Replies

1. 
   AitchKay | Feb 19, 2009 05:07pm | #1

   Do an advanced search.

   There were two really good threads a month or so ago. I think one had the word "fall in it.

   AitchKay

1. 
   ncproperties | Feb 19, 2009 07:42pm | #2

   I think for residential it's still legal to walk 1 story perimeter plates and all but the perimeter walls for 2 story houses. Above 2 fall protection is required in or out.  I think.  My standard is from 06', and just remembering what instructor from an OHSA 10 class was saying. Would have to re-check to be sure.

   Although the least dangerous of all violations (in regard to immediate potential for harm) I do know the single most sited standard relates to lack of documentation and failure to have a written safety program.  Which is just ridiculous on the part of the violator since the standards provide the forms and example program that can be used.  I think that's why they site it because it's like look we give this to use and if you can't even do that than here's your fine.   

2. 
   hammer1 | Feb 20, 2009 12:49am | #3

   If you are in the business, you should do some research into OSHA compliance. If you have an employee, you have to meet the standards. If you work alone, the laws do not apply to you. Just the same, you should understand how to keep yourself safe. A simple acident could end your career.

   OSHA requires us to have a written safety plan and on going safety programs with written evidence. This is not optional for employers and you will incur a fine if you have ignored the law.

   There are more ways to provide fall protection than a fall arrest harness. A harness won't do you any good if it doesn't fit correctly and you don't know how to use it. Harnesses may not be appropriate when you do "leading edge" work. This is where your safety plan comes in. In some cases, like erecting trusses, your plan might include only using experienced, trained installers, using a safety monitor, setting up restricted access areas. Whatever way you choose to handle it, the OSHA standards need to be met.

   OSHA doesn't say you have to use harnesses in all applications. They do say you have to provide fall protection above 6'. Their standards tell you what that has to include. Toe kicks, end rails, back rails, clean area below, marked to keep people out of the zone, maybe a safety net, etc. are some of the requirements on scaffolding, for example. Your individual set up depends on various job conditions.

   A lot of carpenters like the AlumaPole pump jack systems since they can meet the standards if all the correct components are there.They are easy to set up and offer a good working position for things like window installations, siding, roofing. They would not be appropriate for masonry construction due to weight limitations.

   On sloped roofs, instead of a harness, railings, warning ropes and a safety monitor may be used. There are roof jacks that have brackets for back rails. You could set those up and then work on cleats or just walk if conditions permit. OSHA realizes that there are some work procedures when it's not possible to fully set up all the protection equipment. Just setting up the protection often means the set up person can't have all the devices required.

   Don't make the mistake of thinking you have the answers without knowing the law. As long as it's evident that you are making a good effort to comply, OSHA will work with you. If it's obvious you have ignored the law, you can be in for some hefty fines and repeat visits. Reading and understanding the standards isn't easy when you start but there is a lot of info available to help. OSHA isn't about harassing contractors, they just want to make things safe for the workers.

   http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/compliance_assistance/index.html

   Beat it to fit / Paint it to match
1. 
   frammer52 | Feb 20, 2009 01:43am | #4

   On sloped roofs, instead of a harness, railings, warning ropes and a safety monitor may be used.

   Not around here.  No moniter may replace the railing.  They found with the moniter, it didn't do any good!

1. 
   hammer1 | Feb 20, 2009 06:21am | #5

   Do they require a rail when you are framing something like lookouts on a gable or installing sheathing? What are you using for rail support brackets, iron bolted to the roof deck? It's worth setting up the best you can. I've taken a few spills that could have been prevented with proper guarding, seen many more. Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

1. 
   frammer52 | Feb 20, 2009 10:09pm | #7

   Do they require a rail when you are framing something like lookouts on a gable or installing sheathing

   Ladders, tied off if they can be.                                                                                                                               worth setting up the best you can. I've taken a few spills that could have been prevented with proper guarding, seen many more

    

   We as a rule with residental are supposed to have scaffolding of some kind.  Most don't.

3. 
   AitchKay | Feb 20, 2009 04:09pm | #6

   OK, if you won’t do it, I will.

   114802.1 Ever fall in safety harness? 103 posts

   and,

   114909.1 Job deaths and near misses 71 posts

   A lot of relevant and very educational information.

   Read ‘em.

   AitchKay

4. 
   rjw | Feb 20, 2009 10:19pm | #8

   A basic principle of safety/risk analysis:

   What is the likelihood of the risked event actually happening?

   What is the cost if it does happen?

   What is the cost of preventing it.

   Note: sometimes, we need help in seeing the full range of possible events and of possible risks

   OSHA and HBA's offer all sorts of courses and advice.

   If you haven't taken courses, you're taking a lot of risk, IMO

   BTW, as a home inspector who mounts a lot of roofs, I 'reject' the OSHA rules on the ladder extending 3' above the edge - I find it makes it much harder to remount the ladder safely - but I've given this a lot of thought and trials.....

   ---

   "Ask not what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive... then go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive."

   Howard Thurman