Fall protection during electrical maintenance and construction work on aerial lifts.

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. Jonathan Hemenway Glazier
Association Counsel
National Rural Electric Cooperative Association
4301 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22301

RE:1926.451(f); 1926.453; 1926.556; 1926.502(d)1910.67(c); 1910.269(g); body belts; harnesses; definition of restraint system, positioning device, fall arrest system

Dear Mr. Glazier:

The difference between maintenance and construction;scaffold inspection requirements; and definition of periodic scaffold inspection.

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 1, 1999

Randall A. Tindell, ASP
Williams Power Company
7826 North State Hwy 95
Columbia, AL 36319

RE: The difference between maintenance and construction; scaffold inspection requirements; definition of periodicinspections

Dear Mr. Tindell:

This is in response to your letter dated March 6 to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in which you asked for a written response to several questions you had discussed with OSHA. We apologize for the delay in responding.

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.

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:

Wire rope clips on suspension scaffolds; safety latches on large crane hooks; order of assembly for hanging scaffolds; and horizontal lifeline design.

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 4, 2004

Martin D. Spencer Jr.
Northeast Area Rigging Coordinator
International Brotherhood of Boilermakers
5745 Big Tree Road
Orchard Park, NY 14127

Re: Wire rope clips on suspension scaffolds; safety latches on large crane hooks; hanging scaffolds - order of assembly; jobsite fabricated lifting accessories - criteria; and horizontal lifelines: use of wire rope clips, anchorages, number of persons allowed to be connected, requirements relating to sag, and use of synthetic rope.

Dear Mr. Spencer:

Requirements in 1926 Subpart L "Scaffolds" regarding the use of plywood to make platform decking for 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.

June 21, 2004

Mr. Randy Wheeler
F & H Insulation, Inc.
P.O. Box 550
5003 E. 61st Street N.
Kechi, KS 67067

Re: Whether plywood may be used to make platform decking for scaffolds under Part 1926 Subpart L (Scaffolds), and if so, whether the information in Table 7-3 of American Concrete Institute Committee SP-4 Formwork for Concrete (Fourth Edition) can be used as a guide in designing scaffold platforms? §1926.451(a)(1) and 1926.451(6), 1926.451(b), and 1926.451(f)

Application of OSHA construction standards that govern the loading of materials onto scissor lifts and the restraining of those stored materials.

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 19, 2005

Mr. Joseph Michelini, Attorney
O'Malley, Surman & Michelini
17 Beaverson Boulevard
P.O. Box 220
Brick, New Jersey 08723-0220

Re: Whether OSHA construction standards govern the loading of materials onto scissor lifts and the restraint of those stored materials?

Dear Mr. Michelini: