Conformity Magazine - January 2009 - (Page 10) NewsBreaks OSHA Considers Self-Approval of Certain Products The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is once again exploring the acceptance of Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) as evidence of compliance with safety requirements for certain electrical and electronic products used in the workplace. Currently, all products used in the federally-regulated workplace must bear the mark of a nationally recognized testing laboratory (NRTL) as evidence that they have been tested by an independent third-party and found to be compliant with applicable product safety industry standards. However, the use of an SDoC in lieu of testing by an NRTL could speed the product approval process for some manufacturers. In a Request for Information (RFI) published in the Federal Register in October 2008, OSHA noted that it was exploring the change at the request of the Commission of the European Union (EU). The EU uses the SDoC system of self-approval for certain electrical products. OSHA previously considered the use of an SDoC system in 2005 at the request of industry trade association, but declined to move forward, saying that the responses it received were “insufficient” to justify initiating a rulemaking for any change. However, OSHA notes in its current RFI that it has subsequently obtained additional information, and is willing to reexamine the issue. Our readers can view the complete text of OSHA’s RFI regarding SDoCs as published in the Federal Register at www.conformity.com/2510. FTC Provides Guidance on Labeling Light Bulbs The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has produced a booklet to assist manufacturers in complying with the package labeling, catalog, and point-ofsale disclosure rules for a variety of light bulbs. The booklet, which details the labeling requirements for incandescent lamps, medium screw base compact fluorescent lamps, and general service fluorescent lamps, also includes a “frequently asked questions” section to provide answers to common queries. Our readers can view the FTC’s guidance on light bulb labeling at the FTC’s web site at www.conformity.com/2512. More Consumer Guidance on the Switch to Digital TV In advance of the nationwide switchover to digital television in February 2009, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) continues its extensive public relations campaign to help consumers successfully navigate the transition. In its latest effort, the Commission has published a brief troubleshooting guide for consumers either installing digital televisions or digital-to-analog converter boxes. The troubleshooting guide provides detailed tips for getting to the bottom of digital signal reception problems, ranging from the obvious (“Check your connections”) to the fairly technical. Our readers can view the FCC’s troubleshooting guide at www.conformity.com/2511. FTC Clarifies Certain Appliance Fan Labeling Requirements The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has made technical corrections to its regulations regarding ceiling fans and metal halide lighting to ensure consistency with its regulations on the labeling of appliances. The technical corrections do not substantively change the requirements, but have been issued to avoid confusion. The technical corrections were published in October 2008 in the Federal Register, and can be viewed at www.conformity.com/2513. DiLBErt: © Scott Adams/Dist. by United feature Syndicate, inc. reprinted with permission. 10 Conformity JAnUAry 2009 http://www.conformity.com/2510 http://www.conformity.com/2512 http://www.conformity.com/2511 http://www.conformity.com/2513
For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.