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:

Definitions applicable to this subpart.

  • Part Number:
  • Part Number Title:
  • Title:
  • GPO Source:

Acceptable. An installation or equipment is acceptable to the Assistant Secretary of Labor, and approved within the meaning of this subpart S:

(1) If it is accepted, or certified, or listed, or labeled, or otherwise determined to be safe by a nationally recognized testing laboratory recognized pursuant to § 1910.7; or

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NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.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

The listing requirements in the U.S. for Industrial Packaging 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.

February 28, 1990

Mr. Max C. Painter
CRYOVAC packaging/Marketing Systemsv W.R. Grace & Co.
P.O. Box 464
Duncan, South Carolina 29334

Dear Mr, Painter:

This is in response to your letter of October 20, 1989, addressed to Mr. Joe Bode, a member of my staff, requesting a written interpretation from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regarding the listing requirements in the United States for Industrial Packaging equipment. We apologize for the delay in responding to your inquiry.

All electrical equipment must be approved.

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 24, 1993

W. A. Mattiford, CSP
Philadelphia Electric Company
2301 Market Street, N1-5
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19101

Dear Mr. Mattiford:

This letter is in response to your questions regarding whether air monitoring equipment must be approved by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL).

Use of general protective equipment and tools by employees when working near exposed energized conductors or circuit parts 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.

December 27, 1991

Mr. Daryl D. Magers
Senior Principal
Safety Engineer
EG & G Rocky Flats Plant
P.O. Box 1064
Golden, Colorado 80407-0464

Dear Mr. Magers:

Thank you for your letter of September 20 requesting interpretations and clarifications of 29 CFR 1910.335(a)(2)(i) on the use of general protective equipment and tools by employees when working near exposed energized conductors or circuit parts in the workplace. Please accept our apology for the delay in answering. Responses to your questions follow.

The use of Maxon-CS-0520-HD VHF transceivers.

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 8, 1991

Mr. David A. Donaldson
Project Superintendent
BE & K Construction Company
P.O Box 7000
LaPlace, Louisiana 70069-7000

Dear Mr. Donaldson:

This is in response to your letter of July 30 requesting a compliance interpretation concerning the use of Maxon-CS-0520-HD VHF transceivers. Please accept our apology for the delay in responding.

Electrical standards as it applies to desktop computers.

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 18, 1992

William K. Blocher President
BBC Computers Inc.
7 Columbia Circle
Merrimack, New Hampshire 03054

Dear Mr. Blocher:

Thank you for your letter of January 23, requesting clarification on the applicability of 29 CFR 1910 Subpart S, Electrical standards, to desktop computers.

The Canadian Standards Association, a nationally recognized testing laboratory, marking and double insulated tools

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 1, 1995

Raymond J. Callahan
S-B Power Tool Company
One Hundred Bosch Boulevard
New Bern, North Carolina 28562-6997

Dear Mr. Callahan:

This is in response to your August 16, 1995, letter regarding the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), a nationally recognized testing laboratory, marking and double insulated tools.