Lab Wants Bigger Testing Badge, OSHA Mulls It Over

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: 2026-17133, Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program

Pursuant to section 552a(e)(12) of the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular No. A- 108, Federal Agency Responsibilities for Review, Reporting, and Publication under the Privacy Act, notice is hereby given of the conduct of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Disclosure of Information to Federal, State and Local Agencies (DIFSLA) Computer Matching Program. The Louisiana Department of Health is modifying the Computer Matching Agreement to amend the programs administered, and the Louisiana Department of Children and Families will no longer participate in the DIFSLA Program.

Next: 2026-17135, National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity; Notice of Meeting

This notice sets forth the agenda, time, and instructions to access or participate in the September 23 & 24, 2026 meeting of NACIQI and provides information to members of the public regarding the meeting, including requesting to make written or oral comments. Committee members will meet in-person. Agency representatives have the option to meet in-person or virtually, and public attendees will participate virtually. The notice of this meeting is required under 5 U.S.C. Chapter 10 (commonly known as the Federal Advisory Committee Act) and Section 114(d)(1)(B) of the Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965, as amended.