- Standard Number:1926.550(a)(9)
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 13, 1976
Mr. Robert I. Slaughter
Corporate Safety Supervisor
Chicago Bridge & Iron Company
8900 Fairbanks North Houston Road
P.O. Box 40066
Houston, Texas 77040
Dear Mr. Slaughter:
This is in response to your correspondence of June 22, 1976, addressed to Mr. Frank C. Memmott, regarding an alternate to the requirements of 29 CFR 1926.550(a)(9).
This standard states: "accessible areas within the swing radius of the rear of the rotating superstructure of the crane, either permanently or temporarily mounted, shall be barricaded in such a manner as to prevent an employee for being struck or crushed by the crane."
The question of frequent moving of cranes, both crawler and wheel-mounted, was reviewed thoroughly before this rule was promulgated and again approximately a year later. The use of audible alarms in lieu of physical barriers was determined to be unsatisfactory on several counts. First, there is no means of satisfactorily monitoring an employee's entrance into the hazardous location. Secondly, the degree of such a person's ability in time and effort to clear himself from the hazardous location in relation to an audible alarm is not mechanically (by electronics or otherwise) feasible. In addition to those problems, the person in the hazardous location be confused by other similar alarms either by tonal and activated frequency, the surrounding noises, or hearing loss. Since noise standards which are presently enforced call for significant efforts to reduce the ambient noise level, one more audible warning device which could be confused with others, would only raise the noise level unnecessarily and probably fail to accomplish its purpose.
A number of employers have found ways to satisfactorily attach the required barricades to their machines. These systems have apparently met their needs without undue hardship.
If I may be of any further assistance, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
John K. Barto, Chief
Division of Occupational Safety Programming