1926.502(f)(2)(iv): Warning Line Strength
The rope, wire or chain must have a minimum tensile strength of 500 pounds and hold the stanchion test loads without breaking.
Key takeaways
- 1926.502(f)(2)(iv) 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 $5,155 in current penalties.
- Related part: 1926.502(f) Warning line systems (206 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
Get the free 5-minute toolbox talk on 1926.502(f)(2)(iv) ↓
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.502(f)(2)(iv) 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
(iv) The rope, wire, or chain shall have a minimum tensile strength of 500 pounds (2.22 kN), and after being attached to the stanchions, shall be capable of supporting, without breaking, the loads applied to the stanchions as prescribed in paragraph (f)(2)(iii) of this section; and 2 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.502.
Export the list: 2 inspections cited 1926.502(f)(2)(iv) 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(f)(2)(iv), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.502(f)(2)(iv).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.502(f) Warning line systems 206 citations
- 1926.502(f)(1) 150 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)(4)
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
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.