RESIDENTIAL FALL HAZARDS

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RESIDENTIAL FALL HAZARDS

Susan Harwood Training Grant

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This material was produced under grant number SH-22248-11 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

Susan Harwood Training Grant

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Residential Construction Fall Hazards

All sites have unprotected sides and edges, wall openings, or floor holes at some point during construction.

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Each employee on walking/working surfaces shall be protected from falling through holes

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These workers are installing a floor joist to a header. Both workers are exposed to a fall of 6 feet or more without fall protection

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This worker is standing on the top plate to set a roof rafter. The worker is exposed to an interior and exterior fall hazard.

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Each employee on walking/working surfaces shall be protected from falling through openings

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What you will learn• The worker will be able to identify fall

hazards on residential construction worksites

• The worker will be able to identify corrective actions for fall hazards during different phases of construction

• The worker will be able to use this resource to recognize best, safe work practices

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Course Overview• Intent of this course

– Prevent falls through a focus on safe work practices

– Identify fall hazards present during each phase of construction

– Identify techniques and the equipment necessary to work safely on residential construction sites when exposed to fall hazards.

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Course Overview• What this course is not intended to do

– Replace worksite specific, fall hazard training on your current and future worksites

– Address all fall hazards on your current and future worksites

– Address all types of fall protection that you will be using on the worksite

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“We cannot tolerate workers getting killed in residential construction when effective means are readily available to prevent those deaths.”

“Fatalities from falls are the number one cause of workplace deaths in construction.”

Dr. David Michaels, Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA

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http://www.osha.gov/dts/vtools/construction/reroofing_fnl_eng_web.html

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Effective September 15, 2012, employers utilizing alternative fall protection found in the rescinded 1999 Interim Fall Protection Compliance Guidelines for Residential Construction will be subject to OSHA citations if they fail to comply with 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(13).

Residential Fall Protection Requirements

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• Why the rescission of the Interim Fall Protection Compliance Guidelines ?

– Never intended to be a permanent resolution.

– Fall protection is safe and feasible for the vast majority of residential construction activities.

– The residential fall protection requirements have always been established in Subpart M at 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(13).


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• Under the new directive employers must follow 1926.501(b)(13).

• 1926.501(b)(13) states … workers “engaged in residential construction activities 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above lower levels shall be protected by guardrail systems, safety net system, or personal fall arrest system.”

• … or, by alternative fall protection measures allowed under 1926.501(b) for particular types of work.

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Fall Protection Systems

Conventional Fall Protection Systems

• Guardrails• Personal Fall Arrest

Systems• Safety Nets• Hole Covers

Specialized Fall Protection Systems

• Safety Monitor • Warning Line• Controlled Access Zones• Fall Protection Plan

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CONVENTIONAL FALL PROTECTION SYSTEMSGuardrail Systems1926.502(b)

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• Requirements for guardrail systems include:– Top rails 42” +/- 3”

• Must withstand 200 pounds – 1926.502(b)(1) & 1926.502(b)(3)

– Mid rails halfway• Must withstand 150 pounds – 1926.502(b)(2)(i) &

1926.502(b)(5)– Guardrail surface to prevent punctures, lacerations and

the snagging of clothing – 1926.502(b)(6)– No steel or plastic banding – 1926.502(b)(8)

Guardrail Systems1926.502(b)

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Workers are exposed to fall hazards as they grasp sheathing.

Slide guards are not fall protection

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Rake edge and eave fall hazardsWhile slide guards may prevent sliding, they will not protect workers from falling

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Guardrail Systems

• 2nd floor perimeter completely protected by a guardrail system.

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Guardrail Systems

• A pre-fabricated wall panel positioned for installation behind a fully protected area

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Guardrail Systems

• Guardrails positioned prior to sheathing and left in place.

• Proper coordination can serve the needs of several trades.

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The landing at the top of the stairs is more than 6 feet above and has no guardrails in place. The staircase is also missing the required guardrails.

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• staircases, stairway openings, and unprotected sides of floors

Guardrail Systems

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• properly installed guard/hand rails using a “safety boot” system to position the uprights installed during framing.

Guardrail Systems

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Guardrail Systems

• Brackets for engineered guardrail systems can either be side mounted or deck mounted.

• Install according to manufacturer instructions or the recommendations of a registered professional engineer for proper installation.

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Note: no protection for the rake edge so some means of protecting this worker (guardrail, safety nets or PFAS) must be used.

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CONVENTIONAL FALL PROTECTION SYSTEMSPersonal Fall Arrest Systems 1926.502(d)

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Personal Fall Arrest System

• A Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS) must include the following components:– Anchorage – Body Harness– Connector/Lanyard

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Personal Fall Arrest SystemAnchor Point

• 1926.502(d)(15): Anchorages for attachment of PFAS must be capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds per employee– under supervision of a

qualified person.– installed according to

manufacturer – PFAS system needs to maintain a safety factor of at least two.

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manufactured anchor system that is being used with a PFAS until floor sheeting is secured to the joists

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An approved elevated mounting bracket to be used with a Self-Retracting Lifeline (SRL) system anchorage that is used to work on a floor edge that is moving

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• D-Ring Anchor Point for use at D-Ring Anchor Point for use at roof peak or rafter/trussroof peak or rafter/truss

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Installation of anchors• More than one anchor point may be necessary to limit swing distances. • An anchor is needed for each worker

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• PFAS in use during roofing and re-roofing activities.

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• A full body harness distributes the force of the fall over the thighs, pelvis, waist, chest and shoulders

Personal Fall Arrest SystemFull Body Harness

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• The attachment point on a full body harness is a D-ring in the center of your upper back.

• Be sure to use a size that fits properly

Personal Fall Arrest SystemFull Body Harness

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Inspection

What is this worker doing?

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Inspection

• LANYARDS

– Look for frayed or broken strands

– Also, burns, cuts, and hard spots from chemical damage

• HARNESSES

– Look for same damage as on lanyards

– Also, deformed or damaged hardware, grommets and buckles

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Personal Fall Arrest SystemFull Body HarnessWhich worker is wearing the harness correctly?

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• Snaphooks must be locking type – 1926.502(d)(5).

• Never hook two snaphooks together unless designed for that purpose – 1926.502(d)(6)

Connector / Lanyard

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Note: This is not safe to use until the trusses are secured

• A truss system braced and the first row of sheathing secured can provide a safe anchor point.

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• The worker installing OSB is using a vertical lifeline, a rope-grab lanyard, and a full body harness

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• PFAS in use during roofing and gutter installation

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Rescue Plan• After a fall, a worker may not be able to rescue

themselves and may remain suspended in a harness. – A rescue plan should be in place to retrieve a

suspended worker as soon as possible after a fall.– A worker is at great risk of developing a condition

known as "suspension trauma" if left suspended by a harness for a prolonged period.

– Suspension trauma is a serious condition and can even be fatal. Onset of symptoms of suspension trauma can occur as little as 5 minutes after a fall.

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CONVENTIONAL FALL PROTECTION SYSTEMSSafety Nets1926.501(c)

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Safety Nets

• Safety nets must be installed as close as practicable under the surface on which employees are working

• Safety nets must be installed with sufficient clearance to prevent contact with the surface or structures under

• Safety nets and safety net installations must be drop-tested at the jobsite

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CONVENTIONAL FALL PROTECTION SYSTEMSHole Covers1926.501(b)(4)

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Hole Covers• 1926.501(b)(4)(i) and (ii) - Covers can be used to

prevent workers from falling through holes.– Vehicular traffic /foot traffic cover must support 2

times the maximum intended load

– Secured to prevent displacement

– Marked with the word “HOLE” or “COVER” or color coded

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workers are not protected from the large unprotected opening in the middle of the floor

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Although the standard does not mention personal fall restraint systems, OSHA has previously stated that it accepts a properly utilized fall restraint system in lieu of a personal fall arrest system when the restraint system is rigged in such a way that prevents the worker from being exposed to the fall hazard.

Personal Fall Restraint System

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• Personal fall restraint is used mainly for edge work• Lanyards should be adjustable to take up slack when workers move about.

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• Must be tied off so that the worker cannot go past the unprotected side or edge.

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• 1926.501(b)(2)(ii) - Controlled access zones and control lines can be used for some leading edge applications.

• 1926.501(b)(10) - A combination of a warning line system and safety monitoring system can be used for roofing work on low-slope (4:12 or less) roofs. Or, on roofs 50-feet (15.25 m) or less in width, the use of a safety monitoring system without a warning line system is permitted.

Other Methods Allowed Under 1926.501(b)

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• If the employer can demonstrate that it is infeasible or creates a greater hazard to use the required fall protection systems, the employer must instead develop and implement a written site specific fall protection plan in accordance with 29 CFR 1926.502(k).

– The Agency does not consider "economic infeasibility" to be a basis for failing to provide conventional fall protection.

• Note: There is a presumption that it is feasible and will not create a greater hazard to implement at least one of the fall protection systems listed in 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(13).

– OSHA expects that the fall protection methods listed in 1926.501(b)(13) can be used without significant safety or feasibility problems for the vast majority of residential construction activities.


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• For a safety monitoring system under 1926.502(h) the monitor must:• Be a competent person.• Warn workers of fall dangers.• Be on same working level and

within visual sighting.• Be close enough to communicate orally.• Not have responsibilities which take attention

away from monitoring.

Fall Protection PlanSafety Monitor Duties

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• If an employer can demonstrate that conventional fall protection is infeasible or presents a greater hazard– the employer shall develop and implement a fall

protection plan that complies with 1926.502(k).– The employer bears the burden of establishing

that it is appropriate to implement a fall protection plan for a particular workplace situation.

Fall Protection Plan1926.502(k)

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• Under 1926.502(k) the fall protection plan: – Must be written.– Must be site-specific.

• A written fall protection plan developed for repetitive use, e.g., for a particular style or model of home, will be considered site-specific with respect to a particular site only if it fully addresses all issues related to fall protection at that site.

• Therefore, a standardized plan will have to be reviewed, and revised as necessary, on a site by site basis.


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Fall Protection Plan1926.502(k)• The plan must be prepared by a “qualified person” -

1926.502(k)(1).– "Qualified” means one who, by possession of a recognized

degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training, and experience, has successfully demonstrated his ability to solve or resolve problems relating to the subject matter, the work, or the project - 1926.32(m). (This could be the owner, supervisor, etc.).

• Be developed specifically for the site where the residential construction work is being performed – 1926.502(k)(1).

• Must be maintained up to date – 1926.502(k)(1). • All changes shall be approved by a qualified person –

1926.502(k)(2).

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Fall Protection Plan1926.502(k)• Shall be maintained on the site – 1926.502(k)(3).• Shall be implemented under the supervision of a competent

person – 1926.502(k)(4).– “Competent Person” means 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 – 1926.32(f). (This could be the owner, supervisor, etc.).

• Shall include documentation of reasons why conventional fall protection systems are infeasible or create a greater hazard – 1926.502(k)(5).

• Shall include a written discussion of the alternative work practices to be used that will eliminate or reduce the possibility of a fall – 1926.502(k)(6).

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Fall Protection Plan1926.502(k)• Shall identify each location where conventional fall

protection systems cannot be used and designate them Controlled Access Zones (CAZ) – 1926.502(k)(7).

• Implement a safety monitoring system in conformance with 1926.502(h) where no other alternative measure has been implemented – 1926.502(k)(8).

• Shall identify all workers designated to work in the CAZ – 1926.502(k)(9).

• Shall be reviewed and updated as appropriate if a fall, or near miss, occurs – 1926.502(k)(10).

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A sample plan is in Appendix E to Subpart M and can be reviewed @ https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=10927


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Employers also have the option of having workers work from Ladders Scaffolds Aerial lifts

Other Work Methods

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Safe Use of Ladders• Ladders should be inspected before use.

– Ladders with loose, broken, or missing rungs, split or bent side rails or other defects, must be removed

• The base of a ladder’s side rails must rest on a firm, level footing– Extension ladders need to have non-slip bases or spikes– Ladders must be tied, blocked, or otherwise secured to prevent

them from slipping.

• Step Ladders– Must only use step ladders as designed to be used by

manufacturer– Never step on the top 2 steps– Never use as a straight ladder

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Ladder

ladder must extend a minimum of 36 inches above the walking surface.

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• Scaffolds • (in compliance with

Subpart L)

Other Work Methods

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• these scaffold systems on the interior of buildings and can provide stable work platforms while framing, hanging board, and rolling trusses.

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the worker standing on top of the formwork is exposed to a fall hazard as he fills the walls with concrete.

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when appropriately installed can be used to increase work heights during foundation wall work. all scaffolding requires a ladder to provide a safe means for access at any height

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• Interior Scaffolds installed along the interior where the trusses/ rafters will be located.

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• These workers are installing trusses from a top plate scaffold.

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• contractors are using these systems for rolling trusses, cutting rafter tails and hanging fascia.

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• example of a wall bracket, or top plate, scaffold system

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Pump-Jack Scaffolds• Wood poles erected no higher

than 30 ft.• Aluminum poles erected height

according to manufacturer• Tie off to building (base and

top)• Plank width, min. of 12 in.• Work platform / Guardrails• Maximum intended load for

pump jack scaffolds is 500#• Not more than two employees

may be on a pump jack scaffold between any two supports at one time.

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Pumpjack scaffolds

above 10 feet, these workers must be protected by a guardrail or a personal fall arrest system.

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Aluminum pole pumpjack scaffolds

step ladders should not be used on a scaffold.

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Poles secured at the top by the use of rigid triangular bracing or equivalent. 1926.451(g)(1): Guardrails are required at all open sides and ends of scaffolds above 10 feet.

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• using the work platform as a top rail and has installed a midrail along with end cap guardrails

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Ladder Jack Scaffolds

• Ladders secured • Only heavy-duty ladders • Work platform height

cannot exceed 20 ft. • Scaffold platforms must not

be bridged together. • Not be used by more than

two workers on a single scaffold at any one time

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Ladder jack work platform• two planks have been bridged and supported by a single bracket. • work platform should be at least 12 inches wide.

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• This worker is using a full body harness that is attached to a rope grab device and a vertical lifeline

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Accessing a scaffoldmost manufacturers do not intend for the scaffold bucks to be used as a ladder

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Crossbracesnot designed for workers to climb.

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Scaffolding GuardrailsA scaffold that is more than 10 feet above the ground requires fall protection

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• scaffold fully planked between the uprights with no more than 1 inch gaps between the planks

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• approved scaffold plank

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6” Min.

12” Max.

• scaffold planks should extend beyond the upright at least 6 inches, but no more than 12 inches.

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Properly supported scaffolding leg• along with a baseplate this scaffold leg is equipped with a screw jack, which allows the scaffold

to be leveled. • baseplate has been securely attached by nails to the solid wood mudsill

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Base plates are required.Cinder blocks should not be used to support a scaffold.

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• manufacturer-supplied keeper pins lock the two sections of the welded frame scaffold together and prevents them from separating

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• use tie backs to ensure that a scaffold will not collapse. • 2X4’s acting as “stiff arms”, used in conjunction with 9 gauge wire securing the

scaffold to the house to prevent the scaffold from falling away

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= 5 feet

= 4 feet

= 16 feet

= 20 feet

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• Extending Boom Aerial Lift– Alternative for reaching

heights if properly used.– PFAS or fall restraint

must be worn and lanyard attached to boom or basket when working from an aerial lift - 1926.453(b)(2)(v).

Other Work Methods

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Other Work Methods

All-terrain Forklift with basket attachment

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OSHA defines a willful violation as one committed with intentional, knowing or voluntary disregard for the law's requirements, or with plain indifference to employee safety and health.

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Under 29 CFR 1926.503, workers exposed to fall hazards must be trained to recognize – potential fall hazards and – procedures to be followed to minimize those

hazards.

Training Requirements

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• The nature of fall hazards in the work area.• How to erect, maintain, disassemble, and

inspect the fall protection systems to be used.• How to use and operate the fall protection

systems to be used.• Subpart M requirements

• Supplements 1926.21 (Subpart C: Safety Training & Education)

Training Requirements 1926.503

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• Training certification– Documentation of the latest training

certification must be maintained.• Retraining

– Changes in the fall protection systems to be used or to the workplace.

– Inadequacies in employee’s knowledge or use of fall protection indicates that retraining is necessary

Training Requirements 1926.503

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TEST

1. At what height above the ground is fall protection required when working along any unprotected edge? •a. 4 feet•b. 6 feet•c. 10 feet•d.25 feet

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TEST

2. An extension ladder must extend past the landing ___ feet.

•a.1•b.2•c.3•d.4

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TEST

3. At what angle is an extension ladder to be installed?

•a.4:1•b.4:2•c. 4:4•d.none of the above

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TEST

4.A Step Ladder can be used as a straight ladder.

•a. True•b. False

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TEST

5. A guardrail is required on scaffolding at ___ feet.

•a. 4 feet•b. 6 feet•c. 10 feet•d. Not required

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Group Activity

• Discuss fall hazards present at your worksite– share this information with others in the

class

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Group Activity

• Discuss how the fall hazards can be eliminated– share this information with others in the

class

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Points to remember• Fall Protection is required when there is a

potential for an unprotected fall of 6 feet or more to a lower level.

• Fall Protection Systems– Conventional

• Guardrails• Hole Covers• Personal Fall Arrest• Safety Nets

– Specialized Systems• Safety Monitor, Warning Line, Controlled Access Zone

and Written Fall Protection Plan

Documents

RESIDENTIAL FALL HAZARDS