Interpretation of the Personal Protective Equipment standard

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

July 3, 1995

Mitchell S. Allen, Esquire
Constangy, Brooks, & Smith
Suite 2400
230 Peachtree Street, N.W.
Atlanta, Georgia 30303-1557

Dear Mr. Allen:

Enforcement of Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution and Electrical Protective Equipment.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

March 7, 1995

Voluntary safety and health audits under the Occupational Safety and Health Act

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

September 11, 1996

Mr. Frank White
Vice President
Organization Resources Counselors, Inc.
1910 Sunderland Place, NW
Washington, D.C. 20036

Dear Mr. White:

Thank you for your letter to Secretary Reich concerning voluntary safety and health audits under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (the Act). Secretary Reich has asked me to respond. I appreciate Organization Resource Counselors' (ORC) interest in this issue. ORC's expertise in occupational safety and health issues is well established, and its views merit careful consideration.

Interpretation of the telecommunication standard and the electrical protective equipment standard.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

July 12, 1996

Mr. Jack E. Luoma
GTE Government Systems Corporation
100 Ferguson Drive
P.O. Box 7188
Mountain View, CA 94039

Dear Mr. Luoma:

This is in response to your May 21 letter, requesting interpretation of the telecommunication standard, 29 CFR 1910.268 and the electrical protective equipment standard, 29 CFR 1910.137 as they apply to testing of rubber insulating matting. Specifically, you requested confirmation that retesting of rubber insulating matting is not required.

Appropriate safety practices for the removal of electrical meters.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

August 3, 1999

[Name Withheld]

Dear [Name Withheld]:

Thank you for your June 16, 1999 letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). You asked questions regarding the appropriate safety practices for the removal of electrical meters. Your scenario, corresponding questions, and our reply follow.

Shutdown and restoration of power to equipment for a phase-to-ground condition.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

May 20, 1999

Mr. Ronald R. Cross
Corporate Safety Manager
Ravenswood Aluminum Corporation
P.O. Box 98
Ravenswood, WV 26146

Dear Mr. Cross:

Thank you for your July 23, 1996 letter addressed to Mr. Ken Gerecke in the Philadelphia Regional Office of the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Your letter was forwarded to this office for response. Please accept our apology for the delay in responding. Your scenario, question, and our reply, follow.

Operation of a crane in close proximity to overhead power lines.

Archive Notice - OSHA Archive

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

February 8, 1994

Mr. Ivan Blood
St. Paul Five and Marine Insurance Company
500 W. Madison, Suite 2600
Chicago, Illinois 60661-2594

Dear Mr. Blood:

This is in response to your October 13 letter requesting an interpretation of an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard addressing the operation of a crane in close proximity to overhead power lines. I apologize for the delay in responding to your inquiry.

Use of live-line tools and exemption to the requirement for at least two employees to be present during work on an energized part.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

October 19, 2006

Mr. Michael Ziobro
Sr. Safety & Industrial Hygiene Specialist
PPL Services-Safety Operations
600 Larch Street
Scranton, PA 18509

Dear Mr. Ziobro:

Clarification about 29 CFR 1910.333 and 29 CFR 1910.147 as they relate to work inside an electrical panel and on related equipment.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

July 28, 2006

Mr. Rick Kante
Safety Director
Briggs & Stratton Corporation
P.O. Box 702
Milwaukee, WI 53201

Dear Mr. Kante:

The initial and interval testing of personal protective equipment (rubber insulating gloves and blankets).

Archive Notice - OSHA Archive

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

April 17, 1995

Mr. Charles R. Slagle
Director, Risk Management
Sprint 2330 Shawnee Mission Parkway
Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66205

Dear Mr. Slagle:

This is in response to your letter of November 18, 1994 concerning the initial and interval testing of personal protective equipment (rubber insulating gloves and blankets). Please accept our apology for the delay in this response.