Whether you’re a commercial facility owner or a safety manager, you know that it’s your duty to provide fall protection for your employees. Even though you may have a basic understanding of what your obligations are, you could still be putting your workers and your company at risk. That’s why it’s smart to periodically review OSHA 1910, which lays out specific requirements for the use of fall protection systems. That way, you can be sure you’re not only following protocol and avoiding fines but keeping your workers healthy and safe on the job.
What Is OSHA 1910?
As with all the rules created by federal regulatory agencies, OSHA’s regulations are contained within a multi-part document called the Code of Federal Regulations or CFR. OSHA regulations are found in Title 29, which is the labor section of the CFR. The majority of the OSHA rules that your facility and other general industry workplaces must comply with are found in Part 1910 of Title 29. Within OSHA 1910, there are 20 subparts that pertain to workplace safety standards.
1910 Subpart D
This section of the CFR states that employers have a duty to provide fall protection and protection from falling objects to employees. It covers every aspect of fall protection including acceptable fall protection systems like guardrails and personal fall protection equipment. It also encompasses other components, like a self-closing / industrial swing gate, skylight or roof hole protection, safety harness lanyard requirements, and ladder safety components. These rules apply whenever work is done at a height of 4 feet (1.22 m) or higher, including stairways, fixed ladders, elevated workspaces, mezzanines, loading docks, and your rooftop.
OSHA Requirements for Fall Protection Systems
Ensuring that your company’s fall protection systems comply with OSHA regulations may seem overwhelming, but it’s essential to your business. The most relevant rules to understand cover the following:
Guardrail Systems
Guardrails keep workers from getting too close to a rooftop’s edge or from falling through a hole in the work surface. To be OSHA compliant, they must be 42 inches (1.07 m), with a tolerance of plus or minus 3 inches (7.62 cm) above the walking surface. They need to be able to withstand a force of at least 200 pounds (90.72 kg) applied within 2 inches (5.08 cm) of the top, all along the rail. Additionally, guardrails must be made of smooth, non-snagging material. Both permanent and non-penetrating mobile guardrail systems are OSHA compliant fall protection systems.
Falling Object Protection
In addition to protecting workers from falling off the leading edge of a work surface or roof, you need to make sure that objects cannot make their way to the lower level as well. Guardrails only go so far to provide protection against errant objects that could make their way over the edge—that’s why you also need to install a toeboard that’s at least 3.5 inches (8.89 cm) tall along the outer edge of the exposed area.
Access Gates
Providing safe, easy access to rooftops, stairwells, roof hatches, and other worksite areas is vital, making gates an integral part of your fall protection systems. They both help prevent accidents on stairs, ladders, and around machinery, and act as a method of access control. Any industrial swing gate you choose must match the requirements listed above for all guardrail systems.
Handrails and Stair Railings
Elevated walking surfaces and stairways are a part of most facilities and are inherently a fall hazard. As such, handrails and stair railings will need to be a part of your facility as well. All handrails must be at least 30 inches (0.76 m), but not more than 38 inches (0.97 m) tall, measured from the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the handrail. Stair rail systems installed before January 2017 can’t be less than 30 inches (0.76 meters) tall, and those built after cannot be less than 42 inches (1.07 m).
Fixed Ladders
It’s often necessary for workers to climb a ladder and carry tools or equipment to work on a higher level. This is a crucial area for fall safety protection. The employer must ensure that each currently installed fixed ladder that extends more than 24 feet (7.32 m) above the lower level is equipped with a ladder cage. However, ladder cages alone are no longer completely adequate and regulations require that they be progressively augmented with a more comprehensive ladder safety system. A ladder safety system usually consists of a carrier, safety sleeve, safety harness lanyard, connectors, and body harness. Most fall protection systems for fixed ladders will require a full body harness with a front D-ring, which may require the installation of additional equipment. A ladder safety system can also include an access control element like a ladder guard or industrial swing gate. All ladders that extend more than 24 feet (7.32 m) above the lower level that require repairs or replacement, or which are being newly installed must also be immediately equipped with a ladder safety system. The final deadline for all such ladders (including existing ladders which have required no replacement or repairs) to be fully equipped to the new standards is November 18th, 2036.
Holes in Walking/Working Surfaces
Access points, skylights, and other openings at height in your facility put workers at risk. You’re required to provide guardrails or covers to protect these openings. The guardrail requirements are noted above. When using a cover, in order to be OSHA compliant, it must be able to handle twice the maximum load it’s expected to receive. So, a cover that’s expected to get 1,000 pounds (0.45 ton) of load must be able to handle 2,000 lbs. In addition, covers must be secured, so they can’t accidentally be moved or otherwise displaced.
Personal Fall Protection Systems
Employees must be provided with equipment such as a body harness, a safety harness lanyard, lifelines, and anchor points when passive fall protection is not possible or practical. The metal connectors must be strong, made of forged, formed, or pressed steel. Harnesses and straps must be made from strong, tear-resistant synthetic fibers. Lanyards and lifelines must be able to withstand a force of 5,000 pounds (2.27 ton).
Employee Safety Training
In addition to providing your workforce with the proper OSHA-compliant fall protection systems and personal fall protection devices, you also must provide adequate training. Remember that safe employees are knowledgeable employees who understand that safety is always a number one concern. A safety-first company culture will go a long way towards keeping your workers and facility safe, and it will help you avoid those costly OSHA fines for non-compliance.
Avoid OSHA 1910 Penalties and Fines
You have a great deal of responsibility running a commercial facility. You need to stay productive and competitive, but you also need to focus on keeping your workers, visitors, and vendors safe at all times. That’s why it’s vital that you periodically review OSHA 1910 and its specifics. It’s also incredibly important that you share your knowledge with your employees and that you set a safety-first example in all levels of your workplace hierarchy. Not only will you avoid non-compliance penalties and fines, you’ll also create a safer, more productive, and more respected workplace.
Still unsure? Contact Fabenco today and one of our fall protection specialists can help answer any questions you might have.
Related Posts
