Roof Edge Protection Requirements

All classes have a static load requirement and class b c also have a dynamic load applied representing someone rolling down the roof slope and making contact with the edge protection system.

Roof edge protection requirements. Employers are to ensure that each employee is protected from falling by using fall. Conventional fall protection guardrail fall restraint or. Class a 0 10 degree roof pitch. 6 feet from the edge.

When the employer can demonstrate that it is not feasible or creates a greater hazard to use guardrail safety net or personal fall protection systems on residential roofs the employer must develop and implement a fall protection plan that meets the requirements of 29 cfr 1926 502 k and training that meets the requirements of 29 cfr 1926 503 a and c. The guard shall extend not less than 30. From 6 15 feet the new rule allows for a designated area. Between 6 feet and 15 feet from the roof edge.

I believe the misconception of a specific safe distance has surfaced since warning line rules require setbacks from the edge at 6 10 or 15 feet depending on the circumstances. For general industry working at a 4 foot height or a low sloped roof osha requires. Class b 10 30 degree roof pitch. Also osha compliance officers often do not cite a circumstance unless the worker is reasonably close to an unprotected edge.

In regards specifically to roof fall protection the 1910 standard specifies for low slope roofs that when work is performed less than 6 feet 1 6 m from the roof edge the employer must ensure each employee is protected from falling by a guardrail system safety net system travel restraint system or personal fall arrest system. Class c 30 45 degree roof pitch. The european norm establishes three classes of edge protection system. Each employee on a steep roof with unprotected sides and edges 6 feet 1 8 m or more above lower levels shall be protected from falling by guardrail systems with toeboards safety net systems or personal fall arrest systems.

Between 6 feet and 15 feet from the edge. Osha defines what fall protection is required based on how close employees are to the edge of the roof. The regulation states that work at less than 6 feet from the roof edge requires conventional means of protection guardrail pfas etc. Employers are to ensure.