1926.502(b)(13): Guardrails Around Access Holes
Guardrails around holes used for access, such as ladderways, need a gate or an offset so no one can walk straight into the hole.
Official text: 29 CFR 1926.502(b)(13)
(13) When guardrail systems are used around holes which are used as points of access (such as ladderways), they shall be provided with a gate, or be so offset that a person cannot walk directly into the hole.
18 citationsSource: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.502.
Free toolbox talk for this rule
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.502(b)(13), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Top states: AZ (5), ID (4), VA (3), OR (2), MI (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| PPX2025XVM508X0072 - THE OSCAR W. LARSON COMPANY DBA OWL SERVICES USA | GLENDALE, AZ | $11,823 |
| MCALVAIN CONCRETE, INC. | BOISE, ID | $4,940 |
| TRI-STATE ELECTRIC, INC. | DONNELLY, ID | $3,840 |
| CPX2025XJW184X0167 - MCKENNA CONSTRUCTION INC. | SURPRISE, AZ | $3,547 |
| YMC, INC. | DONNELLY, ID | $3,526 |
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.502(b)(13).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.502(b) Guardrail systems 362 citations
- 1926.502(b)(2) 124 citations
- 1926.502(b)(1) 112 citations
- 1926.502(b)(3) 58 citations
- 1926.502(b)(2)(i) 24 citations
- 1926.502(b)(9) 14 citations
- 1926.502(b)(6) 12 citations
- 1926.502(b)(4) 6 citations
- 1926.502(b)(10) 3 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.
About this page
Official text from the eCFR. Citation and injury numbers from public U.S. Department of Labor enforcement and accident records, copied nightly; 3-year window; data as of 2026-10-18. 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.