Which organization established NRTLs?

The organization that established Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTLs) is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). NRTLs are critical in ensuring that products meet safety standards, allowing for consistent evaluation of various electrical and mechanical products before they are marketed.

OSHA's role includes identifying and recognizing laboratories that meet specific criteria for testing products and ensuring compliance with safety standards set forth in U.S. regulations. By designating NRTLs, OSHA helps to safeguard public health and safety by ensuring that products are tested according to stringent safety protocols.

Other organizations mentioned play significant roles in safety and standards, but they do not have the same regulatory authority as OSHA in the establishment of NRTLs. For instance, ANSI (American National Standards Institute) oversees the development of consensus standards but does not establish NRTLs itself. Similarly, NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) focuses more on research and recommendations regarding workplace safety rather than the certification of testing laboratories. NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) sets standards primarily related to fire safety but does not recognize testing laboratories in the same manner as OSHA. Thus, OSHA’s role in establishing NRTLs is critical for maintaining safety standards in product testing and certification.