09/11/2001 P&Z Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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443 Lafayette Road North St. Paul, Minnesota 55155 irw.doli.state.mn.us • � &D Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry 651-296-6107 TTY: 651- 297 -4198 1- 800 - DIAL -DLI RECEIVED August 2, 2001 AUG 0 8 2001 OF LINO LAKES Randall G. Molin, Facilities Manager Molin Concrete Products Company 415 Lilac Street Lino Lakes, MN 55014 Dear Mr. Molin: The purpose of this letter is to respond to your June 14, 2001, request for a variance concerning the audible warning devices on the material handling equipment used in your outdoor storage yards between the hours of 6 p.m. and 8 a.m. I asked James Krueger, OSHA Management Team Director /Metro Safety, to review your request. Following his review of the information you submitted, his review of the standard, and subsequent phone conversations with you, we have made the following determination: The MNOSHA Standard applicable to backup alarms is Minnesota Rule 5205.0750. This standard adopts 29 CFR 1926.602, a construction standard, by reference and makes it applicable to general industry workplaces. Section 1926.602 requires backup alarms on material handling equipment that has an obstructed driver's view when backing the equipment. The intent of this standard is to warn employees of the potential hazard from moving vehicles. MNOSHA has allowed employers the flexibility of determining the best method to warn employees of the dangers of a backing vehicle with an obstructed view. Typically, employers use either an automatic reverse - activated audible alarm or a signal person. These are the two most common methods used to meet the intent of the OSHA standard. While the OSHA Standards do not address the use of strobe lights as waming devices, the U. S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), which governs the safety and health of mine workers, allows the use of strobe lights at night in lieu of an audible alarm. MSHA's decision to allow strobe lights in lieu of audible alarms can be construed as evidence that strobe lights are considered appropriate warning of backing vehicles. Based on the above information, and a review of the training program you submitted, we have determined that a variance is not required in this case. Employee training, as described in the program you submitted, along with the use of strobe lights in lieu of audible alarms between the hours of 6 p.m. and 8 a.m. will meet the intent of the OSHA Standard for adequate warning to workers of a backing vehicle. Thank you for your efforts in providing a safe and healthful work environment for your employees. Should you need additional information in this matter, please do not hesitate to contact this office. Sincerely, Patricia Todd OSHA Management Team Director • PT/p1 This information can be provided to you in alternative formats (Braille, large print or audio tape) . An Equai Opportunity Employer (AFSCME) MOM LABEl