1926.500(a)(3): Which Fall Protection Criteria Apply Where
Section 1926.502 sets how fall protection must be built, installed and used, with exceptions: scaffold guardrails and falling object protection (Subpart L), stairways and handrails (Subpart X), extra fall arrest rules for power line work (Subpart V), and tank and tower erection (1926.104). For crane work under Subpart CC, only 1926.502(a), (c) through (e) and (i) apply unless Subpart CC says otherwise.
Official text: 29 CFR 1926.500(a)(3)
(3) Section 1926.502 sets forth the requirements for the installation, construction, and proper use of fall protection required by part 1926, except as follows:
(i) Performance requirements for guardrail systems used on scaffolds and performance requirements for falling object protection used on scaffolds are provided in subpart L of this part.
Open (a)(3)(i)(ii) Performance requirements for stairways, stairrail systems, and handrails are provided in subpart X of this part.
(iii) Additional performance requirements for fall arrest and work-positioning equipment are provided in subpart V of this part.
(iv) Section 1926.502 does not apply to the erection of tanks and communication and broadcast towers. (Note: Section 1926.104 sets the criteria for body belts, lanyards and lifelines used for fall protection during tank and communication and broadcast tower erection. Paragraphs (b),(c) and (f) of § 1926.107 provide definitions for the pertinent terms.)
(v) Criteria for steps, handholds, ladders, and grabrails/guardrails/railings required by subpart CC are provided in subpart CC. Sections 1926.502(a), (c) through (e), and (i) apply to activities covered under subpart CC unless otherwise stated in subpart CC. No other paragraphs of § 1926.502 apply to subpart CC.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.500.
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Official text from the eCFR. Citation and injury numbers from public U.S. Department of Labor enforcement and accident records, copied nightly; 3-year window; data as of . 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.