OSHA general industry walking-working surfaces study guide
Subpart D of OSHA's general industry rules (29 CFR 1910.21 to 1910.30) covers walking-working surfaces. This guide sets out what the rule text states on keeping surfaces clean and in repair, ladders, stairways, dockboards, when fall protection is required (including the 4-foot rule and its listed exceptions), basic criteria for guardrails, covers, warning lines and toeboards, and training. Several requirements depend on when equipment was installed (for example January 17, 2017 and November 19, 2018); those dates are given with the rule they belong to. Every point links to the regulation and quotes its exact words.
General requirements
Subpart D applies to all general industry workplaces and covers all walking-working surfaces unless an individual section of the subpart specifically excludes them.
“This subpart applies to all general industry workplaces. It covers all walking-working surfaces unless specifically excluded by an individual section of this subpart.”
All places of employment, passageways, storerooms, service rooms, and walking-working surfaces must be kept clean, orderly, and sanitary.
“All places of employment, passageways, storerooms, service rooms, and walking-working surfaces are kept in a clean, orderly, and sanitary condition.”
Each workroom floor must be kept clean and, to the extent feasible, dry. Where wet processes are used, drainage must be maintained and, to the extent feasible, dry standing places such as false floors, platforms, and mats must be provided.
“The floor of each workroom is maintained in a clean and, to the extent feasible, in a dry condition. When wet processes are used, drainage must be maintained and, to the extent feasible, dry standing places, such as false floors, platforms, and mats must be provided.”
Walking-working surfaces must be kept free of hazards such as sharp or protruding objects, loose boards, corrosion, leaks, spills, snow, and ice.
“Walking-working surfaces are maintained free of hazards such as sharp or protruding objects, loose boards, corrosion, leaks, spills, snow, and ice.”
Each walking-working surface must be able to support the maximum intended load for that surface, and the employer must provide, and make sure each employee uses, a safe means of access and egress to and from walking-working surfaces.
“The employer must ensure that each walking-working surface can support the maximum intended load for that surface. (c) Access and egress. The employer must provide, and ensure each employee uses, a safe means of access and egress to and from walking-working surfaces.”
Walking-working surfaces must be inspected, regularly and as necessary, and kept in a safe condition. Hazardous conditions must be corrected or repaired before an employee uses the surface again; if that cannot be done immediately, the hazard must be guarded so employees cannot use the surface until it is fixed.
“Walking-working surfaces are inspected, regularly and as necessary, and maintained in a safe condition; (2) Hazardous conditions on walking-working surfaces are corrected or repaired before an employee uses the walking-working surface again. If the correction or repair cannot be made immediately, the hazard must be guarded to prevent employees from using the walking-working surface until the hazard is corrected or repaired”
When a correction or repair involves the structural integrity of the walking-working surface, a qualified person must perform or supervise it.
“When any correction or repair involves the structural integrity of the walking-working surface, a qualified person performs or supervises the correction or repair.”
Ladders
Section 1910.23 covers all ladders except ladders used in emergency operations (such as firefighting, rescue, and tactical law enforcement) or training for them, and ladders designed into or integral to machines or equipment.
“This section covers all ladders, except when the ladder is: (1) Used in emergency operations such as firefighting, rescue, and tactical law enforcement operations, or training for these operations; or (2) Designed into or is an integral part of machines or equipment.”
Ladder rungs, steps, and cleats must be spaced not less than 10 inches and not more than 14 inches apart, measured between centerlines. The paragraph lists exceptions with their own spacing figures.
“Ladder rungs, steps, and cleats are spaced not less than 10 inches (25 cm) and not more than 14 inches (36 cm) apart, as measured between the centerlines of the rungs, cleats, and steps, except that:”
Ladders must be inspected before initial use in each work shift, and more frequently as necessary, to identify visible defects that could cause injury.
“Ladders are inspected before initial use in each work shift, and more frequently as necessary, to identify any visible defects that could cause employee injury;”
A ladder with structural or other defects must immediately be tagged "Dangerous: Do Not Use" (or similar language under 1910.145) and removed from service until repaired under 1910.22(d), or replaced.
“Any ladder with structural or other defects is immediately tagged “Dangerous: Do Not Use” or with similar language in accordance with § 1910.145 and removed from service until repaired in accordance with § 1910.22(d), or replaced;”
When climbing up or down, each employee must face the ladder, use at least one hand to grasp it, and not carry any object or load that could cause a loss of balance and a fall.
“Each employee faces the ladder when climbing up or down it; (12) Each employee uses at least one hand to grasp the ladder when climbing up and down it; and (13) No employee carries any object or load that could cause the employee to lose balance and fall while climbing up or down the ladder.”
Portable ladders must be used only on stable and level surfaces unless they are secured or stabilized to prevent accidental displacement, and no ladder may be moved, shifted, or extended while an employee is on it.
“Ladders are used only on stable and level surfaces unless they are secured or stabilized to prevent accidental displacement; (5) No portable single rail ladders are used; (6) No ladder is moved, shifted, or extended while an employee is on it;”
The cap (if equipped) and the top step of a stepladder must not be used as steps.
“The cap (if equipped) and top step of a stepladder are not used as steps;”
Portable ladders used to reach an upper landing surface must have side rails that extend at least 3 feet above that surface, and ladders must not be placed on boxes, barrels, or other unstable bases to gain height.
“Portable ladders used to gain access to an upper landing surface have side rails that extend at least 3 feet (0.9 m) above the upper landing surface (see Figure D-1 of this section); (12) Ladders and ladder sections are not tied or fastened together to provide added length unless they are specifically designed for such use; (13) Ladders are not placed on boxes, barrels, or other unstable bases to obtain additional height.”
Not covered here
Mobile ladder stands and platforms (1910.23(e)), step bolts and manhole steps (1910.24), the full fixed-ladder dimensions in 1910.23(d), and the figures referenced in the section. We only write what an official source states, so study these parts with your certifying program's materials.
Stairways
Section 1910.25 covers all stairways (standard, spiral, ship, and alternating tread-type) except articulated stairs such as those serving floating roof tanks, stairs on scaffolds, stairs designed into machines or equipment, and stairs on self-propelled motorized equipment.
“This section covers all stairways (including standard, spiral, ship, and alternating tread-type stairs), except for articulated stairs (stairs that change pitch due to change in height at the point of attachment) such as those serving floating roof tanks, stairs on scaffolds, stairs designed into machines or equipment, and stairs on self-propelled motorized equipment.”
Vertical clearance above any stair tread to an overhead obstruction must be at least 6 feet, 8 inches, measured from the leading edge of the tread. Spiral stairs have their own headroom rule.
“Vertical clearance above any stair tread to any overhead obstruction is at least 6 feet, 8 inches (203 cm), as measured from the leading edge of the tread. Spiral stairs must meet the vertical clearance requirements in paragraph (d)(3) of this section.”
Each stair must support at least five times the normal anticipated live load, and never less than a concentrated load of 1,000 pounds applied at any point.
“Each stair can support at least five times the normal anticipated live load, but never less than a concentrated load of 1,000 pounds (454 kg) applied at any point;”
Spiral, ship, or alternating tread-type stairs may be used only when the employer can demonstrate that it is not feasible to provide standard stairs.
“Spiral, ship, or alternating tread-type stairs are used only when the employer can demonstrate that it is not feasible to provide standard stairs.”
Standard stairs must be installed at angles between 30 and 50 degrees from the horizontal, and have a maximum riser height of 9.5 inches, a minimum tread depth of 9.5 inches, and a minimum width of 22 inches between vertical barriers. The riser and tread limits have an exception for stairs installed before January 17, 2017 (next point).
“Are installed at angles between 30 to 50 degrees from the horizontal; (2) Have a maximum riser height of 9.5 inches (24 cm); (3) Have a minimum tread depth of 9.5 inches (24 cm); and (4) Have a minimum width of 22 inches (56 cm) between vertical barriers”
The riser height and tread depth limits for standard stairs do not apply to standard stairs installed before January 17, 2017; OSHA deems those in compliance if they meet Table D-1 or use a combination that achieves the 30 to 50 degree angle.
“The requirements of paragraphs (c)(2) and (3) do not apply to standard stairs installed prior to January 17, 2017. OSHA will deem those stairs in compliance if they meet the dimension requirements specified in Table D-1 of this section or they use a combination that achieves the angle requirements of paragraph (c)(1) of this section.”
Each employee exposed to an unprotected side or edge of a stairway landing 4 feet or more above a lower level must be protected by a guardrail or stair rail system, and each flight of stairs having at least 3 treads and at least 4 risers must have stair rail systems and handrails as the rule sets out.
“Each employee exposed to an unprotected side or edge of a stairway landing that is 4 feet (1.2 m) or more above a lower level is protected by a guardrail or stair rail system; (ii) Each flight of stairs having at least 3 treads and at least 4 risers is equipped with stair rail systems and handrails as follows:”
29 CFR 1910.28, Duty to have fall protection and falling object protection
Handrails must be not less than 30 inches and not more than 38 inches high, measured from the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the handrail.
“Handrails are not less than 30 inches (76 cm) and not more than 38 inches (97 cm), as measured from the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the handrail”
29 CFR 1910.29, Fall protection systems and falling object protection—criteria and practices
Stair rail systems installed on or after January 17, 2017 must be not less than 42 inches high, and those installed before that date not less than 30 inches high, measured from the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the top rail.
“The height of stair rail systems installed before January 17, 2017 is not less than 30 inches (76 cm) from the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the top rail; and (B) The height of stair rail systems installed on or after January 17, 2017 is not less than 42 inches (107 cm) from the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the top rail.”
29 CFR 1910.29, Fall protection systems and falling object protection—criteria and practices
Not covered here
The detailed spiral, ship, and alternating tread-type stair dimensions (1910.25(d) to (f)), Table D-1, the table in 1910.28(b)(11)(ii) that sets out which stair rails and handrails each stair width needs, and the handrail rule for ship and alternating tread-type stairs in 1910.28(b)(11)(iii). We only write what an official source states, so study these parts with your certifying program's materials.
Dockboards
A dockboard is a portable or fixed device that spans a gap or compensates for a difference in elevation between a loading platform and a transport vehicle; dockboards include, but are not limited to, bridge plates, dock plates, and dock levelers.
“Dockboard means a portable or fixed device that spans a gap or compensates for a difference in elevation between a loading platform and a transport vehicle. Dockboards include, but are not limited to, bridge plates, dock plates, and dock levelers.”
Dockboards put into initial service on or after January 17, 2017 must be designed, constructed, and maintained to prevent transfer vehicles from running off the dockboard edge. When the employer demonstrates there is no such run-off hazard, dockboards without run-off protection may be used.
“Dockboards put into initial service on or after January 17, 2017 are designed, constructed, and maintained to prevent transfer vehicles from running off the dockboard edge; (2) Exception to paragraph (b)(1) of this section. When the employer demonstrates there is no hazard of transfer vehicles running off the dockboard edge, the employer may use dockboards that do not have run-off protection.”
Portable dockboards must be secured by anchoring them in place or by equipment or devices that keep them from moving out of a safe position. When the employer demonstrates that securing is not feasible, there must be sufficient contact between the dockboard and the surface to keep it from moving out of a safe position.
“Portable dockboards are secured by anchoring them in place or using equipment or devices that prevent the dockboard from moving out of a safe position. When the employer demonstrates that securing the dockboard is not feasible, the employer must ensure there is sufficient contact between the dockboard and the surface to prevent the dockboard from moving out of a safe position;”
Measures such as wheel chocks or sand shoes must be used to keep the transport vehicle (a truck, semi-trailer, trailer, or rail car) from moving while employees are on the dockboard, and portable dockboards must have handholds or other means for safe handling.
“Measures, such as wheel chocks or sand shoes, are used to prevent the transport vehicle (e.g. a truck, semi-trailer, trailer, or rail car) on which a dockboard is placed, from moving while employees are on the dockboard; and (e) Portable dockboards are equipped with handholds or other means to permit safe handling of dockboards.”
Each employee on a dockboard must be protected from falling 4 feet or more to a lower level by a guardrail system or handrails.
“The employer must ensure that each employee on a dockboard is protected from falling 4 feet (1.2 m) or more to a lower level by a guardrail system or handrails.”
29 CFR 1910.28, Duty to have fall protection and falling object protection
A guardrail system or handrails are not required when all three conditions are met: the dockboard is used solely for materials-handling operations using motorized equipment, the employees in those operations are not exposed to fall hazards greater than 10 feet, and those employees have been trained under 1910.30.
“A guardrail system or handrails are not required when: (A) Dockboards are being used solely for materials-handling operations using motorized equipment; (B) Employees engaged in these operations are not exposed to fall hazards greater than 10 feet (3 m); and (C) Those employees have been trained in accordance with § 1910.30.”
29 CFR 1910.28, Duty to have fall protection and falling object protection
Duty to have fall protection
Section 1910.28 does not apply to portable ladders, or to employers inspecting, investigating, or assessing workplace conditions or work before work starts or after all work is completed. That inspection exemption does not apply when fall protection meeting 1910.29 has been installed and is available for those inspections. The paragraph lists further exclusions.
“This section does not apply: (i) To portable ladders; (ii) When employers are inspecting, investigating, or assessing workplace conditions or work to be performed prior to the start of work or after all work has been completed. This exemption does not apply when fall protection systems or equipment meeting the requirements of § 1910.29 have been installed and are available for workers to use for pre-work and post-work inspections, investigations, or assessments;”
29 CFR 1910.28, Duty to have fall protection and falling object protection
Except as provided elsewhere in the section, each employee on a walking-working surface with an unprotected side or edge 4 feet or more above a lower level must be protected by one or more of: guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall protection systems (such as personal fall arrest, travel restraint, or positioning systems).
“Except as provided elsewhere in this section, the employer must ensure that each employee on a walking-working surface with an unprotected side or edge that is 4 feet (1.2 m) or more above a lower level is protected from falling by one or more of the following: (A) Guardrail systems; (B) Safety net systems; or (C) Personal fall protection systems, such as personal fall arrest, travel restraint, or positioning systems.”
29 CFR 1910.28, Duty to have fall protection and falling object protection
In a hoist area, each employee must be protected from falling 4 feet or more by a guardrail system, personal fall arrest system, or travel restraint system; an employee who must lean through or over the edge after guardrail, gate, or chains are removed needs a personal fall arrest system.
“Each employee in a hoist area is protected from falling 4 feet (1.2 m) or more to a lower level by: (A) A guardrail system; (B) A personal fall arrest system; or (C) A travel restraint system. (ii) When any portion of a guardrail system, gate, or chains is removed, and an employee must lean through or over the edge of the access opening to facilitate hoisting, the employee is protected from falling by a personal fall arrest system.”
29 CFR 1910.28, Duty to have fall protection and falling object protection
Employees must be protected from falling through any hole (including skylights) 4 feet or more above a lower level by one or more of: covers, guardrail systems, travel restraint systems, or personal fall arrest systems. Holes less than 4 feet above a lower level need covers or guardrail systems against tripping or stepping into or through them.
“Each employee is protected from falling through any hole (including skylights) that is 4 feet (1.2 m) or more above a lower level by one or more of the following: (A) Covers; (B) Guardrail systems; (C) Travel restraint systems; or (D) Personal fall arrest systems. (ii) Each employee is protected from tripping into or stepping into or through any hole that is less than 4 feet (1.2 m) above a lower level by covers or guardrail systems.”
29 CFR 1910.28, Duty to have fall protection and falling object protection
An employee less than 4 feet above dangerous equipment must be protected by a guardrail system or travel restraint system unless the equipment is covered or guarded to eliminate the hazard; at 4 feet or more, guardrail, safety net, travel restraint, or personal fall arrest systems are required.
“Each employee less than 4 feet (1.2 m) above dangerous equipment is protected from falling into or onto the dangerous equipment by a guardrail system or a travel restraint system, unless the equipment is covered or guarded to eliminate the hazard. (ii) Each employee 4 feet (1.2 m) or more above dangerous equipment must be protected from falling by: (A) Guardrail systems; (B) Safety net systems; (C) Travel restraint systems; or (D) Personal fall arrest systems.”
29 CFR 1910.28, Duty to have fall protection and falling object protection
A fall protection system is not required for a repair, service, or assembly pit less than 10 feet deep, provided the employer meets each of the listed conditions; the first is limiting access within 6 feet of the pit edge to authorized employees trained under 1910.30.
“The use of a fall protection system is not required for a repair pit, service pit, or assembly pit that is less than 10 feet (3 m) deep, provided the employer: (i) Limits access within 6 feet (1.8 m) of the edge of the pit to authorized employees trained in accordance with § 1910.30;”
29 CFR 1910.28, Duty to have fall protection and falling object protection
For fixed ladders that extend more than 24 feet above a lower level: each one installed before November 19, 2018 must have a personal fall arrest system, ladder safety system, cage, or well; each one installed on and after November 19, 2018 must have a personal fall arrest system or ladder safety system.
“For fixed ladders that extend more than 24 feet (7.3 m) above a lower level, the employer must ensure: (A) Existing fixed ladders. Each fixed ladder installed before November 19, 2018 is equipped with a personal fall arrest system, ladder safety system, cage, or well; (B) New fixed ladders. Each fixed ladder installed on and after November 19, 2018, is equipped with a personal fall arrest system or a ladder safety system;”
29 CFR 1910.28, Duty to have fall protection and falling object protection
On and after November 18, 2036, all fixed ladders that extend more than 24 feet above a lower level must be equipped with a personal fall arrest system or a ladder safety system.
“On and after November 18, 2036, all fixed ladders are equipped with a personal fall arrest system or a ladder safety system.”
29 CFR 1910.28, Duty to have fall protection and falling object protection
On low-slope roofs, when work is performed at least 6 feet but less than 15 feet from the roof edge, each employee must be protected by a guardrail, safety net, travel restraint, or personal fall arrest system; the employer may use a designated area for work that is both infrequent and temporary.
“When work is performed at least 6 feet (1.6 m) but less than 15 feet (4.6 m) from the roof edge, the employer must ensure each employee is protected from falling by using a guardrail system, safety net system, travel restraint system, or personal fall arrest system. The employer may use a designated area when performing work that is both infrequent and temporary.”
29 CFR 1910.28, Duty to have fall protection and falling object protection
For low-slope roof work 15 feet or more from the roof edge, the employer must protect each employee with a guardrail, safety net, travel restraint, or personal fall arrest system or a designated area, but no fall protection is required if the work is both infrequent and temporary. The employer must also implement and enforce a work rule prohibiting employees from going within 15 feet of the roof edge without using fall protection in accordance with 1910.28(b)(13)(i) and (ii).
“When work is performed 15 feet (4.6 m) or more from the roof edge, the employer must: (A) Protect each employee from falling by a guardrail system, safety net system, travel restraint system, or personal fall arrest system or a designated area. The employer is not required to provide any fall protection, provided the work is both infrequent and temporary; and (B) Implement and enforce a work rule prohibiting employees from going within 15 feet (4.6 m) of the roof edge without using fall protection in accordance with paragraphs (b)(13)(i) and (ii) of this section.”
29 CFR 1910.28, Duty to have fall protection and falling object protection
When employees are exposed to falling objects, each must wear head protection that meets subpart I, and the employer must also protect employees from falling objects by one or more of the measures listed in 1910.28(c)(1) to (3).
“When an employee is exposed to falling objects, the employer must ensure that each employee wears head protection that meets the requirements of subpart I of this part. In addition, the employer must protect employees from falling objects by implementing one or more of the following:”
29 CFR 1910.28, Duty to have fall protection and falling object protection
Not covered here
Rope descent systems and scaffolds (1910.27 and 1910.28(b)(12)), outdoor advertising (1910.28(b)(10)), slaughtering facility platforms, loading rack platforms, the residential roof fall protection plan option, the other exclusions in 1910.28(a)(2), the pit marking and sign conditions (1910.28(b)(8)(ii) and (iii)), and low-slope roof work less than 6 feet from the edge (1910.28(b)(13)(i)). We only write what an official source states, so study these parts with your certifying program's materials.
Fall protection system criteria
The employer must provide and install all required fall protection and falling object protection, and meet the subpart's other requirements, before any employee begins work that needs it.
“Provide and install all fall protection systems and falling object protection this subpart requires, and comply with the other requirements in this subpart before any employee begins work that necessitates fall or falling object protection.”
29 CFR 1910.29, Fall protection systems and falling object protection—criteria and practices
The top edge of a guardrail system must be 42 inches, plus or minus 3 inches, above the walking-working surface. It may exceed 45 inches if the system meets all other guardrail criteria.
“The top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, are 42 inches (107 cm), plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm), above the walking-working surface. The top edge height may exceed 45 inches (114 cm), provided the guardrail system meets all other criteria of paragraph (b) of this section”
29 CFR 1910.29, Fall protection systems and falling object protection—criteria and practices
When there is not a wall or parapet at least 21 inches high, midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, solid panels, or equivalent intermediate members must be installed between the walking-working surface and the top edge; midrails go midway between the top edge of the guardrail system and the walking-working surface.
“Midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, solid panels, or equivalent intermediate members are installed between the walking-working surface and the top edge of the guardrail system as follows when there is not a wall or parapet that is at least 21 inches (53 cm) high: (i) Midrails are installed at a height midway between the top edge of the guardrail system and the walking-working surface;”
29 CFR 1910.29, Fall protection systems and falling object protection—criteria and practices
Guardrail systems must withstand, without failure, a force of at least 200 pounds applied downward or outward within 2 inches of the top edge, at any point along the top rail. Under that 200-pound load applied downward, the top rail must not deflect to less than 39 inches above the walking-working surface.
“Guardrail systems are capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 200 pounds (890 N) applied in a downward or outward direction within 2 inches (5 cm) of the top edge, at any point along the top rail. (4) When the 200-pound (890-N) test load is applied in a downward direction, the top rail of the guardrail system must not deflect to a height of less than 39 inches (99 cm) above the walking-working surface.”
29 CFR 1910.29, Fall protection systems and falling object protection—criteria and practices
A warning line marking a designated area must have a minimum breaking strength of 200 pounds and its lowest point, including sag, must be not less than 34 inches and not more than 39 inches above the surface.
“Has a minimum breaking strength of 200 pounds (0.89 kN); (ii) Is installed so its lowest point, including sag, is not less than 34 inches (86 cm) and not more than 39 inches (99 cm) above the walking-working surface;”
29 CFR 1910.29, Fall protection systems and falling object protection—criteria and practices
Each cover for a hole must support, without failure, at least twice the maximum intended load that may be imposed on it at any one time, and must be secured against accidental displacement.
“Is capable of supporting without failure, at least twice the maximum intended load that may be imposed on the cover at any one time; and (2) Is secured to prevent accidental displacement.”
29 CFR 1910.29, Fall protection systems and falling object protection—criteria and practices
Toeboards used for falling object protection must have a minimum vertical height of 3.5 inches, measured from the top edge of the toeboard to the level of the walking-working surface.
“Have a minimum vertical height of 3.5 inches (9 cm) as measured from the top edge of the toeboard to the level of the walking-working surface.”
29 CFR 1910.29, Fall protection systems and falling object protection—criteria and practices
Not covered here
Personal fall protection system criteria, which 1910.29(j) sends to 1910.140 in subpart I, and safety net criteria, which 1910.29(c) sends to another part of the CFR. We only write what an official source states, so study these parts with your certifying program's materials.
Training
Before any employee is exposed to a fall hazard, the employer must train each employee who uses personal fall protection systems or who must be trained elsewhere in the subpart. Employers had to train employees in these requirements on or before May 17, 2017.
“Before any employee is exposed to a fall hazard, the employer must provide training for each employee who uses personal fall protection systems or who is required to be trained as specified elsewhere in this subpart. Employers must ensure employees are trained in the requirements of this paragraph on or before May 17, 2017.”
Each employee must be trained by a qualified person.
“The employer must ensure that each employee is trained by a qualified person.”
Training must cover at least the nature of the fall hazards in the work area and how to recognize them, the procedures to minimize those hazards, the correct procedures for installing, inspecting, operating, maintaining, and disassembling the personal fall protection systems the employee uses, and the correct use of personal fall protection systems and equipment.
“The employer must train each employee in at least the following topics: (i) The nature of the fall hazards in the work area and how to recognize them; (ii) The procedures to be followed to minimize those hazards; (iii) The correct procedures for installing, inspecting, operating, maintaining, and disassembling the personal fall protection systems that the employee uses; and (iv) The correct use of personal fall protection systems and equipment”
Employees must be trained in the proper care, inspection, storage, and use of equipment covered by the subpart before using it, and each employee who uses a dockboard must be trained to properly place and secure it to prevent unintentional movement.
“The employer must train each employee on or before May 17, 2017 in the proper care, inspection, storage, and use of equipment covered by this subpart before an employee uses the equipment. (2) The employer must train each employee who uses a dockboard to properly place and secure it to prevent unintentional movement.”
The employer must retrain an employee when it has reason to believe the employee does not have the required understanding and skill. Listed situations (the list is not limited to these) include changes in the workplace, or in the types of fall protection systems or equipment to be used, that make previous training obsolete or inadequate.
“The employer must retrain an employee when the employer has reason to believe the employee does not have the understanding and skill required by paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section. Situations requiring retraining include, but are not limited to, the following: (1) When changes in the workplace render previous training obsolete or inadequate; (2) When changes in the types of fall protection systems or equipment to be used render previous training obsolete or inadequate; or”
Retraining is also required when inadequacies in an employee's knowledge or use of fall protection systems or equipment indicate the employee no longer has the understanding or skill needed to use the equipment or do the job safely.
“When inadequacies in an affected employee's knowledge or use of fall protection systems or equipment indicate that the employee no longer has the requisite understanding or skill necessary to use equipment or perform the job safely.”
Information and training must be provided in a manner that the employee understands.
“The employer must provide information and training to each employee in a manner that the employee understands.”
Sources
- eCFR: 29 CFR 1910.21, Scope and definitions (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 5, 2026
- eCFR: 29 CFR 1910.22, General requirements (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 5, 2026
- eCFR: 29 CFR 1910.23, Ladders (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 5, 2026
- eCFR: 29 CFR 1910.25, Stairways (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 5, 2026
- eCFR: 29 CFR 1910.28, Duty to have fall protection and falling object protection (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 5, 2026
- eCFR: 29 CFR 1910.29, Fall protection systems and falling object protection—criteria and practices (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 5, 2026
- eCFR: 29 CFR 1910.26, Dockboards (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 5, 2026
- eCFR: 29 CFR 1910.30, Training requirements (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 5, 2026
Other OSHA General Industry study guides: Exit routes and emergency planning, Fire protection, Electrical safety, Personal protective equipment, Hazardous materials, Permit-required confined spaces, Lockout/tagout, Machine guarding, Welding, cutting and brazing, Electric power generation, transmission and distribution, Powered industrial trucks (forklifts), Materials handling and storage, Bloodborne pathogens, Occupational noise exposure