UL LLC Seeks Expanded OSHA Recognition for New Michigan Testing Lab
UL LLC Seeks Expanded OSHA Recognition for New Michigan Testing Lab
What's Happening
UL LLC — one of the world's largest and most recognized product safety certification organizations — has applied to OSHA for an expansion of its scope of recognition as a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL). The application, published in the Federal Register on February 18, 2026, seeks to add a new testing facility in Auburn Hills, Michigan.
OSHA's preliminary finding recommends granting the application, and the public comment period is open through March 5, 2026.
Why UL's Expansion Matters
UL is the most widely recognized NRTL in the United States. The familiar "UL Listed" mark appears on electrical equipment, fire safety devices, and industrial products across virtually every industry. Expanding UL's testing capacity by adding a new facility means:
- Faster testing turnaround — More lab capacity reduces backlogs for manufacturers waiting to get equipment certified
- Regional coverage — The Auburn Hills location serves the Midwest manufacturing corridor, reducing shipping times for products sent to UL for testing
- Broader standards coverage — Additional facilities can be equipped to handle different types of testing, expanding the standards UL can evaluate
Application Details
UL submitted the application on October 6, 2023, requesting recognition for the new testing site at 4322 New Energy Way, Auburn Hills, Michigan 48326. OSHA staff conducted an on-site assessment on February 24-25, 2025, and found some nonconformances with the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.7. UL has since addressed these issues satisfactorily.
OSHA's preliminary determination is that the application should be granted. Interested parties can submit comments through the Federal Register.
Relevance to Chemical Operations
Chemical facilities depend on NRTL-certified equipment across their operations:
- Class I, Division 1 and 2 electrical equipment — For areas where flammable chemical vapors may be present
- Chemical storage cabinets — Flammable liquid storage cabinets must meet UL 1275 or equivalent standards
- Emergency shower and eyewash stations — Certified to ANSI/ISEA Z358.1
- Process control equipment — Instrumentation and controls in chemical process environments
What to Watch
The comment period closes March 5, 2026. Assuming no substantive objections, OSHA is expected to finalize the grant of recognition, making the Auburn Hills facility an approved NRTL testing site. This would be another incremental expansion in UL's already extensive network of testing laboratories.
Alliance's Take
UL certification is something most people take for granted until they need new equipment for a hazardous environment. Expanded testing capacity from UL means manufacturers can get their products certified faster, which ultimately benefits chemical facilities that need to purchase and install certified equipment.
While NRTL certifications cover equipment, Alliance Chemical focuses on the materials side: every chemical we supply comes with complete documentation including SDS and COA. Whether you're setting up a new laboratory or restocking your chemical inventory, we make sure the paperwork is as reliable as the product.
Reach out to sales@alliancechemical.com for product inquiries or documentation requests.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of UL LLC's recent application to OSHA?
UL LLC has applied to OSHA to expand its scope as a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) by adding a new facility in Auburn Hills, Michigan. This expansion aims to increase testing capacity, provide faster turnaround times for manufacturers, and offer better regional coverage for the Midwest manufacturing corridor.
Where is the new UL testing facility located and what is its current status?
The new testing site is located at 4322 New Energy Way in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Following an on-site assessment in February 2025, OSHA found that UL addressed all initial nonconformances. OSHA has issued a preliminary finding recommending the application be granted, with a public comment period open until March 5, 2026.
Why is NRTL certification important for chemical facility equipment?
NRTL certification ensures that equipment used in hazardous environments meets strict safety standards. For chemical operations, this includes Class I electrical equipment for flammable vapor areas, certified chemical storage cabinets, and emergency eyewash stations. Expanded lab capacity allows manufacturers to get these critical safety products certified and to market more efficiently.
How can the public participate in the OSHA recognition process for UL?
Interested parties can submit comments regarding UL’s application through the Federal Register. The public comment period for the Auburn Hills facility expansion is currently open and scheduled to close on March 5, 2026. OSHA will review these submissions before making a final determination on granting the NRTL recognition.
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