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Fall Protection
 <p class="text-center"><strong>This page requires that javascript be enabled for some elements to function correctly.
Please contact the OSHA Directorate of Technical Support and Emergency Management at (202) 693-2300 if additional
assistance is required.</strong></p> Fall Protection


 Construction Standards and Resources
 Non-Construction Standards/Policy
 Protecting Workers from Falls
 Additional Resources

Standards and Policy for Non-Construction Work

In Spanish
 

Highlights

 Engulfment in a Sugar Hopper. OSHA Fatal Facts No. 10, (2015).

 Protecting Roofing Workers. OSHA Publication 3755, (2015).
 Fall Protection in Construction. OSHA Publication 3146, (2015).
 Narrow Frame Scaffolds. OSHA Fact Sheet (Publication 3722), (April 2014).
 Material Hoist Collapse. OSHA Fatal Facts No. 8, (2014).
 Falling Off Ladders Can Kill: Use Them Safely | Las caídas desde escaleras pueden ser mortales: Úselas de
forma segura (EPUB| MOBI). OSHA Publication 3625, (2013).
 Prevention Videos (v-Tools): Construction Hazards. OSHA.
 Fall Protection in Residential Construction (PDF). OSHA Guidance Document. Also available in Spanish.
 Fall Protection in Residential Construction. OSHA, (2011). Provides links to OSHA tools and resources
(Regulations, Directives, Letters of Interpretation, Compliance Assistance materials) to help prevent falls in residential
construction.
 Fall Protection Safety for Commercial Fishing. OSHA Fact Sheet, (2011).
 Fall Protection in General Industry. OSHA QuickCard™ (Publication 3257), (2010).
 Fall Prevention/Protection. OSHA Publications. Contains fall prevention materials in English and Spanish.

Related Topics

 Construction Industry
 Electrical
 Electrical Contractors Industry
 Powered Industrial Trucks
 Residential Construction Industry
 Sealant, Waterproofing, and Restoration Industry
 Scaffolding

State Standards
There are 28 OSHA-approved State Plans, operating state-wide occupational safety and health programs. State Plans are
required to have standards and enforcement programs that are at least as effective as OSHA's and may have different or
more stringent requirements.
Fall protection, for activities not in the construction industry, is addressed in specific standards for the general industry,
shipyard employment, marine terminals and longshoring industry. This section highlights OSHA standards, Federal
Register notices (rules and proposed rules), preambles to final rules (background to final rules), directives (instruction to
OSHA staff), letters of interpretation (official letters of interpretation of the standards), and national consensus standards
related to fall protection.

OSHA
General Industry (29 CFR 1910)

 1910.23, Ladders
 1910.25, Stairways
 1910.26, Dockboards
 1910.27, Scaffolds and rope descent systems
 1910.66, Powered platforms for building maintenance
o Appendix A, Guidelines (Advisory)
 1910.67, Vehicle-mounted elevating and rotating work platforms
 1910.68, Manlifts
 1910.132, General requirements (Personal Protective Equipment) [related topic page]
 1910.140, Personal fall protection systems
 1910.268, Telecommunications
 1910.269, Electric power generation, transmission, and distribution [related topic page]

Shipyard Employment (29 CFR 1915)

 1915.71, Scaffolds or staging

 1915.72, Ladders
 1915.73, Guarding of deck openings and edges
 1915.74, Access to vessels
 1915.75, Access to and guarding of dry docks and marine railways
 1915.76, Access to cargo spaces and confined spaces
 1915.77, Working surfaces
 1915.158, Lifesaving equipment (life rings and PFDs)
 1915.159, Personal fall arrest systems (PFAS)
 1915.160, Positioning device systems
 Subpart I Appendix B, General testing conditions and additional guidelines for personal fall protection systems
(Non-mandatory)

Marine Terminals (29 CFR 1917)

 1917.12, Slippery conditions

 1917.26, First aid and lifesaving facilities
 1917.95, Other protective measures
 1917.112, Guarding of edges
 1917.115, Platforms and skids
 1917.116, Elevators and escalators
 1917.117, Manlifts
 1917.118, Fixed ladders
 1917.119, Portable ladders
 1917.120, Fixed stairways
 1917.121, Spiral stairways
 1917.124, Dockboards (car and bridge plates)
 1917.125, Guarding temporary hazards

Safety and Health Regulations for Longshoring (29 CFR 1918)

 1918.22, Gangways
 1918.23, Jacob's ladders
 1918.24, Fixed and portable ladders
 1918.25, Bridge plates and ramps (See also 1918.86)
 1918.26, Access to barges and river boats
 1918.31, Hatch coverings
 1918.32, Stowed cargo and temporary landing surfaces
 1918.33, Deck loads
 1918.34, Other decks
 1918.35, Open hatches
 1918.36, Weather deck rails
 1918.37, Barges
 1918.85, Containerized cargo operations
 1918.87, Ship's cargo elevators
 1918.97, First aid and lifesaving facilities. (See Appendix V of this part)
 1918.105, Other protective measures

Construction

For construction-specific information, see the Fall protection - construction standards section.

Federal Register Notices

 Walking-Working Surfaces and Personal Protective Equipment (Fall Protection Systems). Final Rule 81:82494-
83006, (November 18, 2016). Final rule revising and updating OSHA's general industry standards on walking-working
surfaces to prevent and reduce workplace slips, trips, and falls; adding requirements on the design, performance, and
use of personal fall protection systems. 
 Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution; Electrical Protective Equipment. Final Rule 79: 20315-
20743, (April 11, 2014).
 Walking-Working Surfaces and Personal Protective Equipment (Fall Protection Systems). Proposed Rules
75:28861-29153, (May 24, 2010).
 Safety Standards in Shipyard Employment for Scaffolds; Welding, Cutting, and Heating; Access and Egress; and
Fall Protection. Proposed Rules 67:13117, (March 21, 2002). Explanation for withdrawal of proposed rules for scaffold
in shipyard employment.

Directives

General Industry

 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart I, Enforcement Guidance for Personal Protective Equipment in General Industry. CPL
02-01-050, (February 10, 2011).

Maritime Industry

 Shipyard Employment "Tool Bag" Directive. CPL 02-00-162, (May 22, 2019). Provides OSHA offices, interested
industry representatives, State Plan programs and federal agencies with guidance concerning the application of
 occupational safety and health standards in shipyard employment. Also, this instruction provides current information
and ensures the consistent enforcement of OSHA's shipyard employment standards (29 CFR Part 1915).
 Longshoring and Marine Terminal "Tool Shed" Directive. CPL 02-00-154, (July 31, 2012). Provides information
and instruction relating to the marine cargo handling industry.

Letters of Interpretation

 Enforcement Guidance for General Industry Rope Descent System (RDS) Anchorage Requirements (29 CFR
1910.27(b)(1)). (November 20, 2017).
 Guarding of Access Openings to Fixed Ladders. (September 29, 2009).
 Guarding requirements for skylights and "grandfather" provisions for buildings constructed over twenty years ago.
(September 28, 2006).
 Fall protection for the entertainment industry under the OSH Act of 1970. (Corrected June 2, 2005). Explanation of
how fall protection standard applies to riggers and others in the entertainment industry.
 Fall protection requirements when working from ladders in the telecommunications industry. (May 23, 2005).
 OSHA enforcement of ANSI window cleaning standard; citing federal agencies under the General Duty Clause.
(March 28, 2005).
 Recommendations for preventing prolonged suspension in personal fall protection systems. (September 8, 2004).
Explanation of methods and resources for avoiding injury from engagement of fall protection system.
 Rescue of a suspended worker following a fall event. (April 27, 2004). Explanation of fall protection requirements
in instances where a worker is performing a self-rescue following a fall.
 Maintenance vs. construction; working from fixed ladders. (May 11, 1999; Corrected June 14, 2004). Discusses
the differences between "maintenance" and "construction" and the applicable standards.

Electric Power Industry

 OSHA's requirements for locking type snaphooks on pole strap systems. (March 13, 1996). Provides explanations
for multiple questions, including requirements for fall protection during specific work scenarios.
 Fall Protection in the power distribution industry. (September 1, 1995). Provides an interpretation of the OSHA
standards addressing fall protection in the electric power distribution industry, (29 CFR 1910.269 and 29 CFR
1926.502).

Consensus Standards and Recommendations from other Professional Organizations

Note: These are NOT OSHA regulations. However, they do provide guidance from their originating organizations related
to worker protection.

American National Standards Institute (ANSI)

 ANSI/ASSE A1264.1-2007, Safety Requirements for Workplace Walking/Working Surfaces and Their Access;
Workplace Floor, Wall and Roof Openings; Stairs and Guardrail Systems. Sets forth safety requirements for areas
where danger exists of persons or objects falling through floor or wall openings, platforms, runways, ramps, and fixed
stairs, in normal, temporary, and emergency conditions. This standard applies to industrial and workplace situations
and is not intended to apply to construction, residential, or commercial occupancies except where necessary
maintenance or work station access may be required.
 ANSI/IWCA 1-14.1-2001, Window Cleaning Safety. International Window Cleaning Association (IWCA). Serves as
a guide for window cleaners, regulatory agencies, manufacturers, architects, consultants, designers and building
owners. Part A focuses on safety guidelines for the use of window cleaning access equipment. Part B is geared
toward those who manufacture, distribute, design, install or maintain the equipment.
 ANSI/ASSE A10.8, Scaffolding Safety Requirements
 ANSI ASC A14.1, American National Standards for Ladders - Wood Safety Requirements
  ANSI ASC A14.2, American National Standards for Ladders - Portable Metal- Safety Requirements
 ANSI ASC A14.3, American National Standards for Ladders - Fixed - Safety Requirements
 ANSI ASC A14.4, American National Standards Safety Requirements for Job Made Wooden Ladders
 ANSI ASC A14.5, American National Standards for Ladders - Portable Reinforced Plastic Safety Requirements
 ANSI ASC A14.7, American National Standard for Mobile Ladder Stands and Mobile Ladder Stand Platforms
 ANSl/SAIA A92.2, American National Standard for Vehicle-Mounted Elevating and Rotating Aerial Devices
 ANSI/SAIA A92.3, American National Standard for Manually Propelled Elevating Aerial Platforms
 ANSI/SAIA A92.5, American National Standard Boom-Supported Elevating Work Platforms
 ANSI/SAIA A92.6, Self-Propelled Elevating Work Platforms
 ANSl/SIA A92.8, Vehicle-Mounted Bridge Inspection and Maintenance Devices
 ANSl/SAIA A92.10, Transport Platforms
 ANSI/ITSDF B56.1, Safety Standard for Low Lift and High Lift Trucks
 ANSI/ASSE Z359.0, Definition and Nomenclature Used for Fall Protection and Fall Arrest.
 ANSI/ASSE Z359.1, Safety Requirements for Personal Fall Arrest Systems, Subsystems and Component.
Establishes requirements for the performance, design, marking, qualification, instruction, training, inspection, use,
maintenance, and removal from service of connectors, full body harnesses, lanyards, energy absorbers, anchorage
connectors, fall arresters, vertical lifelines, and self-retracting lanyards comprising personal fall arrest systems for
users within the capacity range of 130 to 310 pounds (59 to 140 kg).
 ANSI/ASSE Z359.2, Minimum Requirements for a Comprehensive Managed Fall Protection Program
 ANSl/ASSE Z359.3, Safety Requirements for Positioning and Travel Restraint Systems
 ANSI/ASSE Z359.4, Safety Requirements for Assisted-Rescue and Self-Rescue Systems, Subsystems and
Components
 ANSl/ASSE Z359.6, Specifications and Design Requirements for Active Fall Protection SystemsANSI/ASSE
Z359.7-2011, Qualification and Verification Testing of Fall Protection Products
 ANSI/ASSE Z359.12, Connecting Components for Personal Fall Arrest System
 ANSI/ASSE Z359.13, Personal Energy Absorbers and Energy Absorbing Lanyards
 ANSI/ASSE Z359.14, Self-Retracting Devices for Fall Arrest and Rescue Systems
 ANSI/ASSE Z359.15, Safety Requirements for Single Anchor Lifelines and Fall Arresters for Personal Fall Arrest
and Rescue Systems
 CSA Z259.14, Fall Restrict Equipment for Wood Pole Climbing
 ASTM F887-11, Standard Specifications for Personal Climbing Equipment

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by Scott Owyen - Director of Training On Aug 8, 2019, 03:00 AM

Clearing Up the Confusion: Fall Protection

Requirements on Group B MEWPs
When it comes to using fall protection equipment for on mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), many still do not
fully understand, or comprehend, the requirements in the ANSI A92 and CSA B354 standards, as well as the OSHA and
OHS requirements, for fall protection on MEWPs in the United States and Canada.

It is not that the industry is completely unaware; in fact, the majority of MEWP operators are aware that PFPE (personal
fall protection equipment) is required when operating either self-propelled or trailer-mounted booms. After that point, it
becomes a hodgepodge of misinformation, causing a lot of confusion in the industry.

To help clear up the confusion, there are two key things everyone needs to know: First, the primary means of fall
protection on all MEWPs is provided by the guardrail system. And second, there are some instances when a second level
of fall protection is required by the standards for MEWPs in North America.

Contact Us to Learn More

Following outlines those specific instances and provides details MEWP operators need to know:

Fall Protection Requirements on Manually-Propelled and Scissor Lift Products

Standards for Type 1, Group A (1A) manually-propelled elevating work platforms and Type 3, Group A (3A) self-propelled
elevating work platforms, such as scissor lifts and single personnel lifts, do not require the use of personal fall
protective equipment (PFPE) in addition to guardrails. 1

However, if a user, employer or local government regulations requires an operator to use PFPE in addition to guardrails
on these MEWPs, lanyard attachment points are provided for this purpose by Genie. For example, some provinces in
Canada, such as Saskatchewan, Ontario and Nova Scotia have regulations that do require all occupants in a scissor lift
to wear PFPE.

Fall Protection Requirements on Booms

The use of approved PFPE in addition to a guardrail for operator fall protection is required in the United States and
Canada for Type 1, Group B (1B) and Type 3, Group B (3B) boom-supported MEWPs. This requirement is mandated by
the standards for Mobile Elevating Work Platforms1 and Vehicle-Mounted Elevating and Rotating Aerial Devices 2 and is
enforced by OSHA in the United States and OHS and provincial authorities in Canada.

There are two types of secondary fall protection for MEWPs: Fall Restraint and Fall Arrest.

Fall Restraint

Fall restraint systems prevent a MEWP occupant from being exposed to any fall. If the person is protected by a restraint
system, either a body belt or a full body harness may be used. When a restraint system is used for fall protection in a
Group B MEWP, the employer/user/operator must ensure that the lanyard and anchor are arranged so that the operator
is not exposed to falling any distance outside the platform.

Fall Arrest

A system that permits an arrested fall is considered a fall arrest system. A body belt is prohibited in a fall arrest system;
instead, a full body harness and lanyard that limits the fall distance and arresting force on the person is required. Fall
arresting lanyards typically have a shock absorbing section or are a self-retracting lifeline/lanyard.

The following is a general summary of fall protection requirements as discussed above for Group B MEWPs:

 The user is responsible for providing approved fall protection for employees 3.
 A personal fall arrest system used on a boom type MEWP cannot allow the operator to fall more than 6 ft 4.
 A personal fall arrest system used on a boom type MEWP cannot allow the operator to come into contact with
any lower surface4.

Now let’s take a look at what secondary fall protection options are for Group B MEWPs.

During travel in the stowed position and whenever the platform height is below the calculated total fall distance (or
whenever they are above the calculated total fall distance) for every operator and occupant:

 The operator and all occupants must wear a full body harness with either a fall restraint system or 6-ft maximum
length self-retracting lifeline (which has been approved for use on a MEWP by the manufacturer);

    -or

 A full body harness with a double lanyard system (fall arrest and fall restraint);
 o The fall restraint lanyard must be used during travel in the stowed position and when the platform height
is below the calculated total fall distance.
o The fall arrest lanyard can be used when the platform height is above the calculated total fall distance
and when all other factors have been taken into consideration.
 It is no longer acceptable to place two double-locking snap hooks to a single D-ring. When using
a double lanyard system, such as the one mentioned here, MEWP occupants must use a D-ring
extension to separate the two devices. Never use a side d-ring for fall arrest;

So, what is the final takeaway here? It is never acceptable to use a 6-ft shock-absorbing lanyard by itself when operating
a Group B MEWP.

Even if MEWP operators are loading or unloading a truck, moving the machine in the yard or other tasks, it is critical that
each person is protected against harm. It is important that each MEWP occupant is equipped with the proper fall
protection equipment as outlined in this article.
1
ANSI A92.22-2018 and CSA B354.7:17
2
ANSI A92.2-2015 and CSA C225
3
OSHA Title 29 CFR 1926.501(a)(1)
4
OSHA Title 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(16)(iii) 

New Terminology & Classifications

Under the new CSA and ANSI standards, aerial work platforms (AWPs) are now called mobile elevating work
platforms (MEWPs). MEWPs are also now classified differently.
First, MEWPs are classified into groups.
Group A: MEWPs with platforms that move vertically but stay inside the tipping lines
Group B: All other MEWPs, typically boom-type MEWPs where the platform extends past the machine’s chassis
Under each group, they are then classified into types.
Type 1: Can only be driven in the stowed position
Type 2: Can be driven elevated but is controlled from the chassis
Type 3: Can be driven elevated but is controlled from the work platform
Want more details? Our Essential Guide to Understanding ANSI & CSA Standard Changes outlines the new
standards so you can work more and worry less.