Registered professional engineer approval requirements for combination trench shield and sloping system trenches with a depth greater than 20 feet.

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 [Reviewed May 31, 2018]

Mr. David V. Dow
Trench Safety and Supply, Inc.
3000 Ferrell Park Cove
Memphis, TN 38116

Re: Whether a sloping system used in conjunction with trench shields in an excavation that exceeds 20 feet in depth must be approved by a registered professional engineer; whether that engineer must be registered in the state where the excavation work is taking place.

Dear Mr. Dow:

Can a person who qualifies as a "competent" person under one section of support P also qualify as a competent designer of structural ramps under 1926.651(c)(1)(i)?.

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 1, 2010

Letter #20090311-8915

Re:  Various interpretation questions regarding 1926.651(c).

Question #1:  Can a person who qualifies as a "competent" person under one section of subpart P also qualify as a competent designer of structural ramps under §1926.651(c)(1)(i)?

Standards Improvement Project--Phase IV

  • Publication Date:
  • Publication Type:
  • Fed Register #:
    77:72781-72783
  • Title:
[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 235 (Thursday, December 6, 2012)][Proposed Rules][Pages 72781-72783]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-29514]

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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

29 CFR Parts 1910 and 1926

[Docket No.