University Human Resource Services
Fall Protection
General Requirements
Supervisors with employees whose work duties require them to work at heights greater than six feet above a solid walking surface must provide training and equipment appropriate to the job.
Fall protection may include use of railings, walls, fall restraint systems, fall arrest systems, safety nets.
Regulations
OSHA 29 CFR 1910, Subparts D, F, I, and R – for General Industry
1910.23, Guarding floor and wall openings and holes
1910.66, Powered platforms for building maintenance
Appendix A, Guidelines
Appendix C, Personal fall arrest system
1910.67, Vehicle-mounted elevating and rotating work platforms
1910.132, Personal protective equipment general requirements
1910.268, Special industries: Telecommunications
1910.269, Special industries, Electric power generation, transmission, and distribution
29 CFR 1926, Subpart M – for Construction
1926.501, Duty to have fall protection
1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices
1926.760, Fall Protection
Keys to compliance for Supervisors
- Supervisors are responsible for performing a job hazard analysis to identify tasks covered by the OSHA Fall Protection Standards. i.e., employees working at greater than six feet above a solid working surface
- Supervisors are responsible for ensuring said employees are properly trained. Fall Protection training is provided by EHS
- Supervisors are responsible for ensuring employees have appropriate fall protection equipment, tools and personal protective equipment
- Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that employees follow written procedures and use the fall protection equipment provided.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How do I know what fall protection equipment is needed?
A. Call EHS. Our Fall Protection specialists can perform the job hazard analysis and determine safety equipment and PPE needed.
Q. Who provides the necessary equipment?
A. Your department.
Q. Who maintains the equipment?
A. All users must properly care for equipment, report any malfunctions or wear-and-tear to you, the Supervisor. A person within your group should be assigned the responsibility of checking the equipment on a regular basis.
Q. Does the equipment need to be inspected periodically by a professional?
A. Yes. The EHS Fall Protection Specialists provide the inspections.
Links to Written Programs, Further Information
www.ehs.indiana.edu/worker_safety.shtml
