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Electric blasting machine limitations

Summary An OSHA regional office reviewed a described electric blasting unit. It said the device appeared to meet the cited electric-machine requirement, while other provisions still limited its use in certain circumstances and required an employer warning.
Document
Federal guidance
Agency
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Document number
1976-01-08
Date issued
January 8, 1976
Status
Active
Status last verified October 10, 2026
Topics
Workplace Safety OSHA 1926 Blasting
Source
View the official document

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January 8, 1976

MEMORANDUM FOR: Thomas V. Martin, Area Director, Charleston

Subject: Penn Line Services, Inc.

Reference is made to your memorandum data December 19, 1975 on the subject title.

The MSA blasting unit described in your correspondence seems to be an electric blasting machine and thus meets the requirements of the electric blasting equipment required by Section 1926.900(r). However, as stated in this section electric blasting machines shall not be used in situations described in Sections 1926.906(a) and (r). The employer shall be warned of the requirement of Section 1926.900(m).
DAVID H. RHONE
Regional Administrator

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