NEMA's ''Mr. Ouch'' labeling system cannot be used in place of signs required by OSHA.

Standard Number: 1910.145; 1926.200

June 10, 1983

Mr. John D. Hopkins
Section Staff Executive
National Electrical
Manufacturers Association
2101 L Street, N. W. - Suite 300
Washington, D. C. 20037

Dear Mr. Hopkins:

This is in response to your letter of May 23, 1983, addressed to Mr. Barry White, requesting an evaluation of NEMA's "Mr. Ouch" Labeling System.

NEMA's "Mr. Ouch" Labeling System does not violate OSHA's requirements. However, these labels can only be used in addition to, not in place of, any danger, caution, or safety instruction signs required by OSHA standards. For example, signs for transformers are addressed in section 1910.303(h)(2)(ii), section 1910.305(j)(5)(ii)m and section 1926.402(d)(3). These signs must meet the requirements of section 1926.200 of the standards for construction, as appropriate.

I hope this information is helpful to you. If I may be of further assistance, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Bruce Hillenbrand
Acting Director, Federal Compliance
and State Programs