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 10, 1996

Mr. Francis Berube
Electrical Engineer
Proceco Ltd.
7300 Tellier Street
Montreal, Quebec
Canada H1N 3T7

Dear Mr. Berube:

Thank you for your letter of August 27, requesting confirmation that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does not have standards requiring the presence of "push" labels on emergency stop button notifications.

OSHA's General Industry Standards do not require that the word "push" appear on emergency stop button notifications. However, 29 CFR 1910.144(a)(1)(iii) requires that all emergency stop bars, stop buttons, and electrical switches used for emergency stopping of hazardous machines shall be red. (copy enclosed)

Thank you for your interest in Occupational Safety and Health. If you have further questions on this response please contact Mr. Arthur Buchanan in the Office of Safety Compliance Assistance at (202) 219-8031.

Sincerely,



John B. Miles, Jr., Director
Directorate of Compliance Programs Enclosure

Enclosure



August 27, 1996

Mr., Mrs.,

Proceco Ltd a manufacturer of machinery (Spray Washers).

On the electrical panel of our machinery, we install an Emergency-Stop push-button (mushroom type). This button is red, and behind there is a yellow label that indicates "EMERGENCY STOP".

We have a customer who says that we must indicate "PUSH" according to an inspector from OSHA.

We cannot find this in the Code of federal regulations (29 CFR July 1, 1992).

Is it possible to know if there is a regulation for the notification of an Emergency Stop push-button?

Thanks you for your assistance,

Respectfully,



Francis Berube Eng.
Electrical Engineer