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Construction pneumatic demolition tools

Summary A tool maker asked whether OSHA regulated the backhead design of handheld pavement breakers. OSHA said the construction pneumatic tool rule did not specify that component’s design. It said pneumatic tools still had to be designed and used according to good engineering practices to protect employees.
Document
Federal opinion letter
Agency
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Document number
1982-04-08
Date issued
April 8, 1982
Status
Active
Status last verified October 10, 2026
Topics
Workplace Safety OSHA 1926 Pneumatic Tools
Source
View the official document

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About this page: The full text below is the official document from Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Ezel adds the plain-English summary and tracks the document's status. The official source linked on this page is authoritative for any reliance.

April 8, 1982

Mr. J. Pat Deyle
Field Engineer
Chicago Pneumatic Tool Company
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Deyle:

This is in response to your letter of February 15, 1982 concerning OSHA standards for pneumatic demolition tools.

The OSHA standards in 29 CFR 1926.302(b) for pneumatic power tools does not regulate the assembly of components such as backhead construction criteria for hand held pavement breakers or other pneumatic demolition tools. However, all pneumatic tools must be designed and used in accordance with good engineering practices to assure the safety of exposed employees using the equipment.

If I may be of further assistance, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,
John K. Barto
Chief,
Division of Occupational Safety Programming

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