Scaffolding Fall Protection Requirements

Mar 11, 2024

Introduction

No matter what kind of construction project it is, the first thing we need to ensure is the safety of workers and the working environment. We know that the height of scaffolding varies from a few meters to tens of hundreds of meters. Falling from the scaffolding can cause serious injury or death. Therefore, it is very necessary to implement fall protection measures. In this article, we’ll introduce you to the best protection against falls.

Overview Of Regulations And Standards

Organizations such as OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) in the United States provide guidelines and regulations designed to protect workers from fall hazards while working at heights.It describes the minimum requirements for a scaffolding fall protection system and you should be aware of these standards to ensure your project complies with safety protocols.

At What Height Is Fall Protection Required On Scaffolds

According to OSHA regulations, construction workers must follow OSHA 1926 L above and use fall protection equipment when working on scaffolding platforms greater than 10 feet in height. It is important to note that OSHA Subpart M addresses fall protection requirements in the construction industry when working at heights of 6 feet or more.

Take You To Know The Fall Protection System

There are two types of protection systems that we come into contact with daily. One is a collective fall protection system, also known as collective protective equipment (CPE), which is designed to protect anyone entering the construction steel scaffolding, whether trained or not, from falling from a height. One is a personal fall protection system, also known as personal protective equipment (PPE). PPE can only be used by one person and requires special training to use it safely.

Collective Fall Protection System:

Guardrail systems;
Handrail and stair rail systems,
Safety net systems;
Personal Fall Protection System

1. Scaffolding guardrail system :

Guardrails are required on scaffolding platforms that are 10 feet (3 meters) or higher from the ground. Guardrails must be installed on all open sides and ends of the platform.

The advanced guardrail system is the main means of preventing falls, including top rails, middle rails and toe boards. Guardrail systems are required to be installed along all exposed sides and ends of the platform before the scaffold is authorized for use, except by installers and dismantlers. The guardrail surface must be capable of preventing punctures, tears, and clothing snags.
A middle rail, screen, mesh, intermediate vertical member, solid plate, or comparable structural element must be positioned between the top rail of the guardrail system and the working surface. These elements must withstand a force of at least 150 pounds when applied downward or horizontally at any point along the center rail or other member.
Toe boards should be at least four inches above the floor, platform, runway, or ramp. It should be securely fastened in place with no more than 1/4 inch clearance from the floor surface. Toe boards must be solid or have an opening no larger than one inch in diameter and be placed no more than 1/2 inch above the work surface.

2.Handrail and stair rail systems :

Handrails and stair railing systems serve as support structures for workers should they lose balance while performing job duties. A handrail is usually a single pole or tube that is supported on a bracket on a wall or partition and provides a handle in the event of a trip. Stair rails are vertical barriers erected along the exposed sides of stairs to provide a handhold in the event of a trip.

3.Safety net systems :

A safety net system is a traditional arresting system consisting of a mesh mesh that includes panels, connectors, and other impact-absorbing components.

4.Personal Fall Protection System :

Scaffolding workers should use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as hard hats and safety glasses when there is a risk of objects falling from higher heights. People working under scaffolding should also wear appropriate personal protective equipment to protect themselves from injury. Scaffold workers are required to utilize one of the following fall arrest systems to prevent scaffold or its components from falling or malfunctioning.

A. Full body scaffold safety harness: wraps around waist, shoulders and legs; "D" ring in center back provides attachment point for lanyard or other fall protection attachment.

B. Lanyard: Used to restrain workers in position and prevent falls. When used as a restraint, keep the length as short as possible; Fall arrest lanyards may be made of steel wire, nylon rope, or nylon and polyester webbing; Lanyards may have built-in shock absorption.

C. Rope grab: A deceleration device running on a lifeline, the tension of the rope grab triggers an internal mechanism to arrest the fall.

D. Lifeline: A passive form of protection that allows workers to move along the lifeline; often used in conjunction with a rope grab.

E. Lifeline Anchorage Point: The point at which a lifeline or lanyard is attached to a structural support.

Send An Inquiry For Fall Protection Equipment

What Type Of Protection System Should I Choose For My Scaffolding?

A. Types Of Scaffolding Suitable For Personal Fall Systems

High-altitude lifting scaffolding
Steel pipe fastener type scaffolding
Catenary scaffolding
floating scaffolding
Ladder jack scaffolding
Needle beam scaffolding

B. Scaffolding Types Suitable For Personal Fall Arrest Systems And Guardrail Systems

Self-contained adjustable scaffolding supported by ropes
Single and two point suspended scaffolding
support scaffolding

What type of scaffolding do you use that is not covered above? Please choose an appropriate protection system based on the actual conditions on site.

When Should You Check Your Fall Protection Equipment?

Fall protection gear safeguards both workers and the work environment. Per regulations from authoritative bodies like OSHA, CITB, or the German Industrial Safety Council, collective fall protection equipment requires weekly inspection by trained and certified personnel. Scaffolding must be inspected if its structure has been modified or after it has experienced severe weather such as storms, heavy rain or snowfall. Only after the safety hazards have been eliminated and the scaffolding has passed the inspection can it be used again.

Personal fall protection equipment, you must inspect it before each use and replace it with other equipment if there is damage or other safety hazards. And your personal protective equipment needs to be inspected by an expert every year.

What Can You Get From Us?

AJ Building always implements the product production concept of quality first. The quality of products is the first fall protection we provide you. Our scaffolding products are made of high-strength Q235 and Q345 steel and are fully automatic CNC welded by machines, which can effectively prevent the occurrence of false welding and missing welding. In addition to getting high-quality products from us, we also provide you with product quality testing services. We will conduct quality testing again for every batch of products leaving the factory. This is also the reason why we have been trusted and loved by more than 160 countries over the past 20 years since our establishment.

If you are interested in our products, please contact us directly and we will provide you with the best service !

FAQ

What Fall Protection Is Required For Workers On Scaffolds?

Guardrails and personal fall arrest systems must be in place for each employee to fall more than 10 feet (3.1 meters) above lower floors.

Do You Need To Wear A Harness On Scaffolding?

If you're using a high-quality scaffold tower with all protection components like guard rails, kickboards, outriggers, and internal ladders, then there's no need for a harness.

Why Is Ppe Important For Scaffolding?