In this article, we will answer the question “When Must You Use Fall Protection Equipment?”
Falls are among the most common causes of serious work related injuries and deaths, this why employers must set up the work place to prevent employees from falling off of overhead platforms, elevated work stations or into holes in the floor and walls.
This can be achieved when fall protection has been put in place. Fall protection is refers to any type of planned system put in place to prevent or minimize falls from heights. When used specifically, the term refers to all measures and device used to prevent a fall from occurring.
Now, do we need fall protection always or there are specific conditions to be met before fall protection is required?
This is a more elaborate and detailed representation of the question we have in the topic above.
Let us delve in to answer the question out rightly.
When Must You Use Fall Protection Equipment
Fall protection is required when there is a risk of workers falling from height, either by elevation or depression.
OSHA requires that fall protection be provided at elevations of four feet in general industry workplaces, five feet in shipyards, six feet in the construction industry and eight feet in longshoring operations. In addition, OSHA requires that fall protection be provided when working over dangerous equipment and machinery, regardless of the fall distance.
READ: Guardrail Systems Must Be Able To Withstand? Get Answer Here
In situations that fall occur amid the fall preventions put in place, OSHA also states other requirements to prevent employees from getting injured from falls. These requirements includes:
- Guard every floor hole into which a worker can accidentally walk (using a railing and toe-board or a floor hole cover).
- Provide a guard rail and toe-board around every elevated open sided platform, floor or runway.
- Regardless of height, if a worker can fall into or onto dangerous machines or equipment (such as a vat of acid or a conveyor belt) employers must provide guardrails and toe-boards to prevent workers from falling and getting injured.
- Other means of fall protection that may be required on certain jobs include safety harness and line, safety nets, stair railings and hand rails.
Generally, fall protection can be provided through the use of guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems. OSHA refers to these systems as conventional fall protection. Other systems and methods of fall protection may be used when performing certain activities. For example, when working on formwork, a positioning device system could be used. OSHA encourages employers to select systems that prevent falls of any kind, such as guardrails design.
Here are other frequently asked question;
At What Height Is Fall Protection Required?
OSHA requires that fall protection be provided at elevations of four feet in general industry workplaces, five feet in shipyards, six feet in the construction industry and eight feet in longshoring operations.
When Is Fall Protection Required In a Construction Industry?
As stated in earlier in this article, Fall protection is required when there is a risk of workers falling from height, either by elevation or depression.
READ: What Is The Difference Between Fall Arrest And Fall Restraint?
OSHA requires that fall protection be provided at elevations of six feet in the construction industry. In addition, OSHA requires that fall protection be provided when working over dangerous equipment and machinery, regardless of the fall distance.
What Is The Minimum Height To Wear Safety Harness
OSHA requires workers to wear a full-body harness, (one part of a Personal Fall Arrest System) when they are working on a suspended scaffold more than 10 feet above the working surface, or when they are working in bucket truck or aerial lift.
See many more of OSHA Fall Protection In Construction Standard
