OSHA construction fall protection study guide
Subpart M of the OSHA construction standards (29 CFR 1926.500 to 1926.503) sets when employers must provide fall protection, how each kind of system must be built and used, and how employees must be trained. This guide sets out what the rule text states, with the exact words quoted and a link to the section each point comes from. Points from appendices say so, because the Subpart M appendices are non-mandatory guidelines.
Scope and definitions
Subpart M does not apply when employees are inspecting, investigating or assessing workplace conditions before construction work actually starts or after all construction work is finished.
“The provisions of this subpart do not apply when employees are making an inspection, investigation, or assessment of workplace conditions prior to the actual start of construction work or after all construction work has been completed.”
29 CFR 1926.500, Scope, application, and definitions applicable to this subpart
The fall protection rules for employees working on scaffolds are in Subpart L (Scaffolds), not in § 1926.501.
“Requirements relating to fall protection for employees working on scaffolds are provided in subpart L of this part.”
29 CFR 1926.500, Scope, application, and definitions applicable to this subpart
The fall protection rules for employees working on stairways and ladders are in Subpart X (Stairways and Ladders), not in § 1926.501.
“Requirements relating to fall protection for employees working on stairways and ladders are provided in subpart X of this part.”
29 CFR 1926.500, Scope, application, and definitions applicable to this subpart
A hole is a gap or void 2 inches or more in its least dimension in a floor, roof or other walking/working surface.
“Hole means a gap or void 2 inches (5.1 cm) or more in its least dimension, in a floor, roof, or other walking/working surface.”
29 CFR 1926.500, Scope, application, and definitions applicable to this subpart
An opening is a gap or void in a wall or partition at least 30 inches high and at least 18 inches wide that an employee can fall through to a lower level.
“Opening means a gap or void 30 inches (76 cm) or more high and 18 inches (48 cm) or more wide, in a wall or partition, through which employees can fall to a lower level.”
29 CFR 1926.500, Scope, application, and definitions applicable to this subpart
A low-slope roof has a slope of 4 in 12 or less (vertical to horizontal).
“Low-slope roof means a roof having a slope less than or equal to 4 in 12 (vertical to horizontal).”
29 CFR 1926.500, Scope, application, and definitions applicable to this subpart
A steep roof has a slope greater than 4 in 12 (vertical to horizontal).
“Steep roof means a roof having a slope greater than 4 in 12 (vertical to horizontal).”
29 CFR 1926.500, Scope, application, and definitions applicable to this subpart
An unprotected side or edge is any side or edge of a walking/working surface (except at entrances to points of access) without a wall or guardrail system at least 39 inches high.
“Unprotected sides and edges means any side or edge (except at entrances to points of access) of a walking/working surface, e.g., floor, roof, ramp, or runway where there is no wall or guardrail system at least 39 inches (1.0 m) high.”
29 CFR 1926.500, Scope, application, and definitions applicable to this subpart
A leading edge counts as an unprotected side and edge during periods when it is not actively and continuously under construction.
“A leading edge is considered to be an “unprotected side and edge” during periods when it is not actively and continuously under construction.”
29 CFR 1926.500, Scope, application, and definitions applicable to this subpart
Infeasible means it is impossible to do the construction work with a conventional fall protection system (guardrail, safety net or personal fall arrest system), or technologically impossible to use any one of them.
“Infeasible means that it is impossible to perform the construction work using a conventional fall protection system (i.e., guardrail system, safety net system, or personal fall arrest system) or that it is technologically impossible to use any one of these systems to provide fall protection.”
29 CFR 1926.500, Scope, application, and definitions applicable to this subpart
Not covered here
We do not cover the fall protection rules of the other subparts that § 1926.500(a)(2) points to (scaffolds, cranes and derricks, steel erection, tunneling, tank and tower erection, power lines, stairways and ladders); they have their own study material or are outside this set. We only write what an official source states, so study these parts with your certifying program's materials.
Duty to have fall protection
The employer must find out whether a walking/working surface is strong enough to support employees safely, and may let employees work on it only when it is.
“The employer shall determine if the walking/working surfaces on which its employees are to work have the strength and structural integrity to support employees safely. Employees shall be allowed to work on those surfaces only when the surfaces have the requisite strength and structural integrity.”
An employee on a walking/working surface with an unprotected side or edge 6 feet or more above a lower level must be protected by a guardrail system, safety net system or personal fall arrest system.
“Each employee on a walking/working surface (horizontal and vertical surface) with an unprotected side or edge which is 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above a lower level shall be protected from falling by the use of guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems.”
An employee constructing a leading edge 6 feet or more above lower levels must be protected by guardrail, safety net or personal fall arrest systems. Exception: when the employer can demonstrate that using these systems is infeasible or creates a greater hazard, the employer must develop and implement a fall protection plan that meets § 1926.502(k).
“Each employee who is constructing a leading edge 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above lower levels shall be protected from falling by guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems. Exception: When the employer can demonstrate that it is infeasible or creates a greater hazard to use these systems, the employer shall develop and implement a fall protection plan which meets the requirements of paragraph (k) of § 1926.502.”
The note to that exception says there is a presumption that at least one of the listed systems is feasible and will not create a greater hazard, so the employer has the burden of establishing that a fall protection plan is appropriate for a particular workplace situation instead of those systems.
“There is a presumption that it is feasible and will not create a greater hazard to implement at least one of the above-listed fall protection systems. Accordingly, the employer has the burden of establishing that it is appropriate to implement a fall protection plan which complies with § 1926.502(k) for a particular workplace situation, in lieu of implementing any of those systems.”
An employee engaged in residential construction 6 feet or more above lower levels must be protected by guardrail, safety net or personal fall arrest systems, unless another provision of § 1926.501(b) provides for an alternative fall protection measure.
“Each employee engaged in residential construction activities 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above lower levels shall be protected by guardrail systems, safety net system, or personal fall arrest system unless another provision in paragraph (b) of this section provides for an alternative fall protection measure.”
In a hoist area, if guardrails (or a chain or gate) are removed for hoisting and an employee must lean through the access opening or out over its edge, that employee must be protected by a personal fall arrest system.
“If guardrail systems, [or chain, gate, or guardrail] or portions thereof, are removed to facilitate the hoisting operation (e.g., during landing of materials), and an employee must lean through the access opening or out over the edge of the access opening (to receive or guide equipment and materials, for example), that employee shall be protected from fall hazards by a personal fall arrest system.”
Employees must be protected from falling through holes (including skylights) more than 6 feet above lower levels by personal fall arrest systems, covers, or guardrail systems erected around the holes.
“Each employee on walking/working surfaces shall be protected from falling through holes (including skylights) more than 6 feet (1.8 m) above lower levels, by personal fall arrest systems, covers, or guardrail systems erected around such holes.”
Covers must protect employees from tripping in or stepping into or through holes (including skylights), and from objects falling through holes.
“Each employee on a walking/working surface shall be protected from tripping in or stepping into or through holes (including skylights) by covers. (iii) Each employee on a walking/working surface shall be protected from objects falling through holes (including skylights) by covers.”
An employee on the face of formwork or reinforcing steel must be protected from falling 6 feet or more by personal fall arrest systems, safety net systems or positioning device systems.
“Each employee on the face of formwork or reinforcing steel shall be protected from falling 6 feet (1.8 m) or more to lower levels by personal fall arrest systems, safety net systems, or positioning device systems.”
Even an employee less than 6 feet above dangerous equipment must be protected from falling into or onto it, by guardrail systems or equipment guards.
“Each employee less than 6 feet (1.8 m) above dangerous equipment shall be protected from falling into or onto the dangerous equipment by guardrail systems or by equipment guards.”
During overhand bricklaying and related work, an employee reaching more than 10 inches below the level of the surface they work on must be protected by a guardrail, safety net or personal fall arrest system.
“Each employee reaching more than 10 inches (25 cm) below the level of the walking/working surface on which they are working, shall be protected from falling by a guardrail system, safety net system, or personal fall arrest system.”
For roofing work on low-slope roofs, a safety monitoring system alone (without a warning line system) is permitted on roofs 50 feet or less in width. The rule points to Appendix A for roof widths.
“on roofs 50-feet (15.25 m) or less in width (see appendix A to subpart M of this part), the use of a safety monitoring system alone [i.e. without the warning line system] is permitted.”
Appendix A is a non-mandatory guideline, not a requirement. It shows how to measure roof width for this purpose: in all its examples, the width of an area is the lesser of its two primary dimensions, as viewed from above.
“In all examples, the dimension selected to be the width of an area is the lesser of the two primary dimensions of the area, as viewed from above.”
An employee on a steep roof with unprotected sides and edges 6 feet or more above lower levels must be protected by one of three systems: guardrail systems with toeboards, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems.
“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.”
When an employee is exposed to falling objects, the employer must have each employee wear a hard hat and also implement one of the listed measures; the first is erecting toeboards, screens or guardrail systems to prevent objects from falling from higher levels.
“When an employee is exposed to falling objects, the employer shall have each employee wear a hard hat and shall implement one of the following measures: (1) Erect toeboards, screens, or guardrail systems to prevent objects from falling from higher levels; or,”
Guardrail systems
The top edge of a guardrail must be 42 inches plus or minus 3 inches above the walking/working level. When conditions warrant, it may exceed the 45-inch height, provided the system meets all the other guardrail criteria.
“Top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, shall be 42 inches (1.1 m) plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm) above the walking/working level. When conditions warrant, the height of the top edge may exceed the 45-inch height, provided the guardrail system meets all other criteria of this paragraph.”
29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices
When employees use stilts, the top edge height goes up by the height of the stilts.
“When employees are using stilts, the top edge height of the top rail, or equivalent member, shall be increased an amount equal to the height of the stilts.”
29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices
Midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members or equivalent members are required when there is no wall or parapet wall at least 21 inches high. Midrails go midway between the top edge and the walking/working level.
“Midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, or equivalent intermediate structural members shall be installed between the top edge of the guardrail system and the walking/working surface when there is no wall or parapet wall at least 21 inches (53 cm) high. (i) Midrails, when used, shall be installed at a height midway between the top edge of the guardrail system and the walking/working level.”
29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices
Intermediate members such as balusters may be no more than 19 inches apart, and other structural members must leave no openings wider than 19 inches.
“Intermediate members (such as balusters), when used between posts, shall be not more than 19 inches (48 cm) apart. (iv) Other structural members (such as additional midrails and architectural panels) shall be installed such that there are no openings in the guardrail system that are more than 19 inches (.5 m) wide.”
29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices
A guardrail must withstand, without failure, at least 200 pounds applied within 2 inches of the top edge in any outward or downward direction, at any point along the top edge.
“Guardrail systems shall be capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 200 pounds (890 N) applied within 2 inches (5.1 cm) of the top edge, in any outward or downward direction, at any point along the top edge.”
29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices
Under that 200-pound downward test load, the top edge may not deflect below 39 inches above the walking/working level.
“When the 200 pound (890 N) test load specified in paragraph (b)(3) of this section is applied in a downward direction, the top edge of the guardrail shall not deflect to a height less than 39 inches (1.0 m) above the walking/working level.”
29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices
Not covered here
We do not cover the sample guardrail dimensions and lumber sizes in the non-mandatory Appendix B. We only write what an official source states, so study these parts with your certifying program's materials.
Safety net systems
Safety nets must be installed as close as practicable under the work surface, and never more than 30 feet below it.
“Safety nets shall be installed as close as practicable under the walking/working surface on which employees are working, but in no case more than 30 feet (9.1 m) below such level.”
29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices
The net's outer edge must extend out from the edge of the working surface at least 8 feet when the net is up to 5 feet below, 10 feet when more than 5 and up to 10 feet below, and 13 feet when more than 10 feet below.
“Safety nets shall extend outward from the outermost projection of the work surface as follows: Vertical distance from working level to horizontal plane of net Minimum required horizontal distance of outer edge of net from the edge of the working surface Up to 5 feet 8 feet. More than 5 feet up to 10 feet 10 feet. More than 10 feet 13 feet.”
29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices
Except as provided in § 1926.502(c)(4)(ii) (a certification record instead of a drop test; see below), safety nets and their installations must be drop-tested at the jobsite after initial installation and before use as fall protection, whenever relocated, after major repair, and every 6 months if left in one place.
“Except as provided in paragraph (c)(4)(ii) of this section, safety nets and safety net installations shall be drop-tested at the jobsite after initial installation and before being used as a fall protection system, whenever relocated, after major repair, and at 6-month intervals if left in one place.”
29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices
The drop test is a 400-pound bag of sand, 30 ±2 inches in diameter, dropped into the net from the highest walking/working surface where employees are exposed to fall hazards, but not from less than 42 inches above that level.
“The drop-test shall consist of a 400 pound (180 kg) bag of sand 30 ±2 inches (76 ±5 cm) in diameter dropped into the net from the highest walking/working surface at which employees are exposed to fall hazards, but not from less than 42 inches (1.1 m) above that level.”
29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices
When the employer can demonstrate that the drop test is unreasonable, the employer (or a designated competent person) must certify the net and installation by preparing a certification record before the net is used as fall protection.
“When the employer can demonstrate that it is unreasonable to perform the drop-test required by paragraph (c)(4)(i) of this section, the employer (or a designated competent person) shall certify that the net and net installation is in compliance with the provisions of paragraphs (c)(3) and (c)(4)(i) of this section by preparing a certification record prior to the net being used as a fall protection system.”
29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices
Defective nets may not be used. Safety nets must be inspected at least once a week and after any occurrence that could affect their integrity; defective components are removed from service.
“Defective nets shall not be used. Safety nets shall be inspected at least once a week for wear, damage, and other deterioration. Defective components shall be removed from service. Safety nets shall also be inspected after any occurrence which could affect the integrity of the safety net system.”
29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices
Personal fall arrest and positioning device systems
Since January 1, 1998, body belts are not acceptable as part of a personal fall arrest system; a body belt in a positioning device system is acceptable.
“Effective January 1, 1998, body belts are not acceptable as part of a personal fall arrest system. Note: The use of a body belt in a positioning device system is acceptable and is regulated under paragraph (e) of this section.”
29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices
In a personal fall arrest system, dee-rings and snaphooks need a minimum tensile strength of 5,000 pounds and must be proof-tested to a minimum tensile load of 3,600 pounds without cracking, breaking or permanent deformation.
“Dee-rings and snaphooks shall have a minimum tensile strength of 5,000 pounds (22.2 kN). (4) Dee-rings and snaphooks shall be proof-tested to a minimum tensile load of 3,600 pounds (16 kN) without cracking, breaking, or taking permanent deformation.”
29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices
Since January 1, 1998, only locking type snaphooks may be used.
“Effective January 1, 1998, only locking type snaphooks shall be used.”
29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices
Anchorages for personal fall arrest equipment must be independent of any anchorage supporting or suspending platforms and support at least 5,000 pounds per employee attached, or else be designed, installed and used as part of a complete system with a safety factor of at least two, under the supervision of a qualified person.
“Anchorages used for attachment of personal fall arrest equipment shall be independent of any anchorage being used to support or suspend platforms and capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds (22.2 kN) per employee attached, or shall be designed, installed, and used as follows: (i) as part of a complete personal fall arrest system which maintains a safety factor of at least two; and (ii) under the supervision of a qualified person.”
29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices
When stopping a fall, a personal fall arrest system must limit the maximum arresting force to 1,800 pounds when used with a body harness, be rigged so the employee can neither free fall more than 6 feet nor contact any lower level, and bring the employee to a complete stop within a maximum deceleration distance of 3.5 feet.
“limit maximum arresting force on an employee to 1,800 pounds (8 kN) when used with a body harness; (iii) be rigged such that an employee can neither free fall more than 6 feet (1.8 m), nor contact any lower level; (iv) bring an employee to a complete stop and limit maximum deceleration distance an employee travels to 3.5 feet (1.07 m); and,”
29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices
Systems and components subjected to impact loading must be removed from service right away and not used again until a competent person inspects them and finds them undamaged and suitable for reuse.
“Personal fall arrest systems and components subjected to impact loading shall be immediately removed from service and shall not be used again for employee protection until inspected and determined by a competent person to be undamaged and suitable for reuse.”
29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices
The employer must provide for prompt rescue after a fall, or make sure employees can rescue themselves.
“The employer shall provide for prompt rescue of employees in the event of a fall or shall assure that employees are able to rescue themselves.”
29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices
A positioning device must be rigged so the employee cannot free fall more than 2 feet, and secured to an anchorage that supports at least twice the potential impact load of the employee's fall or 3,000 pounds, whichever is greater.
“Positioning devices shall be rigged such that an employee cannot free fall more than 2 feet (.6 m). (2) Positioning devices shall be secured to an anchorage capable of supporting at least twice the potential impact load of an employee's fall or 3,000 pounds (13.3 kN), whichever is greater.”
29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices
Not covered here
We do not cover the test methods and the guidance on selecting and using systems in the non-mandatory Appendices C and D. We only write what an official source states, so study these parts with your certifying program's materials.
Covers
Covers in roadways and vehicular aisles must support, without failure, at least twice the maximum axle load of the largest vehicle expected to cross; all other covers must support at least twice the weight of employees, equipment and materials that may be on them at one time.
“Covers located in roadways and vehicular aisles shall be capable of supporting, without failure, at least twice the maximum axle load of the largest vehicle expected to cross over the cover. (2) All other covers shall be capable of supporting, without failure, at least twice the weight of employees, equipment, and materials that may be imposed on the cover at any one time.”
29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices
Covers must be secured when installed so wind, equipment or employees cannot accidentally displace them, and must be color coded or marked "HOLE" or "COVER" (the marking rule does not apply to cast iron manhole covers or steel grates used on streets or roadways).
“All covers shall be secured when installed so as to prevent accidental displacement by the wind, equipment, or employees. (4) All covers shall be color coded or they shall be marked with the word “HOLE” or “COVER” to provide warning of the hazard. Note: This provision does not apply to cast iron manhole covers or steel grates used on streets or roadways.”
29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices
Warning lines, controlled access zones and safety monitoring
A roof warning line goes around all sides of the roof work area. When mechanical equipment is not being used, it must be at least 6 feet from the roof edge.
“The warning line shall be erected around all sides of the roof work area. (i) When mechanical equipment is not being used, the warning line shall be erected not less than 6 feet (1.8 m) from the roof edge.”
29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices
When mechanical equipment is being used, the warning line must be at least 6 feet from roof edges parallel to the direction of equipment operation and at least 10 feet from roof edges perpendicular to it.
“When mechanical equipment is being used, the warning line shall be erected not less than 6 feet (1.8 m) from the roof edge which is parallel to the direction of mechanical equipment operation, and not less than 10 feet (3.1 m) from the roof edge which is perpendicular to the direction of mechanical equipment operation.”
29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices
The warning line's lowest point (including sag) must be at least 34 inches, and its highest point no more than 39 inches, above the walking/working surface.
“its lowest point (including sag) is no less than 34 inches (.9 m) from the walking/working surface and its highest point is no more than 39 inches (1.0 m) from the walking/working surface”
29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices
A controlled access zone at leading edge and other operations is defined by a control line or by any other means that restricts access. When control lines are used, they go not less than 6 feet nor more than 25 feet from the unprotected or leading edge, except when erecting precast concrete members (which has its own distances).
“When used to control access to areas where leading edge and other operations are taking place the controlled access zone shall be defined by a control line or by any other means that restricts access. (i) When control lines are used, they shall be erected not less than 6 feet (1.8 m) nor more than 25 feet (7.7 m) from the unprotected or leading edge, except when erecting precast concrete members.”
29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices
For overhand bricklaying, the controlled access zone is defined by a control line not less than 10 feet nor more than 15 feet from the working edge.
“The controlled access zone shall be defined by a control line erected not less than 10 feet (3.1 m) nor more than 15 feet (4.5 m) from the working edge.”
29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices
Only employees doing overhand bricklaying or related work may be in a bricklaying controlled access zone.
“Only employees engaged in overhand bricklaying or related work shall be permitted in the controlled access zone.”
29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices
A safety monitor must be on the same walking/working surface and within visual sighting distance of the employee being monitored, close enough to communicate orally, and without other responsibilities that could take attention from monitoring.
“The safety monitor shall be on the same walking/working surface and within visual sighting distance of the employee being monitored; (iv) The safety monitor shall be close enough to communicate orally with the employee; and (v) The safety monitor shall not have other responsibilities which could take the monitor's attention from the monitoring function.”
29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices
Storing materials near edges
During roofing work, materials and equipment may not be stored within 6 feet of a roof edge unless guardrails are erected at the edge.
“Materials and equipment shall not be stored within 6 feet (1.8 m) of a roof edge unless guardrails are erected at the edge.”
29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices
During overhand bricklaying and related work, no materials or equipment except masonry and mortar may be stored within 4 feet of the working edge.
“No materials or equipment except masonry and mortar shall be stored within 4 feet (1.2 m) of the working edge.”
29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices
Fall protection plans
In the rule's words, the fall protection plan option is available only to employees engaged in leading edge work, precast concrete erection work or residential construction work who can demonstrate that it is infeasible or creates a greater hazard to use conventional fall protection equipment.
“This option is available only to employees engaged in leading edge work, precast concrete erection work, or residential construction work (See § 1926.501(b)(2), (b)(12), and (b)(13)) who can demonstrate that it is infeasible or it creates a greater hazard to use conventional fall protection equipment.”
29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices
The plan must be prepared by a qualified person, developed specifically for the site where the leading edge, precast concrete or residential construction work is being performed, and kept up to date.
“The fall protection plan shall be prepared by a qualified person and developed specifically for the site where the leading edge work, precast concrete work, or residential construction work is being performed and the plan must be maintained up to date.”
29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices
Any changes to the plan must be approved by a qualified person, and a copy of the plan with all approved changes must be kept at the job site.
“Any changes to the fall protection plan shall be approved by a qualified person. (3) A copy of the fall protection plan with all approved changes shall be maintained at the job site.”
29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices
Implementing the plan must be supervised by a competent person.
“The implementation of the fall protection plan shall be under the supervision of a competent person.”
29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices
The plan must identify each location where conventional fall protection methods cannot be used; those locations are then classified as controlled access zones, and the employer must comply with the controlled access zone criteria.
“The fall protection plan shall identify each location where conventional fall protection methods cannot be used. These locations shall then be classified as controlled access zones and the employer must comply with the criteria in paragraph (g) of this section.”
29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices
The plan must name or otherwise identify each employee designated to work in controlled access zones; no other employees may enter them.
“The fall protection plan must include a statement which provides the name or other method of identification for each employee who is designated to work in controlled access zones. No other employees may enter controlled access zones.”
29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices
Not covered here
We do not cover the sample plan in the non-mandatory Appendix E. We only write what an official source states, so study these parts with your certifying program's materials.
Training requirements
The employer must provide a training program for each employee who might be exposed to fall hazards.
“The employer shall provide a training program for each employee who might be exposed to fall hazards.”
Each employee must be trained, as necessary, by a competent person qualified in the listed areas, which begin with the nature of fall hazards in the work area.
“The employer shall assure that each employee has been trained, as necessary, by a competent person qualified in the following areas: (i) The nature of fall hazards in the work area;”
The written certification record must contain the name or other identity of the employee trained, the date(s) of training, and the signature of the trainer or of the employer.
“The written certification record shall contain the name or other identity of the employee trained, the date(s) of the training, and the signature of the person who conducted the training or the signature of the employer.”
The latest training certification must be kept.
“The latest training certification shall be maintained.”
When the employer has reason to believe a trained employee does not have the required understanding and skill, the employer must retrain that employee; one listed example is when changes in the workplace make previous training obsolete.
“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 (a) of this section, the employer shall retrain each such employee. Circumstances where retraining is required include, but are not limited to, situations where: (1) Changes in the workplace render previous training obsolete; or”
Sources
- eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.500, Scope, application, and definitions applicable to this subpart (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 5, 2026
- eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.501, Duty to have fall protection (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 5, 2026
- eCFR: 29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart M, Appendix A (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 5, 2026
- eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 5, 2026
- eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.503, Training requirements (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 5, 2026
Other OSHA Construction study guides: Introduction to OSHA, Scaffolds, Stairways and ladders, Electrical safety, Excavations, Personal protective equipment, Health hazards, Hazard communication, Respirable crystalline silica, Welding and cutting, General safety and health