[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 29, Volume 9]
[Revised as of July 1, 2005]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 29CFR1960.17]

[Page 168]
 
                             TITLE 29--LABOR
 
CHAPTER XVII--OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT 
                          OF LABOR (CONTINUED)
 
PART 1960_BASIC PROGRAM ELEMENTS FOR FEDERAL EMPLOYEE OCCUPATIONAL 
SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAMS AND RELATED MATTERS--Table of Contents
 
                           Subpart C_Standards
 
Sec. 1960.17  Alternate standards.

    An agency head may apply an alternate standard where deemed 
necessary, and shall, after consultation with employees or their 
representatives, including appropriate occupational safety and health 
committees, notify the Secretary and request approval of such alternate 
standards.
    (a) Any request by the head of the agency for an alternate standard 
shall be transmitted to the Secretary.
    (b) Any such request for an alternate standard shall not be approved 
by the Secretary unless it provides equivalent or greater protection for 
affected employees. Any such request shall include:
    (1) A statement of why the agency cannot comply with the OSHA 
standard or wants to adopt an alternate standard;
    (2) A description of the alternate standard;
    (3) An explanation of how the alternate standard provides equivalent 
or greater protection for the affected employees;
    (4) A description of interim protective measures afforded employees 
until a decision is rendered by the Secretary of Labor; and
    (5) A summary of written comments, if any, from interested 
employees, employee representatives, and occupational safety and health 
committees.