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 29, 1975

Mr. William C. Hibbert
U. S. Materials Handling Corp.
P.O. Box 366 River Road
Utica, New York 13503

Dear Mr. Hibbert:

This is in response to your letter requesting clarification of OSHA 1910.179(e)(2) and (3) Bridge Bumpers.

Monorails are not included in the OSHA standards. In fact, the source of OSHA's crane, derrick and hoist standards (ASME) has a committee currently writing standards for monorails. The requirements for 1910.179(e)(2) and (3) are specific to all bridge cranes since there is no exclusion of manually impelled bridge or trolley equipment. However, in (2) and (3) are of manually impelled bridge or trolley equipment. However, in (2) and (3) a statement includes the following: "A crane shall be provided with bumpers or other automatic means providing equivalent effect, unless the crane travels at a slow rate of speed and has a faster deceleration rate due to the use of sleeve bearings, or..." (emphasis added). The foregoing statement will exempt manually impelled bridges and cranes from the bumper requirement.

Please feel free to contact us if there are further questions about OSHA.

Sincerely,

Alfred Barden
Assistant Regional Director
Occupational Safety and Health