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• Standard Number: 1926.650

October 1, 1991

Mr. Michael J. Plank
President
Speed Shore Corporation
7002 Easthaven
Post Office Box 262591
Houston, Texas 77207

Dear Mr. Plank:

This is in response to your July 15 letter in which you request an interpretation from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) concerning the use of Manufacturer's Tabulated Data in the design and application of trench safety systems. We apologize for the delay in responding to your inquiry.

Manufacturer's Tabulated Data that exceeds the limitations of the various tables found in Appendices B thru D of the excavation standard (29 CFR 1926.650 et seq.) may be developed and used in the design and application of trench safety systems provided the development and use are approved by a registered professional engineer. The limitations of OSHA's various tables were formulated on a conservative basis and may be exceeded when the provisions of paragraph 1926.652(c)(2) are met.

If you need further assistance, please contact Mr. Roy Gurnham or Mr. Dale Cavanaugh at (202) 523-8136.

Sincerely,



Patricia K. Clark
Director
Directorate of Compliance Programs

Standard Interpretations - Table of Contents Standard Interpretations - Table of Contents