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.

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.

Duty of a subcontractor to cover floor holes in a Multi-Employer work 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, 2004

Mr. Joe Mocka
Roughneck Concrete
Drilling & Sawing Co.
8400 Lehigh Avenue
Morton Grove, IL 60053-2617

Re: 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(4); 1926.502(i); CPL 02-00-124; Duty of a subcontractor to cover floor holes in a Multi-Employer worksite.

Dear Mr. Mocka:

This is in response to your letter submitted on April 12, 2004, to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). We apologize for the delay in responding.

Clarification if a depression constitutes a hole or unprotected side/edge and associated fall protection 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.

September 30, 2004

Mr. Bob Kersten
Received via e-correspondence

Dear Mr. Kersten:

In your e-correspondence submitted June 28, 2004, and in subsequent telephone conversations with our staff, you asked about OSHA construction standards that pertain to a depression in a finished concrete ground floor.

We have paraphrased your question as follows:

Whether certain skylights meet the cover criteria of 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.