Fall protection for various lift-devices; restraint, positioning, fall arrest and rescue requirements; maintenance vs. construction examples.

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 14, 2000

Mr. Charles E. Hill
Chairman, National Telecommunications Safety Panel
Southwestern Bell Telephone Company
St. Louis, Missouri 63101

Dear Mr. Hill:

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:

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:

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:

Fall protection requirements for workers on guardrail-equipped platforms.

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 29, 2005

Mr. Stewart Best
[By e-mail]

Re: Fall protection requirements for workers on guardrail-equipped scissor lift platforms.

Dear Mr. Best:

Whether #9 wire may be used to secure the toprails and midrails on tubular scaffolding; permissible method for setting transitional wood planks.

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 30, 2010

Letter #[20090718-9206]

Re: (1)Whether #9 wire may be used to secure the toprails and the midrails on tubular scaffolding, and (2) A permissible method for setting transitional wood planks before changing direction on tubular scaffolding utilizing aluminum hook-on planks.

Question #1: Does the OSHA scaffold standard for construction (Part 1926 Subpart L) permit the use of #9 wire to secure the toprails and the midrails on tubular scaffolding?

Answer #1:

Toprail height requirements for pump jack 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.

May 24, 2011

Mr. Matt Main
Assistant Safety Director
Shiel Sexton, Co., Inc.
902 N. Capitol Avenue
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204

Dear Mr. Main: