1926.502(e): Positioning Device Systems
Positioning devices must be rigged so the worker cannot free fall more than 2 feet, anchored to hold twice the impact load or 3,000 pounds (whichever is greater), and use strong connectors and locking snaphooks.
Official text: 29 CFR 1926.502(e)
(e) Positioning device systems. Positioning device systems and their use shall conform to the following provisions:
16 citations(1) Positioning devices shall be rigged such that an employee cannot free fall more than 2 feet (.6 m).
6 citations(2) Positioning devices shall be secured to an anchorage capable of supporting at least twice the potential impact load of an employee's fall or 3,000 pounds (13.3 kN), whichever is greater.
Open (e)(2) 6 citations(3) Connectors shall be drop forged, pressed or formed steel, or made of equivalent materials.
(4) Connectors shall have a corrosion-resistant finish, and all surfaces and edges shall be smooth to prevent damage to interfacing parts of this system.
(5) Connecting assemblies shall have a minimum tensile strength of 5,000 pounds (22.2 kN)
(6) Dee-rings and snaphooks shall be proof-tested to a minimum tensile load of 3,600 pounds (16 kN) without cracking, breaking, or taking permanent deformation.
(7) Snaphooks shall be sized to be compatible with the member to which they are connected to prevent unintentional disengagement of the snaphook by depression of the snaphook keeper by the connected member, or shall be a locking type snaphook designed and used to prevent disengagement of the snaphook by the contact of the snaphook keeper by the connected member. As of January 1, 1998, only locking type snaphooks shall be used.
Open (e)(7)(8) Unless the snaphook is a locking type and designed for the following connections, snaphooks shall not be engaged:
Open (e)(8)(i) directly to webbing, rope or wire rope;
(ii) to each other;
(iii) to a Dee-ring to which another snaphook or other connector is attached;
(iv) to a horizontal lifeline; or
(v) to any object which is incompatibly shaped or dimensioned in relation to the snaphook such that unintentional disengagement could occur by the connected object being able to depress the snaphook keeper and release itself.
(9) Positioning device systems shall be inspected prior to each use for wear, damage, and other deterioration, and defective components shall be removed from service.
4 citations(10) Body belts, harnesses, and components shall be used only for employee protection (as part of a personal fall arrest system or positioning device system) and not to hoist materials.
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
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 11 |
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Top states: IL (2), PA (2), TX (2), NH (1), AL (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| ART C. KLEIN CONSTRUCTION, INC | COLORADO SPRINGS, CO | $11,292 |
| RIVER ROCKS LANDING, LLC | GADSDEN, AL | $6,250 |
| CEDAR PRESERVATION SPECIALISTS, INC. DBA ROOF MAX | WINNETKA, IL | $3,872 |
| BISHOP, INC. | EDWARDS AFB, CA | $3,588 |
| NAMICELA HOME SOLUTIONS INC | BALDWINSVILLE, NY | $3,266 |
OSHA interpretation letters
- Compatibility requirements of fall protection equipment from different manufacturers. (2012-10-23)
- Fall protection components from different manufacturers may be used together provided connecting parts are sized compatibly. (2004-02-19)
- Standards applicable to aerial lifts; acceptable uses of body belts as restraint systems and positioning devices. (2001-05-11)
- Reinforcing steel (rebar) assemblies: questions regarding fall protection and training. (1999-03-09)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.502(e)(2) 6 citations
- 1926.502(e)(8)
- 1926.502(e)(7)
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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.