1926.760(c): Controlled Decking Zone
A controlled decking zone (CDZ) may be set up over 15 and up to 30 feet above a lower level where metal decking is first installed at the leading edge. In a CDZ, workers must be protected from falls of more than two stories or 30 feet, whichever is less, access is limited to trained leading edge workers, boundaries are marked, unsecured decking is limited, and final attachments are not done inside the zone.
Key takeaways
- 1926.760(c) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart R).
- OSHA cited it 16 times in the last 3 years, in 16 inspections, with $71,704 in current penalties.
- Most citations: LA (4), FL (3), SC (1).
- Related part: 1926.760(c)(3) (10 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.760(c) ("Controlled Decking Zone (CDZ)") is one requirement inside 1926.760 Fall protection, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart R). It includes 7 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
(c) Controlled Decking Zone (CDZ). A controlled decking zone may be established in that area of the structure over 15 and up to 30 feet above a lower level where metal decking is initially being installed and forms the leading edge of a work area. In each CDZ, the following shall apply: 16 citations
(1) Each employee working at the leading edge in a CDZ shall be protected from fall hazards of more than two stories or 30 feet (9.1 m), whichever is less. 2 citations
(2) Access to a CDZ shall be limited to only those employees engaged in leading edge work. 1 citations
(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. Open (c)(3) 10 citations
(4) Each employee working in a CDZ shall have completed CDZ training in accordance with § 1926.761. 1 citations
(5) Unsecured decking in a CDZ shall not exceed 3,000 square feet (914.4 m2). Open (c)(5)
(6) Safety deck attachments shall be performed in the CDZ from the leading edge back to the control line and shall have at least two attachments for each metal decking panel.
(7) Final deck attachments and installation of shear connectors shall not be performed in the CDZ. 2 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 | 6 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Top states: LA (4), FL (3), SC (1), IL (1), NH (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| TOP FLIGHT STEEL INC. | GEISMAR, LA | $14,518 |
| HAYCON BUILDING, LLC | CHELSEA, MA | $11,585 |
| OLAF ANDERSON CONSTRUCTION, INC. | FARGO, ND | $11,292 |
| SUNRISE ERECTORS, INC. | PENSACOLA, FL | $4,610 |
| MORCORE ROOFING, LLC | LAKE CHARLES, LA | $4,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.760(c), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Distance at which fall protection is required for steel erection activities. (2011-04-22)
- Acceptable equivalent to control lines for a Controlled Decking Zone (CDZ) in steel erection activities. 29 CFR 1926.760(c)(3). (2010-08-10)
- Use of fall protection by deaf employees performing steel erection activities. (2004-08-03)
- 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)
- OSHA standards set minimum safety and health requirements;they do not prohibit employers from adopting more stringent requirements. (2003-04-09)
- Applicability of the steel erection standard to repair and installation of metal roofing and roofing accessories. (2002-11-08)
- Fall protection requirements of various construction (1926) standards. (2001-09-18)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.760(c)(3) 10 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.
Who may enter a CDZ?
Only employees engaged in leading edge work who have completed CDZ training under 1926.761.
How much unsecured decking is allowed?
Unsecured decking in a CDZ shall not exceed 3,000 square feet (914.4 m2).
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.