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 20, 2004

Ms. Lorry Gray
Dominion East Ohio Gas
7015 Freedom Ave., NW
North Canton, OH 44646

Dear Ms. Gray:

Thank you for your April 28, 2004 letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Directorate of Enforcement Programs (DEP). This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation only of the requirements herein, and may not be applicable to any question(s)/scenario not delineated within your original correspondence. You had questions regarding the size and use of safety traffic cones. We apologize for the delay in responding to your request.

Scenario: The traffic safety cones used by employees engaged in the servicing of gas pipelines are bulky and take up considerable space in the back of utility company trucks. You have found collapsible cones that would fit in the truck's side boxes quite nicely.

Question: Does OSHA have regulations concerning the size and use of these safety traffic cones?

Reply: There are no specific OSHA standards in General Industry that address the size and use of safety traffic cones. Although OSHA does set specifications for accident prevention signs and tags, the scope provision of that standard, 29 CFR 1910.145, states, " ...These specifications are intended to cover all safety signs except those designed for streets, highways, railroads, and marine regulations."

For additional guidance, please contact your local Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) office, or you can access their website at www.fhwa.dot.gov. Also, you may wish to download a copy of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). The manual contains standards for traffic control devices that regulate, warn, and guide road users along the highways and byways within the United States.

Thank you for your interest in occupational safety and health. We hope you find this information helpful. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. 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 http://www.osha.gov. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact the Office of General Industry Enforcement at (202) 693-1850.

Sincerely,


Richard E. Fairfax, Director
Directorate of Enforcement Programs