1926.502(d)(16)(v): System Strength and the 310-Pound Limit
The system must withstand twice the potential impact energy of a 6-foot free fall, or of the system's allowed free fall if less. Systems meeting Appendix C are compliant for workers under 310 pounds including tools; for heavier workers the criteria must be adjusted.
Key takeaways
- 1926.502(d)(16)(v) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart M).
- OSHA cited it 2 times in the last 3 years, in 2 inspections, with $16,131 in current penalties.
- Related part: 1926.502(d) Personal fall arrest systems (1,999 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.502(d)(16)(v) 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
(v) have sufficient strength to withstand twice the potential impact energy of an employee free falling a distance of 6 feet (1.8 m), or the free fall distance permitted by the system, whichever is less. 2 citations
If the personal fall arrest system meets the criteria and protocols contained in appendix C to subpart M, and if the system is being used by an employee having a combined person and tool weight of less than 310 pounds (140 kg), the system will be considered to be in compliance with the provisions of paragraph (d)(16) of this section. If the system is used by an employee having a combined tool and body weight of 310 pounds (140 kg) or more, then the employer must appropriately modify the criteria and protocols of the appendix to provide proper protection for such heavier weights, or the system will not be deemed to be in compliance with the requirements of paragraph (d)(16) of this section.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.502.
Export the list: 2 inspections cited 1926.502(d)(16)(v) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moWhere and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.502(d)(16)(v), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.502(d)(16)(v).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.502(d) Personal fall arrest systems 1,999 citations
- 1926.502(d)(17) 558 citations
- 1926.502(d)(15) 509 citations
- 1926.502(d)(16) 322 citations
- 1926.502(d)(16)(iii) 274 citations
- 1926.502(d)(21) 137 citations
- 1926.502(d)(6) 126 citations
- 1926.502(d)(6)(i) 109 citations
- 1926.502(d)(15)(ii) 57 citations
- 1926.502(d)(11) 44 citations
- 1926.502(d)(8) 17 citations
- 1926.502(d)(1) 17 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.