In construction, fall protection is generally required at 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above lower levels 8, 9, 11, 13. This means that if you are working at a height of 6 feet or more, you need to be protected from falling by using systems such as guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems 8, 9, 11, 13.

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

• Residential Construction: The same 6-foot rule applies, but there's an exception if it's infeasible or creates a greater hazard to use standard fall protection systems. In such cases, a fall protection plan is required [1].
• Roofing Work: On low-slope roofs, fall protection is required at 6 feet or more. Options include guardrail systems, safety net systems, personal fall arrest systems, or a combination of warning line systems with other protective measures [1].
• Precast Concrete Erection: Fall protection is required at 6 feet or more using guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems, unless an alternative fall protection measure is in place [1].
• Wall Openings: If working on or near wall openings where the outside bottom edge is 6 feet or more above lower levels and the inside bottom edge is less than 39 inches above the walking/working surface, fall protection is required 8, 11.
• Hoist Areas: In hoist areas, fall protection is needed at 6 feet or more, typically using guardrail systems or personal fall arrest systems [2].
• Formwork and Reinforcing Steel: Fall protection is required at 6 feet or more using personal fall arrest systems, safety net systems, or positioning device systems [2].
• Dangerous Equipment: When working less than 6 feet above dangerous equipment, you need protection from falling into or onto the equipment using guardrail systems or equipment guards 13, 19. If you're 6 feet or more above dangerous equipment, use guardrail systems, personal fall arrest systems, or safety net systems 13, 19.

It's also important to consider the free fall distance. OSHA requires personal fall arrest systems to be rigged so that an employee cannot free fall more than 6 feet (1.8 m) 2, 4, 5. The tie-off attachment point should be located at or above the connection point of the fall arrest equipment to the harness to minimize free fall distance 2, 5.

Remember to always inspect your fall protection equipment before use and follow the manufacturer's instructions 6, 10, 12, 17, 18.