(a) Except as specifically provided in this subpart, and to the extent they do not conflict with the provisions of this subpart, the Rules of Practice and Procedure for Administrative Hearings Before the Office of Administrative Law Judges established by the Secretary at 29 CFR part 18 shall apply to administrative proceedings under this subpart.

(b) Subpart B of the Rules of Practice and Procedure for Administrative Hearings Before the Office of Administrative Law Judges (29 CFR part 18, subpart B) shall apply except as follows: Notwithstanding the provisions of subpart B, including the hearsay rule (§ 18.802), testimony of current or former Department of Labor employees concerning information obtained in the course of investigations and conclusions thereon, as well as any documents contained in Department of Labor files (other than the investigation file concerning the violation(s) as to which the penalty in litigation has been assessed), shall be admissible in proceedings under this subpart. Nothing in this paragraph is intended to limit the admissibility of any evidence which is otherwise admissible under 29 CFR part 18, subpart B.