Source: https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2005-09-19
Timestamp: 2019-07-23 22:13:23
Document Index: 501459686

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 1926', 'art 1926', '§1926', '§1926', '§1926', '§1926', '§1926']

Whether ladders must be provided for access/egress for employees climbing columns to make initial connections; whether the initial connection referenced in Question #42 of Directive Number CPL 02-01-034 must be by two wrench-tight bolts? | Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Whether ladders must be provided for access/egress for employees climbing columns to make initial connections; whether the initial connection referenced in Question #42 of Directive Number CPL 02-01-034 must be by two wrench-tight bolts?
This is in response to your letter dated November 5, 2004, to Ms. Marthe Kent, Regional Director, Region I, of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). You ask about the application of the ladder requirements in the Subpart X — Stairways and Ladders to locations where employees climb columns to make initial connections; you also ask about the nature of the initial connection referenced in Question #42 of Directive Number CPL 02-01-034. Your letter was forwarded to this office for handling on November 23, 2004. We apologize for the long delay in responding.
Answer: Part 1926 Subpart R — Steel Erection does not specify the means of access and/or egress to be used by connectors when climbing columns to make initial connections. The general construction standard that addresses access and/or egress is Part 1926 Subpart Z. In that standard, §1926.1051(a) provides:
The ACCSH comments make clear that a ladder is not required at all breaks in elevation. As indicated, the focus of the provision is on "zone[s] where people are going to be moving on a regular basis." The limited movement of one or possibly two connectors on a column to make an initial connection fails to meet that use criterion. Thus, a ladder is not required in the described scenario. Question (2): During the steel erection process, sometimes a connector initially connects one end of a beam that is suspended from a crane. The connector then walks across the suspended beam to connect the other end. Under §1926.756(a)(1) and OSHA's Compliance Directive CPL 02-01-034, is the connector required to secure the suspended beam with at least two wrench-tight bolts prior to crossing the beam?
The de minimis policy in the Directive allows workers to traverse a suspended load — specifically, a hoisted beam, provided it is first "connected" at one end. However, the Directive did not address the extent to which the beam being held by the hoist line had to be "initially connect[ed]" — that is, secured to the other member at one end.
2 It should be noted that §1926.753(a) in Subpart R provides:
All the provisions of §1926.550 apply to hoisting and rigging with the exception of §1926.550(g)(2).
The operator shall not hoist, lower, swing, or travel while anyone is on the load or hook.