July 20, 1992

Mr. H. Thomas Higgins
Manager of Safety and Human Resources
R.H. Boulighy, Inc.
P.O. Box 5465
Charlotte, North Carolina 28225

Dear Mr. Higgins:

This is in response to your May 18 letter requesting an interpretation of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard addressing the marking of vehicles transporting explosives. I apologize for the delay in responding to your inquiry.

OSHA understands your concerns of public interest and attention to your utility trucks marked with "Explosives" placards. However, although the hazards are reduced with small numbers of blasting caps, there are instances (e.g., accidents, fires, etc.) where it would be advantageous for a truck carrying any amount of explosives to be clearly marked.

The Department of Transportation, whose regulations require marking of vehicles carrying explosives on public roadways concurs with OSHA's policy that removal of the placards would diminish safety and cannot be allowed.

If we can be of any further assistance, please contact Mr. Roy F. Gurnham or Mr. Dale Cavanaugh of my staff in the Office of Construction and Maritime Compliance Assistance at (202) 523- 8136.

Sincerely,



Patricia K. Clark, Director
Directorate of Compliance Programs