All hearings shall be attended by the parties or their
representatives and such other persons as the administrative law judge
deems necessary and proper. The administrative law judge shall inquire
fully into the matters at issue and shall receive in evidence the
testimony of witnesses and any documents which are relevant and material
to such matters. If the administrative law judge believes that there is
relevant and material evidence available which has not been presented at
the hearing, he may adjourn the hearing or, at any time, prior to the
filing of the compensation order, reopen the hearing for the receipt of
such evidence. The order in which evidence and allegations shall be
presented and the procedures at the hearings generally, except as these
regulations otherwise expressly provide, shall be in the discretion of
the administrative law judge and of such nature as to afford the parties
a reasonable opportunity for a fair hearing.
