Personal Fall Arrest System or Ladder Safety System on Fixed Ladders, and Fixed Ladders Used on Grain Silos for Emergency Escape

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 https://www.osha.gov.

October 18, 2019

Mr. Keith W. Harkins, CSP
1720 Centre Park Drive East
West Palm Beach, Florida 33401

Dear Mr. Harkins:

Thank you for your November 7, 2018, letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), regarding fixed ladders covered under OSHA’s General Industry Walking-Working Surfaces standard. This letter replaces our previous response to you dated April 16, 2019, which has been rescinded. The background information and questions you provided in your inquiry are paraphrased below. OSHA’s responses follow your questions.

Guarding requirements for skylights.

Archive Notice - OSHA Archive

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

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 https://www.osha.gov.

February 16, 1984

Mr. Joseph P. Stanton
Iovine & Woods, P.C.
Suite 200
7908 Frankford Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19136

Dear Mr. Stanton:

This is in response to your letter of December 21, 1983, regarding skylights as regulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This response provides an interpretation and clarification of the General Industry Standard 29 CFR 1910.23(a)(4) and 1910.23(e)(8).