How high can you climb without fall protection

In construction, OSHA generally requires fall protection when working at heights of 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above a lower level 1, 3, 5, 9. This includes scenarios such as unprotected sides and edges, leading edges, hoist areas, holes, formwork and reinforcing steel, ramps, runways, excavations, dangerous equipment, overhand bricklaying, wall openings and walking/working surfaces 3, 5.

However, there are exceptions and specific requirements depending on the type of work:

• Steel Erection: Fall protection is required above 15 feet (4.6 m) [1].
• Connectors: Connectors need fall protection above two stories or 30 feet (9.1 m), whichever is less [1].
• Low-Slope Roofs: Specific rules apply to roofing work on low-slope roofs, with variations based on the distance from the edge 1, 6.
• Qualified Employees: Qualified employees climbing or changing location on poles, towers, or similar structures must use fall protection equipment unless the employer can demonstrate that climbing or changing location with fall protection is infeasible or creates a greater hazard than climbing or changing location without it [2].

In some situations, if using standard fall protection is infeasible or creates a greater hazard, a written fall protection plan may be implemented 1, 5.