Under OSHA 29 CFR 1926, at what height must fall protection be provided for employees working on walking/working surfaces?
Correct Answer
B) 6 feet
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.501 requires fall protection for employees working on walking/working surfaces at heights of 6 feet or more above a lower level. This is a fundamental safety requirement for construction sites.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(1) specifically mandates that fall protection systems be provided for employees working on walking/working surfaces with unprotected sides or edges that are 6 feet or more above a lower level. This 6-foot threshold is the standard baseline for most construction activities and applies to general walking/working surfaces. The regulation is designed to protect workers from serious injury or death due to falls, which are among the leading causes of construction fatalities. This requirement applies regardless of the duration of work at that height.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: 4 feet
8 feet exceeds the OSHA requirement and would leave workers unprotected between 6-8 feet, creating unnecessary safety risks
Option C: 8 feet
4 feet is too low and does not meet OSHA's minimum threshold for fall protection on walking/working surfaces, though some specific activities like holes may have different requirements
Memory Technique
Think 'SIX FEET SAFE' - the number six rhymes with 'fix' which helps remember this is the height where you must 'fix' the fall hazard with protection
Reference Hint
OSHA Construction Standards 29 CFR 1926, Subpart M - Fall Protection, Section 1926.501(b)(1)
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