1910.27(b)(2)(ix): Padding Rope Descent Ropes
When rope descent systems are used, each rope must be effectively padded or otherwise protected where it can contact building edges, anchorages, obstructions or other surfaces, to prevent it from being cut or weakened.
Key takeaways
- 1910.27(b)(2)(ix) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart D).
- OSHA cited it 4 times in the last 3 years, in 4 inspections, with $19,769 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1910.27(b) Rope descent systems (23 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.27(b)(2)(ix) is one requirement inside 1910.27 Scaffolds and rope descent systems, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart D). The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(ix) The ropes of each rope descent system are effectively padded or otherwise protected, where they can contact edges of the building, anchorage, obstructions, or other surfaces, to prevent them from being cut or weakened; 4 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.27.
Export the list: 4 inspections cited 1910.27(b)(2)(ix) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moInjuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.27(b)(2)(ix).
At 7:53 a.m. on October 23, 2023, an employee working as a Janitor for a janitorial service was preparing to conduct window washing operations from the 28th floor of a building down to the ground level. While climbing into the bosun's chair, the anchor line…
Where and how often it was cited
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.27(b)(2)(ix), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.27(b)(2)(ix).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.27(b) Rope descent systems 23 citations
- 1910.27(b)(2) Use of rope descent systems 14 citations
- 1910.27(b)(1) Anchorages 9 citations
- 1910.27(b)(1)(ii) 6 citations
- 1910.27(b)(2)(iv) 4 citations
- 1910.27(b)(1)(i) 3 citations
- 1910.27(b)(1)(iii)
- 1910.27(b)(2)(i)
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Frequently asked questions
Where must rope descent ropes be protected?
Where they can contact edges of the building, anchorage, obstructions, or other surfaces.
Why must ropes be padded?
To prevent them from being cut or weakened.
Does padding have to be a specific product?
The rule says effectively padded or otherwise protected.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.27 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-11-01
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.