1926.502(f)(1): Where to Set Up Warning Lines
Warning lines must go around all sides of the roof work area, at least 6 feet from the edge, or at least 10 feet from edges perpendicular to the direction mechanical equipment travels. Access, material, storage and hoisting areas need a path formed by two warning lines, closed off when not in use.
Key takeaways
- 1926.502(f)(1) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart M).
- OSHA cited it 150 times in the last 3 years, in 121 inspections, with $251,552 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MI (33), PA (20), IL (13).
- Related part: 1926.502(f) Warning line systems (206 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.502(f)(1) is one requirement inside 1926.502 Fall protection systems criteria and practices, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart M). It includes 4 sub-paragraphs. 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
(1) The warning line shall be erected around all sides of the roof work area. 150 citations
(i) When mechanical equipment is not being used, the warning line shall be erected not less than 6 feet (1.8 m) from the roof edge. Open (f)(1)(i) 47 citations
(ii) When mechanical equipment is being used, the warning line shall be erected not less than 6 feet (1.8 m) from the roof edge which is parallel to the direction of mechanical equipment operation, and not less than 10 feet (3.1 m) from the roof edge which is perpendicular to the direction of mechanical equipment operation. 5 citations
(iii) Points of access, materials handling areas, storage areas, and hoisting areas shall be connected to the work area by an access path formed by two warning lines. Open (f)(1)(iii) 45 citations
(iv) When the path to a point of access is not in use, a rope, wire, chain, or other barricade, equivalent in strength and height to the warning line, shall be placed across the path at the point where the path intersects the warning line erected around the work area, or the path shall be offset such that a person cannot walk directly into the work area. 3 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.502.
Export the list: 121 inspections cited 1926.502(f)(1) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 57 |
| 2025 | 47 |
| 2026 | 44 |
Top states: MI (33), PA (20), IL (13), MD (12), WI (9)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| CPX2026XJW184X0213 - DICKENS QUALITY DEMOLITION, L.L.C. | PHOENIX, AZ | $21,282 |
| INVALEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION | SOUTHWICK, MA | $11,292 |
| FOR SURE ROOFING, LLC | ANKENY, IA | $9,268 |
| PRO COM ROOFING CORPORATION. | WILLOW GROVE, PA | $9,104 |
| MARK A. MONDO BUILDING & EXCAVATING INC. | MINERAL WELLS, WV | $9,000 |
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.502(f)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.502(f)(1).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.502(f) Warning line systems 206 citations
- 1926.502(f)(2) 51 citations
- 1926.502(f)(1)(i) 47 citations
- 1926.502(f)(1)(iii) 45 citations
- 1926.502(f)(2)(ii) 31 citations
- 1926.502(f)(2)(i) 13 citations
- 1926.502(f)(2)(iv) 2 citations
- 1926.502(f)(4)
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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.