Fall protection requirements when a rope descent system is used with davit booms

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.

November 10, 2020

Gus Strats
Summit Anchor Company
4507 Metropolitan Court
Suite F
Frederick, Maryland 21704

Dear Mr. Strats:

Cancellation of STD 01-01-009, December 29, 1978

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NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

This directive is currently only available in: PDF

29 CFR 1910.27, Clarification of Fixed Ladders, Relative to Manhole (Rungs) Steps

  • Record Type:
  • Current Directive Number:
  • Old Directive Number:
  • Title:
  • Information Date:
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NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.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 Instruction STD 1-1.9 December 29, 1978 Office of Compliance Programming

SUBJECT: 29 CFR 1910.27, Clarification of Fixed Ladders, Relative to Manhole (Rungs) Steps

A. Purpose. This instruction revises OSHA Instruction STD 1-1.2, paragraph 4.b. by including spacing dimensions for individual rungs or steps meeting good engineering practices.

B. Scope. This instruction applies OSHA-wide.

C. Cancellation. OSHA Instruction STD 1-1.2 dated July 3, 1976, Office of Compliance Programming, (previously OSHA Program Directive #100-33), is canceled.

Round rungs on ladders

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NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.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

April 18, 2014

Mr. Dwight Parker Sr.
301 Irvine Turner Blvd.
Apt. 1128
Newark, NJ 07108

Dear Mr. Parker:

This is in response to your letter dated January 27, 2014, to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Your letter was forwarded to OSHA's Directorate of Enforcement Programs for response. You had questions about OSHA's policy on ladders, and specifically about rungs for ladders on bunk beds and fire escapes.

Your paraphrased question and our reply follow:

Fall protection requirements when working from ladders in the telecommunications industry

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.

May 23, 2005

Mr. Stephen Hazelton, PE
TBI Tank Builders, Inc.
13400 Trinity Blvd.
P.O. Box 1527
Euless, Texas 76039

Dear Mr. Hazelton:

Enforcement Guidance for General Industry Rope Descent System (RDS) Anchorage Requirements (29 CFR 1910.27(b)(1))

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.

November 20, 2017