29 CFR 1910.29: Fall protection systems and falling object protection—criteria and practices
The official text is on the eCFR. This page maps how the section is organized, quotes the paragraphs our CSP practice questions are built on, and gives free questions you can try. Text below is quoted from the eCFR, current as of 2026-10-14; the section was last amended 2019-12-17.
How 29 CFR 1910.29 is organized
- (a) General requirements3 paragraphs
- (b) Guardrail systems25 paragraphs
- (c) Safety net systems1 paragraph
- (d) Designated areas11 paragraphs
- (e) Covers3 paragraphs
- (f) Handrails and stair rail systems14 paragraphs
- (g) Cages, wells, and platforms used with fixed ladders6 paragraphs
- (h) Outdoor advertising5 paragraphs
- (i) Ladder safety systems7 paragraphs
- (j) Personal fall protection systems1 paragraph
- (k) Protection from falling objects11 paragraphs
- (l) Grab handles4 paragraphs
Paragraphs our practice questions cite most
Counted across the 5 live PassCited questions built on this section. This reflects our question bank, not the real exam.
“(ii) When materials are not being passed through the hole, the hole must be guarded by a guardrail system along all unprotected sides or edges or closed over with a cover.”
“(2) Midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, solid panels, or equivalent intermediate members are installed between the walking-working surface and the top edge of the guardrail system as follows when there is not a wall or parapet that is at least 21 inches (53 cm) high:”
“(4) When the 200-pound (890-N) test load is applied in a downward direction, the top rail of the guardrail system must not deflect to a height of less than 39 inches (99 cm) above the walking-working surface.”
“(vi) Is erected not less than 6 feet (1.8 m) from the roof edge for work that is both temporary and infrequent, or not less than 15 feet (4.6 m) for other work.”
“(1) Each ladder safety system allows the employee to climb up and down using both hands and does not require that the employee continuously hold, push, or pull any part of the system while climbing;”
Free practice questions on 29 CFR 1910.29
Question 1
A plant uses a rectangular floor hole, guarded by a guardrail on all four sides, to lower parts to a lower level. During a shift, a forklift operator stages pallets next to the hole while a crew rigs a hoist. The supervisor proposes two plans for the periods when no material is moving through the hole: Plan 1 removes the two guardrail sides nearest the staging area and leaves them off between lifts to save setup time. Plan 2 reinstalls the sides, or covers the hole, whenever material is not being passed. Which assessment is correct?
Show answer and source
Answer: C. Plan 2 is required, because when material is not being passed the hole must be guarded on all unprotected sides or covered.
The two-side removal allowance applies only while materials are actually being passed through the hole. Between lifts, the hole must be guarded along all unprotected sides or closed with a cover, so leaving two sides off (Plan 1) is noncompliant and Plan 2 is what is required.
Answer C rests on
29 CFR 1910.29(b)(12)(ii)(opens ecfr.gov in a new tab)“(ii) When materials are not being passed through the hole, the hole must be guarded by a guardrail system along all unprotected sides or edges or closed over with a cover.”
Question 2
A safety professional is evaluating a newly installed ladder safety system on a fixed ladder. The manufacturer's documentation shows the system passed its drop test and that the connection between the carrier and the worker's harness attachment is 7 inches. During a trial climb, however, the worker has to keep pressing a release button on the sliding sleeve with one hand the whole way up so the sleeve will travel along the carrier. What is the correct determination?
Show answer and source
Answer: C. The system does not meet the standard, because the worker must continuously push part of the system and cannot climb using both hands.
The standard requires that a ladder safety system let the employee climb with both hands and not require continuously holding, pushing, or pulling any part of it. Passing the drop test and having a short connection satisfy other requirements, but they do not cure a design that demands continuous button pressure.
Answer C rests on
29 CFR 1910.29(i)(1)(opens ecfr.gov in a new tab)“Each ladder safety system allows the employee to climb up and down using both hands and does not require that the employee continuously hold, push, or pull any part of the system while climbing;”
Where it shows up in exam prep
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Other Part 1910 sections
- 29 CFR 1910.1020: Access to employee exposure and medical records
- 29 CFR 1910.1030: Bloodborne pathogens
- 29 CFR 1910.1053: Respirable crystalline silica
- 29 CFR 1910.106: Flammable liquids
- 29 CFR 1910.119: Process safety management of highly hazardous chemicals
- 29 CFR 1910.120: Hazardous waste operations and emergency response
This is a study aid, not legal advice or an official interpretation. Always check the current eCFR text. Original practice questions, not real exam items. PassCited is not affiliated with or endorsed by BCSP.