1926.502(g)(3): Control Line Construction
Control lines must be rope, wire, tape or similar, flagged at least every 6 feet, hung 39 to 45 inches high (up to 50 inches for overhand bricklaying), with a breaking strength of at least 200 pounds.
Official text: 29 CFR 1926.502(g)(3)
(3) Control lines shall consist of ropes, wires, tapes, or equivalent materials, and supporting stanchions as follows:
(i) Each line shall be flagged or otherwise clearly marked at not more than 6-foot (1.8 m) intervals with high-visibility material.
(ii) Each line shall be rigged and supported in such a way that its lowest point (including sag) is not less than 39 inches (1 m) from the walking/working surface and its highest point is not more than 45 inches (1.3 m) [50 inches (1.3 m) when overhand bricklaying operations are being performed] from the walking/working surface.
(iii) Each line shall have a minimum breaking strength of 200 pounds (.88 kN).
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.502.
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Related parts of this rule
- 1926.502(g) Controlled access zones 9 citations
- 1926.502(g)(2)
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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 . 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.