Subpart D
This subpart applies to all general industry workplaces and covers all walking-working surfaces unless a specific section of the subpart says otherwise. See Scope in 1910.21(a) for the full scope.
An anchorage is a secure point of attachment used for equipment like lifelines, lanyards, deceleration devices, and rope descent systems. See the definition of "Anchorage" in 1910.21(b).
An "authorized" employee is one the employer assigns to perform a specific duty or permits into a particular location or area. See the definition of "Authorized" in 1910.21(b).
A cage is an enclosure mounted on the side rails of a fixed ladder or fastened behind it that surrounds the climbing space; it is also called a "cage guard" or "basket guard." See the definition of "Cage" in 1910.21(b).
The "carrier" is the track of a ladder safety system made of a flexible cable or rigid rail that is attached to the fixed ladder or placed immediately next to it. See the definition of "Carrier" in 1910.21(b).
A combination ladder is a portable ladder that can be used as a stepladder, extension ladder, trestle ladder, or stairway ladder; its components may also be used separately as a single ladder. See the definition of "Combination ladder" in 1910.21(b).
"Dangerous equipment" means equipment (for example, vats, tanks, electrical equipment, or machinery with protruding parts) that could seriously harm an employee who falls onto or into it. See the definition of "Dangerous equipment" in 1910.21(b).
A designated area is a distinct portion of a walking-working surface that is delineated by a warning line; inside that area employees may work without additional fall protection as the subpart allows. See the definition of "Designated area" in 1910.21(b).
A dockboard is a portable or fixed device that spans a gap or compensates for elevation differences between a loading platform and a transport vehicle; common examples include bridge plates, dock plates, and dock levelers. See the definition of "Dockboard" in 1910.21(b).
"Equivalent" means alternative designs, equipment, materials, or methods that the employer can show provide an equal or greater degree of safety for employees compared to what the subpart specifies. See the definition of "Equivalent" in 1910.21(b).
A fixed ladder is one with rails or individual rungs permanently attached to a structure, building, or equipment; fixed ladders include individual-rung ladders but do not include ship stairs, step bolts, or manhole steps. See the definition of "Fixed ladder" in 1910.21(b).
A ladder safety system is equipment designed to eliminate or reduce the possibility of falling from a ladder, usually including a carrier, safety sleeve, lanyard, connectors, and body harness; cages and wells are explicitly not ladder safety systems. See the definition of "Ladder safety system" in 1910.21(b).
A low-slope roof is defined as having a slope less than or equal to a ratio of 4 in 12 (vertical to horizontal). See the definition of "Low-slope roof" in 1910.21(b).
A "lower level" is any surface or area an employee could fall to, including ground, floors, roofs, ramps, runways, excavations, pits, tanks, materials, water, equipment, and similar places. See the definition of "Lower level" in 1910.21(b).
A "hole" is a gap or open space in a floor, roof, or similar horizontal walking-working surface that is at least 2 inches (5 cm) in its least dimension. See the definition of "Hole" in 1910.21(b).
An "opening" is a gap or space in a wall, partition, or vertical walking-working surface that is at least 30 inches (76 cm) high and at least 18 inches (46 cm) wide through which an employee can fall to a lower level. See the definition of "Opening" in 1910.21(b).
A personal fall arrest system consists of a body harness, an anchorage, and a connector (which may include a lanyard, deceleration device, lifeline, or a combination) used to stop an employee in a fall. See the definition of "Personal fall arrest system" in 1910.21(b).
A platform is any walking-working surface that is elevated above the surrounding area. See the definition of "Platform" in 1910.21(b).
A portable ladder can be readily moved or carried and usually has side rails and rungs or steps; a fixed ladder is permanently attached to a structure with rails or rungs. See the definitions of "Portable ladder" and "Fixed ladder" in 1910.21(b).
A "qualified" person has a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or by extensive knowledge, training, and experience has demonstrated the ability to solve problems related to the subject, work, or project. See the definition of "Qualified" in 1910.21(b).
A ramp is an inclined walking-working surface used to access another level. See the definition of "Ramp" in 1910.21(b).
A rope descent system is a suspension system that lets an employee descend in a controlled manner and stop as needed; it usually includes a roof anchorage, support rope, descent device, carabiners or shackles, and a chair (seatboard). It is sometimes called controlled descent equipment and does not include industrial rope access systems. See the definition of "Rope descent system" in 1910.21(b).
A scaffold is any temporary elevated or suspended platform and its supporting structure, including anchorage points, used to support employees, equipment, and materials; it does not include crane- or derrick-suspended personnel platforms or rope descent systems for the purposes of this subpart. See the definition of "Scaffold" in 1910.21(b).
A ship stair (ship ladder) is a stairway with treads, stair rails, open risers, and a slope between 50 and 70 degrees from the horizontal. See the definition of "Ship stair" in 1910.21(b).
A stairway (stairs) is risers and treads that connect one level to another, including landings and platforms between levels; it includes standard, spiral, alternating tread-type, and ship stairs. See the definition of "Stairway (stairs)" in 1910.21(b).
Standard stairs are fixed or permanently installed stairways; ship, spiral, and alternating tread-type stairs are explicitly not considered standard stairs. See the definition of "Standard stairs" in 1910.21(b).
A toeboard is a low protective barrier designed to prevent materials, tools, and equipment from falling to a lower level and to help protect employees from falling objects; see the definition of "Toeboard" in 1910.21(b).
A walking-working surface is any horizontal or vertical surface on or through which an employee walks, works, or gains access to a work area or location; it is the central concept covered by this subpart. See the definition of "Walking-working surface" in 1910.21(b).
A warning line is a barrier erected to warn employees they are approaching an unprotected side or edge and designates an area where work may take place without other fall protection. See the definition of "Warning line" in 1910.21(b).
A well is a permanent, complete enclosure around a fixed ladder. See the definition of "Well" in 1910.21(b).
Maximum intended load means the total weight and forces of all employees, equipment, vehicles, tools, materials, and other loads the employer reasonably expects to be on a walking-working surface at one time. See the definition of "Maximum intended load" in 1910.21(b).
A travel restraint system is an anchorage, connector, lanyard (or other means), and body support used by an employer to prevent an employee from going over the edge of a walking-working surface. See the definition of "Travel restraint system" in 1910.21(b).
"Unprotected sides and edges" are any sides or edges of a walking-working surface (except at entrances and points of access) without a wall, guardrail system, or stair rail system that would protect an employee from falling to a lower level. See the definition of "Unprotected sides and edges" in 1910.21(b).
Measure the stair width between vertical barriers (for example, walls or guardrails); handrails are not considered vertical barriers and do not reduce the required minimum width. See the definition of standard stair width and the related guidance in 1910.21(b) and the stair width measurement interpretation at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2024-10-17.
Mobile ladder stands and platforms must meet specific size and step requirements (for example, step width at least 16 inches, rise no more than 10 inches, step depth at least 7 inches), and platform guarding depends on platform height (handrails for 4–10 feet; guardrails and toeboards above 10 feet). See the ladder and mobile ladder stand definitions in 1910.21(b) and the mobile ladder stand requirements in OSHA's interpretation at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2024-06-06-0.