Subpart M - Fall Protection

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for fall protection.

Special Requirements: Systems (i.e., Personal fall arrest systems, safety net systems, fall protection systems, guardrail systems, warning line systems), controlled access zone, hard hats, fall protection plan (written), employer determination, employer demonstrates, fall protection measures, references other standards

1926.501(a)(1) - This section sets forth requirements for employers to provide fall protection systems. All fall protection required by this section shall conform to the criteria set forth in 1926.502 - fall protection systems criteria and practices, of this subpart.

1926.501(a)(2) - The employer shall determine if the walking/working surfaces on which its employees are to work have the strength and structural integrity to support employees safely. Employees shall be allowed to work on those surfaces only when the surfaces have the requisite strength and structural integrity.

1926.501(b)(1) - Unprotected sides and edges. Each employee on a walking/working surface (horizontal and vertical surface) with an unprotected side or edge which is 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above a lower level shall be protected from falling by the use of guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems.

1926.501(b)(2)(i) - Each employee who is constructing a leading edge 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above lower levels shall be protected from falling by guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems. Exception: When the employer can demonstrate that it is infeasible or creates a greater hazard to use these systems, the employer shall develop and implement a fall protection plan which meets the requirements of paragraph (k) - fall protection plan, of 1926.502 - fall protection systems criteria and practices.

Note: There is a presumption that it is feasible and will not create a greater hazard to implement at least one of the above-listed fall protection systems. Accordingly, the employer has the burden of establishing that it is appropriate to implement a fall protection plan which complies with 1926.502(k) - fall protection plan, for a particular workplace situation, in lieu of implementing any of those systems.

1926.501(b)(2)(ii) - Each employee on a walking/working surface 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above a lower level where leading edges are under construction, but who is not engaged in the leading edge work, shall be protected from falling by a guardrail system, safety net system, or personal fall arrest system. If a guardrail system is chosen to provide the fall protection, and a controlled access zone has already been established for leading edge work, the control line may be used in lieu of a guardrail along the edge that parallels the leading edge.

1926.501(b)(3) - Hoist areas. Each employee in a hoist area shall be protected from falling 6 feet (1.8 m) or more to lower levels by guardrail systems or personal fall arrest systems. If guardrail systems, [or chain, gate, or guardrail] or portions thereof, are removed to facilitate the hoisting operation (e.g., during landing of materials), and an employee must lean through the access opening or out over the edge of the access opening (to receive or guide equipment and materials, for example), that employee shall be protected from fall hazards by a personal fall arrest system.

1926.501(b)(4)(i) - Each employee on walking/working surfaces shall be protected from falling through holes (including skylights) more than 6 feet (1.8 m) above lower levels, by personal fall arrest systems, covers, or guardrail systems erected around such holes.

1926.501(b)(5) - Formwork and reinforcing steel. Each employee on the face of formwork or reinforcing steel shall be protected from falling 6 feet (1.8 m) or more to lower levels by personal fall arrest systems, safety net systems, or positioning device systems.

1926.501(b)(8)(ii) - Each employee 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above dangerous equipment shall be protected from fall hazards by guardrail systems, personal fall arrest systems, or safety net systems.

1926.501(b)(9)(i) - Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b) of this section, each employee performing overhand bricklaying and related work 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 shall work in a controlled access zone.

1926.501(b)(9)(ii) - Each employee reaching more than 10 inches (25 cm) below the level of the walking/working surface on which they are working, shall be protected from falling by a guardrail system, safety net system, or personal fall arrest system. Note: Bricklaying operations performed on scaffolds are regulated by subpart L - scaffolds of this part (1926).

1926.501(b)(10) - Roofing work on Low-slope roofs. 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 safety monitoring system. Or, on roofs 50-feet (15.25 m) or less in width (see Appendix A - determining roof widths - non-mandatory guidelines for complying with 1926.501(b)(10), to subpart M of this part), the use of a safety monitoring system alone [i.e. without the warning line system] is permitted.

1926.501(b)(11) - Steep roofs. Each employee on a steep roof with unprotected sides and edges 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above lower levels shall be protected from falling by guardrail systems with toeboards, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems.

1926.501(b)(12) - Precast concrete erection. Each employee engaged in the erection of precast concrete members (including, but not limited to the erection of wall panels, columns, beams, and floor and roof "tees") and related operations such as grouting of precast concrete members, who is 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above lower levels shall be protected from falling by guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems, unless another provision in paragraph (b) of this section provides for an alternative fall protection measure. Exception: When the employer can demonstrate that it is infeasible or creates a greater hazard to use these systems, the employer shall develop and implement a fall protection plan which meets the requirements of paragraph (k) - fall protection plan, of 1926.502 - fall protection systems criteria and practices.

Note: There is a presumption that it is feasible and will not create a greater hazard to implement at least one of the above-listed fall protection systems. Accordingly, the employer has the burden of establishing that it is appropriate to implement a fall protection plan which complies with 1926.502(k) - fall protection plan, for a particular workplace situation, in lieu of implementing any of those systems.

1926.501(b)(13) - Residential construction. Each employee 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 unless another provision in paragraph (b) of this section provides for an alternative fall protection measure. Exception: When the employer can demonstrate that it is infeasible or creates a greater hazard to use these systems, the employer shall develop and implement a fall protection plan which meets the requirements of paragraph (k) - fall protection plan, of 1926.502 - fall protection systems criteria and practices.

Note: There is a presumption that it is feasible and will not create a greater hazard to implement at least one of the above-listed fall protection systems. Accordingly, the employer has the burden of establishing that it is appropriate to implement a fall protection plan which complies with 1926.502(k) - fall protection plan, for a particular workplace situation, in lieu of implementing any of those systems.

1926.501(b)(14) - Wall openings. Each employee working on, at, above, or near wall openings (including those with chutes attached) where the outside bottom edge of the wall opening is 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above lower levels and the inside bottom edge of the wall opening is less than 39 inches (1.0 m) above the walking/working surface, shall be protected from falling by the use of a guardrail system, a safety net system, or a personal fall arrest system.

1926.501(b)(15) - Walking/working surfaces not otherwise addressed. Except as provided in 1926.500(a)(2) or in 1926.501(b)(1) through (b)(14), each employee on a walking/working surface 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above lower levels shall be protected from falling by a guardrail system, safety net system, or personal fall arrest system.

1926.501(c) - Protection from falling objects. When an employee is exposed to falling objects, the employer shall have each employee wear a hard hat and shall implement one of the following measures: [Reference paragraph (c)(1) - (3)].

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for fall protection systems.

Special Requirements: Fall protection systems (i.e., personal fall arrest systems, positioning device systems, safety monitoring systems), controlled access zones, employer demonstrates, safety monitor, employer determination, competent person, certify, certification record, inspection, signature, drop test, qualified person, safety net systems, communicate orally, approved plan, supervision, fall protection plan (written), investigation, measures (written), markings, regular intervals, references other standards

1926.502(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.

1926.502(b) - Guardrail systems. Guardrail systems and their use shall comply with the following provisions: [Reference paragraph (b)(1) - (15)].

1926.502(c) - Safety net systems. Safety net systems and their use shall comply with the following provisions: [Reference paragraph (c)(1) - (9)].

• 1926.502(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.

1926.502(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. [Reference paragraph (d)(1) - (24)].

• 1926.502(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.
• 1926.502(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.

1926.502(e) - Positioning device systems. Positioning device systems and their use shall conform to the following provisions: [Reference paragraph (e)(1) - (10)].

• 1926.502(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.
• 1926.502(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.

1926.502(f) - Warning line systems. Warning line systems [See 1926.501(b)(10)] and their use shall comply with the following provisions: [Reference paragraph (f)(1) - (4)].

1926.502(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. [Reference paragraph (g)(1) - (5)].

1926.502(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: [Reference paragraph (h)(1) - (4)].

• 1926.502(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: [Reference paragraph (h)(1)(i) - (v)].
  • 1926.502(h)(1)(iv) - The safety monitor shall be close enough to communicate orally with the employees.

1926.502(i) - Covers. Covers for holes in floors, roofs, and other walking/working surfaces shall meet the following requirements: [Reference paragraph (i)(1) - (4)].

• 1926.502(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.

1926.502(j) - Protection from falling objects. Falling object protection shall comply with the following provisions: [Reference paragraph (j)(1) - (8)].

• 1926.502(j)(6) - During the performance of overhand bricklaying and related work:
  • 1926.502(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.

1926.502(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) - leading edges, (b)(12) -precast concrete, and (b)(13) - residential construction] 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.

• 1926.502(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) - Any changes to the fall protection plan shall be approved by a qualified person.
• 1926.502(k)(3) - A copy of the fall protection plan with all approved changes shall be maintained at the job site.
• 1926.502(k)(4) - The implementation of the fall protection plan shall be under the supervision of a competent person.
• 1926.502(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.
• 1926.502(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.
• 1926.502(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) - Where no other alternative measure has been implemented, the employer shall implement a safety monitoring system in conformance with 1926.502(h).
• 1926.502(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.
• 1926.502(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. 

Scope: This standard provides the training requirements regarding hazards addressed in 1926 - Subpart M - Fall Protection. 

Special Requirements: Training program, training, competent person, procedures, qualified, certification of training, written certification record, signature, retraining, employer verify compliance 

1926.503(a)(1) - The employer shall provide a training program for each employee who might be exposed to fall hazards. The program shall enable each employee to recognize the hazards of falling and shall train each employee in the procedures to be followed in order to minimize these hazards.

1926.503(a)(2) - The employer shall assure that each employee has been trained, as necessary, by a competent person qualified in the following areas: [Reference paragraph (a)(2)(i) - (viii)].

1926.503(b)(1) - The employer shall verify compliance with paragraph (a) of this section by preparing a written certification record. The written certification record shall contain the name or other identity of the employee trained, the date(s) of the training, and the signature of the person who conducted the training or the signature of the employer. If the employer relies on training conducted by another employer or completed prior to the effective date of this section, the certification record shall indicate the date the employer determined the prior training was adequate rather than the date of actual training.

1926.503(b)(2) - The latest training certification shall be maintained.

1926.503(c) -  Retraining. When the employer has reason to believe that any affected employee who has already been trained does not have the understanding and skill required by paragraph (a) of this section, the employer shall retrain each such employee. Circumstances where retraining is required include, but are not limited to, situations where: [Reference paragraph (c)(1) - (3)].