Swing radius protection for drill and pile rigs

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

June 3, 1983

Mr. Francis P. Dorcey
The Millgard Corporation
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Dorcey:

This is in response to your letter of May 11, 1983, requesting a clarification of 29 CFR 1926.550(a)(9) as it applies to drilling and pile driving operations.

29 CFR 1926.550(a)(9) does apply to drill and pile rigs, however, OSHA recognizes that it may be functionally impossible to barricade such equipment if it is constantly moving in the performance of the work operation. Whenever compliance with a standard is impossible, OSHA requires employers to take all available alternative precautions. Your safety program, including (1) Pointing out the swing radius danger by posting signs, (2) Instructing employees in the danger of swinging counterweights, (3) Instructing employees in the danger of rig pinch points, (4) Instructing the operators to swing only on signals from the foreman or the designated Signal Man, and (5) requiring employees not to move a rig until they know the area is clear would appear to implement adequate alternative precautionary measures.

This interpretation is based on Federal standards. However, you should be aware that Section 18 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act allows States to assume responsibility for enforcement of their own occupational safety and health programs. There are currently twenty-four such programs in operation. These states must enforce standards that are either identical or at least effective as the Federal standards. A list of the State's plan States is enclosed.

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

Sincerely,
Bruce Hillenbrand
Acting Director, Federal Compliance
and State Programs