Suspended scaffold and fall protection requirements applicable to elevator 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.

December 5, 2023

Frank J. Christensen
General President
International Union of Elevator Constructors
7154 Columbia Gateway Drive
Columbia, MD 21046

Dear Mr. General President Christensen:

Clarification of fall protection requirements for open holes on a construction site.

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 17, 1998

Mr. Ivan Russell, President
Occupational Safety & Health Advisors, Inc.
27899 Jackson Drive NE
Isanti, MN 55040

RE: 1926.500(b), 1926.501(b)(4)(ii)

Dear Mr. Russell:

Neither a waist nor chest strap is a required part of body harness.

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 23, 1999

Janice C. Bradley
Technical Director
The Safety Equipment Association
1901 North Moore Street,
Arlington, Virginia 22209-1762

Re: 1926.500(b); 1926.502(d)(16); 1910.66

Dear Ms. Bradley:

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.

 

Clarification of personal ladder boom system requirements

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 27, 2015

Jennifer Coon
7740 West New York Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46214

Dear Ms. Coon:

Thank you for your letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Directorate of Construction. This is in response to your letter, dated October 13, 2014. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of only the requirements discussed and may not be applicable to any question not delineated in your original correspondence.

We have paraphrased your question as follows:

Fall protection requirements for an employee working from a ladder on a walking/working surface other than the ground.

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 21, 2003

Ms. Deborah Caldwell
5071 Butler Rd.
Caldwell Electrical Contractors
Gainesville, Georgia 30506

Re: Ladders; fall protection; working on top of equipment.

Dear Ms. Caldwell:

This is in response to your letter of November 22, 2002, in which you ask for guidance regarding OSHA's fall protection requirements for construction work. We apologize for the delay in providing this response.

We have paraphrased your question as follows:

Fall protection requirements for stairwells and mechanical chase openings surrounded by interior stud walls in residential 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.

December 22, 2003

Gerald M. Howard
Executive Vice President
Chief Executive Officer
National Association of Home Builders
1201 15thSt., NW
Washington, DC 20005

Dear Mr. Howard:

Re: Fall protection requirements for stairwells and mechanical chase openings surrounded by interior stud walls in residential construction.

The construction fall protection standard specifies fall arrest system requirements, but no footwear requirements.

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 28, 2004

Mr. J. Ferriss Foster
P.O. Box 180460
J.A. Moss Construction Company
Richland, MS 39216

Re: Use of tennis shoes on steep roofs; §1926.501(b)(11); OSHAct Sec. 5(a)(1) [General Duty Clause]

Dear Mr. Foster:

This is in response to a December 2, 2003, letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). You ask about footwear worn while working on a roof. Your letter was forwarded to this office for handling on January 16, 2004. We apologize for the delay in responding.

Under Subpart M, whether a lanyard may be connected to another lanyard by a snaphook, provided the potential fall distance is six feet or less.

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

Paul Hayes
Sundt Construction
3940 Industrial Boulevard
Suite 100-D
P.O. Box 2280
West Sacramento, CA 95691

Re: Under Subpart M, whether a lanyard may be connected to another lanyard by a snaphook, provided the potential fall distance is six feet or less.

Dear Mr. Hayes: