Personal Fall Protection Systems Requirements

The Final Rule outlines requirements for fall protection in the following specific areas:

• Hoist areas
• Runways
• Areas above dangerous equipment
• Wall openings
• Repair pits
• Stairways
• Scaffolds
• Slaughtering platforms

The Final Rule establishes requirements for the following aspects of fall protection systems:

• Performance
• Inspection
• Use
• Maintenance

The Final Rule systematically explains a 1991 OSHA mandate that allows employers to use a rope descent system (RDS), which may include the following equipment:

• Roof anchorage
• Support rope
• Descent device
• Carabiners or shackles
• Chair or seatboard

Rope descent systems are widely used throughout the country to perform elevated work, such as window washing. The Final Rule adds a 300-foot height limit for the use of a rope descent system (RDS). The Final Rule also requires building owners to affirm, in writing, that the permanent building anchorages used for RDS meet the following requirements:

• They are tested.
• They are certified.
• They are maintained as capable of supporting 5,000 pounds for each worker attached.

To learn more about Walking Working Surfaces visit our Walking Working Surfaces & Personal Fall Protection Systems Online Training web page.