That’s Not True — Dispelling Common Fall Protection Myths

By: Mark Stromme, Contributor

A regular inspection program will ensure that the fall protection equipment being used is in good working order. © Hor – stock.adobe.com

Myths exist in many cultures and that rings true for the world of workplace safety. Employees and supervisors can have a wide range of experience levels, but myths can be a problem even for experts with years of experience. One area in particular that causes confusion revolves around the fall protection topic.

Why should we care about these myths since they don’t really harm anyone? That’s not true and not disputing these myths can cause injury and worse. So, we’ll discuss and dispel five common fall protection myths.

Fixed ladder self-closing gates

Myth: A self-closing gate is required only on fixed ladders over 24 feet high.

That isn’t correct, as a self-closing gate (or offset) is required on any fixed ladder access point more than 4 feet high.

This relates to OSHA’s requirement to protect each employee from falling into a ladderway floor hole … except at the entrance to the hole, where a self-closing gate or an offset must be used.

As with all OSHA working walking surface requirements, fall protection is required at the 4-foot threshold. So, make sure that if your fixed ladder doesn’t have a self-closing gate you get it retrofitted.

Dock door fall protection

Myth: Loading dock doors open for ventilation don’t need fall protection, or maybe just a chain will suffice.

OSHA requires fall protection at a height of 4 feet or more and most loading docks are at least 4 feet high. Regarding chain use, one chain is not enough, but two could work provided they meet the requirements for the top and midrails.

Guardrails require a top rail and a midrail and if you’re using manila or synthetic rope for the top or midrails make sure you inspect it. It must retain the strength requirements of 200 and 150 pounds, respectively.

Stair rails and handrails

Myth: Stairs may have a single rail as a handrail and stair rail.

Partially true, but only for grandfathered stairs in place as of January 2017 and if the railing is at least 36 inches, but no more than 38 inches high. Employers must verify older stairs meet the criteria.

New stairs must have both a:

• Handrail no more than 36 inches high
• Stair rail no less than 42 inches high

A handrail is a rail used to provide employees with a handhold for support. A stair rail or stair rail system means a barrier is erected along the exposed or open side of stairways to prevent employees from falling to a lower level.

The reason for the difference in heights is that for most people a handrail that’s 42 inches in height is too high for them to use as a handrail. That’s why OSHA requires the 36 inches height.

Fall protection distance from an edge

Myth: If workers don’t go within 6 feet (or 10 feet) of an edge, they don’t need fall protection.

If workers don’t go within 6 feet of an unprotected edge, then they don’t need fall protection. A variation is, “How close can a worker get to an edge before fall protection is needed?”

Well, there is no “safe” distance from an edge. We know that the regulation talks about workers who are “exposed to falls” but according to OSHA, just saying that you won’t go within 6 feet or 10 feet of the edge is not enough. It’s still a fall hazard.

Along the same lines, there is no “safe” amount of time someone can work in an elevated area without fall protection. Some workers might say they’ll only be in an area “for just a few minutes” but if there’s a fall hazard, they need to use fall protection.

In most cases where a worker would be exposed to a fall of 4 feet or more, you probably have guardrails. But sometimes employees need to work on top of machines or other locations where people don’t normally go. It doesn’t matter if they stay a short time or stay away from the edge, OSHA still requires fall protection.

Ladders, scissor lifts and aerial lifts

Myth: You need to tie off on a portable ladder … This is not a Federal OSHA requirement and not found in the regulations. If your employee did tie off to a portable ladder and then did fall, what would happen? The worker would still contact the ground and also pull the ladder down on top of them.

Myth: You don’t need to tie off in an aerial lift … OSHA says a personal fall arrest or travel restraint system that meets the requirements in 1910 Subpart I must be worn and attached to the boom or basket when working from an aerial lift. Typically, the employee would be fitted with a harness and tied off to the basket. Remember, the use of a body belt in a tethering system or in a restraint system is acceptable.

Myth: You need to tie off when in a scissor lift … OSHA considers scissor lifts to be mobile scaffolds and regulates them at 1926.453(w). Scissor lifts have standard guardrails that come from the manufacturer. If all the guardrails are in place there isn’t a need for the user to tie off like there is when using the aerial lift. However, if one or more of the guardrails is removed, then employees in the lift need to be tied off.

Solutions to dispelling myths

There’s really no special secret for dispelling myths. But if people are following a myth (and they don’t know it’s a myth) you must get the correct information out there.

Training is one answer, and not just on OSHA-required topics. You’ll probably want to go above and beyond. And keep in mind that if you encounter a myth, it’s probably spread out to others, so you’ll want to reach out to anyone who could be misinformed.

Walk-throughs and self-audits can help you identify myths, then start taking action to correct them.

In addition, third-party audits can help. Sometimes you’ll get more support for overcoming objections if a consultant backs up your arguments.

Wrapping it up

Employees and supervisors can have a wide range of experience levels, but myths can be a problem even for experts with years of experience. If your company has a team of safety people, make sure none of them are mistakenly spreading incorrect information. WMHS

Mark Stromme is the Sr. EHS Editor, J. J. Keller, a trusted source for DOT / Transportation, OSHA / Workplace Safety, Human Resources, Construction Safety and Hazmat / Hazardous Materials regulation compliance products and services. J. J. Keller helps you increase safety awareness, reduce risk, follow best practices, improve safety training and stay current with changing regulations (www.jjkeller.com).