Standard Interpretations - Table of Contents Standard Interpretations - Table of Contents
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 http://www.osha.gov.


October 25, 2000

Mr. Greg Toth
N30 W23511 Greenfield Court
Pewaukee, WI 53072

Dear Mr. Toth:

This responds to your December 12, 1999, letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Adminis-tration (OSHA) regarding sharp edges of roof truss plates. We apologize for the delay in providing this response.

Thank you for bringing your concerns to our attention. In your letter you explain the dangers associated with installing roof trusses made with splicing plates that extend well past the edges of the wood components. You submitted the pictures below depicting how the spikes and sharp edges of these plates pose a hazard to employees:

Pictures depicting how spikes and sharp edges pose hazards

You state that the hazards could be eliminated by adding wood blocking during manufacturing, and ask if we have regulations that would require the manufacturer to correct this problem. Unfortunately, there is no OSHA standard that directly or indirectly addresses the design of roof trusses.

If you require further assistance, please write to: OSHA - Directorate of Construction, Office of Construction Standards and Compliance Assistance, Room N3468, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20210.

Sincerely,


Russell B. Swanson, Director
Directorate of Construction

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