1926.502(b)(4): Top Rail Deflection Limit
Under the 200-pound downward test load, the top edge must not drop below 39 inches above the walking/working level. Systems built to Appendix B of Subpart M are deemed to meet this.
Key takeaways
- 1926.502(b)(4) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart M).
- OSHA cited it 6 times in the last 3 years, in 6 inspections, with $10,135 in current penalties.
- Related part: 1926.502(b) Guardrail systems (360 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.502(b)(4) is one requirement inside 1926.502 Fall protection systems criteria and practices, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart M). 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
(4) When the 200 pound (890 N) test load specified in paragraph (b)(3) of this section is applied in a downward direction, the top edge of the guardrail shall not deflect to a height less than 39 inches (1.0 m) above the walking/working level. Guardrail system components selected and constructed in accordance with the appendix B to subpart M of this part will be deemed to meet this requirement. 6 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.502.
Export the list: 6 inspections cited 1926.502(b)(4) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moWhere and how often it was cited
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.502(b)(4), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.502(b)(4).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.502(b) Guardrail systems 360 citations
- 1926.502(b)(2) 123 citations
- 1926.502(b)(1) 109 citations
- 1926.502(b)(3) 59 citations
- 1926.502(b)(2)(i) 23 citations
- 1926.502(b)(13) 18 citations
- 1926.502(b)(9) 14 citations
- 1926.502(b)(6) 12 citations
- 1926.502(b)(10) 3 citations
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About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.502 (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 2026-11-07
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.