1926.502(b)(6): Guardrail Surfaces

In plain words:

Guardrails must be surfaced so they do not cause punctures or cuts and do not snag clothing.

Guardrail system: top rail 42 inches plus or minus 3, midrail halfway, withstands 200 pounds
Guardrail heights and strength. Not to scale; the official text controls.
12citations, 3 years
$9,776current penalties
12inspections
0linked injury cases

Official text: 29 CFR 1926.502(b)(6)

(6) Guardrail systems shall be so surfaced as to prevent injury to an employee from punctures or lacerations, and to prevent snagging of clothing.

12 citations

Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.502.

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Where and how often it was cited

YearCitations
20243
20254
20265

Top states: OR (9), MD (1), PA (1), MI (1)

Largest penalties

EmployerLocationPenalty for this rule
317742716 - COBALT BUILDERS INCPRINEVILLE, OR$3,530
317742741 - B & A CONSTRUCTIONS LLCPRINEVILLE, OR$2,118
317744305 - CONSTRUCTIVE INCBEND, OR$1,822
317735765 - KEYWAY CORPTROUTDALE, OR$1,153
317735815 - WHISKEY HILL ELECTRIC INCTROUTDALE, OR$1,153

OSHA interpretation letters

None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.502(b)(6).

Related parts of this rule

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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.

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