A worker on a roof 15 feet high is installing HVAC equipment. The work area has a parapet wall that is 30 inches high. What fall protection is required?
Correct Answer
B) Personal fall arrest system
A parapet wall must be at least 39 inches high to serve as fall protection. Since this wall is only 30 inches, a personal fall arrest system or other approved fall protection is required for work above 6 feet.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
OSHA requires fall protection for workers at heights of 6 feet or more. While parapet walls can serve as fall protection, they must be at least 39 inches high to be considered adequate. Since this parapet is only 30 inches high, it does not meet the minimum height requirement, so a personal fall arrest system is required for the worker at 15 feet.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: No fall protection needed due to parapet wall
The parapet wall is only 30 inches high, which is 9 inches below the required 39-inch minimum height to serve as adequate fall protection
Option C: Safety net system
While safety net systems are an acceptable form of fall protection, they are not the most practical solution for HVAC installation work on a roof with existing parapet walls
Option D: Guardrail system only
A guardrail system alone would not be sufficient since the existing parapet wall is below the required height, and installing additional guardrails may not be practical for HVAC equipment installation
Memory Technique
Think '39 to be fine' - parapet walls must be 39 inches or higher to provide adequate fall protection
Reference Hint
OSHA Construction Standards 29 CFR 1926.501 - Duty to have fall protection
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