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In this installment of our blog series, we continue to focus on more details that changed with the new OSHA regulations – specifically design changes that affect stairs. OSHA 1910.29 says that for any stairs installed after January 17, 2017, a handrail that measures 30-38 inches is required, as well as a 42-inch stair rail. […]
In this installment of our blog series, let’s focus on more specific details – design changes that affect guardrail. If you’re wondering about how guardrail is affected, there are several new developments in the updated rule. First, guardrail height is officially required at 42 inches (+/- 3), which is now aligned with construction industry regulations. […]
While our previous post in this series focused on the new requirement for ladder safety systems, this post discusses some additional requirements that affect ladder use and design. Here are a few of the most common questions we have received about ladders. Are chains acceptable to protect ladder openings? I often see chains at the […]
In this installment of our blog series, we’re focusing on new OSHA regulations related to fall protection for fixed ladders. It’s important to note that the final rule phases out the use of cages and wells as fall protection devices on fixed ladders that extend more than 24 feet. The regulation—specifically paragraph (b)(9)(i)—allows employers to […]
This post in our blog series on new OSHA fall protection regulation focuses on common questions related to fall protection anchorages. Most questions on this topic stem directly from the language below from 29 CFR 1910.27(b)(1)(i): “Before any rope descent system is used, the building owner must inform the employer, in writing, that the building […]
Many organizations have struggled to interpret some of the new requirements outlined in OSHA’s update to the General Industry Walking-Working Surfaces and Personal Fall Protection Equipment Standards (29 CFR part 1910, Subparts D&I). In response to specific questions asked by the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA), OSHA has released correspondence that clarifies two key items […]
Following up on Volume 3 in our series, this installment answers additional questions related to the new requirement for conducting fall hazard assessments. When does the assessment need to be complete? Technically, the new regulation became rule in January 2017, so it is theoretically required now. If you don’t have documentation of a compliant assessment […]
This installment in our blog series on new OSHA fall protection regulations focuses on common questions related to fall hazard assessments. One of the most significant requirements provided in the new rule is the stated need for the assessment of fall hazards, as outlined in 1910.132(d). It’s important to note that this is an existing […]
This second entry in our blog series on new OSHA fall protection regulation focuses on common questions related to low-slope roof work. See Volume 1 for information on safe working distance from a roof edge. How do we protect workers when accessing and traveling to a work area on a low-slope roof? From a strict […]
Resolve to Improve Fall Protection in 2018 (+ 4 Ways to Do It)
There are a variety of worthy New Year’s resolutions to consider as we enter 2018. If worker safety is important to you, I encourage you to pledge to improve your organization’s fall protection program this year. Last fall, OSHA announced that fall protection citations ranked as the top violation for the seventh year in a […]