Subpart M: Fall Protection
Trigger heights and systems
Subpart M, 1926.500–1926.503, requires fall protection for construction workers exposed to falls of 6 feet or more to a lower level, with specific exceptions. Holes, leading edges, wall openings, formwork, and excavation edges all require protection. Systems include guardrail systems, personal fall arrest, positioning devices, warning lines, safety nets, and covers.
System criteria
Guardrails are generally 42 inches high, plus or minus 3 inches, with a midrail and toe board. Personal fall arrest requires a full-body harness, a lanyard or lifeline, and an anchorage capable of supporting 5,000 pounds per employee or designed with a safety factor of at least two. Free fall must be limited to 6 feet or the system must limit arrest forces.
Worked example
A worker installs roof sheathing at an 8-foot elevation. Because the fall distance exceeds 6 feet, the employer must provide guardrails, personal fall arrest, or another compliant system. If the worker uses a personal fall arrest system, the anchor must be rated for 5,000 pounds, the harness must fit, and a rescue plan must exist.
Traps
The general construction trigger is 6 feet; scaffolds use 10 feet and steel erection uses 15 feet. A warning line is not fall protection by itself. Anchors are not automatically 5,000 pounds; verify the rating. A fall protection plan for leading-edge work is not a waiver from all fall protection.