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 fall protection when ladder jack scaffolds are used for residential and commercial 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.

July 7, 2003

Tim Blackburn
Project Coordinator
Brandon Construction Company
557 Alternate 19 North
Palm Harbor, FL 34683-4432

Re: Ladder jack scaffolds, fall protection, residential construction; §§1926.451(g), 1926.452(k), and 1926.500(a)(2)(i); STD 3-0.1A

Dear Mr. Blackburn:

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.

Fall protection requirements during installation and removal or tarps and sheeting on/from scaffolds; qualifications of person determining safety on scaffold with wind imposed forces.

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.

 

 

July 16, 2003

 

 

Fall protection requirements for pump jack scaffold railings.

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 25, 2004

Mr. Andrew C. Smith
[Address Withheld]

Re: Pump jack scaffold railing, fall protection; §§1926.451(g), 1926.452(j)

Dear Mr. Smith:

This is in response to your February 18, 2004, fax to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. You ask about the fall protection requirements for pump jack scaffold railings. We apologize for any delay in responding.

We have paraphrased your question as follows:

Fall protection requirements for work docks/bridges used during bridge 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.

February 9, 2004

Mr. Jack Swarthout
Scott Bridge Company Inc.
PO Box 2000
Opelika, Alabama 36803

Re: Work docks and work bridges; scaffolds; fall protection; working over water

Dear Mr. Swarthout:

This is in response to your letter of October 24, 2002, to the Directorate of Construction. We apologize for the long delay in providing this response.

We have paraphrased your questions as follows:

Fall protection requirements for employees working from a slide-out extension of a scissor lift 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.

September 14, 2004

Mr. Dennis Vance
Dennis Vance, LLC
711 Low Gap Road
Princeton, WV 24740

Re: Is a fall arrest system required when work is done on a slide-out deck of a scissor lift?

Dear Mr. Vance:

This is in response to your e-mail dated April 25, 2004, to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

We have paraphrased your question as follows:

Whether there is a conflict between provisions in 1926.451 regarding the use of screening.

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 11, 2005

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

Re: Whether there is a conflict between provisions in §1926.451 regarding the use of screening.

Dear Mr. Holman:

Fall protection requirements for workers constructing a water tower while on a scaffold.

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 5, 2005

James R. Rhudy
CB&I
One CB&I Plaza
2103 Research Forest Drive
The Woodlands, TX 77380-2624

Re: Fall protection requirements for workers constructing a water tower while on a scaffold.

Dear Mr. Rhudy:

This is in response to your letter dated January 11, 2005, to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). You ask for a clarification of the fall protection requirements for workers constructing a water tower while on a scaffold.

We have paraphrased your question as follows:

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: