• Record Type:
    OSHA Instruction
  • Current Directive Number:
    OFF 1-6.1
  • Old Directive Number:
    OFF 1-6.1
  • Title:
    Credential Card for OSHA
  • Information Date:
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NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.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 Instruction OFF 1-6.1 October 30, 1978

June 20, 1972

OSHA ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTIVE OFF 1-6.2

To: National Office Executive Staff, Regional Administrators, Area and District Directors, Regional Management Officers

Subject: Credential Card System for OSHA

1. Purpose. To inaugurate a revised OSHA credential issuance and control system effective July 1, 1972, and to transmit instructions for the preparation and issuance of revised credential cards on that date.

2. Explanation. Heretofore, the issuance of credentials for all OSHA staff was handled by the Office of Management Services (OMS) in the national office. This procedure is being changed to provide for decentralized issuance in the field which will decrease time required for processing and also provide for regional accountability.

3. Action.
A. Issuance:

Credential cards should be issued only to staff that must have them to carry out their assignments. Credential cards will be issued only to Federal Officers and State employees employed under provision of Paragraph 7(c)(1) of the Act. Additional credential cards, blanks, cases, etc. should be ordered in writing, well in advance of need, from:

U.S. Department of Labor, OSHA Office of Management Services Room 1100 1726 M Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20210

B. Retrieval of Old Cards:

All previously issued cards shall be returned to the appropriate Regional Administrator or National Office Director when the new credential card is issued. The old cards should then be destroyed.

C. Accountability:

Strict accountability records by credential number, name of individual and date of issuance will be maintained by each Regional Administrator and National Office Director. A receipt signature card will also be maintained. Credential blanks should be carefully safeguarded to preclude theft and possible misuse and fraud.

Upon death, transfer, reassignment, resignation or dismissal, credentials will be returned to the issuing officer.

Credentials which are lost or stolen should be reported immediately to the local police and/or sheriff, and to the nearest Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. A written report should also be submitted to the Director, Office of Management Services.

Loss of a credential is a serious incident. The appropriate supervisor will direct an inquiry into the circumstances of the loss, degree of capability and, as necessary, take required corrective or disciplinary action.

D. Personal Responsibility
(1) Employees will maintain credentials in good condition at all times and keep them on their persons during the conduct of official business.

(2) Credentials are issued to assist in conducting the official business of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. They are the property of the United States Government and are not to be used for any personal convenience, gain or accommodation. They should not, for example be used for: