Fall Protection

What the Standard Covers

OSHA’s fall protection standards for general industry are found in 29 CFR 1910 Subpart D (Walking-Working Surfaces) and Subpart I (Personal Protective Equipment). These regulations define when and how employers must provide guardrails, safety harnesses, fall restraint systems, and personal fall arrest systems to prevent injuries and fatalities from falls.

Key Sections

• § 1910.28 — Duty to have fall protection and falling-object protection
  
• § 1910.29 — Fall protection systems and falling object protection — criteria and practices
  
• § 1910.30 — Training requirements for fall-hazard protection
  
• § 1910.140 — Personal fall protection systems (PFAS)
  

Key Requirements and Concepts

When Fall Protection Is Required

• In general industry, when an employee is on a walking-working surface with an unprotected side or edge 4 feet (1.2 m) or more above a lower level, then fall protection must be provided.
• Also, when there are holes, open edges, or dangerous equipment below: for example, if an employee is above “dangerous equipment” 4 ft or more, fall protection applies.
• There are some special conditions (for example, very low-height pits) where the fall-protection requirement is modified.

Types of Acceptable Fall Protection Systems

Under §1910.28(b)(1)(i), employers must ensure one or more of the following systems are used: guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall protection systems. Guardrails and toeboards must meet the detailed OSHA guardrail requirements, and all personal fall arrest systems must meet strict criteria for harness strength, anchorage, lanyard compatibility, and inspection frequency. These rules also apply to fixed ladders and loading dock fall protection applications.

System Performance & Criteria

• Maximum arresting force on the employee must not exceed 1,800 pounds (8 kN). (§1910.140(d)(1))
• Deceleration distance must be limited to 3.5 feet (1.1 m).
• Free fall distance must not exceed 6 feet (1.8 m).
• Anchors and components must be used only for fall protection, not material handling. (§1910.140(c)(16))
• The top rail of a guardrail system should be approximately 42 inches above the working surface (±3 in). (§1910.29(b))

Training Requirements

Under §1910.30, every employee exposed to fall hazards or who uses personal fall protection systems must be trained before initial use. Training covers hazard recognition, correct equipment use, inspection, maintenance, and anchorage procedures. Retraining is required if workplace conditions, equipment, or employee performance indicate the need.