Scaffold guardrail design and OSHA product review

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

March 5, 1992

Mr. George Miller
Mason Contractors Association
of America
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Miller:

This is in response to your letter of January 24 in which you request the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to review the design of a scaffold guard rail designed by Seedorff Masonry, Inc. I apologize for the delay of this response.

As you know, it is the policy of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration not to approve or endorse products. The variable working conditions at jobsites and possible alteration or misapplication of an otherwise safe product could easily create a hazardous condition beyond the control of the product manufacturer. However, we have reviewed the information provided in your letter and test report and note that the system is configured similar to other units commercially available from scaffold manufacturers. It appears, therefore, that the basic system design, if properly installed and maintained, would provide adequate fall protection and be in compliance with OSHA's standards for scaffold guardrails.

If we can be of any further assistance, please contact Mr. Roy Gurnham or Mr. Dale Cavanaugh of my staff in the Office of Construction and Maritime Compliance Assistance at (202) 523-8124.

Sincerely,
Patricia K. Clark, Director
Directorate of Compliance Programs