Osha Low Slope Roof Fall Protection

Roof slope osha defines a low slope roof as a roof having a slope of less than or equal to 4 inches of vertical rise for every 12 inches horizontal length 4 12 1926 500 b definitions.

Osha low slope roof fall protection. This is important because the osha definition is used as a basis for implementing low slope fall protection measures such as warning. When the employer can demonstrate that it is not feasible or creates a greater hazard to use guardrail safety net or personal fall protection systems on residential roofs the employer must develop and implement a fall protection plan that meets the requirements of 29 cfr 1926 502 k and training that meets the requirements of 29 cfr 1926 503 a and c. Roofing work on low slope roofs 29 cfr 1926 501 b 10 a low slope roof has a slope less than or equal to 4 in 12 vertical to horizontal. When engaged in roofing work on a low slope roof that has one or more unprotected side or edge 6 feet or more above lower levels workers must be protected from falling by.

Osha is adding this provision to make the general industry standard more consistent with the construction fall protection standard which includes a provision addressing roofing work performed on low slope roofs 1926 501 b 10. A low sloped roof is defined as a slope equal or less than a ratio of 4 to 12. In regards specifically to roof fall protection the 1910 standard specifies for low slope roofs that when work is performed less than 6 feet 1 6 m from the roof edge the employer must ensure each employee is protected from falling by a guardrail system safety net system travel restraint system or personal fall arrest system. Osha walking working surfaces standard low sloped roof fall protection defined low sloped roof is a term that osha felt it needed to be defined in its walking working surfaces update published november 18 2016.

I apologize for the delay in answering your inquiry. With regard to fall protection requirements applicable to the construction work itself 1926 501 b 10 low slope roofs requires conventional fall protection a combination of a monitoring system and warning line or on roofs of 50 feet or less in width a monitoring system alone i e without a warning line be used. This is in response to your letter dated june 10 2002 to the occupational safety and health administration osha requesting clarification on the use of fall protection systems for employees other than roofers working on low slope roofs. Aerial lifts may be used to transport personnel so long as the requirements in 29 cfr 1926 453 which cover aerial lifts are met.

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.