![]() I would appreciate hearing from you regarding this proposal, or any other proposal you may have regarding this situation. Because the definition of "stable rock" is not in the text of the rule, but in an appendix, perhaps it is possible to include "Miami oolite rock" in this definition without amending the rule itself. Because OSHA regulations do not make exceptions for this particular stable organic rock, unneeded expenses are being added to the cost of construction in Dade County Florida. During this salvage exploration, intact black earth midden deposits were discovered at the site. "Miami oolite rock", which is found throughout South Florida, is an organic rock considered by local engineers to be very stable. Old low-rise apartments from the 1950s had recently been demolished to make room for the new construction. I further understand that while mineral rock is considered stable, organic rock is not considered stable. It is my understanding that current OSHA regulation CFR 29 1926.652 requires that certain precautions be taken by underground contractors to prevent cave-ins at excavation sites except when "excavations are made in stable rock". I would like to bring to your attention a situation being encountered by several of my constituents. Dale Cavanaugh of my staff in the Office of Construction and Maritime Compliance Assistance at (202) 219-8136. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. I appreciate your interest in this matter. Therefore, if an engineer evaluates the oolitic rock and determines that protective systems are not necessary, then work may proceed accordingly. 652(b)(4) that excavations may proceed in accordance with the recommendations of a registered professional engineer. and no detail was left unattended when the property was finally pronounced ready for. However, OSHA recognizes that protective systems are not always necessary in some soils including oolitic rock, and has provided in the regulations at. Morningside has a history as old as the City of Miami itself. Because of these characteristics, a blanket exception from the regulations should not be granted for oolite rock conditions. This high angle, which is not a characteristic of stable rock, can lead to a cave-in. In addition, oolite rock poses a potential cave-in hazard because of the high angle of fracture that occurs when it is broken, as can happen during excavation operations. Your constituents are concerned that "Miami oolite rock" is an organic rock and does not meet OSHA's definition and, therefore, does not qualify for the exemption.Īfter discussing the matter with several soil mechanics experts, we feel it would be inappropriate to change the definition of "stable rock" to include "Miami oolite rock." Although oolite can sometimes exhibit the properties of stable rock, it is often interspersed with sand seams which are not stable. I apologize for the delay of this response.Īs you point out in your letter, the term "stable rock" is defined by OSHA to mean "natural solid mineral matter that can be excavated with vertical sides and remain intact while exposed." This definition is important because certain precautions needed to be taken to prevent cave-in hazards in other types of material do not need to be taken in "stable" rock. And then the quarry was turned into another Coral Gables landmark, magnificent Venetian Pool, a huge municipal swimming pool built in Venetian style architecture, with an island, restaurant, and tall palm trees.Thank you for your letter of February 24 concerning whether or not organic rock, such as "Miami oolite rock" should be considered by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as "stable rock" for the purposes of OSHA's excavation regulations. One of the most fascinating things about the City Hall is that the oolitic limestone (which we always called "Coral Rock") was quarried from a place in the city nearby. 'Miami oolite rock', which is found throughout South Florida, is an organic rock considered by local engineers to be very stable. ![]() It's all because that style was all the rage in the 1920's-at the same time the early movie stars in Hollywood were building similar-styled mansions. ![]() ![]() (The City Hall is directly on LeJeune Road and Coral Way, so it's easy to find.) Most all the vintage houses in Coral Gables are also in the elegant Mediterranean style, with beautiful ornaments, fountains,and courtyards. ![]() Everything in Coral Gables today is Spanish in style, including the names of all the streets, etc., which feature fountains and plazas at all major intersections. The City of Coral Gables was one man's dream, and he developed it in the roaring twenties, which were really roaring in Miami. It's one of the architectural highlights of Coral Gables, the Miami suburb which is famous for its elegant homes, the fantastic Biltmore Hotel, and this City Hall. I grew up in Miami, and know this building well. ![]()
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