Clarification of utility "owner" as used in the Safety and Health Standards for Excavations, Underground Installations.

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 21, 2001  [Reviewed May 31, 2018]

Mr. Frank C. DeFelice, Jr.
32 Cherry Lane
Durham, Connecticut 06422

Re: §1926.651(b)(2); utility owners

Dear Mr. DeFelice:

Fall protection requirements where employees are required or permitted to cross over excavations.

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 10, 1995

George S. Kennedy, CSP
Director of Safety
National Utility Contractors Association
4301 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 360
Arlington, Virginia 22203-1627

Dear Mr. Kennedy:

This is in response to your letter of April 18 requesting an interpretation of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards addressing fall protection where employees are required or permitted to cross over excavations.

Use of hydro-vacuum excavation equipment and other acceptable means to locate underground utility installions.

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 23, 2003 [Reviewed November 22, 2017]

Mr. Joseph Caldwell
Consultant
Governmental Liaison
Pipeline Safety Regulations
211 Wilson Boulevard
Suite 700
Arlington, Virginia 22201

Re: Use of hydro-vacuum or non-conductive hand tools to locate underground utilities; §1926.651(b)(2) and (b)(3).

Dear Mr. Caldwell:

Evaluation of the use of aluminum forms as an exit route from trench excavations

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, 2004 [Reviewed November 22, 2017]

Charles O. Engelken
Wall-Ties & Forms, Inc.
4000 Bonner Industrial Drive
Shawnee, Kansas 66226

Re: Use of aluminum forms as a means of egress [exit route] from trench excavations.

Dear Mr. Engelken:

Confined space standard for general industry.

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.

October 8, 1993

Ms. Suey Howe
Director, Federal Regulations
Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc.
1300 North 17th, 8th Floor
Rosslyn, VA 22204

Dear Ms. Howe:

This is in response to your April 8 letter requesting an interpretation on the scope of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) confined space standard for general industry. I apologize for the delay in responding to your inquiry.

Confined Spaces in Construction; Final Rule

  • Publication Date:
  • Publication Type:
  • Fed Register #:
    80:25365-25526
  • Title:
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 85 (Monday, May 4, 2015)][Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 25365-25526]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-08843]


Vol. 80

Monday,

No.

Excavation

  • Publication Date:
  • Publication Type:
  • Fed Register #:
    52:22799
  • Title:
  • Abstract:
Abstract:
This notice extends the time in which written comments and requests
for a hearing may be submitted concerning the notice of proposed
rulemaking which was issued on April 15, 1987 [52 FR 12288] on
excavations. Written comments and requests for a hearing must be
postmarked by October 14, 1987.

Excavation

  • Publication Date:
  • Publication Type:
  • Fed Register #:
    52:12288-339
  • Title:
  • Abstract:
Abstract:
Proposed revision of the construction industry safety standards
addressing excavations. The proposed revisions would use performance
criteria where possible rather than specification requirements.
Paragraphs (t) and (w) of 1926.651 are redesignated as paragraphs
(h) and (i) of 1926.500, respectively.

Excavation

  • Publication Date:
  • Publication Type:
  • Fed Register #:
    53:5280-82
  • Title:
Abstract:
An informal public hearing is scheduled concerning the notice of
proposed rulemaking on excavations in the construction industry
which was issued on April 15, 1987 (52 FR 12288). The comment period
for the purpose of obtaining additional information is also
reopened. The hearing will begin on April 19, 1988 in Washington,
D.C. and continue beyond that date as necessary. Notice of intention
to appear at the informal public hearing must be postmarked by March
21, 1988.

Excavations; Construction; Trenching; Shoring; Sloping; Benching;Final Rule

  • Publication Date:
  • Publication Type:
  • Fed Register #:
    54:45894-45991
  • Title:
Abstract:
Amends Construction Standards for Excavations, 29 CFR part 1926,
subpart P to establish requirements for protection of employees in
excavations. Effective Date: 1/2/90. Existing standards regulate use
of support systems, sloping and benching systems and other systems
of protection against cave-ins; means of access to and egress from
excavations; employee exposure to vehicular traffic, falling loads,
hazardous atmospheres, water accumulation, and unstable structures
in and adjacent to excavations.