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Safety nets for bridge deck removal

Summary A requester asked about fall protection under the construction safety net rule. OSHA said an employer must use a net when removing a bridge deck more than 25 feet above water or ground unless it uses another permitted protective method. The employer assesses when those alternatives are impractical.
Document
Federal opinion letter
Agency
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Document number
1983-05-19
Date issued
May 19, 1983
Status
Active
Status last verified October 10, 2026
Topics
Workplace Safety OSHA 1926 Fall Protection
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.

May 19, 1983

Mr. David C. Cunningham
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Cunningham:

This is in response to your letter of May 5, 1983, requesting a clarification of 29 CFR 1926.105.

The employer determines when ladders, scaffolds, catch platforms, temporary floors, safety lines, or safety belts are impractical and safety nets are required for employees exposed to falling hazards. When a deck must be removed from a bridge in excess of 25 feet above the water or ground, OSHA requires a safety net unless the employer complies with one of the options allowed in 29 CFR 1926.105(a).

I hope this information is helpful to you. 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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