1926.502(f)(1): Where to Set Up Warning Lines
Warning lines must go around all sides of the roof work area, at least 6 feet from the edge, or at least 10 feet from edges perpendicular to the direction mechanical equipment travels. Access, material, storage and hoisting areas need a path formed by two warning lines, closed off when not in use.
Official text: 29 CFR 1926.502(f)(1)
(1) The warning line shall be erected around all sides of the roof work area.
150 citations(i) When mechanical equipment is not being used, the warning line shall be erected not less than 6 feet (1.8 m) from the roof edge.
Open (f)(1)(i) 48 citations(ii) When mechanical equipment is being used, the warning line shall be erected not less than 6 feet (1.8 m) from the roof edge which is parallel to the direction of mechanical equipment operation, and not less than 10 feet (3.1 m) from the roof edge which is perpendicular to the direction of mechanical equipment operation.
5 citations(iii) Points of access, materials handling areas, storage areas, and hoisting areas shall be connected to the work area by an access path formed by two warning lines.
Open (f)(1)(iii) 45 citations(iv) When the path to a point of access is not in use, a rope, wire, chain, or other barricade, equivalent in strength and height to the warning line, shall be placed across the path at the point where the path intersects the warning line erected around the work area, or the path shall be offset such that a person cannot walk directly into the work area.
3 citationsSource: 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 | 5 |
| 2024 | 57 |
| 2025 | 47 |
| 2026 | 41 |
Top states: MI (32), PA (20), IL (13), MD (11), WI (9)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| CPX2026XJW184X0213 - DICKENS QUALITY DEMOLITION, L.L.C. | PHOENIX, AZ | $21,282 |
| INVALEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION | SOUTHWICK, MA | $11,292 |
| FOR SURE ROOFING, LLC | ANKENY, IA | $9,268 |
| PRO COM ROOFING CORPORATION. | WILLOW GROVE, PA | $9,104 |
| MARK A. MONDO BUILDING & EXCAVATING INC. | MINERAL WELLS, WV | $9,000 |
OSHA interpretation letters
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.502(f) Warning line systems 207 citations
- 1926.502(f)(2) 52 citations
- 1926.502(f)(1)(i) 48 citations
- 1926.502(f)(1)(iii) 45 citations
- 1926.502(f)(2)(ii) 32 citations
- 1926.502(f)(2)(i) 13 citations
- 1926.502(f)(2)(iv) 2 citations
- 1926.502(f)(4)
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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.