Occupational Exposure to Cotton Dust

On December 7, 2000, OSHA issued a direct final rule amending its occupational health standard for Cotton Dust (29 CFR 1910.1043) to add cotton washed in a batch kier system to the other types of washed cotton that are partially exempt from the cotton dust standard (65 FR 76563). That rule followed the recommendation of the Task Force for Byssinosis Prevention, which studied the health effects associated with the processing and use of washed cotton. OSHA has concluded that this amendment is not controversial. It created no new requirements for industry but did provide an additional protective option for employers to achieve partial exemption from the cotton dust standard. OSHA stated in the December 7, 2000 Federal Register Notice that it would withdraw the amendment if negative comments were received within 60 days of publication of the notice. No comments were received. Accordingly, OSHA is confirming the effective date of the amendment, which will permanently amend the Cotton Dust Standard (29 CFR 1910.1043).