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Manually propelled elevating work platforms

Summary A manufacturer asked which OSHA standard applied to a manually propelled elevating work platform. OSHA said the described platform fell within ANSI A92.3-1980 rather than the older standard incorporated into 29 CFR 1910.29, so no specific OSHA standard applied; hazardous workplace conditions remained subject to the general duty clause. OSHA archives the letter and warns it may no longer represent current policy.
Document
Federal opinion letter
Agency
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Document number
1985-04-15
Date issued
April 15, 1985
Status
Archived by the agency
OSHA labels this an archive document and warns that it may no longer represent OSHA policy.
Status last verified October 10, 2026
Topics
Workplace Safety OSHA 1910 Elevated Work Equipment Safety General Duty Clause
Source
View the official document

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The current status of this document is unclear
OSHA labels this an archive document and warns that it may no longer represent OSHA policy. It may no longer reflect the agency's current position. Treat this page as historical context, not current guidance, and verify current law before relying on anything here.
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.

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

Apr 15, 1985

Mr. James R. Wallin
General Electric Company
Gas Turbine Division, Building 53 Room 107
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Wallin:

This is in response to your letter of March 12, 1985, in which you request our opinion of which Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard is applicable to the manually propelled elevating work platform described by your figure.

The device described by your figure (copy enclosed) appears to be an adjustable mobile work platform within the stated scope of ANSI A92.3-1980. It is not within the scope of 29 CFR 1910.29, which was adopted from ANSI A92.1-1971. Therefore, no specific OSHA standard pertains to this particular type of equipment. Hazardous conditions involving the use of such equipment at the worksite are regulated by the general duty clause, Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act. Adjustable mobile work platforms meeting the requirements of ANSI A92.3-1980 would not be in violation of the Act.

If we may be of further assistance, please contact us.

Sincerely,

John B. Miles, Jr., Director
Directorate of Field Operations

Enclosure

Enclosure is illustration of an adjustable mobile work platform

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