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Federal Register: September 12, 2002 (Volume 67, Number 177)

DOCID: FR Doc 02-23142

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

CFR Citation: 29 CFR Part 1926

RIN ID: RIN 1218-AB88

DOCUMENT ID: [Docket S-018]

NOTICE: RULES

ACTION: Construction safety and health standards:

DOCUMENT ACTION: Final rule.

SUBJECT CATEGORY:

Safety Standards for Signs, Signals, and Barricades

DATES: This final rule will become effective December 11, 2002. The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the rule is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of December 11, 2002.

DOCUMENT SUMMARY:

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is revising the construction industry safety standards to require that traffic control signs, signals, barricades or devices protecting workers conform to Part VI of either the 1988 Edition of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), with 1993 revisions (Revision 3) or the Millennium Edition of the FHWA MUTCD (Millennium Edition), instead of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) D6.11971, Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (1971 MUTCD).

SUMMARY:

Signs, signals, and barricades,

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

I. Introduction

This final rule addresses the types of signs, signals, and barricades that must be used to protect construction employees from traffic hazards. The vast majority of road construction in the United States is funded through Federal transportation grants. As a condition to receiving Federal funding, the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT's) Federal Highway Administration requires compliance with its MUTCD.

In furtherance of OSHA's statutory mandate to protect the health and safety of employees, OSHA also requires employers that are within the scope of its authority to comply with the MUTCD. However, OSHA's current standard incorporates the 1971 version of the MUTCD, which FHWA has since updated. The purpose of this final rule is to update OSHA's standard.

II. Procedural History

On April 15, 2002, OSHA published a direct final rule and a companion proposed rule to update 29 CFR 1926 subpart GSigns, Signals, and Barricades [67 FR 18091]. The Agency explained that unless a significant adverse comment is received within a specified period of time, the rule would become effective. Alternatively, if significant adverse comments are received, the agency would withdraw the direct final rule and treat the comments as comments to the proposed rule. Direct final rulemaking is used where the agency anticipates that the rule will be noncontroversial.

The Agency stated that, for purposes of the direct final rule published on April 15, a significant adverse comment is one that explains why the rule would be inappropriate, including challenges to the rule's underlying premise or approach, or why it would be ineffective or unacceptable without a change. In determining whether a significant adverse comment would necessitate withdrawal of this direct final rule, OSHA would consider whether the comment raises an issue serious enough to warrant a substantive response in a noticeand comment process. A comment recommending an addition to the rule would not be considered a significant adverse comment unless the comment states why this rule would be ineffective without the addition. If timely significant adverse comments were received, the agency would publish a notice of significant adverse comment in the Federal Register withdrawing this direct final rule no later than July 15, 2002.

In the companion proposed rule, which is essentially identical to the direct final rule [67 FR 18145], OSHA stated that in the event the direct final rule were withdrawn because of significant adverse comment, the agency could proceed with the rulemaking by addressing the comment and again publishing a final rule. The comment period for the proposed rule ran concurrently with that of the direct final rule. Any comments received under the companion proposed rule were to be treated as comments regarding the direct final rule. Likewise, significant adverse comments submitted to the direct final rule would be considered as comments to the companion proposed rule; the agency would consider such comments in developing a subsequent final rule.

On July 15, 2002, OSHA published a notice withdrawing the direct final rule [67 FR 46375], explaining that of the eight comments that had been submitted, the Agency was treating two as significant adverse comments. Both comments challenged the August 13, 2002 effective date of the rule. The two comments are being treated as comments on the companion proposed rule, and are addressed below. In response to the comments, OSHA has set the effective date at December 11, 2002. III. Background

Currently, under 29 CFR part 1926 subpart GSigns, Signals, and Barricades, OSHA requires that employers comply with the 1971 MUTCD. Specifically, employers must ensure that the following conform to the 1971 MUTCD: traffic control signs or devices used to protect construction workers (29 CFR 1926.200(g)(2)); signaling directions by flagmen (29 CFR 1926.201); and barricades for the protection of workers (29 CFR 1926.202).

In contrast, a DOT rule, 23 CFR 655.601 through 655.603, requires that such traffic control signs or devices conform to a more recent version of the MUTCD. DOT regulations provide that the MUTCD is the national standard for all traffic control devices on streets, highways and bicycle trails. DOT's rule requires that traffic control devices on roads in which federal funds were involved be in substantial conformance with its MUTCD. In effect, the MUTCD has become a national benchmark for all roads.

Under Title 23 of the U.S. Code, sections 109(d) and 402(a), the Secretary of Transportation is authorized to promulgate and require compliance with uniform guidelines to reduce injuries and fatalities from road accidents. Specifically, section 109(d) authorizes DOT to require (through its approval of State highway department requirements) all highway projects in which Federal funds are involved to comply with these types of uniform rules. Highways are broadly defined under section 101(a)(11) of the DOT statute, and include roads, streets and parkways. Under section 402(a), DOT is authorized to require each State to have a highway safety program, including uniform standards for traffic safety, approved by DOT. In accordance with this authority, DOT promulgated 23 CFR part 655, subpart F (Traffic Control Devices on FederalAid and Other Streets and Highways). In section 655.603(a), DOT established its MUTCD as ``the national standard for all traffic [[Page 57724]]
control devices installed on any street, highway, or bicycle trail open to public travel * * * '' Under subpart F, the States were required to adopt Revision 3 for federally funded highways within two years of its issuance. The effective date of the final rule that adopted Revision 3 was January 10, 1994 [58 FR 65084 (December 10, 1993)]. A twoyear period for transition to full compliance with Revision 3 expired January 10, 1996. Transition to full compliance with the Millennium edition must be completed by January 2003. Consequently, employers have already been required to comply with Revision 3 for all federalaid highways. In addition, all States have required compliance with Revision 3 for most roads (although there is some variation among the States regarding the extent to which compliance is required on municipal, county, and private roads).

In the early 1970s, the FHWA assumed from ANSI responsibility for publishing the MUTCD. The FHWA substantially rewrites the MUTCD every 10 to 20 years, and amends it every two to three years. Until the Millennium Edition was published in December 2000, the most recent edition was the 1988 edition. The 1988 edition consisted of 10 parts, including part VI, ``Standards and Guides for Traffic Controls for Street and Highway Construction, Maintenance, Utility, and Incident Management Operations.'' The FHWA substantially revised and reissued part VI in 1993 (Revision 3). There are substantial differences both in substance and format between Revision 3 and the 1971 MUTCD. The most recent edition of the MUTCD, the Millennium Edition published in December 2000, contains some substantive changes and a new, easier to use format. States are required to adopt the Millennium Edition or its equivalent by January 2003.

Several stakeholders asked OSHA to update subpart G, because they had to meet the outdated OSHA requirements in addition to the DOT rule. They pointed out that Revision 3 and the Millennium Edition reflect updated standards and technical advances based on 22 years of experience in work zone traffic control design and implementation, as well as human behavior research and experience. The National Committee on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (``NCUTCD''), consisting of various national associations and organizations interested in highway construction or highway safety, including the American Road and Transportation Builders Association, the Association of American Railroads, the American Automobile Association, the National Association of Governor's Highway Safety Representatives, and the National Safety Council, unanimously resolved in January 1999 to request that OSHA adopt Revision 3 in place of the 1971 MUTCD. In May 2000, OSHA's Advisory Committee on Construction Occupational Safety and Health (``ACCSH'') also expressed support for adopting a more recent edition of the MUTCD as the OSHA standard for the construction industry.

OSHA reviewed the differences between the 1971 version, Revision 3 and the Millennium Edition and concluded that compliance with the more recently published manuals would provide all the safety benefits (and more) of the 1971 version. The differences between OSHA's regulations that reference the 1971 MUTCD and DOT's modern regulations create potential industry confusion and inefficiency, without in any respect advancing worker safety. Accordingly, in an interpretation letter dated June 16, 1999, to Cummins Construction Company, Inc., OSHA stated that it would accept compliance with Revision 3 in lieu of compliance with the 1971 MUTCD referenced in section 1926.200(g) through its de minimis policy.

The numerous and various changes to the 1971 MUTCD reflected in Revision 3 and the Millennium Edition stem from over 20 additional years of experience in temporary traffic control zone design, technological changes, and contemporary human behavior research and experience. Revision 3 and the Millennium Edition provide highway work zone planners more comprehensive guidance and greater flexibility in establishing effective temporary traffic control plans based on type of highway, traffic conditions, duration of project, physical constraints and the nature of the construction activity. Revision 3 and the Millennium Edition, accordingly, better reflect current practices and techniques to best ensure highway construction worker safety and health.

Accordingly, OSHA is amending the safety and health regulations for construction to adopt and incorporate Revision 3 (and the option to comply with the Millennium Edition), instead of the 1971 MUTCD, and to make certain editorial changes. The amendment deletes the references in 29 CFR 1926.200(g)(2) and 1926.202 to the 1971 MUTCD and inserts references to Revision 3 (and the option to comply with the Millennium Edition). The amendment clarifies and abbreviates 29 CFR 1926.201(a), by simply adopting the requirements of Revision 3 (and the option to comply with the Millennium Edition) with regard to the use of flaggers. The amendment also makes certain editorial corrections, replacing the term workers for the term workmen and the term flaggers for the term flagmen in 29 CFR 1926.200(g)(2) and 1926.201(a).

Updating OSHA's rule eliminates the technical anomaly of having to meet both OSHA's outdated requirement to comply with the 1971 version and DOT's more modern requirements. Instead, OSHA's final rule requires compliance with Revision 3 (or, at the option of the employer, the Millennium edition). In addition to harmonizing OSHA's requirements with those of DOT, the final rule's additional safety measures (described below) will be enforceable as OSHA requirements. With the current emphasis on rebuilding the Nation's highways and improving safety in work zone areas, OSHA's update is particularly appropriate. IV. Discussion of Changes

Format and Style

Both the 1971 MUTCD and Revision 3 were written in narrative form with ``must/shall,'' ``should,'' and ``may'' sentences indicating mandatory requirements, guidance, and options, respectively. These verbs were often intermixed within a single paragraph, leading to some confusion. In the Millennium Edition, each subsection is organized by ``standard,'' ``guidance,'' and ``options'' categories. An additional category, titled ``support,'' is also included. This format clarifies what is expected of employers and the basis for those requirements. Pursuant to the requirements of 29 CFR 1926.31, only the mandatory language of standards that are incorporated through reference are adopted as OSHA standards. Therefore, the summary of changes below will focus primarily on the revisions that impose new requirements, or modify already existing requirements. The summary does contain short discussions on traffic control plans and tapers which, while not required by MUTCD, reflect industry practice.

The 1988 edition of the MUTCD eliminated the term ``flagmen'' and ``workmen'' and replaced them with the more inclusive ``flaggers'' and ``workers.'' The final rule amends 29 CFR 1926.200(g)(2), 1926.201(a) and 1926.203 to be consistent with these changes.

In the Millennium Edition, the FHWA also changed the title of part 6 from ``Standards and Guides for Traffic
[[Page 57725]]
Controls for Street and Highway Construction, Maintenance, Utility, and Incident Management Operations'' to ``Temporary Traffic Control.'' The new title is more succinct and more accurately describes the contents of the section.
Sections 6A Through 6B (Introduction and Fundamental Principles)

Revision 3 and the Millennium Edition describe an overall ``guiding philosophy'' of ``fundamental principles'' for good temporary traffic control, which is not explicitly set out in part VI of the 1971 MUTCD. Although these principles do not formally establish new requirements, they provide a framework for understanding requirements set out in the remainder of part VI. In the corresponding section, the 1971 ANSI standard required that all temporary traffic control devices be removed as soon as practical when they are no longer needed. Revision 3 downgraded this requirement to a recommendation. This issue was revisited during the drafting of the Millennium Edition, which once again requires the removal of signs when they are no longer needed. The Millennium Edition requires that employers remove temporary traffic control devices that are no longer appropriate, even when the work is only suspended for a short period of time.

Section 6C (Temporary Traffic Control Elements)

The 1971 MUTCD does not discuss traffic control plans (TCPs), which are used by industry to describe traffic controls that are to be implemented in moving vehicle and pedestrian traffic through a temporary traffic control zone. Revision 3 emphasizes the importance of TCPs in facilitating safe and efficient traffic flow. Revision 3 recognizes that different TCPs are suitable for different projects and does not detail specific requirements. The Millennium Edition offers expanded guidance and options for TCPs, but it adds no requirements. In both Revision 3 and the Millennium Edition, a TCP is recommended but not required. Revision 3 and the Millennium Edition also discuss the ``temporary traffic control zone,'' comprised of several areas known as the ``advance warning area,'' ``transition area,'' ``activity area,'' and ``termination area.'' In addition, Revision 3 and the Millennium Edition explain the need for differing traffic control measures in each control zone area.

The 1971 MUTCD only briefly describes ``tapers'' and provides a formula for calculating the appropriate taper length. However, Revision 3 defines and discusses five specific types of tapers used to move traffic in or out of the normal path of travel. It illustrates each of them, and sets out specific formulae for calculating their appropriate length. In all three editions, information relating to tapers is limited to guidance and contains no mandatory requirements.

All versions of the MUTCD require the coordination of traffic movement, when traffic from both directions must share a single lane. Revision 3 and the Millennium Edition describe five means of ``alternate oneway traffic control,'' adding the ``Stop or Yield Control Method'' to the methods described in the 1971 MUTCD. The ``Stop or Yield Control Method'' is appropriate for a lowvolume twolane road where one side is closed and the other side must serve both directions. It calls for a stop or yield sign to be installed on the side that is closed. The approach to the side that is not closed must be visible to the driver who must yield or stop.

Section 6D (Pedestrian and Worker Safety)

Revision 3 adds a lengthy section, not found in the 1971 MUTCD, that provides guidance and options on pedestrian and worker safety. Under Revision 3, the key elements of traffic control management that should be considered in any procedure for assuring worker safety are training, worker clothing, barriers, speed reduction, use of police, lighting, special devices, public information, and road closure. Revision 3 recommends that these traffic control techniques be applied by qualified persons exercising good engineering judgment. The Millennium Edition makes this recommendation a requirement. The Millennium Edition also requires advance notification of sidewalk closures.

Section 6E (Hand Signaling or Flagger Control)

Revision 3 and the Millennium Edition require that a flagger wear an orange, yellow, or ``strong yellow green'' (called ``yellowgreen'' in Millennium Edition) vest, shirt, or jacket, instead of an ``orange vest and/or an orange cap,'' as directed in the 1971 ANSI standard. For nighttime work, Revision 3 requires that the outer garment be retro reflective orange, yellow, white, silver, or strong yellowgreen, or a fluorescent version of one of these colors. This clothing must be designed to identify clearly the wearer as a person, and the clothing must be visible through the full range of body motions. For nighttime work, the Millennium Edition requires that the colors noted above be retroreflective, but does not mandate that the clothing be visible through the full range of body motions. Both Revision 3 and the Millennium Edition allow the employer more flexibility in selecting colors.

Under the 1971 ANSI standard, the flagger was required to be visible to approaching traffic at a distance that would allow a motorist to respond appropriately. Revision 3 and the Millennium Edition contain more specific requirements. Under both versions, flaggers must be visible at a minimum distance of 1,000 feet. In addition, Revision 3 and the Millennium Edition list training in ``safe traffic control practices'' as a minimum flagger qualification.

Revision 3 and the Millennium Edition depart significantly from the 1971 ANSI standard by requiring that ``Stop/Slow'' paddles, not flags, be the primary handsignaling device. The paddles must have an octagonal shape on a rigid handle, and be at least 18 inches wide with letters at least six inches high. The 1971 ANSI standard recommended a 24inch width. Revision 3 and the Millennium Edition require that paddles be retroreflectorized when used at night. Flags would still be allowed in emergency situations or in lowspeed and/or lowvolume locations. Revision 3 and the Millennium Edition differ in that Revision 3's recommendations for flag and paddle signaling practice are requirements in the Millennium Edition. In addition, the Millennium Edition applies several new requirements when flagging is used. The flagger's free arm must be held with the palm of the hand above shoulder level toward approaching traffic and the flagger must motion with the flagger's free hand for road users to proceed. These requirements were guidance in Revision 3, and options in the 1971 ANSI standard.

Section 6F (Devices)

Revision 3 and the Millennium Edition reflect numerous differences in the design and use of various traffic control devices, such as signs, signals, cones, barricades and markings, used in temporary traffic control zones. Several signs or devices are described that are not mentioned in Part VI of the 1971 ANSI standard. These signs and devices, along with their location in Revision 3 and the Millennium Edition, can be found in Table 1.
[[Page 57726]]
Table 1. New signs and devices Revision 3 Millennium edition Portable Changeable Message Signs....... 6F2...................................... 6F.52. Arrow Displays.......................... 6F3...................................... 6F.53. HighLevel Warning Device or Flag Tree.. 6F4...................................... 6F.54. Temporary Raised Islands................ 6F5h..................................... 6F.63. Impact Attenuators...................... 6F8a..................................... 6F.76. Portable Barriers....................... 6F5g and 8b.............................. 6F.75. Temporary Traffic Signals............... 6F8c..................................... 6F.74. Rumble Strips........................... 6F8d..................................... 6F.78. Screens................................. 6F8e..................................... 6F.79. Opposing Traffic Lane Divider........... 6F8f..................................... 6F.64. Shoulder DropOff....................... 6F1b(19)................................. 6F.41. Uneven Lanes............................ 6F1b(20)................................. 6F.42. No Center Stripe........................ 6F1b(21)................................. 6F.43. Be Prepared to Stop..................... Vl8c sign W207b......................... 6F.15, W31a. Detour Marker and End Detour............ 6F1c(4).................................. 6F.15. Various Other Warning Signs............. V18a, signs W14bR, W14cR, W18, W33, .......................... W41 and W43 and V18b, signs W52a and W83a.
The dimensions, shape, legends or use of various signs have changed. Those changes are reflected in Table 2. Table 2. New signs Revision 3 Millennium edition Turn Off 2Way Radios and Cellular 6F1b(18a) and (18b)...................... 6F.15, W222. Telephones.
Stop Ahead and Yield Ahead.............. VI8a, signs W31a and W32a.............. 6F.15, W31a & W32a. Road Narrows and Narrow Bridge.......... VI8a, signs W51 and W52................ 6F.15, W51 & W52. Right Lane Ends......................... VI8c, sign W91.......................... 6F.15, W91. Length of Work.......................... 6F1c(2).................................. 6F.15, G201. End Road Work........................... 6F1c(3).................................. 6F.15, G202a.

Also, Revision 3 and the Millennium Edition offer expanded options for the color of temporary traffic control signs. Signs that under the 1971 ANSI standard were required to have orange backgrounds may now have fluorescent redorange or fluorescent yelloworange backgrounds.

The 1971 ANSI standard required that signs in rural areas be posted at least five feet above the pavement; signs in urban areas were required to be at least seven feet above the pavement. Revision 3 eliminated the distinction between urban and rural areas, and downgraded the requirement to a recommendation. It recommended that signs in all areas have a minimum height of seven feet. In the Millennium Edition, the FHWA returned to the 1971 ANSI requirements. The Millennium Edition also introduced the requirement that signs and sign supports be crashworthy.

The Millennium Edition introduced and clarified mandatory requirements for the design of the following signs: Weight Limit, Detour, Road (Street) Closed, One Lane Road, Lane(s) Closed, Shoulder Work, Utility Work, signs for blasting areas, Shoulder DropOff, Road Work next XX KM (Miles), and Portable Changeable Message.

The dimensions, color or use of certain channelizing devices have also changed. ``Channelizing devices'' include cones, tubular markers, vertical panels, drums, barricades, temporary raised islands and barriers. The 1971 ANSI standard required that traffic cones and tubular markers be at least 18 inches in height and that the cones be predominantly orange. Revision 3 raised the minimum height for traffic cones and tubular markers to 28'' ``when they are used on freeways and other high speed highways, on all highways during nighttime, or whenever more conspicuous guidance is needed.'' (6F5b(1), 5c(1)) Revision 3 also expanded the color options for cones to include fluorescent redorange and fluorescent yelloworange. The Millennium Edition maintained these requirements.

Revision 3 and the Millennium Edition require that vertical panels be 8 to 12 inches wide, rather than the 6 to 8 inches required by the 1971 ANSI standard. Under Revision 3 and the Millennium Edition, drums must be made of lightweight, flexible and deformable materials, at least 36 inches in height, and at least 18 inches in width. Steel drums may not be used. The Millennium Edition adds the requirement that each drum have a minimum of two orange and two white stripes with the top stripe being orange. Revision 3 and the Millennium Edition require that delineators only be used in combination with other devices, be white or yellow, depending on which side of the road they are on, and be mounted approximately four feet above the near roadway edge.

The 1971 ANSI standard required warning lights to be mounted at least 36 inches high. Revision 3 and the Millennium Edition reduced the minimum height to 30 inches and introduced new requirements for warning lights. Type A low intensity flashing warning lights and Type C steady burn warning lights must be maintained so as to allow a nighttime visibility of 3000 feet. Type B high intensity flashing warning lights must be visible on a sunny day from a distance of 1000 feet.

Revision 3 and the Millennium Edition contain an additional requirement, not found in the 1971 ANSI standard, that requires employers to remove channelizing devices that are damaged and have lost a significant amount of their retroreflectivity and effectiveness. Revision 3 and the
[[Page 57727]]
Millennium Edition also specifically prohibit placing ballast on the tops of drums or using heavy objects such as rocks or chunks of concrete as barricade ballast.

Revision 3 and the Millennium Edition address in greater detail the appearance and use of pavement markings and devices used to delineate vehicle and pedestrian paths. They require that after completion of the project, pavement markings be properly obliterated to ensure complete removal and a minimum of pavement scars. Whereas Revision 3 requires that all temporary brokenline pavement markings be at least four feet long, the Millennium Edition sets the minimum at two feet.

Section 6G (Temporary Traffic Control Zone Activities)

This section, not found in the 1971 ANSI standard, provides information on selecting the appropriate applications and modifications for a temporary traffic control zone. The selection depends on three primary factors: Work duration, work location, and highway type. Section 6G in both Revision 3 and the Millennium Edition emphasizes that the specific typical applications described do not include a layout for every conceivable work situation and that typical applications should, when necessary, be tailored to the conditions of a particular temporary traffic control zone.

Among the specific new requirements in Revision 3 and the Millennium Edition are the following: retroreflective and/or illuminated devices in long term (more than three days) stationary temporary traffic control zones; warning devices on (or accompanying) mobile operations that move at speeds greater than 20 mph; warning sign in advance of certain closed paved shoulders; a transition area containing a merging taper in advance of a lane closure on a multilane road; temporary traffic control devices accompanying traffic barriers that are placed immediately adjacent to the traveled way; and temporary traffic barriers or channelizing devices separating opposing traffic on a twoway roadway that is normally divided.

The Millennium Edition includes several additional requirements in Section 6G. It requires the use of retroreflective and/or illuminated devices in intermediateterm stationary temporary traffic control zones. A zone is considered intermediateterm if it is occupying a location more than one daylight period up to three days, or if there is nighttime work in the zone lasting more than one hour. The Millennium Edition also requires a transition area containing a merging taper when one lane is closed on a multilane road. When only the left lane on undivided roads is closed, the merging taper must use channelizing devices and the temporary traffic barrier must be placed beyond the transition area channelizing devices along the centerline and the adjacent lane. In addition, when a directional roadway is closed, inapplicable WRONG WAY signs and markings, and other existing traffic control devices at intersections within the temporary twolane twoway operations section, must be covered, removed, or obliterated. Revision 3 Section 6H (Application of Devices)

Revision 3 and the Millennium Edition provide an extensive series of diagrams illustrating Atypical applications' of the temporary traffic control requirements. These illustrations are intended as practical guides on how to apply all the factors discussed in other chapters and displayed on Figures and Tables throughout Part VI. Effective Date

In the direct final rule, OSHA set an effective date of August 13, 2002. In two of the eight comments received in response to the direct final rule and proposed rule, commenters asserted that the effective date needed to be delayed by one year. The Agency is treating those two comments as significant adverse comments.

The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) asserted that an additional year was needed to ``allow enough time for industry organizations to notify their constituents of their new compliance responsibilities and for contractors to achieve full compliance.'' (EX 23). Specifically, NECA stated:

Most construction contractors not involved in routine highway construction are unaccustomed to the details [of the updated MUTCD] * * * Utility contractors performing progressive removal and/or installation of electrical and communication line, piping, sewer system are not usually involved in the construction and maintenance of roadways * * * There could be a shortage of traffic control devices from suppliers and manufacturers to meet expanded requests if there is an abrupt need to achieve full compliance among a broader construction audience than expected. This could potentially lead to unpredicted noncompliance among highway construction contractors as well as among nonhighway contractors. For example, a representative of a major manufacturer of temporary traffic lane marking recently told NECA that the company's typical months for producing the tape for the upcoming construction season are February and March, suggesting a possible shortage of material until well after the proposed OSHA effective compliance date of August 2002. Available material and equipment supply may not meet a rapid demand. Manufacturers and suppliers should be allowed time to expand their inventory in anticipation of expanded demand.

(EX 23).

The National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) submitted similar comments (EX27), asserting that:

Most residential construction is not involved in routine highway construction and therefore, most are not aware of the requirements of the MUTCD. * * * [T]here may be a shortage of traffic control devices and equipment that could lead to significant cost increases or noncompliance with the new standard if these are unavailable. This would add additional costs to residential construction projects that are currently in progress or for contracts for construction endeavors that are already in place.

(EX 27).

The Agency finds that these assertions fail to demonstrate a need for a oneyear delay in the effective date. Implicit in the comments is the assumption that the MUTCD has applied only to employers engaged in road work, while OSHA is now seeking to apply the revised MUTCD to contractors engaged in nonroad work affected by road traffic hazards. The assumption that the requirements of the 1971 MUTCD were limited to the construction/repair of roads is incorrect. In section 6A3 (``Application of Standards'') of the 1971 MUTCD, ``construction and maintenance operations'' covered by the manual are described as including ``encroachments by adjacent building construction.''

Also, with respect to NECA's comment, as stated in section 6A2 (Scope) of the 1971 MUTCD, the requirements have applied specifically to ``utility work.'' Additionally, in 29 U.S.C. 1926 subpart V (Power Transmission and Distribution), section 1926.955(b)(7) requires that in metal power transmission/distribution tower construction, adequate traffic control must be maintained when crossing highways with equipment as required by the provisions of 1926.200 (g)(2)which had incorporated the 1971 MUTCD. This Subpart V requirement has been in place since 1973. Therefore, employers other than just those constructing/repairing roads have had to comply with the 1971 MUTCD for approximately 30 years.

As discussed below, in analyzing the costs of updating the rule, OSHA estimates that the overwhelming majority of roads in the United States
[[Page 57728]]
are subject to DOT requirements to comply with Revision 3 or the Millennium Edition. Consequently, the percentage of worksites where equipment is now going to be required for the first time is small. Furthermore, it is unlikely that many construction employers work exclusively on sites subject to DOT jurisdiction. As long as some of their work has been subject to DOT requirements, they have had to have the equipment necessary to comply with the updated MUTCD since 1996. Therefore, it is unlikely that whatever new demand there is for equipment will be significant relative to current industry production levels.

The NAHB and NECA also stated that more time is needed to train both the industry and OSHA compliance officers on the updated MUTCD. In light of the fact that most affected employers have been required to comply with the updated MUTCD since 1996, it appears that a oneyear extension in the effective date, which was requested by these commenters, is not necessary. However, to facilitate the Agency's emphasis on outreach efforts, OSHA has added 120 days to the original proposed effective date; the new effective date is December 11, 2002. This will also accommodate the small number of employers affected by this rule that have not until now been required to comply with the updated MUTCD requirements.
Regulatory Planning and Review
Executive Order 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review)

Relationship to Existing DOT Regulations

Through this rule, OSHA is requiring that traffic control signs, signals, barricades or devices conform to Revision 3 or Part VI of the Millennium Edition, instead of the ANSI MUTCD. The ANSI MUTCD was issued in 1971. In 1988 the FHWA substantially revised and reissued the MUTCD. Since that time, FHWA has published several updates, including a 1993 revision to Part VIRevision 3. In December 2000, FHWA published a Millennium Edition of the MUTCD that changed the format and revised several requirements. Employers that receive Federal highway funds are currently required to comply with Revision 3 and have up until January 2003 to bring their programs into compliance with the Millennium Edition.

This is a significant regulatory action and has been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Order 12866. OSHA has determined that this action is not an economically significant regulatory action within the meaning of Executive Order 12866. Revision 3 of the MUTCD adds to the ANSI requirements some new, alternative traffic control devices and expanded provisions and guidance materials, including new typical application diagrams that incorporate technology advances in traffic control device application. Part VI of the Millennium Edition includes some alternative traffic control devices and only a very limited number of new or changed requirements. However, the activities required by compliance with either Revision 3 or the Millennium Edition would not be new or a departure from current practices for the vast majority of work sites. All of these requirements are now or have been part of DOT regulations that cover workrelated activities on many public roadways.

According to DOT regulations, the MUTCD is the national standard for streets, highways and bicycle trails. While OSHA's de minimus policy is applied to situations in which there is failure to comply with the 1971 ANSI MUTCD when there is compliance with Revision 3, this action will reduce any confusion created by the current requirement for employers to comply both with the 1971 ANSI MUTCD and DOT's MUTCD. Percentage of Roads Covered Under OSHA's Standard Versus the DOT Standard

The majority of U.S. roads are currently covered by DOT regulations and their related State MUTCDs. DOT regulations cover all federalaid highways, which carry the majority of traffic. Moreover, many states extend MUTCD coverage to nonfederalaid and private roads. Thus, the requirements imposed by this OSHA final rule will be new only for the small percentage of the work that is not directly regulated by DOT or state transportation agencies.

FederalAid Highways. Employers must comply with Revision 3 for all construction work respecting federalaid highways. Although federalaid highways constitute a minority of all public highways as measured by length, these highways carry the great majority of traffic. According to OSHA's analysis, 84 percent of vehiclemiles are driven on federal aid highways (see Table 1). Though not a perfect measure, vehicular use corresponds more directly than length of road to the need for construction, repair, and other work activities addressed by the MUTCD. This suggests that most of these activities occur with respect to federalaid highways. Conforming to the standards of the MUTCD during these work activities is a clear requirement of receiving federal highway funds and is therefore regulated by DOT.

State, Local, County and Municipal Roads (not Receiving Federal Aid). The available data suggest that work respecting most nonfederal aid roads are required to comply with the MUTCD. Many states choose to regulate public roadways that are not federalaid highways and thereby extend the coverage of the MUTCD. For example, OSHA reviewed the practices of nine states (Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, and Texas), which include 23 percent of all U.S. public roads. In conducting this review, OSHA found that eight of the states require MUTCD standards on all state roads, while the ninth state requires MUTCD standards on state roads if the state contracts the work to be done. Five of these states also require that MUTCD standards be met on all county and municipal roads. For the sample of nine states, individual state coverage of public roads by state MUTCDs ranges from 12 percent to 100 percent (see Table 2). OSHA found that, on average, MUTCD coverage of all public roads in these nine states is 84 percent. (OSHA computed the average across the nine states by weighting by total highway miles.)

Private Roads. OSHA also examined MUTCD coverage of private roads. Although data on the extent of private roads is very limited, the best available information indicates that about 20 percent of the total mileage is accounted for by private roads (see Table 2). Some of these private roads are covered by State MUTCD standards. Of the nine states examined by OSHA, one state included private roads under the MUTCD standards if the state enforced traffic laws on these roads (e.g., roads in gated communities). Another state extended MUTCD standards to private roads if the state was involved in road design or approval. A third state deferred coverage to municipal ordinances, which may require meeting MUTCD standards on private roads. Thus, although it is clear that some local governments extend coverage to private roads, no data are available to specify with precision the extent to which this is the case.

Additional Incentives To Comply With the MUTCD

The estimates of the percentage of roads and highways covered by the MUTCD presented above are conservative. States, localities and their contractors have additional incentives to comply with the MUTCD when it is
[[Page 57729]]
not required. OSHA policy reinforces these incentives because OSHA does not enforce compliance with the ANSI MUTCD when there is compliance with Revision 3.

Under 23 U.S.C. 402(a), states must have highway safety programs that are approved by the Secretary of Transportation. The Secretary is directed to promulgate guidelines for establishing these programs. Those guidelines state that programs ``should'' conform with the MUTCD. DOT does not have the authority to require compliance with the MUTCD on roads that do not receive federal aid, but recommends it. In light of this, and the statement that the MUTCD is ``the national standard for all traffic control devices'' (23 CFR 655.603(a)), the MUTCD has become the standard of care for litigation purposes. Thus, when a state or local government engages in a road construction project, it will likely seek to meet a reasonable standard of care (i.e. compliance with a recent edition of the MUTCD). If it does not, it could face substantial liability if the construction on its roads is a contributing factor in an accident. While compliance with the MUTCD does not insulate a state or locality from liability, it significantly reduces its exposure.

Moreover, many of the contractors who conduct work on covered roads are likely to conduct work on noncovered roads as well. In the interest of efficiency, these contractors are likely to consistently apply the current version of the MUTCD to all work, rather than switch back to the ANSI version for a small percentage of their overall business.

Finally, as is discussed below, signs and devices meeting 1993 specifications are often less expensive than signs meeting 1971 ANSI specifications. This has provided contractors involved in road construction and repair operations with a natural incentive to replace old and worn signs with signs meeting the more uptodate standard. Costs Associated With the DOT Standard

DOT has consistently found that their revisions to the MUTCD as a whole and to its various parts have not given rise to new annual costs of compliance that are significant within the meaning of that term as used in Executive Order 12866. The Federal Register Notice (December 10, 1993) on the final amendment to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD); Work Zone Traffic Control states:

The FHWA has determined that this action is not a significant regulatory action within the meaning of Executive Order 12866 or significant within the meaning of Department of Transportation regulatory policies and procedures. As previously discussed in the above sections on `Changed Standards' and `New Devices,' this revision of Part VI adds some new, alternative traffic control devices, and only a very limited number of new or changed
requirements. Most of the changes included in this version of part VI are expanded guidance materials, including many new Typical Application Diagrams. The FHWA expects that application uniformity will improve at virtually no additional expense to public agencies or the motoring public. Therefore, based on this analysis a full regulatory evaluation is not required.

58 FR 65084, 65085.

The Federal Register Notice (December 18, 2000) on the final amendment to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (MUTCD) states:

The FHWA has determined that this action is not a significant regulatory action within the meaning of Executive Order 12866 or significant within the meaning of Department of Transportation regulatory policies and procedures. It is anticipated that the economic impact of this rulemaking will be minimal. Most of the changes in this final rule provide additional guidance,
clarification, and optional applications for traffic control devices. The FWHA believes that the uniform application of traffic control devices will greatly improve the traffic operations efficiency and the safety of roadways at little additional expense to public agencies or the monitoring public. Therefore, a full regulatory evaluation is not required.

65 FR 78923, 78957.

Moreover, OSHA has conducted detailed comparisons of the various versions of the MUTCD. The OSHA comparative analysis indicates that the majority of changes to the 1971 version offered increased flexibility, were advisory in nature, or changed mandatory requirements to non mandatory provisions. Table 3 summarizes the differences between the 1971 ANSI MUTCD and the 1993 Revision that either potentially increase costs or lead to increased flexibility. In cases of increased flexibility and changes to nonmandatory provisions, it is likely that the effect will be to decrease the costs of compliance.

In a few instances, however, the 1993 Revision mandated sign or device changes that could lead to cost increases because contractors would need to purchase new signs for some projects. Table 4 summarizes these cases, which include specifications for stop/slow paddles, no parking signs, ``road narrows'' and other warnings, and reflective traffic drums. The table lists the changes in specifications as well as presents prices for the 1971 versus the 1993 version of the sign or device. Excluded from Table 4 are ``approach warning signs,'' which are additional signs required by the 1993 MUTCD in highly vulnerable areas.

For stop/slow paddles, the more recent MUTCD version of sign (18'' by 18'') is less expensive than the older, ANSI version (24'' by 24''), with vendors reporting a price difference of $31.50 per sign. No parking signs that include the international ``no parking'' symbol (as required in the 1993 MUTCD) but do not include a legend are only $0.80 more than the older ANSI version of the signs containing only a legend (the 1993 MUTCD does not require a legend). For ``road narrows'' and other warning signs, the MUTCD version (36'' by 36'') is $31 more than the ANSIspecification in the most direct comparison that OSHA identified ($90, as compared to $59). One vendor, however, sold a version of the new sign using an alternative metal for less than $47. Regarding reflective traffic drums, one vendor reported that reflective 55gallon metal drums (1971 ANSI standard) are no longer produced. When they were last available they sold for $45 to $60 each. A reflective traffic drum meeting the MUTCD standard is $68.

To summarize, prices for signs meeting 1993 MUTCD specifications are not significantly higher than prices for signs meeting 1971 ANSI specifications; in fact, the prices are often lower. Moreover, for devices such as reflective traffic drums, it is not even possible to replace old and worn items with items meeting 1971 standards. This suggests that contractors involved in road construction and repair operations have had an incentive to update to 1993 specifications as their equipment has worn out. The primary effect of the OSHA standard, will be to speed the process of switching to 1993 specifications for contractors who have not already chosen to switch.

To further gauge the potential burden of updating to 1993 MUTCD specifications, OSHA examined the fortyfour colored illustrations of the different types of typical highway construction work zones presented in Sections 6G through 6H of the 1993 MUTCD. The majority of examples of work zones presented in the MUTCD represent situations that are currently covered by DOT regulations, and would not be affected by the OSHA standard. However, OSHA was able to identify three examples of situations that may not fall under DOT regulations, but would be included in the scope of the OSHA standard.

The first example examined was a ``Lane closure on minor street,'' [[Page 57730]]
illustrated by Figure TA18 (see page 1423 of the MUTCD). In this example, compliance with the 1993 MUTCD would require no changes. Requirements would be met using signs and devices meeting the 1971 ANSI specifications. Consequently, no incremental costs would be attributable to compliance with the 1993 MUTCD.

The second example examined was a ``Lane closure for one lanetwo way traffic control,'' illustrated by Figure TA10 (see page 1267 of the MUTCD). In this setting, compliance with the 1993 MUTCD is achieved by adding two flagger signs and four advance warning signs (two ``Right [Left] Lane Closed Ahead'' and two ``Road Construction XXX Ft'') to the 1971 ANSI requirement. In addition, two flagger hand signaling devices (sign paddles) meeting the 1993 dimensions (24'' by 24'') are needed. A Flagger sign can be purchased for about $34, while the ``Right [Left] Lane Closed Ahead'' and ``Road Construction XXX Ft'' signs can be purchased for about $47 each. The two sign paddles are $67.\1\ Thus, compliance with the 1993 MUTCD would involved a onetime expenditure of $323.
\1\ Prices are from Newman Signs (http://www.newmansigns.com)

Finally, OSHA examined a third situation, ``Lane closure on low volume twolane road,'' illustrated by Figure TA11 (see page 1289 of the MUTCD). It is important to note that this situation would likely apply to a county or state road, and most states already extend the coverage of the MUTCD in this setting (see OSHA review of 9 states presented below). Here, compliance with the 1993 MUTCD is achieved through the use of two ``Right [Left] Lane Closed Ahead'' and two ``Road Construction XXX Ft'') to the 1971 ANSI requirement, which can be purchased for about $47 each.\2\ In addition, one advance warning sign with the international symbol for ``yield'' is needed. These can be purchased for roughly $100.\3\ Thus, compliance with the 1993 MUTCD would involve a onetime expenditure of $288. If it is assumed that contractor chooses to use 20 drums instead of 20 cones, this would involve a onetime additional expenditure of $1,360, increasing compliance costs to $1,648.
\2\ Prices are from Newman Signs (http://www.newmansigns.com/). \3\ Prices are from Newman Signs (http://www.newmansigns.com/).

In sum, DOT has consistently found that changes and revisions to the MUTCD do not lead to significant compliance costs. OSHA's comparative assessment of the 1971 ANSI requirements and the 1993 MUTCD tends to support DOT's findings. Because the OSHA regulation applies the MUTCD as developed by DOT, the costs of compliance with the OSHA regulation will be insignificant as well.

Costs Attributable to the OSHA Standard

The analysis discussed above indicates that the costs of compliance for OSHA's proposed action will not be significant under Executive Order 12866. As DOT has estimated, the costs associated with the various versions of the MUTCD and its revisions are small. OSHA's comparative analysis of the 1971 ANSI and 1993 MUTCD supports DOT's estimates. In addition, the overwhelming majority of public roads are already covered by DOT regulations and their related State MUTCDs. As discussed above, OSHA estimated that more than 80 percent of work performed on U.S. roads is covered by DOT regulations and their related State MUTCDs. Due to the extension of MUTCD requirements to non federalaid and private roads as well as additional incentives to comply with the MUTCD in situations where compliance is not mandatory, the percentage of work already covered is likely to be much higher than 80 percent. The costs of compliance for those directly regulated by OSHA will, therefore, be substantially lower than those estimated for compliance with DOT regulations.

The differences between OSHA's current regulations that reference the ANSI MUTCD and DOT's regulations create potential industry confusion and inefficiency. OSHA's comparative analysis of the 1971 ANSI and 1993 MUTCD indicated that the majority of changes offered increased flexibility, were advisory in nature, or changed mandatory requirements to nonmandatory provisions. Since the costs of the proposed action are so minimal, it is possible that they will be completely offset by eliminating the inefficiency associated with inconsistent OSHA and DOT regulations as well the direct cost savings from enhanced flexibility and changes to nonmandatory provisions embodied in the 1993 MUTCD.

Technological and Economic Feasibility

The MUTCD is a standard that has been routinely updated for decades by DOT and in fact predates the federal highway program. The process used to update this standard is for DOT to work with state highway officials, who provide federal officials with information on the evolving nature of traffic control devices and industry practices. The federal role consists primarily of compiling this evolving set of practices and devices into a national manualthe MUTCDthat includes standards, guidance, and options. As noted by a DOT official,\4\ the MUTCD essentially codifies current industry practice. Thus, most potentially affected partieslocal governments, highway and utility contractors, and othersalready apply the MUTCD, which clearly demonstrates that doing so is both technologically and economically feasible.
\4\ Personal communication between Rudolph Umbs, Federal Highway Administration, and John Duberg, TechLaw, December 12, 2000. Regulatory Flexibility Screening Analysis

In order to determine whether a regulatory flexibility analysis is required under the Regulatory Flexibility Act, OSHA has evaluated the potential economic impacts of this action on small entities. Table 5 presents the data used in this analysis to determine whether this regulation would have a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities. For purposes of this analysis, OSHA used the Small Business Administration (SBA) Small Business Size Standard and defined a small firm as a firm with $27.5 million or less in annual receipts.

OSHA guidelines for determining the need for regulatory flexibility analysis require determining the regulatory costs as a percentage of the revenues and profits of small entities. The analysis presented here is in most respects a worstcase analysis. OSHA examined the situation of a small firm with less than 20 employees all of whose employees work on projects not previously covered by Revision 3 or the Millennium Edition. OSHA further assumed that the firm previously complied only with the existing OSHA rule (1971 ANSI MUTCD). OSHA derived estimates of the profits and revenues per firm for establishments with fewer than 20 employees for ``Highway and Street Construction'' (SIC 1611) using data from Census and Dun and Bradstreet. Compliance costs were estimated using the third situation examined under Costs Associated with the DOT Standard (``Lane closure on lowvolume twolane road'') and assuming the worstcase scenario, where compliance costs were $1,648. This value served as OSHA's estimate for upperbound compliance costs per construction crew. OSHA assumed that a highway construction crew consists of four employees and computed an estimate of average total cost of the regulation per establishment of $2,161. Annualized compliance costs were $308 per establishments for small entities, [[Page 57731]]
amounting to 0.03 percent of revenue and 0.85 percent of profit. Based on this worstcase evaluation, OSHA certifies that this regulation will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
Table 1.Federal Aid Highway Length, LaneMiles and VehicleMiles Length of roadway Annual Vehicle System (Miles) \1\ LaneMiles \2\ Miles \3\ Interstate Highways.................................... 46,564 208,649 648,124 Other National Highways................................ 113,995 333,355 546,028

Total National Highways............................ 160,559 542,004 1,194,152 ==================== Other FederalAid...................................... 797,783 1,719,703 1,093,975

Total FederalAid Highways......................... 958,342 2,261,707 2,288,127 ==================== Non FederalHighways................................... 2,973,673 5,947,348 420,201

Total Highways..................................... 3,932,015 8,209,055 2,708,328 ==================== FederalAid as a Percent of Total...................... 24% 28% 84% \1\ FHWA, Highway Statistics: 1999, Section V, Table HM16.
\2\ FHWA, Highway Statistics: 1999, Section V, Table HM48.
\3\ FHWA, Highway Statistics: 1999, Section V, Table VM3.
Table 2.Highway Miles Covered by Federal or State MUTCDs: Selected States Covered Town, miles as a State Federal State County township, Other\2\ Total miles Total miles share of agency\1\ agency municipal covered total (percent) Alabama\3\...................................... 733 10,869 ........... ........... ........... 11,602 94,246 12 Arkansas\4\..................................... 2,135 16,366 65,347 13,710 1 97,559 97,559 100 Colorado\4\..................................... 6,969 9,071 55,447 12,363 1,299 85,149 85,149 100 Connecticut\4\.................................. 4 3,717 ........... 16,807 260 20,788 20,788 100 Delaware\5\..................................... 7 5,065 ........... ........... ........... 5,072 5,748 88 Kentucky\6\..................................... 1,013 27,477 ........... ........... ........... 28,490 74,120 38 Michigan\4\..................................... 2,083 9,725 89,344 20,570 ........... 121,722 121,722 100 North Carolina\7\............................... 2,361 78,103 ........... ........... ........... 80,464 99,301 81 Texas\4\........................................ 454 79,164 142,285 78,488 116 300,507 300,507 100

9 State Total............................... 15,759 239,557 352,423 141,938 1,676 751,353 899,140 84
U.S. Total...................................... 118,391 773,904 1,766,396 1,206,925 66,401 ........... 3,932,017 ...........
9 States as a % of U.S. Total................... 13% 31% 20% 12% 3% ........... 23% ........... Source: FHWA, Highway Statistics: 1999, Section V, Table HM10 \1\ Roadways in Federal parks, forests, and reservations that are not part of the State and local highway systems. \2\ Includes State park, State toll, other State agency, other local agency, and other roadways not identified by ownership. \3\ County, other local public, and private roads are covered if the state was part of design work or road approval. \4\ All state, county, and municipal roads are covered.
\5\ Municipal and private roads are not covered.
\6\ All state, county, and municipal roads are covered if the state contracts the work. \7\ NC has no county road; municipalities ``should'' use the MUTCD. \8\ States for which OSHA reviewed MUTCD requirements.
Table 3.Changes in 1993 MUTCD (vs. 1971 ANSI) that Lead to Potential Cost Decreases or Increases 1971 ANSI MUTCD 1993 Rev 3, Part VI MUTCD Nature of change(s) 6E3 Flagmen: 6E3: High Visibility Clothing: .................................... The use of an orange vest, and/or an 1. For daytime work, the flagger's Mandatory provisions offer more orange cap shall be required for vest, shirt, or jacket shall be flexibilitywider range of flagmen. orange, yellow, strong yellow green acceptable garments and colors. or fluorescent versions of these colors.
For nighttime * * * garments shall For nighttime work, * * * the Clarification of visibility distance be reflectorized. garments shall be retroreflective: requirements. 1. Orange, yellow, white, silver, Millennium Edition no longer strong yellowgreen, or a requires visibility through full fluorescent version of one of range of body motions. these.
2. Shall be visible at a minimum .................................... distance of 1,000 feet. 3. Shall be designed to identify .................................... clearly the wearer as a person and be visible through the full range of body motions.
[[Page 57732]]
6E2. HandSignaling Devices: 6E4. HandSignaling Devices: Sign change. Sign paddles should be at least 24 The standard STOP/SLOW sign paddle .................................... inches wide * * * shall be 18 inches square. 6E5. Flagger Stations: 6E6. Flagger Stations: .................................... * * * distance is related to Table VI1, Guidelines for length of Guidance provisions that offer more approach speed and physical longitudinal buffer space, may be flexibility. conditions at the site; however, used for locating flagger stations 200 to 3000 feet is desirable. in advance of the work space. (Pg. 13: lengths start at 35 feet for 20MPH speed to 485 feet for 65 MPH))
Footnote to the guidelines in Table Contractors that perform work on VI indicate that distances apply on steep downgrades most likely have wet and level pavements. Employers referenced

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT

General Information and Press InquiriesBonnie Friedman, Director, Office of Public Affairs, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, Room N3647, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20210; telephone: (202) 6931999. Technical InformationNancy Ford, Office of Construction Standards and Construction Services, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, Room N3468, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20210; telephone (202) 693 2345.