The interpretation of the OSHA standards 1910.134 and 1910.156 which address the requirements for workers who are actively conducting operations in atmospheres that are immediately dangerous to life and health.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

November 1, 1995

Mr. Thomas N. Cooper
Certified Safety Professional
Fire Safety Specialist
Purdue University
1666 L.J. Freehafer
Hall of Administrative Services
West Lafayette, Indiana 47907-1666

Dear Mr. Cooper:

Two-in/two-out procedure in firefighting/IDLH environments.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

April 29, 1998

J. Curtis Varone, Esq.
55 Azalea Avenue
Exeter, RI. 02822

Dear Mr. Varone:

Respiratory protecton standard two-in/two-out policy.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

December 15, 1998

The Honorable Jeff Bingaman
United States Senator
105 West Third St, Suite 409
Roswell, NM 88201

Dear Senator Bingaman:

This is in response to your letter dated August 4, addressed to Mr. Craig Obey, Director of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA's) Office of Intra-Governmental Affairs, concerning our "two-in/two-out" policy. In particular, you have asked if this requirement can be waived for smaller communities. Please accept my apology for the delay in response.

Two-in/two-out rule for interior structural fire fighting.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

November 13, 1998

Mark Schultz, GFD
Senior Fire Inspector
Gallatin Fire Department
119 Foster Street
Gallatin, TN 37066-3209

Dear Mr. Schultz:

Complying with the "two-in, two-out" policy for interior structural firefighting.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

March 12, 1999

The Honorable Rodney P. Frelinghuysen
Member, United States
House of Representatives
1 Morris Street
Morristown, NJ 07960

Dear Congressman Frelinghuysen:

Classification of fires; respiratory protection to extinguish fires.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

July 8, 2002

Mr. Robert Weilding
23115 McGuire Road
Wilmington, Illinois 60481

Dear Mr Weilding:

Thank you for your April 3 letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regarding fire brigades and the use of respirators. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation only of the requirements discussed and may not be applicable to any question not delineated within your original correspondence. Your questions are restated below, followed by our replies.