1910.30(b)(3): Training for Rope Descent Systems
Employers must train each employee who uses a rope descent system in proper rigging and use of the equipment in accordance with 1910.27.
Key takeaways
- 1910.30(b)(3) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart D).
- OSHA cited it 1 times in the last 3 years, in 1 inspections, with $5,000 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1910.30(b) Equipment hazards (171 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.30(b)(3) is one requirement inside 1910.30 Training requirements, 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
(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. 1 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.30.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.30(b)(3).
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
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.30(b)(3), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.30(b)(3).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.30(b) Equipment hazards 171 citations
- 1910.30(b)(1) 154 citations
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Frequently asked questions
Who needs rope descent system training?
Each employee who uses a rope descent system.
What must the training cover?
Proper rigging and use of the equipment.
What rule must the training follow?
1910.27.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.30 (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 2026-10-21
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.