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Rigging rule applies to pulling loads

Summary A shoring company asked whether OSHA's construction rigging rule applied when rigging equipment pulled rather than lifted a load. OSHA said 29 CFR 1926.251 applied whenever the equipment was used to hoist, lower, or pull loads.
Document
Federal opinion letter
Agency
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Document number
1993-01-19
Date issued
January 19, 1993
Status
Active
Status last verified October 10, 2026
Topics
Workplace Safety OSHA 1926 Rigging Material Handling
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.

January 19, 1993

Mr. Bruce Smith
Training Manager, Speed Shore Corporation
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Smith:

This is in response to your December 10 letter requesting an interpretation of the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) standards addressing rigging equipment for material handling.

With regard to whether 29 CFR 1926.251 is applicable to rigging equipment used for pulling as well as lifting, please be advised that this section applies whenever rigging equipment is used in hoisting, lowering or pulling loads.

If we can be of any further assistance, please contact me or a member of my staff at (202) 219-8124.

Sincerely,

Roy F. Gurnham, Esq., P.E. Director Office of Construction and Maritime Compliance Assistance

[Requester letter reproduced on OSHA page; omitted here.]

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