Occupational Safety and Health Administration
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is an agency of the United States Department of Labor. Congress established the agency under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, which President Richard M. Nixon signed into law on December 29, 1970. OSHA's mission is t…
What is a warning line under OSHA?
OSHA Section 1926.501 defines a warning line as: a barrier erected on a roof to warn employees that they are approaching an unprotected roof side or edge, and which designates an area in which roofing work may take place without the use of guardrail, body belt, or safety net systems to protect employees in the area.
What is a warning line in fall protection?
Warning Lines. Warning Lines are passive restraint fall protection systems that serve as a visual reminder of the defined work area, clearly marking areas where workers do not belong. Diversified Fall Protection’s Warning Lines are built to last and are an excellent complement to a comprehensive fall protection system and program.
What is the Flexline warning line system?
The FlexLine Warning Line System is a sturdy, freestanding, portable OSHA compliant warning line that works indoors and outside. On elevated work surfaces, the FlexLine Warning Line System can be used to mark off a safe work area.
What is a roofing warning line system?
Roofing warning line systems are a method of fall protection for roofers. Construction companies must meet OSHA requirements (29 C.F.R) when warning lines are used to protect roofers from falling. A warning system is inexpensive, keeps workers safe and roof companies in compliance.
What is a warning lines OSHA?
Section 1926.501 defines a warning line as: * * a barrier erected on a roof to warn employees that they are approaching an unprotected roof side or edge, and which designates an area in which roofing work may take place without the use of guardrail, body belt, or safety net systems to protect employees in the area.
What is used for a warning line system?
Warning lines shall consist of ropes, wires, or chains, and supporting stanchions erected as follows: the rope, wire, or chain shall be flagged at not more than 6 foot intervals with high-visibility material.
How many feet should warning lines be flagged?
The warning line must be marked at least every 6 feet with high-visibility material and remain between 34”-39” from walking or working spaces.
What is the minimum permitted breaking strength of warning line systems?
Each safety net (or section of it) shall have a border rope for webbing with a minimum breaking strength of 5,000 pounds (22.2 kN).
What is the minimum distance a warning line can be placed from a fall hazard?
Specifically, you ask for an explanation of OSHA's policy of allowing an employer to protect its employees by implementing a warning line system 15 feet from an unprotected side, edge, or hole during the performance of non-roofing activities.
What are the 4 methods of fall protection?
Fall Protection Systems for the Construction IndustryFall Arrest Systems. These systems are used when there is a risk of workers falling 6 feet or more from a working/walking surface. ... Positioning Systems. ... Retrieval Systems. ... Suspension Systems.
What is the maximum length of a portable ladder?
3276(e)(10) Extend ladder side rails to at least 3 ft. above the landing unless handholds are provided. 1629(c)(3), 3276(e)(11)...Regulations.Ladder TypeMaximum Length (Feet)Step Ladder20Two-section extension ladder (wood)60Two-section extension ladder (metal)48Three-section extension ladder (metal)604 more rows
How close to the edge of a roof can I work?
At 15 feet from the edge, a warning line, combined with effective work rules, can be expected to prevent workers from going past the line and approaching the edge.
Which one of these is a hazard warning line?
A broken white line marks the centre of the road. Longer broken white lines in the centre of the road indicate a hazard ahead.
What height is fall protection?
six feetOSHA requires that fall protection be provided at elevations of four feet in general industry workplaces, five feet in shipyards, six feet in the construction industry and eight feet in longshoring operations.
What is the first line of defense when it comes to falls in the workplace?
Engineering/elimination controlsThe first line of OSHA fall protection defence is to eliminate and/or engineer fall protection equipment in order to eliminate fall hazard risk. Engineering/elimination controls can be as simple as moving the work to ground level and eliminating the work height.
What is the maximum allowed fall distance into a safety net?
Safety nets can be used with a maximum falling height up to 6 m (3 m within 2 m of the edge). Install the Safety net as close as possible to the working level, preferably within 2 m.
What is a safety monitoring system?
The safety monitor systems use a person (the safety monitor), rather than a mechanical system to warn roofers when they are six feet or more above a lower level and in danger of falling. The safety monitor, who must be a competent person, is responsible for recognizing fall hazards and warning workers about them.
What is a safety net system?
Safety nets are classified as a passive fall protection system which can be installed as either a barrier to prevent a fall, or beneath the work to catch a falling worker. Safety nets are designed to decrease the fall distance, to absorb the energy of a fall, and to reduce the likelihood or seriousness of an injury.
Which one of these is a hazard warning line?
A broken white line marks the centre of the road. Longer broken white lines in the centre of the road indicate a hazard ahead.
How does a fall prevention system work?
Fall prevention systems aim to passively prevent a fall from happening. Fall restraint systems actively restrain a user from being able to reach an edge or drop-off. Fall arrest systems are designed to stop (or “arrest”) a fall that has already begun.
How long is a Flexline warning line?
FlexLine Warning Line Systems are available in 10, 15, and 20 foot cable length s. Multiple systems can be aligned for a longer warning line system.
What is flex line?
The FlexLine Warning Line System is a sturdy, freestanding, portable OSHA compliant warning line that works indoors and outside. On elevated work surfaces, the FlexLine Warning Line System can be used to mark off a safe work area. Only under certain conditions can a warning line system be used for fall protection.
Do warning lines work?
Warning lines do not serve as an actual barrier to a fall, instead providing a visual warning of a fall hazard. Be sure your work areas are compliant with OSHA regulations when determining whether or not to implement a warning line system.
What is a warning line in fall protection?
Warning Lines serve as visual reminders of the defined work area, clearly marking areas where workers do not belong. Diversified Fall Protection’s Warning Lines are built to last and are an excellent complement to a comprehensive fall protection system and program. Although your work area may be deemed OSHA compliant with fall protection warning ...
How far from the roof edge should a warning line be?
1926.502 (f) (1) (i) When mechanical equipment is not being used, the warning line shall be erected not less than 6 feet (1.8 m) from the roof edge.
Do OSHA fall protection lines work?
Although your work area may be deemed OSHA compliant with fall protection warning lines in place, it is important to remember that these systems do NOT physically restrain workers from traveling into dangerous areas nor do they arrest falls. Before utilizing a warning line fall protection system, be sure to contact a qualified fall protection company to explore all potential options to keep your employees safe while working at heights.
How far from the work area must a warning line be?
The work area must be surrounded by the warning line and must be at least six feet from all sides. The warning line must be marked at least every 6 feet with high-visibility material and remain between 34”-39” from walking or working spaces. The individual sections of the warning line must be independent of each other.
How far is the warning line from the edge of a building?
The warning line is at least 15 feet from the edge; The warning line meets or exceeds OSHA’s setup requirements; No work will be performed between the edge and the warning line; Employees are prohibited from going past the warning line.
What is the minimum tensile strength of a warning line?
OSHA requires warning line systems to consist of ropes, wires, or chains with a minimum tensile strength of 500lbs. which are supported by stanchions that are designed to withstand being tipped by 16 pounds of pressure 30” from the walking or working surface.
Is a warning line system a de minimis violation?
The use of a warning line system alone is unacceptable and will only be considered a de minimis violation if the following conditions are met:
What is a warning line on a roof?
OSHA Section 1926.501 defines a warning line as: a barrier erected on a roof to warn employees that they are approaching an unprotected roof side or edge, and which designates an area in which roofing work may take place without the use of guardrail, body belt, or safety net systems to protect employees in the area.
What is a 3 leg warning line?
3-leg folding warning line allows for faster set up and tear down on commercial roofing projects. Made with heavy-duty galvanized steel tube for longer life. Internal spring design permits legs to extend and retract quickly and easily, no parts to misplace or lose. Also features retractable carry handle. Includes: 4 stanchions with 100ft of warning line pennants. OSHA compliant when used in accordance with instructions as well as State, Local and Federal regulations.
How far from the roof edge should a warning line be?
When mechanical equipment is being used, the warning line shall be erected not less than 6 feet (1.8 meters) from the roof edge parallel to the direction of mechanical equipment operation, and not less than 10 feet (3 meters) from the roof edge perpendicular to the direction of mechanical equipment operation.
What is a warning line on a roof?
Warning lines can only be used on low-sloped roofs. A low-sloped roof is one that has a slope no greater than 4:12 ( vertical:horizontal ). Additionally, there are specific requirements based on the type of work being performed on the roof. Let’s discuss “roofing” work first.
How high is a roof line?
The height of the line from the roof surface at its lowest point ( including sag) is no lower than 34 inches. The maximum height is no more than 39 inches from the roof surface. Is strong enough that it won’t tip if 16 pounds of force are applied to the line or stanchions.
What are the requirements for a safety monitor?
Additional requirements for the Safety Monitor are as follows: They must be on the same surface and able to see the employee (s) being monitored. They must be close enough to the employee (s) being monitored to effectively communicate with them.
Is fall protection a violation of OSHA?
Fall protection continues to be OSHA’s most cited violation. In the construction industry especially, falls are the number one killer. In our experience, o ne of the most commonly misunderstood issues regarding fall protection is the use of warning line systems. Many contractors erect a warning line and assume that they are then fully protected.
Can you use a warning line in OSHA?
However, the OSHA regulations only allow warning lines to be used in certain situations and with very specific requirements. Let’s demystify the regulations concerning warning line systems as they are used in commercial construction.
How far is a warning line from the edge of a hole?
A warning line is used 15 feet or more from the edge (or nearest edge of a hole); The warning line meets or exceeds the requirements in §1926.502 (f) (2); No work or work-related activity is to take place in the area between the warning line and the hole or edge; and.
What is OSHA interpretation letter?
OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.
What is OSHA letter?
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed.
What is a de minimis violation?
1 Under OSHA's de minimis policy, de minimis violations are those that have no direct or immediate relationship to safety or health. Consequently, no citation is issued. [ back to text]
What is acceptable use of warning lines?
Acceptable use of warning lines as fall protection for roofers and other trades. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations.
How far from the edge of a warning line is it allowed?
The employer effectively implements a work rule prohibiting the employees from going past the warning line. In sum, the use of warning lines closer than 15 feet from the edge is not permitted as a substitute for conventional fall protection for these other trades.
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