Every worker on a walking or working surface that is 4 feet or higher above the ground must be safeguarded against falls by using a guardrail system, a safety net system, or a personal fall arrest system. (Source: OSHA Standard 1910.28)

There are three main approaches to fall protection systems: fall elimination, fall prevention, and fall arrest. In terms of equipment, fall protection generally involves the use of guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems.

Fall protection refers to a set of safety measures and systems designed to prevent workers from falling or to arrest a fall if one occurs to minimize the risk of injury or death. Safety measures include using products such as freestanding fall protection guardrails, flat roof deck railings, removable safety railings/guardrail systems, overhead fall protection systems, and active fall arrest systems. This equipment is then combined with OSHA-approved procedures and safety practices aimed at eliminating or reducing fall hazards in the workplace. The primary goal of fall protection is to ensure the safety and well-being of workers who operate at heights or in environments where falling is a potential risk.

According to US OSHA regulations, fall protection must be used in the following situations:

1. Construction: Fall protection is required when working at heights of 6 feet or more above a lower level. This includes activities such as building, demolition, and maintenance work. (Source: 29 CFR 1926.501 – “Duty to have fall protection”)
2. General Industry: Fall protection is necessary when working at heights of 4 feet or more above a lower level. This applies to most workplaces outside of construction, including manufacturing, warehousing, and other industrial settings. (Source: 29 CFR 1910.28 – “Duty to have fall protection and falling object protection”)
3. Shipyards: Fall protection is required at heights of 5 feet or more above a lower level. (Source: 29 CFR 1915.159 – “Personal fall arrest systems”)
4. Longshoring: Fall protection is required when working at heights of 8 feet or more above a lower level. (Source: 29 CFR 1918.85 – “Fall protection”)

Additionally, fall protection is required in situations where workers are exposed to fall hazards over dangerous equipment and machinery, regardless of the fall distance. Specific requirements and systems can vary depending on the nature of the work and the environment.

The four key components of a fall protection system are:

1. Anchorage: A secure point of attachment for lifelines, lanyards, or deceleration devices, capable of supporting the expected loads.
2. Body Wear: Typically a full-body harness worn by the worker, designed to distribute the forces of a fall over the thighs, pelvis, waist, chest, and shoulders.
3. Connector: A device that connects the worker’s harness to the anchorage. This can include lanyards, lifelines, or deceleration devices, such as shock absorbers or self-retracting lifelines.

Descent/Rescue: Equipment and procedures necessary to safely rescue a worker after a fall has been arrested, ensuring they can be safely and promptly brought to a safe level.

The OSHA 6-foot rule refers to the requirement for fall protection in the construction industry. According to OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(1), fall protection must be provided when employees are working on a walking or working surface with an unprotected side or edge that is 6 feet or more above a lower level. 

This can include activities such as roofing, scaffolding, and steel erection. The protection can be provided through guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems.

The two basic types of fall protection are:

1. Fall Prevention: This type of fall protection aims to prevent falls from occurring in the first place. It includes measures such as guardrails, covers, and barriers that physically prevent a worker from falling to a lower level.

Fall Arrest: This type of fall protection comes into play if and when a fall does occur. It includes the use of equipment such as personal fall arrest systems and active restraint systems. These consist of anchors, connectors, and a body harness. These systems are designed to stop a fall in progress and safely suspend the worker until they can be rescued.

Yes, the EDGE team can travel to your location to provide experienced anchor testing, fall protection inspections, and also OSHA-approved installation of your equipment. Please see this page for more details, and reach out to discuss.