Two different design requirements for handrail and scaffolding.

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 4, 1989

Mr. K.W. Ludwig
Hercules Aerospace Company
Aerospace Products Group
Bacchus Works
Magna, Utah 84044-0098

Dear Mr. Ludwig:

In reply to your letter of September 27, 1989, we concur with you that there are two different design requirements for handrail (Standard Guardrails) and scaffolding.

Scaffolds: removal of bracing; maximum loads; damaged planking; and foundations.

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 25, 1997

Mr. Stephen Almony
Perini Corporation
217 South Burlington Road
Bridgeton, New Jersey 08302

Dear Mr. Almony:

Clarification of 1926.451(a)(6) requirements for scaffolds and bridge-painting projects.

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.

 

 

Tie, guy, and bracing requirements for scaffold 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.

August 4, 2000

Mr. Joseph D. Barbeau
Marsh USA Inc.
60 Colony Road
West Springfield, MA 01089

Subject: Use of Masonry Wire as Tie-in Points and 2" x 4" Lumber as Scaffold Bracing, 1926.451(a)(1), 1926.451(a)(6), 1926.451(c)(1)(ii), 1926.451(c)(1)(iii), 1926.451(c)(3)

Dear Mr. Barbeau:

Use of mobile scaffolds with casters in the unlocked position; moving the mobile scaffold without dismounting.

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 24, 2002

Mr. J. Robert Harrell
Safety Management Services
44012 Santa Nella Place
San Diego, CA 92130-2291

Re: §1926.452(w)(2), 1926.452(w)(3), and 1926.452(w)(6)(iv); mobile scaffolds

Dear Mr. Harrell:

This is in response to your December 26, 2001, and April 8, 2002, letters addressed to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and a subsequent phone conversation with a member of my staff, Mr. Steve Stock. We apologize for the delay in responding to your request.

Request that OSHA adopt a requirement that all scaffold planks meet a "scaffold grade" under recognized grading rules.

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 12, 2002

Wood Advisory Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 1322
Millbrook, NY 12545

Dear Mr. DeBonis and Mr. Anderson:

This is in response to your letter that we received February 12, 2002, requesting that the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) consider instituting a requirement that all scaffold planks meet a "scaffold grade" requirement under recognized grading rules.

Re: Application of OSHA's de minimis policy to the requirements of 29 CFR 1926.452(o)(3) and 29 CFR 1926.552(c)(1) - 1926.552(c)(4), 1926.552(c)(8), 1926.552(c)(13), 1926.552(c)(14)(i), and 1926.552(c)(16) regarding certain chimney construction work.

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 8, 2007

Mr. William Nolan
President
Gibraltar Chimney International, LLC
92 Cooper Avenue
Box 386
Tonawanda, New York 14151-0386

Re: Application of OSHA's de minimis policy to the requirements of 29 CFR 1926.452(o)(3) and 29 CFR 1926.552(c)(1) - 1926.552(c)(4), 1926.552(c)(8), 1926.552(c)(13), 1926.552(c)(14)(i), and 1926.552(c)(16) regarding certain chimney construction work.

Dear Mr. Nolan:

Applicable standards to lifting personnel on a platform supported by a rough-terrain forklift.

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 27, 2001

Mr. Mark W. Monson, CSP
General Casualty
10400 Viking Drive, Suite 300
Eden Prairie, MN 55344

Re: §§1926.451(c)(2)(iv) and (v) and 1926.602(c)

Dear Mr. Monson:

Compliance of Master Plank scaffold planking with OSHA plank strength requirements.

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.

January 13, 2003

Mr. Michael J. Gilleran
McCausey Lumber Co.
32205 Little Mack Ave
P.O. Box 545
Roseville, MI 48066-0545

Re: Whether Master Plank scaffold planking meets OSHA requirements; §1926.451(a)(1), (a)(6), and (f)(16), Appendix A to Subpart L

Dear Mr. Gilleran:

This is in response to your letter of November 27, 2002, to the Directorate of Construction in which you ask whether the laminated wood scaffold planking that you manufacture meets OSHA strength requirements.

Use of aerial lift or scissor lift guardrails as a work or scaffold platform.

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 23, 2002

Frances Youney
C.Y. Concepts, INC.
440 Stone Road
Rochester, N.Y. 14616

Re: Whether workers may stand on scaffold guardrails; anchor points; §§1926.450, 1926.502(d).

Dear Mr. Youney,

This is in response to your August 6, 2002, letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). We apologize for the delay in answering your inquiry.