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 26, 1982

 

 

MEMORANDUM FOR: GILBERT J. SAULTER
Regional Administrator
 
ATTENTION: HERBERT M. KURTZ
ARA for Technical Support
 
THROUGH: JOHN MILES
Field Coordinator
 
FROM: PATRICK TYSON, Director
[Directorate of Cooperative and State Programs]
 
SUBJECT: Request for Interpretation on Applicability of Standards to Water Well Drilling

 


Water well drilling, oil, and gas well drilling expose employees to similar hazards, therefore, employers engaged in drilling operations shall comply with appropriate General Industry Standards. This is an exception in classifying an industry when using the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) manual but, is necessary for proper citing of water well drilling alleged violations.

[Corrected 10/22/2004]