SECTION 4: Fall Protection

• Fall Arrest Systems
• Guardrails & Midrails
• Erectors & Dismantlers
• Fall Protection Chart

The number one scaffold hazard is worker falls. Fall protection consists of either personal fall-arrest systems or guardrail systems, and must be provided on any scaffold 10 feet or more above a lower level.

Fall Arrest Systems (top)

Personal fall-arrest systems used on scaffolds are to be attached by lanyard to a vertical lifeline, horizontal lifeline, or scaffold structural member. Note: Vertical lifelines may not be used on two-point adjustable suspension scaffolds that have overhead components such as overhead protection or additional platform levels

When vertical lifelines are used, they must be fastened to a fixed safe point of anchorage, independent of the scaffold, and be protected from sharp edges and abrasion. Safe points of anchorage include structural members of buildings, but not standpipes, vents, electrical conduit, etc., or anything that may give way under the force of a fall.

It is impermissible for two or more vertical lifelines to be attached to each other, or to the same point of anchorage. When horizontal lifelines are used, they are to be secured to two or more structural members of the scaffold.

When lanyards are connected to horizontal lifelines or structural members, the scaffold must have additional independent support lines and automatic locking devices capable of stopping the fall of the scaffold in case one or both of the suspension ropes fail. These independent support lines must be equal in number and strength to the suspension ropes. On suspended scaffolds with horizontal lifelines that may become vertical lifelines, the devices used to connect to the horizontal lifeline must be capable of locking in both directions.

Guardrails & Midrails (top)

Guardrail systems must be installed along all open sides and ends of platforms, and must be in place before the scaffold is released for use with the exception of erectors & dismantlers.

Guardrails must be surfaced to prevent punctures or lacerations to employees, and to prevent snagging of clothing, which may cause employees to lose their balance.
Ends of rails may not extend beyond their terminal posts, unless they do not constitute a projection hazard to employees.

Each toprail or equivalent member of a guardrail system must be able to withstand a force of at least 200 pounds applied in any downward or horizontal direction, at any point along its top edge.

The top edge height of toprails on supported scaffolds must be between 36 and 45 inches. When conditions warrant, the height of the top edge may exceed the 45-inch height, provided the guardrail system meets all other criteria.

Midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, solid panels, etc., must be able to withstand a force of at least 150 pounds applied in any downward or horizontal direction, at any point along the midrail or other member.

When midrails are used, they must be installed at a height approximately midway between the top edge of the guardrail system and the platform surface.

When screens and mesh are used, they must extend from the top edge of the guardrail system to the scaffold platform, and along the entire opening between the supports.
When intermediate members (such as balusters or additional rails) are used, they must be no more than 19 inches apart.

In lieu of guardrails, crossbracing may serve as a toprail or midrail, providing the
crossing point is:

• Between 20 and 30 inches above the work platform for a midrail, or
• Between 38 and 48 inches above the work platform for a toprail.

Erectors & Dismantlers (top)

The competent person is responsible for determining the feasibility and safety of providing fall protection for employees erecting or dismantling supported scaffolds. Fall protection is required for scaffold erectors or dismantlers on supported scaffolds where feasible, and where installation and use does not create a greater hazard. Fall protection is required for employees installing suspension scaffold as well.

Fall Protection Chart (top)

Section 3 Section 5