Testing Rules for Safer Products
Published Date: 9/12/2025
Notice
Summary
OSHA wants to update the list of test rules that safety labs (NRTLs) use and change what some labs are officially allowed to test. This affects companies relying on these labs to check their products for safety. The changes aim to keep testing clear and up-to-date, with no big costs expected, and will roll out after a public review period.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Approved Test Standards Removed
OSHA proposes to delete certain test standards from the Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTL) Program's list of appropriate test standards. If you rely on NRTLs to certify your products, the specific tests your safety lab can use may change, which could affect how you get products tested.
NRTL Recognition Scope Changed
OSHA proposes to modify the scope of recognition for several Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTLs). If your company uses those labs to test products for workplace safety, which labs are recognized to test which products may change after the update.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-11093 — Amending the Medical Evaluation Requirements in the Respiratory Protection Standard for Certain Types of Respirators
OSHA wants to make it easier for workers using certain respirators by removing some medical check-ups for filtering facepiece and loose-fitting powered air-purifying respirators. This change affects workers who wear these masks and could save time and money on medical evaluations. The public can share their thoughts until July 6, 2026, before the rule is finalized.
2026-10456 — Department of Labor Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Annual Adjustments for 2026
Good news for businesses and workers: the Department of Labor won’t raise any fines or penalties in 2026 because the usual inflation data wasn’t available. This means all civil penalties stay the same starting May 27, 2026. So, no surprise cost hikes this year—just steady rules and steady fees!
2026-11801 — TÜV SÜD America, Inc.: Grant of Expansion of Recognition
OSHA just gave TÜV SÜD America, Inc. the green light to add a new testing site to their official safety lab list starting June 11, 2026. This means they can now test and certify even more products to keep workplaces safe. If you rely on their certifications, expect smoother approvals with this expanded power—no extra costs or delays announced.
2026-11553 — OSHA Outreach Training Program and the OSHA Training Institute Education Centers Program Forms; Extension of the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) Approval of Information Collection (Paperwork) Requirements
OSHA is asking for public feedback to keep collecting info through its Outreach Training and Education Centers programs. This extension means employers and training centers can keep using the current forms without changes for now. Comments are open until August 10, 2026, and there’s no new cost or paperwork increase planned.
2026-11126 — 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane; 1, 3-Butadiene; 13 Carcinogens (4-Nitrobiphenyl, etc.); Acrylonitrile; Asbestos; Benzene; Cadmium; Coke Oven Emissions; Cotton Dust; Ethylene Oxide; Formaldehyde; Inorganic Arsenic; Lead; Methylene Chloride; Methylenedianiline; Vinyl Chloride; Amending the Medical Evaluation Requirements in the Respiratory Protection Standard for Certain Types of Respirators; Safety Color Code for Marking Physical Hazards; Textiles; Sawmills; Safety Color Code for Marking Physical Hazards for Shipyard Employment; and Walking-Working Surfaces
OSHA is holding virtual public hearings starting August 19, 2026, to discuss new safety rules about harmful chemicals, workplace hazards, and respirator medical checks. These updates affect workers in industries like textiles, shipyards, sawmills, and more, aiming to keep everyone safer on the job. If you want to speak or share info, sign up by July 6, 2026—these changes could impact workplace safety and health costs.
2026-10735 — Obayashi-Jay Dee Joint Venture; Application for Permanent Variance and Interim Order; Grant of Interim Order; Request for Comments
The Obayashi-Jay Dee Joint Venture asked OSHA for special permission to change some safety rules while working in compressed-air environments on a tunnel project in New Hampshire. OSHA gave them a temporary green light starting May 29, 2026, while they decide if this change can be permanent. Workers and the public can share their thoughts by June 29, 2026, so everyone stays safe and the project keeps moving.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-17646 — 4,4′-Methylenedianiline Standard for General Industry; Extension of the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) Approval of Information Collection (Paperwork) Requirements
OSHA wants to keep collecting info about how companies handle 4,4′-Methylenedianiline, a chemical used in some workplaces. This extension means businesses must keep following the same paperwork rules for now, with no new costs or changes. Workers and employers in industries using this chemical should stay tuned and keep their records ready.
Next: 2025-17648 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Notice of Termination, Suspension, Reduction, or Increase in Benefit Payments
The Department of Labor wants to update how it collects info about changes in benefit payments, like when payments stop, pause, go up, or down. This affects workers getting benefits and helps make sure payments are accurate and timely. They’re asking for public feedback before finalizing these updates, so everyone has a chance to weigh in.