1910.269(r)(7): Rope
Key takeaways
- 1910.269(r)(7) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart R).
- Related part: 1910.269(r) Line-clearance tree trimming (5 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.269(r)(7) ("Rope") is one requirement inside 1910.269 Electric power generation, transmission, and distribution, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, 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
(7) Rope.
(i) Climbing ropes shall be used by employees working aloft in trees. These ropes shall have a minimum diameter of 12 millimeters (0.5 inch) with a minimum breaking strength of 10.2 kilonewtons (2,300 pounds). Synthetic rope shall have elasticity of not more than 7 percent. Open (r)(7)(i)
(ii) Rope shall be inspected before each use and, if unsafe (for example, because of damage or defect), may not be used.
(iii) Rope shall be stored away from cutting edges and sharp tools. Rope contact with corrosive chemicals, gas, and oil shall be avoided.
(iv) When stored, rope shall be coiled and piled, or shall be suspended, so that air can circulate through the coils.
(v) Rope ends shall be secured to prevent their unraveling.
(vi) Climbing rope may not be spliced to effect repair.
(vii) A rope that is wet, that is contaminated to the extent that its insulating capacity is impaired, or that is otherwise not considered to be insulated for the voltage involved may not be used near exposed energized lines.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.269.
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OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.269(r)(7).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.269(r) Line-clearance tree trimming 5 citations
- 1910.269(r)(1) Electrical hazards 5 citations
- 1910.269(r)(1)(iv) 2 citations
- 1910.269(r)(7)(i)
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About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.269 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly
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.