Ezel / Labor Guidance / US
Back to Federal guidance

A rescue team is required during all phases of underground construction operations in a tunnel.

Summary A construction safety superintendent asked whether tunnel rescue teams were still needed after the primary structural phase. OSHA said 29 CFR 1926.800(g)(5) required a rescue team throughout all phases of underground tunnel construction and that member qualifications had to be reviewed at least annually.
Document
Federal opinion letter
Agency
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Document number
1991-03-06
Date issued
March 6, 1991
Status
Active
Status last verified October 9, 2026
Topics
Workplace Safety OSHA 1926 Underground Construction Rescue Teams
Source
View the official document

Apply this to your situation

This page explains the general guidance. Ask about your specific situation and see what current federal labor law says, with citations.

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.

March 6, 1991

Mr. Fred Pinkerton
Safety Superintendent
Morrison Knudsen Corporation
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Pinkerton:

This is in response to your letter of March 5, concerning the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements for a rescue team specified at 29 CFR 1926.800(g)(5)(ii), (iv) and (v).

The OSHA standard at 29 CFR 1926.800(g)(5) require the availability of a rescue team during all phases of underground construction operations in a tunnel. The completion of the primary structural phase of construction does not preclude the need for the availability of a rescue team during subsequent phases of construction. Rescue team member qualifications shall be reviewed not less than annually.

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

Sincerely,
Gerald P. Reidy, Director
Office of Construction and
Maritime Compliance Assistance

Related guidance

Permanently labeled locks for electrical lockout Opinion Letter · August 17, 2026 Helmet selection for lateral head-impact hazards Opinion Letter · August 17, 2026 Asbestos precautions when restoring drywall after flood damage Opinion Letter · May 7, 2026 Enforcement policy for recording and reporting COVID-19 cases Guidance · March 31, 2026

What does federal law require in your situation?

Ezel checks current federal labor law against your facts and answers with citations.

Opens in Ezel Pro.

  • Checks the law as it stands today, not only this page
  • Cites every source it relies on, so you can verify it
  • Chat, drafting and research in one workspace