Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Does the final rule require that employers post load capacity ratings in buildings?
Answer: No. The final rule replaced the existing specification requirement - that employers post approved load ratings in buildings - with a performance-based provision. The new provision requires that employers ensure walking-working surfaces can support the "maximum intended load" for that surface. The final rule defines the maximum intended load as the total load (weight and force) of all employees, equipment, vehicles, tools, materials and other loads the employer reasonably anticipates will be applied to a walking-working surface at any one time. The posting requirement was deemed unnecessary because load information is available in building plans, and engineers take maximum loads into consideration when designing industrial surfaces (81 FR 82526).