1926.552(b)(2): Gates or Bars at Hoistway Entrances
All material hoistway entrances must be protected by substantial gates or bars that guard the full width of the landing entrance, painted with diagonal contrasting colors such as black and yellow stripes. Bars must be at least 2- by 4-inch wood or equal, located 2 feet from the hoistway line and not less than 36 inches nor more than 42 inches above the floor. Gates or bars must have a latching device.
Key takeaways
- 1926.552(b)(2) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 5 times in the last 3 years, in 5 inspections, with $17,125 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1926.552(b) Material hoists (21 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.552(b)(2) is one requirement inside 1926.552 Material hoists, personnel hoists, and elevators, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart N). It includes 2 sub-paragraphs. The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(2) All entrances of the hoistways shall be protected by substantial gates or bars which shall guard the full width of the landing entrance. All hoistway entrance bars and gates shall be painted with diagonal contrasting colors, such as black and yellow stripes. 5 citations
(i) Bars shall be not less than 2- by 4-inch wooden bars or the equivalent, located 2 feet from the hoistway line. Bars shall be located not less than 36 inches nor more than 42 inches above the floor.
(ii) Gates or bars protecting the entrances to hoistways shall be equipped with a latching device.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.552.
Injuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.552(b)(2).
At 12:34 p.m. on July 30, 2024, an employee working for an industrial building contractor was working in a warehouse. The employee died when he fell due to unspecified reasons approximately two floors.
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.552(b)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.552(b)(2).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.552(b) Material hoists 21 citations
- 1926.552(b)(1) 5 citations
- 1926.552(b)(3) 4 citations
- 1926.552(b)(5) 4 citations
- 1926.552(b)(5)(ii) 4 citations
- 1926.552(b)(1)(ii) 3 citations
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Frequently asked questions
How high must hoistway bars be?
Not less than 36 inches nor more than 42 inches above the floor.
How must gates and bars be painted?
With diagonal contrasting colors, such as black and yellow stripes.
Do gates need a latch?
Yes, gates or bars protecting hoistway entrances must have a latching device.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.552 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-19
3-year window. 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.