Osha Regulations For Fall Protection On Roofs

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.

Osha regulations for fall protection on roofs.

Two osha standards can apply 29 cfr 1910 which governs general industry safety standards and 29 cfr 1926 which governs construction sites specifically. 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. If there is a fall risk it needs to be addressed. 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.

Answer as explained below the answer is no. Implement safe work practices to reduce the possibility of falls. 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. Also the warning line would comply with the criteria requirements in 1926 502 f.

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. The answer is it doesn t matter how far from the edge. This section highlights osha standards federal register notices rules and proposed rules preambles to final rules background to final rules directives instruction to osha staff letters of interpretation official letters of interpretation of the standards and national consensus standards. Platforms used with fixed ladders provide a horizontal surface of at least 24 inches by 30 inches 61 cm by 76 cm.

In construction activities fall protection is required when working at heights greater than 6 feet with some exceptions. Figure d 14 clearances for fixed ladders in wells. Section 1910 28 establishes the requirements that employers must follow on the use of cages and wells as a means of fall protection. Note to paragraph g.

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. 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. Supervise workers to ensure fall protection equipment is used and maintained correctly. Osha safety standards especially for roof fall protection can be a source of confusion for many industrial companies.