Fall protection near residential foundation excavations
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January 22, 1996
Regina CB Solomon
Director
National Association of Home Builders
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Ms. Solomon:
This is in response to your telefax of November 29, 1995 in which you request a clarification of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) position on the requirements for fall protection around residential basement foundation excavations deeper than six feet.
Please be advised that paragraph .501(b)(7) requires fall protection around excavations only when the excavations are not readily seen because of plant growth or other visual barrier. The typical house foundation excavation is not obscured from view and, therefore, OSHA does not require fall protection to be provided for employees working near such excavations.
If you require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact either myself or Mr. Dale Cavanaugh of my staff at (202) 219-8136.
Sincerely,
Roy F. Gurnham, P.E., J.D.
Directorate of Construction
[Requester letter reproduced on OSHA page; omitted here.]
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