OSHA Fall Protection for Construction

Fall protection equipment should be inspected prior to each use, according to 1926.502(d)(21). That regulation requires that the equipment be inspected for wear, damage and other deterioration. Defective components must be removed from service.

The answer to this question must come from the manufacturer of the lanyards. The snaphook will have to be a locking snaphook and the manufacturer will have to determine whether it is acceptable to attach multiple lanyards. Another option for increasing the working length would be to use self-retracting lifelines and lanyards.

No. Effective January 1, 1998, body belts are not acceptable as part of a personal fall arrest system (see 1926.502(d)). Note: The use of a body belt in a positioning device system is acceptable and is regulated under 1926.502(e).

In the construction industry the PPE hazard assessment is not a requirement, but rather a best practice. The OSHA standard does not specify who must conduct or certify the hazard assessment. Anyone with the necessary skills and experience to identify the hazards and select appropriate PPE can perform the function. The employer designates the personnel to do this, whether internal personnel or a third party.