1926.605(b): Access to Barges
Employers must provide safe access to barges. Vehicle ramps must be strong, have side boards, and be maintained and secured; a ramp or safe walkway is needed unless workers can step safely; Jacob's ladders must be double rung or flat tread, maintained, secured, and hang without slack or be pulled up. Access must be clear of obstructions, lit for its full length, and placed so loads do not pass over workers when possible.
Key takeaways
- 1926.605(b) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart O).
- OSHA cited it 5 times in the last 3 years, in 5 inspections, with $24,871 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1926.605(b)(2) (5 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.605(b) ("Access to barges") is one requirement inside 1926.605 Marine operations and equipment, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart O). It includes 8 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
(b) Access to barges. 5 citations
(1) Ramps for access of vehicles to or between barges shall be of adequate strength, provided with side boards, well maintained, and properly secured.
(2) Unless employees can step safely to or from the wharf, float, barge, or river towboat, either a ramp, meeting the requirements of paragraph (b)(1) of this section, or a safe walkway, shall be provided. Open (b)(2) 5 citations
(3) Jacob's ladders shall be of the double rung or flat tread type. They shall be well maintained and properly secured.
(4) A Jacob's ladder shall either hang without slack from its lashings or be pulled up entirely.
(5) When the upper end of the means of access rests on or is flush with the top of the bulwark, substantial steps properly secured and equipped with at least one substantial hand rail approximately 33 inches in height, shall be provided between the top of the bulwark and the deck.
(6) Obstructions shall not be laid on or across the gangway.
(7) The means of access shall be adequately illuminated for its full length.
(8) Unless the structure makes it impossible, the means of access shall be so located that the load will not pass over employees.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.605.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.605(b).
At 2:15 p.m. on March 8, 2024, an employee working as a construction laborer fora retaining walls contractor was working on a crew that had just prepared a site. The crew was getting ready to drive their first 6-inch by 6-inch by 30-foot-long beam into…
Where and how often it was cited
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OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.605(b).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.605(b)(2) 5 citations
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Frequently asked questions
When is a ramp or walkway required to a barge?
Unless employees can step safely to or from the wharf, float, barge, or river towboat.
How must a Jacob's ladder hang?
It must hang without slack from its lashings or be pulled up entirely.
What is required where access meets the top of the bulwark?
Substantial, secured steps with at least one substantial hand rail approximately 33 inches in height between the bulwark top and the deck.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.605 (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 2026-10-20
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.