- Part
Number: 1926
- Part
Title: Safety and Health Regulations for Construction
- Subpart:
M
- Subpart
Title: Fall Protection
- Standard
Number: 1926.502
- Title:
Fall protection systems criteria and practices.
1926.502(a)
"General."
1926.502(a)(1)
Fall
protection systems required by this part shall comply with the
applicable provisions of this section.
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.
(b)
"Guardrail systems." Guardrail systems and their use
shall comply with the following provisions:
(b)(1)
Top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system
members, shall be 42 inches (1.1 m) plus or minus 3 inches (8
cm) above the walking/working level. When conditions warrant,
the height of the top edge may exceed the 45-inch height, provided
the guardrail system meets all other criteria of this paragraph
(§ 1926.502(b)).
Note: When employees are using stilts, the top edge height
of the top rail, or equivalent member, shall be increased an
amount equal to the height of the stilts.
(b)(2)
Midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, or equivalent
intermediate structural members shall be installed between the
top edge of the guardrail system and the walking/working surface
when there is no wall or parapet wall at least 21 inches (53
cm) high.
(b)(2)(i)
Midrails, when used, shall be installed at a height midway between
the top edge of the guardrail system and the walking/working
level.
(b)(2)(ii)
Screens and mesh, when used, shall extend from the top rail
to the walking/working level and along the entire opening between
top rail supports.
(b)(2)(iii)
Intermediate members (such as balusters), when used between
posts, shall be not more than 19 inches (48 cm) apart.
(b)(2)(iv)
Other structural members (such as additional midrails and architectural
panels) shall be installed such that there are no openings in
the guardrail system that are more than 19 inches (.5 m) wide.
(b)(3)
Guardrail systems shall be capable of withstanding, without
failure, a force of at least 200 pounds (890 N) applied within
2 inches (5.1 cm) of the top edge, in any outward or downward
direction, at any point along the top edge.
(b)(4)
When the 200 pound (890 N) test load specified in paragraph
(b)(3) of this section (§ 1926.502) is applied in a downward
direction, the top edge of the guardrail shall not deflect to
a height less than 39 inches (1.0 m) above the walking/working
level. Guardrail system components selected and constructed
in accordance with the appendix B to subpart M of this part
will be deemed to meet this requirement.
(b)(5)
Midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, solid
panels, and equivalent structural members shall be capable of
withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 150 pounds
(666 N) applied in any downward or outward direction at any
point along the midrail or other member.
(b)(6)
Guardrail systems shall be so surfaced as to prevent injury
to an employee from punctures or lacerations, and to prevent
snagging of clothing.
(b)(7)
The ends of all top rails and midrails shall not overhang the
terminal posts, except where such overhang does not constitute
a projection hazard.
(b)(8)
Steel banding and plastic banding shall not be used as top rails
or midrails.
(b)(9)
Top rails and midrails shall be at least one-quarter inch (0.6
cm) nominal diameter or thickness to prevent cuts and lacerations.
If wire rope is used for top rails, it shall be flagged at not
more than 6-foot intervals with high-visibility material.
(b)(10)
When guardrail systems are used at hoisting areas, a chain,
gate or removable guardrail section shall be placed across the
access opening between guardrail sections when hoisting operations
are not taking place.
(b)(11)
When guardrail systems are used at holes, they shall be erected
on all unprotected sides or edges of the hole.
(b)(12)
When guardrail systems are used around holes used for the passage
of materials, the hole shall have not more than two sides provided
with removable guardrail sections to allow the passage of materials.
When the hole is not in use, it shall be closed over with a
cover, or a guardrail system shall be provided along all unprotected
sides or edges.
(b)(13)
When guardrail systems are used around holes which are used
as points of access (such as ladderways), they shall be provided
with a gate, or be so offset that a person cannot walk directly
into the hole.
(b)(14)
Guardrail systems used on ramps and runways shall be erected
along each unprotected side or edge.
(b)(15)
Manila, plastic or synthetic rope being used for top rails or
midrails shall be inspected as frequently as necessary to ensure
that it continues to meet the strength requirements of paragraph
(b)(3) of this section (§ 1926.502).
(c)
Safety net systems. Safety net systems and their use
shall comply with the following provisions:
(c)(1)
Safety nets shall be installed as close as practicable under
the walking/working surface on which employees are working,
but in no case more than 30 feet (9.1 m) below such level. When
nets are used on bridges, the potential fall area from the walking/working
surface to the net shall be unobstructed.
(c)(2)
Safety
nets shall extend outward from the outermost projection of the
work surface as follows:
| Vertical
distance from working level to horizontal plane of net |
Minimum
required horizontal distance of outer edge of net from the
edge of the working surface |
Up
to 5 feet
More than 5 feet up to 10 feet
More than 10 feet |
8
feet
10 feet
13 feet |
(c)(3)
Safety
nets shall be installed with sufficient clearance under them
to prevent contact with the surface or structures below when
subjected to an impact force equal to the drop test specified
in paragraph (4) of this section [§ 1926.502].
(c)(4)
Safety
nets and their installations shall be capable of absorbing an
impact force equal to that produced by the drop test specified
in paragraph (c)(4)(i) of this section [§ 1926.502].
(c)(4)(i)
Except
as provided in paragraph (c)(4)(ii) of this section (§ 1926.502),
safety nets and safety net installations shall be drop-tested
at the jobsite after initial installation and before being used
as a fall protection system, whenever relocated, after major
repair, and at 6-month intervals if left in one place. The drop-test
shall consist of a 400 pound (180 kg) bag of sand 30+ or -2
inches (76+ or -5 cm) in diameter dropped into the net from
the highest walking/working surface at which employees are exposed
to fall hazards, but not from less than 42 inches (1.1 m) above
that level.
(c)(4)(ii)
When
the employer can demonstrate that it is unreasonable to perform
the drop-test required by paragraph (c)(4)(i) of this section
(§ 1926.502), the employer (or a designated competent person)
shall certify that the net and net installation is in compliance
with the provisions of paragraphs (c)(3) and (c)(4)(i) of this
section (§ 1926.502) by preparing a certification record prior
to the net being used as a fall protection system. The certification
record must include an identification of the net and net installation
for which the certification record is being prepared; the date
that it was determined that the identified net and net installation
were in compliance with paragraph (c)(3) of this section (§
1926.502) and the signature of the person making the determination
and certification. The most recent certification record for
each net and net installation shall be available at the jobsite
for inspection.
(c)(5)
Defective
nets shall not be used. Safety nets shall be inspected at least
once a week for wear, damage, and other deterioration. Defective
components shall be removed from service. Safety nets shall
also be inspected after any occurrence which could affect the
integrity of the safety net system.
(c)(6)
Materials,
scrap pieces, equipment, and tools which have fallen into the
safety net shall be removed as soon as possible from the net
and at least before the next work shift.
(c)(7)
The
maximum size of each safety net mesh opening shall not exceed
36 square inches (230 cm) nor be longer than 6 inches (15 cm)
on any side, and the opening, measured center-to-center of mesh
ropes or webbing, shall not be longer than 6 inches (15 cm).
All mesh crossings shall be secured to prevent enlargement of
the mesh opening.
(c)(8)
Each
safety net (or section of it) shall have a border rope for webbing
with a minimum breaking strength of 5,000 pounds (22.2 kN).
(c)(9)
Connections
between safety net panels shall be as strong as integral net
components and shall be spaced not more than 6 inches (15 cm)
apart.
(d)
"Personal
fall arrest systems." Personal fall arrest systems and
their use shall comply with the provisions set forth below.
Effective January 1, 1998, body belts are not acceptable as
part of a personal fall arrest system.
Note:
The use of a body belt in a positioning device system is acceptable
and is regulated under paragraph (e) of this section (§ 1926.502).
(d)(1)
Connectors
shall be drop forged, pressed or formed steel, or made of equivalent
materials.
(d)(2)
Connectors
shall have a corrosion-resistant finish, and all surfaces and
edges shall be smooth to prevent damage to interfacing parts
of the system.
(d)(3)
Dee-rings
and snaphooks shall have a minimum tensile strength of 5,000
pounds (22.2 kN).
(d)(4)
Dee-rings
and snaphooks shall be proof-tested to a minimum tensile load
of 3,600 pounds (16 kN) without cracking, breaking, or taking
permanent deformation.
(d)(5)
Snaphooks
shall be sized to be compatible with the member to which they
are connected to prevent unintentional disengagement of the
snaphook by depression of the snaphook keeper by the connected
member, or shall be a locking type snaphook designed and used
to prevent disengagement of the snaphook by the contact of the
snaphook keeper by the connected member. Effective January 1,
1998, only locking type snaphooks shall be used.
(d)(6)
Unless
the snaphook is a locking type and designed for the following
connections, snaphooks shall not be engaged:
(d)(6)(i)
directly
to webbing, rope or wire rope;
(d)(6)(ii)
to
each other;
(d)(6)(iii)
to
a dee-ring to which another snaphook or other connector is attached;
(d)(6)(iv)
to
a horizontal lifeline; or
(d)(6)(v)
to
any object which is incompatibly shaped or dimensioned in relation
to the snaphook such that unintentional disengagement could
occur by the connected object being able to depress the snaphook
keeper and release itself.
(d)(7)
On
suspended scaffolds or similar work platforms with horizontal
lifelines which may become vertical lifelines, the devices used
to connect to a horizontal lifeline shall be capable of locking
in both directions on the lifeline.
(d)(8)
Horizontal
lifelines shall be designed, installed, and used, under the
supervision of a qualified person, as part of a complete personal
fall arrest system, which maintains a safety factor of at least
two.
(d)(9)
Lanyards
and vertical lifelines shall have a minimum breaking strength
of 5,000 pounds (22.2 kN).
(d)(10)(i)
Except
as provided in paragraph (d)(10)(ii) of this section [§ 1926.502],
when vertical lifelines are used, each employee shall be attached
to a separate lifeline.
(d)(10)(ii)
During
the construction of elevator shafts, two employees may be attached
to the same lifeline in the hoistway, provided both employees
are working atop a false car that is equipped with guardrails;
the strength of the lifeline is 10,000 pounds [5,000 pounds
per employee attached] (44.4 kN); and all other criteria specified
in this paragraph for lifelines have been met.
(d)(11)
Lifelines
shall be protected against being cut or abraded.
(d)(12)
Self-retracting
lifelines and lanyards which automatically limit free fall distance
to 2 feet (0.61 m) or less shall be capable of sustaining a
minimum tensile load of 3,000 pounds (13.3 kN) applied to the
device with the lifeline or lanyard in the fully extended position.
(d)(13)
Self-retracting
lifelines and lanyards which do not limit free fall distance
to 2 feet (0.61 m) or less, ripstitch lanyards, and tearing
and deforming lanyards shall be capable of sustaining a minimum
tensile load of 5,000 pounds (22.2 kN) applied to the device
with the lifeline or lanyard in the fully extended position.
(d)(14)
Ropes
and straps (webbing) used in lanyards, lifelines, and strength
components of body belts and body harnesses shall be made from
synthetic fibers.
(d)(15)
Anchorages
used for attachment of personal fall arrest equipment shall
be independent of any anchorage being used to support or suspend
platforms and capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds (22.2
kN) per employee attached, or shall be designed, installed,
and used as follows:
(d)(15)(i)
as
part of a complete personal fall arrest system which maintains
a safety factor of at least two; and
(d)(15)(ii)
under
the supervision of a qualified person.
(d)(16)
Personal
fall arrest systems, when stopping a fall, shall:
(d)(16)(i)
limit
maximum arresting force on an employee to 900 pounds (4 kN)
when used with a body belt;
(d)(16)(ii)
limit
maximum arresting force on an employee to 1,800 pounds (8 kN)
when used with a body harness;
(d)(16)(iii)
be
rigged such that an employee can neither free fall more than
6 feet (1.8 m), nor contact any lower level;
(d)(16)(iv)
bring
an employee to a complete stop and limit maximum deceleration
distance an employee travels to 3.5 feet (1.07 m); and,
(d)(16)(v)
have
sufficient strength to withstand twice the potential impact
energy of an employee free falling a distance of 6 feet (1.8
m), or the free fall distance permitted by the system, whichever
is less.
Note:
If the personal fall arrest system meets the criteria and protocols
contained in Appendix C to subpart M, and if the system is being
used by an employee having a combined person and tool weight
of less than 310 pounds (140 kg), the system will be considered
to be in compliance with the provisions of paragraph (d)(16)
of this section [§ 1926.502]. If the system is used by an employee
having a combined tool and body weight of 310 pounds (140 kg)
or more, then the employer must appropriately modify the criteria
and protocols of the Appendix to provide proper protection for
such heavier weights, or the system will not be deemed to be
in compliance with the requirements of paragraph (d)(16) of
this section (§ 1926.502).
(d)(17)
The
attachment point of the body belt shall be located in the center
of the wearer's back. The attachment point of the body harness
shall be located in the center of the wearer's back near shoulder
level, or above the wearer's head.
(d)(18)
Body
belts, harnesses, and components shall be used only for employee
protection (as part of a personal fall arrest system or positioning
device system) and not to hoist materials.
(d)(19)
Personal
fall arrest systems and components subjected to impact loading
shall be immediately removed from service and shall not be used
again for employee protection until inspected and determined
by a competent person to be undamaged and suitable for reuse.
(d)(20)
The
employer shall provide for prompt rescue of employees in the
event of a fall or shall assure that employees are able to rescue
themselves.
(d)(21)
Personal
fall arrest systems shall be inspected prior to each use for
wear, damage and other deterioration, and defective components
shall be removed from service.
(d)(22)
Body
belts shall be at least one and five-eighths (15/8)
inches (4.1 cm) wide.
(d)(23)
Personal
fall arrest systems shall not be attached to guardrail systems,
nor shall they be attached to hoists except as specified in
other subparts of this Part.
(d)(24)
When
a personal fall arrest system is used at hoist areas, it shall
be rigged to allow the movement of the employee only as far
as the edge of the walking/working surface.
(e)
Positioning device systems. Positioning
device systems and their use shall conform to the following
provisions:
(e)(1)
Positioning
devices shall be rigged such that an employee cannot free fall
more than 2 feet (.9 m).
(e)(2)
Positioning
devices shall be secured to an anchorage capable of supporting
at least twice the potential impact load of an employee's fall
or 3,000 pounds (13.3 kN), whichever is greater.
(e)(3)
Connectors
shall be drop forged, pressed or formed steel, or made of equivalent
materials.
(e)(4)
Connectors
shall have a corrosion-resistant finish, and all surfaces and
edges shall be smooth to prevent damage to interfacing parts
of this system.
(e)(5)
Connecting
assemblies shall have a minimum tensile strength of 5,000 pounds
(22.2 kN)
(e)(6)
Dee-rings
and snaphooks shall be proof-tested to a minimum tensile load
of 3,600 pounds (16 kN) without cracking, breaking, or taking
permanent deformation.
(e)(7)
Snaphooks
shall be sized to be compatible with the member to which they
are connected to prevent unintentional disengagement of the
snaphook by depression of the snaphook keeper by the connected
member, or shall be a locking type snaphook designed and used
to prevent disengagement of the snaphook by the contact of the
snaphook keeper by the connected member. As of January 1, 1998,
only locking type snaphooks shall be used.
(e)(8)
Unless
the snaphook is a locking type and designed for the following
connections, snaphooks shall not be engaged:
(e)(8)(i)
directly
to webbing, rope or wire rope;
(e)(8)(ii)
to
each other;
(e)(8)(iii)
to
a dee-ring to which another snaphook or other connector is attached;
(e)(8)(iv)
to
a horizontal lifeline; or to depress the snaphook keeper and
release itself.
(e)(8)(v)
to
any object which is incompatibly shaped or dimensioned in relation
to the snaphook such that unintentional disengagement could
occur by the connected object being able to depress the snaphook
keeper and release itself.
(e)(9)
Positioning
device systems shall be inspected prior to each use for wear,
damage, and other deterioration, and defective components shall
be removed from service.
(e)(10)
Body
belts, harnesses, and components shall be used only for employee
protection (as part of a personal fall arrest system or positioning
device system) and not to hoist materials.
1926.502(f)
"Warning
line systems." Warning line systems [See 1926.501(b)(10)]
and their use shall comply with the following provisions:
1926.502(f)(1)
The
warning line shall be erected around all sides of the roof work
area.
..1926.502(f)(1)(i)
1926.502(f)(1)(i)
When
mechanical equipment is not being used, the warning line shall
be erected not less than 6 feet (1.8 m) from the roof edge.
1926.502(f)(1)(ii)
When
mechanical equipment is being used, the warning line shall be
erected not less than 6 feet (1.8 m) from the roof edge which
is parallel to the direction of mechanical equipment operation,
and not less than 10 feet (3.1 m) from the roof edge which is
perpendicular to the direction of mechanical equipment operation.
1926.502(f)(1)(iii)
Points
of access, materials handling areas, storage areas, and hoisting
areas shall be connected to the work area by an access path
formed by two warning lines.
1926.502(f)(1)(iv)
When
the path to a point of access is not in use, a rope, wire, chain,
or other barricade, equivalent in strength and height to the
warning line, shall be placed across the path at the point where
the path intersects the warning line erected around the work
area, or the path shall be offset such that a person cannot
walk directly into the work area.
1926.502(f)(2)
Warning
lines shall consist of ropes, wires, or chains, and supporting
stanchions erected as follows:
1926.502(f)(2)(i)
The
rope, wire, or chain shall be flagged at not more than 6-foot
(1.8 m) intervals with high-visibility material;
..1926.502(f)(2)(ii)
1926.502(f)(2)(ii)
The
rope, wire, or chain shall be rigged and supported in such a
way that its lowest point (including sag) is no less than 34
inches (.9 m) from the walking/working surface and its highest
point is no more than 39 inches (1.0 m) from the walking/working
surface;
1926.502(f)(2)(iii)
After
being erected, with the rope, wire, or chain attached, stanchions
shall be capable of resisting, without tipping over, a force
of at least 16 pounds (71 N) applied horizontally against the
stanchion, 30 inches (.8 m) above the walking/working surface,
perpendicular to the warning line, and in the direction of the
floor, roof, or platform edge;
1926.502(f)(2)(iv)
The
rope, wire, or chain shall have a minimum tensile strength of
500 pounds (2.22 kN), and after being attached to the stanchions,
shall be capable of supporting, without breaking, the loads
applied to the stanchions as prescribed in paragraph (f)(2)(iii)
of this section; and
1926.502(f)(2)(v)
The
line shall be attached at each stanchion in such a way that
pulling on one section of the line between stanchions will not
result in slack being taken up in adjacent sections before the
stanchion tips over.
1926.502(f)(3)
No
employee shall be allowed in the area between a roof edge and
a warning line unless the employee is performing roofing work
in that area.
..1926.502(f)(4)
1926.502(f)(4)
Mechanical
equipment on roofs shall be used or stored only in areas where
employees are protected by a warning line system, guardrail
system, or personal fall arrest system.
1926.502(g)
"Controlled
access zones." Controlled access zones [See 1926.501(b)(9)
and 1926.502(k)] and their use shall conform to the following
provisions.
1926.502(g)(1)
When
used to control access to areas where leading edge and other
operations are taking place the controlled access zone shall
be defined by a control line or by any other means that restricts
access.
1926.502(g)(1)(i)
When
control lines are used, they shall be erected not less than
6 feet (1.8 m) nor more than 25 feet (7.7 m) from the unprotected
or leading edge, except when erecting precast concrete members.
1926.502(g)(1)(ii)
When
erecting precast concrete members, the control line shall be
erected not less than 6 feet (1.8 m) nor more than 60 feet (18
m) or half the length of the member being erected, whichever
is less, from the leading edge.
1926.502(g)(1)(iii)
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.
..1926.502(g)(1)(iv)
1926.502(g)(1)(iv)
The
control line shall be connected on each side to a guardrail
system or wall.
1926.502(g)(2)
When
used to control access to areas where overhand bricklaying and
related work are taking place:
1926.502(g)(2)(i)
The
controlled access zone shall be defined by a control line erected
not less than 10 feet (3.1 m) nor more than 15 feet (4.5 m)
from the working edge.
1926.502(g)(2)(ii)
The
control line shall extend for a distance sufficient for the
controlled access zone to enclose all employees performing overhand
bricklaying and related work at the working edge and shall be
approximately parallel to the working edge.
1926.502(g)(2)(iii)
Additional
control lines shall be erected at each end to enclose the controlled
access zone.
1926.502(g)(2)(iv)
Only
employees engaged in overhand bricklaying or related work shall
be permitted in the controlled access zone.
1926.502(g)(3)
Control
lines shall consist of ropes, wires, tapes, or equivalent materials,
and supporting stanchions as follows:
1926.502(g)(3)(i)
Each
line shall be flagged or otherwise clearly marked at not more
than 6-foot (1.8 m) intervals with high-visibility material.
..1926.502(g)(3)(ii)
1926.502(g)(3)(ii)
Each
line shall be rigged and supported in such a way that its lowest
point (including sag) is not less than 39 inches (1 m) from
the walking/working surface and its highest point is not more
than 45 inches (1.3 m) [50 inches (1.3 m) when overhand bricklaying
operations are being performed] from the walking/working surface.
1926.502(g)(3)(iii)
Each
line shall have a minimum breaking strength of 200 pounds (.88
kN).
1926.502(g)(4)
On
floors and roofs where guardrail systems are not in place prior
to the beginning of overhand bricklaying operations, controlled
access zones shall be enlarged, as necessary, to enclose all
points of access, material handling areas, and storage areas.
1926.502(g)(5)
On
floors and roofs where guardrail systems are in place, but need
to be removed to allow overhand bricklaying work or leading
edge work to take place, only that portion of the guardrail
necessary to accomplish that day's work shall be removed.
1926.502(h)
"Safety
monitoring systems." Safety monitoring systems [See 1926.501(b)(10)
and 1926.502(k)] and their use shall comply with the following
provisions:
1926.502(h)(1)
The
employer shall designate a competent person to monitor the safety
of other employees and the employer shall ensure that the safety
monitor complies with the following requirements:
1926.502(h)(1)(i)
The
safety monitor shall be competent to recognize fall hazards;
..1926.502(h)(1)(ii)
1926.502(h)(1)(ii)
The
safety monitor shall warn the employee when it appears that
the employee is unaware of a fall hazard or is acting in an
unsafe manner;
1926.502(h)(1)(iii)
The
safety monitor shall be on the same walking/working surface
and within visual sighting distance of the employee being monitored;
1926.502(h)(1)(iv)
The
safety monitor shall be close enough to communicate orally with
the employee; and
1926.502(h)(1)(v)
The
safety monitor shall not have other responsibilities which could
take the monitor's attention from the monitoring function.
1926.502(h)(2)
Mechanical
equipment shall not be used or stored in areas where safety
monitoring systems are being used to monitor employees engaged
in roofing operations on low-slope roofs.
1926.502(h)(3)
No
employee, other than an employee engaged in roofing work [on
low-sloped roofs] or an employee covered by a fall protection
plan, shall be allowed in an area where an employee is being
protected by a safety monitoring system.
1926.502(h)(4)
Each
employee working in a controlled access zone shall be directed
to comply promptly with fall hazard warnings from safety monitors.
..1926.502(i)
1926.502(i)
"Covers."
Covers for holes in floors, roofs, and other walking/working
surfaces shall meet the following requirements:
1926.502(i)(1)
Covers
located in roadways and vehicular aisles shall be capable of
supporting, without failure, at least twice the maximum axle
load of the largest vehicle expected to cross over the cover.
1926.502(i)(2)
All
other covers shall be capable of supporting, without failure,
at least twice the weight of employees, equipment, and materials
that may be imposed on the cover at any one time.
1926.502(i)(3)
All
covers shall be secured when installed so as to prevent accidental
displacement by the wind, equipment, or employees.
1926.502(i)(4)
All
covers shall be color coded or they shall be marked with the
word "HOLE" or "COVER" to provide warning
of the hazard.
Note:
This provision does not apply to cast iron manhole covers or
steel grates used on streets or roadways.
1926.502(j)
"Protection
from falling objects." Falling object protection shall
comply with the following provisions:
1926.502(j)(1)
Toeboards,
when used as falling object protection, shall be erected along
the edge of the overhead walking/working surface for a distance
sufficient to protect employees below.
..1926.502(j)(2)
1926.502(j)(2)
Toeboards
shall be capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of
at least 50 pounds (222 N) applied in any downward or outward
direction at any point along the toeboard.
1926.502(j)(3)
Toeboards
shall be a minimum of 3 1/2 inches (9 cm) in vertical height
from their top edge to the level of the walking/working surface.
They shall have not more than 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) clearance above
the walking/working surface. They shall be solid or have openings
not over 1 inch (2.5 cm) in greatest dimension.
1926.502(j)(4)
Where
tools, equipment, or materials are piled higher than the top
edge of a toeboard, paneling or screening shall be erected from
the walking/working surface or toeboard to the top of a guardrail
system's top rail or midrail, for a distance sufficient to protect
employees below.
1926.502(j)(5)
Guardrail
systems, when used as falling object protection, shall have
all openings small enough to prevent passage of potential falling
objects.
1926.502(j)(6)
During
the performance of overhand bricklaying and related work:
1926.502(j)(6)(i)
No
materials or equipment except masonry and mortar shall be stored
within 4 feet (1.2 m) of the working edge.
..1926.502(j)(6)(ii)
1926.502(j)(6)(ii)
Excess
mortar, broken or scattered masonry units, and all other materials
and debris shall be kept clear from the work area by removal
at regular intervals.
1926.502(j)(7)
During
the performance of roofing work:
1926.502(j)(7)(i)
Materials
and equipment shall not be stored within 6 feet (1.8 m) of a
roof edge unless guardrails are erected at the edge.
1926.502(j)(7)(ii)
Materials
which are piled, grouped, or stacked near a roof edge shall
be stable and self-supporting.
1926.502(j)(8)
Canopies,
when used as falling object protection, shall be strong enough
to prevent collapse and to prevent penetration by any objects
which may fall onto the canopy.
1926.502(k)
"Fall
protection plan." This option is available only to employees
engaged in leading edge work, precast concrete erection work,
or residential construction work (See 1926.501(b)(2), (b)(12),
and (b)(13)) who can demonstrate that it is infeasible or it
creates a greater hazard to use conventional fall protection
equipment. The fall protection plan must conform to the following
provisions.
1926.502(k)(1)
The
fall protection plan shall be prepared by a qualified person
and developed specifically for the site where the leading edge
work, precast concrete work, or residential construction work
is being performed and the plan must be maintained up to date.
..1926.502(k)(2)
1926.502(k)(2)
Any
changes to the fall protection plan shall be approved by a qualified
person.
1926.502(k)(3)
A
copy of the fall protection plan with all approved changes shall
be maintained at the job site.
1926.502(k)(4)
The
implementation of the fall protection plan shall be under the
supervision of a competent person.
1926.502(k)(5)
The
fall protection plan shall document the reasons why the use
of conventional fall protection systems (guardrail systems,
personal fall arrest systems, or safety nets systems) are infeasible
or why their use would create a greater hazard.
1926.502(k)(6)
The
fall protection plan shall include a written discussion of other
measures that will be taken to reduce or eliminate the fall
hazard for workers who cannot be provided with protection from
the conventional fall protection systems. For example, the employer
shall discuss the extent to which scaffolds, ladders, or vehicle
mounted work platforms can be used to provide a safer working
surface and thereby reduce the hazard of falling.
1926.502(k)(7)
The
fall protection plan shall identify each location where conventional
fall protection methods cannot be used. These locations shall
then be classified as controlled access zones and the employer
must comply with the criteria in paragraph (g) of this section.
..1926.502(k)(8)
1926.502(k)(8)
Where
no other alternative measure has been implemented, the employer
shall implement a safety monitoring system in conformance with
1926.502(h).
1926.502(k)(9)
The
fall protection plan must include a statement which provides
the name or other method of identification for each employee
who is designated to work in controlled access zones. No other
employees may enter controlled access zones.
1926.502(k)(10)
In
the event an employee falls, or some other related, serious
incident occurs, (e.g., a near miss) the employer shall investigate
the circumstances of the fall or other incident to determine
if the fall protection plan needs to be changed (e.g. new practices,
procedures, or training) and shall implement those changes to
prevent similar types of falls or incidents.
[44
FR 8577, Feb. 9, 1979; 44 FR 20940, Apr. 6, 1979, as amended
at 45 FR 75626, Nov. 14, 1980; 55 FR 47687, Nov. 14, 1990; 59
FR 40733, Aug. 9, 1994; 60 FR 5131, Jan. 26, 1995]
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