Application of OSHA standards when an employer is using the "Focused Electrode Leak Locator" (FELL)

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 29, 2023

Mr. David Hoffman
28494 Westinghouse Place
Valencia, California 91355

Dear Mr. Hoffman:

General.

  • Part Number:
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  • GPO Source:

Acceptable use of the presence sensing device

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 12, 1991

Mr. James Kirton
Chief Engineer
LSB Products Inc.
43 Falls Avenue
Waterbury, Connecticut 06708

Dear Mr. Kirton:

Thank you for your inquiry of February 1, concerning the acceptability of the use of a presence sensing device (light curtain) on a mill as the safety controls required by 29 CFR 1910.216(b).

Use of temporary panelboard ingress barriers in General Industry settings.

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NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.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

August 16, 2004

Mr. Daniel J. Hecht
Temp Covers, Inc.
425 NE Hancock
Portland, OR 97212

Dear Mr. Hecht;

Testing equipment for use in potentially hazardous environments.

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 29, 1986

Mr. Shannon M. Simpson
Regional Sales Manager
Neotronics
P.O. Box 370
411 Bradford Street, N.W.
Gainesville, Georgia 30503

Dear Mr. Simpson:

This is in response to your letter of June 2, concerning testing equipment for use in potentially hazardous environments. Please except our apology for the delay in response.

Unapproved Plug and Socket Combination.

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.

January 5, 1984

MEMORANDUM FOR:     REGIONAL ADMINISTRATORS
                    AND AREA DIRECTORS

FROM:               JOHN B. MILES, JR., DIRECTOR 
                    DIRECTORATE OF FIELD OPERATIONS

SUBJECT:            Unapproved Plug and Socket Combination

In accordance with OSHA Instruction CPL 1.1, Special Violations Alert System, this safety alert is being issued pursuant to a request from the New York Regional Office to alert other Regions of a flaw in the insulation of a TRW "Jones" plug/socket combination which resulted in an electrocution.

Electrical safety related work practices applicable to employees operating or working on or nearby, motor control centers in the workplace.

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.

January 13, 1992

Mr. Arthur J. Smith III
Waldemar S. Nelson and Company Incorporated
Engineers and Architects
1200 St. Charles Avenue
New Orleans, Louisiana 70130

Dear Mr. Smith:

This is further response to your letter of October 11, concerning electrical safety-related work practices applicable to employees operating, or working on or nearby, motor control centers in the workplace. The safety guidance you requested follows.

Control systems used for emergency evacuation are required to be listed by Underwriter's Laboratories.

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 15, 1990

Mr. Bill Betzner
Applications Manager Notifier
12 Clintonville Road
Northford, Connecticut 06472-1001

Dear Mr. Betzner:

This is in response to your inquiry of June 11, to Mr. Joseph Bode of my staff. You requested that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) confirm your position that control systems used for emergency evacuation are required to be listed by Underwriter's Laboratories. Please accept my apology for the delay in response.

Requirements for emergency eyewash stations in retail autoparts stores

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 11, 1994

Mr. John Raiford, CSP, ARM
Assistant Vice President
Risk Control Manager
Sedgwick James of Tennessee, Inc.
5350 Poplar Avenue
Memphis, Tennessee 38119

Dear Mr. Raiford:

Thank you for your inquiry of January 28, addressed to our Nashville, Tennessee, office, requesting an interpretation of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements for emergency eyewash stations in retail autoparts stores. Your letter was transferred to us for action, and we apologize for the delay in responding.

"Mr. Ouch" Labeling System.

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 10, 1983

Mr. John Hopkins
Staff Executive
National Electrical
Manufacturers Association
2101 L Street, N.W.,
Suite 300
Washington, D.C. 20037

Dear Mr. Hopkins:

In accordance with the discussion between OSHA and NEMA representatives held July 26, 1983, in the OSHA National Office, this is an addendum to our previous letter of June 10, 1983, regarding the NEMA "Mr. Ouch" Labeling System.