Osha Regulations For Fall Protection On Roofs

Implement safe work practices to reduce the possibility of falls.

Osha regulations for fall protection on roofs.

In construction activities fall protection is required when working at heights greater than 6 feet with some exceptions. The answer is it doesn t matter how far from the edge. This is important because the osha definition is used as a basis for implementing low slope fall protection measures such as warning line systems and safety monitors. Osha defines a low slope roof as a roof having a slope of less than or equal to 4 inches of vertical rise for every 12 inches horizontal length 4 12 1926 500 b definitions.

Also the warning line would comply with the criteria requirements in 1926 502 f. If there is a fall risk it needs to be addressed. When work is performed at least 6 feet 1 6 m but less than 15 feet 4 6 m from the roof edge the employer must ensure each employee is protected from falling by using a guardrail system safety net system travel restraint system or personal fall arrest system. Platforms used with fixed ladders provide a horizontal surface of at least 24 inches by 30 inches 61 cm by 76 cm.

Supervise workers to ensure fall protection equipment is used and maintained correctly. 1926 502 a 2 employers shall provide and install all fall protection systems required by this subpart for an employee and shall comply with all other pertinent requirements of this subpart before that employee begins the work that necessitates the fall protection. The osha general industry standards exclude construction as well as agriculture and marine industries which also have their own standards but both standards can sometimes apply to the same. 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.

Background osha s fall protection standard for construction 29 cfr part 1926 subpart m beginning at 1926 500 generally requires fall protection when there is a fall distance of 6 feet or more. Note to paragraph g. Two osha standards can apply 29 cfr 1910 which governs general industry safety standards and 29 cfr 1926 which governs construction sites specifically. Answer as explained below the answer is no.

Understand the requirements of osha s fall protection standards at 29 cfr 1926 subpart m to protect workers exposed to falls six feet or more above a lower level. Osha safety standards especially for roof fall protection can be a source of confusion for many industrial companies. Fall protection for activities not in the construction industry is addressed in specific standards for the general industry shipyard employment marine terminals and longshoring industry. Figure d 14 clearances for fixed ladders in wells.