Fall Protection on low slope roofs

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.

June 6, 2024

Brian Desrosiers
Piedmont Service Group
1031 Nowell Road
Raliegh, NC 27607

Dear Mr. Desrosiers:

Thank you for your inquiry to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regarding fall protection on low slope roofs. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation only of the requirements discussed and may not be applicable to any questions not delineated within your original correspondence and follow-up phone conversations. Your paraphrased scenario, questions, and OSHA's response are below:

Fixed Ladders, Rest Platforms, Personal Fall Protection, Ladder Safety Systems, Ladder Cages and Wells

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.

September 28, 2021

Kelly Meeks, CSP
Ergon, Inc. Corporate Health and Safety Specialist
103 Northridge Rd.
Madison, MS 39110

Dear Ms. Meeks:

Walking-Working Surfaces

  • Publication Date:
  • Publication Type:
  • Fed Register #:
    86:27332-27338
  • Title:
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 96 (Thursday, May 20, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 27332-27338]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [

Personal Fall Arrest System or Ladder Safety System on Fixed Ladders

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 17, 2019

Mr. Tyler Huckaby, P.E.
Structural Engineer
Quality Execution, Inc.
1511 Main Street
Mt. Vernon, Indiana 47620

Dear Mr. Huckaby:

Walking-Working Surfaces and Personal Protective Equipment (Fall Protection Systems)

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.

June 22, 2017

Ms. Nancy Fletcher
President and CEO
Outdoor Advertising Association of America
1850 M Street NW, Suite 1040
Washington, DC 20036

Dear Ms. Fletcher:

Use of an Aluminum Pole Jack Scaffold at a 50 foot shoulder working height.

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.

December 30, 1983

Mr. Carl E. Anderson
President
Alum-A-Pole Corporation
2581 Richmond Terrace
Industrial Buildings 9A & 9B
P.O. Box 66
Staten Island, New York 10303-9066

Dear Mr. Anderson:

This is in response to your letter of December 8, 1983, requesting a 50-foot shoulder working height for your aluminum pole pump Jack Scaffold.

Clarification of what constitutes lashing or stability for portable scaffolds.

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.

August 10, 1976

Mr. Carl S. Bloomberg Manager,
Hi-Climber Systems
Alpana/Steeplejac
13500 County Road 6
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55441

Dear Mr. Bloomberg:

This is in response to your letter of July 23, 1976, regarding a clarification of what constitutes lashing or stability for portable scaffolds.

Clarification of Power Platforms for Exterior Building Maintenance.

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.

March 18, 1982