The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), part of the U.S. Department of Labor, issued a notice on December 31, 2025, expanding the scope of recognition for DEKRA Certification Inc. as a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL). This decision adds 32 test standards to DEKRA's capabilities and includes a new testing site in Dresden, Germany. It also incorporates two new standards into the NRTL Program's List of Appropriate Test Standards. Effective immediately on the publication date, this expansion strengthens workplace safety by enabling DEKRA to certify a broader range of products, such as hand-held electric tools and household appliances, ensuring they meet rigorous safety requirements before use in U.S. workplaces. The move underscores OSHA's ongoing efforts to maintain high safety standards amid evolving technology and global testing needs.
Background on the NRTL Program
The NRTL Program, governed by 29 CFR 1910.7, requires that certain workplace equipment undergo independent testing and certification by recognized laboratories to prevent hazards like electrical shocks or fires. Recognition as an NRTL acknowledges that an organization can perform these evaluations impartially. DEKRA, already an established NRTL, applied for this expansion on March 19, 2024, seeking to include additional standards and a new site. OSHA's process involves thorough reviews, including on-site assessments, to verify compliance. In this case, assessors visited the Dresden facility on March 3-4, 2025, identifying some nonconformances that DEKRA resolved, leading to approval. This aligns with OSHA's mandate to ensure only qualified entities certify products, drawing from precedents like similar expansions for other NRTLs, such as UL or Intertek, which have broadened scopes to cover emerging technologies.
DEKRA's Expansion Application and OSHA's Review Process
DEKRA submitted its application under Docket No. OSHA-2019-0009, requesting recognition for 32 test standards and the addition of its facility at Enderstrasse 92b, 02177 Dresden, Germany. OSHA conducted a preliminary review and published a notice on August 22, 2025, in the Federal Register (90 FR 41131), inviting public comments until September 8, 2025. No comments were received, paving the way for the final decision. As detailed in the notice, OSHA's on-site assessment confirmed the site's technical capabilities, though initial nonconformances were noted and addressed. This process reflects OSHA's adherence to Appendix A of 29 CFR 1910.7, which mandates two Federal Register notices for transparency. Key players include OSHA officials like Kevin Robinson, Director of the Office of Technical Programs and Coordination Activities, who handled technical inquiries, and Frank Meilinger, Director of OSHA's Office of Communications. The expansion does not grant government authority but allows employers to use DEKRA-certified products to comply with OSHA standards.
Details of the Added Test Standards
The 32 standards added to DEKRA's scope primarily focus on safety for electrical tools and appliances, many from the UL 60335, UL 60745, and UL 62841 series. For instance, UL 60335-1 covers general requirements for household and similar electrical appliances, while UL 60745-1 addresses hand-held motor-operated electric tools. Specific additions include UL 62841-2-1 for hand-held drills and impact drills, and UL 62841-4-1 for chain saws. These standards ensure products withstand risks like mechanical failure or electrical overload. Two of these, UL 60335-2-69 (for commercial vacuum cleaners) and UL 60335-2-79 (for high-pressure cleaners and steam cleaners), are newly added to the NRTL Program's List of Appropriate Test Standards, as they were not previously included. This list, maintained by OSHA, identifies standards suitable for workplace safety certifications. The additions respond to industry needs for testing commercial cleaning equipment and outdoor tools, potentially influenced by political forces advocating for updated safety regulations in manufacturing sectors.
Incorporation of the Dresden Testing Site
The new site in Dresden expands DEKRA's global footprint, allowing testing closer to European manufacturers while maintaining U.S. compliance. OSHA's recognition limits this site to standards within DEKRA's overall scope, consistent with policies for multi-site NRTLs. The assessment confirmed the facility's equipment and programs meet 29 CFR 1910.7 requirements. This development highlights the internationalization of safety testing, as global supply chains demand efficient certification processes. Perspectives vary: industry groups may view it as a boon for faster market access, while labor advocates emphasize the need for rigorous oversight to prevent diluted standards.
Implications for Workplace Safety and Industry
This expansion could have short-term effects, such as increased certification options for manufacturers of tools like grinders or lawn machinery, potentially reducing delays in product approvals. Long-term, it may foster innovation in safer equipment designs, aligning with OSHA's broader goals under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. However, challenges include ensuring consistent quality across sites, as nonconformances in the assessment underscore. Different viewpoints exist: employers benefit from more NRTL choices, potentially lowering costs, while safety experts stress that expanded scopes must not compromise thoroughness. No direct legal precedents are cited in the notice, but this follows patterns in cases like OSHA's 2019 expansions for other labs, emphasizing evidence-based decisions.
In summary, OSHA's decision enhances DEKRA's role in product safety certifications, adding significant standards and a new site while updating the NRTL list. Potential next steps include DEKRA notifying OSHA of any operational changes, as required. Ongoing debates may center on balancing global testing efficiencies with domestic safety priorities, with future challenges involving adapting to new technologies like advanced robotics in tools. Stakeholders will monitor implementation to ensure sustained workplace protections.
