Standard Interpretations - Table of Contents Standard Interpretations - Table of Contents
• Standard Number: 1910.179; 1926.550(g)

July 22, 1996

Mr. James E. Vaughan
President
Today's Resources, Incorporated
1021 East Street - Rear Building
Columbus, Ohio 43205

Dear Mr. Vaughan:

This is in response to your letter of June 10, 1996, concerning the use of crane or derrick suspended personnel platforms. I apologize for the delay in our response.

Your letter indicates that your client uses overhead or gantry cranes (covered by 29 CFR 1910.179) to hoist personnel to inspect steel structures for structural failure on a daily basis. Further, your letter indicates that conventional means of access are not feasible due to the height and configuration of the structures.

As you know, 29 CFR 1926.550(g) (Crane or Derrick Suspended Personnel Platforms) applies to construction industry worksites. There are no corresponding general industry (29 CFR part 1910) regulations addressing this topic. However, compliance with §1926.550(g) in its entirety, at general industry worksites would be considered appropriate protection for employees being hoisted to perform these inspections. Compliance with the requirements of §1910.179, or other crane regulations, as appropriate, is also, required for your client to meet the obligations of the OSH Act.

If we can be of further assistance, please contact Ron Davies, of the Office of General Industry Compliance Assistance. Mr. Davies can be reached at (202) 219-8031.

Thank you for your interest in this matter.

Sincerely,

Russell B. Swanson, Director
Directorate of Construction

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