Subpart D - Walking and Working Surfaces
Subpart D provides the requirements for ladders, step bolts, manhole steps, scaffolds, stairways, dockboards, rope descent systems, and other walking and working surfaces. It also includes requirements for fall protection, fall protection systems, and falling object protection.
Walking-working surface means any horizontal or vertical surface on or through which an employee walks, works, or gains access to a work area or workplace location.
To learn if subpart D applies to you, go to Does "Subpart D - Walking-Working Surfaces" Apply to You?
Special Requirements
Scope: This standard provides general requirements for walking and working surfaces including housekeeping, floor loading, and access and egress.
Special Requirements: Inspections, qualified person
1910.22(d) - Inspection, maintenance, and repair. The employer must ensure:
- 1910.22(d)(1) - Walking-working surfaces are inspected, regularly and as necessary, and maintained in a safe condition.
- 1910.22(d)(3) - When any correction or repair involves the structural integrity of the walking-working surface, a qualified person performs or supervises the correction or repair.
Qualified describes a person who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training, and experience has successfully demonstrated the ability to solve or resolve problems relating to the subject matter, the work, or the project.
Scope: This standard provides general requirements for ladders including portable and fixed ladders, mobile ladder stands and platforms.
Special Requirements: Inspections, tagged, references other standards
1910.23(b)(9) - 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.
1910.23(b)(10) - Any ladder with structural or other defects is immediately tagged "Dangerous: Do Not Use" or with similar language in accordance with 1910.145 - Specifications for accident prevention signs and tags, and removed from service until repaired in accordance with 1910.22(d) - Inspection, maintenance and repair, or replaced.
Scope: This standard provides requirements for step bolts and manhole steps.
Special Requirements: Inspections, references other standards
1910.24(a)(8) - Each step bolt is inspected at the start of the workshift and maintained in accordance with 1910.22 - General requirements.
1910.24(b)(3) - The employer must ensure that each manhole step is inspected at the start of the work shift and maintained in accordance with 1910.22 - General requirements.
Manhole steps means steps that are individually attached to, or set into, the wall of a manhole structure.
Step bolt (pole step) means a bolt or rung attached at intervals along a structural member used for foot placement and as a handhold when climbing or standing.
Scope: This standard provides the requirements for dockboards.
Special Requirements: Demonstrates, measures
1910.26(c) - 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.
1910.26(d) - 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.
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.
Scope: This standard provides requirements for scaffolds and rope descent systems.
Special Requirements: Tested, certified, information (written), inspections, instructions, warnings, qualified person, design, training, references other standards
1910.27(a) - Scaffolds. Scaffolds used in general industry must meet the requirements in 29 CFR part 1926, Subpart L - Scaffolds.
1910.27(b) - Anchorages
- 1910.27(b)(1)(i) - Before any rope descent system is used, the building owner must inform the employer, in writing that the building owner has identified, tested, certified, and maintained each anchorage so it is capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds (2,268 kg), in any direction, for each employee attached. The information must be based on an annual inspection by a qualified person and certification of each anchorage by a qualified person, as necessary, and at least every 10 years.
- 1910.27(b)(1)(ii) - The employer must ensure that no employee uses any anchorage before the employer has obtained written information from the building owner that each anchorage meets the requirements of paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section. The employer must keep the information for the duration of the job.
- 1910.27(b)(2)(ii) - The rope descent system is used in accordance with instructions, warnings, and design limitations set by the manufacturer or under the direction of a qualified person.
- 1910.27(b)(2)(iii) - Each employee who uses the rope descent system is trained in accordance with 1910.30 - Training Requirements.
- 1910.27(b)(2)(iv) - The rope descent system is inspected at the start of each workshift that it is to be used. The employer must ensure damaged or defective equipment is removed from service immediately and replaced.
Anchorage means a secure point of attachment for equipment such as lifelines, lanyards, deceleration devices, and rope descent systems.
Scaffold means any temporary elevated or suspended platform and its supporting structure, including anchorage points, used to support employees, equipment, materials, and other items. For purposes of this subpart, a scaffold does not include a crane-suspended or derrick-suspended personnel platform or a rope descent system.
Qualified describes a person who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training, and experience has successfully demonstrated the ability to solve or resolve problems relating to the subject matter, the work, or the project.
Scope: This standard provides the requirements for fall protection and falling object protection.
Special Requirements: Fall protection systems, demonstrate, fall protection plan, practices, inspections, authorized employees, markings, training, warning lines, signs, references other standards
1910.28(a)(1) - This section requires employers to provide protection for each employee exposed to fall and falling object hazards. Unless stated otherwise, the employer must ensure that all fall protection and falling object protection required by this section meet the criteria in 1910.29 - Fall protection systems and falling object protection - criteria and practices, except that personal fall protection systems required by this section meet the criteria of 1910.140 - Personal fall protection systems.
1910.28(a)(2) - This section does not apply to:
- 1910.28(a)(2)(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 - Fall protection systems and falling object protection - criteria and practices, have been installed and are available for workers to use for pre-work and post-work inspections, investigations, or assessments.
1910.28(b)(1) - Protection from fall hazards - Unprotected sides and edges
- 1910.28(b)(1)(ii) - When the employer can demonstrate that it is not feasible or creates a greater hazard to use guardrail, safety net, or personal fall protection systems on residential roofs, the employer must develop and implement a fall protection plan that meets the requirements of 29 CFR 1926.502(k) and training that meets the requirements of 29 CFR 1926.503(a) and 29 CFR 1926.503(c).
Note: There is a presumption that it is feasible and will not create a greater hazard to use at least one of the above-listed fall protection systems specified in paragraph (b)(1)(i) - Unprotected sides and edges, of this section. Accordingly, the employer has the burden of establishing that it is not feasible or creates a greater hazard to provide the fall protection systems specified in paragraph (b)(1)(i) and that it is necessary to implement a fall protection plan that complies with 1926.502(k) in the particular work operation, in lieu of implementing any of those systems.
- 1910.28(b)(1)(iii) - When the employer can demonstrate that the use of fall protection systems is not feasible on the working side of a platform used at a loading rack, loading dock, or teeming platform, the work may be done without a fall protection system, provided:
- 1910.28(b)(1)(iii)(B) - Access to the platform is limited to authorized employees; and
- 1910.28(b)(1)(iii)(C) - The authorized employees are trained in accordance with 1910.30 - Training requirements.
1910.28(b)(4) - Protection from fall hazards - Dockboards.
- 1910.28(b)(4)(ii)(C) - Those employees have been trained in accordance with 1910.30 - Training requirements.
1910.28(b)(5) - Runways and similar walkways.
- 1910.28(b)(5)(ii) - When the employer can demonstrate that it is not feasible to have guardrails on both sides of a runway used exclusively for a special purpose, the employer may omit the guardrail on one side of the runway, provided the employer ensures:
1910.28(b)(8) - Repair pits, service pits, and assembly pits less than 10 feet in depth.
- 1910.28(b)(8)(i) - Limits access within 6 feet (1.8 m) of the edge of the pit to authorized employees trained in accordance with 1910.30 - Training requirements.
- 1910.28(b)(8)(ii) - Applies floor markings at least 6 feet (1.8 m) from the edge of the pit in colors that contrast with the surrounding area; or places a warning line at least 6 feet (1.8 m) from the edge of the pit as well as stanchions that are capable of resisting, without tipping over, a force of at least 16 pounds (71 N) applied horizontally against the stanchion at a height of 30 inches (76 cm); or places a combination of floor markings and warning lines at least 6 feet (1.8 m) from the edge of the pit. When two or more pits in a common area are not more than 15 feet (4.5m) apart, the employer may comply by placing contrasting floor markings at least 6 feet (1.8 m) from the pit edge around the entire area of the pits; and
- 1910.28(b)(8)(iii) - Posts readily visible caution signs that meet the requirements of 1910.145 - Specifications for accident prevention signs and tags, and state “Caution - Open Pit.”
1910.28(b)(10) - Outdoor advertising (billboards).
- 1910.28(b)(10)(ii)(A) - Receives training and demonstrates the physical capability to perform the necessary climbs in accordance with 1910.29(h) - Outdoor advertising.
1910.28(b)(14) - Slaughtering facility platforms
- 1910.28(b)(14)(ii) - When the employer can demonstrate the use of a guardrail or travel restraint system is not feasible, the work may be done without those systems provided:
- 1910.28(b)(14)(ii)(B) - Access to the platform is limited to authorized employees; and
- 1910.28(b)(14)(ii)(C) - The authorized employees are trained in accordance with 1910.30 - Training requirements.
Authorized means an employee who the employer assigns to perform a specific type of duty, or allows in a specific location or area.
Unprotected sides and edges mean any side or edge of a walking-working surface (except at entrances and other points of access) where there is no wall, guardrail system, or stair rail system to protect an employee from falling to a lower level.
Personal fall arrest system means a system used to arrest an employee in a fall from a walking-working surface. It consists of a body harness, anchorage, and connector. The means of connection may include a lanyard, deceleration device, lifeline, or a suitable combination of these.
Personal fall protection system means a system (including all components) an employer uses to provide protection from falling or to safely arrest an employee's fall if one occurs. Examples of personal fall protection systems include personal fall arrest systems, positioning systems, and travel restraint systems.
Scope: This standard provides the requirements for fall protection systems and falling object protection.
Special Requirements: Fall protection system, inspections, programs, training, references other standards
1910.29(a)(1) - Ensure each fall protection system and falling object protection, other than personal fall protection systems, that this part requires meets the requirements in this section. The employer must ensure each personal fall protection system meets the requirements in Subpart I - Personal Protective Equipment of this part (29 CFR 1910).
1910.29(b) - Guardrail systems.
- 1910.29(b)(15) - Manila or synthetic rope used for top rails or midrails are inspected as necessary to ensure that the rope continues to meet the strength requirements in paragraph (b)(3) and paragraph (b)(5) of this section.
1910.29(h) - Outdoor advertising. This paragraph (h) applies only to employers engaged in outdoor advertising operations [see 1910.28(b)(10) - Outdoor advertising (billboards)]. Employers must ensure that each employee who climbs a fixed ladder without fall protection:
- 1910.29(h)(2) - Has successfully completed a training or apprenticeship program that includes hands-on training on the safe climbing of ladders and is retrained as necessary to maintain the necessary skills;
- 1910.29(h)(3) - Has the skill to climb ladders safely, as demonstrated through formal classroom training or on-the-job training, and performance observation.
1910.29(j) - Personal fall protection systems. Body belts, harnesses, and other components used in personal fall arrest systems, work positioning systems, and travel restraint systems must meet the requirements of 1910.140 - Personal fall protection systems.
Guardrail system means a barrier erected along an unprotected or exposed side, edge, or other area of a walking-working surface to prevent employees from falling to a lower level.
Personal fall arrest system means a system used to arrest an employee in a fall from a walking-working surface. It consists of a body harness, anchorage, and connector. The means of connection may include a lanyard, deceleration device, lifeline, or a suitable combination of these.
Personal fall protection system means a system (including all components) an employer uses to provide protection from falling or to safely arrest an employee's fall if one occurs. Examples of personal fall protection systems include personal fall arrest systems, positioning systems, and travel restraint systems.
Scope: This standard provides the training requirements for subpart D - walking - working surfaces.
Special Requirements: Training, fall protection systems, qualified person, inspections, techniques, procedures, information, references other standards
1910.30(a) - Fall hazards.
- 1910.30(a)(1) - 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.
- 1910.30(a)(2) -The employer must ensure that each employee is trained by a qualified person.
- 1910.30(a)(3) - The employer must train each employee in at least the following topics:
- 1910.30(a)(3)(ii) - The procedures to be followed to minimize those hazards.
- 1910.30(a)(3)(iii) - The correct procedures for installing, inspecting, operating, maintaining, and disassembling the personal fall protection systems that the employee uses.
- 1910.30(a)(3)(iv) - The correct use of personal fall protection systems and equipment specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, including, but not limited to, proper hook-up, anchoring, and tie-off techniques, and methods of equipment inspection and storage, as specified by the manufacturer.
1910.30(b) - Equipment hazards.
- 1910.30(b)(1) - 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 (subpart D) before an employee uses the equipment.
- 1910.30(b)(2) - The employer must train each employee who uses a dockboard to properly place and secure it to prevent unintentional movement.
- 1910.30(b)(3) - The employer must train each employee who uses a rope descent system in proper rigging and use of the equipment in accordance with 1910.27 - Scaffolds and rope descent systems.
- 1910.30(b)(4) - The employer must train each employee who uses a designated area in the proper set-up and use of the area.
- 1910.30(c) - Retraining. The employer must retrain an employee when the employer has reason to believe the employee does not have the understanding and skill required by paragraph (a) and paragraph (b) of this section.
- 1910.30(d) - Training must be understandable. The employer must provide information and training to each employee in a manner that the employee understands.
Fall hazard means any condition on a walking-working surface that exposes an employee to a risk of harm from a fall on the same level or to a lower level.