Seven (Rules) for Safe Controlled Access Zones

Consisting of supporting stanchions and ropes, wires, tapes, or other equivalent material, controlled access zones are used on construction sites to limit access to areas where leading edge and other operations are taking place. Know these seven rules to ensure your controlled access zone is constructed correctly.
  1. When control lines are used, they shall be erected not less than 6 feet nor more than 25 feet from the unprotected or leading edge, except when erecting precast concrete members. 
  2. When erecting precast concrete members, the control line shall be erected not less than 6 feet nor more than 60 feet or half the length of the member being erected, whichever is less, from the leading edge. 
  3. The control line shall extend along the entire length of the unprotected or leading edge and shall be approximately parallel to the unprotected or leading edge. 
  4. The control line shall be connected on each side to a guardrail system or wall. 
  5. Each line shall be flagged or otherwise clearly marked at not more than 6-foot intervals with high-visibility material. 
  6. Each line shall be rigged and supported in such a way that its lowest point (including sag) is not less than 39 inches from the walking/working surface and its highest point is not more than 45 inches from the walking/working surface. 
  7. Each line shall have a minimum breaking strength of 200 pounds.