1910.29(b)(13): Guardrail Openings at Access Holes
When guardrails are used around holes that serve as access points, such as ladderways, the opening must have a self-closing gate that slides or swings away from the hole with a top rail and midrail or equivalent, or be offset so an employee cannot walk or fall into the hole.
Key takeaways
- 1910.29(b)(13) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart D).
- OSHA cited it 50 times in the last 3 years, in 50 inspections, with $169,131 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: WI (13), KY (9), MI (6).
- Related part: 1910.29(b) Guardrail systems (624 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.29(b)(13) is one requirement inside 1910.29 Fall protection systems and falling object protection—criteria and practices, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart D). It includes 2 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
(13) When guardrail systems are used around holes that serve as points of access (such as ladderways), the guardrail system opening: 50 citations
(i) Has a self-closing gate that slides or swings away from the hole, and is equipped with a top rail and midrail or equivalent intermediate member that meets the requirements in paragraph (b) of this section; or Open (b)(13)(i) 32 citations
(ii) Is offset to prevent an employee from walking or falling into the hole;
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.29.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.29(b)(13).
At 9:00 p.m. on December 8, 2023, an employee working as a laser machine operator for a sheet metal manufacturer was operating an Amada Model LC4020F1NT Carbon Dioxide Laser Cutter. The employee was operating the machine with the door open, which was accomplished using an…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 16 |
| 2025 | 23 |
| 2026 | 9 |
Top states: WI (13), KY (9), MI (6), IL (5), PA (3)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| ABBYLAND FOODS, INC. | ABBOTSFORD, WI | $16,550 |
| SAPUTO CHEESE USA INC. | ALMENA, WI | $11,585 |
| MASONITE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION | BIRCHWOOD, WI | $8,816 |
| HOSPITAL CENTRAL SERVICES COOPERATIVE, INC | KINGSTON, PA | $8,511 |
| AMERICOLD LOGISTICS, LLC | MONMOUTH, IL | $8,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.29(b)(13), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.29(b)(13).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.29(b) Guardrail systems 624 citations
- 1910.29(b)(2) 272 citations
- 1910.29(b)(1) 204 citations
- 1910.29(b)(2)(i) 116 citations
- 1910.29(b)(3) 49 citations
- 1910.29(b)(13)(i) 32 citations
- 1910.29(b)(10) 19 citations
- 1910.29(b)(5) 12 citations
- 1910.29(b)(6) 10 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of gate is needed at a ladderway opening?
A self-closing gate that slides or swings away from the hole, with a top rail and midrail or equivalent intermediate member.
Is there an alternative to a gate?
Yes. The opening can be offset to prevent an employee from walking or falling into the hole.
Can the gate swing toward the hole?
No. It must slide or swing away from the hole.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.29 (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.