(ROSSLYN, Va.)—Today the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced that it will continue to require third-party certification via the Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) program for electrical products used in American workplaces and refrain from adopting Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity (SDoC).
OSHA’s decision endorses the position taken by NEMA in comments submitted to the agency in January 2009.
“OSHA should be applauded for its commitment to third-party certification to enhance electrical safety in U.S. workplaces,” NEMA President & CEO Evan R. Gaddis said. “The existing NRTL program provides an efficient and cost-effective way to ensure the installation and use of safe, reliable products.”
The decision, which will be published officially in the Federal Register on December 17, is a formal response to comments received on the Request for Information (RFI) issued in October 2008. The RFI was initiated at the request of the European Commission to permit an SDoC system in the U.S. similar to the one allowed in the European Union.
OSHA’s response, however, finds that “the record contains no statistically sound evidence demonstrating that an SDoC system provides a high degree of protection for electrical safety in the workplace, and what evidence there is raises concerns that the SDoC system may be less protective than the NRTL system.”
To read OSHA’s response in its entirety, go to www.ofr.gov/OFRUpload/OFRData/2010-31695_PI.pdf
NEMA is the association of electrical and medical imaging equipment manufacturers. Founded in 1926 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., its approximately 450 member companies manufacture products used in the generation, transmission and distribution, control, and end use of electricity. These products are used in utility, industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential applications. The association’s Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance (MITA) Division represents manufacturers of cutting-edge medical diagnostic imaging equipment including MRI, CT, x-ray, and ultrasound products. Worldwide sales of NEMA-scope products exceed $120 billion. In addition to its headquarters in Rosslyn, Virginia, NEMA also has offices in Beijing and Mexico City.
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