Commercial Fall Protection Rules-On the Job Tool Box Talks

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The following is a summary related to wood frame structures:

·     *  OSHA defines Commercial Construction as a building with 3 ½ or more stories or 48 feet or taller.

·     *  Installation of an elevator may also change classification.

·      *  Commercial fall protection requirements start at 6’ and do not provide any allowances for CAZ.

·      * Safety railings should be placed, as typical, at windows, stairs, landings and similar.

·      * Floor holes should be covered with material that is adequately strong and secured in place and marked.

·       * Exterior top plate walking would be a citation.   The key effort to place on this issue relates to laying out top plates from a ladder or before the wall is stood.  Trusses should be set with a crane or spread by employees not working from the top plate.  Temporary scaffolding may be used.

·      *  Employees engaged in roof sheathing operations would be required to wear a fall protection harness or have railings installed on the eaves of the roof.

A separate fall protection plan for wood frame jobs classified as commercial is recommended.

Provided by: Assurance Agency