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 15, 1989
| MEMORANDUM FOR: | REGIONAL ADMINISTRATORS |
| THRU: | LEO CAREY, DIRECTOR DIRECTORATE OF COMPLIANCE PROGRAMS |
| SUBJECT: | Currently Approved Alternate Standards in Use by Agencies |
In response to requests from the field the Office of Federal Agency Programs (OFAP) has reviewed the status of alternate standards approved for use by Federal agencies. Because of the issuance of new OSHA standards over the last ten years, some agency alternate standards have been superceded. As a result, the following are the only alternate standards now considered approved for use by Federal agencies according to OFAP records:
- Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, FAA Order 3900.19A, Standard for Air Traffic Control Towers. I distributed this standard to all Regional Administrators on July 26.
- Department of Defense; DOD 1000.19, Mishap Reporting. A copy of this standard is attached.
- General Services Administration; Special Purpose Ladders Used in Federal Archive and Records Centers. A copy is attached.
- Department of the Interior, National Park Service; Explosives Use Policy and Blasting Program. A copy is attached.
If an agency claims that OSHA has approved other alternate or supplementary standards please request the agency to provide you a copy of the approving letter from OSHA and a copy of the standard. If these are supplied, please submit a copy to OFAP for verification. For your information, OFAP is now reviewing three alternate standards submitted by Federal agencies. NASA has requested an alternate standard for moving suspended loads, and the Navy has requested an alternate standard for certifying confined spaces gas-free and TVA has requested an alternate standard for inspecting the overhead running wire of cranes.