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Protective system requirements for excavations that will not be entered by employees.

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 13, 2009 [Reviewed November 8, 2018]

Letter #20080926-8688

Re: Protective system requirements for excavations that will not be entered by employees.

Question: Are shoring or other protective systems required under 29 CFR 1926.652 for test pits that will not be entered by employees?

Answer: 29 CFR 1926.652(a)(l) states, in part:

Testing requirements for "lifting blinds" or "lifting covers" on pressure vessels.

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, 2010

Letter # 20071113-8104

Re: Testing requirements for "lifting blinds" or "lifting covers" on pressure vessels

Question (1): Our company manufactures pressure vessels. We typically use custom-engineered "lifting blinds" or "lifting covers" (referred to collectively as lifting covers) on the top flange of the pressure vessels to enable the lifting contractor in the field to hoist the vessel onto the foundation and anchor bolts.

Using a stepladder as a non-self-supporting ladder.

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.

 

 

Acceptability of using a ramp to unload parts from a semi-trailer.

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.

June 27, 2012

Terry Mann
Fenner Plumbing, Inc.
108 N. Main Street
P.O Box 216
Berrien Spring MI 49103

Dear Mr. Mann:

Crane operator certification and whether a practical test is required for re-certification.

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 31, 2012

Mr. James T. Callahan
General President
International Union of Operating Engineers
1125 Seventeenth Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036-4707

Re: Cranes; Operator Certification; 1926.1427(b)(2)(iv) and (e)(2)(iv); Whether a practical test is required for recertification.

Dear Mr. Callahan,

Storage of compressed gas cylinders used in construction 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.

May 21, 2012

Bill Howell
FAX:  610-744-2855

Dear Mr. Howell:

Thank you for your January 10, 2011 fax to OSHA's Directorate of Construction.  We apologize for the delay in our reply.  Your fax raises a specific question regarding OSHA's standard for storing compressed gas cylinders used in construction work.

Question: Does 29 CFR § 1926.350(a)(9) permit compressed gas cylinders to be stored horizontally in commercial cylinder holders designed for horizontal storage?

Proof testing of lifting beams used to lift wind turbine components.

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.

June 8, 2012

Mr. Trent Schon, CSP
Director of Safety/Renewable Energy Groups
Mortenson Construction
M.A, Mortenson Company
700 Meadow Lane North
Minneapolis, MN 55422

Dear Mr. Schon:

We are writing in response to your letter of August 11, 2011 concerning proof testing of lifting beams used to lift wind turbine components.

Clarification on the use of double connections at beams not framing into columns.

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.

June 1, 2012

Mr. Eddie Campbell
Accelerated Building Solutions, Inc.
105 Fieldstone Dr. Suite 105
Milledgeville, GA  31061

Dear Mr. Campbell:

Thank you for your September 13, 2011 fax to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Directorate of Construction.  You have asked a specific question about steel erection under OSHA standard § 1926.756(a)(1).

Clarification on whether a forklift equipped with a designated forklift boom would be considered a crane.

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.

June 21, 2012

The Honorable Jeff Miller
4300 Bayou Blvd, Suite 13
Pensacola, FL 32503

Dear Congressman Miller:

Thank you for your correspondence to the Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regarding the use of forklifts for construction activities.  I appreciate the opportunity to respond to you and your constituents.

Temporary Enforcement Policy for Proximity Alarm and Insulating Link Use with Cranes and Derricks in Construction.

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.

DATE: June 25, 2012
 
MEMORANDUM FOR: REGIONAL ADMINISTRATORS
 
FROM: JAMES G. MADDUX