Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories: FM Approvals LLC; Application for Expansion of Recognition and Proposed Modification to the NRTL Program's List of Appropriate Test[...]

FM Approvals LLC: Application for Expansion of Recognition and Proposed Modification to the NRTL Program's List of Appropriate Test Standards

DATES:

Submit comments, information, and documents in response to this notice, or requests for an extension of time to make a submission, on or before February 25, 2026.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Notice of the Application for Expansion

OSHA is providing notice that FM Approvals LLC (FM) is applying for an expansion of current recognition as a NRTL. FM requests the addition of one test standard to the NRTL scope of recognition.

OSHA recognition of a NRTL signifies that the organization meets the requirements specified in 29 CFR 1910.7. Recognition is an acknowledgment that the organization can perform independent safety testing and certification of the specific products covered within the scope of recognition. Each NRTL's scope of recognition includes (1) the type of products the NRTL may test, with each type specified by the applicable test standard; and (2) the recognized site(s) that has/have the technical capability to perform the product-testing and product-certification activities for test standards within the NRTL's scope. Recognition is not a delegation or grant of government authority; however, recognition enables employers to use products approved by the NRTL to meet OSHA standards that require product testing and certification.

The agency processes applications by a NRTL for initial recognition and for an expansion or renewal of this recognition, following requirements in Appendix A to 29 CFR 1910.7. This appendix requires that the agency publish two notices in the Federal Register in processing an application. In the first notice, OSHA announces the application and provides a preliminary finding. In the second notice, the agency provides the final decision on the application. These notices set forth the NRTL's scope of recognition or modifications of that scope. OSHA maintains an informational web page for each NRTL, including FM, which details the NRTL's scope of recognition. These pages are available from the OSHA website at https://www.osha.gov/nationally-recognized-testing-laboratory-program.

II. General Background on the Application

FM submitted an application to OSHA to expand recognition as a NRTL on June 13, 2024 (OSHA-2007-0041-0027), to include six test standards (application was signed May 20, 2024). The application was amended on May 27, 2025 (OSHA-2007-0041-0026), to remove five standards from the original submission. OSHA staff performed a detailed analysis of the application packet and reviewed other pertinent information. OSHA performed an on-site review in relation to this application on December 3-5, 2024.

Table 1 below, lists the appropriate test standard found in FM's application for expansion for testing and certification of products under the NRTL Program.

III. Proposal To Add One New Test Standard to the NRTL Program's List of Appropriate Test Standards

Periodically, OSHA will propose to add new test standards to the NRTL list of appropriate test standards following an evaluation of the test standard document. To qualify as an appropriate test standard, the agency evaluates the document to (1) verify it represents a product category for which OSHA requires certification by a NRTL, (2) verify the document represents a product and not a component, and (3) verify the document defines safety test specifications (not installation or operational performance specifications). OSHA becomes aware of new test standards through various avenues. For example, OSHA may become aware of new test standards by: (1) monitoring notifications issued by certain Standards Development Organizations; (2) reviewing applications by NRTLs or applicants seeking recognition to include new test standards in their scopes of recognition; and (3) obtaining notification from manufacturers, manufacturing organizations, government agencies, or other parties. OSHA may determine to include a new test standard in the list, for example, if the test standard is for a particular type of product that another test standard also covers, or it covers a type of product that no standard previously covered.

In this notice, OSHA proposes to add one new test standard to the NRTL Program's list of appropriate test standards. Table 2, below, lists the test standard that is new to the NRTL Program. OSHA has preliminarily determined that this test standard is appropriate and proposes to include it in the NRTL Program's list of appropriate test standards. OSHA seeks public comment on this preliminary determination.

IV. Preliminary Findings on the Application

FM submitted an acceptable application for expansion of the scope of recognition. OSHA's review of the application file, and pertinent documentation, indicate that FM can meet the requirements prescribed by 29 CFR 1910.7 for expanding the recognition to include the addition of this test standard for NRTL testing and certification listed above. This preliminary finding does not constitute an interim or temporary approval of FM's application.

V. Public Participation

OSHA welcomes public comment as to whether FM meets the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.7 for expansion of recognition as a NRTL. Comments should consist of pertinent written documents and exhibits.

Commenters needing more time to comment must submit a request in writing, stating the reasons for the request by the due date for comments. OSHA will limit any extension to 10 days unless the requester justifies a longer time period. OSHA may deny a request for an extension if it is not adequately justified.

To review copies of the exhibits identified in this notice, as well as comments submitted to the docket, contact the Docket Office, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. These materials also are generally available online at https://www.regulations.gov under Docket No. OSHA-2007-0041 (for further information, see the " Docket " heading in the section of this notice titled ADDRESSES ).

OSHA staff will review all comments to the docket submitted in a timely manner. After addressing the issues raised by these comments, staff will make a recommendation to the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health on whether to grant FM's application for expansion of the scope of recognition. The Assistant Secretary will make the final decision on granting the application. In making this decision, the Assistant Secretary may undertake other proceedings prescribed in Appendix A to 29 CFR 1910.7.

OSHA will publish a public notice of the final decision in the Federal Register .

VI. Authority and Signature

Amanda Laihow, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health, authorized the preparation of this notice. Accordingly, the agency is issuing this notice pursuant to 29 U.S.C. 657(g)(2), Secretary of Labor's Order No. 7-2025 (90 FR 27878, June 30, 2025), and 29 CFR 1910.7.