Fall Protection for General Industry
64 flashcards covering Fall Protection for General Industry for the OSHA OSHA 10/30 General Industry section.
Fall protection in general industry addresses the prevention of falls from elevated surfaces in workplaces like warehouses and factories, covering hazards such as unprotected edges, holes, and slippery floors. This topic is defined by OSHA regulations in 29 CFR 1910 Subpart D, which specifies requirements for walking-working surfaces, including guardrails, safety nets, and personal fall arrest systems to ensure worker safety.
On OSHA 10/30 certification exams, questions typically appear as multiple-choice scenarios asking about hazard identification, proper equipment selection, or inspection protocols. A common trap is confusing general industry rules with construction standards, such as mistakenly applying a 6-foot fall threshold when OSHA requires protection at 4 feet in general settings. Always inspect fall protection gear for wear and tear before each use to avoid equipment failures in real-world applications.
Terms (64)
- 01
What is the primary purpose of fall protection systems in general industry?
To protect employees from falling off, onto, or through working levels and into holes in walking-working surfaces (29 CFR 1910.28).
- 02
At what height must employers provide fall protection for employees in general industry?
Four feet or more above a lower level (29 CFR 1910.28(b)(1)).
- 03
Under 29 CFR 1910.29, what must guardrail systems be capable of withstanding?
A force of at least 200 pounds (890 N) applied within 2 inches (5.1 cm) of the top edge, in any downward or outward direction (29 CFR 1910.29(b)(3)(4)).
- 04
What type of fall protection is required for unprotected sides and edges?
Guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall protection systems (29 CFR 1910.28(b)(1)).
- 05
How must open-sided floors be protected in general industry?
By a standard railing and toeboard, or by other equivalent means (29 CFR 1910.23(c)).
- 06
What is a designated area in fall protection?
A distinct portion of a walking-working surface delineated by a warning line where work may be performed without additional fall protection (29 CFR 1910.28(b)(12)).
- 07
Under 29 CFR 1910.140, what must personal fall protection systems include?
A full body harness, a deceleration device, a lanyard, a lifeline, or suitable combinations of these (29 CFR 1910.140(c)).
- 08
What is required when using a personal fall arrest system?
The system must be rigged to prevent free fall distances greater than 6 feet (1.8 m) and limit maximum arresting force on the employee to 1,800 pounds (8 kN) (29 CFR 1910.140(d)(1)(i)).
- 09
In general industry, how must stairways be protected from falls?
By standard railings with intermediate railings and posts, and capable of withstanding the loading and usage (29 CFR 1910.24 and 1910.28).
- 10
What fall protection is needed for fixed ladders over a certain height?
Personal fall protection systems or ladder safety systems for ladders over 24 feet (7.3 m) high (29 CFR 1910.28(b)(9)).
- 11
Under 29 CFR 1910.23, how must wall openings be guarded?
By a standard railing, or by an enclosure, when the bottom of the opening is 4 feet (1.2 m) or more above the next lower level (29 CFR 1910.23(d)).
- 12
What is the role of a competent person in fall protection?
To inspect and evaluate the circumstances and conditions before and during the use of fall protection systems (29 CFR 1910.32 and related subparts).
- 13
How often must personal fall protection equipment be inspected?
Before each use and at least annually by a competent person (29 CFR 1910.140(f)(1)).
- 14
What is the maximum height of the top rail in a guardrail system?
Between 39 inches (1 m) and 45 inches (1.1 m) above the walking-working surface (29 CFR 1910.29(b)(1)).
- 15
Under 29 CFR 1910.28, what protection is required for holes in floors?
Covers or guardrail systems around the hole (29 CFR 1910.28(b)(3)).
- 16
What must employers ensure for safety net systems?
They are installed as close as practicable under the walking-working surface, but not more than 30 feet (9.1 m) below (29 CFR 1910.29(g)(1)).
- 17
In a scenario where an employee is working near an unprotected edge, what protection is mandatory?
Fall protection such as guardrails or personal fall arrest systems if the edge is 4 feet or more above a lower level (29 CFR 1910.28(b)(1)).
- 18
What is the first step when setting up a guardrail system?
Ensure it meets the height and strength requirements specified in the standard (29 CFR 1910.29(b)).
- 19
For platforms, what fall protection is required?
Guardrail systems or other fall protection if the platform is 4 feet or more above a lower level (29 CFR 1910.28(b)(1)).
- 20
Under 29 CFR 1910.140, how must body belts be used?
Only for positioning or restraint, not for fall arrest (29 CFR 1910.140(b)).
- 21
What should a worker do if they notice damaged fall protection equipment?
Immediately remove it from service and report it to a competent person (29 CFR 1910.140(f)(4)).
- 22
How must employers train employees on fall hazards?
Provide training so that each employee can recognize hazards and the procedures to minimize them (29 CFR 1910.30).
- 23
What is required for fall protection on ramps and runways?
Guardrails on open sides 4 feet or more above lower levels (29 CFR 1910.28(b)(4)).
- 24
In general industry, when must a safety monitoring system be used?
As part of a fall protection plan for certain roofing work, with a competent person monitoring (29 CFR 1910.28(b)(13)).
- 25
What protection is needed for skylight holes?
A fixed or removable guardrail or a cover capable of supporting at least twice the weight of employees, equipment, and materials (29 CFR 1910.23(a)(4)).
- 26
Before using a personal fall arrest system, what must be verified?
That it is properly fitted and adjusted for the employee (29 CFR 1910.140(d)(2)).
- 27
A worker on a catwalk 6 feet high without railings should use what?
A personal fall arrest system or other fall protection (29 CFR 1910.28(b)(1)).
- 28
What is the minimum strength requirement for anchorages in fall arrest systems?
Able to support at least 5,000 pounds (22.2 kN) per employee attached (29 CFR 1910.140(c)(13)).
- 29
Under 29 CFR 1910.29, what must midrails consist of?
They must be installed at a height midway between the top rail and the walking-working surface (29 CFR 1910.29(b)(2)).
- 30
What procedure must follow a fall from a height?
The employer must investigate the incident and implement measures to prevent recurrence (OSHA Outreach Training Program Requirements).
- 31
How must fall protection be provided for vehicle-mounted elevated devices?
By platforms with guardrail systems or personal fall protection (29 CFR 1910.28(b)(11)).
- 32
In a scenario involving slippery surfaces, what additional fall protection might be needed?
Guardrails or personal fall arrest systems to address the hazard (29 CFR 1910.28).
- 33
What is required when fall protection equipment is exposed to acids?
It must be inspected for damage and replaced if necessary (29 CFR 1910.140(f)(3)).
- 34
Under 29 CFR 1910.23, how must floor openings be guarded?
By standard railings with toeboards or by covers (29 CFR 1910.23(a)).
- 35
What must be done to ensure fall protection during maintenance?
Provide appropriate systems based on the height and conditions (29 CFR 1910.28).
- 36
A employee working above dangerous equipment should have what?
Fall protection to prevent contact with the equipment (29 CFR 1910.28(b)(1)).
- 37
What is the maximum deflection allowed for guardrails?
No more than the amount that allows it to still function as intended, per strength tests (29 CFR 1910.29(b)(3)).
- 38
How often must fall protection plans be reviewed?
Whenever a new hazard is identified or changes occur (OSHA Outreach Training Program Requirements).
- 39
Under 29 CFR 1910.140, what components make up a positioning system?
A body belt or body harness rigged to allow an employee to be supported on an elevated vertical surface (29 CFR 1910.140(b)).
- 40
What fall protection is mandatory for unprotected sides of loading docks?
Guardrails or equivalent if 4 feet or more above lower levels (29 CFR 1910.28(b)(1)).
- 41
In general industry, when must warning lines be used?
To demarcate areas where work is being performed without mechanical equipment (29 CFR 1910.28(b)(12)).
- 42
What should be the first action if a fall arrest system activates?
Ensure the employee is safely rescued and the system is inspected (29 CFR 1910.140(d)(4)).
- 43
A worker on a roof with a slope must use what for fall protection?
Personal fall arrest systems if the edge is 4 feet or more above lower levels (29 CFR 1910.28(b)(13)).
- 44
How must lifelines be protected?
From sharp edges and abrasion (29 CFR 1910.140(c)(9)).
- 45
Under 29 CFR 1910.29, what is the toeboard height requirement?
At least 3.5 inches (8.9 cm) high from the top edge to the level of the floor, platform, runway, or ramp (29 CFR 1910.29(f)(1)).
- 46
What training is needed for employees using fall protection?
Instruction on the proper use, inspection, and limitations of the equipment (29 CFR 1910.30(a)).
- 47
In a scenario with overhead hazards, what fall protection is required?
Systems that prevent falls into or onto hazards (29 CFR 1910.28).
- 48
What must be verified before installing a safety net?
That it is positioned to catch falling employees without contact with lower levels (29 CFR 1910.29(g)).
- 49
Under 29 CFR 1910.28, how must sloped surfaces be protected?
By fall protection if they present a fall hazard of 4 feet or more (29 CFR 1910.28(b)).
- 50
What is the procedure for rescuing a suspended employee?
Prompt rescue to prevent suspension-related injuries (29 CFR 1910.140(d)(4)).
- 51
A employee near a pit must have what protection?
Guardrails or covers if the pit is 4 feet or more deep (29 CFR 1910.23).
- 52
How must fall protection be maintained in wet conditions?
Equipment must be inspected and suitable for the environment (29 CFR 1910.140(f)).
- 53
Under 29 CFR 1910.29, what materials can guardrails be made of?
Wood, pipe, structural steel, or other materials that meet strength requirements (29 CFR 1910.29(b)).
- 54
What fall protection is needed for temporary floors?
The same as permanent ones, including guardrails for edges (29 CFR 1910.28).
- 55
In a scenario where equipment fails, what should the worker do?
Stop work and notify the employer immediately (OSHA Outreach Training Program Requirements).
- 56
What is required for the anchorage points of lifelines?
They must be capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds (22.2 kN) (29 CFR 1910.140(c)(13)).
- 57
Before starting work at heights, what must employees know?
The hazards and proper use of fall protection (29 CFR 1910.30).
- 58
Under 29 CFR 1910.23, how must ladder openings be guarded?
By a swinging gate or offset so the hole is not fully exposed (29 CFR 1910.23(c)).
- 59
What protection is mandatory for work on elevated beams?
Personal fall arrest systems (29 CFR 1910.28(b)).
- 60
How must fall protection be adapted for mobile work platforms?
With guardrails or personal systems appropriate for the platform (29 CFR 1910.29).
- 61
A worker exposed to fall hazards during repairs should use what?
Appropriate fall protection systems as per the standard (29 CFR 1910.28).
- 62
What is the key requirement for fall protection in storage areas?
Guardrails for open sides above 4 feet (29 CFR 1910.28(b)).
- 63
Under 29 CFR 1910.140, how must harnesses be fitted?
Adjusted to fit the individual employee (29 CFR 1910.140(c)(15)).
- 64
What must be done if fall protection is not feasible?
Alternative measures must be implemented as per the standard (29 CFR 1910.28(b)).