Whether plywood may be used as scaffold decking material over wood scaffold planks; 29 CFR 1926.450 and 1926.451.

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 18, 2006

Mr. Carroll Buchanan
ESI Group, Inc.
102 North 20th Street
Tampa, FL 33605

Re: Whether plywood may be used as scaffold decking material over wood scaffold planks; 29 CFR 1926.450 and 1926.451

Dear Mr. Buchanan:

This is in response to your fax submitted October 21, 2005, to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Your question relates to the use of plywood as platform decking over wood scaffold planks. We apologize for the delay in responding.

Whether a safety factor must be incorporated into the design of footings for supported 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.

April 11, 2005

Mr. Douglas A. Holman
1816 River Bend Road
Sevierville, TN 37876

Re: Whether a safety factor must be incorporated into the design of footings for supported scaffolds under the requirements of 29 CFR 1926.451(c)(2)(i)

Dear Mr. Holman:

Whether scaffold components may be loaded in excess of minimum load ratings specified in 29 CFR Part 1926 Subpart L; whether a safety factor must be added to such load ratings; Non-Mandatory Appendix A.

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 08, 2005

Mr. Douglas A. Holman
1816 River Bend Road
Sevierville, TN 37876

Re: Whether scaffold components may be loaded in excess of minimum load ratings specified in 29 CFR Part 1926 Subpart L; whether a safety factor must be added to such load ratings; §1926.451(g)(4) (vii) and 1926.451(g)(4)(ix) and 1926.451(h)(4)(i); Non-Mandatory Appendix A

Dear Mr. Holman: