Waler (platform) covered by Subpart L; minimum scaffold platform width.

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 20, 1998

Mr. James Naylor
Safety Consultant
Safety Check, Inc.
9823 South Carls Drive
Plainfield, IL 60544

RE: 1926.451(b)(2); 1926.451(e); 1926.451(g)

Dear Mr. Naylor:

This is in response to your July 16, 1997 letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in which you asked for an interpretation of OSHA's requirements when working from concrete formwork. We apologize for the lateness of this response.

Fall protection, training, inspection and design requirements of aerial lifts and scissor lifts/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.

February 23, 2000

Mr. Thomas L. Dahl
Venture Safety Engineer
Newberg-Perini Stone & Webster
6500 North Dresdon Road
Morris, Ill 60450

RE: Subpart "L" and Appendices, Scissors Lifts

Dear Mr. Dahl:

This is in response to your May 26, 1998, letter in which you ask the following series of questions relating to Subpart L, scaffolds. Please accept our apology for the long delay in responding to this inquiry.

Ladder-access gates in scaffold configuration.

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 3, 2001

Tod A. Phillips, Esq.
Spain & Hastings
Attorneys at Law
2350 Two Houston Center
909 Fannin Street
Houston, Texas 77010

Dear Mr. Phillips:

Non-Stop Scaffolding Inc.'s scaffold towers do not comply with OSHA's integral prefabricated scaffold access frame or ladder/stairway type access 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.

March 14, 2002

Mr. Justin Breithaupt
Non-Stop Scaffolding, Inc.
1314 Hoadley Street
Shreveport, LA 71104

Re: Non-Stop scaffolding access frames; §1926.451(e)(6) and (7)

Dear Mr. Breithaupt:

This is in response to your letter of June 5, 2001, addressed to Dale Cavanaugh, OSHA Region X, requesting OSHA "provide input …to help keep [Non-Stop Scaffolding platform access] safe." The Region forwarded your letter to the Directorate of Construction for response. We apologize for the long delay in responding.

Clarification of requirements for construction scaffold erection/dismantling; safe means of access; blocks for two-point suspension 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.

January 2, 2002

Ms. Carmen Shafer
Assistant Director of Safety and Health
The Associated General Contractors of America
AGC B Indiana
1050 Market Tower
10 West Market Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204

Re: 1926.451(a)(3), (a)(4), (b)(1)(i), (c)(1)(iii), (d)(16), (d)(17), (f)(3), (e), (e)(9)(i), (e)(9)(ii), (e)(9)(iii), (e)(9)(iv), (g)(1), (g)(4)(i), 1926.452(p)(3), 1926.1431

Dear Ms. Shafer:

Requirements for attachable scaffold ladders used in construction; toe-hold minimum distance requirement.

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 17, 2003

John Schuler Construction
4726 Knollwood Court
Oceanside, CA 92056

Re: OSHA requirements for attachable scaffold ladders used in construction - §1926.451(e); fall protection; toe-hold clearance.

Dear Mr. Schuler:

Use of portable ladders on tank builder's scaffolds during scaffold dismantling process in construction.

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 22, 2004

Mr. James R. Rhudy
CBI
(by fax)

Re: Whether, in construction work, portable ladders may be used on tank builders' scaffolds during the scaffold dismantling process; §1926.451.

Dear Mr. Rhudy:

Applicability of scaffold fall protection to guardrails near ladder access areas on scaffolds; toeboards across ladder access areas.

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 20, 2005

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

Re: Applicability of scaffold fall protection requirements to guardrails near ladder access areas on scaffolds; toeboards across ladder access areas; §1926.451(g) and 1926.451(h)

Dear Mr. Holman: