Regarding guardrail systems and fall protection requirements to scaffold systems, including form 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.

Apr 16, 2018

Mr. Jeffrey A. Spatz
The Graham Company
One Penn Square West
Philadelphia, PA 19102

Dear Mr. Spatz:

Thank you for your March 24, 2018, letter we received via email to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Directorate of Construction regarding applicability of scaffold fall protection requirements to guardrails near ladder access areas on scaffolds.

Exemptions for installation of guardrails on wall (interior) side.

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 11, 2001

Mr. W. E. Stader
Safety Consulting Services, Inc.
25 Franklin Road
Roanoke, Virginia 24011

Re: Scaffold guardrails on wall (interior) side

Dear Mr. Stader:

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:

Re: Subpart L; scaffolds; Companion Rail, rail extensions for mobile scaffolds; 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.

January 26, 2007

Mr. Gary Chipman
P.O. Box 28
Sandown, NH 03873

Re: Subpart L; scaffolds; Companion Rail, rail extensions for mobile scaffolds; 1926.451

Dear Mr. Chipman:

This is in response to your package received by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) on February 13, 2006 in which you provided information about your product, the Companion Rail, pictured below. We apologize for the long delay in providing this response.

Guardrail requirements 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.

September 14, 2006

Paul Tsotsos
Director of Facade Examination and Restoration
Soodan & Associates
100 North LaSalle Street
Chicago, Illinois 60602

Re: Guardrail requirements for two point suspension scaffolds

Dear Mr. Tsotsos:

This is in response to your June 10, 2005, letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). We apologize for the long delay in providing this response. Your inquiry concerns the guardrail requirements for suspension scaffolds.