29 CFR 1926.251(c)(4)(iii)

March 7, 1975

Mr. James N. Hurd
Texas Gulf Construction Company, Inc.
P.O. Box 2110 7002 Industrial Road
Galveston, Texas 77550

Dear Mr. Hurd:

Assistant Secretary John H. Stender has asked me to respond to your letter dated February 11, 1975, requesting a permanent variance from Section 1926.251(c)(4)(iii) Rigging Equipment for Material Handling - Wire Rope, of the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations for Construction.

The requirements of the above standard are, "Eyes in wire rope bridles, slings, or bull wire shall not be formed by wire rope clips or knots." You have stated that in your operation the frequent changing of the reeving and working tools precludes the use of a spliced or wedged eye on the running ropes of your crawler cranes.

It appears from the information supplied by you that prohibiting the use of wire clips in forming eyes in wire ropes, applies to the bridles and slings used and not to the running ropes on your cranes. In this regard please note Section 1926.251(c)(5) that states, "When U-Bolt wire rope clips are used to form eyes, Table H-20 shall be used to determine the number and spacing of clips." A copy of Part 1926 is enclosed for your guidance.

We recommend that the inspections required by 1926.251(a)(1) be rigidly enforced.

Since your need for a variance appears moot, no further action will be taken on your application.

Sincerely,



Barry J. White
Associate Assistant Secretary for
Regional Programs

Enclosure