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Single-point suspension scaffold safety.

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 31, 2010

Letter #20081021-8670:

Re: Single-point suspension scaffold safety.

Question 1: What is a "structural member" of a scaffold?

Answer 1: A "structural member" of a scaffold is any part of the walking/working surface of the scaffold, as well as the supports for the walking/working surface, including but not limited to uprights, suspension ropes, bracing, outrigger beams, access ladders, etc.

Use of toeboards across scaffold access points.

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 26, 2010

Letter #20060214-6882

Re: Use of toeboards across scaffold access points

Question: I have read some OSHA interpretations that suggest a toeboard is not required at a construction scaffold access point if it would pose a greater hazard. I have also seen other references that indicate that toeboards are not required at access openings at all (Federal Register volume 68, pages 23527-23568). Is a toeboard required at a construction scaffold access point?

Whether OSHA standards require employees to be tied off while working over water on an aerial lift.

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 20, 2010

Letter # 20090601-9068

Re: Whether OSHA standards require employees to be tied off while working over water on an aerial lift.

Whether an employer is permitted to double wrap #9 gage steel wire in order to guy, tie or brace a scaffold.

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 26, 2010

Letter # 20081105-8742

Re: Whether an employer is permitted to double wrap #9 gage steel wire in order to guy, tie, or brace a scaffold.

Question:  Do OSHA's standards permit an employer to double wrap #9 gage steel wire in order to guy, tie or brace a scaffold?

Answer: Yes. Under the following circumstances, 29 CFR 1926.451(c) requires employers to tie, guy or brace scaffolds:

Restrictions on drilling within 50 feet of a hole loaded with explosives.

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 5, 2010

Letter #20080729-8550

Re: Does 29 CFR §1926.905(h) allow a drill to be used within 50 feet of a hole loaded with explosives when it is necessary to use the drill to open up a previously-drilled hole so that it can also be loaded?

Fully Planked and Decked Scaffold

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.

 

Letter #20070906-7946

Re: Fully Planked and Decked Scaffold

Question: When may the space between scaffold planks or between scaffold planks and uprights exceed one inch in width?

Answer: The relevant standard, 29 CFR §1926.451(b)(1)(i), states:

 

Whether an employer can use a controlled access zone during curtain wall installation.

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.

 

Interpretation of OSHA Fall Protection Exemption (29 CFR 1926.500(a)(1)) during inspection, investigation, and assessment activities.

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.

 

Fall protection requirements for employees working on an elevator car frame.

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 2, 2010

Letter #20071002-8005

Re: Fall protection requirements for employees working on an elevator car frame.

Permissible methods of operating trucks in reverse 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 2, 2010

Letter to 20090429-9037

Re: Permissible methods of operating trucks in reverse on construction sites.

Question #1: Does 29 CFR 1926 Subpart O permit an employer to use a rear-mount day/night camera system with in-cab monitoring of the truck's rear instead of a back-up alarm?