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Wire rope perimeter guards on open-sided construction floors

Summary An insurer asked whether wire rope perimeter guarding could protect open-sided construction floors. OSHA said an employer using wire rope instead of specified guard methods must show equivalent protection, typically through inspection and certification by a registered professional engineer. OSHA doubted that the example in the request provided equivalence.
Document
Federal opinion letter
Agency
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Document number
1991-07-10-0
Date issued
July 10, 1991
Status
Archived by the agency
OSHA labels this an archive document that may no longer represent policy.
Status last verified October 9, 2026
Topics
Workplace Safety OSHA 1926 Fall Protection Construction
Source
View the official document

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OSHA labels this an archive document that may no longer represent policy. It may no longer reflect the agency's current position. Treat this page as historical context, not current guidance, and verify current law before relying on anything here.
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NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

July 10, 1991
Mr. Toby E. Hovi, Senior Consultant
Safety Management
Argonaut Insurance Company
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Hovi:
Thank you for your letter of May 16, concerning wire rope perimeter guarding for open-sided floors. Please excuse the delay in response.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements for perimeter guarding are specified in 29 CFR 1926. When wire rope is used as an alternate to the specified perimeter guarding techniques of 29 CFR 1926.500(d)(1) and (f)(1), it becomes the responsibility of the employer to show that the installation provides equivalent protection for the employees. Normally, inspection and certification of the installation by a registered professional engineer is acceptable to verify equivalency.
It is our opinion that the example noted by your letter is not likely to provide equivalency to the requirements of the standard and could create a false sense of safety which in turn creates a greater hazard to workers.
If we may be of further assistance, please contact us.
Sincerely,
Gerald F. Reidy, Director
Office of Construction and Maritime Compliance Assistance

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