Roof Fall Protection Requirements Osha

Two popular fall arrest systems are the stationary option left and the one person carts right that weigh more than 700 pounds and can be moved around a large roof area.

Roof fall protection requirements osha. Osha definition is used as a basis for implementing low slope fall protection measures such as warning line systems and safety monitors. When the employer can demonstrate that it is not feasible or creates a greater hazard to use guardrail safety net or personal fall protection systems on residential roofs the employer must develop and implement a fall protection plan that meets the requirements of 29 cfr 1926 502 k and training that meets the requirements of 29 cfr 1926 503 a and c. Implementing osha standards can help to assure safe conditions. 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.

The fall protection methods in this fact sheet may not be suitable in all situations. Single unit monolithic roofing applied to flat roofs may seem safer to some roof workers but the work is still at height and subject to many similar hazards and safety requirements as sloped roof work. Requirements of federal fall protection standards under title 29 cfr subpart m fall protection 1926 500 503 employers must assess a workplace to. To meet osha requirements in the construction industry employers must provide workers with fall protection whenever they work at heights of six feet or more above a lower level 29 cfr 1926 501 b 1.

Proper fall protection measures personal protective equipment ppe and adhering to safe work practices can protect workers from fall hazards. I recommend that building owners be cautious about skylights that meet osha safety requirements product literature often states these skylights still need fall protection. Below is a table of frequently cited osha standards for roofing contractors during fy 2013. Osha standards frequently cited during fy 2013 inspections of roofing contractors naics 238160 rank by number of citations issued categories standard 1 duty to have fall protection 1926 501 2 ladder safety 1926 1053 3 fall protection training requirements.

With the proper fall protection the risk of serious falls can be substantially reduced. This fact sheet highlights some of the hazards workers encounter during re roofing and lists some practical methods employers can use to protect workers who replace roofs.