1. FALL PROTECTION
Bureau of Workers’ Comp
PA Training for Health & Safety
(PATHS)
OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M
(1926.500-503)
OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Subparts D, F, I
(1910.23, 66, 67, 132)
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2. Importance of Fall Protection
• Each year, approximately 14
percent of fatal workplace
injuries are caused by falls
(Source: U.S. Dept. of Labor).
• In construction, approximately
150-200 workers are killed
annually due to falls (Source:
OSHA).
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3. Fall Protection Requirements
General Industry (OSHA 1910) – must have
in place if working at or above four (4) feet
Maritime (OSHA 1915) – must have in place
if working at or above five (5) feet
Construction (OSHA 1926) – must have in
place if working at or above six (6) feet
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4. Determination
• Employer should determine if
walking/working surfaces have
structural strength and integrity
to support employees
safely.
Is this safe?
Definitely not!
• Employer should verify
employees are allowed to
work only on surfaces
having strength and
integrity.
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5. Competent Person
One who is capable of identifying existing and
predictable hazards in the surroundings or
working conditions, which are unsanitary,
hazardous or dangerous to employees, and
who has authorization to take prompt
corrective measures to eliminate them.
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6. Qualified Person
One who, by possession
of a recognized degree,
certificate or professional
standing, or who by extensive
knowledge, training and
experience, has successfully
demonstrated ability to solve
or resolve problems relating
to the subject matter, the
work or the project.
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7. Factors Affecting Total Fall Distance
• Length of connecting means (i.e., lanyard
length, use of carabineers, snap hooks, etc.)
• Position and height of anchorage relative to
work platform/area (always keep above head
whenever possible)
• Position of attachment and “D-ring” slide on full
body harness
• Deployment of shock absorber (max. 42”)
• Movement in lifeline
• Initial position of worker before free fall occurs
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8. Types of Fall Protection Systems
• Articulating manlifts provided with restraint
systems and full body harness to anchor point
below waist
• Guardrails with toeboards
• Personal fall arrest systems:
Anchor points (rated at 5,000 lbs.)
Connectors (self-locking snap hooks)
Retractable lanyard
Full body harness
Restraint line-lanyard
Shock absorbing lanyard
Rope grabs
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9. Types of Fall Protection Systems
• Engineered life lines
• Warning lines
• Safety nets
• Safety monitor systems
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10. Recommended Locations
Fall Protection
for
• All flat and low sloped roof locations when
within 6’ of roof edge or for repair/maintenance
• All exterior and interior platforms, catwalks,
towers/antennas, etc.
• All exterior and interior ladders above 20 feet
• All mezzanine and balcony edges
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11. Recommended Locations
for Fall Protection
• All open excavations/pits
• All tasks requiring use of manlifts
• Scaffolding erection 10’ in height or greater
• Tuck-pointing/chimney repair
• Gymnasium (catwalks)
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12. Personal Fall Arrest Systems
• Full body harness used
• Should be inspected before each use by
employee, looking for:
▪ Deteriorated areas
▪ Excessive wear
▪ Bent hooks/rings
▪ Evidence of impact/damage
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13. Personal Fall Arrest Systems
• Connectors should be inspected to ensure
they are drop-forged, pressed, formed steel or
equivalent material.
• Connectors should have corrosion-resistant
finish, and surfaces/edges should be smooth.
• D-rings and snap hooks should have minimum
tensile strength of 5,000 lbs. and should be
proof tested to 3,600 lbs.
• Only shock absorbing or retractable lanyards
should be used (keeps impact forces to the
body at a minimum).
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14. Personal Fall Arrest Systems
• Nylon rope or nylon straps with locking
snap hooks used for restraints.
• Ensure unintentional disengagement of
snap hooks cannot happen by either:
 Checking to see if snap hooks are correct
size for place they are to be connected, or
 Snap hooks are of the locking type.
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15. Personal Fall Arrest Systems
• Snap hooks should not be engaged as follows:
▫ Directly to webbing, rope, wire rope
▫ To each other
▫ To D-ring that has another snap hook attached
▫ To a horizontal lifeline
• Maximum free-fall distance not to exceed 6 feet.
• Consideration should be given to total fall
distance.
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16. Calculating Total Fall Distance
• Total length of shock absorbing lanyard
• Height of person
• Location distance of D-ring from work surface
or platform
• Always allow minimum of 6 feet clearance
above ground, equipment, etc., at end of fall
from fall-arrest point!
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17. Inspection of Fall
Protection Systems
•
•
•
•
Inspect body harness before each use:
Closely examine all nylon webbing for burn
marks, tears, wear points, etc.
Ensure no torn, frayed, broken fibers, pulled
stitches, frayed edges anywhere on harness.
Examine D-ring to ensure no pits,
deterioration, cracks, excessive wear.
Ensure buckles are not deformed/cracked and
operate correctly.
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18. Inspection of Fall
Protection Systems
•
•
•
•
Body harness before each use:
Ensure all grommets (if present) are secure
and not deformed from fall/abuse.
Ensure harness has no additional punched
holes.
Ensure all rivets are tight and not deformed.
Check tongue straps for excessive wear
from repeated buckling.
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19. Inspection of Fall
Protection Systems
•
•
•
•
Body harness:
Annual inspection of harnesses should be
completed by competent person.
Annual inspection should be documented.
Harnesses should be stored hanging in
enclosed cabinet to protect from damage.
Harnesses involved in fall should be destroyed.
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20. Inspection of Fall
Protection Systems
•
•
•
•
Lanyards/shock absorbing lanyards, before each
use:
Check lanyard material for burns, cuts, rips,
abrasions, kinks, knots, broken stitches, excessive
wear.
Ensure snaphooks are not distorted.
Check carabineer for excessive wear, distortion,
lock operation.
Ensure all locking mechanisms seat & lock
properly.
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21. Inspection of Fall
Protection Systems
Lanyards/shock absorbing lanyards, before each use:
• Once locked, locking mechanism should prevent
hook from opening.
• Visually inspect shock absorber for signs of damage.
• Ensure points where lanyard attaches to snaphooks
are free of defects.
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22. Inspection of Fall
Protection Systems
•
•
•
•
Lanyards/shock absorbing lanyards:
Should be inspected annually by competent
person.
Annual inspection should be documented.
Store lanyards/shock absorbing lanyards
hanging in enclosed cabinet to prevent
damage.
Destroy all lanyards/shock absorbing lanyards
involved in a fall.
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23. Inspection of Fall
Protection Systems
•
•
•
•
•
•
Snaphooks, before each use:
Look for hook and eye distortions.
Verify that there are no cracks, eye distortions,
pitted surfaces.
Ensure keeper latch is not bent, distorted,
obstructed.
Ensure keeper latch “seats” into “nose” without
binding.
Ensure keeper spring securely closes keeper latch.
Test locking mechanism to verify it’s working
properly.
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24. Inspection of Fall
Protection Systems
•
•
•
•
•
Self-retracting lanyards, before each use:
Visually inspect body to ensure no damage.
Make sure all back nuts or rivets are tight.
Make sure entire length of nylon strap is free
from cuts, abrasions, burns, kinks, knots, etc.
Test unit by pulling sharply on lanyard to verify
locking mechanism is working properly.
Return to manufacturer for annual inspection,
if required by manufacturer.
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25. Inspection of Fall
Protection Systems
Self-retracting lanyards:
• Monthly inspection should be conducted by
competent person.
• Service per manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Inspect for proper function after every fall.
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26. Inspection of Fall
Protection Systems
Tie-off adapters/anchorages:
• Inspect for integrity and attachment
to solid surface.
• Annual inspection should be done by
competent person and documented.
• Destroy and replace after fall.
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27. Inspection of Fall
Protection Systems
Horizontal lifelines:
• Before each use, check for structural integrity
of line and anchors.
• Annual inspection should be completed by
competent person and documented.
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28. Inspection of Fall
Protection Systems
Guardrails:
• Temporary systems =

Daily visual inspection by competent
person.

Complete structural by competent
person.
• Permanent systems =

Annual inspection by competent person.

Frequency of future inspections based
on conditions/controls present.
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29. Storage & Maintenance of
Fall Protection Equipment
• Never store in bottom of tool box, on ground or
outside where exposed to elements.
• Hang equipment in cool, dry place in a way so it
retains its shape.
• Always follow manufacturer’s recommendation
for inspection.
• Clean with mild, non-abrasive soap and hang to
dry.
• Never “force dry;” allow to air dry.
• Never use strong detergents for cleaning.
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30. Storage & Maintenance of
Fall Protection Equipment
• Never store near excessive heat, chemicals,
moisture or sunlight.
• Never store in an area where exposure to
fumes or corrosive elements may exist.
• Avoid dirt and build-up on equipment.
• Never use equipment for any other purpose
other than personal fall arrest.
• Once exposed to fall, remove equipment from
service immediately.
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31. Engineered Lifeline
• Lifeline systems must be designed and approved
by an engineer or qualified person.
• Lifeline systems must be engineered to have:

Appropriate anchorages

Strength of line to hold X number of
people

Line strength to aid in arrest of fall

Durability to hold fallen worker until
rescused
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32. Warning Line System
• Should be erected no less than 6 feet from
edge of roof.
• Use stationary posts made of wood or metal.
• Should have wire or nylon rope and “caution
flags” strung from post to post; must
withstand 16 pounds of force.
• Entire perimeter of roof where work being
performed must be guarded by warning line.
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33. Floor & Wall Openings & Holes
(OSHA 29CFR1910.23)
Stairway Opening:
• Must be guarded by standard railing containing
top rail, mid-rail, posts.
• Height: 42” from upper surface of top rail to
floor/platform, etc.
• Top rail should be smooth-surfaced.
• Mid-rail should be halfway between top and
floor/platform, etc.
• Railing on all exposed sides, except entrance
to stairway.
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34. Floor Openings & Holes
Ladder-way opening or platform:
• Must be guarded with standard railing and
toeboard.
• Guarded on all exposed sides, except entrance
to opening.
• Entrance to have swinging gate or an offset
to prevent direct access.
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35. Floor Openings & Holes
•
•
•
•
Hatchway & chute opening guarded by
one
of the following:
Hinged floor opening cover of standard
strength with standard railings.
Cover must be closed when not in use or
exposed side guarded with removable railings.
Removable railing and toeboard on not more
than two sides of opening.
Fixed standard railings with toeboards on all
other exposed sides.
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36. Floor Openings & Holes
Skylight opening/hole:
• Must be guarded by standard skylight screen
or fixed standard railing on all exposed sides.
Pit and trapdoor opening (if infrequently used):
• Must be guarded by standard strength and
construction floor opening cover.
• When cover not in place, must be constantly
attended or protected on all exposed sides by
removable standard railings.
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37. Floor Openings & Holes
Manhole opening:
• Must be guarded by standard manhole cover.
• Cover does not need to be hinged in place.
• When cover not in place, manhole must be
constantly attended or must be protected by
removable standard railings.
Temporary floor opening:
• Must be guarded by standard railings or
constantly attended.
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38. Wall Openings & Holes
Wall opening with drop of more than 4 feet
must be guarded by one of the following:
• Rail
• Roller
• Picket fence
• Half door
• Equivalent barrier
• If exposure below to falling materials, must
have removable toeboard or equivalent.
• Grab handle must be provided on each side of
opening.
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39. Wall Openings & Holes
Chute openings with drop of 4 feet or more
must be guarded by one of the following:
• Rail
• Roller
• Picket fence
• Half door
• Equivalent barrier
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40. Powered Platforms, Manlifts,
Vehicle-Mounted Work Platforms
• Employees on working
platforms shall be
protected by a personal
fall arrest system.
• System must meet
requirements of OSHA 29
CFR 19 10.66, Appendix
C, Section l.
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41. Vehicle Mounted Elevating &
Rotating Work Platforms
Body harness should be worn and
lanyard attached to boom or basket
when working from an aerial lift.
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42. Ramps, Runways,
Other Walkways
• Employees must be protected from falling
by guardrail systems.
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43. Leading Edge/Roof
• Employees who are constructing leading
edges, working nearby or working on a roof
must be protected against falls.
• Protection can be provided by:
 guardrail systems
 safety net systems
 safety monitors
 personal fall arrest system
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44. Flat Roof
• Flat roofs greater than 50 feet wide with work
performed 6 feet or greater from edge:
warning line & safety monitor system can
be used.
• If roof flat and less than 50 feet wide:
competent person safety monitor may be
used.
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45. Low Sloped Roof
• Employees engaged in roofing activities on low
sloped roof (i.e., slight pitch) with unprotected
sides must be protected from falling.
• Can be protected by any of the following:
 Guardrail systems, safety net systems, personal
fall arrest system
 Combination warning line & guardrail system
 Combination warning line & safety net system
 Combination warning line & personal fall arrest
 Combination warning line & safety monitor
 Safety monitor alone (roofs 50’ in width only).
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46. Steep Roof
• Employees working on a steep roof must
be protected from falling.
• Can be protected by:
 Guardrail systems with toeboards,
 Safety net systems, or
 Personal fall arrest systems.
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47. Controlled Access Zones Construction
• Work area designated and clearly marked in
which certain types of work (e.g., overhand
bricklaying) may take place without the use of
conventional fall protection systems.
• Used to keep out workers other than those
authorized to enter work areas from which
guardrails have been removed.
• Where there are no guardrails, masons are
the only workers allowed in controlled access
zones.
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48. Controlled Access Zones Construction
• Controlled access zones, when created to limit
entrance to areas where leading edge work
and other operations are taking place, must be
defined by a control line or any other means
that restrict access.
• Control lines shall consist of ropes, wires,
tapes or equivalent materials and supporting
stanchions, and each must be:
 Flagged or otherwise clearly marked at not
more than 6-foot intervals with highvisibility material
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49. Controlled Access Zones Construction
Control lines must also:
 Be rigged and supported so that the lowest
point (including sag) is not less than 39”
from the walking/working surface, and
 Highest point is not more than 45” from
walking/working surface (or more than 50”
when overhand bricklaying operations are
being performed)
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50. Controlled Access Zones Construction




Control lines must also:
Be strong enough to sustain stress of not
less than 200 pounds.
Extend along the entire length of the
unprotected or leading edge.
Shall be approximately parallel to the
unprotected or leading edge.
Be connected on each side to a guardrail
system or wall.
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51. Controlled Access Zones Construction
• When control lines are used, they shall be
erected not less than 6’ or more than 25’ from
the unprotected or leading edge (except when
precast concrete members are being erected).
• In the latter case, the control line is to be
erected not less than 6’ or more than 60’ (or
half the length of the member being erected,
whichever is less) from the leading edge.
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52. Excavations
• Employees should be protected from falling
by:
 Guardrail systems
 Fences
 Barricades
CAUTION
This excavation may be unprotected!
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53. Training
• Employer must provide training to all affected
employees.
• Suggested topics:
▪ Overview of related OSHA regulations.
▪ Nature of fall hazards in workplace.
▪ Correct procedures for assembling, maintaining,
disassembling and inspecting fall protection
equipment to be used.
▪ Use and operation of guardrail, personal fall
arrest, safety net, warning line and safety
monitor systems, as well as other protection
used.
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54. Training
• Suggested topics:
▪ Role of each employee in safety monitor
system, when used.
▪ Limitations on use of mechanical equipment
during roof work on low sloped roofs.
▪ Correct procedures for handling and storing
materials and erection of overhead protection.
▪ Role of employees in fall protection plans.
▪ Understanding and following all components
of the fall protection program.
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55. Training Record
• Employers should maintain written certification
training records for affected employees.
• Record should contain at least:
 Topic of training provided.
 Name or other identity of employee trained.
 Date(s) of training.
 Name (and signature recommended) of

instructor who provided training.
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56. The Bottom Line
• Provide fall protection when
employees are working above
4’ in general industry, 5’ in
maritime or 6’ in
construction.
• Fall protection should be a
priority: safe actions save
lives!
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57. Questions
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