Controlled Access Zone

A controlled access zone is a work area in which certain types of work may take place without using conventional fall protection systems. Worker access to these areas must be carefully controlled. For example, a controlled access zone would be designated where overhand bricklaying was occurring without the protection of guardrails. In this example, only masons and other workers actually engaged in the bricklaying would be allowed in the controlled access zone.

When used to control access to areas where leading edge and other operations are taking place, the controlled access zones must be defined by a control line or by any other means that restricts access.

• When control lines are used to define a controlled access zone, they must be erected at least six feet and no more than 25 feet from the unprotected or leading edge, except when precast concrete members are being erected. In the latter case, the control line is to be erected at least six feet and no more than 60 feet or half the length of the member being erected, whichever is less, from the leading edge.
• The control line must extend along the entire length of and approximately parallel to the unprotected side or leading edge and be connected on each side to a guardrail system or wall.

When controlled access zones are used to limit access to areas where overhand bricklaying and related work are taking place, the following regulations must be followed:

• A control line must be erected to define the work zone and must be erected at least 10 feet and no more than 15 feet from the working edge.
• The control lines must be erected approximately parallel to the working edge and must extend for a distance sufficient to enclose all workers performing overhand bricklaying and related work at the working edge.
• Additional control lines must be erected at each end of the controlled access zone to enclose the work area.
• Only workers engaged in overhand bricklaying or related work are permitted in the controlled access zone.

Control lines must consist of ropes, wires, tapes, or equivalent materials, and supporting stanchions. When used, each control line must meet the following requirements:

• Be flagged or otherwise clearly marked at not more than 6-foot intervals with high-visibility material
• Be rigged and supported in such a way that the lowest point (including sag) is not less than 39 inches from the walking or working surface; and the highest point is not more than 45 inches, or more than 50 inches when overhand bricklaying operations are being performed, from the walking or working surface
• Have a breaking strength of at least 200 pounds

On floors and roofs where guardrail systems are not in place prior to the beginning of overhand bricklaying operations, controlled access zones must be enlarged as necessary to enclose all points of access, material handling areas, and storage areas.

On floors and roofs where guardrail systems are in place but need to be removed to allow overhand bricklaying work or leading-edge work to take place, only that portion of the guardrail necessary to accomplish that day's work is allowed to be removed.

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