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Whether OSHA prohibits the use of a double D-bend elbow ("Rams Horn") shut-off valve at the end of a concrete pumping hose.

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 29, 2010

Letter #20090606-9097

Re:  Whether OSHA prohibits the use of a double S-bend elbow ("Rams Horn") shut-off valve at the end of a concrete pumping hose.

Question:  Does OSHA prohibit the use of a Double S-bend Elbow (a/k/a "Rams Horn") shut-off valve at the end of a concrete pumping hose?1

Standards for decompression chambers for use with pressurized face-tunnel boring machines.

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 23, 2010

Letter #20100303-9658

Re: Standards for decompression chambers for use with pressurized face-tunnel boring machines.

This letter responds to your question of February 9, 2010, to Richard S. Terrill, Administrator of OSHA Region X.

Question:  Are pressure vessels for human occupancy involved in tunnel boring required to be fabricated and documented in accord with the ASME PVHO-1 standard, "Pressure Vessels for Human Occupancy"?

Hand-held gas-powered cut-off saws.

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 22, 2010

Letter # 20090917-9271

Re: Hand-held gas-powered cut-off saws.

Question #1: Employees use hand-held gas-powered cut-off saws with abrasive blades to cut ductile iron pipe and then grind a bevel onto the cut end. Blade manufacturers specifically warn against this practice. Do OSHA construction standards prohibit this use of cut-off saws?

Answer #1:

Yes, OSHA construction standards prohibit the use of the cut-off saw in the manner that you describe.

English language proficiency 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.

July 26, 2010

Letter # 20071001-7893

Re: English language proficiency at construction sites.

Question: Is there an OSHA requirement that obligates employers to ensure that their employees can communicate with supervisors and co-workers in English at construction sites so that they can understand safety training and instructions and coordinate safely with co-workers?

The definitions of combustible and flammable liquids under 29 CFR 1926 and 29 CFR 1910.

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 14, 2010

Letter # 20060425-7047

Re: The definitions of combustible and flammable liquids under 29 CFR 1926 and 29 CFR 1910.

Question #1: Why are the definitions for combustible liquids and flammable liquids different under OSHA's construction and general industry standards?

Answer #1:

The terms "combustible liquids" and "flammable liquids" are defined in the construction standard at 29 CFR 1926 and in the general industry standard at 29 CFR 1910 as follows:

Whether #9 wire may be used to secure the toprails and midrails on tubular scaffolding; permissible method for setting transitional wood planks.

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 30, 2010

Letter #[20090718-9206]

Re: (1)Whether #9 wire may be used to secure the toprails and the midrails on tubular scaffolding, and (2) A permissible method for setting transitional wood planks before changing direction on tubular scaffolding utilizing aluminum hook-on planks.

Question #1: Does the OSHA scaffold standard for construction (Part 1926 Subpart L) permit the use of #9 wire to secure the toprails and the midrails on tubular scaffolding?

Answer #1:

Does a truck with a cab containing an intergral falling object protective structure that was manufactured to meet the ISO 3449 standard conform to 29 CFR 1926.601(b)(6)?

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 30, 2010

Letter # 20081013-8659

Re: Does a truck with a cab containing an intergral falling object protective structure that was manufactured to meet the ISO 3449 standard conform to 29 CFR 1926.601(b)(6)?

Question: My company uses off-road trucks manufactured in Europe to haul sand and clay soil materials. The cab of the truck is equipped with a falling object protective structure that was manufactured to meet IS0 standard 3449. Does the truck comply with 29 CFR 1926.601 (b)(6)?

Answer:

Use of portable arc welding machines in inclement weather.

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 30, 2010

Letter # 20060601-7121

Re: Use of portable arc welding machines in inclement weather.

Question: Is it permissible to use a portable arc welding machine in inclement weather? If so, what steps need to be taken to prevent injury?

Answer:

Clarification on controlled access zones for leading edge work.

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 30, 2010

Letter # 20091008-9289

Re: Clarification on controlled access zones for leading edge work.

Question: When using a controlled access zone for leading edge work where one side has no wall or guardrail system to which a control line can be connected, is it permissible to tie control lines to temporary guardrail stanchions 10 feet off the leading edge?

Answer:

As a preliminary matter, 29 CFR §1926.501(b)(2)(i) states:

Multi-Employer obligations with respect to electrical cords.

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 20, 2010

Letter # 20090115-8796

Re: Multi-Employer obligations with respect to electrical cords.

Question #1: On a construction worksite where there are subcontractors and a general contractor, which employers are subject to an OSHA citation for electrical cords that violate subpart K standards?

Answer #1: