1910.27(b)(1): Anchorages for Rope Descent Systems
Before a rope descent system is used, the building owner must tell the employer in writing that each anchorage has been identified, tested, certified and maintained to support at least 5,000 pounds in any direction for each worker attached. This must be based on annual inspection by a qualified person and certification as necessary and at least every 10 years, and the employer must have this information before use and keep it for the job.
Key takeaways
- 1910.27(b)(1) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart D).
- OSHA cited it 9 times in the last 3 years, in 9 inspections, with $19,147 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1910.27(b) Rope descent systems (23 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.27(b)(1) ("Anchorages") is one requirement inside 1910.27 Scaffolds and rope descent systems, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart D). It includes 3 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
(1) Anchorages. 9 citations
(i) Before any rope descent system is used, the building owner must inform the employer, in writing that the building owner has identified, tested, certified, and maintained each anchorage so it is capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds (2,268 kg), in any direction, for each employee attached. The information must be based on an annual inspection by a qualified person and certification of each anchorage by a qualified person, as necessary, and at least every 10 years. Open (b)(1)(i) 3 citations
(ii) The employer must ensure that no employee uses any anchorage before the employer has obtained written information from the building owner that each anchorage meets the requirements of paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section. The employer must keep the information for the duration of the job. Open (b)(1)(ii) 6 citations
(iii) The requirements in paragraphs (b)(1)(i) and (ii) of this section must be implemented no later than November 20, 2017. Open (b)(1)(iii)
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.27.
Export the list: 9 inspections cited 1910.27(b)(1) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moInjuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.27(b)(1).
At 7:53 a.m. on October 23, 2023, an employee working as a Janitor for a janitorial service was preparing to conduct window washing operations from the 28th floor of a building down to the ground level. While climbing into the bosun's chair, the anchor line…
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 1910.27(b)(1).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.27(b) Rope descent systems 23 citations
- 1910.27(b)(2) Use of rope descent systems 14 citations
- 1910.27(b)(1)(ii) 6 citations
- 1910.27(b)(2)(iv) 4 citations
- 1910.27(b)(2)(ix) 4 citations
- 1910.27(b)(1)(i) 3 citations
- 1910.27(b)(1)(iii)
- 1910.27(b)(2)(i)
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Frequently asked questions
How strong must a rope descent anchorage be?
Capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds in any direction for each employee attached.
Who provides anchorage information?
The building owner, in writing, to the employer.
How often are anchorages inspected and certified?
Inspected annually by a qualified person and certified as necessary and at least every 10 years.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.27 (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 2026-11-01
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.