Who may inspect bakery ovens annually

May 12, 1989

Mr. Kevin M. Burke
Director of Industrial and Regulatory Affairs
American Bakers Association
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Burke:

This is in response to your letter dated February 9, and confirms your conversation with Mr. Bode of my staff, concerning oven inspections required by the standard at 29 CFR 1910.263(l)(9)(ii). Please excuse the delay in response.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard at 29 CFR 19l0.263(l)(9)(ii) specifies that annual inspections of bakery ovens shall be conducted by representatives of the oven manufacturers. Since the impact of a literal interpretation could be profound, OSHA feels that such inspections may be accomplished by qualified representatives of any oven manufacturer who are knowledgeable of the various safety considerations and who by training and experience are capable of verifying the safe operational characteristics of the equipment.

Equipment manufactured by still existing manufacturers should be inspected by these manufacturers or their designated representatives however, responsible inspection by a competitive company would be acceptable to OSHA.

If we may be of further assistance, please contact us.

Sincerely,

Patricia K. Clark, Acting Director
Directorate of Compliance Programs

[Requester letter reproduced on OSHA page; omitted here.]