Acceptable use of warning lines as fall protection for roofers and other trades.

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.

 

 

Employees engaged in formwork over 6 feet high must have fall protection.

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 28, 2000

 

 

MEMORANDUM FOR:

Ed Kassak
David Herstedt
Region VIII

FROM:

Russell B. Swanson, Director
Directorate of Construction

SUBJECT:

Concrete Frame Association/David Morrill Inquiry

 

Clarification concerning fall protection and vertical walled trenches with depth of 6 feet or greater and use of controlled access zones.

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.

June 24, 2002 [Revised 12/5/2012]

Ned McDougald
4170 W. Menlo
Fresno, CA 93722

Dear Mr. McDougald:

This is in response to your letter of April 22, 2002, requesting an interpretation of fall protection requirements when working around trenches. Specifically, you ask if fall protection is required around vertical walled trenches that have a depth 6 feet or greater; if there are any exceptions to fall protection around trenches implied or stated; and whether a controlled access zone be used in lieu of fall protection.

Requirements for fall protection when ladder jack scaffolds are used for residential and commercial 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.

July 7, 2003

Tim Blackburn
Project Coordinator
Brandon Construction Company
557 Alternate 19 North
Palm Harbor, FL 34683-4432

Re: Ladder jack scaffolds, fall protection, residential construction; §§1926.451(g), 1926.452(k), and 1926.500(a)(2)(i); STD 3-0.1A

Dear Mr. Blackburn:

Fall protection requirements for employees, other than roofers, working on low-slope roofs

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 15, 2002

Mr. Keith Harkins
Safety Manager
Linbeck/Kennedy & Rossi
One Maguire Road
Lexington, Ma 02421

Re: Whether a warning line at 6 feet used to protect roofing workers may also be used to meet fall protection requirements for HVAC construction workers; §1926.502(b)

Dear Mr. Harkins:

Fall protection requirements for construction workers doing work while on a 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.

December 15, 2003

Mr. Anthony O'Dea
ADP Marshall Construction
75 Newman Avenue
Rumford, RI 02916

Re: Fall protection requirements for construction workers doing work while on a roof.

Dear Mr. O'Dea:

Compliance of using warning lines and/or control access zones for fall protection on roofs with a slope greater than 4:12.

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 26, 2003

Mr. Michael C. Wright, PE, CSP, CPE
Managing Principal
LJB, Inc.
3100 Research Blvd.
PO Box 20246
Dayton, OH 45420-0246

Re: Whether warning lines and/or control access zones can be employed for roofing work (residential and non-residential) on roofs with a slope greater than 4:12

Dear Mr. Wright:

Clarification on several issues regarding OSHA's construction industry standards for fall protection

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 18, 2003

Mr. Michael Wright, PE
Managing Principal
LJB, Inc.
3100 Research Boulevard
P.O. Box 20246
Dayton, OH 45420-0246

Re: Inspection of personal fall arrest systems; competent person; fall protection plans; §1926.501(b)(2), (12), and (13); §1926.502(c)(4) and (d)(20) and (21); and §1926.503(a)(2)

Dear Mr. Wright:

Fall protection non-conforming guardrail criteria for application of a de minimis policy.

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 12, 2000

Mr. Barry A. Cole
Executive Vice-President
Steel Erectors Safety Association
of Colorado
5750 Pecos Street, Suite 6
Denver, Colorado 80221

Re: Fall Protection/Use of barricades; 1926.500, Subpart M

Dear Mr. Cole:

This is in response to your letter dated July 24, 1998, addressed to OSHA's Directorate of Construction. In the letter you ask a series of questions regarding 29 CFR 1926.500, Subpart M. We apologize for the long delay in responding.

Use of a warning line instead of conventional fall protection; Part 1926 Subpart M

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 3, 2005

Mr. Dan Steigerwald
Safety Consultant
IMA Community Business
250 N. Water Street
600 IMA Plaza
Witchita, KS 67202

Re: Use of a warning line instead of conventional fall protection; Part 1926 Subpart M.

Dear Mr. Steigerwald: