The extension is published in the Oct. 12 Federal Register.
The notice extends the period for written comments on the proposed rule to Jan. 11, 2006. OSHA extended the comment period to grant interested parties more time for a thorough review and response to the proposal.
Additionally, the informal hearing originally scheduled for Dec. 6 now will be held on March 6, 2006; the extension re-opens the period for interested parties to file notices of intent to appear at that hearing.
The proposed standard, which aims to establish consistency with the revised general industry standard, includes requirements relating to enclosed spaces, working near energized parts, grounding for employee protection, work on underground and overhead installations, work in substations and other special conditions and equipment unique to the transmission and distribution of electrical energy.
People wishing to comment should submit written comments, postmarked no later than Jan. 11, 2006, to: OSHA Docket Office, Docket No. S-215, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Ave., N.W., Room N-2625, Washington, D.C. 20210.
Comments also may be faxed to (202) 693-1648, or submitted online via the Federal eRulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov, or OSHA's Web site at http://www.dockets.osha.gov.
All comments and submissions will be available for inspection and copying at the OSHA Docket Office at the above address, and posted on OSHA's Web site.