Roof Edge Protection Requirements

Osha defines what fall protection is required based on how close employees are to the edge of the roof.

Roof edge protection requirements.

Between 6 feet and 15 feet from the edge. The guard shall extend not less than 30. 6 feet from the edge. 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.

Class c 30 45 degree roof pitch. Between 6 feet and 15 feet from the roof edge. Employers are to ensure. Conventional fall protection guardrail fall restraint or fall arrest system is required.

I believe the misconception of a specific safe distance has surfaced since warning line rules require setbacks from the edge at 6 10 or 15 feet depending on the circumstances. For general industry working at a 4 foot height or a low sloped roof osha requires. When the employer can demonstrate that it is not feasible or creates a greater hazard to use guardrail safety net or personal fall protection systems on residential roofs the employer must develop and implement a fall protection plan that meets the requirements of 29 cfr 1926 502 k and training that meets the requirements of 29 cfr 1926 503 a and c. Conventional fall protection guardrail fall restraint or.

Class a 0 10 degree roof pitch. Also osha compliance officers often do not cite a circumstance unless the worker is reasonably close to an unprotected edge. The european norm establishes three classes of edge protection system. From 6 15 feet the new rule allows for a designated area.

In regards specifically to roof fall protection the 1910 standard specifies for low slope roofs that when work is performed less than 6 feet 1 6 m from the roof edge the employer must ensure each employee is protected from falling by a guardrail system safety net system travel restraint system or personal fall arrest system. In addition the code continues to specifically address fall protection near mechanical equipment which is where the edge accufit safety railing was being placed to protect requirements stating guards shall be provided where various components that require service are located within 10 feet of a roof edge or open side of a walking surface and such edge or open side is located more than 30 inches 762mm above the floor roof or grade below. Employers are to ensure that each employee is protected from falling by using fall. Less than 6 feet from the roof edge.