Requirements for back up alarms.

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 25, 1982

Mr. Michel Lepointe
President
DAP Electronique
Canada Limitee 1165,
Rue Gouin Quebec, P.Q., GIN IT3

Dear Mr. Lapointe:

This is in response to your letter of June 8, 1982, requesting requirements for back up alarms.

Noise and potential hazard of backup alarms on equipment at construction sites.

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 29, 1991

The Honorable Tom Harkin
United States Senator
Post Office Box 74884
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52407-4884

Dear Senator Harkin:

Thank you for your letter of September 24 on behalf of your constituent, Mr. Waldo Morris, concerning the added noise and potential hazard of backup alarms on equipment at construction sites.

Regulations for back-up alarms.

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 11, 1980

Mr. V.J. McNeill
President
Lexvin Industries
100 Amber Street, Unit 11
Markham, Ontario
L3R3A2
Canada

Dear Mr. McNeill:

Assistant Secretary Eula Bingham has asked me to respond to your letter concerning the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) regulations for back-up alarms. We apologize for the delay of this response.

Requirements for back-up alarms on construction vehicles.

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 3, 1998

Ms. Sue Nunn
1005 Caribbean Avenue
Ft. Pierce, FL 34982

Re: §1926.52, 1926.601(b)(4), and 1926.602(a)(9)

Dear Ms. Nunn:

Equipment reverse signal alarms must be audible above surrounding noise level.

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 27, 2004

Mr. Richard Holmes
Safety Department Manager
Aggregate Industries
1707 Cole Boulevard, Suite 100
Golden, Colorado 80401

Dear Mr. Holmes:

This is in response to your March 16, 2004, letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Englewood Area Office regarding the use of a reverse alarm, which is being manufactured in the United Kingdom, on construction sites. The alarm uses "white noise" instead of the more common single-tone alarm.

Alternatives to common back-up alarms on construction motor vehicles; use of other effective technology or observers/signal persons.

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 27, 2004

[Name and address withheld]

Re: §§1926.601(b)(4) and 1926.602(a)(9)

Dear [Name withheld]:

Thank you for your letter of April 30, 2004, regarding noise emanating from excavating equipment and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements for back-up alarms on construction equipment. We apologize for the delay in responding.

We have paraphrased your question as follows:

Permissible methods of operating trucks in reverse on construction sites.

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 2, 2010

Letter to 20090429-9037

Re: Permissible methods of operating trucks in reverse on construction sites.

Question #1: Does 29 CFR 1926 Subpart O permit an employer to use a rear-mount day/night camera system with in-cab monitoring of the truck's rear instead of a back-up alarm?