Web Officers
menon.gopal@dol.gov
herrera.jose.h@dol.gov

Safety factor requirement in the design of handrails and top rails.

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.

Oct 27 2017

Mr. Kevin Rauchut
NVR, Inc.
2 Christy Dr.
Suite 301
Chadds Ford, PA 19317

Dear. Mr. Rauchut,

This is in response to your letter of July 18, 2017, requesting the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to address a specific question of whether any safety factor is required in the design of handrails and top rails. The question is in relation to 29 CFR § 1926.1052 (c) (5):

Regarding guardrail systems and fall protection requirements to scaffold systems, including form scaffolds.

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.

Apr 16, 2018

Mr. Jeffrey A. Spatz
The Graham Company
One Penn Square West
Philadelphia, PA 19102

Dear Mr. Spatz:

Thank you for your March 24, 2018, letter we received via email to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Directorate of Construction regarding applicability of scaffold fall protection requirements to guardrails near ladder access areas on scaffolds.

Powered Industrial Truck Servicer Labeling Responsibilities for a Customer's Unsafe Powered Industrial Trucks

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.

April 4, 2013

Mr. Jim Wedoff
Equipment Depot
2545 Northwest Parkway
Elgin, IL 60124

Dear Mr. Wedoff:

Thank you for your August 07, 2012 email to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Directorate of Enforcement Programs (DEP). This is in further response to the conversation we had regarding your question on taking out of service customer owned equipment. This constitutes OSHA's interpretation only of the requirements discussed and may not be applicable to any question not delineated within your original correspondence.

Use of an x-ray fluorescence analyzer (XRF) as a field screening tool for lead

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, 23, 2014

Mr. Jeremy Westcott
Environmental Testing & Consulting, Inc.
38900 Huron River Drive
Romulus, Michigan 48174-1159

Dear Mr. Westcott:

1926.757(a)(3) - Enforcement policy on column joists.

  • Record Type:
  • Current Directive Number:
  • Old Directive Number:
  • Title:
  • Information Date:

OSHA INSTRUCTION

DIRECTIVE NUMBER: CPL 02-01-040 EFFECTIVE DATE: July 18, 2004
SUBJECT: 1926.757(a)(3) - Enforcement policy on column joists


ABSTRACT

Acceptable methods to locate underground utility installations; evaluation of hydro-vacuum excavation.

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.

July 7, 2003

Mr. Joseph C. Caldwell
Consultant
Government Liaison
Pipeline Safety Regulations
2111 Wilson Boulevard
Suite 700
Arlington, Virginia 22201

Re: What constitutes an acceptable means of locating underground utilities under 29 CFR 1926.651(b)(2) and (b)(3).

Dear Mr. Caldwell:

Annual crane inspections must be conducted by a competent person; no requirement for the inspection to take place within the United States.

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 31, 2003

Mr. B. M. Blackadar:
Geocon Atlantic
40 Fielding Avenue
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
Canada B3B 1E4

Re: If a competent person, as required by §1926.550(a)(6), does an annual crane inspection in Canada, would that inspection be valid for the use of the crane in the United States?

Dear Mr. Blackadar: