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, 1977

Mr. R. D. Salzwedel
Director of Safety
CIAF Corp.
P.O. Box 327
Pennington Road
Pennington, New Jersey 08534

Dear Mr. Salzwedel:

This is in response to your letter dated March 1, 1977, requesting clarification of the requirements in using ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) on portable generators, other than the type specified in the existing standard.

In the case of the GFCI option, the standard addresses receptacles not generators. All 120-volt, 15 and 20 ampere receptacles, other than those noted in the exception, which are not part of the permanent wiring and which are in use on construction sites must be protected. Therefore, when it is in use by an employee on a construction site, a 120-volt, 15 or 20 ampere receptacle powered by a portable or vehicle-mounted generator, which is not a two-wire generator, or which is rated more than 5kw must be protected by a GFCI.

If I may be of further assistance, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,



John K. Barto,
Cbef
Division of Occupational Safety Programming



April 26, 1977

Mr. R. D. Salzwedel
Director of Safety
CIAF Corp.
P.O. Box 327
Pennington Road
Pennington, New Jersey 08534

Dear Mr. Salzwedel:

This acknowledges receipt of your letter requesting clarification of the requirements to use ground fault circuit interrupters on portable generators other than the one type specified in the standard.

Your question may have nationwide affect on the application of the OSHA standard. Therefore, we are taking the liberty of forwarding your letter to our National Office in Washington, D.C. and requesting that they respond directly to you indicating the requirement for GFCI on portable generators of the voltages and types you specify in your letter.

Please feel free to contact us if there are further questions on OSHA in the future.

Sincerely,



Alfred Barden
Regional Administrator
Occupational Safety and Health Administration