1. Fall Protection

2. Fall Protection Action Limits
Fall exposure - General Industry 4ft
Fall exposure - Construction 6ft
Roofing ft
Scaffolding ft

3. Training Requirements
Fall Hazard Recognition
Protection Methods
Documentation must be maintained
If the process or environment changes retraining may be necessary

4. Documentation
Contractors must have a written fall protection plan for all work
Written Plan:
Must be site specific
Identify all potential fall exposures
Plan must address methods of protection
PFAS, handrails, safety nets, etc.
Employees must be educated on protection measures and potential exposures

5. Potential Jobsite Fall Exposures General
Unprotected sides and edges
Hoist areas
Leading edges
Holes
Ramps, runways, walkways
Dangerous equipment
Formwork and reinforcing steel
Excavations, wells, pits, shafts
Overhand bricklaying
Pre-cast concrete erection
Roofs
Wall openings
Walking/working surfaces not otherwise covered.

6. Potential Jobsite Fall Exposures Specific to Residential Work
Truss Erection
Foundation Walls
Rafter Installation
Form Work
Ridge Beam Installation
Floor Penetrations
Decking Operations
Excavations & Culverts
Roof Sheathing
Wall Erection
Floor Joists
Wall Openings
Floor Decking
All Roofing Operations
Walking/working surfaces not otherwise covered.

7. Fall Protection Measures
Acceptable means of fall protection may include:
Handrails
Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS)
Positioning Devices
Safety Nets
Warning Lines & Barrier Systems
Controlled Access Zones (CAZ)
Covers

8. Considerations What fall protection system will best suit the project?
Duration of work and pace
Employee movement
Reusability
Implementation (assembly and training)

9. Stairways & Ladders
A stairway or ladder must be provided if there is a break in elevation of 19” or more
Points of access must be kept clear of obstacles
The standard does not apply to manufactured scaffold access ladders

10. Stairways
OSHA standards make provisions for permanent and non-permanent stairways
Standards specify all dimensions:
All stairways must be at least 22” wide
Stair angle must be between 30° and 50° 
Risers must be uniform from top to bottom  

11. Stairways
Where doors or gates open onto a stairway a platform must be provided so the swing of the door does not reduce the width of the platform to less than 21” 
Where stairs exit directly into vehicles pathways barriers and warnings shall be posted for pedestrian safety 
Stairway landings must be as wide as the width of the stairway
Stairs must have landing platforms not less than 30” in the direction of travel and extend 22” in width at every 12 ft or less of vertical rise
Steps on stairways must be slip resistant 

12. Handrails All stairways having four or more risers must have handrails
Handrails must be located between 30 and 34” above the leading edge of stair tread
Top rails must be able to support 200 lbs of outward and downward force, mid rails 150 lbs
Handrails must have at least 3” of clearance between them and the wall or surface they are mounted on
Height can vary + or – 3”
Toe boards are necessary only if an exposure exists for those below

13. Handrails
42”
21”
3-1/2”

14. Handrails Steel or plastic banding is not acceptable as a handrail
Wire rope is acceptable + top rails must be flagged every six feet
Plastic or synthetic ropes are acceptable and must be inspected regularly
Rope/Cable material must have ¼” diameter or greater

15. Handrails
Uprights or stanchions must be placed no more than 8 ft apart
If handrail must be taken down for stocking purposes workers must use some other means of fall protection
Parapet walls/window sills ≥ 39” in height do not require handrails

16. Handrails The Safety Boot Unit attaches to floor with four lag bolts
Doubled-up 2 x 4 acts as post
Slotted base is molded to hold toe boards
Once properly installed, device meets OSHA standards for handrail strength
Device is reusable

17. Ladders – Duty Ratings
Choose a ladder that is right for the job - type and capacity
If you have to use the top or next to top rung it is time to get a taller ladder

18. Ladders – Choosing the Right One
Both fiberglass and aluminum are corrosion resistant but fiberglass is a better choice for work around electricity
Consider the type of abuse the ladder will receive on a daily basis
Consider the weight of the material that will be handled when choosing a load capacity
Material
Weight
5 Gallons of Paint
60 lbs
Bundle of Shingles
70 lbs
Sheet of Plywood
80 lbs

19. Ladders – Pre-Shift Inspection
Rails
Rungs
Feet
Load Rating
Rope & Pulleys
Rung Locks
*Defective ladders must be tagged as such and taken out of service*

20. Ladders – Set-Up Make sure that the ladder is on firm level footing.
If using a stepladder, insure that the spreaders are locked in place.
Be aware of overhead power lines and other dangerous obstructions.
Position the ladder to face the work. This eliminates potentially awkward positions.
Ladders used for access to an elevated surface must extend beyond it 3’.

21. Ladders – Set-Up
When using extension ladders, secure both the bottom and the top to prevent kick-out and/or sliding
Use the 4 to 1 rule for proper ladder angle. For every four vertical feet, the ladder should be 1 horizontal foot away from the support surface

22. Safe Ladder Basics
Keep the area around the top and bottom of the ladder clear.
Secure ladders that may be subject to jobsite traffic or other activities.
Always face the ladder, use the “Three Points of Contact” rule at all times.
Use ladders with non-conductive sides if there is an electrical exposure.

23. Safe Ladder Basics Never climb a closed stepladder.
Don’t sit on top of a stepladder. Manufacturers do not design stepladders to carry a workers weight from that position.
Do not permit more than one person on a ladder at a time unless the ladder is otherwise rated.
Never “walk” a ladder to reposition. Get down and move it.

24. Safe Ladder Alternatives
Ladder Stabilizers (aka Stand-offs)
Ideal for service situations where the top cannot be easily secured
Articulating Ladders
Safe solution for irregular terrain or steps
Ladder Leveler
Made by Werner Ladder

25. Safe Ladder Alternatives
Lock N Climb
Outrigger system for extension ladders
Kit attaches to existing ladder
Meets the requirements for all applicable ANSI standards/load ratings

26. Safe Ladder Alternatives
Safe T Ladder Extensions
System attaches to all types of ladders
Provides secure hand hold for transition to roof/ work deck

27. Job-Made Ladders Often used and rarely built correctly
Fall under same set-up procedures as conventional ladders

28. Job-Made Ladders Each rung must support 4x the max intended load
Vertical sides, cleats, and steps shall be uniformly spaced
Vertical sides should be between 16 to 20” apart
Steps should be between 8 to 12” apart
All steps must be cleated

29. Safety Harnesses and Lanyards
Body belts have been banned for personal fall arrest use since January 1, 1998.
Harness should be properly adjusted to fit the employee.
Never use positioning devices as primary means of tie-off.
Equipment must be inspected prior to each use.
Always have a plan for retrieving a “hanging” worker.

30. Personal Fall Arrest System Components
Full Body Harness
Shock Absorbing Lanyard
Anchor Point
Vinyl Rope
Rope Grab

31. Distance Requirements for Personal Fall Arrest Systems

32. Lanyards Choose the right lanyard for the task.
Static w/ shock absorber
Retractable
Nylon Rope or Steel Cable
All new lanyards are equipped with double action snap hooks to prevent “turn-out”
Never loop or attach a lanyard back to itself unless specified by the manufacturer

33. Anchors Anchorage point must withstand a 5000 lb. static load
Must consider conditions of use for selection
Must consider system that will provide best safety and efficiency for employee
Conventional Anchors
Disposable Anchors
Specific Applications

34. Conventional Anchors
Cross Arm Strap
Roof Anchor
Permanent Anchor

35. Permanent Anchor System
Super Anchor
Attachment adjustable for various widths, pre-fabricated trusses and custom rafters set-ups
Includes rubber sleeve for water tight installation under shingles
Black plastic cap minimizes appearance of product location

36. Safe-T-Strap
One time use, one man per anchor. Device is left in the structure.

37. Other Safety-T-Strap Options
Concrete Application with chemical resistant sleeve.
Double-legged roof application

38. Specific Application
Truss Brace, spreads anchor force over several trusses

39. Positioning Devices Should not allow wearer more than 2’ of free fall
Devices must be inspected after each use
Safety belts are suitable for positioning

40. Outward Extension of Safety Nets
As close as possible, no more than 30’ below work area
For bridge applications, the fall area to the net should be unobstructed
The net must have sufficient clearance to objects below
The net must be drop tested or certified
Outward Extension of Safety Nets
Vertical
Horizontal
Up to 5’ 8’
>5 to 10’
10’
> 10’
13’

41. Safety Nets
Inspections must be done at least weekly or after an impact
Fallen objects must be removed daily or prior to each shift
Openings on any side should be no greater than 6”
Border ropes must be able to support 5,000 lbs of force
Connections should not be more than 6” apart

42. Warning Line Systems For use on large flat roofs
System must be erected around all sides of work area
Mechanical equipment must maintain a distance of six feet parallel and ten feet on sides perpendicular to travel direction
The warning line must be 34” to 39” high and flagged with highly visible material

43. Barrier Systems
Can protect the perimeter as well as a specific exposure
Skylight Protection
Access Hatches
Ladder access points

44. Controlled Access Zones (CAZ)
CAZ’s are acceptable when it can be proven that conventional fall protection is infeasible or could create a greater hazard

45. Controlled Access Zone Requirements
The contractor must have a written plan detailing all practices and procedures for the CAZ
The competent person shall determine the boundaries of the CAZ and clearly mark them with signs, wires, tapes, ropes or chains
The crew supervisor/foreman shall monitor the workers in the CAZ to ensure they don’t engage in unsafe practices.
All access to the CAZ is restricted to authorized workers. All employees permitted in the CAZ must be listed or identified by the competent person before entry.
All protective elements of the CAZ must be enforced before the beginning of work.

46. Use of a Controlled Access Zone
Commercial*
Decking operations
Some roofing applications
Residential*
Installation of floor joists, floor sheathing, roof sheathing
Erecting exterior walls
Setting and bracing roof trusses and rafters
*Application requires contractor to demonstrate CAZ is the most safe and effective way to complete the work.

47. Covers
For vehicular traffic – 2 times the maximum axle load of the largest vehicle
Foot traffic – 2 times the weight of the expected load
Secured to prevent displacement
Marked “HOLE” or “COVER” or color coded

48. Fall Protection Checklist
General Requirements
Employees working over 6 ft. must be protected.
Specific Hazard Exposures
Personal Protective Equipment
All window exposures with lower sill <39” hand railed (top rail, mid rail, and toe board).
Employees educated on capabilities and use of device.
Stairwells completed or unfinished covered with adequate decking or hand railed (top rail, mid rail, and toe board).
Anchorage points must withstand 5000lbs of force.
Open Entrance culverts covered with adequate decking or handrailed (top rail, mid rail, and toe board).
Equipment must be inspected prior to use.
Transitions with fall exposures inside or outside of structure properly decked and supported, equipped with handrails (top rail, mid rail, and toe board).
Equipment must be adequate for job.
Documentation
Written fall protection plan must be site specific
Plan must educate employees on fall hazard recognition
Plan must address all potential fall exposures
Plan must address methods of protection

49. Scaffolds
Scaffolds shall be constructed, altered, or dismantled under the supervision of a Competent Person.
A Competent Person is defined as:
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 eliminate them.

50. Scaffolds All scaffolds must be inspected prior to use.
10’ is the point at which some means of fall protection must be used.
Top handrails should be around 42”, with the mid-rail about half way at 21”.
Toe boards must be installed if there is a possibility of anything falling and striking someone below.

51. Scaffolds
All scaffolds must support their own weight and 4x the maximum intended load.
Vertical tie-in or outrigger support is not necessary on a free-standing scaffold until the height exceeds the minimum dimension of the base by four times.
Scaffold Tie System

52. Scaffolds Ladder use on a scaffold is prohibited.
Platforms must be kept clear of debris.
Do not load side brackets. Most are rated at 25 lbs/ft² maximum.

53. Decks And Planking All platforms must be fully decked or planked.
Each abutted end of a plank shall rest on a separate support surface.
Overlap platforms not less than 12” only over supports, unless restrained to prevent movement, i.e. ”Cleating”.
The working deck should never be more than 14” away from the working surface.

54. Decks And Planking
A scaffold grade plank will be stamped or marked as such
Plank must be laminated or solid drawn
A lumber yard 2 x 10 can be used if it is free of knots or other defects
Rough Sawn, Full Dimension Lumber
Nominal Thickness Lumber
Working Load in lbs/ft² 25 50 75
Permissible Span in Feet 10 8 6

55. 10’ + 1/2” for every additional kV
Overhead Power Lines
The clearance between scaffolds and power lines is as follows:
Insulated Lines
Minimum Distance
< 300 V 3’
300 to 50 kV
10’
> 50 kV
10’ + 1/2” for every additional kV
Uninsulated Lines
< 50 kV

56. Frame Scaffolds
Systems should use only original parts. Components from different systems should not be mixed.
All frame scaffolds must use a manufactured base pad. Vertical tubes should never sit directly on the ground or mud sill.
X-braces may serve as a top-rail or mid-rail, but not both.
If aluminum walking decks are used, be sure that end hooks are in place and that the dimensions match the scaffold.

57. Frame Scaffolds - Access
Ladder Frame
Walk-Through

58. Frame Scaffolds - Access
Erectors can climb either type, but provisions for safe access should be established as soon as possible.
Bottom rung cannot be more than two feet high.
Options for access are manufactured bolt-on ladder system, stair system, or extension ladder secured and sloped properly.
X-braces are not intended for use as access.

59. “Stick-Built” Pole Scaffold
2” x 4” poles free of knots, splits or other defects.
1” x 4” cross-bracing for each section.
2” x 6” or 2” x 8” block under pole if soft ground.
Walk board a minimum 18” wide and free of knots or other defects.
Walk boards must hang over bearer a minimum of 6”.Walk boards must overlap each other a minimum of 12”.
2” x 4” top rail, mid rail, and toe board.

60. Stick Built Scaffolds Proper overlap on deck planking
Top rail and mid rail established after deck height reaches ten feet
Adequate support between stanchions
Proper mud sills under poles
Is this scaffold complete?

61. Pump Jack Scaffolds
Pump Jack brackets, braces, and accessories must be fabricated from metal.
Each pump jack bracket must have two positive gripping mechanisms.
Poles should be secured to the structure with triangular bracing.
Work benches should not be used as a working deck.
If 2x4’s are spliced to make a pole, mending plates must be installed to maintain strength.

62. Ladder Jack Scaffolds Platforms must not exceed 20’ in height.
Job made ladders cannot be used to support ladder jack scaffolds.
Ladders that support ladder jacks must be placed, fastened, or equipped with devices to prevent slipping.
Scaffold platforms must not be bridged to one another.
Werner and Louisville produce handrail systems for ladder jack working decks.
Units must be hung on the inside of the ladder.

63. Hanging Scaffold System
The Wall Walker
Device meets OSHA standards
It can be hung on the inside or outside of the wall
Fall protection attachments are available
The horizontal beam positional is adjustable

64. The Wall Walker General Framing, exterior face hanging on top plate
Handrail System in place
Setting pre-fab trusses
Aluminum walk deck locked into place

65. The Wall Walker Cutting tails on rafters
Using inside wall position from top plate
Easy stow and carry
Unit folds down, handrail post stores inside vertical support

66. Wall Walker Hardware Mid Wall Bracket Hand Rail Brackets
Stabilizer Bar

67. Manually Propelled Mobile Scaffolds
Also known as a “Perry” or “Baker” scaffold.
The casters and wheels must be locked to prevent movement while the scaffold is stationary.
An employee may ride this scaffold under the following conditions:
The floor is level and free of all obstructions
The minimum dimension of the scaffold base is at least half the height
The wheels are equipped with rubber or some other resilient material
All tools and materials are secured or removed prior to movement
Because the wheels and castors must be locked once the scaffold is set, this prohibits movement from being a one-man operation.

68. Rustgo Manual Work Platform
All-terrain motorless work platform with rear steering capabilities
Can be towed to jobsite location on a standard hitch
Winch system on each upright raises and lowers work platform
Front handrail system is completely removable
Employees cannot stay on work platform during movement
All general scaffold standards apply

69. Horse Scaffolds
Members
Dimensions
Horizontal Bearer
3 x 4”
Legs
11/4” x 41/2”
Braces between Legs
1 x 6”
Gusset Brace at top of Legs
1 x 8”
Half Diagonal Braces
11/4 x 41/2”
Horses must be spaced not more than 5 ft. for medium duty, not more than 8 ft. for light duty
For stacking applications, must not exceed two tiers or ten feet in height
Horses must be inspected for defects prior to use
All general scaffold standards apply

70. Adjustable Scaffolds Use is more common to commercial projects
Pre-shift inspection of all components is critical
Hoist Motors
Outriggers
All Fastening Points
All general scaffold standards apply

71. Crawling Boards / Chicken Ladders
Crawling board must be at least 10” wide and 1” thick
Cleats
Must be at least 1” x 11/2”
Must be as long as the board is wide
Must be spaced equally at no more than 2’ apart
If the crawling board presents a fall exposure, fall protection must be used i.e. handrails-harness

72. Scissor Lifts
Scissor lifts are not addressed by the aerial lift provisions of Subpart L.
There are no OSHA provisions that address scissor lifts, however, employers must comply with the applicable provisions of Subpart L, both general and specific.
Example:
Scissor lifts are mobile, the specific requirements for mobile scaffolds standard (§ (w) - mobile scaffolds) shall be used.
Scissor lifts do not require a personal fall arrest system for occupants.

73. Aerial Lifts
Occupants of an aerial lift must use a personal fall arrest system.
Occupants are required to stay on the floor of the basket at all times.
Pre-shift inspection is critical to insure safe operation.
The lift may not be field modified without the manufacturers consent.

74. Scaffold Checklist
Stability of the ground or work surface, proper mud sills when needed
All components from the same manufacturer
Adjustable screw jacks with base pads in every post
External ladder access for steel scaffold bucks not designed for climbing
Erection, dismantle, alteration done under supervision of a competent person
Complete decking from front to back on all working levels
Fall protection in place once work deck reaches or exceeds 10 ft. for conventional scaffolds
Daily inspection performed by a competent person before and during the shift
Scaffold must be designed to hold four times the intended working load (safety factor of “4”)
Tie-ins set once the height of the scaffold exceeds four times the minimum base dimension
Scaffold grade planking or better for all work surfaces
Planks overlapped over horizontal support no less than 12”
Overhead protection for other trades or personnel below
Pre-shift inspection of all motorized components, proper PPE in use