Fall Protection
Fall Prevention, Fall Arrest, Travel (Fall) Restraint
When is fall protection required?
OSHA 1926 Subpart M requires the use of fall protection when construction workers are working at heights of 6 feet or greater above a lower level. Additional jurisdictional requirements may apply. It applies at heights of less than 6 feet when working near dangerous equipment (e.g. working over machinery with open drive belts, pulleys/gears, or open vats of degreasing agents or acid).
Fall Protection Plan – 1926.502(k) is a set of policies and procedures designed to help identify, eliminate, and reduce fall hazards. These are needed for every project and below are some key components that should be included:
- Risk Assessment: Identify potential fall hazards within the workplace.
- Prevention & Control Strategies: Implement preventive and control measures.
- Training and Equipment: Equip employees with the necessary training and equipment.
- Jobsite Information: Include details about the job, project address, and relevant contacts.
- Implement & Evaluate: Put systems in place, inspect effectiveness, and adjust if needed.
Fall Prevention – is a system or process used to keep an accidental fall from being a risk. This is what is put in place to avoid the fall altogether. Examples: Guardrails 1926.502(b), hole covers 1926.501(b)(4), safety gates, etc.
Travel (Fall) Restraint – is a system with a combination of an anchorage, anchorage connector, lanyard (or other means of connection), and body support that an employer uses to eliminate the possibility of an employee going over the edge of a walking-working surface. Travel restraint systems are only permitted on a walking/working surface with a slope of between 0 and 18.4 degrees (ANSI Z359.3). Examples: Positioning devices 1926.502(e), lifelines and all fall protection equipment that can be adjusted to the distance needed to prevent personnel from being exposed to a potential fall.
Fall Arrest – is a system that provides the maximum freedom of movement for the worker and arrests the fall not to exceed the maximum regulatory free fall distance of 6 ft. in construction. This reduces the potential of injury if a worker does fall. Examples: safety net systems 1926.502 (c), PFAS 1926.502(d) includes connectors, harness, lanyards, d-rings, snaphooks, etc.
Anchorage Requirements (non-certified):
Travel Restraint – 1,000 lbs. per system attached ANSI Z359.2
Positioning – 3,000 lbs. per system attached OSHA 1926.502 & ANSI Z359.2
Fall Arrest – 5,000 lbs. per system attached OSHA 1926.500 & ANSI Z359.2
Rescue – 3,000 lbs. per system attached ANSI Z359.2
Download Fall Protection poster
Resources:
The regulation/standards above can be found by clicking on the link below.
https://natehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/NATE-Industry-Resources-Document-7-23-21-E-FILE.pdf
Disclaimer: NATE is a non-profit organization dedicated to facilitating safety, education and standards for the tower erection, service, and maintenance industry. NATE Safety Posters were developed to aid in training.
By using this standard, you hereby acknowledge that you are solely responsible for the development of your program and training of individuals in your company. Furthermore, NATE expressly notifies you that you are responsible for knowing and following applicable regulations and laws pertaining to tower safety and training, and it is your responsibility to defend your training program if it is ever questioned or challenged by outside sources, including any federal or state regulatory agencies responsible for occupational safety and health.
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