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The upper rails and end caps of self-supporting ladders are not required to be slip-resistant.

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 3, 2004

John G. Thompson
2305 Grouper Drive
Marathon, FL 33050

Dear Mr. Thompson:

Use of caution tape or rope to barricade a crane's swing radius; guarding of lug connectors on portable welders

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 10, 2004

Mr. David A. Touhey, WSO-CST
Safety Specialist
Contractors Risk Management, Inc.
Post Office Box 211
Concord, NH 03302-0211\

Re: Will a caution tape or rope perimeter satisfy the requirement in Subpart N, §1926.550(a)(9), for a barricade around a crane's swing radius? Does OSHA require specific protection for cable terminal connectors on portable welders?

Dear Mr. Touhey:

Use of personal fall arrest systems at the edge of a well, pit, shaft, or similar excavation.

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 10, 2004

Mr. Richard Marshall
Safety Director
Richard Goettle, Inc.
9696 Skillman Street, Suite 280
Dallas, Texas 75243

Re: When personal fall protection is used at a drill shaft, is a warning line also required?

Dear Mr. Marshall:

This is in response to your letter dated December 23, 2003, to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). You ask for guidance with respect to the use of fall protection during drilling operations. We apologize for the delay in responding.

Height to base width ratio for mobile scaffolds with/without outriggers.

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 10, 2004

David A. Beauchamp, President
Industrial Design Associates
40106 Roshani Drive
Temecula, CA 92591

Re: Whether a mobile scaffold outrigger design meets the requirements of 29 CFR 1926.451(c)(1).

Dear Mr. Beauchamp:

Wire rope clips on suspension scaffolds; safety latches on large crane hooks; order of assembly for hanging scaffolds; and horizontal lifeline design.

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 4, 2004

Martin D. Spencer Jr.
Northeast Area Rigging Coordinator
International Brotherhood of Boilermakers
5745 Big Tree Road
Orchard Park, NY 14127

Re: Wire rope clips on suspension scaffolds; safety latches on large crane hooks; hanging scaffolds - order of assembly; jobsite fabricated lifting accessories - criteria; and horizontal lifelines: use of wire rope clips, anchorages, number of persons allowed to be connected, requirements relating to sag, and use of synthetic rope.

Dear Mr. Spencer:

The predominant use of structural steel would not be considered "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.

March 1, 2004

Mr. Alcides Esteves
Pentel Enterprises
60 Cathy Lane, Suite 103
Burlington, NJ 08016-9745

Re: Residential fall protection, §§1926.501(b)(13), 1926.502(k)

Dear Mr. Esteves:

This is in response to your letter faxed on September 25, 2003, to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). You ask about fall protection requirements for employees engaged in roofing activities on your construction site. We apologize for the delay in responding.

Portable ladders not extending 3 feet above upper landing must be secured.

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.

February 26, 2004

Mr. Robert Stanley
KPS, Inc.
11750 Diode Court
Louisville, KY 40299

Re: Extension ladder; ladder securing device; §1926.1053(b)(1).

Dear Mr. Stanley:

This is in response to your December 29, 2003, letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regarding OSHA's construction standards. We have paraphrased your question as follows:

Permissibility of attaching welding leads to an occupied aerial lift bucket and using an external lifeline to anchor fall arrest equipment.

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.

February 23, 2004

John N. Poulmentis
285 E. Montank Highway
P.O. Box 662
Hampton Bays, New York 11946

Re: Under OSHA's construction standards, is it permissible for welding leads to be attached to an occupied aerial lift bucket? Is it permissible for a vertical lifeline to be used to anchor fall arrest equipment used while working inside the bucket?

Dear Mr. Poulmentis:

Fall protection components from different manufacturers may be used together provided connecting parts are sized compatibly.

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.

February 19, 2004

Mr. Chuck Hill
[Address Withheld]

Re: Under §1926.502, whether components of fall protections systems from different manufacturers may be used together, provided they have compatible shapes and dimensions.

Dear Mr. Hill:

Compliance of type SJTW flexible cords with 1926.405(a)(2)(ii)(J) and use 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 29, 2004

Mr. Steven R. Moses
Woods Industries, Inc.
510 Third Avenue, Southwest
Carmel, Indiana 46032

Re: Do type SJTW flexible cords comply with §1926.405(a)(2)(ii)(J) for their use on construction sites?

Dear Mr. Moses:

This is in response to your letter dated March 5, 2004, to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). We have paraphrased your question as follows: