Subpart M Fall Protection in Construction
63 flashcards covering Subpart M Fall Protection in Construction for the OSHA OSHA 10/30 Construction section.
Subpart M of OSHA's construction standards outlines requirements for fall protection to prevent falls from elevations in construction work, covering systems like guardrails, safety nets, and personal fall arrest equipment. This is defined in the federal regulations under 29 CFR 1926.500-503, which apply to construction sites and aim to reduce hazards from working at heights.
On OSHA 10 and 30 hour certification exams, questions on Subpart M typically appear as multiple-choice scenarios asking about when and how to implement fall protection, such as identifying required distances or equipment for specific tasks. A common trap is misunderstanding exceptions, like assuming fall protection isn't needed for certain low-slope roofs, which can lead to overlooked risks.
One practical pitfall workers often miss is not training on proper donning and adjustment of harnesses, increasing the chance of errors in real use.
Terms (63)
- 01
At what height above a lower level is fall protection required for most construction work?
Fall protection is required at six feet or more above a lower level. 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(1).
- 02
Under 29 CFR 1926.501, what fall protection is required for employees on roofs?
Fall protection systems must be used on roofs six feet or more above lower levels, except for certain types like inspectors on low-slope roofs. 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(10).
- 03
What is the purpose of a warning line system in fall protection?
A warning line system is used to warn employees that they are approaching an unprotected or open-sided surface, typically on low-pitched roofs. 29 CFR 1926.502(f).
- 04
What criteria must be met for a safety net system in construction?
Safety nets must be installed as close as practicable under the walking or working surface, but never more than 30 feet below. 29 CFR 1926.502(c)(3).
- 05
Under 29 CFR 1926.502, what is required for the anchorage of a personal fall arrest system?
Anchorages must be capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds per employee attached, or be designed by a qualified person. 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(15).
- 06
What fall protection is needed for employees erecting structural steel?
Fall protection must be provided at six feet or more, such as safety nets or personal fall arrest systems, except during certain connecting activities. 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(2).
- 07
How often must fall protection equipment be inspected?
Fall protection equipment must be inspected prior to each use for wear, damage, and other deterioration, and defective components must be removed from service. 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(21).
- 08
What is a controlled access zone in fall protection contexts?
A controlled access zone is an area where access is controlled to protect employees from falling hazards, such as during overhand bricklaying. 29 CFR 1926.502(g).
- 09
Under 29 CFR 1926.501, when is fall protection not required for leading edge work?
Fall protection is not required for leading edge work if the employer can demonstrate it is infeasible or creates a greater hazard, but only under specific conditions. 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(2)(ii).
- 10
What must employers do if employees are exposed to fall hazards?
Employers must determine if the walking or working surfaces have the strength and structural integrity to support employees safely. 29 CFR 1926.501(a)(2).
- 11
What is the minimum strength required for guardrail systems?
Guardrail systems must be capable of withstanding a force of at least 200 pounds applied within 2 inches of the top edge in any outward or downward direction. 29 CFR 1926.502(b)(3).
- 12
In a scenario where a worker is on a scaffold without fall protection, what action is required?
The worker must be provided with fall protection immediately, such as a guardrail or personal fall arrest system, to prevent falls from the scaffold. 29 CFR 1926.501(e).
- 13
What procedure must be followed for positioning device systems?
Positioning device systems must be rigged to prevent the employee from free falling more than two feet. 29 CFR 1926.502(e)(4).
- 14
Under 29 CFR 1926.503, what training is required for employees exposed to fall hazards?
Employees must be trained in the recognition of fall hazards and in the use of fall protection systems. 29 CFR 1926.503(a).
- 15
What fall protection is required for holes in walking surfaces?
Cover or guard the hole to prevent an accidental fall through, and ensure covers are secured and capable of supporting twice the weight of employees. 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(4).
- 16
How should a safety monitoring system be implemented?
A competent person must warn the employee when approaching the fall hazard and continuously monitor to prevent falls. 29 CFR 1926.502(h).
- 17
What is the maximum deflection allowed for a guardrail?
The top rail of a guardrail must not deflect to a height less than 39 inches. 29 CFR 1926.502(b)(2).
- 18
In a fall protection scenario involving wall openings, what must be provided?
Protection such as guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems must be used for wall openings at four feet or more above lower levels. 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(5).
- 19
What must be done before using a personal fall arrest system on a site?
Ensure the system is properly fitted and adjusted for the employee, and that all components are inspected. 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(20).
- 20
Under 29 CFR 1926.502, what are the requirements for body belts?
Body belts may be used as part of a restraint system but not as part of a personal fall arrest system. 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(1).
- 21
What defines a competent person in fall protection?
A competent person is one who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards and has authorization to take prompt corrective measures. 29 CFR 1926.32(f).
- 22
How must fall protection be provided for ramps and runways?
Guardrails must be installed on open sides and ends of ramps and runways used for access. 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(6).
- 23
In a scenario where a worker slips near an edge, what fall protection should be in place?
A personal fall arrest system or guardrails must be used to prevent the worker from falling six feet or more. 29 CFR 1926.501(b).
- 24
What procedure is required for inspecting safety nets?
Safety nets must be inspected at least weekly for wear, damage, and deterioration, and after any fall. 29 CFR 1926.502(c)(7).
- 25
Under 29 CFR 1926.501, what exceptions exist for residential construction?
Fall protection may be provided through alternative means if they are as effective, but specific requirements still apply. 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(13).
- 26
What is the minimum width for a warning line?
Warning lines must consist of ropes, wires, or chains, and be flagged at least every 6 feet. 29 CFR 1926.502(f)(2).
- 27
What must employers ensure for employees using fall protection?
That employees are trained and that equipment is used according to the manufacturer's instructions. 29 CFR 1926.503(a)(4).
- 28
In a construction scenario with overhead work, what fall protection is needed?
Personal fall arrest systems must be used if there's a risk of falling six feet or more from overhead platforms. 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(15).
- 29
What is required when fall protection equipment is damaged?
Damaged equipment must be immediately removed from service and not used until inspected and repaired. 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(21).
- 30
Under 29 CFR 1926.502, how should connectors be used in fall arrest systems?
Decelerating devices and lifelines must be compatible and used to minimize free fall distance. 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(3).
- 31
What fall protection is needed for excavations?
Fall protection must be provided for edges of excavations that are six feet or more in depth. 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(7).
- 32
How must a safety net be tested?
Safety nets must be drop-tested at the jobsite if the potential free fall is greater than 30 feet. 29 CFR 1926.502(c)(4).
- 33
In a scenario where multiple workers are on a roof, what protection is required?
Each worker must have access to fall protection systems like guardrails or personal arrest systems. 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(10).
- 34
What procedure follows a fall from a height?
The employee must receive medical evaluation, and the system must be inspected before reuse. 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(22).
- 35
Under 29 CFR 1926.503, who must conduct fall protection training?
Training must be conducted by a competent person qualified in the subject matter. 29 CFR 1926.503(b).
- 36
What is the maximum free fall distance allowed in a personal fall arrest system?
The system must be rigged to limit free fall distance to six feet or less. 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(4).
- 37
What must be provided for protection against falling objects?
Toeboards, screens, or guardrail systems must be installed where tools or materials could fall. 29 CFR 1926.502(h)(2).
- 38
In a fall hazard scenario on a bridge, what is required?
Fall protection systems must be used for work at heights of six feet or more on bridges. 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(14).
- 39
What is the first step in setting up a guardrail system?
Ensure the system is erected on all open sides and edges where fall hazards exist. 29 CFR 1926.502(b).
- 40
Under 29 CFR 1926.501, what protection is needed for stairways?
Handrails and stair rail systems must be provided to prevent falls on stairways. 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(8).
- 41
What defines an unprotected side or edge?
An unprotected side or edge is any side or edge of a walking or working surface that is six feet or more above a lower level without fall protection. 29 CFR 1926.501(b).
- 42
How often must fall protection training be retrained?
Retraining is required when a change in operations presents a new hazard or an employee demonstrates inadequate knowledge. 29 CFR 1926.503(b)(2).
- 43
In a scenario with slippery surfaces, what fall protection should be used?
Additional measures like non-slip footwear and guardrails must be implemented to prevent slips and falls. 29 CFR 1926.501(a).
- 44
What must be done to ensure compatibility of fall protection components?
All components must be compatible to ensure the system functions as a single unit. 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(2).
- 45
Under 29 CFR 1926.502, what is required for lifelines?
Vertical lifelines must have a minimum breaking strength of 5,000 pounds. 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(9).
- 46
What fall protection is needed for formwork and reinforcing steel?
Fall protection must be provided at six feet or more for employees working on formwork. 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(11).
- 47
In a construction site with trenches, what protection is required?
Fall protection for trench edges at six feet or more, such as barriers. 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(7).
- 48
What procedure is needed for rescuing a fallen worker?
Prompt rescue procedures must be in place, including means to retrieve employees from fall arrest systems. 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(20).
- 49
Under 29 CFR 1926.501, what exceptions apply to steep roofs?
Fall protection is required on steep roofs at six feet or more, with specific systems like warning lines. 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(11).
- 50
What is the minimum height for a midrail in a guardrail system?
The midrail must be installed at approximately halfway between the top rail and the floor, surface, or platform. 29 CFR 1926.502(b)(1).
- 51
In a scenario where equipment fails, what action is required?
Immediately remove the failed equipment from service and replace it with compliant fall protection. 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(21).
- 52
What must be included in fall protection plans?
A written plan must be prepared for certain operations, outlining the procedures and equipment used. 29 CFR 1926.502(k).
- 53
Under 29 CFR 1926.503, how is employee competency verified?
Through certification of training, including the date and the competent person who conducted it. 29 CFR 1926.503(c).
- 54
What fall protection is required for hoist areas?
Guardrails or other systems must be provided around hoist areas to prevent falls. 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(9).
- 55
How should fall protection be maintained during storms?
Ensure systems are secured and employees are protected from weather-related fall hazards. 29 CFR 1926.501(a).
- 56
In a multi-level construction scenario, what protection is needed?
Fall protection systems for each level where hazards exist at six feet or more. 29 CFR 1926.501(b).
- 57
What is required for the certification of fall protection training?
A certificate must be issued to each trained employee, indicating the training received. 29 CFR 1926.503(c).
- 58
Under 29 CFR 1926.502, what materials can be used for guardrails?
Guardrails can be made of wood, pipe, or structural steel, as long as they meet strength requirements. 29 CFR 1926.502(b)(6).
- 59
What procedure must follow a fall incident?
Investigate the incident and ensure all fall protection systems are inspected and corrected. 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(22).
- 60
In a scenario with limited space, what fall protection is suitable?
Personal fall arrest systems that allow for the confined area while preventing falls. 29 CFR 1926.501(b).
- 61
What must be done to prevent objects from falling in work areas?
Install toeboards or barricades in areas where falling objects could strike employees below. 29 CFR 1926.502(j).
- 62
Under 29 CFR 1926.501, what protection is for precast concrete work?
Fall protection must be provided for employees working on precast concrete erection. 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(12).
- 63
How must fall protection be adapted for different surfaces?
Systems must be selected based on the surface type to ensure effectiveness against falls. 29 CFR 1926.502.