posted by webmaster | 31JUL08
Fall Protection is one area of safety we talk about a lot on our website. We offer classes, products, tips, and information related to the miriad of regulations and standards that govern fall protection use in and around jobsites - particularly new construction and commercial sites. As major construction slows due to changes in the economy, so too do the situations that drive the need for safety equipment. This assumption made by smaller contractors and sub-contractors is one of the biggest causes for accidents in many residential jobs. Just because the job is not on a high-rise or commercial structure doesn't mean employers and their crews can shrug off safety standards. Our focus this month is on the use of Fall Protection on Residential Construction sites.
First, what is Residential Construction? Most would figure that to be home construction and remodeling on individual houses. That is true, but not entirely - some commercial projects are also considered a residential jobsite by OSHA. The delegation of a project as being residential is determined by "...the materials and methods in use..." on a single-family residence.1 Some projects may also be considered as Residential Construction for the purposes of fall protection, such as a wood-frame entryway for a mall, or a single-floor, wood-frame attachment to a concrete parking structure.1 There are alternative solutions for Residential Construction projects, and some rules that differ - but fall protection is still required for fall hazards.
One example taken from the OSHA Standards Interpretations archives:
Q: What OSHA standards apply which would eliminate or reduce the hazards of a person falling into a residential swimming pool not yet filled with water?
A:The edge of a completed swimming pool not yet filled with water would be considered an unprotected side or edge of a walking/working surface, and conventional fall protection would be required if workers were exposed to a fall of 6 feet or more (§1926.501(b)(1)). The alternative fall protection measures in Subpart M for residential construction apply only to work on a residential building being constructed. Those measures do not apply to employees exposed to fall hazards at the pool while they are off the building. Under the conditions that you describe, it appears as though section §1926.501(b)(15) would apply.2
In this case, should the pool be 6ft (or more) deep, then standard fall protection is necessary. Either a guard rail or safety netting around the pool, or standard fall protection such as an anchorpoint, lanyard and harness. The type of job being performed would determine the type of fall protection. So landscapers who work around pools should pay attention even if they normally do not use fall protection during the course of their regular jobs. When landscaping around an empty in-ground pool, a proper guardrail or safety netting around that pool is recommended.
Alternative fall protection is allowed for Residential Construction under OSHA STD 3-0.1A. Categorized by function, these 4 groups are...1
- GROUP 1. Installation of floor joists, floor sheathing, and roof sheathing; erecting exterior walls; setting and bracing roof trusses and rafters.
- GROUP 2. Working on concrete and block foundation walls and related formwork.
- GROUP 3. This group consists of the following activities when performed in attics and on roofs: installing drywall, insulation, HVAC systems, electrical systems (including alarms, telephone lines, and cable TV), plumbing and carpentry.
- GROUP 4. Roofing work (removal, repair, or installation of weatherproofing roofing materials such as shingles, tile and tar paper).
Each group is given certain standards to follow which are bit more lenient than the 29CFR 1926 Subpart M - Fall Protection standards written for Commercial Construction purposes. Residential Construction employers and crews should be aware that even if the STD 3-0.1 relaxes some of the rules, such as not needed a written, site-specific fall protection plan or showing that conventional fall protection is not usable before using the alternative procedures, fall protection is still a requirement when fall hazards are present.
For more information about fall protection on your jobsite, Call our Customer Care Staff at 808-847-4017 or check out our Fall Protection Courses schedule for training.
1OSHA Instruction for Directive STD 3-0.1AAVAILABILITY OF ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURES
2OSHA Standard Interpretations Fall protection for exposure to unfilled swimming pools.
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