Use of an aerial basket to lift employees to an elevation to climb to a higher elevation.

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 17, 1973

Mr. David A. Ghormley
Safety Coordinator
Knoxville Utilities Board
626 Gay Street, S. W.
P.O. Box 1951
Knoxville, Tennessee 37901

Dear Mr. Ghormley:

Thank you for your letter of April 6, 1973, regarding the use of aerial baskets.

Paragraph [1926.453(b)(2)(iv)] places limitations on working areas associated with the use of an aerial basket. It does not address the subject of using the basket to lift employees to an elevation and then climbing to a higher elevation.

Standards applicable to aerial lifts; acceptable uses of body belts as restraint systems and positioning devices.

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, 2001

Mr. Jessie L. Simmons
155 Coolwood Drive
Valpariiso, IN 46385

Re: §§1926.453(a) and (b)(2), 1926.500(b), 1926.502(d) and (e); aerial lifts; fall arrest systems; positioning devices

Dear Mr. Simmons:

This is in response to your letter dated October 19, 2000 addressed to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration requesting interpretations of standards applicable to aerial lifts. We apologize for the delay in providing a response. We have paraphrased your questions below.

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.