Evaluating Fall Hazards
Determine Fall Distances
Part of the hazard analysis process is to determine fall distances from walking-working surfaces to lower levels so that the employer can provide appropriate fall protection equipment.
Calculating Fall Distance
Let's look at the various fall-distance rules.
Four-foot Rule
OSHA general industry standard 1910.28(b), Walking-Working Surfaces, requires workers be protected from fall hazards on walking-working surfaces where they could fall four feet or more to a lower level.
When working less than 4 feet above dangerous equipment, guardrail systems, travel restraint systems, or equipment covers must be used. When working 4 feet or higher above dangerous equipment, guardrail systems, travel-restraint systems, fall-arrest systems, safety nets, or must be used.
- Holes and skylights in walking-working surfaces
- Wall openings that have an inside bottom edge less than 39 inches above a walking-working surface
- Established floors, mezzanines, balconies, and walkways with unprotected sides and edges
The four-foot rule does not apply:
- to work on portable ladders;
- when inspecting, investigating, or assessing work condition before or after work;
- entertainment stages or rail-station perimeters;
- powered platforms;
- telecommunications work; and
- electric power generation, transmission, and distribution.
Six-foot Rule
OSHA's standard 1926.501(b) requires the use of fall protection when construction workers are working at heights of 6 feet or greater above a lower level. However, the rule does not apply to workers inspecting, investigating, or assessing workplace conditions prior to the actual start of work or after all construction work has been completed.
When working six feet or less over dangerous equipment, guardrail systems of equipment guards must be used. When working six feet or higher over dangerous equipment, workers must be protected using guardrail systems, personal fall arrest systems, or safety nets.
A worker might need require fall protection according to the six-foot rule when working:
- on a ramp, runway, or another walkway;
- at the edge of an excavation;
- in a hoist area;
- on low-slope and steep roofs;
- on, at, above, or near wall openings;
- on residential construction worksites;
- on precast concrete erection;
- on overhand bricklaying and related work;
- on a walking or working surface with holes (including skylights) or unprotected sides or edges;
- above a lower level where leading edges are under construction;
- on the face of formwork and reinforcing steel, or
- on all walking-working surfaces not otherwise addressed.
Examples of working over dangerous equipment include:
- equipment with rotating shafts;
- machinery with open drive belts, pulleys or gears;
- or open vats of degreasing agents or acid.
Ten-foot Rule
According to 1926.451(g)(1), fall protection on scaffolding is required when you are greater than 10 feet off the lower level.
Fifteen-foot Rule
According to 1926.760, Steel Erection, each employee on a walking/working surface with an unprotected side or edge more than 15 feet above a lower level must be protected from fall hazards by guardrail systems, safety net systems, personal fall arrest systems, positioning device systems or fall restraint systems.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
3-4. To which industry does the "six-foot rule" for fall protection apply?
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