Fall protection is generally required when workers are exposed to falls of 6 feet or higher. Exceptions to this height requirement include holes, wall openings, excavations, wells, pits, shafts, and areas over dangerous equipment, where fall protection may be required at less than 6 feet. The specific height requirements can vary based on the type of work and jurisdiction. [5] [8] [3]

Here are some specific trigger heights for construction activities:

• General fall protection: 6 feet
• Scaffolds (supported and suspended): Greater than 10 feet
• Steel erection (general): More than 15 feet
• Steel erection (connectors): More than two stories or 30 feet (whichever is less)

[2] [2] [2] [2] In California, specific trigger heights include:

• Connecting structural steel (Iron workers): 2 stories or 30' whichever is less
• Most roofing work: 20'
• Panelized roof systems, residential framing and roofing activities, work on 4" nominal or wider structural members and other than connecting steel (iron workers): 15'
• Work on unprotected platforms, scaffolds, or edges of structures (within 6'): 7 1/2'
• Work with rebar/ or similar projections (rod busters): 6'

[1] Many jurisdictions require fall protection when working at a height of 3 meters (10 feet) or more. However, fall protection may also be required at heights less than 3 meters if the surface below could cause a greater injury than just the fall, such as near machinery or hazardous materials. [4] [6]

For guardrail systems, the top edge of the guardrail should be 42 inches (± 3 inches) above the walking/working surface. The system must be capable of withstanding a 200-pound force. [7] [7]