Osha Low Slope Roof Fall Protection

A low sloped roof is defined as a slope equal or less than a ratio of 4 to 12.

Osha low slope roof fall protection.

Slope is calculated by rise over run thus a low sloped roof is a roof where for every 12 units inches feet or meters measured horizontally run the roof does not increase or decrease by. 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. Osha walking working surfaces standard low sloped roof fall protection defined. In a few very specific situations low slope roof work some leading edge work precast concrete erection and residential construction.

Osha has designated three work zones on low slope roofs with unprotected edges that are four feet or more above a lower level. A safety monitoring system is an alternative fall protection option for low slope roofing work under 29 cfr 1926 501 b 10. If employers elect to use a safety monitoring system they must designate a competent person to monitor the safety of workers and to warn them when their work puts them close to a fall hazard. The extremely high danger zone less than six feet from the roof s edge requires one of the following.

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.