According to OSHA 29 CFR 1926, at what height must fall protection be provided for employees working on scaffolds?
Correct Answer
C) 10 feet
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.451 requires fall protection for employees on scaffolds more than 10 feet above a lower level. This is a fundamental safety requirement that general contractors must understand and implement.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.451(g)(1) specifically states that fall protection must be provided for employees on scaffolds more than 10 feet above a lower level. This regulation applies to all types of scaffolds including supported scaffolds, suspended scaffolds, and other scaffold systems. The 10-foot threshold is a critical safety standard that general contractors must enforce on all construction sites. This requirement helps prevent serious injuries and fatalities from falls, which are among the leading causes of construction worker deaths.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: 6 feet
6 feet is the fall protection requirement for general construction work under 29 CFR 1926.501, but scaffolds have their own specific requirement of 10 feet under 29 CFR 1926.451.
Option B: 8 feet
8 feet is not the correct threshold for scaffold fall protection under OSHA regulations, though it may be confused with other industry standards or state requirements.
Option D: 12 feet
12 feet exceeds the actual OSHA requirement and would leave workers unprotected between 10-12 feet, creating unnecessary safety hazards.
Memory Technique
Think 'Perfect 10' - scaffolds require fall protection at the 'perfect' height of 10 feet, which is higher than the general 6-foot rule because scaffolds are more controlled work platforms.
Reference Hint
OSHA Construction Standards 29 CFR 1926, Subpart L - Scaffolds, Section 1926.451(g)(1)
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