Fall Protection

Q: When using a fall arrest harness what are the load requirements dealing with the anchorage point?

A: The anchorage point must have a safety factor of at least two, i.e., capable of supporting at least twice the weight expected to be imposed upon or able to withstand 5,000 pounds.

Fall Protection

Q: When working on a low-slope roof that is less than 50 feet wide is a safety monitoring system alone permitted without any other means of fall protection or warning line system?

A:  Technically under OSHA’s regulations and interpretations it could be.  However, you need to ensure that your safety monitor is not preforming any other job tasks or even talking on the cell phone.  It is also important that there is no other means of fall protection that can be used.  If it is possible use a guardrail system, safety net, or personal fall arrest system.  Please see OSHA’s regulation and interpretation for more information.

1926.501(b)(10) "Roofing work on Low-slope roofs." Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b) of this section, each employee engaged in roofing activities on low-slope roofs, with unprotected sides and edges 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above lower levels shall be protected from falling by guardrail systems, safety net systems, personal fall arrest systems, or a combination of warning line system and guardrail system, warning line system and safety net system, or warning line system and personal fall arrest system, or warning line system and safety monitoring system. Or, 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.

Steel Toed Shoes

Q: When do employees need to replace their steel toed shoes?

A:  Whenever the boots themselves would present a hazard; such as the soles falling apart, etc.  They would also need replaced if the steel is damaged in any way because they would not work properly in the time of need.