1910.24(b): Manhole steps
Key takeaways
- 1910.24(b) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart D).
- OSHA cited it 1 times in the last 3 years, in 1 inspections, with $0 in current penalties.
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What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.24(b) ("Manhole steps") is one requirement inside 1910.24 Step bolts and manhole steps, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart D). It includes 9 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) Manhole steps. 1 citations
(1) The employer must ensure that each manhole step is capable of supporting its maximum intended load.
(2) The employer must ensure that each manhole step installed on or after January 17, 2017: 1 citations
(i) Has a corrugated, knurled, dimpled, or other surface that minimizes the possibility of an employee slipping;
(ii) Is constructed of, or coated with, material that protects against corrosion if the manhole step is located in an environment where corrosion may occur;
(iii) Has a minimum clear step width of 10 inches (25 cm);
(iv) Is uniformly spaced at a vertical distance not more than 16 inches (41 cm) apart, measured center to center between steps. The spacing from the entry and exit surface to the first manhole step may differ from the spacing between the other steps. 1 citations
(v) Has a minimum perpendicular distance between the centerline of the manhole step to the nearest permanent object in back of the step of at least 4.5 inches (11 cm); and
(vi) Is designed, constructed, and maintained to prevent the employee's foot from slipping or sliding off the end.
(3) The employer must ensure that each manhole step is inspected at the start of the work shift and maintained in accordance with § 1910.22.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.24.
Where and how often it was cited
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About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.24 (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.