1926.107: PPE Definitions in Construction
This section defines terms used in the construction personal protective and life saving equipment subpart. These include contaminant, lanyard, lifeline, O.D. (optical density of a lens), radiant energy and safety belt, which is a device usually worn around the waist that attaches to a lanyard and lifeline or structure to prevent a fall.
Key takeaways
- 1926.107 is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart E).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.107, "Definitions applicable to this subpart", is an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart E). It has 6 numbered 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
Show the full text of 1926.107 (6 paragraphs)
(a) Contaminant means any material which by reason of its action upon, within, or to a person is likely to cause physical harm.
(b) Lanyard means a rope, suitable for supporting one person. One end is fastened to a safety belt or harness and the other end is secured to a substantial object or a safety line.
(c) Lifeline means a rope, suitable for supporting one person, to which a lanyard or safety belt (or harness) is attached.
(d) O.D. means optical density and refers to the light refractive characteristics of a lens.
(e) Radiant energy means energy that travels outward in all directions from its sources.
(f) Safety belt means a device, usually worn around the waist which, by reason of its attachment to a lanyard and lifeline or a structure, will prevent a worker from falling.
[44 FR 8577, Feb. 9, 1979]
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15.
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OSHA interpretation letters
- Fall Protection in Steel Erection. (1995-07-10)
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Frequently asked questions
What is a lanyard?
A rope suitable for supporting one person, with one end fastened to a safety belt or harness and the other secured to a substantial object or a safety line.
What is a lifeline?
A rope suitable for supporting one person, to which a lanyard or safety belt or harness is attached.
What does O.D. mean?
Optical density, which refers to the light refractive characteristics of a lens.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.107 (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.