Osha Flat Roof Fall Protection Requirements

Osha defines what fall protection is required based on how close employees are to the edge of the roof.

Osha flat roof fall protection requirements.

With regard to fall protection requirements applicable to the construction work itself 1926 501 b 10 low slope roofs requires conventional fall protection a combination of a monitoring system and warning line or on roofs of 50 feet or less in width a monitoring system alone i e without a warning line be used. Less than 6 feet from the roof edge. Except as otherwise provided in paragraph b of this section each employee engaged in roofing activities on low slope roofs with unprotected sides and edges 6 feet 1 8 m or more above lower levels shall be protected from falling by guardrail systems safety net systems personal fall arrest systems or a combination of warning line system and guardrail system warning line system and safety net system or warning line system and personal fall arrest system or warning line system and. When the fall protection measures listed above are not used mark the edges of the flat roof with headers and warning lines to notify workers of potential fall hazard areas using the following guidelines.

How it is addressed depends on the type of work being done. If there is a fall risk it needs to be addressed. Employers are to ensure that each employee is protected from falling by using fall. Lay headers sheets of roofing or other materials no closer than 5 feet inside the edges of the roof and parallel to the roofline.

Supervise workers to ensure fall. Employers are to ensure. Implement safe work practices to reduce the possibility of falls. Between 6 feet and 15 feet from the roof edge.