BACL Gains More Power for Safety Product Certifications
Published Date: 3/11/2026
Notice
Summary
Bay Area Compliance Laboratories (BACL) just got the green light to expand their safety testing powers! Starting March 11, 2026, they can test and certify three new types of products, helping businesses meet safety rules faster and easier. This means safer products and smoother approvals for companies relying on BACL’s trusted testing.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
NRTL Recognition Expanded to Lab Standards
On March 11, 2026, OSHA expanded Bay Area Compliance Laboratories' (BACL) Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) scope so BACL may test and certify products to three UL test standards: UL 61010-2-010 (laboratory heating equipment), UL 61010-2-81 (automatic and semi-automatic laboratory equipment), and UL 61010-2-101 (in vitro diagnostic medical equipment). Employers and manufacturers may use BACL-approved testing to demonstrate compliance with OSHA standards that require product testing and certification.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile 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!
2026-17139, UL LLC: Grant of Expansion of Recognition and Modification to the NRTL Program's List of Appropriate Test Standards
In this notice, OSHA announces the final decision to expand the scope of recognition for UL LLC, as a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL). Additionally, OSHA announces the final decision to add one test standard to the NRTL Program's List of Appropriate Test Standards.
2026-17138, KBR Wyle Services, LLC; Grant of Permanent Variance
In this notice, OSHA grants a permanent variance to KBR Wyle Services, LLC (KBR) from a provision of the OSHA standard that regulates commercial diving operations.
2026-17137, Intertek Testing Services NA, Inc.: Grant of Expansion of Recognition
In this notice, OSHA announces the final decision to expand the scope of recognition for Intertek Testing Services NA, Inc. as a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL).
2026-17136, NASA Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory Operations Contract; Grant of Permanent Variance
NASA’s Neutral Buoyancy Lab team got a permanent green light from OSHA to skip a tricky diving safety rule about decompression chambers. This change kicks in on August 21, 2026, and stays until OSHA says otherwise. It affects the eight companies running NASA’s underwater training pool in Houston, helping them keep space training safe and smooth without extra red tape or costs.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-04721, TUV Rheinland of North America, Inc.: Grant of Expansion of Recognition
OSHA just gave TUV Rheinland of North America the green light to test and certify even more products by expanding their official recognition. This means TUV can now handle an extra test standard starting March 11, 2026, helping businesses get safer products approved faster. If you rely on product safety testing, this update could speed things up without extra costs.
Next: 2026-04723, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Certification by School Official
The Department of Labor is asking for public feedback on a form school officials fill out to confirm if a Black Lung beneficiary’s dependent (ages 18-23) is a full-time student. This review helps keep the paperwork clear and useful without adding extra hassle. Comments are due by April 10, 2026, so now’s the time to weigh in!