Art,
You absolutely win the prize for the first truly definitive answer to my
challenge! Obviously Mr. Blocher had the same trouble interpreting the
meaning of "utilization equipment". Note how simple it was for OSHA to
clearly state that desktop computuers (PCs) are included. It is a shame
that the wording in the CFR is so much more obtuse. Now all we need is
about 10,000 more such letters to cover pencil sharpeners, plotters,
staplers, etc.
The horse was not dead, but I think your note finished it off.
BTW, your prize is a nomination for the Product Safety Hall of Fame, to
be established at the beginning of the third millenium.
Regards, George
Hello George,
While I'm reluctant to flog a dead horse, somewhere along this discussion
thread, someone was looking for a "definitive statement" regarding the
subject at hand. After searching OSHA's Interpretation Letters I found
the following letter relating OSHA's requirements and (desktop) computers.
Regards, Art Michael
Editor - Int'l Product Safety News
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OSHA Standards Interpretation and Compliance Letters
02/18/1992 - Electrical standards as it applies to desktop computers.
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OSHA Standard Interpretation and Compliance Letters - Table of
Contents OSHA Standard Interpretation and Compliance Letters - Table
of Contents
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* Record Type: Interpretation
* Standard Number: 1910.303;1910.399
* Subject: Electrical standards as it applies to desktop computers.
* Information Date:02/18/1992
_________________________________________________________________
February 18, 1992
William K. Blocher President
BBC Computers Inc.
7 Columbia Circle
Merrimack, New Hampshire 03054
Dear Mr. Blocher:
Thank you for your letter of January 23, requesting clarification on
the applicability of 29 CFR 1910 Subpart S, Electrical standards, to
desktop computers.
Desktop computers are "appliances" otherwise described as "utilization
equipment" when used by employees in the workplace. By 29 CFR
1910.303(a) "equipment" required or permitted by 29 CFR 1910 Subpart S
shall be "accepted" only if "approved". "Approved" means acceptable to
the authority, that is, the Assistant Secretary of Labor for
Occupational Safety and Health, enforcing 29 CFR 1910 Subpart S. The
definition of "acceptable" includes three different methods to
determine acceptable equipment, and these methods are specified at
1910.399. A copy of the 1910.399 definitions, specified by quotation
marks in this letter, is enclosed for your use.
We appreciate your interest in occupational safety and health. If we
can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely,
Patricia K. Clark, Director
Directorate of Compliance Programs
Enclosure
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OSHA Standard Interpretation and Compliance Letters - Table of
Contents OSHA Standard Interpretation and Compliance Letters - Table
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