1910.28(b)(8)(ii): Floor Markings or Warning Lines at Pits
For covered pits, one condition is that employers apply contrasting floor markings at least 6 feet from the pit edge, or a warning line at least 6 feet away with stanchions that resist at least 16 pounds of horizontal force at 30 inches without tipping, or a mix of both. Pits not more than 15 feet apart may share contrasting markings at least 6 feet out around the whole area.
Key takeaways
- 1910.28(b)(8)(ii) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart D).
- OSHA cited it 22 times in the last 3 years, in 22 inspections, with $45,318 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MD (3), NY (2), TN (2).
- Related part: 1910.28(b) Protection from fall hazards (3,551 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.28(b)(8)(ii) is one requirement inside 1910.28 Duty to have fall protection and falling object protection, 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
(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 22 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.28.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2025 | 8 |
| 2026 | 6 |
Top states: MD (3), NY (2), TN (2), AZ (2), ME (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| CPX2025XTN246X0046 - TAKE 5 PROPERTIES SPV LLC DBA TAKE 5 OIL CHANGE #30885 | LITCHFIELD PARK, AZ | $9,457 |
| PPX2025XTM082X0068 - GILA COUNTY - AUTOMOTIVE DEPARTMENT PAYSON | STAR VALLEY, AZ | $8,296 |
| INGRAM READYMIX INC | CONVERSE, TX | $5,700 |
| HANSCOM CONSTRUCTION, INC. | MARSHFIELD, ME | $4,729 |
| CHART INDUSTRIES | TULSA, OK | $4,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.28(b)(8)(ii), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.28(b)(8)(ii).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.28(b) Protection from fall hazards 3,551 citations
- 1910.28(b)(1) Unprotected sides and edges 1,938 citations
- 1910.28(b)(1)(i) 1,933 citations
- 1910.28(b)(3) Holes 667 citations
- 1910.28(b)(11) Stairways 407 citations
- 1910.28(b)(11)(ii) 351 citations
- 1910.28(b)(3)(ii) 288 citations
- 1910.28(b)(3)(i) 238 citations
- 1910.28(b)(13) Work on low-slope roofs 132 citations
- 1910.28(b)(6) Dangerous equipment 123 citations
- 1910.28(b)(3)(iv) 108 citations
- 1910.28(b)(6)(i) 106 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
How far from the pit edge must markings be?
At least 6 feet (1.8 m) from the edge of the pit.
What strength must warning line stanchions have?
They must resist, without tipping over, a force of at least 16 pounds (71 N) applied horizontally at a height of 30 inches (76 cm).
What if pits are close together?
When two or more pits in a common area are not more than 15 feet (4.5 m) apart, contrasting floor markings at least 6 feet from the pit edge may go around the entire area.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.28 (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 2026-10-20
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.