1926.605(d)(2): Barge Lifering and Ladder
Employers must make sure that near each barge in use there is at least one U.S. Coast Guard-approved 30-inch lifering with not less than 90 feet of line attached, and at least one ladder reaching from the top of the apron to the water surface. If this equipment is not at the pier, the employer must furnish it while working the barge.
Key takeaways
- 1926.605(d)(2) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart O).
- OSHA cited it 2 times in the last 3 years, in 2 inspections, with $2,500 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1926.605(d) First-aid and lifesaving equipment (6 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.605(d)(2) is one requirement inside 1926.605 Marine operations and equipment, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart O). 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) The employer shall ensure that there is in the vicinity of each barge in use at least one U.S. Coast Guard-approved 30-inch lifering with not less than 90 feet of line attached, and at least one portable or permanent ladder which will reach the top of the apron to the surface of the water. If the above equipment is not available at the pier, the employer shall furnish it during the time that he is working the barge. 2 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.605.
Injuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.605(d)(2).
At 1:30 p.m. on January 9, 2025, Employee #1 was working as a construction laborer for a civil engineering firm and was refueling gas canisters. A coworkerwas operating a Link Belt 250X4 LF hydraulic excavator on the transfer barge during a dredging operation. Employee #1…
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 1926.605(d)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.605(d)(2).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.605(d) First-aid and lifesaving equipment 6 citations
- 1926.605(d)(3) 3 citations
- 1926.605(d)(1) 1 citations
Get your crew competent
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Frequently asked questions
What lifering is required?
At least one U.S. Coast Guard-approved 30-inch lifering with not less than 90 feet of line.
What ladder is required?
At least one portable or permanent ladder reaching from the top of the apron to the surface of the water.
What if the pier lacks this equipment?
The employer must furnish it during the time the barge is worked.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.605 (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.