At what height do you need to wear a safety harness?

What can be done to reduce falls? – Employers must set up the work place to prevent employees from falling off of overhead platforms, elevated work stations or into holes in the floor and walls. OSHA requires that fall protection be provided at elevations of four feet in general industry workplaces, five feet in shipyards, six feet in the construction industry and eight feet in longshoring operations.

Guard every floor hole into which a worker can accidentally walk (using a railing and toe-board or a floor hole cover). Provide a guard rail and toe-board around every elevated open sided platform, floor or runway. Regardless of height, if a worker can fall into or onto dangerous machines or equipment (such as a vat of acid or a conveyor belt) employers must provide guardrails and toe-boards to prevent workers from falling and getting injured. Other means of fall protection that may be required on certain jobs include safety harness and line, safety nets, stair railings and hand rails.

OSHA requires employers to:

Provide working conditions that are free of known dangers. Keep floors in work areas in a clean and, so far as possible, a dry condition. Select and provide required personal protective equipment at no cost to workers. Train workers about job hazards in a language that they can understand.

At what height is a harness required in UK?

In general, any activity that requires workers to work above ground level, where there is a risk of falling, is considered working at height. But, how high above ground level can they work before formal fall protection is required by law? In this article we answer that question and more, helping you and your workers to stay safe when working at heights.

So, at what height above ground are you required to wear fall protection? The law stipulates that suitable fall protection must be used when working at a height of 2m or above. This might not seem that high, but significant injuries can occur when falling from this height, as it often happens rapidly, and unexpectedly.

Read on to learn more about fall protection, and when it should be used.

What is the safe working height?

Assessing and controlling the risks – First assess the risks, considering the:

height of the task duration and frequency condition of the surface being worked on

Before working at height follow these simple steps:

avoid work at height where it’s reasonably practicable to do so where work at height cannot be easily avoided, prevent falls using either an existing place of work that is already safe or the right type of equipment where the risk cannot be eliminated, minimise the distance and consequences of a fall by using the right type of equipment

For each step, consider measures that protect everyone at risk (collective protection) before measures that only protect the individual (personal protection). Find out more in our step-by-step guide

Is safety harness mandatory?

Wearing a safety harness is mandatory during construction or installation work when the worker risks falling more than three meters. According to article R.4321-1 of the Labor Code, the materials necessary for the work must be provided to the workers by the project managers or the employers. Similarly, training in order to wear these harnesses is mandatory, whether theoretical or practical.

At what height and above shock absorber is to be used with safety harness?

What is a Shock Absorbing Lanyard? – Definition from Safeopedia Shock absorbing lanyards are a specific type of safety lanyard used in conjunction with safety harnesses as a part of a fall protection system. Generally, shock absorbing lanyards are used when working at a height of more than six feet above the ground.

The unique feature of a shock absorbing lanyard is that it has a built-in woven inner core that expands during the fall to ensure that the fall arrest force is significantly reduced. Two factors that impact the effectiveness of a shock absorbing lanyard in protecting the worker are the weight of the worker and the fall distance required for deceleration.

The lighter the worker, the higher the impact load will be, due to less of the shock absorbing part of the lanyard being activated. Most shock absorbing lanyards require an additional 3.5 feet of travel for the deceleration mechanism to function properly in addition to the standard 6 feet lanyard length. : What is a Shock Absorbing Lanyard? – Definition from Safeopedia

What PPE is required for working at heights?

Working at Height and PPE – Working at height remains one of the main causes of fatalities and severe injuries in the construction sector as well as other industries. Falls from height consistently feature in the top three work-related accidents in the UK, with an average of 11 fatalities each year as a direct result.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) estimates that working at height accounts for approximately 30% of all workplace deaths, with the construction sector particularly susceptible to the risks associated with working at height. To minimise risks and hazards associated with working at height, we need to ensure that staff has the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when working at height.

This is one of the most dangerous types of work and choosing the right PPE is essential to prevent falls and keep workers safe in the workplace. Our blog outlines five essential items of PPE designed for working at height: 1 – Safety Harness A safety harness is an item of personal protective equipment used to prevent falls from height. It is designed to arrest a worker’s fall in the event they lose their grip on what they were holding or while working at height. Safety harnesses work by connecting to an anchor point and distributing the force of impact over the entire body, reducing the likelihood of injury when falling backwards.

Full body harnesses which cover both feet and legs And hip-harnesses which only cover your waist area from above but leave your lower limbs exposed (this type should not be worn alone).

2 – Lanyards and Connecting Devices Understanding what a lanyard is and how they work is the first step to choosing the correct personal protective equipment for your job. Lanyards are worn around the user’s waist and attached to their harness which provides them with additional protection from falling.

The lanyard is then clipped into either the DBI-SALA Davit Hook or DBI-SALA Steellock Connecting Device, which allows for movement through space without the need for additional support, such as depending on a co-worker for safety assistance. Many different types of lanyards are available on the market today.

It is vital to choose a lanyard best suited for your needs before purchasing any equipment. They come in a wide variety of lengths, weights and sizes too with features including high quality webbing, hooks, carabiners and shock absorbers. 3 – Anchor Points and Access Equipment The third element of PPE is anchor points, which should be installed by a competent person. Anchor points must be checked regularly and used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. In addition to installing anchor points, access equipment should also be provided for use on the scaffolding or platform. 4 – Work Restraint A work restraint system is a safety device that prevents workers from falling if they lose their grip or balance. These systems are designed to stop a worker falling more than 2 metres, or 4 metres if the worker is wearing a harness. 5 – Height Safety Helmet A helmet is a protective head covering which may be worn to protect the head from injury. Helmets are designed to absorb shock and protect the skull from serious injury. They are useful for preventing or reducing damage from direct blows, debris from falling at height, and eye injuries or projectiles (e.g., hammering tools).

It is first necessary to identify the task to be carried out by the worker as well as the constraints and risks of the activity that need to be provided for when selecting a safety helmet. Ensure that helmets used across the UK are manufactured to the applicable British Standard. Brimless helmets provide a wider field of vision when working at height. Be aware of vented helmets. Vents cannot be used for those working at heights. undertaking electrical work as cables may come into contact with the wearer through the vent. Chinstraps are required when wearing a helmet for working at heights. Ear and eye protection are required in many industries. Accessories for climbing helmets include attachable ear muffs, full-face visors, and eye shields. Ensure that the helmet conforms to the safety regulations

Why use PPE? If you are working at height, it is vital that you protect yourself with the right PPE equipment. Not only will this help to minimise risks to both yourself and others around you, but it can also help to ensure compliance with health and safety laws. Tetra Ladder Safety System For more information visit or get in touch with us on 028 3839 8700 NI or 01 891 6105 ROI or visit our website for more information Working At Heights | ITS Health & Safety Training Northern Ireland (industrytrainingservices.com) Further reading https://www.hse.gov.uk/work-at-height/ https://www.hsa.ie/eng/publications_and_forms/publications/general_application_regulations/work_at_height.html https://app.croneri.co.uk/feature-articles/what-wear-when-you-re-working-height

What is the British standard for harnesses?

BS EN 361:2002 Personal protective equipment against falls from a height. Full body harnesses PRICES include / exclude VAT no, exclude Czech Republic Austria Belgium Bulgaria Croatia Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Ireland Italy Latvia Lithuania Luxembourg Monaco Netherlands Poland Portugal Romania Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Malta Cyprus

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DESCRIPTION This standard BS EN 361:2002 Personal protective equipment against falls from a height. Full body harnesses is classified in these ICS categories:

• 13.340.99 Other protective equipment
• 13.340.60 Protection against falling and slipping

This European Standard specifies the requirements, test methods, marking, information supplied by the manufacturer and packaging for full body harnesses. Other types of body support, specified in other European Standards, e.g. EN 358, EN 813 or EN 1497, may be incorporated into the full body harness.

Fall arrest systems are specified in prEN 363. European Standards and partners need your consent to the use of individual data so that they can, among other things, show you information about your interests. Click on the “OK” box to give your consent. Detailed settings with explanations can be found here : BS EN 361:2002 Personal protective equipment against falls from a height.

Full body harnesses

Is a harness required on a ladder?

What Kinds of Ladders are Governed by OSHA Fall Protection Requirements? – OSHA regulations do not require fall protection for most portable ladders. These include single, extension, step, platform, and multi-function ladders, if the ladder is less than twenty-four feet long. However, OSHA recommends following portable ladder safety guidelines :

Maintain three points of contact at all times. Always place the ladder on a level footing. Always climb and work facing the ladder. Secure ladders by using its braces, securing the base, or tying the top to a structure. Don’t overreach or lean away from the ladder. Don’t exceed the ladder’s weight rating. Use the right type of ladder for the job. Stay at least ten feet away from power lines. Avoid doorways and high traffic areas. Carry ladders carefully. Make sure folding ladder supports are fully extended. Inspect the ladder before each use. Do not use damaged ladders.

Fixed ladders, which are vertical ladders that are permanently mounted to a structure, and extension ladders that are greater than or equal to twenty-four feet long require the use of fall protection equipment. OSHA no longer requires or recommends cages for fixed ladders.

What is a fall from height?

In short, a fall is categorized when a person is injured after falling or jumping — from a ladder, scaffold, building, roof, or other elevated place or working area — landing, with impact, on the ground or surface below. Falls from a height do not include a fall on the same level or falls from a moving vehicle.

What is the 4 1 rule?

The 4-to-1 Rule – A ladder safety standard, the 4-to-1 rule state that the ladder should be 1 foot away from the wall for every 4 feet the ladder rises. This allows for maximum stability. So, for instance, if the ladder touches the wall 8 feet off the ground, the base of the ladder should be 2 feet away from the wall.

What is not working at height?

Hazard Knowledge – The need for personnel to work at height falls broadly into two categories:

Unintentional work at height, where personnel are attending an incident and have to deal with the potential to work at height; this could be, for example:

At above ground, below ground or open structures In buildings, either complete, under construction or under demolition At geophysical locations, such as steep ground, cliffs or excavations

Intentional work at height, where personnel are attending an incident with a predefined requirement to work at height; this could be, for example:

Working on an aerial appliance Performing a rescue of a person trapped at height Working near fragile surfaces

Work at height covers all work activities including training, where there is a possibility that a fall from a distance is liable to cause injury. The relevant regulations that cover work at height are:

The Work at Height Regulations Work at Height (Amendment) Regulations The Work at Height Regulations (Northern Ireland) Work at Height (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland)

The regulations state: ‘work at height’ means – a) work in any place, including a place at or below ground level; b) obtaining access to or egress from such place while at work, except by a staircase in a permanent workplace, where, if measures required by these Regulations were not taken, a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury Personnel will be working at height if they:

Work above ground or floor level Could fall from an edge, through an opening or fragile surface or Could fall from ground level into an opening in a floor or a hole in the ground

Work at height does not include a slip or a trip on the level, as a fall from height has to involve a fall from one level to a lower level and does not include using a permanent staircase. Working at height can be complex and requires:

Risk assessment Planning, including arrangements for emergency evacuation or rescue of responders Deployment of competent personnel The use of appropriate equipment Adequate supervision

Impact of weather Adverse weather conditions such as lightning, strong wind, rain or extreme temperatures can impact the safety of personnel and potentially hinder working at height activity. Wind speeds are often greater at height than on the ground.

The regulations stipulate that work at height should only be carried out when the weather conditions do not jeopardise the health or safety of those involved in the work. It also provides an exemption from this requirement for responders, to enable them to carry out emergency actions. When the emergency actions have ended, the regulations will apply as normal.

For further information refer to:

Operations: Weather conditions Operations: Lightning

Impact on personnel Personnel may show signs of stress, anxiety, vertigo or dizziness while working at height. This could happen suddenly, for example due to personnel not knowing they have an inner ear problem or as a side effect of medication. Personnel may become entangled within the equipment as a result of a piece of PPE such as a glove being trapped within an industrial descender or they slip uncontrollably resulting in the rope becoming wrapped around their body which can lead to crushing, asphyxiation and impact related injuries.

Incorrect operation or use of work at height equipment Prior to personnel operating any work at height equipment they should receive adequate training on appropriate operating procedures, basic troubleshooting, and best practices for safe equipment use relevant to the work at height system they will be required to set up.

However, work at height systems could be incorrectly set up due to lapse in familiarity and regular use, which can result in failure of the systems intended purpose. If work at height equipment is used for unintended purposes, such as securing loads, it may be compromised or lead to its failure.

Do you need a safety harness to use a lift?

Does OSHA Require Workers to Wear a Harness on a Scissor Lift? – OSHA considers guardrails to be scissor lift fall protection, partly because scissor lifts, in OSHA’s view, are considered scaffolding – not necessarily aerial lifts, Assuming there’s an adequate guardrail system in place, scissor lift harnesses aren’t required by OSHA, but for all other situations, a personal fall restraint system is mandatory.

1. At CertifyMeOnline.net, it’s our opinion that fall restraint safety systems should be used whenever possible.
2. Even when a there isn’t a harness required on scissor lift, it’s a good idea to don PPE whenever possible.
3. The reason harnesses aren’t always required while onboard forklifts and scissor lifts is that their reach capabilities are far less than boom lifts, bucket lifts and other aerial lifts.

These types of lifts are all used to raise and lower workers, cargo and equipment, but scissor lift platforms are larger and much closer to the ground than platforms on other aerial lifts and bucket lifts. Sturdy guardrail systems are generally all that’s needed to keep scissor lift operators from falling off the platform.

Do you need safety harness on a man lift?

I advise using a fall harness in an aerial lift at all times. At least in the U.S., this is absolutely required. OSHA’s general requirement to provide fall protection kicks in at six feet for construction activity and four feet for general industry activity (some state OSHA plans go with four feet for all activities to simply things).

1. However, a harness is required in aerial lifts at all times.
2. OSHA’s six and four foot treatment is a “general purpose” requirement that applies when there isn’t a more specific standard.
3. For example, fall protection on scaffolds isn’t required until 10 feet from the ground.
4. And, we can go even higher in some steel erection applications without fall protection being mandatory.

But, fall protection should be used whenever possible. After all, we don’t work safely just to be in compliance with administrative laws, we work safely to reduce injuries and loss events. Fortunately for our understanding of aerial lift fall protection, we don’t need to remember numbers; we provide fall protection at all times.

• Aerial lifts include any devices that employ extensible or articulating members.
• If there’s a telescoping boom, then it’s an aerial lift.
• A scissor lift is not considered an aerial lift, which is why so many models aren’t equipped with anchorage points on the deck to attach to.
• I recommend that the personal fall arrest system (PFAS) be attached to an anchorage point on the deck if possible, and not the boom, railing, or anything else higher up.

In the event of a fall from the platform, the total fall distance prior to the arrest will be minimized. OSHA allows up to a six foot drop in a PFAS, though this should always be minimized since an arrested fall can cause back or other injuries. Let’s say the total length of our PFAS components will arrest a fall at six feet exactly.

1. If we attach to the boom or the top of the platform or bucket, then the fall arrest distance will be approximately six feet.
2. But, if the attachment is on the deck, then the fall arrest distance is reduced because the fall will be limited to the length of material that goes beyond the top of the platform, and not its total length.

Maybe we can even do better than that. If the deck anchorage point and our chosen PFAS components are such that we can’t physically go over the edge, then there is no fall arrest situation at all. In fact, in such situations OSHA even allows the use of body belts, and not a full body harness, since there is no fall potential.

• OSHA allows fall restraint (body belts) when no fall is possible, though this has mostly fallen out of popular use.
• There is one scenario when not wearing a harness in an aerial lift is allowed and may well be advisable: when working over water and the drowning hazard trumps the fall hazard.
• If the lift platform is a few feet above water and a fall occurs in a harness, then there could be a considerable drowning hazard.

When drowning is deemed the greater hazard, ensure that personnel are wearing an approved personal flotation device and that means are available to get them out of the water ASAP, such as a small boat.

Do you need a harness in a scissor lift UK?

When are harnesses needed? – Clunk Click – a worldwide IPAF safety campaign – warns against the ‘catapult effect’ when working in the basket of a platform. Even a small dip at ground level can travel up the boom lift to put your operator at risk – and it’s difficult, often impossible, to be certain that your ground conditions are completely flat.

1. Being aware of your surroundings is crucial, so that your machine doesn’t get caught in tight spaces to catapult your operator.
2. As such, although your site regulations may or may not require it, IPAF training experts recommend that harnesses should be used for boom lifts when a job specific risk assessment deems it necessary and should be regularly inspected as part of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER and PPE Regulations 1992).

Alternatively, if you’re using a boom lift over water, your risk assessment may advise instead to replace any harness with a life jacket, so should the operator fall then they are protected from the immediate danger. If you’re using a vertical or scissor lift, however, it’s not always necessary to use fall protection equipment – like a harness – unless called for by exceptional circumstances.

What is the ISO standard for safety harnesses?

Small craft — Deck safety harness and safety line — Safety requirements and test methods – This standard was last reviewed and confirmed in 2022. Therefore this version remains current. ISO 12401:2009 specifies the requirements for performance, sizing, marking and test methods for deck safety harnesses and safety lines on recreational craft.

1. size 1: > 50 kg ;
2. size 2: > 20 kg ≤ 50 kg;
3. size 3: ≤ 20 kg;

which are intended to be worn by all persons when in the exposed cockpit or on the working deck of a craft afloat. It is not applicable to dinghy ‘trapeze’ harnesses, windsurfing harnesses, seat harnesses for fast motor boats, and harnesses intended to protect against falls from a height.

• Publication date : 2009-08
• ICS : 47.080 Small craft

What is the free fall distance for safety harness?

f you work at heights, whether on a cradle or on a scaffolding, you know that calculating fall clearance and swing fall is paramount to safety. Miscalculating this distance can result in serious injuries and even death. There are a lot of confusing definitions in the world of fall protection, so we thought we’d help you get a better understanding of the key concepts involved in determining fall clearance. Free fall or free fall distance – the distance before the fall arrest system begins to apply force and slow the worker down or arrest the fall. According to OSHA standards, this distance shouldn’t be more than 6 feet (1.8 meters) and it depends on lanyard length and where the attachment point is located.

“Personal fall arrest systems, when stopping a fall, shall: – limit maximum arresting force on an employee to 900 pounds (4 kN) when used with a body belt; – limit maximum arresting force on an employee to 1,800 pounds (8 kN) when used with a body harness; – be rigged such that an employee can neither free fall more than 6 feet (1.8 m), nor contact any lower level; – bring an employee to a complete stop and limit maximum deceleration distance an employee travels to 3.5 feet (1.07 m); and, have sufficient strength to withstand twice the potential impact energy of an employee free falling a distance of 6 feet (1.8 m), or the free fall distance permitted by the system, whichever is less.” A qualified person is responsible of selecting the components, materials, anchorage and connectors to fit the application, the hazards and the work environment.

This is called a competent person, which requires professional training. When it comes to anchorage and anchorage systems, it’s important to select stable anchorages. Location is also key in reducing the possible free fall distance, to prevent swing fall hazards and provide clear space in the potential fall path.

Anchorage locations above the harness attachment point are preferred in this case. The trigger heights are dictated by specific industry standards. In 2017, OSHA changed the trigger height for general fall protection from 10 feet to 6 feet, for instance. Check out this OSHA fact sheet for more information.

The shock-absorbing lanyard or self-retracting lanyard – both play a critical role in a fall arrest system, as they reduce fall arrest forces in the event of a fall. The lanyard is a flexible line securing a full-body harness to an anchorage point. Energy-absorbing lanyards reduce the energy the user’s body receives in the event of a fall.

• Additionally, shock-absorbing lanyards also provide deceleration distance, reducing the fall-arresting forces by 60-90%.
• Shock-absorbing packs can also be included in non-shock absorbing lanyards.
• Self-retracting lifelines (SRLs) are known to reduce the free-fall distance, while enabling greater horizontal and vertical mobility than standard lanyards.

Other benefits include shorter activation and arresting distances, which reduce the risk of impact with the ground or lower level. Standard shock-absorbing lanyards allow for up to 6 feet or free-fall distance before activating, while SRLs require less than 2 feet.

• TurboLite Edge and Falcon Edge are two Honeywell best-selling SRLs for the construction industry.
• Regardless of the PPE option, connecting devices need to be in line with the type of work performed, the environmental conditions, the system component compatibility and of course, product quality and regulations.

Length of the lanyard – the measured length of the lanyard or retractable device the workers uses to connect the harness to the anchorage point. Avoid tying a knot in lanyard to make it shorter, as it also impacts strength. Instead, go for an adjustable lanyard.

1. Deceleration distance – This is the additional vertical distance between a worker’s body harness attachment point when activated at the location of the attachment point when the person stops falling.
2. OSHA limits this distance to 3.5 feet or less.
3. Manufacturer instructions on the fall arrest system need to be reviewed to determine the deceleration distance, as well as the elongation.

Vertical elongation is the temporary elastic stretch incurred by the lifeline and helps reduce jolting when stopping a fall. Height and weight of suspended worker should also be considered when calculating fall clearance. Safety Factor – it’s advisable to allow for an additional safety distance (3 feet or 1 meter) below the feet of the fallen worker.

At what height above a lower level is fall protection required to be used?

When must employers provide Fall Protection? The 6-foot rule. Subpart M requires the use of fall protection when construction workers are working at heights of 6 feet or greater above a lower level.

What is the minimum requirement for PPE?

29 CFR 1910.132: General requirements says that all PPE has to meet these minimum requirements: –

Provide adequate protection against the particular hazards for which they are designed Be of safe design and construction for the work to be performed Be reasonably comfortable when worn under the designated conditions Fit snugly and not unduly interfere with the movements of the wearer Be durable Be capable of being disinfected Be easily cleanable Be distinctly marked to facilitate identification only of the manufacturer

Is a safety harness PPE?

Is a safety harness individual? – A safety harness is personal protective equipment (PPE). Therefore, a worker uses a harness for himself to protect himself and limit the risk of falls,

What are the minimum PPE requirements for OSHA?

1. By Standard Number
2. 1910.132 – General requirements.

• Part Number: 1910
• Part Number Title: Occupational Safety and Health Standards
• Subpart: 1910 Subpart I
• Subpart Title: Personal Protective Equipment
• Standard Number:
• Title: General requirements.
• GPO Source:

1910.132(a) Application. Protective equipment, including personal protective equipment for eyes, face, head, and extremities, protective clothing, respiratory devices, and protective shields and barriers, shall be provided, used, and maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition wherever it is necessary by reason of hazards of processes or environment, chemical hazards, radiological hazards, or mechanical irritants encountered in a manner capable of causing injury or impairment in the function of any part of the body through absorption, inhalation or physical contact.1910.132(b) Employee-owned equipment.

Where employees provide their own protective equipment, the employer shall be responsible to assure its adequacy, including proper maintenance, and sanitation of such equipment.1910.132(c) Design. All personal protective equipment shall be of safe design and construction for the work to be performed.1910.132(d)(1) The employer shall assess the workplace to determine if hazards are present, or are likely to be present, which necessitate the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

If such hazards are present, or likely to be present, the employer shall: 1910.132(d)(1)(i) Select, and have each affected employee use, the types of PPE that will protect the affected employee from the hazards identified in the hazard assessment; 1910.132(d)(1)(iii) Select PPE that properly fits each affected employee.

Note: Non-mandatory appendix B contains an example of procedures that would comply with the requirement for a hazard assessment.1910.132(d)(2) The employer shall verify that the required workplace hazard assessment has been performed through a written certification that identifies the workplace evaluated; the person certifying that the evaluation has been performed; the date(s) of the hazard assessment; and, which identifies the document as a certification of hazard assessment.1910.132(e) Defective and damaged equipment.

Defective or damaged personal protective equipment shall not be used.1910.132(f)(1) The employer shall provide training to each employee who is required by this section to use PPE. Each such employee shall be trained to know at least the following: 1910.132(f)(1)(i) When PPE is necessary; 1910.132(f)(1)(ii) What PPE is necessary; 1910.132(f)(1)(iii) How to properly don, doff, adjust, and wear PPE; 1910.132(f)(1)(iv) The limitations of the PPE; and, 1910.132(f)(1)(v) The proper care, maintenance, useful life and disposal of the PPE.1910.132(f)(2) Each affected employee shall demonstrate an understanding of the training specified in paragraph (f)(1) of this section, and the ability to use PPE properly, before being allowed to perform work requiring the use of PPE.1910.132(f)(3) When the employer has reason to believe that any affected employee who has already been trained does not have the understanding and skill required by paragraph (f)(2) of this section, the employer shall retrain each such employee.

Circumstances where retraining is required include, but are not limited to, situations where: 1910.132(f)(3)(i) Changes in the workplace render previous training obsolete; or 1910.132(f)(3)(ii) Changes in the types of PPE to be used render previous training obsolete; or 1910.132(f)(3)(iii) Inadequacies in an affected employee’s knowledge or use of assigned PPE indicate that the employee has not retained the requisite understanding or skill.1910.132(g) Paragraphs (d) and (f) of this section apply only to §§ 1910.133, 1910.135, 1910.136, 1910.138, and 1910.140.

Paragraphs (d) and (f) of this section do not apply to §§ 1910.134 and 1910.137.1910.132(h)(1) Except as provided by paragraphs (h)(2) through (h)(6) of this section, the protective equipment, including personal protective equipment (PPE), used to comply with this part, shall be provided by the employer at no cost to employees.1910.132(h)(2) The employer is not required to pay for non-specialty safety-toe protective footwear (including steel-toe shoes or steel-toe boots) and non-specialty prescription safety eyewear, provided that the employer permits such items to be worn off the job-site.1910.132(h)(3) When the employer provides metatarsal guards and allows the employee, at his or her request, to use shoes or boots with built-in metatarsal protection, the employer is not required to reimburse the employee for the shoes or boots.1910.132(h)(4)(i) The logging boots required by 29 CFR 1910.266(d)(1)(v); 1910.132(h)(4)(ii) Everyday clothing, such as long-sleeve shirts, long pants, street shoes, and normal work boots; or 1910.132(h)(4)(iii) Ordinary clothing, skin creams, or other items, used solely for protection from weather, such as winter coats, jackets, gloves, parkas, rubber boots, hats, raincoats, ordinary sunglasses, and sunscreen.1910.132(h)(5) The employer must pay for replacement PPE, except when the employee has lost or intentionally damaged the PPE.1910.132(h)(6) Where an employee provides adequate protective equipment he or she owns pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section, the employer may allow the employee to use it and is not required to reimburse the employee for that equipment.

• The employer shall not require an employee to provide or pay for his or her own PPE, unless the PPE is excepted by paragraphs (h)(2) through (h)(5) of this section.1910.132(h)(7) This paragraph (h) shall become effective on February 13, 2008.
• Employers must implement the PPE payment requirements no later than May 15, 2008.

Note to §1910.132(h): When the provisions of another OSHA standard specify whether or not the employer must pay for specific equipment, the payment provisions of that standard shall prevail.

What is the 6 foot fall protection rule?

As a general matter, each worker on a walking or working surface 6 feet or more above a lower level must be protected from falling by a guardrail system, a safety net system, or a personal fall arrest system.

At what height is fall protection required for scissor lift?

The Scissor Lift Dilemma: Guardrails vs. Fall Arrest Systems It’s important to realize working at heights always has its risks. In fact, falls continue to be the leading cause of death in the construction industry, and as of 2011, falls rank No.1 on OSHA’s top 10 most serious violations.

OSHA requires the use of anytime a fall of 6 feet or more is possible on a construction site. Many construction contractors utilize scissor lifts for employees working at height. The first scissor lifts were built in the 1970s. Although improvements in materials and safety have been made since then, the basic underlying design has stayed the same.

Scissor lifts use an “x” pattern, known as a pantograph folding support, to move the platform up and down vertically. Several models also come equipped with an extending bridge, giving the user closer access to the work area. The scissor lift remains a popular work tool, due in part to its ease of mobility and compact storage space.

Once properly trained on its use, a worker can drive it directly to the work area and extend it to the desired height. When finished, it easily retracts and stores for future use. Today, scissor lifts can be found everywhere: retail establishments, manufacturing operations, construction sites and any place that may require access to heights.

According to the American National Safety Institute (ANSI), guardrails are considered an acceptable form of fall protection; however, guardrails do not completely eliminate the possibility of a fall from a scissor lift. Most scissor lifts meet the height requirement for guardrails as the only form of protection required (42 inches, +/- 3 inches), but there still exists the possibility a worker could fall through the space below the mid rails or over the top rail.

A competent person, as defined by OSHA, should evaluate the fall hazard and take corrective measures to eliminate it. One such corrective measure is the use of an approved fall arrest system. A complete personal fall arrest system will include the anchor point, connector, body support and in the event of a fall, prompt rescue.

Fall arrest systems are designed to arrest a worker’s fall and reduce the arrest forces on the worker’s body to an acceptable level.

Jack Gloop