Fall Protection Requirements and Conditions

This document outlines the conditions and height requirements that mandate the use of fall protection equipment to prevent injuries from falls. It is essential to understand these requirements to ensure a safe working environment and regulatory compliance.

General Requirements

Occupational health and safety laws generally require action when a worker has the potential to fall about 3 meters (10 feet). However, exact requirements do vary by jurisdiction. Most jurisdictions require specific fall protection measures before, or in addition to, personal protective equipment (PPE). [1]

Specific Height and Situational Requirements

6 Feet (1.8 Meters) or More

In many construction and general industry scenarios, fall protection is required when working at heights of 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above a lower level. This includes scenarios with unprotected sides and edges on walking/working surfaces. Specific instances include:

• Unprotected sides and edges on walking/working surfaces.
• Construction of leading edges.
• Hoist areas.
• Holes (including skylights).
• Face of formwork and reinforcing steel.
• Ramps, runways, and other walkways.
• Edges of excavations.
• Work on steep roofs.
• Precast concrete erection.
• Residential construction activities.
• Wall openings.
• Walking/working surfaces not otherwise addressed.

[4] [4] [4] [4] [4] [4] [4] [10] [10] [10] [10] [10]

Less Than 6 Feet (1.8 Meters)

Even at heights less than 6 feet (1.8 meters), fall protection may be required in specific situations:

• Near dangerous equipment: Employees less than 6 feet (1.8 m) above dangerous equipment must be protected from falling into or onto the equipment by guardrail systems or equipment guards.
• Water Danger: An employer must ensure that a worker uses an appropriate fall protection system in combination with a life jacket or personal flotation device if the worker may fall into water that exposes the worker to the hazard of drowning, or could drown from falling into the water, from other than a boat.

[4] [3]

4 Feet (1.2 Meters) or More

In electric power generation, transmission, and distribution, employees in elevated locations more than 1.2 meters (4 feet) above the ground on poles, towers, or similar structures must use a personal fall arrest system, work-positioning equipment, or fall restraint system if the employer has not provided other fall protection. [7]

3 Metres (10 Feet) or More

Many jurisdictions require fall protection when a worker may fall 3 metres (10 ft.) or more. Specific requirements vary, but this height is a common threshold for mandatory fall protection. [1] [6] [13]

Other Situations

• Falls into operating machinery.
• Falls into water or another liquid.
• Falls into or onto a hazardous substance or object.
• Falls through an opening on a work surface.

[13] Exceptions and Special Cases

Infeasibility or Greater Hazard

In some cases, the use of conventional fall protection systems may be infeasible or create a greater hazard. In these situations, employers must develop and implement a fall protection plan that meets specific requirements. This plan typically involves a hazard assessment and alternative safety measures. [4]

Qualified Employees in Specific Industries

Until March 31, 2015, a qualified employee climbing or changing location on poles, towers, or similar structures did not need to use fall protection equipment under certain conditions. However, after this date, fall protection is required unless the employer can demonstrate it is infeasible or creates a greater hazard. Note that unqualified employees (including trainees) must use fall protection any time they are more than 1.2 meters (4 feet) above the ground. [2] [2]

Alternative Fall Protection Measures

• Fixed barriers (e.g., handrails, guardrails).
• Surface opening protection (e.g., covers, guardrails, etc.).
• Warning barriers or control zones.
• Fall or travel restraint systems.
• Fall containment systems (e.g., safety nets).
• Fall arrest systems.

[1] Importance of a Fall Protection Plan

A fall protection plan is crucial for identifying fall hazards and implementing measures to prevent injury. It should include the selection, assembly, maintenance, inspection, and proper use of equipment. Emergency procedures for rescuing fallen workers are also essential. Fall protection plans must be specific to each site, as there is no one-size-fits-all solution. [1]

Hazard Assessment

A thorough hazard assessment is necessary to identify potential fall hazards before work begins. This includes:

• Areas where people may fall during tasks.
• Heights of 3 m (10 ft) or more, or less than 3 m (10 ft) where required due to increased risk.
• Potential falls into operating machinery, water, hazardous substances, or through openings.
• Evaluation of existing controls to eliminate or reduce fall likelihood.
• Worker training to recognize and report new fall hazards.
• Worker understanding of protective measures.
• Equipment stability and condition.
• Floor conditions.
• Worker education and training on protective equipment use.
• Availability and condition of required personal protective equipment.

[9] [9] [9] [9] [9] [9] [9] [9] [9] Guardrail Systems

Guardrail systems must meet specific criteria to provide adequate fall protection:

• Top edge height of top rails should be 42 inches (1.1 m) plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm) above the walking/working level.
• Midrails, screens, or mesh must be installed when there is no wall or parapet wall at least 21 inches (53 cm) high.
• Guardrail systems must withstand a force of at least 200 pounds (890 N) applied within 2 inches (5.1 cm) of the top edge.
• Midrails must withstand a force of at least 150 pounds (666 N).
• Guardrail systems must be surfaced to prevent injury and snagging of clothing.
• Steel banding and plastic banding shall not be used as top rails or midrails.

[5] [5] [5] [5] [5] [5] Personal Fall Arrest Systems

Personal fall arrest systems must meet specific criteria, including proper anchorage, harness fitting, and inspection:

• 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.
• Body belts, harnesses, and components shall be used only for employee protection and not to hoist materials.
• Personal fall arrest systems and components subjected to impact loading shall be immediately removed from service until inspected by a competent person.
• Personal fall arrest systems shall be inspected prior to each use for wear, damage and other deterioration.
• Personal fall arrest systems shall not be attached to guardrail systems, nor shall they be attached to hoists.
• The locking mechanism of snaphooks shall first be released, or a destructive force shall be placed on the keeper, before the keeper will open.
• A force in the range of 6.7 N (1.5 lbf) to 17.8 N (4 lbf) shall be required to release the locking mechanism of snaphooks.

[11] [11] [11] [11] [11] [7] [7] Work-Positioning Equipment

Work-positioning systems also have specific requirements:

• Positioning devices shall be rigged such that an employee cannot free fall more than 2 feet (0.6m).
• 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.
• Work-positioning equipment shall be inspected before use each day.
• On and after April 1, 2015, work positioning systems shall be rigged so that an employee can free fall no more than 0.6 meters (2 feet).
• Anchorages for work-positioning equipment shall be capable of supporting at least twice the potential impact load of an employee's fall, or 13.3 kilo-newtons (3,000 pounds-force), whichever is greater.

[11] [11] [8] [8] [12] Conclusion

Fall protection is mandated under various conditions, primarily based on height and the presence of specific hazards. Employers must conduct thorough hazard assessments, implement appropriate fall protection systems, and ensure that workers are properly trained and equipped to prevent falls and injuries. Compliance with these requirements is essential for maintaining a safe working environment and adhering to regulatory standards.

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