Fall protection requirements of various construction (1926) standards.

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.

September 18, 2001

Mr. Stephen E. Sandherr
Chief Executive Officer
The Associated General Contractors of America
333 John Carlyle Street
Suite 200
Alexandria, VA 22314

Dear Mr. Sandherr:

Thank you for your letter of August 27, 2001. Let me first thank AGC for continuing to work with OSHA to advance safety and health at the nation's construction sites through partnering programs.

Steel erection standard requirements concerning installation of perimeter safety cable.

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 17, 2002

Mr. Barry A. Cole
Executive Vice President
Miller Safety Consulting, Inc.
5750 Pecos Street, Suite 6
Denver, CO 80221

Dear Mr. Cole:

Requirements for perimeter columns and perimeter safety cables in the Steel Erection standard.

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 26, 2003

Mr. Troy Russell
Safety Director
Superior Steel, Inc.
5225 North National Drive
Knoxville, Tennessee 37914

Dear Mr. Russell:

This is in response to your letter of June 20, 2003, to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) concerning requirements in the steel erection standard regarding perimeter columns and perimeter safety cables.

We have paraphrased your question below:

Permissibility of using guardrail systems other than perimeter safety cables in steel erection.

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 21, 2003

Mr. Jerry Breneman
16001 Park Ten Place
Houston, TX 77084

Re: In steel erection, may a guardrail system other than a safety cable be used to meet the requirement for a perimeter safety cable under Part 1926 Subpart R?

Dear Mr. Breneman:

This is in response to your E-correspondence of September 17, 2002, to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). We apologize for the delay in providing a response.

We have paraphrased your question as follows: