United States
Hong KongFall protection trigger heights
Six feet in construction generally, ten feet on a scaffold, fifteen feet in steel erection. Three activities, three numbers, and questions are built on candidates applying the general rule everywhere.
Three numbers. If you learn nothing else from the OSHA material, learn these three and which activity each belongs to.
The three triggers
| Activity | Trigger height | Provision |
|---|---|---|
| Construction generally | 6 feet | 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(1) |
| Scaffolds | 10 feet | 29 CFR 1926.451(g)(1) |
| Steel erection | 15 feet | 29 CFR 1926.760 |
Different subparts, written for different activities with different practical realities. That is why the numbers differ.
A scenario describes a worker at twelve feet and asks whether fall protection is required. The answer depends entirely on what they are doing. On a scaffold, yes. In steel erection, no. The height alone does not answer it.
The guardrail numbers
A top rail at 42 inches, plus or minus 3 inches. It must withstand 200 pounds of downward force. A midrail must withstand 150 pounds. A toeboard is 3.5 inches minimum.
Two forces, two components, and they are routinely swapped in options.
Personal fall arrest
- Maximum arresting force with a body harness: 1,800 pounds
- Maximum free fall distance: 6 feet
- Maximum deceleration distance: 3.5 feet
- Anchorage strength: 5,000 pounds per employee
All at 29 CFR 1926.502(d). Learn them as a block, because a question giving you three of the four and asking for the fourth is common.
Hole covers
Must support twice the maximum intended load, and be marked or color coded. Note twice, against four times for scaffolds and ladders.
Common questions
What is the fall protection trigger height?
6 feet in construction generally, 10 feet on a scaffold and 15 feet in steel erection.
Why are there three different heights?
Each activity has its own OSHA subpart written for its practical realities.
What are the guardrail requirements?
A top rail at 42 inches plus or minus 3, withstanding 200 pounds, a midrail withstanding 150, and a toeboard of at least 3.5 inches.
What is the maximum arresting force?
1,800 pounds with a body harness, with 6 feet maximum free fall and 3.5 feet maximum deceleration.
What load must a hole cover support?
Twice the maximum intended load, against four times for scaffolds and ladders.