1910.29(b)(10): Guardrails at Hoist Areas
When guardrails are used at hoist areas, a removable section with a top rail and midrail must be placed across the access opening when employees are not hoisting. Chains or gates may be used instead if the employer shows they provide safety equivalent to guardrails.
Key takeaways
- 1910.29(b)(10) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart D).
- OSHA cited it 19 times in the last 3 years, in 19 inspections, with $88,172 in current penalties.
- Most citations: IL (4), TX (2), NJ (2).
- Related part: 1910.29(b) Guardrail systems (624 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.29(b)(10) is one requirement inside 1910.29 Fall protection systems and falling object protection—criteria and practices, 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
(10) When guardrail systems are used at hoist areas, a removable guardrail section, consisting of a top rail and midrail, are placed across the access opening between guardrail sections when employees are not performing hoisting operations. The employer may use chains or gates instead of a removable guardrail section at hoist areas if the employer demonstrates the chains or gates provide a level of safety equivalent to guardrails. 19 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.29.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Top states: IL (4), TX (2), NJ (2), PA (2), WI (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| 155911 - CHARLOTTE BIOENERGY FACILITY, LLC | CHARLOTTE, NC | $17,473 |
| QUALITY SAUSAGE COMPANY LLC | DALLAS, TX | $16,131 |
| SUNNY SKY PRODUCTS, LLC | TINLEY PARK, IL | $9,678 |
| CITY OF ASBURY PARK DPW | ASBURY PARK, NJ | $6,300 |
| MIDWEST HARDWOOD COMPANY | FOUNTAIN CITY, WI | $5,627 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.29(b)(10), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.29(b)(10).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.29(b) Guardrail systems 624 citations
- 1910.29(b)(2) 272 citations
- 1910.29(b)(1) 204 citations
- 1910.29(b)(2)(i) 116 citations
- 1910.29(b)(13) 50 citations
- 1910.29(b)(3) 49 citations
- 1910.29(b)(13)(i) 32 citations
- 1910.29(b)(5) 12 citations
- 1910.29(b)(6) 10 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
What must cover a hoist area opening when not hoisting?
A removable guardrail section consisting of a top rail and midrail.
Can a chain be used instead?
Yes, if the employer demonstrates chains or gates provide a level of safety equivalent to guardrails.
When can the opening be left open?
The removable section is placed across the opening when employees are not performing hoisting operations.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.29 (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.