If OSHA cites a specific ANSI or ASME standard, what happens to that portion?

If OSHA cites a specific ANSI or ASME standard, what happens to that portion?

• A. It becomes advisory
• B. It becomes legally enforceable
• C. It is ignored
• D. It becomes optional

Answer: (B)

When OSHA cites a specific ANSI or ASME standard, that portion is enforceable as part of OSHA's regulations. Incorporation by reference means the standard’s requirements carry the same legal weight as OSHA rules, so employers must comply with them. An inspector can cite violations for not meeting those cited requirements, just like for any other standard. It’s not merely advisory or optional, and it isn’t ignored. If the cited standard is updated and OSHA has incorporated that version, compliance typically covers those changes as well, depending on how OSHA has adopted the standard.