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PART
1926 -- Safety and Health Regulations for Construction
1926.502 -
Fall protection systems criteria and practices
(a)
"General."
(a)(1)
Fall
protection systems required by this part shall comply with the applicable
provisions of this section.
(a)(2)
Employers
shall provide and install all fall protection systems required by this
subpart for an employee, and shall comply with all other pertinent requirements
of this subpart before that employee begins the work that necessitates
the fall protection.
(b)
"Guardrail
systems." Guardrail systems and their use shall comply with the following
provisions:
(b)(1)
Top
edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, shall
be 42 inches (1.1 m) plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm) above the walking/working
level. When conditions warrant, the height of the top edge may exceed
the 45-inch height, provided the guardrail system meets all other criteria
of this paragraph.
Note:
When employees are using stilts, the top edge height of the top rail,
or equivalent member, shall be increased an amount equal to the height
of the stilts.
..1926.502(b)(2)
(b)(2)
Midrails,
screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, or equivalent intermediate
structural members shall be installed between the top edge of the guardrail
system and the walking/working surface when there is no wall or parapet
wall at least 21 inches (53 cm) high.
(b)(2)(i)
Midrails,
when used, shall be installed at a height midway between the top edge
of the guardrail system and the walking/working level.
(b)(2)(ii)
Screens
and mesh, when used, shall extend from the top rail to the walking/working
level and along the entire opening between top rail supports.
(b)(2)(iii)
Intermediate
members (such as balusters), when used between posts, shall be not more
than 19 inches (48 cm) apart.
(b)(2)(iv)
Other
structural members (such as additional midrails and architectural panels)
shall be installed such that there are no openings in the guardrail system
that are more than 19 inches (.5 m) wide.
(b)(3)
Guardrail
systems shall be capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of
at least 200 pounds (890 N) applied within 2 inches (5.1 cm) of the top
edge, in any outward or downward direction, at any point along the top
edge.
..1926.502(b)(4)
(b)(4)
When
the 200 pound (890 N) test load specified in paragraph (b)(3) of this
section is applied in a downward direction, the top edge of the guardrail
shall not deflect to a height less than 39 inches (1.0 m) above the walking/working
level. Guardrail system components selected and constructed in accordance
with the Appendix B to subpart M of this part will be deemed to meet this
requirement.
(b)(5)
Midrails,
screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, solid panels, and equivalent
structural members shall be capable of withstanding, without failure,
a force of at least 150 pounds (666 N) applied in any downward or outward
direction at any point along the midrail or other member.
(b)(6)
Guardrail
systems shall be so surfaced as to prevent injury to an employee from
punctures or lacerations, and to prevent snagging of clothing.
(b)(7)
The
ends of all top rails and midrails shall not overhang the terminal posts,
except where such overhang does not constitute a projection hazard.
(b)(8)
Steel
banding and plastic banding shall not be used as top rails or midrails.
(b)(9)
Top
rails and midrails shall be at least one-quarter inch (0.6 cm) nominal
diameter or thickness to prevent cuts and lacerations. If wire rope is
used for top rails, it shall be flagged at not more than 6-foot intervals
with high-visibility material.
..1926.502(b)(10)
(b)(10)
When
guardrail systems are used at hoisting areas, a chain, gate or removable
guardrail section shall be placed across the access opening between guardrail
sections when hoisting operations are not taking place.
(b)(11)
When
guardrail systems are used at holes, they shall be erected on all unprotected
sides or edges of the hole.
(b)(12)
When
guardrail systems are used around holes used for the passage of materials,
the hole shall have not more than two sides provided with removable guardrail
sections to allow the passage of materials. When the hole is not in use,
it shall be closed over with a cover, or a guardrail system shall be provided
along all unprotected sides or edges.
(b)(13)
When
guardrail systems are used around holes which are used as points of access
(such as ladderways), they shall be provided with a gate, or be so offset
that a person cannot walk directly into the hole.
(b)(14)
Guardrail
systems used on ramps and runways shall be erected along each unprotected
side or edge.
(b)(15)
Manila,
plastic or synthetic rope being used for top rails or midrails shall be
inspected as frequently as necessary to ensure that it continues to meet
the strength requirements of paragraph (b)(3) of this section.
..1926.502(c)
(c)
"Safety
net systems." Safety net systems and their use shall comply with
the following provisions:
(c)(1)
Safety
nets shall be installed as close as practicable under the walking/working
surface on which employees are working, but in no case more than 30 feet
(9.1 m) below such level. When nets are used on bridges, the potential
fall area from the walking/working surface to the net shall be unobstructed.
(c)(2)
Safety
nets shall extend outward from the outermost projection of the work surface
as follows:
____________________________________________________________________
|
Vertical distance from working | Minimum required horizontal
level to horizontal plane |distance of outer edge of net
of net | from the edge of the working
| surface
______________________________________|_____________________________
|
Up to 5 feet ........................ | 8 feet.
More than 5 feet up to 10 feet ...... | 10 feet.
More than 10 feet ................... | 13 feet.
______________________________________|_____________________________
(c)(3)
Safety
nets shall be installed with sufficient clearance under them to prevent
contact with the surface or structures below when subjected to an impact
force equal to the drop test specified in paragraph (c)(4) of this section.
(c)(4)
Safety
nets and their installations shall be capable of absorbing an impact force
equal to that produced by the drop test specified in paragraph (c)(4)(i)
of this section.
..1926.502(c)(4)(i)
(c)(4)(i)
Except
as provided in paragraph (c)(4)(ii) of this section, safety nets and safety
net installations shall be drop-tested at the jobsite after initial installation
and before being used as a fall protection system, whenever relocated,
after major repair, and at 6-month intervals if left in one place. The
drop-test shall consist of a 400 pound (180 kg) bag of sand 30 + or -
2 inches (76 + or - 5 cm) in diameter dropped into the net from the highest
walking/working surface at which employees are exposed to fall hazards,
but not from less than 42 inches (1.1 m) above that level.
(c)(4)(ii)
When
the employer can demonstrate that it is unreasonable to perform the drop-test
required by paragraph (c)(4)(i) of this section, the employer (or a designated
competent person) shall certify that the net and net installation is in
compliance with the provisions of paragraphs (c)(3) and (c)(4)(i) of this
section by preparing a certification record prior to the net being used
as a fall protection system. The certification record must include an
identification of the net and net installation for which the certification
record is being prepared; the date that it was determined that the identified
net and net installation were in compliance with paragraph (c)(3) of this
section and the signature of the person making the determination and certification.
The most recent certification record for each net and net installation
shall be available at the jobsite for inspection.
(c)(5)
Defective
nets shall not be used. Safety nets shall be inspected at least once a
week for wear, damage, and other deterioration. Defective components shall
be removed from service. Safety nets shall also be inspected after any
occurrence which could affect the integrity of the safety net system.
..1926.502(c)(6)
(c)(6)
Materials,
scrap pieces, equipment, and tools which have fallen into the safety net
shall be removed as soon as possible from the net and at least before
the next work shift.
(c)(7)
The
maximum size of each safety net mesh opening shall not exceed 36 square
inches (230 cm) nor be longer than 6 inches (15 cm) on any side, and the
opening, measured center-to-center of mesh ropes or webbing, shall not
be longer than 6 inches (15 cm). All mesh crossings shall be secured to
prevent enlargement of the mesh opening.
(c)(8)
Each
safety net (or section of it) shall have a border rope for webbing with
a minimum breaking strength of 5,000 pounds (22.2 kN).
(c)(9)
Connections
between safety net panels shall be as strong as integral net components
and shall be spaced not more than 6 inches (15 cm) apart.
(d)
"Personal
fall arrest systems." Personal fall arrest systems and their use
shall comply with the provisions set forth below. Effective January 1,
1998, body belts are not acceptable as part of a personal fall arrest
system. Note: The use of a body belt in a positioning device system is
acceptable and is regulated under paragraph (e) of this section.
(d)(1)
Connectors
shall be drop forged, pressed or formed steel, or made of equivalent materials.
..1926.502(d)(2)
(d)(2)
Connectors
shall have a corrosion-resistant finish, and all surfaces and edges shall
be smooth to prevent damage to interfacing parts of the system.
(d)(3)
Dee-rings
and snaphooks shall have a minimum tensile strength of 5,000 pounds (22.2
kN).
(d)(4)
Dee-rings
and snaphooks shall be proof-tested to a minimum tensile load of 3,600
pounds (16 kN) without cracking, breaking, or taking permanent deformation.
(d)(5)
Snaphooks
shall be sized to be compatible with the member to which they are connected
to prevent unintentional disengagement of the snaphook by depression of
the snaphook keeper by the connected member, or shall be a locking type
snaphook designed and used to prevent disengagement of the snaphook by
the contact of the snaphook keeper by the connected member. Effective
January 1, 1998, only locking type snaphooks shall be used.
(d)(6)
Unless
the snaphook is a locking type and designed for the following connections,
snaphooks shall not be engaged:
(d)(6)(i)
directly
to webbing, rope or wire rope;
(d)(6)(ii)
to
each other;
..1926.502(d)(6)(iii)
(d)(6)(iii)
to
a dee-ring to which another snaphook or other connector is attached;
(d)(6)(iv)
to
a horizontal lifeline; or
(d)(6)(v)
to
any object which is incompatibly shaped or dimensioned in relation to
the snaphook such that unintentional disengagement could occur by the
connected object being able to depress the snaphook keeper and release
itself.
(d)(7)
On
suspended scaffolds or similar work platforms with horizontal lifelines
which may become vertical lifelines, the devices used to connect to a
horizontal lifeline shall be capable of locking in both directions on
the lifeline.
(d)(8)
Horizontal
lifelines shall be designed, installed, and used, under the supervision
of a qualified person, as part of a complete personal fall arrest system,
which maintains a safety factor of at least two.
(d)(9)
Lanyards
and vertical lifelines shall have a minimum breaking strength of 5,000
pounds (22.2 kN).
..1926.502(d)(10)
(d)(10)
(d)(10)(i)
Except
as provided in paragraph (d)(10)(ii) of this section, when vertical lifelines
are used, each employee shall be attached to a separate lifeline.
(d)(10)(ii)
During
the construction of elevator shafts, two employees may be attached to
the same lifeline in the hoistway, provided both employees are working
atop a false car that is equipped with guardrails; the strength of the
lifeline is 10,000 pounds [5,000 pounds per employee attached] (44.4 kN);
and all other criteria specified in this paragraph for lifelines have
been met.
(d)(11)
Lifelines
shall be protected against being cut or abraded.
(d)(12)
Self-retracting
lifelines and lanyards which automatically limit free fall distance to
2 feet (0.61 m) or less shall be capable of sustaining a minimum tensile
load of 3,000 pounds (13.3 kN) applied to the device with the lifeline
or lanyard in the fully extended position.
(d)(13)
Self-retracting
lifelines and lanyards which do not limit free fall distance to 2 feet
(0.61 m) or less, ripstitch lanyards, and tearing and deforming lanyards
shall be capable of sustaining a minimum tensile load of 5,000 pounds
(22.2 kN) applied to the device with the lifeline or lanyard in the fully
extended position.
..1926.502(d)(14)
(d)(14)
Ropes
and straps (webbing) used in lanyards, lifelines, and strength components
of body belts and body harnesses shall be made from synthetic fibers.
(d)(15)
Anchorages
used for attachment of personal fall arrest equipment shall be independent
of any anchorage being used to support or suspend platforms and capable
of supporting at least 5,000 pounds (22.2 kN) per employee attached, or
shall be designed, installed, and used as follows:
(d)(15)(i)
as
part of a complete personal fall arrest system which maintains a safety
factor of at least two; and
(d)(15)(ii)
under
the supervision of a qualified person.
(d)(16)
Personal
fall arrest systems, when stopping a fall, shall:
(d)(16)(i)
limit
maximum arresting force on an employee to 900 pounds (4 kN) when used
with a body belt;
(d)(16)(ii)
limit
maximum arresting force on an employee to 1,800 pounds (8 kN) when used
with a body harness;
(d)(16)(iii)
be
rigged such that an employee can neither free fall more than 6 feet (1.8
m), nor contact any lower level;
..1926.502(d)(16)(iv)
(d)(16)(iv)
bring
an employee to a complete stop and limit maximum deceleration distance
an employee travels to 3.5 feet (1.07 m); and,
(d)(16)(v)
have
sufficient strength to withstand twice the potential impact energy of
an employee free falling a distance of 6 feet (1.8 m), or the free fall
distance permitted by the system, whichever is less.
Note:
If the personal fall arrest system meets the criteria and protocols contained
in Appendix C to subpart M, and if the system is being used by an employee
having a combined person and tool weight of less than 310 pounds (140
kg), the system will be considered to be in compliance with the provisions
of paragraph (d)(16) of this section. If the system is used by an employee
having a combined tool and body weight of 310 pounds (140 kg) or more,
then the employer must appropriately modify the criteria and protocols
of the Appendix to provide proper protection for such heavier weights,
or the system will not be deemed to be in compliance with the requirements
of paragraph (d)(16) of this section.
(d)(17)
The
attachment point of the body belt shall be located in the center of the
wearer's back. The attachment point of the body harness shall be located
in the center of the wearer's back near shoulder level, or above the wearer's
head.
(d)(18)
Body
belts, harnesses, and components shall be used only for employee protection
(as part of a personal fall arrest system or positioning device system)
and not to hoist materials.
(d)(19)
Personal
fall arrest systems and components subjected to impact loading shall be
immediately removed from service and shall not be used again for employee
protection until inspected and determined by a competent person to be
undamaged and suitable for reuse.
(d)(20)
The
employer shall provide for prompt rescue of employees in the event of
a fall or shall assure that employees are able to rescue themselves.
..1926.502(d)(21)
(d)(21)
Personal
fall arrest systems shall be inspected prior to each use for wear, damage
and other deterioration, and defective components shall be removed from
service.
(d)(22)
Body
belts shall be at least one and five-eighths (1 5/8) inches (4.1 cm) wide.
(d)(23)
Personal
fall arrest systems shall not be attached to guardrail systems, nor shall
they be attached to hoists except as specified in other subparts of this
Part.
(d)(24)
When
a personal fall arrest system is used at hoist areas, it shall be rigged
to allow the movement of the employee only as far as the edge of the walking/working
surface.
(e)
"Positioning
device systems." Positioning device systems and their use shall conform
to the following provisions:
(e)(1)
Positioning
devices shall be rigged such that an employee cannot free fall more than
2 feet (.9 m).
(e)(2)
Positioning
devices shall be secured to an anchorage capable of supporting at least
twice the potential impact load of an employee's fall or 3,000 pounds
(13.3 kN), whichever is greater.
(e)(3)
Connectors
shall be drop forged, pressed or formed steel, or made of equivalent materials.
..1926.502(e)(4)
(e)(4)
Connectors
shall have a corrosion-resistant finish, and all surfaces and edges shall
be smooth to prevent damage to interfacing parts of this system.
(e)(5)
Connecting
assemblies shall have a minimum tensile strength of 5,000 pounds (22.2
kN)
(e)(6)
Dee-rings
and snaphooks shall be proof-tested to a minimum tensile load of 3,600
pounds (16 kN) without cracking, breaking, or taking permanent deformation.
(e)(7)
Snaphooks
shall be sized to be compatible with the member to which they are connected
to prevent unintentional disengagement of the snaphook by depression of
the snaphook keeper by the connected member, or shall be a locking type
snaphook designed and used to prevent disengagement of the snaphook by
the contact of the snaphook keeper by the connected member. As of January
1, 1998, only locking type snaphooks shall be used.
(e)(8)
Unless
the snaphook is a locking type and designed for the following connections,
snaphooks shall not be engaged:
(e)(8)(i)
directly
to webbing, rope or wire rope;
(e)(8)(ii)
to
each other;
..1926.502(e)(8)(iii)
(e)(8)(iii)
to
a dee-ring to which another snaphook or other connector is attached;
(e)(8)(iv)
to
a horizontal lifeline; or
(e)(8)(v)
to
any object which is incompatibly shaped or dimensioned in relation to
the snaphook such that unintentional disengagement could occur by the
connected object being able to depress the snaphook keeper and release
itself.
(e)(9)
Positioning
device systems shall be inspected prior to each use for wear, damage,
and other deterioration, and defective components shall be removed from
service.
(e)(10)
Body
belts, harnesses, and components shall be used only for employee protection
(as part of a personal fall arrest system or positioning device system)
and not to hoist materials.
(f)
"Warning
line systems." Warning line systems [See 1926.501(b)(10)] and their
use shall comply with the following provisions:
(f)(1)
The
warning line shall be erected around all sides of the roof work area.
..1926.502(f)(1)(i)
(f)(1)(i)
When
mechanical equipment is not being used, the warning line shall be erected
not less than 6 feet (1.8 m) from the roof edge.
(f)(1)(ii)
When
mechanical equipment is being used, the warning line shall be erected
not less than 6 feet (1.8 m) from the roof edge which is parallel to the
direction of mechanical equipment operation, and not less than 10 feet
(3.1 m) from the roof edge which is perpendicular to the direction of
mechanical equipment operation.
(f)(1)(iii)
Points
of access, materials handling areas, storage areas, and hoisting areas
shall be connected to the work area by an access path formed by two warning
lines.
(f)(1)(iv)
When
the path to a point of access is not in use, a rope, wire, chain, or other
barricade, equivalent in strength and height to the warning line, shall
be placed across the path at the point where the path intersects the warning
line erected around the work area, or the path shall be offset such that
a person cannot walk directly into the work area.
(f)(2)
Warning
lines shall consist of ropes, wires, or chains, and supporting stanchions
erected as follows:
(f)(2)(i)
The
rope, wire, or chain shall be flagged at not more than 6-foot (1.8 m)
intervals with high-visibility material;
..1926.502(f)(2)(ii)
(f)(2)(ii)
The
rope, wire, or chain shall be rigged and supported in such a way that
its lowest point (including sag) is no less than 34 inches (.9 m) from
the walking/working surface and its highest point is no more than 39 inches
(1.0 m) from the walking/working surface;
(f)(2)(iii)
After
being erected, with the rope, wire, or chain attached, stanchions shall
be capable of resisting, without tipping over, a force of at least 16
pounds (71 N) applied horizontally against the stanchion, 30 inches (.8
m) above the walking/working surface, perpendicular to the warning line,
and in the direction of the floor, roof, or platform edge;
(f)(2)(iv)
The
rope, wire, or chain shall have a minimum tensile strength of 500 pounds
(2.22 kN), and after being attached to the stanchions, shall be capable
of supporting, without breaking, the loads applied to the stanchions as
prescribed in paragraph (f)(2)(iii) of this section; and
(f)(2)(v)
The
line shall be attached at each stanchion in such a way that pulling on
one section of the line between stanchions will not result in slack being
taken up in adjacent sections before the stanchion tips over.
(f)(3)
No
employee shall be allowed in the area between a roof edge and a warning
line unless the employee is performing roofing work in that area.
..1926.502(f)(4)
(f)(4)
Mechanical
equipment on roofs shall be used or stored only in areas where employees
are protected by a warning line system, guardrail system, or personal
fall arrest system.
(g)
"Controlled
access zones." Controlled access zones [See 1926.501(b)(9) and 1926.502(k)]
and their use shall conform to the following provisions.
(g)(1)
When
used to control access to areas where leading edge and other operations
are taking place the controlled access zone shall be defined by a control
line or by any other means that restricts access.
(g)(1)(i)
When
control lines are used, they shall be erected not less than 6 feet (1.8
m) nor more than 25 feet (7.7 m) from the unprotected or leading edge,
except when erecting precast concrete members.
(g)(1)(ii)
When
erecting precast concrete members, the control line shall be erected not
less than 6 feet (1.8 m) nor more than 60 feet (18 m) or half the length
of the member being erected, whichever is less, from the leading edge.
(g)(1)(iii)
The
control line shall extend along the entire length of the unprotected or
leading edge and shall be approximately parallel to the unprotected or
leading edge.
..1926.502(g)(1)(iv)
(g)(1)(iv)
The
control line shall be connected on each side to a guardrail system or
wall.
(g)(2)
When
used to control access to areas where overhand bricklaying and related
work are taking place:
(g)(2)(i)
The
controlled access zone shall be defined by a control line erected not
less than 10 feet (3.1 m) nor more than 15 feet (4.5 m) from the working
edge.
(g)(2)(ii)
The
control line shall extend for a distance sufficient for the controlled
access zone to enclose all employees performing overhand bricklaying and
related work at the working edge and shall be approximately parallel to
the working edge.
(g)(2)(iii)
Additional
control lines shall be erected at each end to enclose the controlled access
zone.
(g)(2)(iv)
Only
employees engaged in overhand bricklaying or related work shall be permitted
in the controlled access zone.
(g)(3)
Control
lines shall consist of ropes, wires, tapes, or equivalent materials, and
supporting stanchions as follows:
(g)(3)(i)
Each
line shall be flagged or otherwise clearly marked at not more than 6-foot
(1.8 m) intervals with high-visibility material.
..1926.502(g)(3)(ii)
(g)(3)(ii)
Each
line shall be rigged and supported in such a way that its lowest point
(including sag) is not less than 39 inches (1 m) from the walking/working
surface and its highest point is not more than 45 inches (1.3 m) [50 inches
(1.3 m) when overhand bricklaying operations are being performed] from
the walking/working surface.
(g)(3)(iii)
Each
line shall have a minimum breaking strength of 200 pounds (.88 kN).
(g)(4)
On
floors and roofs where guardrail systems are not in place prior to the
beginning of overhand bricklaying operations, controlled access zones
shall be enlarged, as necessary, to enclose all points of access, material
handling areas, and storage areas.
(g)(5)
On
floors and roofs where guardrail systems are in place, but need to be
removed to allow overhand bricklaying work or leading edge work to take
place, only that portion of the guardrail necessary to accomplish that
day's work shall be removed.
(h)
"Safety
monitoring systems." Safety monitoring systems [See 1926.501(b)(10)
and 1926.502(k)] and their use shall comply with the following provisions:
(h)(1)
The
employer shall designate a competent person to monitor the safety of other
employees and the employer shall ensure that the safety monitor complies
with the following requirements:
(h)(1)(i)
The
safety monitor shall be competent to recognize fall hazards;
..1926.502(h)(1)(ii)
(h)(1)(ii)
The
safety monitor shall warn the employee when it appears that the employee
is unaware of a fall hazard or is acting in an unsafe manner;
(h)(1)(iii)
The
safety monitor shall be on the same walking/working surface and within
visual sighting distance of the employee being monitored;
(h)(1)(iv)
The
safety monitor shall be close enough to communicate orally with the employee;
and
(h)(1)(v)
The
safety monitor shall not have other responsibilities which could take
the monitor's attention from the monitoring function.
(h)(2)
Mechanical
equipment shall not be used or stored in areas where safety monitoring
systems are being used to monitor employees engaged in roofing operations
on low-slope roofs.
(h)(3)
No
employee, other than an employee engaged in roofing work [on low-sloped
roofs] or an employee covered by a fall protection plan, shall be allowed
in an area where an employee is being protected by a safety monitoring
system.
(h)(4)
Each
employee working in a controlled access zone shall be directed to comply
promptly with fall hazard warnings from safety monitors.
..1926.502(i)
(i)
"Covers."
Covers for holes in floors, roofs, and other walking/working surfaces
shall meet the following requirements:
(i)(1)
Covers
located in roadways and vehicular aisles shall be capable of supporting,
without failure, at least twice the maximum axle load of the largest vehicle
expected to cross over the cover.
(i)(2)
All
other covers shall be capable of supporting, without failure, at least
twice the weight of employees, equipment, and materials that may be imposed
on the cover at any one time.
(i)(3)
All
covers shall be secured when installed so as to prevent accidental displacement
by the wind, equipment, or employees.
(i)(4)
All
covers shall be color coded or they shall be marked with the word "HOLE"
or "COVER" to provide warning of the hazard.
Note:
This provision does not apply to cast iron manhole covers or steel grates
used on streets or roadways.
(j)
"Protection
from falling objects." Falling object protection shall comply with
the following provisions:
(j)(1)
Toeboards,
when used as falling object protection, shall be erected along the edge
of the overhead walking/working surface for a distance sufficient to protect
employees below.
..1926.502(j)(2)
(j)(2)
Toeboards
shall be capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least
50 pounds (222 N) applied in any downward or outward direction at any
point along the toeboard.
(j)(3)
Toeboards
shall be a minimum of 3 1/2 inches (9 cm) in vertical height from their
top edge to the level of the walking/working surface. They shall have
not more than 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) clearance above the walking/working surface.
They shall be solid or have openings not over 1 inch (2.5 cm) in greatest
dimension.
(j)(4)
Where
tools, equipment, or materials are piled higher than the top edge of a
toeboard, paneling or screening shall be erected from the walking/working
surface or toeboard to the top of a guardrail system's top rail or midrail,
for a distance sufficient to protect employees below.
(j)(5)
Guardrail
systems, when used as falling object protection, shall have all openings
small enough to prevent passage of potential falling objects.
(j)(6)
During
the performance of overhand bricklaying and related work:
(j)(6)(i)
No
materials or equipment except masonry and mortar shall be stored within
4 feet (1.2 m) of the working edge.
..1926.502(j)(6)(ii)
(j)(6)(ii)
Excess
mortar, broken or scattered masonry units, and all other materials and
debris shall be kept clear from the work area by removal at regular intervals.
(j)(7)
During
the performance of roofing work:
(j)(7)(i)
Materials
and equipment shall not be stored within 6 feet (1.8 m) of a roof edge
unless guardrails are erected at the edge.
(j)(7)(ii)
Materials
which are piled, grouped, or stacked near a roof edge shall be stable
and self-supporting.
(j)(8)
Canopies,
when used as falling object protection, shall be strong enough to prevent
collapse and to prevent penetration by any objects which may fall onto
the canopy.
(k)
"Fall
protection plan." This option is available only to employees engaged
in leading edge work, precast concrete erection work, or residential construction
work (See 1926.501(b)(2), (b)(12), and (b)(13)) who can demonstrate that
it is infeasible or it creates a greater hazard to use conventional fall
protection equipment. The fall protection plan must conform to the following
provisions.
(k)(1)
The
fall protection plan shall be prepared by a qualified person and developed
specifically for the site where the leading edge work, precast concrete
work, or residential construction work is being performed and the plan
must be maintained up to date.
..1926.502(k)(2)
(k)(2)
Any
changes to the fall protection plan shall be approved by a qualified person.
(k)(3)
A
copy of the fall protection plan with all approved changes shall be maintained
at the job site.
(k)(4)
The
implementation of the fall protection plan shall be under the supervision
of a competent person.
(k)(5)
The
fall protection plan shall document the reasons why the use of conventional
fall protection systems (guardrail systems, personal fall arrest systems,
or safety nets systems) are infeasible or why their use would create a
greater hazard.
(k)(6)
The
fall protection plan shall include a written discussion of other measures
that will be taken to reduce or eliminate the fall hazard for workers
who cannot be provided with protection from the conventional fall protection
systems. For example, the employer shall discuss the extent to which scaffolds,
ladders, or vehicle mounted work platforms can be used to provide a safer
working surface and thereby reduce the hazard of falling.
(k)(7)
The
fall protection plan shall identify each location where conventional fall
protection methods cannot be used. These locations shall then be classified
as controlled access zones and the employer must comply with the criteria
in paragraph (g) of this section.
..1926.502(k)(8)
(k)(8)
Where
no other alternative measure has been implemented, the employer shall
implement a safety monitoring system in conformance with 1926.502(h).
(k)(9)
The
fall protection plan must include a statement which provides the name
or other method of identification for each employee who is designated
to work in controlled access zones. No other employees may enter controlled
access zones.
(k)(10)
In
the event an employee falls, or some other related, serious incident occurs,
(e.g., a near miss) the employer shall investigate the circumstances of
the fall or other incident to determine if the fall protection plan needs
to be changed (e.g. new practices, procedures, or training) and shall
implement those changes to prevent similar types of falls or incidents.
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