29 CFR 1926.501: Duty to have fall protection
The official text is on the eCFR. This page maps how the section is organized, quotes the paragraphs our ASP, CHST 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 2016-09-01.
How 29 CFR 1926.501 is organized
- (a) General2 paragraphs
- (b)25 paragraphs
- (c) Protection from falling objects4 paragraphs
Paragraphs our practice questions cite most
Counted across the 6 live PassCited questions built on this section. This reflects our question bank, not the real exam.
“(10) Roofing work on Low-slope roofs. Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b) of this section, each employee engaged in roofing activities on low-slope roofs, with unprotected sides and edges 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above lower levels shall be protected from falling by guardrail systems, safety net systems, personal fall arrest systems, or a combination of warning line system and guardrail system, warning line system and safety net system, or warning line system and personal fall arrest system, or warning line system and safety monitoring system. Or, on roofs 50-feet (15.25 m) or less in …”
“(5) Formwork and reinforcing steel. Each employee on the face of formwork or reinforcing steel shall be protected from falling 6 feet (1.8 m) or more to lower levels by personal fall arrest systems, safety net systems, or positioning device systems.”
“(iii) Each employee on a walking/working surface shall be protected from objects falling through holes (including skylights) by covers.”
“(ii) Each employee reaching more than 10 inches (25 cm) below the level of the walking/working surface on which they are working, shall be protected from falling by a guardrail system, safety net system, or personal fall arrest system.”
Free practice questions on 29 CFR 1926.501
Question 1
A crew is tying rebar on the vertical face of a foundation wall form. The working position is 8 feet above the lower level. Which set of fall protection options does the standard allow for this employee?
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Answer: D. Personal fall arrest systems, safety net systems, or positioning device systems
Employees on the face of formwork or reinforcing steel exposed to a fall of 6 feet or more must be protected by personal fall arrest, safety net, or positioning device systems. Guardrails are not listed for this condition.
Answer D rests on
29 CFR 1926.501(b)(5)(opens ecfr.gov in a new tab)“Each employee on the face of formwork or reinforcing steel shall be protected from falling 6 feet (1.8 m) or more to lower levels by personal fall arrest systems, safety net systems, or positioning device systems.”
Question 2
A concrete crew is tying rebar mats on the face of a vertical wall form. The workers will be about 9 feet above the lower level. The competent person must select protection that complies with the standard. Which choice is compliant?
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Answer: B. Personal fall arrest systems, safety net systems, or positioning device systems
For employees on the face of formwork or reinforcing steel who could fall 6 feet or more, the standard lists personal fall arrest, safety net, or positioning device systems. Guardrails, warning lines, and controlled access zones are not the methods the standard lists for this work.
Answer B rests on
29 CFR 1926.501(b)(5)(opens ecfr.gov in a new tab)“Each employee on the face of formwork or reinforcing steel shall be protected from falling 6 feet (1.8 m) or more to lower levels by personal fall arrest systems, safety net systems, or positioning device systems.”
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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.