Safety Monitoring Systems
When other fall protection methods are not feasible and a competent person has developed a written plan, safety monitoring systems may be used.
This is a method in which a person, rather than a mechanical system, warns workers doing repairs when they are in danger of falling. The monitor, who must be a competent person, is responsible for recognizing fall hazards and warning workers about them. Safety monitoring systems must meet the requirements of OSHA 29 CFR 1926.502(h).
Safety monitoring can be used only to protect those who do roofing work on roofs that have slopes less than or equal to 4 in 12 (vertical to horizontal) and widths no greater than 50 feet. Safety monitoring on roofs wider than 50 feet is not permitted unless a warning-line system also protects the workers.
The safety monitor's responsibilities:
- Recognize fall hazards.
- Warn employees when they are unaware of hazards or aren't working safely.
- Stay on the same walking/working surface as the workers to see them and to communicate with them while they are working.
- Avoid any other work or distracting activity while monitoring the workers.
Only those who are doing roofing work are permitted in the area controlled by the safety monitor. Mechanical equipment can't be used or stored in the area.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
6-6. The safety monitor used during roofing work must be a _____ and is responsible for recognizing fall hazards and warning workers about them.
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