Anchoring of fall arrest system to aerial lifts; fall arrest vs. restraint systems.

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 18, 1999

Mr. Steven D. Claypool
15516 Budge St.
San Leandro, CA 94579

RE: 1926.451(g), 1926.453, 1926.502(d);

Dear Mr. Claypool:

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:

Use of aerial lifts to transport workers to elevated workstations; scissor lifts are not covered by the aerial lift provisions.

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.

 

 

Fall protection, training, inspection and design requirements of aerial lifts and scissor lifts/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.

February 23, 2000

Mr. Thomas L. Dahl
Venture Safety Engineer
Newberg-Perini Stone & Webster
6500 North Dresdon Road
Morris, Ill 60450

RE: Subpart "L" and Appendices, Scissors Lifts

Dear Mr. Dahl:

This is in response to your May 26, 1998, letter in which you ask the following series of questions relating to Subpart L, scaffolds. Please accept our apology for the long delay in responding to this inquiry.

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.

Whether a manufacturer-stipulated minimum anchor point elevation of 18 feet precludes the use of a shock absorbing lanyard in an aerial lift.

Archive Notice - OSHA Archive

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

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.

 

Permissibility of attaching welding leads to an occupied aerial lift bucket and using an external lifeline to anchor fall arrest equipment.

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 23, 2004

John N. Poulmentis
285 E. Montank Highway
P.O. Box 662
Hampton Bays, New York 11946

Re: Under OSHA's construction standards, is it permissible for welding leads to be attached to an occupied aerial lift bucket? Is it permissible for a vertical lifeline to be used to anchor fall arrest equipment used while working inside the bucket?

Dear Mr. Poulmentis:

Compliance of an aerial lift fall protection device connected with a releasable tether and a non-releasable tether.

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.

 

Whether OSHA standards require employees to be tied off while working over water on an aerial lift.

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 20, 2010

Letter # 20090601-9068

Re: Whether OSHA standards require employees to be tied off while working over water on an aerial lift.

Clarification on the use of safety monitors as a method of fall protection on a low-slope roof.

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, 2012

Andrew Wilson, P.E.
CVM
PO Box 398
Oaks, Pennsylvania, 19456

Dear Mr. Wilson: