1926.760(c)(3): Marking Controlled Decking Zone Boundaries
The boundaries of a controlled decking zone (CDZ) must be designated and clearly marked with control lines or the equivalent. The CDZ must not be more than 90 feet wide and 90 feet deep from any leading edge.
Key takeaways
- 1926.760(c)(3) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart R).
- OSHA cited it 10 times in the last 3 years, in 10 inspections, with $46,302 in current penalties.
- Most citations: LA (4), SC (1), OK (1).
- Related part: 1926.760(c) Controlled Decking Zone (CDZ) (16 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.760(c)(3) is one requirement inside 1926.760 Fall protection, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart R). 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
(3) The boundaries of a CDZ shall be designated and clearly marked. The CDZ shall not be more than 90 feet (27.4 m) wide and 90 (27.4 m) feet deep from any leading edge. The CDZ shall be marked by the use of control lines or the equivalent. Examples of acceptable procedures for demarcating CDZ's can be found in appendix D to this subpart. 10 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.760.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 3 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Top states: LA (4), SC (1), OK (1), FL (1), MO (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| TOP FLIGHT STEEL INC. | GEISMAR, LA | $14,518 |
| HAYCON BUILDING, LLC | CHELSEA, MA | $11,585 |
| MORCORE ROOFING, LLC | LAKE CHARLES, LA | $4,000 |
| FAVRE'S STEEL ERECTION LLC | COVINGTON, LA | $3,750 |
| GREEN COUNTRY STEEL, LLC | SALINA, OK | $3,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.760(c)(3), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Acceptable equivalent to control lines for a Controlled Decking Zone (CDZ) in steel erection activities. 29 CFR 1926.760(c)(3). (2010-08-10)
- Designation of an entire floor as a controlled decking zone for steel decking work. (2003-12-22)
- Compliance of using warning lines and/or control access zones for fall protection on roofs with a slope greater than 4:12. (2003-09-26)
- Fall protection requirements of various construction (1926) standards. (2001-09-18)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.760(c) Controlled Decking Zone (CDZ) 16 citations
- 1926.760(c)(5)
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Frequently asked questions
How big can a controlled decking zone be?
Not more than 90 feet wide and 90 feet deep from any leading edge.
How is the CDZ marked?
By control lines or the equivalent.
Where can I find examples of marking methods?
Appendix D to Subpart R gives examples of acceptable ways to demarcate a CDZ.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.760 (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.