B-180109, JAN 2, 1976

GAO REAFFIRMS PRIOR DECISION BECAUSE THE WORK WAS PERFORMED UNDER CIRCUMSTANCES LISTED IN APPENDIX J. CSC STATES THERE ARE INCONSISTENCIES IN THE WORDING OF APPENDIX J AND REGULATIONS AND PLANS TO REVISE REGULATIONS. PAYMENT OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL DIFFERENTIAL WAS NOT WARRANTED. EACH AGENCY SHOULD HAVE AS ITS OBJECTIVE THE ELIMINATION OR REDUCTION TO THE LOWEST LEVEL POSSIBLE OF ALL HAZARDS. AN ENVIRONMENTAL DIFFERENTIAL IS WARRANTED. EVEN THOUGH AN ENVIRONMENTAL DIFFERENTIAL IS AUTHORIZED. THERE IS AN AGENCY RESPONSIBILITY TO INITIATE CONTINUING POSITIVE ACTION TO ELIMINATE DANGER AND RISK WHICH CONTRIBUTE OR CAUSE THE HAZARD. THE EXISTENCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL DIFFERENTIALS IS NOT INTENDED TO CONDONE WORK PRACTICES WHICH CIRCUMVENT FEDERAL SAFETY LAWS.