MIOSHA Tool Informs Contractors on Residential Fall Protection
Revised last month, it reminds them that any work done more than 6 feet above a lower level requires some form of fall protection.
Residential contractors could find Michigan OSHA's revised residential fall protection sample plan very useful. Revised in May 2012 to reflect the changes in state regulations complying with OSHA's revised directive, the plan includes a PowerPoint presentation that includes definitions and photos showing acceptable fall protection systems as well as unacceptable practices. It includes the text of the Michigan regulation, a sample job hazard analysis, and the MIOSHA revised enforcement policy, which will be used as of Sept. 16, 2012.
The full document is available at http://www.michigan.gov/documents/lara/lara_wsh_cetsp35_353408_7.pdf.
The document was prepared by the Consultation Education & Training Division of Michigan Occupational Safety & Health Administration, part of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
Rule 1926.501(b)(13) requires that any work done more than 6 feet above a lower level will require some form of fall protection, the agency notes, adding as examples foundation form work, tearing off or installing new roofing shingles, installing floor trusses and sheathing, building second floor walls, installing roof trusses and sheathing, as well as wall openings, stairs, and holes. An employer must demonstrate infeasibility or that the protective system creates a greater hazard in order to implement an alternative solution.
Acceptable fall protection systems are these:
- Guardrail systems
- Safety net systems
- Personal fall arrest systems
- Fall restraint/work positioning systems
- Hole covers
MIOSHA offers a free enews product to keep stakeholders informed and posts updates at www.twitter.com/MI_OSHA.