Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection, Chapter 296-880, WAC

Chapter 296-880 WAC Introduction

Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection

____________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 296-880 WAC

Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection

(F-414-174-000)

This book contains rules for Safety Standards for Unified safety for fall protection, as adopted

under the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act of 1973 (Chapter 49.17 RCW).

The rules in this book are effective November 2022. A brief promulgation history, set within

brackets at the end of this chapter, gives statutory authority, administrative order of

promulgation, and date of adoption of filing.

TO RECEIVE E-MAIL UPDATES:

 Sign up at

https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/WADLI/subscriber/new?topic_id=WADLI_19

TO PRINT YOUR OWN PAPER COPY OR TO VIEW THE RULE ONLINE:

 Go to https://www.lni.wa.gov/safety-health/safety-rules/rules-by-chapter/?chapter=880/

DOSH CONTACT INFORMATION:

 Physical address:

7273 Linderson Way

Tumwater, WA 98501-5414

(Located off I-5 Exit 101 south of Tumwater.)

 Mailing address:

DOSH Standards and Information

PO Box 44810

Olympia, WA 98504-4810

 Telephone: 1-800-423-7233

 For all L&I Contact information, visit https://www.lni.wa.gov/agency/contact/

Also available on the L&I Safety & Health website:

 DOSH Core Rules

 Other General Workplace Safety & Health Rules

 Industry and Task-Specific Rules

 Proposed Rules and Hearings

 Newly Adopted Rules and New Rule Information

 DOSH Directives (DD’s)

 See http://www.lni.wa.gov/Safety-Health/

Chapter 296-880 WAC  Table of Contents 
  Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection 
____________________________________________________________________________________________ 
Page i 
WAC                        Page 
WAC 296-880-080  Scope. ................................................................... 1 
WAC 296-880-090  Quick reference guide.  Unified Fall Protection 
Quick Reference Guide. ...................................................................... 2 
WAC 296-880-095  Definitions. ........................................................... 4 
WAC 296-880-100  Application. .......................................................... 9 
WAC 296-880-10005  General requirements. ............................................................................ 9 
WAC 296-880-10010  Fall protection required regardless of height. .......................................... 9 
WAC 296-880-10015  Training. .................................................................................................. 9 
WAC 296-880-10020  Fall protection work plan required at ten feet or more. .......................... 10 
WAC 296-880-200  Fall protection required at four feet or more... 12 
WAC 296-880-20005  Fall protection required at four feet or more. ......................................... 12 
WAC 296-880-20010  Exemption from fall protection requirements in this section. ................. 15 
WAC 296-880-300  Specific fall protection requirements. ............. 17 
WAC 296-880-30005  Construction work. ................................................................................ 17 
WAC 296-880-30010  Order pickers (PITS). ............................................................................ 18 
WAC 296-880-30015  Elevating work platforms. ...................................................................... 19 
WAC 296-880-30020  Powered platforms. ............................................................................... 19 
WAC 296-880-30025  Window cleaning. .................................................................................. 20 
WAC 296-880-30030  Scaffolds. .............................................................................................. 21 
WAC 296-880-30035  Cranes. ................................................................................................. 26 
WAC 296-880-30040  Telecommunication requirements that apply to wireless. ..................... 27 
WAC 296-880-30045  Ship repairing, shipbuilding and shipbreaking. ..................................... 27 
WAC 296-880-30050  Longshore, stevedore, and waterfront related operations. .................... 28 
WAC 296-880-30055  Ski area facilities and operations. ......................................................... 29 
WAC 296-880-400  Fall protection system specifications.............. 31 
WAC 296-880-40005  Guardrail systems. ................................................................................ 31 
WAC 296-880-40010  Ramps, runways, and inclined walkway requirements. ......................... 32 
WAC 296-880-40015  Cover requirements—Holes and openings. .......................................... 32 
WAC 296-880-40020  Personal fall arrest system requirements. ............................................. 33 
WAC 296-880-40025  Personal fall restraint system requirements. ......................................... 35 
WAC 296-880-40030  Positioning device system requirements. .............................................. 35 
WAC 296-880-40035  Self-rescue device requirements. ......................................................... 36 
WAC 296-880-40040  Warning line system requirements. ....................................................... 36 
WAC 296-880-40045  Safety monitor system requirements. ................................................... 37 

Chapter 296-880 WAC  Table of Contents 
  Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection 
____________________________________________________________________________________________ 
Page ii 
WAC                        Page 
WAC 296-880-40050  Safety watch system requirements. ...................................................... 38 
WAC 296-880-40055  Safety net system requirements. .......................................................... 39 
WAC 296-880-40060  Catch platform requirements................................................................. 40 
WAC 296-880-40065  Canopy requirements. .......................................................................... 40 
WAC 296-880-40070  Roof bracket requirements. .................................................................. 40 
WAC 296-880-40075  Crawling board and chicken ladder requirements. ................................ 40 
WAC 296-880-40080  Roof edge materials handling and material storage requirements. ....... 41 
WAC 296-880-500  Appendix A—Determining roof widths—
Nonmandatory guidelines. ................................................................ 42 
WAC 296-880-505  Appendix B—Calculating fall clearance 
distance — Nonmandatory guidelines.  Calculating fall clearance 
distance using a shock-absorbing lanyard and D-ring anchorage 
connector - Nonmandatory guidelines for complying with WAC 
296-880-40020. ................................................................................... 46 
WAC 296-880-510  Appendix C—Test methods and additional 
guidelines for personal fall arrest systems—Nonmandatory 
guidelines. .......................................................................................... 47 

Chapter 296-880 WAC Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 1

WAC 296-880-080 Scope.

This chapter sets forth requirements for employers to provide and enforce the use of fall protection for

employees performing activities covered under this chapter.

Chapter 296-880 WAC Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 2

WAC 296-880-090 Quick reference guide. Unified Fall Protection

Quick Reference Guide.

General fall protection for all industries

Threshold height

WAC

Above or adjacent to dangerous equipment

Regardless of height

296-880-10010(1)

Holes into which an employee can trip, step into, or

step through

Regardless of height

296-880-10010(2)

Falling into or onto impalement hazards

Regardless of height

296-880-10010(3)

When on a walking/working surface

Four feet or more

296-880-20005

Ramps, runways, and inclined walkways

Four feet or more

296-880-20005(2)

Holes where work is being performed

Four feet or more

296-880-20005(3)

Skylights

Four feet or more

296-880-20005 (3)(b)

Hatchway and chute holes

Four feet or more

296-880-20005 (3)(c)

Ladderways

Four feet or more

296-880-20005 (3)(d)

Pits and trap door holes

Four feet or more

296-880-20005 (3)(e)

Repair pits and service pits

Four feet or more

296-880-20005 (3)(f)

Manholes

Four feet or more

296-880-20005 (3)(g)

Openings

Four feet or more

296-880-20005(4)

Formwork and reinforcing work

Four feet or more

296-880-20005(5)

Steep pitch roof - Regardless of task

Four feet or more

296-880-20005(6)

Low pitch roof - Other than roofing work or

constructing a leading edge

Four feet or more

296-880-20005(7)

Hazardous slopes

Four feet or more

296-880-20005(9)

Vehicles and rolling stock - If suitable anchorages

cannot be provided or creates a greater hazard

Four feet or more

296-880-20005(10)

Specific requirements not addressed in WAC

296-880-200 (above)

Construction work *See also chapter 296-155

WAC

Roofing work on a low pitch roof

Six feet

296-880-30005(1)

Constructing a leading edge

Six feet

296-880-30005(1)

Engaged in the erection or placement of structural

members

Ten feet

296-880-30005(1)

Engaged in excavation and trenching operations

Ten feet

296-880-30005(1)

Order pickers (PITS) *See also chapter 296-863

WAC

Operators of order pickers

Regardless of height

296-880-30010 (1)

and (2)

Elevating work platforms *See also chapter 296-

869 WAC

Chapter 296-880 WAC Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 3

General fall protection for all industries

Threshold height

WAC

Vehicle mounted aerial devices

Regardless of height

296-880-30015(1)

Manually propelled and self-propelled elevating

work platforms

Regardless of height

if required by

manufacturer

296-880-30015(2)

Boom supported elevating work platforms

Regardless of height

296-880-30015(3)

Powered platforms *See also chapter 296-870

WAC

Working on a roof or other elevated working area

Four feet or more

296-880-30020(5)

Window cleaning *See also chapter 296-878 WAC

Working on a roof or other elevated working area

Four feet or more

296-880-30025(1)

Scaffolds *See also chapter 296-874 WAC

Working on a scaffold

Ten feet or more

296-880-30030(1)

Cranes - Under the scope of chapter 296-155 WAC,

Part L

For nonassembly/disassembly work

Six feet or more

296-880-30035(2)

For assembly/disassembly work

Ten feet or more

296-880-30035(3)

Towercranes - Work other than erecting, climbing,

and dismantling

Six feet or more

296-880-30035 (4)(a)

Towercranes - Erecting, climbing, and dismantling

work

Ten feet or more

296-880-30035 (4)(b)

Telecommunications work *See also chapter 296-

32 WAC

Four feet or more

296-880-200 and 296-

880-30040

Qualified electrical workers *See also chapter

296-45 WAC

Four feet or more

296-880-200

Ship repairing, shipbuilding and shipbreaking

*See also chapter 296-304 WAC

Working aloft or elsewhere at elevation

Five feet or more

296-880-30045

Longshore, stevedore and waterfront related

operations *See also chapter 296-56 WAC

Maintenance work on cranes, spouts, or similar

types of equipment

Eight feet or more

296-880-30050(1)

Floor or wall openings or waterside edges, including

bridges or gangway-like structures

Four feet or more

296-880-30050 (2)(a)

Ski area facilities and operations *See also

chapter 296-59 WAC

Working at unprotected elevated locations

Four feet or more

296-880-30055 (1)(a)

Chapter 296-880 WAC Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 4

WAC 296-880-095 Definitions.

For the purposes of this chapter the following definitions apply:

(1) Aerial device. A vehicle-mounted device, telescoping or articulating, or both, which is used to

position personnel.

(2) Affected area. The distance away from the edge of an excavation equal to the depth of the

excavation up to a maximum distance of 15 feet. For example, an excavation 10 feet deep has an

affected area extending 10 feet from the edge of any side of the excavation.

(3) Anchorage. A secure point of attachment for lifelines, lanyards, or deceleration devices which is

capable of withstanding the forces specified in this chapter.

(4) Boom-supported elevating work platform. A self-propelled, integral chassis, elevating work

platform with a boom-supported platform that can be positioned completely beyond the base.

(5) Catch platform. A type of fall arrest system that consists of a platform installed within four

vertical feet of the fall hazard, is at least 45 inches wide and is equipped with a standard guardrail

system on all exposed sides.

(6) Catenary line. See “horizontal lifeline.”

(7) Competent person. An individual knowledgeable of fall protection equipment, including the

manufacturer's recommendations and instructions for the proper use, inspection, and maintenance;

and who is capable of identifying existing and potential fall hazards; and who has the authority to

take prompt corrective action to eliminate those hazards; and who is knowledgeable of the

requirements contained in this chapter regarding the installation, use, inspection, and maintenance

of fall protection equipment and systems.

(8) Connector. A device which is used to connect parts of the personal fall arrest system and

positioning device systems together. It may be an independent component of the system, such as a

carabiner, or it may be an integral component of part of the system (such as a buckle or D-ring

sewn into a harness, or a snap hook spliced or sewn to a lanyard or self-retracting lanyard).

(9) Construction work. All or any part of excavation, construction, erection, alteration, repair,

demolition, and dismantling of buildings and other structures and all operations in connection

therewith; the excavation, construction, alteration and repair of sewers, trenches, caissons, conduits,

pipe lines, roads and all operations pertaining thereto; the moving of buildings and other structures,

and to the construction, alteration, repair, or removal of wharfs, docks, bridges, culverts, trestles,

piers, abutments or any other construction, alteration, repair or removal work related thereto.

(10) Deceleration device. Any mechanism, such as a rope grab, ripstitch lanyard, specifically woven

lanyard, tearing or deforming lanyards, automatic self-retracting lifelines/lanyards, etc., which

serves to dissipate a substantial amount of energy during a fall arrest, or otherwise limit the energy

imposed on an employee during fall arrest.

(11) Deceleration distance. The additional vertical distance a falling employee travels, excluding

lifeline elongation and free fall distance, before stopping, from the point at which the deceleration

device begins to operate. It is measured as the distance between the location of an employee's full

body harness attachment point at the moment of activation (at the onset of fall arrest forces) of the

deceleration device during a fall, and the location of that attachment point after the employee comes

to a full stop.

(12) Dropline. A vertical lifeline secured to an upper anchorage for the purpose of attaching a lanyard

or device.

Chapter 296-880 WAC Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 5

(13) Elevating work platform. A device used to position personnel, along with their necessary tools

and materials, at work locations. It includes a platform and an elevating assembly. It may be

vehicle-mounted or have an integral chassis for mobility and as a means of support.

(14) Equivalent. Alternative designs, materials, or methods to protect against a hazard which the

employer can demonstrate and will provide an equal or greater degree of safety for employees than

the methods, materials, or designs specified in this standard.

(15) Fall arrest system. A fall protection system that will arrest a fall from elevation. Fall arrest

systems include personal fall arrest systems that are worn by the user, catch platforms, and safety

nets.

(16) Fall distance. The actual distance from the worker's support to the level where a fall would stop.

(17) Fall protection work plan. A written planning document in which the employer identifies all

areas on the job site where a fall hazard of 10 feet or more exists. The plan describes the method or

methods of fall protection to be used to protect employees, and includes the procedures governing

the installation, use, inspection, and removal of the fall protection method or methods which are

selected by the employer. See WAC 296-880-10020.

(18) Fall restraint system. A system in which all necessary components function together to

restrain/prevent an employee from falling to a lower level. Types of fall restraint systems include

standard guardrail systems, personal fall restraint systems, warning line systems, or a warning line

system and safety monitor.

(19) Feasible. It is possible to perform the work using a conventional fall protection system (i.e.,

guardrail system, safety net system, or personal fall arrest system) or that it is technologically

possible to use any one of these systems to provide fall protection.

(20) Free fall. The act of falling before a personal fall arrest system begins to apply force to arrest the

fall.

(21) Free fall distance. The vertical displacement of the fall arrest attachment point on the employee's

full body harness between onset of the fall and just before the system begins to apply force to arrest

the fall. This distance excludes deceleration distance, and lifeline/lanyard elongation, but includes

any deceleration device slide distance or self-retracting lifeline/lanyard extension before they

operate and fall arrest forces occur.

(22) Full body harness. A configuration of connected straps that meets the requirements specified in

ANSI Z359.1, that may be adjustable to distribute a fall arresting force over at least the thighs,

shoulders and pelvis, with provisions for attaching a lanyard, lifeline, or deceleration devices.

(23) Full body harness system. A full body harness and lanyard which is either attached to an

anchorage meeting the requirements of this chapter; or it is attached to a horizontal or vertical

lifeline which is properly secured to an anchorage(s) capable of withstanding the forces specified in

this chapter.

(24) Handrail. A rail used to provide employees with a handhold for support.

(25) Hardware. Snap hooks, D-rings, bucklers, carabiners, adjusters, or O-rings, that are used to attach

the components of a fall protection system together.

(26) Hazardous slope. A slope from which construction work is performed where normal footing

cannot be maintained without the use of devices due to the pitch of the surface, weather conditions,

or surface material.

(27) Hole. A gap or void two inches or more in its least dimension, in a floor, roof, or other surface.

Chapter 296-880 WAC Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 6

(28) Horizontal lifeline. A rail, rope, wire, or synthetic cable that is installed in a horizontal plane

between two anchorages and used for attachment of a worker's lanyard or lifeline device while

moving horizontally; used to control dangerous pendulum like swing falls.

(29) Infrequent The task or job is performed only on occasion, when needed (e.g., equipment

breakdown), on an occasional basis, or at sporadic or irregular intervals.

(30) Lanyard. A flexible line of webbing, rope, or cable used to secure a positioning harness or full

body harness to a lifeline or an anchorage point usually two, four, or six feet long.

(31) Leading edge. The advancing edge of a floor, roof, or formwork which changes location as

additional floor, roof, or formwork sections are placed, formed, or constructed. A leading edge is

considered to be an “unprotected side or edge” during periods when it is not actively and

continuously under construction.

(32) Lifeline. A vertical line from a fixed anchorage or between two horizontal anchorages,

independent of walking or working surfaces, to which a lanyard or device is secured. Lifeline as

referred to in this text is one which is part of a fall protection system used as back-up safety for an

elevated worker or as a restraint for workers on a flat or sloped surface.

(33) Locking snap hook. A connecting snap hook that requires two separate forces to open the gate;

one to deactivate the gatekeeper and a second to depress and open the gate which automatically

closes when released; used to minimize roll out or accidental disengagement.

(34) Low pitched roof. A roof having a slope equal to or less than four in 12.

(35) Maintenance. The work of keeping a building, machine, roadway, etc., in a state of good repair.

(36) Manually propelled elevating work platform. A manually propelled, integral chassis, elevating

work platform with a platform that cannot be positioned completely beyond the base.

(37) Mechanical equipment. All motor or human propelled wheeled equipment except for

wheelbarrows, mopcarts, robotic thermoplastic welders, and robotic crimpers.

(38) Opening. A gap or void 30 inches (76 cm) or more high and 18 inches (48 cm) or more wide, in a

wall or partition, through which employees can fall to a lower level.

(39) Personal fall arrest system. A fall arrest system that is worn by the employee to arrest the

employee in a fall from elevation. It consists of an anchor point, connectors, a full body harness,

and may include a lanyard, deceleration device, lifeline, or suitable combinations of these.

(40) Personal fall restraint system. A fall restraint system that is worn by the employee to keep the

employee from reaching a fall point, such as the edge of a roof or elevated work surface. It consists

of an anchor point, hardware assemblies, a full body harness and may include a lanyard, restraint

lines, or suitable combinations of these.

(41) Platform. A work surface elevated above the surrounding floor or ground.

(42) Positioning device system. A full body harness or positioning harness that is worn by an

employee, and is rigged to allow an employee to be supported on an elevated vertical or inclined

surface, such as a wall, pole or column and work with both hands free from the body support.

(43) Positioning harness. A body support that meets the requirements specified in ANSI Z359.1 that

encircles and closes around the waist and legs with attachment elements appropriate for positioning

work.

(44) Qualified person. One who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional

standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training, and experience, has successfully demonstrated

his/her ability to solve or resolve problems related to the subject matter, the work, or the project.

Chapter 296-880 WAC Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 7

(45) Repair. To restore a building, machine, roadway, etc., to an original state after damage or decay.

(46) Restraint line. A line from a fixed anchorage or between two anchorages to which an employee is

secured in such a way as to prevent the worker from falling to a lower level.

(47) Roof. The exterior surface on the top of a building. This does not include floors or formwork

which, because a building has not been completed, temporarily become the top surface of a building.

(48) Roofing work. The hoisting, storage, application, and removal of roofing materials and equipment,

including related insulation, sheet metal, and vapor barrier work, but not including the construction

of the roof deck.

(49) Rope grab. A fall arrester that is designed to move up or down a lifeline suspended from a fixed

overhead or horizontal anchorage point, or lifeline, to which the full body harness is attached. In the

event of a fall, the rope grab locks onto the lifeline rope through compression to arrest the fall. The

use of a rope grab device is restricted for all restraint applications. See WAC 296-880-40025.

(50) Runway. A passageway for persons, elevated above the surrounding floor or ground level, such as

a footwalk along shafting or a walkway between buildings.

(51) Safety line. See “lifeline.”

(52) Safety monitoring system. A type of fall restraint system in which a competent person whose only

job responsibility is to recognize and warn employees of their proximity to fall hazards when

working between the warning line and the unprotected sides and edges, including the leading edge

of a low pitch roof or other walking/working surface.

(53) Safety net system. A type of fall arrest system, as described in WAC 296-880-40055.

(54) Safety watch system. A type of fall protection system in which a competent person is responsible

for recognizing and warning one employee of a fall hazard.

(55) Scaffold. A temporary elevated platform, including its supporting structure and anchorage points,

used for supporting employees or materials.

(56) Self-propelled elevating work platform. A self-propelled, integral chassis, elevating work

platform with a platform that cannot be positioned completely beyond the base.

(57) Self-rescue device. A piece of equipment designed to allow a person, who is suspended in a

personal fall arrest system, to independently rescue themselves after the fall by moving the device

up or down until they reach a surface and are no longer suspended.

(58) Self-retracting lifeline. A deceleration device which contains a wound line which may be slowly

extracted from, or retracted onto, the device under slight tension during normal employee

movement, and which after onset of a fall, automatically locks the drum and arrests the fall.

(59) Service. To repair or provide maintenance for.

(60) Shock absorbing lanyard. A flexible line of webbing, cable, or rope used to secure a full body

harness to a lifeline or anchorage point that has an integral shock absorber.

(61) Snap hook. See “locking snap hook.”

(62) Standard guardrail system. A type of fall restraint system that is a vertical barrier consisting of a

top rail and midrail, and toeboard when used as falling object protection for persons who may work

or pass below, that is erected along all open sides or edges of a walking/working surface, ramps,

platforms, or runways.

Chapter 296-880 WAC Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 8

(63) Standard strength and construction. Any construction of guardrails, handrails, covers, or other

guards that meets the requirements of this chapter.

(64) Static line. See “horizontal lifeline.”

(65) Steep pitched roof. A roof having a slope greater than four in 12.

(66) Structural member. A support that is a constituent part of any building or structure. Structural

members include columns, girders, beams, trusses, joists, and similar supporting members of a

building or structure.

(67) Suitable. That which fits, or has the qualities or qualifications to meet a given purpose, occasion,

condition, function, or circumstance.

(68) Temporary. The duration of the task the worker performs is brief or short.

(69) Toeboard. A vertical barrier at floor level erected along all open sides or edges of a floor opening,

platform, runway, ramp, or other walking/working surface to prevent materials, tools, or debris

from falling onto persons passing through or working in the area below.

(70) Unprotected sides and edges. Any open side or edge of a floor, roof, balcony/deck, platform,

ramp, runway, or walking/working surface where there is no standard guardrail system, or parapet

wall of solid strength and construction that is at least 39 inches in vertical height.

(71) Walking/working surface. Any surface, whether horizontal or vertical on which an employee

walks, works, or gains access to a work area or workplace location. Walking/working surfaces

include, but are not limited to, floors, the ground, roofs, ramps, bridges, runways, stairs,

dockboards, formwork, and reinforcing steel but not including ladders.

(72) Warning line system. A barrier erected on a walking and working surface or a low pitch roof (four

in 12 or less), to warn employees that they are approaching an unprotected fall hazard(s).

Chapter 296-880 WAC Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 9

WAC 296-880-100 Application.

Requirements that apply to all sections of this chapter.

WAC 296-880-10005 General requirements.

(1) The employer must ensure that all surfaces on which employees will be working or walking on are

structurally sound and will support them safely prior to allowing employees to work or walk on

them.

(2) Inspection criteria.

(a) The employer must inspect all components (including hardware, lanyards, and positioning

harnesses or full body harnesses depending on which system is used) of personal fall arrest

systems, personal fall restraint systems, and positioning device systems prior to each use

according to manufacturer's specifications for mildew, wear, damage, and other deterioration.

The employer must remove defective components from service if their function or strength

has been adversely affected.

(b) The employer must inspect safety nets at least once a week according to manufacturer's

specifications for wear, damage, and other deterioration. The employer must also inspect

safety nets after any occurrence which could affect the integrity of the safety net system. The

employer must remove defective components from service. The employer must not use

defective nets.

(3) The employer must only use personal fall arrest systems, personal fall restraint systems, positioning

device systems, and their components for employee protection and not to hoist materials.

(4) The employer must plan for and provide prompt rescue of employees in the event of a fall or must

assure the self-rescue capability of employees.

WAC 296-880-10010 Fall protection required regardless of height.

(1) Regardless of height, the employer must guard open-sided floors, walkways, platforms, or runways

above or adjacent to dangerous equipment, such as dip tanks and material handling equipment, and

similar hazards with a standard guardrail system.

(2) The employer must guard holes into which an employee can trip, step into, or step through by a

cover of standard strength and construction or a standard guardrail system.

Note: Requirements for guarding holes at heights of four feet or more are

located in WAC 296-880-20005.

(3) Regardless of height the employer must protect employees from falling into or onto impalement

hazards, such as: Reinforcing steel (rebar), exposed steel, or wood.

WAC 296-880-10015 Training.

(1) Provide fall protection training for employees exposed to fall hazards. The employer must provide

training for each employee exposed to fall hazards. The training must enable each employee to

recognize the hazards of falling and procedures to be followed in order to minimize those hazards.

(2) Each affected employee must be trained by a competent person to know at least the following:

(a) The nature of fall hazards in the work area;

Chapter 296-880 WAC Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 10

(b) When fall protection is required;

(d) The correct procedures for erecting, maintaining, assembling, disassembling, and inspecting

the fall protection systems to be used;

(e) The use and operation of fall protection systems used;

(f) Limitations of fall protection systems used;

(g) Proper care, maintenance, useful life, removal from service; and

(h) The requirements of this chapter.

(3) Make sure before an employee is allowed to perform work requiring the use of fall protection that

the employee can:

(a) Demonstrate an understanding of the training specified above; and

(b) Demonstrate the ability to use fall protection properly.

(4) Retrain employees who use fall protection, if necessary. Retrain an employee when the employer

has reason to believe the understanding, motivation, and skills required to use fall protection has not

been retained. Circumstances where retraining is required include:

(a) Changes in the workplace that make previous training out of date;

(b) Changes in the types of fall protection to be used make previous training out of date; and

necessary understanding, skill, or motivation to use fall protection.

(5) Document fall protection training. Document in writing that each employee has received and

understood the required training. This documentation must include:

(a) Name of each employee;

(b) Date(s) of training;

(d) Name or signature of the competent person who conducted the training, signature of the

employer, or employer’s designee.

Note: Documentation may be stored electronically as long as it is available to

safety and health personnel from the department of labor and industries.

WAC 296-880-10020 Fall protection work plan required at ten feet or more.

(1) The employer must develop and implement a written fall protection work plan including each area

of the work place where the employees are assigned and where fall hazards of ten feet or more

exist.

(2) The fall protection work plan must:

(a) Identify all fall hazards in the work area;

(b) Describe the method of fall arrest or fall restraint to be provided;

the fall protection system to be used;

Chapter 296-880 WAC Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 11

(d) Describe the proper procedures for the handling, storage, and securing of tools and materials;

(e) Describe the method of providing overhead protection for workers who may be in, or pass

through the area below the work area;

(f) Describe the method for prompt, safe removal of injured workers; and

(g) Be available on-site for inspection by the department.

(3) Prior to permitting employees into areas where fall hazards of ten feet or more exist the employer

must ensure employees are trained and instructed in the items described in subsection (2)(a)

through (f) of this section.

Note: A fall protection work plan is not required where the use of a guardrail

system eliminates the fall hazard.

Chapter 296-880 WAC Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 12

WAC 296-880-200 Fall protection required at four feet or more.

This section sets forth requirements for the use of fall protection at four feet or more unless specifically

addressed in WAC 296-880-300 of this chapter.

WAC 296-880-20005 Fall protection required at four feet or more.

The employer must ensure that fall arrest systems, fall restraint systems, or positioning device systems

are provided, installed, and implemented in accordance with WAC 296-880 400 Fall protection system

specifications when employees are exposed to fall hazards of four feet or more to the ground or lower

level.

(1) Walking/working surfaces with unprotected sides or edges. Except as required in subsections (2)

through (10) of this section, the employer must ensure that each employee on a walking/working

surface with an unprotected side or edge four feet or more above the ground or lower level is

protected by one of the following fall protection systems:

(a) A standard guardrail system, or the equivalent, as specified in WAC 296-880-40005, on all

open sides, except where there is entrance to a ramp, stairway, or ladder. The guardrail must

be provided with a standard toeboard wherever: Beneath the open sides, persons can pass,

there is moving machinery, or there is equipment with which falling materials could create a

hazard.

(i) When employees are using stilts, the height of the top rail or equivalent member of the

guardrail system must be increased (or additional rails may be added) an amount equal

to the height of the stilts while maintaining the strength specifications of the guardrail

system.

(ii) Where employees are working on or from platforms or ladders above the protection of

the guardrail system, the employer must either increase the height of the guardrail

system (or additional rails may be added) or select and implement another fall protection

system as specified in (b), (c), (d), (e), or (f) of this subsection.

(iii) When guardrails must be temporarily removed to perform a specific task, the area must

be constantly attended by an employee until the guardrail is replaced. The only duty the

employee must perform is to warn persons entering the area of the fall hazard. The

employee must be protected from the fall hazard by a personal fall arrest system or

personal fall restraint system.

(b) A personal fall restraint system;

(d) A safety net system;

(e) A catch platform; or

(f) A warning line system.

(2) Guarding of ramps, runways, and inclined walkways.

(a) Ramps, runways, and inclined walkways that are four feet or more above the ground or lower

level must be equipped with a standard guardrail system or the equivalent, as specified in

WAC 296-880-40005, along each open side. Wherever tools, machine parts, or materials are

likely to be used on the runway, a toeboard must also be installed on each open side to protect

persons working or passing below.

Chapter 296-880 WAC Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 13

(b) Runways used exclusively for special purposes may have the guardrail on one side omitted

where operating conditions necessitate such omission, provided the falling hazard is

minimized by using a runway not less than 18 inches wide.

Note: See WAC 296-880-40010 for other specific criteria for ramps, runways,

and inclined walkways.

(3) Holes.

(a) The employer must protect employees from falling into or through holes four feet or more to

the ground or lower level by one of the following fall protection systems:

(i) A standard guardrail system, or the equivalent, as specified in WAC 296-880-40005, on

all open sides, except where there is entrance to a ramp, stairway, or ladder. The

guardrail must be provided with a standard toeboard wherever, beneath the open sides,

persons can pass, or there is moving machinery, or there is equipment with which falling

materials could create a hazard;

(ii) A cover, as specified in WAC 296-880-40015;

(iii) A warning line system erected at least 15 feet from all unprotected sides or edges of the

hole and meets the requirements of WAC 296-880-40040;

(iv) When the cover, guardrail system, or warning line system must be temporarily removed

to perform a specific task, an employee must remain at the hole until the cover, guardrail

system, or warning line system is replaced. The only duty the employee must perform is

to warn persons entering the area of the fall hazard. The employee must be protected

from the fall hazard by a personal fall arrest system or personal fall restraint system; or

(v) Personal fall arrest systems or personal fall restraint systems.

(b) The employer must guard skylight holes and skylights.

(i) Unprotected skylight holes must be guarded by covers of standard strength and

construction, standard guardrail systems on all exposed sides, or employees must be

protected by personal fall restraint systems, or personal fall arrest systems.

(ii) If the skylight has been installed and is not capable of supporting, without failure, at

least twice the weight of employees, equipment, and materials that may be imposed on

the skylight at any one time, the skylight must be guarded by a cover of standard

strength and construction, a standard guardrail system on all sides, or employees must be

protected by personal fall restraint systems, or personal fall arrest systems.

(i) Hinged covers of standard strength and construction and a standard guardrail system

with only one exposed side. When the hole is not in use, the cover must be closed or the

exposed side must be guarded at both top and intermediate positions by removable

standard guardrail systems; or

(ii) A removable standard guardrail system with toeboard on not more than two sides of the

hole and fixed standard guardrail system with toeboards on all other exposed sides. The

removable guardrail must be kept in a place when the hole is not in use and must be

hinged or otherwise mounted so as to be conveniently replaceable.

Chapter 296-880 WAC Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 14

(d) The employer must guard ladderways or platforms by a standard guardrail system with

standard toeboards on all exposed sides, except at the entrance to a hole, with the passage

through the guardrail either provided with a swinging gate or so offset that a person cannot

walk directly into the hole.

(e) The employer must guard pits and trap door holes by covers of standard strength and

construction. While the cover is not in place, the pit or trap door holes must be protected on

all exposed sides by a standard guardrail system.

(f) The employer must guard repair pits, service pits, and assembly pits by a cover, a guardrail

system, a fall restraint system or fall arrest system.

(g) The employer must guard manholes by standard covers which need not be hinged in place.

While the cover is not in place, the hole must be constantly attended or must be protected by a

removable standard guardrail system.

(4) Guarding of openings. The employer must ensure that each employee working on, at, above, or

near openings (including those with chutes attached) where the outside bottom edge of the opening

is four feet or more above a lower level and the inside bottom edge of the opening is less than 39

inches above the working surface, are protected from falling by the use of a guardrail system, a

safety net system, a personal fall arrest system, or personal fall restraint system.

(5) Fall protection during form and reinforcing work. The employer must ensure that employees

exposed to fall hazards of four feet or more while placing or tying reinforcing steel or working on

the face of formwork or reinforcing steel are protected by personal fall arrest systems, positioning

device systems, or safety net systems.

(6) Fall protection on steep pitched roofs. Regardless of the work activity, the employer must ensure

that employees exposed to fall hazards of four feet or more while working on a roof with a pitch

greater than four in 12 use one of the following:

(a) Fall restraint system. Safety monitor systems and warning line systems are prohibited on

steep pitched roofs;

(b) A personal fall arrest system; or

(7) Fall protection on low pitched roofs. The employer must ensure that employees exposed to fall

hazards of four feet or more while engaged in work, other than roofing work or constructing a

leading edge on low pitched roofs use one of the following:

(a) A personal fall restraint system;

(b) A personal fall arrest system;

(d) A warning line system;

(e) A standard guardrail system;

(f) Safety watch system when work, other than construction work, is performed that is both

infrequent and temporary, and not within six feet of the roof edge.

Chapter 296-880 WAC Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 15

EXCEPTION:

When work, other than construction work, is performed 15 feet or more from

the roof edge, the employer is not required to provide any fall protection,

provided the work is both infrequent and temporary and the employer

implements and enforces a work rule prohibiting employees from going within

15 feet of the roof edge without using fall protection in accordance with (a)

through (f) of this subsection.

(8) Hazardous slopes. Employees exposed to falls of four feet or more while performing construction

work on a hazardous slope must use personal fall restraint systems or positioning device systems.

(9) Vehicles and rolling stock. The employer must ensure that employees exposed to fall hazards of

four feet or more to the ground or lower level from vehicles or rolling stock on which employees

must be located in order to perform their job duties are protected by fall arrest systems, fall restraint

systems, or positioning device systems.

EXCEPTION:

Where suitable anchorages cannot be provided or when the use of fall

protection creates a greater hazard, work may be performed on vehicles or

rolling stock without a fall protection system.

WAC 296-880-20010 Exemption from fall protection requirements in this section.

Employees are exempt from WAC 296-880-20005 under the following conditions:

(1) During initial installation of the fall protection anchor prior to engaging in any work activity, or the

disassembly of the fall protection anchor after all work activities have been completed.

(2) When employees are inspecting, investigating, or assessing roof level conditions or work to be

performed only on low pitch roofs prior to the start of any work activity or after all work activities

have been completed.

This exemption does not apply on steep pitch roofs, where construction work is underway, or when fall

protection systems or equipment meeting the requirements of this chapter have been installed and are

available for workers to use for pre-work and post-work inspections, investigations, or assessments.

Note: Examples of activities the department recognizes as inspecting or

estimating include:

 Measuring a roof to determine the amount of materials needed for a

project;

 Inspecting a roof for damage without removing equipment or

components; and

 Assessing the roof to determine what methods of fall protection will

be provided employees.

Chapter 296-880 WAC Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 16

Note: Examples the department does not recognize as inspecting or estimating

under this exemption include:

 Delivering, staging or storing materials on a roof; and

 Persons estimating or inspecting on roofs that would be considered

“hazardous slope” be definition.

Chapter 296-880 WAC Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 17

WAC 296-880-300 Specific fall protection requirements.

This section addresses specific fall protection requirements not already addressed in WAC 296-880-200

of this chapter.

WAC 296-880-30005 Construction work.

This section applies to work activities under the scope of chapter 296-155 WAC, Safety standards for

construction work, unless specifically addressed in WAC 296-880-200 of this chapter.

(1) The employer must ensure that a fall arrest system, fall restraint system, or positioning device

system is provided, installed, and implemented in accordance with WAC 296-880-400 Fall

protection system specifications when employees are exposed to fall hazards of six feet or more to

the ground or lower level while:

(a) Engaged in roofing work on a low pitched roof;

(b) Constructing a leading edge.

EXCEPTION:

Employees not directly involved with constructing the leading edge, or are not

performing roofing work must comply with WAC 296-880-200 Fall protection

required at four feet or more.

(2) The employer must ensure that a fall arrest system, fall restraint system, or positioning device

system is provided, installed, and implemented in accordance with WAC 296-880-400 Fall

protection system specifications when employees are exposed to fall hazards of 10 feet or more to

the ground or lower level while:

(a) Engaged in the erection or placement of structural members.

EXCEPTION:

When the erection or placement of structural members is performed on or from

a floor, deck, roof, or similar surface you must comply with WAC 296-880-200

Fall protection required at four feet or more.

(b) Engaged in excavation and trenching operations.

(i) Exceptions. Fall protection is not required at excavations when employees are:

(A) Directly involved with the excavation process and on the ground at the top edge of

the excavation; or

(B) Working at an excavation site where appropriate sloping of side walls has been

implemented as the excavation protective system.

(ii) Fall protection is required for employees standing in or working in the affected area of a

trench or excavation exposed to a fall hazard of 10 feet or more; and:

(A) The employees are not directly involved with the excavation process; or

(B) The employees are on the protective system or any other structure in the

excavation.

Chapter 296-880 WAC Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 18

Note: Persons considered directly involved in the excavation process include:

1. Foreman of the crew.

2. Signal person.

3. Employee hooking on pipe or other materials.

4. Grade person.

5. State, county, or city inspectors inspecting the excavation or trench.

6. An engineer or other professional conducting a quality-assurance

inspection.

(3) Employees are exempt from WAC 296-880-30005 under the following conditions:

(a) During initial installation of the fall protection anchor prior to engaging in any work activity,

or the disassembly of the fall protection anchor after all work activities have been completed;

(b) When employees are inspecting, investigating, or assessing roof level conditions or work to

be performed only on low pitch roofs prior to the start of construction work or after all

construction work has been completed;

This exemption does not apply on steep pitch roofs, where construction work is underway, or when

fall protection systems or equipment meeting the requirements of this chapter have been installed

and are available for workers to use for pre-work and post-work inspections, investigations, or

assessments.

Note: Examples of activities the department recognizes as inspecting or

estimating include:

 Measuring a roof to determine the amount of materials needed for a

project;

 Inspecting a roof for damage without removing equipment or

components; and

 Assessing the roof to determine what method of fall protection will be

provided to employees.

Note: Examples the department does not recognize as inspecting or estimating

under this exemption include:

 Delivering, staging, or storing materials on a roof; and

 Persons estimating or inspecting on roofs that would be considered

“hazardous slope” by definition.

duties.

WAC 296-880-30010 Order pickers (PITS).

This section applies to powered industrial trucks under the scope of chapter 296-863 WAC, Forklifts and

other powered industrial trucks.

(1) The employer must ensure all persons operating an order picker are protected by standard

guardrails on all open sides; or

Chapter 296-880 WAC Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 19

(2) A full body harness and lanyard that are connected to a tie-off point that has been approved by the

PIT manufacturer.

Additional requirements for powered industrial trucks can be found in chapter 296-863 WAC, Forklifts

and other powered industrial trucks.

WAC 296-880-30015 Elevating work platforms.

(1) This section applies to the following types of elevating work platforms covered under the scope of

chapter 296-869 WAC, Elevating work platforms:

(a) Aerial lifts;

(b) Manually propelled elevating work platforms that have a platform that cannot be positioned

completely beyond the base;

(d) Boom-supported elevating work platforms that have a boom-supported platform that can be

positioned completely beyond the base.

EXEMPTION: This section does not apply to elevating work platforms used:

1. By the fire services for combat that are covered by chapter 296-305 WAC,

Safety standards for firefighters; or

2. For agriculture activities covered by chapter 296-307 WAC, Safety

standards for agriculture.

(2) This subsection applies to vehicle mounted aerial devices. Before elevating the platform, the

employer must ensure all persons on the platform wear a full body harness with a lanyard attached

to either:

(a) The manufacturer's recommended attachment point; or

(b) The boom or platform if the manufacturer does not specify an attachment point.

The employee must never attach a lanyard to an adjacent pole, structure, or equipment.

(3) This subsection applies to manually propelled and self-propelled elevating work platforms. Before

elevating the platform, the employer must ensure all persons on the platform are wearing fall

protection devices and other safety gear, if required by the manufacturer of the platform.

(4) This subsection applies to boom supported elevating work platforms. Before elevating the

platform, the employer must ensure all persons on the platform of boom-supported elevating work

platforms wear a full body harness and lanyard fixed to manufacturer provided and approved

attachment points.

Additional requirements for elevating work platforms can be found in chapter 296-869 WAC, Elevating

work platforms.

WAC 296-880-30020 Powered platforms.

This section applies to permanent powered platform installations dedicated to interior or exterior building

maintenance of a specific structure or group of structures under the scope of chapter 296-870 WAC,

Powered platforms.

Chapter 296-880 WAC Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 20

(1) Building owner certifications. The employer must obtain written certification from the building

owner of any building with a powered platform installation that was completed or had major

modification done after July 23, 1990, that the building and equipment meets the requirements of

new installations-buildings in WAC 296-870-600 and new installations-equipment in WAC 296-

870-700.

Note: The building owner needs to base the certification on:

1. The field test of the installation done before it is first placed into service or

following any major modification to an existing installation; and

2. All other relevant information including, but not limited to:

a. Test data;

b. Equipment specifications;

c. Verification by a registered professional engineer.

(2) The employer must obtain written certification from the building owner that the installation:

(a) Has been inspected, tested, and maintained as required by inspection, testing, and

maintenance in WAC 296-870-300; and

(b) All fall protection anchorages meet the requirements of WAC 296-880-40020.

(3) The employer must prohibit employees from using the installation until the building owner has

provided the required written certifications.

(4) The employer must protect employees on working platforms with a personal fall arrest system that

meets the requirements of WAC 296-880-40020.

(5) The employer must ensure employees working on a roof or other elevated working surface four feet

or more above a lower level are protected in accordance with WAC 296-880-200.

Additional requirements for powered platforms can be found in chapter 296-870 WAC, Powered

platforms.

WAC 296-880-30025 Window cleaning.

This section applies to all window cleaning activities performed on the inside or outside of a building in

which the window cleaner is working from a level that is located more than four feet above grade or

lower level under the scope of chapter 296-878 WAC, Safety standards for window cleaning.

(1) The employer must ensure employees working on a roof or other elevated working surface four feet

or more above a lower level are protected in accordance with WAC 296-880-200.

(2) The employer must ensure all workers suspended from a boatswain's chair or rope descent system

use an independent fall arrest system where the fall arrest anchorage is separate from the suspension

system anchorage.

(3) The employer must ensure workers assemble and wear their personal fall arrest equipment before

they approach the point of suspension.

(4) The employer must ensure workers are connected at all times to the fall arrest system while they are

suspended.

(5) The employer must prohibit use of the following equipment for window-cleaning operations:

Chapter 296-880 WAC Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 21

(a) Portable sills;

(b) Window jacks;

(d) Suspension or fall-arrest ropes made entirely of polypropylene that do not have a minimum

breaking strength of five thousand pounds (22.2 kN).

Additional requirements for window cleaning can be found in chapter 296-878 WAC, Safety standards

for window cleaning.

WAC 296-880-30030 Scaffolds.

This section applies to suspended and supported scaffolds under the scope of chapter 296-874 WAC,

Scaffolds.

(1) The employer must protect each employee on a scaffold from falling ten feet or more to a lower

level, by providing either:

(a) A personal fall arrest system; or

(b) Guardrails.

(2) The employer must ensure personal fall arrest systems are attached by a lanyard to one of the

following:

(a) Vertical lifeline;

(b) Horizontal lifeline; or

Note: Specifications for these personal fall arrest systems can be found in

WAC 296-880-40020.

Note: Specifications for guardrail systems used with scaffolds can be found in

subsection (8) of this section.

Note: Specifications for vertical lifelines can be found in subsection (9) of this

section.

Note: Specifications for horizontal lifelines can be found in subsection (10) of

this section.

(3) Provide fall protection for persons erecting or dismantling supported scaffolds.

(a) The employer must have a competent person determine the feasibility of providing fall

protection for persons erecting or dismantling supported scaffolds.

(b) The employer must provide fall protection if the installation and use of fall protection is:

(i) Feasible; and

(ii) Does not create a greater hazard.

Chapter 296-880 WAC Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 22

(4) The employer must ensure employees erecting the scaffold install the guardrail system, if required,

before the scaffold is used by any other employees.

(5) Provide fall protection if a scaffold is too far from the work face. The employer must provide a

guardrail system along the front edge of the platform, or have employees use a personal fall arrest

system, if the distance from the front edge of the platform to the work face is greater than:

(a) Eighteen inches (46 cm) for scaffolds used for plastering and lathing operations;

(b) Fourteen inches (36 cm) for all other scaffolds.

(6) Provide specific types of fall protection for specific types of scaffolds.

(a) The employer must use a personal fall arrest system to protect employees on the following

scaffolds:

(i) Boatswain's chair;

(ii) Catenary scaffold;

(iii) Float scaffold;

(iv) Ladder jack scaffold;

(v) Needle beam scaffold.

(b) The employer must use a personal fall arrest system and a guardrail system to protect

employees on:

(i) Single-point adjustable suspension scaffolds; and

(ii) Two-point adjustable suspension scaffolds.

(7) The employer must protect employees working on a self-contained adjustable scaffold that has the

platform:

(a) Supported by the frame structure, using a guardrail system with a minimum two-hundred

pound top rail capacity;

(b) Suspended by ropes, using:

(i) A guardrail system with a minimum two-hundred pound top rail capacity; and

(ii) A personal fall arrest system.

(8) The employer must protect employees on walkways located within a scaffold by using a guardrail

system that meets all of the following:

(a) Has a minimum two-hundred pound top rail capacity;

(b) Is installed within nine and one-half inches (24.1 cm) of the walkway; and

(9) Ensure vertical lifelines used with personal fall arrest systems meet these requirements:

(a) The employer must make sure vertical lifelines are all of the following:

(i) Fastened to a fixed, safe point of anchorage;

(ii) Independent of the scaffold; and

(iii) Protected from sharp edges and abrasion.

Chapter 296-880 WAC Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 23

Note: Safe points of anchorages include structural members of buildings, but

do not include:

1. Standpipes, vents, or other piping systems;

2. Electrical conduit;

3. Outrigger beams; and

4. Counter weights.

(b) The employer must ensure vertical lifelines, independent support lines, and suspension ropes

are not attached to any of the following:

(i) Each other;

(ii) The same point of anchorage; or

(iii) The same point on the scaffold.

do not use the same point of anchorage.

(d) The employer must ensure independent support lines and suspension ropes are not attached to

a personal fall arrest system.

(e) The employer must ensure vertical lifelines are not used with single-point or two-point

adjustable suspension scaffolds that have overhead components such as overhead protection

or additional platform levels.

(10) Ensure horizontal lifelines used with personal fall arrest systems meet these requirements:

(a) The employer must equip single-point or two-point adjustable suspension scaffolds that use

horizontal lifelines or structural members of the scaffold for fall protection with both of the

following:

(i) Additional independent support lines that are equal in number and equivalent in strength

to the suspension ropes; and

(ii) Automatic locking devices capable of stopping the scaffold from falling if one or both of

the suspension ropes fail.

(b) The employer must make sure horizontal lifelines are secured to either:

(i) Two or more structural members of the scaffold; or

(ii) Looped around both the suspension ropes and independent support lines above the hoist

and brake attached to the end of the scaffold.

(i) Attached to each other or the same point on the scaffold;

(ii) Attached to or use the same point of anchorage.

(d) The employer must ensure independent support lines and suspension ropes are not attached to

either:

(i) A personal fall arrest system; or

(ii) The same point on the scaffold as a personal fall arrest system.

Chapter 296-880 WAC Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 24

(e) The employer must ensure, if a horizontal lifeline is used where it may become a vertical

lifeline, that the device used to connect a lanyard to the horizontal lifeline is capable of

locking in both directions on the lifeline.

(11) The employer must ensure independent support lines and suspension ropes are not:

(a) Attached to each other or the same point on the scaffold;

(b) Attached to or use the same point of anchorage.

(12) The employer must ensure independent support lines and suspension ropes are not attached to

either:

(a) A personal fall arrest system; or

(b) The same point on the scaffold as a personal fall arrest system.

(13) The employer must ensure, if a horizontal lifeline is used where it may become a vertical lifeline,

that the device used to connect a lanyard to the horizontal lifeline is capable of locking in both

directions on the lifeline.

(14) The employer must ensure guardrails, if required, are installed along all open sides and ends of

platforms.

EXEMPTION:

For employees doing overhand bricklaying operations from a supported

scaffold, a guardrail is not required on the side next to the wall.

(15) The employer must ensure the height of the top rail, top edge, or the equivalent member, of

supported scaffolds is:

(a) At least thirty-six inches (0.9 m) and not more than forty-five inches (1.2 m) above the

platform surface for scaffolds manufactured or first placed in service before January 1, 2000;

(b) At least thirty-eight inches (0.97 m) and not more than forty-five inches (1.2 m) above the

platform surface for scaffolds manufactured or first placed in service after January 1, 2000;

suspended scaffolds that require guardrails and personal fall arrest systems, is at least thirty-

six inches (0.9 m) and not more than forty-five inches (1.2 m) above the platform surface.

EXEMPTION:

When conditions warrant, the height of the top edge of the top rail may be

greater than forty-five inches if the guardrail meets all other criteria of this

section.

(16) The employer must make sure the top edge of the top rail does not drop below the required height

when the minimum load, shown in Table 2, Minimum Top Rail and Midrail Strength Requirements,

is used.

(17) The employer must make sure each top rail and midrail, or equivalent member, of a guardrail

system is able to withstand, without failure, the force shown in Table 1, Minimum Top Rail and

Midrail Strength Requirements, when the force is applied as follows:

(a) To the top rail in a downward or horizontal direction at any point along its top edge;

Chapter 296-880 WAC Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 25

(b) To the midrail in a downward or horizontal direction at any point.

Note: Midrail includes screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, solid

panels, and equivalent structural members of the guardrail system.

Table 1 Minimum Top Rail and Midrail Strength

Requirements

Type of Scaffold

Top Rail Capacity

Midrail Capacity

Single-point

adjustable

suspension

scaffolds

100 pounds (445 N)

75 pounds (333 N)

Two-point

adjustable

suspension

scaffolds

All other scaffolds

200 pounds (890 N)

150 pounds (666 N)

Walkways within a

scaffold

(18) The employer must install midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, solid panels, or

equivalent structural members as follows:

(a) Midrails at a height approximately midway between the top edge of the guardrail system and

the platform surface;

(b) Screens and mesh:

(i) From the top edge of the guardrail system to the scaffold platform; and

(ii) Along the entire opening between the supports.

cm) apart.

(19) The employer must make sure steel or plastic banding is not used as a top rail or midrail.

(20) The employer must have a competent person inspect manila rope and plastic or other synthetic rope

that is used as a top rail or midrail as frequently as necessary to make sure it continues to meet the

strength requirements for a top rail or midrail.

Note: Crossbraces may be used as a top rail or midrail in a guardrail system if

they meet the following requirements:

1. The crossing point of the two braces is between:

a. 20" and 30" above the work platform when used as a midrail.

b. 38" and 48" above the work platform when used as a top rail.

2. The end points at each upright are not more than 48" apart.

Additional requirements for scaffolds can be found in chapter 296-874 WAC, Scaffolds.

Chapter 296-880 WAC Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 26

WAC 296-880-30035 Cranes.

This section applies to all cranes covered under the scope of chapter 296-155 WAC, Part L, Cranes,

rigging, and personnel lifting.

(1) Fall protection systems:

(a) Personal fall arrest systems must conform to the criteria in WAC 296-880-40020.

(b) Personal fall restraint systems must conform to the criteria in WAC 296-880-40025.

(2) For nonassembly/disassembly work on cranes/derricks except tower cranes, the employer must

provide and ensure the use of fall protection equipment for employees six feet or more above a

lower level as follows:

(a) When moving point-to-point:

(i) On nonlattice booms (whether horizontal or not horizontal);

(ii) On lattice booms that are not horizontal;

(iii) On horizontal lattice booms where the fall distance is ten feet or more above a lower

level.

(b) While at a work station on any part of the crane (including the boom, of any type).

Note: If the equipment is running and the employee is at or near the draw-

works, precautions should be taken to ensure the fall protection gear will

not become entangled.

(3) For assembly/disassembly work on cranes/derricks except tower cranes, the employer must provide

and ensure the use of fall protection equipment for employees ten feet or more above a lower level.

(4) Tower cranes.

(a) For work other than erecting, climbing, and dismantling, the employer must provide and

ensure the use of fall protection equipment for employees six feet or more above a lower

level.

Note: If the equipment is running and the employee is at or near the draw-

works, precautions should be taken to ensure the fall protection gear will

not become entangled.

(b) For erecting, climbing, and dismantling work, the employer must provide and ensure the use

of fall protection equipment for employees ten feet or more above a lower level.

(5) Anchorage criteria applicable to all cranes.

(a) Anchorages used for attachment of personal fall arrest equipment must be independent of any

anchorage being used to support or suspend platforms and capable of supporting at least five

thousand pounds (22.2 kN) per employee attached, or must be designed, installed, and used as

follows:

(i) As part of a complete personal fall arrest system which maintains a safety factor of at

least two; and

Chapter 296-880 WAC Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 27

(ii) Under the supervision of a qualified person.

(b) Positioning devices must be secured to an anchorage capable of supporting at least twice the

potential impact load of an employee's fall or three thousand pounds (13.3 kN), whichever is

greater.

(i) Personal fall arrest systems may be anchored to any apparently substantial part of the

equipment unless a competent person, from a visual inspection, without an engineering

analysis, would conclude that the criteria in (a) of this subsection would not be met.

(ii) Positioning device systems may be anchored to any apparently substantial part of the

crane unless a competent person, from a visual inspection, without an engineering

analysis, would conclude that the criteria in (b) of this subsection would not be met.

(iii) Attachable anchor devices (portable anchor devices that are attached to the crane) must

meet the anchorage criteria in (a) of this subsection for personal fall arrest systems and

(b) of this subsection for positioning device systems.

(d) Anchorages for fall restraint systems. Fall restraint systems may be anchored to any part of

the crane that is capable of withstanding twice the maximum load that an employee may

impose on it during reasonably anticipated conditions of use.

(e) Anchoring to the load line. A personal fall arrest system is permitted to be anchored to the

crane/derrick's hook (or other part of the load line) where all of the following requirements

are met:

(i) A qualified person has determined that the set-up and rated capacity of the crane/derrick

(including the hook, load line, and rigging) meets or exceeds the requirements in (a) of

this subsection;

(ii) The crane operator must be at the worksite and informed that the crane is being used for

this purpose; and

(iii) No load is suspended from the load line when the personal fall arrest system is anchored

to the crane/derrick's hook (or other part of the load line).

(6) Training. The employer must train each employee who may be exposed to fall hazards while on, or

hoisted by, cranes/derricks covered by this section in accordance with WAC 296-880-10015.

Additional requirements for cranes can be found in chapter 296-155 WAC, Part L, Cranes, rigging and

personnel lifting.

WAC 296-880-30040 Telecommunication requirements that apply to wireless.

Requirements for telecommunications can be found in chapter 296-32 WAC, Safety standards for

telecommunications.

WAC 296-880-30045 Ship repairing, shipbuilding and shipbreaking.

This section applies to all ship repairing, shipbuilding and shipbreaking industries and operations under

the scope of chapter 296-304 WAC, Safety standards for ship repairing, shipbuilding and shipbreaking.

(1) The employer must provide and ensure the use of fall protection when employees work aloft or

elsewhere at elevations more than five feet above a solid surface.

Chapter 296-880 WAC Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 28

(2) Guarding of deck openings and edges.

(a) When employees are working in the vicinity of flush manholes and other small openings of

comparable size in the deck and other working surfaces, such openings must be suitably

covered or guarded to a height of not less than thirty inches, except where the use of such

guards is made impracticable by the work actually in progress.

(b) When employees are working around open hatches not protected by coamings to a height of

twenty-four inches or around other large openings, the edge of the opening must be guarded

in the working area to a height of thirty-six to forty-two inches, except where the use of such

guards is made impracticable by the work actually in progress.

surfaces, more than five feet above a solid surface, the edges must be guarded by adequate

guardrails meeting the requirements of WAC 296-304-05001 (9)(a) and (b), unless the nature

of the work in progress or the physical conditions prohibit the use or installation of such

guardrails.

(d) When employees are working near the unguarded edges of decks of vessels afloat, they must

be protected by buoyant personal flotation devices, meeting the requirements of WAC 296-

304-09017(1).

(e) Sections of bilges from which floor plates or gratings have been removed must be guarded by

guardrails except where they would interfere with work in progress. If these open sections are

in a walkway at least two ten-inch planks placed side by side, or equivalent, must be laid

across the opening to provide a safe walking surface.

(f) Gratings, walkways, and catwalks, from which sections or ladders have been removed, must

be barricaded with adequate guardrails.

Additional requirements for ship repairing, shipbuilding and shipbreaking can be found in chapter 296-

304 WAC, Safety standards for ship repairing, shipbuilding and shipbreaking.

WAC 296-880-30050 Longshore, stevedore, and waterfront related operations.

This section applies to any and all waterfront operations under the scope of chapter 296-56 WAC, Safety

standards—Longshore, stevedore, and waterfront related operations.

(1) The employer must ensure employees doing maintenance work on cranes, spouts or similar types of

equipment, eight feet or more above the ground or surface and not in an area that is protected by

any standard safeguards such as walkways with standard railings, or ladders with protective cages,

wear a full body harness and lanyard which can be attached to the structure.

(2) Guarding of edges. The employer must meet the following requirements for employee protection:

(a) Guardrails must be provided at locations where employees are exposed to falls of more than

four feet from floor or wall openings or waterside edges, including bridges or gangway-like

structures leading to pilings, vessel mooring or berthing installations.

(b) Guardrails are not required:

(i) At loading platforms and docks;

(ii) At waterside edges used for cargo or mooring line handling;

(iii) On the working sides of work platforms, skids, or similar workplaces which abut the

work area; or

Chapter 296-880 WAC Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 29

(iv) On railroad rolling stock, highway vehicles, intermodal containers, or similar equipment.

alternate means of fall protection, such as nets, must be used.

(3) The employer must ensure guardrails meet the following criteria:

(a) Guardrails must be capable of withstanding a force of at least two hundred pounds (890 N)

applied in any direction at mid-span of the top rail (when used), or at the uppermost point if

there is no guardrail.

(b) If not of solid baluster, grillwork, slatted, or similar construction, guardrails must consist of

top rails and midrails. Midrails, when used, must be positioned at approximately half the

height of the top rail.

inches (.091 m) high. Those installed after October 3, 1983, must be forty-two inches (1.07

m) high, plus or minus two inches (5.1 cm), high.

(d) Any nonrigid railing such as chain or wire rope must have a maximum sag, at the mid-point

between posts, of not more than six inches (15.24 cm).

(e) Top rails must be free of sharp edges and maintained in good repair.

(f) Rail ends must not overhang. This does not prohibit scrollwork, boxed ends or similar

nonhazardous projections.

(4) The employer must provide toeboards when employees below could be exposed to falling objects

such as tools. Toeboards must be at least three and one-half inches (8.9 cm) in height from top

edge to floor level, and be capable of withstanding a force of fifty pounds (222 N) applied in any

direction. Drainage clearance not in excess of one-eighth inch under toeboards is permitted.

(5) Stair railings must be capable of withstanding a force of at least two hundred pounds (890 N)

applied in any direction, and must not be more than thirty-six inches (0.91 m) nor less than thirty-

two inches (0.81 m) in height from the upper top rail surface to the tread surface in line with the

leading edge of the tread. Railings and midrails must be provided at any stairway having four or

more risers, as follows:

(a) For stairways less than forty-four inches (1.12 m) wide, at least one railing; and

(b) For stairways more than forty-four inches (1.12 m) but less than eighty-eight inches (2.24 m)

wide, a stair rail or handrail on each side, and if eighty-eight or more inches wide, an

additional intermediate handrail.

(6) The employer must maintain railings in good repair and free of sharp edges.

Additional requirements for longshore, stevedore and waterfront related operations can be found in

chapter 296-56 WAC, Safety standards for longshore, stevedore and waterfront related operations.

WAC 296-880-30055 Ski area facilities and operations.

This section applies to all persons, firms, corporations, or others engaged in the operation of organized

ski areas and facilities under the scope of chapter 296-59 WAC, Safety standards for ski area facilities

and operations.

(1) Personal protective equipment, general requirements.

Chapter 296-880 WAC Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 30

(a) Personal fall arrest systems or personal fall restraint systems must be provided and used

whenever employees are working in locations which expose them to a fall hazard of four feet

or more.

(b) Employees will not be required to wear personal fall protection systems while riding on a

standard lift chair while seated in the normal riding position.

(2) Ski lift facilities and structures. Personal fall arrest systems or personal fall restraint systems must

be used when working at unprotected elevated locations. Exception to this requirement must only

be permitted for emergency rescue or emergency inspection if a personal fall arrest system is not

immediately available. Required personal protective equipment must be made available as quickly

as possible.

(3) Guardrails on ski lift aerial work platforms.

(a) The platform must be equipped with standard height and strength guardrails where such

guardrails will pass through the configuration of all lifts on which it is intended to be used.

(b) Where guardrails must be less than 39 inches high in order to clear carriages, guidage, etc.,

guardrails must be as high as will clear the obstructions but never less than 12 inches high.

equipped with a toeboard at least four inches high.

(d) Each platform must be equipped with a lanyard attachment ring for each permissible occupant

to attach a personal fall arrest system or personal fall restraint system.

(e) Each lanyard attachment ring must be of such strength as to sustain 5,400 pounds of static

loading for each occupant permitted to be attached to a specific ring.

(f) Attachment rings must be permanently located as close to the center balance point of the

platform as is practical.

(g) The rings may be movable, for instance, up and down a central suspension rod, but must not

be completely removable.

(4) Work platform use.

(a) Passengers must be provided with and must use the correct personal fall arrest system or

personal fall restraint system for the intended work.

(b) Any time a passenger's position is not protected by a standard guardrail at least 39 inches

high, the individual must be protected by a personal fall restraint system, which will not

permit free-fall over the platform edge.

a personal fall arrest or personal fall restraint system, the lanyard must be attached to the work

platform, not to the haulrope or tower.

All specifications would be in accordance with WAC 296-880-400.

Additional requirements for ski area facilities and operations can be found in chapter 296-59 WAC,

Safety standard for ski area facilities and operations.

Chapter 296-880 WAC Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 31

WAC 296-880-400 Fall protection system specifications.

This section applies to all fall protection systems under the scope of this chapter unless specifically

addressed in WAC 296-880-300.

WAC 296-880-40005 Guardrail systems.

Guardrail systems and their use must conform to the following provisions:

(1) A standard guardrail system must consist of top rail, intermediate rail, and posts, and must have a

vertical height of 39 to 45 inches from upper surface of top rail to floor, platform, runway, or ramp

level. When conditions warrant, the height of the top edge may exceed the 45 five inch height,

provided the guardrail system meets all other criteria of this subsection. The intermediate rail must

be halfway between the top rail and the floor, platform, runway, or ramp. The ends of the rails must

not overhang the terminal posts except where such overhang does not constitute a projection

hazard.

(2) Minimum requirements for standard guardrail systems under various types of construction are

specified in the following items:

(a) For wood guardrails, the posts must be of at least two-inch by four-inch stock spaced not to

exceed eight feet. The top rail must be of at least two-inch by four-inch stock and each length

of lumber must be smooth surfaced throughout the length of the guardrail. The intermediate

rail must be of at least one-inch by six-inch stock. Other configurations may be used for the

top rail when the configuration meets the requirements of (g) of this subsection.

(b) For pipe guardrails, posts and top and intermediate rails must be at least one and one-half

inches nominal OD diameter with posts spaced not more than eight feet on centers. Other

configurations may be used for the top rail when the configuration meets the requirements of

(g) of this subsection.

two-inch by three-eighths inch angles or other metal shapes of equivalent bending strength,

with posts spaced not more than eight feet on centers. Other configurations may be used for

the top rail when the configuration meets the requirements of (g) of this subsection.

(d) For wire rope guardrails, the top and intermediate rails must meet the strength factor and

deflection of (h)(ii) of this subsection. The top rail must be flagged at not more than six foot

intervals with high visibility material. Posts must be spaced not more than eight feet on

centers. The rope must be stretched taut and must be between 39 and 45 inches in height at

all points. Other configurations may be used for the top rail when the configuration meets the

requirements of (h) of this subsection.

(e) Guardrail systems must be of such construction that the completed structure is capable of

withstanding a load of at least 200 pounds applied within two inches of the top edge, in any

outward or downward direction, at any point along the top edge.

(f) When the 200 pound test load specified in (e) of this subsection is applied in a downward

direction, the top edge of the guardrail must not deflect to a height less than 39 inches above

the walking/working surface.

(g) Guardrails receiving heavy stresses from employees trucking or handling materials must be

provided additional strength by the use of heavier stock, closer spacing of posts, bracing, or

by other means.

Chapter 296-880 WAC Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 32

(h) Other types, sizes, and arrangements of guardrail construction are acceptable, provided they

meet the following conditions:

(i) A smooth surfaced top rail at a height above floor, platform, runway, or ramp level

between 39 and 45 inches;

(ii) When the 200 pound (890 N) load specified in (e) of this subsection is applied in a

downward direction, the top edge of the guardrail must not deflect to a height less than

39 inches (1.0 m) above the walking/working surface. Guardrail system components

selected and constructed in accordance with this chapter will be deemed to meet this

requirement;

(iii) Protection between top rail and floor, platform, runway, ramp, or stair treads, equivalent

at least to that afforded by a standard intermediate rail;

(iv) Elimination of overhang of rail ends unless such overhang does not constitute a hazard.

(3) Toeboard specifications.

(a) A standard toeboard must be a minimum of three and one-half inches in vertical height from

the top edge to the level of the walking/working surface. Toeboards may be made of any

substantial material, either solid, or with openings not over one inch in greatest dimension.

Toeboards must be securely fastened in place with no more than one-quarter inch clearance

above the walking/working surface.

(b) Where material is piled to such height that a standard toeboard does not provide protection,

paneling, or screening from floor to intermediate rail or to top rail must be provided.

WAC 296-880-40010 Ramps, runways, and inclined walkway requirements.

Ramps, runways, and inclined walkways must conform to the following provisions:

(1) Be at least eighteen inches wide; and

(2) Not be inclined more than twenty degrees from horizontal and when inclined, they must be cleated

or otherwise treated to prevent a slipping hazard on the walking surface.

Note: See WAC 296-880-20005 for guarding ramps, runways, and inclined

walkways that are four feet or more above the ground or lower level.

WAC 296-880-40015 Cover requirements—Holes and openings.

Covers and their use must conform to the following provisions:

(1) Hole covers must be of any material that meets the following strength requirements:

(a) Conduits, trenches, and manhole covers and their supports, when located in roadways, and

vehicular aisles must be designed to carry a truck rear axle load of at least two times the

maximum intended load;

(b) Hole covers must be capable of supporting, without failure, at least twice the weight of

employees, equipment, and materials that may be imposed on the cover at any one time.

(2) All covers must be secured when installed so as to prevent accidental displacement by wind,

equipment, or employees.

(3) All temporary covers must be color coded or they must be marked with the word “hole” or “cover”

to provide warning of the hazard.

Chapter 296-880 WAC Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 33

(4) Barriers and screens used to cover openings must meet the following requirements:

(a) Barriers must be of such construction and mounting that, when in place at the opening, the

barrier is capable of withstanding a load of at least two hundred pounds applied in any

direction (except upward), with a minimum of deflection at any point on the top rail or

corresponding member.

(b) Screens must be of such construction and mounting that they are capable of withstanding a

load of at least two hundred pounds applied horizontally at any point on the near side of the

screen. They may be of solid construction of either grill work with openings not more than

eight inches long, or of slat work with openings not more than four inches wide with length

unrestricted.

WAC 296-880-40020 Personal fall arrest system requirements.

Personal fall arrest systems and their use must conform to the following provisions:

(1) Personal fall arrest systems:

(a) A full body harness must be used.

(b) The attachment point of the full body harness must be located in the center of the wearer's

back near shoulder level, or above the wearer's head.

(d) The employer must protect all safety lines and lanyards against being cut or abraded.

(e) D-rings and snap hooks must be proof-tested to a minimum tensile load of thirty-six hundred

pounds (16 kN) without cracking, breaking, or taking permanent deformation.

(f) Snap hooks must be a locking type snap hook designed and used to prevent disengagement of

the snap hook by the contact of the snap hook keeper by the connected member.

(g) Unless the snap hook is designed for the following connections, snap hooks must not be

engaged:

(i) Directly to the webbing, rope, or wire rope;

(ii) To each other;

(iii) To a D-ring to which another snap hook or other connector is attached;

(iv) To a horizontal lifeline; or

(v) To any object which is incompatibly shaped or dimensioned in relation to the snap hook

such that unintentional disengagement could occur by the connected object being able to

depress the snap hook keeper and release itself.

(h) Hardware must be drop forged, pressed or formed steel, or made of materials equivalent in

strength.

(i) Hardware must have a corrosion resistant finish, and all surfaces and edges must be smooth to

prevent damage to the attached full body harness or lanyard.

(j) All components of full body harness systems whose strength is not otherwise specified in this

section must be capable of supporting a minimum fall impact load of five thousand pounds

(22.2 kN) applied at the lanyard point of connection.

Chapter 296-880 WAC Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 34

(k) Vertical lifelines (droplines) must have a minimum breaking strength of five thousand pounds

(22.2 kN), except that self-retracting lifelines and lanyards which automatically limit free fall

distance to two feet (.61 m) or less must have a minimum breaking strength of three thousand

pounds (13.3 kN).

(l) When vertical lifelines (droplines) are used, not more than one employee must be attached to

any one lifeline.

(m) Horizontal lifelines must be designed, installed, and used, under the supervision of a qualified

person, as part of a complete personal fall arrest system, which maintains a safety factor of at

least two.

(2) (a) Anchorages for full body harness systems.

(b) Anchorages for full body harness systems must be capable of supporting (per employee):

(i) Three thousand pounds when used in conjunction with:

(A) A self-retracting lifeline that limits the maximum free fall distances to two feet or

less; or

(B) A shock absorbing lanyard that restricts the forces on the body to nine hundred

pounds or less.

(ii) Five thousand pounds for all other personal fall arrest system applications, or they must

be designed, installed, and used:

(A) As part of a complete personal fall arrest system which maintains a safety factor of

at least two; and

(B) Under the supervision of a qualified person.

Note: The system strength requirements in this section are based on a total

combined weight of employee and tools of no more than three hundred

ten pounds. If combined weight is more than three hundred ten pounds,

appropriate allowances must be made or the system will not be in

compliance. For more information on system testing, see WAC 296-

880-510 Appendix C.

(3) When stopping a fall, personal fall arrest systems must:

(a) Be rigged to allow a maximum free fall distance of six feet nor allow an employee to contact

any lower level. A free fall may be more than six feet provided the employer can demonstrate

the manufacturer designed the system to allow a free fall of more than six feet and the system

has been tested to ensure a maximum arresting force of eighteen hundred pounds is not

exceeded;

(b) Limit maximum arresting force on an employee to eighteen hundred pounds (8 kN);

travels to three and one-half feet (1.08 m); and

(d) Have sufficient strength to withstand twice the potential impact energy of an employee free

falling a maximum distance of six feet (1.8 m).

Chapter 296-880 WAC Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 35

Note: Shock absorbers that meet the requirements of ANSI Z359.1 that are

used as a part of a personal fall arrest system in accordance with

manufacturer's recommendations and instructions for use and installation

will limit the maximum arresting forces on an employee's body to

eighteen hundred pounds or less.

To calculate fall clearance distance using a shock absorbing lanyard and D-ring anchorage connector, see

WAC 296-880-505 Appendix B.

WAC 296-880-40025 Personal fall restraint system requirements.

Personal fall restraint systems and their use must conform to the following provisions.

Personal fall restraint systems must be rigged to allow the movement of employees only as far as the

unprotected sides and edges of the walking/working surface, and must consist of:

(1) A full body harness must be used.

(2) The full body harness must be attached to securely rigged restraint lines.

(3) All hardware assemblies for full body harness must be capable of withstanding a tension loading of

four thousand pounds without cracking, breaking, or taking a permanent deformation.

(4) The employer must ensure component compatibility.

(5) Anchorage points used for fall restraint must be capable of supporting four times the intended load.

(6) Rope grab devices are prohibited for fall restraint applications unless they are part of a fall restraint

system designed specifically for the purpose by the manufacturer, and used in strict accordance

with the manufacturer's recommendations and instructions.

WAC 296-880-40030 Positioning device system requirements.

Positioning device systems and their use must conform to the following provisions:

(1) Positioning harnesses or full body harnesses must be used.

(2) Positioning devices must be rigged to prevent an employee from a free fall greater than two feet.

(3) Positioning devices must be secured to an anchorage capable of supporting at least twice the

potential impact load of an employee's fall or three thousand pounds (13.3 kN), whichever is

greater.

(4) Connectors must be drop forged, pressed or formed steel, or made of equivalent materials.

(5) Connectors must have a corrosion-resistant finish, and all surfaces and edges must be smooth to

prevent damage to interfacing parts of this system.

(6) Connecting assemblies must have a minimum breaking strength of five thousand pounds (22.2 kN).

(7) D-rings and snap hooks must be proof-tested to a minimum tensile load of three thousand six

hundred pounds (16 kN) without cracking, breaking, or taking permanent deformation.

(8) Snap hooks must be a locking type snap hook designed and used to prevent disengagement of the

snap hook by the contact of the snap hook keeper by the connected member.

(9) Unless the snap hook is designed for the following connections, snap hooks must not be engaged:

(a) Directly to webbing, rope, or wire rope;

Chapter 296-880 WAC Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 36

(b) To each other;

(d) To a horizontal lifeline; or

(e) To any object which is incompatibly shaped or dimensioned in relation to the snap hook such

that unintentional disengagement could occur by the connected object being able to depress

the snap hook keeper and release itself.

WAC 296-880-40035 Self-rescue device requirements.

Self-rescue devices and their use must conform to the following provisions:

(1) Self-rescue devices are not to be used as a fall protection system.

(2) Self-rescue devices must be used according to the manufacturer's instructions.

(3) The use of self-rescue devices must be addressed in the fall protection work plan.

WAC 296-880-40040 Warning line system requirements.

Warning line systems and their use must conform to the following provisions:

Warning line system specifications used on roofs with a pitch of four in twelve or less for roofing work,

leading edge work and on low pitched open sided surfaces for work activities other than roofing work or

leading edge work. The employer must ensure the following:

(1) Warning lines must be erected around all unprotected sides and edges of the work area.

(a) Warning lines used during roofing work:

(i) When roofing work is taking place or when mechanical equipment is not being used, the

warning line must be erected not less than six feet (1.8 m) from the edge of the roof;

(ii) When mechanical equipment is being used, the warning line must be erected not less

than six feet (1.8 m) from the roof edge which is parallel to the direction of mechanical

equipment operation, and not less than ten feet (3.1 m) from the roof edge which is

perpendicular to the direction of mechanical equipment operation.

(b) Warning lines erected for leading edge work. Warning lines must be erected to separate

employees who are engaged in leading edge work (between the forward edge of the warning

line and the leading edge), from other work areas on the low pitched surface. The employer

must ensure:

(i) The warning line is erected not less than six feet nor more than twenty-five feet from

the leading edge; and

(ii) When fall arrest systems as described in WAC 296-880-40020, or fall restraint

systems as described in WAC 296-880-40025 are not used, the employer must

implement a safety monitor system as described in WAC 296-880-40045 to protect

employees engaged in constructing the leading edge who are working between the

forward edge of the warning line and the leading edge.

roofing work, or leading edge work must be erected not less than fifteen feet from the

unprotected sides or edges of the open sided surface.

Chapter 296-880 WAC Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 37

(2) The warning line must consist of a rope, wire, or chain and supporting stanchions erected as

follows:

(a) The rope, wire, or chain must be flagged at not more than six foot (1.8 m) intervals with high

visibility material. Highly visible caution or danger tape as described in (d) of this subsection,

does not need to be flagged.

(b) The rope, wire, or chain must be rigged and supported in such a way that its lowest point

(including sag) is no less than thirty-six inches from the surface and its highest point is no

more than forty-five inches from the surface.

resisting, without tipping over, a force of at least sixteen pounds (71 N) applied horizontally

against the stanchion, thirty inches (0.76 m) above the surface, perpendicular to the warning

line, and in the direction of the unprotected sides or edges of the surface.

(d) The rope, wire, or chain must have a minimum tensile strength of five hundred pounds (2.22

kN), and after being attached to the stanchions, must be capable of supporting, without

breaking, the loads applied to the stanchions. Highly visible caution or danger tape may be

used in lieu of rope, wire, or chain as long as it is at least three inches wide and three mils

thick, and has a tensile strength of at least two hundred pounds.

(e) The line must be attached at each stanchion in such a way that pulling on one section of the

line between stanchions will not result in slack being taken up in adjacent sections before the

stanchion tips over.

(3) The employer must erect access paths as follows:

(a) Points of access, materials handling areas, and storage areas must be connected to the work

area by a clear access path formed by two warning lines.

(b) When the path to a point of access is not in use, the employer must place a rope, wire, or

chain, equal in strength and height to the warning line, across the path at the point where the

path intersects the warning line erected around the work area.

WAC 296-880-40045 Safety monitor system requirements.

Safety monitor systems and their use must conform to the following provisions:

(1) A safety monitor system may be used in conjunction with a warning line system as a method of fall

protection during roofing work on low pitched roofs or leading edge work on low pitched surfaces.

Note: The warning line is not required when performing roofing work on low

pitched roofs less than fifty feet wide. For information on determining

roof widths, see WAC 296-880-500, Appendix A, Determining roof

widths.

(2) When selected, the employer must ensure that the safety monitor system is addressed in the fall

protection work plan, including the name of the safety monitor(s) and the extent of their training in

both the safety monitor and warning line systems. The employer must ensure that the following

requirements are met:

(a) The safety monitor system must not be used when adverse weather conditions create

additional hazards.

Chapter 296-880 WAC Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 38

(b) Employees working outside of the warning line system, (between the forward edge of the

warning line and the unprotected sides or edges of a low pitched surface), must be readily

distinguishable from other members of the crew that are working inside the warning line

system by wearing highly visible, distinctive, and uniform apparel.

(d) The employer must train a person acting in the capacity of safety monitor(s) in the function of

both the safety monitor and warning line systems, and they must:

(i) Be a competent person as defined in WAC 296-880-095;

(ii) Have control authority over the work as it relates to fall protection;

(iii) Be instantly distinguishable over members of the work crew;

(iv) Perform no other duties while acting as safety monitor;

(v) Be positioned in relation to the workers under their protection, so as to have a clear,

unobstructed view and be able to maintain normal voice communication;

(vi) Not supervise more than eight exposed workers at one time; and

(vii) Warn the employee when it appears that the employee is unaware of a fall hazard or is

acting in an unsafe manner.

WAC 296-880-40050 Safety watch system requirements.

Safety watch systems and their use must conform to the following provisions:

(1) When one employee is conducting work other than construction work, on a low pitch roof, not

within six feet of the roof edge, and when the work is both infrequent and temporary, employers are

allowed to use a safety watch system.

(2) The employer must ensure the safety watch system meets the following requirements:

(a) There can only be two people on the roof while the safety watch system is being used: One

employee acting as the safety watch and one employee engaged in the work activity;

(b) The employee performing the work must comply promptly with fall hazard warnings from the

safety watch;

(d) The safety watch system is not used when weather conditions create additional hazards.

(3) The employer must ensure the employee acting as the safety watch meets all of the following:

(a) Is a competent person as defined in WAC 296-880-095;

(b) Is trained in the requirements of this section;

(d) Has a clear, unobstructed view of the worker;

(e) Is able to maintain normal voice communication; and

(f) Performs no other duties while acting as the safety watch.

Chapter 296-880 WAC Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 39

WAC 296-880-40055 Safety net system requirements.

Safety net systems and their use must conform with the following provisions:

(1) Safety nets must be installed as close as practicable under the surface on which employees are

working, but in no case more than thirty feet (9.1 m) below such level unless specifically approved

in writing by the manufacturer. The potential fall area to the net must be unobstructed.

(2) Safety nets must extend outward from the outermost projection of the work surface as follows:

Table 2

Vertical distance

from working levels

to horizontal plane

of net

Minimum required

horizontal distance

of outer edge of net

from the edge of the

working surface

Up to 5 feet

8 feet

More than 5 feet

up to 10 feet

10 feet

More than 10 feet

13 feet

(3) The employer must install safety nets with sufficient clearance under them to prevent contact with

the surface or structures below when subjected to an impact force equal to the drop test specified in

subsection (5) of this section.

(4) Safety nets and their installations must be capable of absorbing an impact force equal to that

produced by the drop test.

(a) Except as provided in subsection (6) of this section, safety nets and safety net installations

must be drop-tested at the job site after initial installation and before being used as a fall

protection system, whenever relocated, after major repair, and at six-month intervals if left in

one place. The drop-test must consist of a four hundred pound (180 kg) bag of sand, thirty

plus or minus two inches (76 plus or minus 5 cm) in diameter dropped into the net from the

highest walking/working surface at which employees are exposed to fall hazards, but not from

less than forty-two inches (1.1 m) above that level.

(b) When the employer can demonstrate that it is unreasonable to perform the drop-test required

by (a) of this subsection, the employer (or a designated competent person) must certify that

the net and net installation is in compliance with subsections (2) and (3) of this section by

preparing a certification record prior to the net being used as a fall protection system. The

certification record must include an identification of the net and net installation for which the

certification record is being prepared; the date that it was determined that the identified net

and net installation were in compliance with subsection (5) of this section and the signature of

the person making the determination and certification. The most recent certification record

for each net and net installation must be available at the job site for inspection.

(5) The employer must inspect safety nets at a minimum of once a week for wear, damage, and other

deterioration. Defective components must be removed from service. Safety nets must also be

inspected after any occurrence which could affect the integrity of the safety net system.

(6) The employer must remove materials, scrap pieces, equipment, and tools which have fallen into the

safety net as soon as possible from the net and at least before the next work shift.

Chapter 296-880 WAC Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 40

(7) The maximum size of each safety net mesh opening must not exceed thirty-six square inches (230

) nor be longer than six inches (15 cm) on any side, and the opening, measured center-to-center

of mesh ropes or webbing, must not be longer than six inches (15 cm). All mesh crossings must be

secured to prevent enlargement of the mesh opening.

(8) Each safety net (or section of it) must have a border rope or webbing with a minimum breaking

strength of five thousand pounds (22.2 kN).

(9) Connections between safety net panels must be as strong as integral net components and must be

spaced not more than six inches (15 cm) apart.

WAC 296-880-40060 Catch platform requirements.

Catch platforms and their use must comply with the following provisions:

(1) Catch platforms must be installed within four vertical feet of the work area.

(2) Catch platforms must be a minimum of forty-five inches wide and equipped with standard

guardrails and toeboards on all open sides.

(3) Catch platforms must meet the strength and stability requirements of supported scaffolds in chapter

296-874 WAC, Scaffolds.

WAC 296-880-40065 Canopy requirements.

Canopies and their use must comply with the following provision: Canopies, when used as falling object

protection, must be of sufficient strength to prevent collapse and to prevent penetration by any objects

which may fall onto the canopy.

WAC 296-880-40070 Roof bracket requirements.

Roof brackets and their use must comply with the following provisions: Roofing brackets are not a fall

protection system.

(1) Roofing brackets must be constructed to fit the pitch of the roof.

(2) In addition to securing brackets using the pointed metal projections, brackets must also be secured

in place by nailing. When it is impractical to nail brackets, rope supports must be used. When

rope supports are used, they must consist of first grade manila of at least three-quarter inch

diameter, or equivalent.

WAC 296-880-40075 Crawling board and chicken ladder requirements.

Crawling boards, chicken ladders, and their use must conform with the following provisions: Crawling

boards and chicken ladders are not fall protection systems.

(1) Crawling boards must be not less than ten inches wide and one inch thick, having cleats one by one

and one-half inches:

(a) The cleats must be equal in length to the width of the board and spaced at equal intervals not

to exceed twenty-four inches.

(b) Nails must be driven through and clinched on the underside.

with roof construction, repair, or maintenance.

(2) Crawling boards must be secured to the roof using ridge hooks or other equivalent means.

Chapter 296-880 WAC Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 41

WAC 296-880-40080 Roof edge materials handling and material storage requirements.

Roof edge materials handling areas and materials storage must conform with the following provisions:

(1) When guardrails are used at hoisting areas, a minimum of four feet of guardrail must be erected

along each side of the access point through which materials are hoisted.

(2) A chain or gate must be placed across the opening between the guardrail sections when hoisting

operations are not taking place.

(3) When guardrails are used at bitumen pipe outlet, a minimum of four feet of guardrail must be

erected along each side of the pipe.

(4) Mechanical equipment must be used or stored only in areas where employees are protected using a

fall arrest system as described in WAC 296-880-40020, or a fall restraint system as described in

WAC 296-880-40025. Mechanical equipment may not be used or stored where the only protection

is provided by the use of a safety monitor.

(5) The hoist must not be used as an attachment/anchorage point for fall arrest or fall restraint systems.

(6) Materials must not be stored within six feet of a roof edge unless guardrails are erected at the roof

edge. Guardrails must include a toeboard if employees could be working or passing below.

Chapter 296-880 WAC Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 42

NONMANDATORY APPENDICES

WAC 296-880-500 Appendix A—Determining roof widths—

Nonmandatory guidelines.

Guidelines for complying with fall restraint requirements in this section.

(1) This appendix serves as a guideline to assist employers complying with the requirements of WAC

296-880-40045 which allows the use of a safety monitoring system alone as a means of providing

fall protection during the performance of roofing operations on low sloped roofs fifty feet (15.25 m)

or less in width. Each example in the appendix shows a roof plan or plans and indicates where each

roof or roof area is to be measured to determine its width. Section views or elevation views are

shown where appropriate. Some examples show “correct” and “incorrect” subdivisions of

irregularly shaped roofs divided into smaller, regularly shaped areas. In all examples, the dimension

selected to be the width of an area is the lesser of the two primary dimensions of the area, as viewed

from above. Example A shows a simple rectangular roof. The width is the lesser of the two

primary overall dimensions, which is also the case with roofs sloped toward or away from the roof

center, as shown in Example B.

(2) Many roofs are not simple rectangles. Such roofs may be broken down into subareas as shown in

Example C. The process of dividing a roof area can produce many different configurations.

Example C gives the general rule of using dividing lines of minimum length to minimize the size

and number of the areas which are potentially less than fifty feet (15.25 m) wide. The intent is to

minimize the number of roof areas where safety monitoring systems alone are sufficient protection.

(3) Roofs which are comprised of several separate, noncontiguous roof areas, as in Example D, may be

considered as a series of individual roofs. Some roofs have penthouses, additional floors, courtyard

openings, or similar architectural features, Example E shows how the rule for dividing roofs into

subareas is applied to such configurations. Irregular, nonrectangular roofs must be considered on

an individual basis, as shown in Example F.

Chapter 296-880 WAC Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 43

Chapter 296-880 WAC Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 44

Such roofs are to be divided into subareas by using dividing lines of minimum length to minimize the

size and number of the areas which are potentially less than or equal to fifty feet (15.25 m) in width, in

order to limit the size of roof areas where the safety monitoring system alone can be used (WAC 296-

880-40045(1)). Dotted lines are used in the examples to show the location of dividing lines.

Ⓦ denotes incorrect measurements of width.

Chapter 296-880 WAC Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 45

Such roofs are to be divided into subareas by using dividing lines of minimum length to minimize the

size and number of the areas which are potentially less than or equal to fifty feet (15.25 m) in width in

order to limit the size of roof areas where the safety monitoring system alone can be used. Dotted lines

are used in the examples to show the location of dividing lines.

Ⓦ denotes incorrect measurements of width.

Chapter 296-880 WAC Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 46

WAC 296-880-505 Appendix B—Calculating fall clearance

distance—Nonmandatory guidelines. Calculating fall clearance

distance using a shock-absorbing lanyard and D-ring anchorage

connector - Nonmandatory guidelines for complying with WAC

296-880-40020.

Do the following to calculate the fall clearance distance using a shock-absorbing lanyard and D-ring

anchorage connector:

(1) First, add the length of the shock-absorbing lanyard (six feet) to the maximum elongation of the

shock absorber during deceleration (three and one-half feet) to the average height of a worker (six

feet);

(2) Then, add a safety factor of three feet to allow for the possibility of an improperly fit full body

harness, a taller than average worker and/or a miscalculation of distance.

Note: The suggested safe fall clearance distance for this example is eighteen

and one-half feet.

Chapter 296-880 WAC Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 47

WAC 296-880-510 Appendix C—Test methods and additional

guidelines for personal fall arrest systems—Nonmandatory

guidelines.

(1) General. Subsections (2), (3), (4), and (5) of this appendix set forth test procedures which may be

used to determine compliance with the requirements in WAC 296-880-40020.

(2) General conditions for all tests.

(a) Lifelines, lanyards, and deceleration devices should be attached to an anchorage and

connected to the body harness in the same manner as they would be when used to protect

employees.

(b) The anchorage should be rigid, and should not have a deflection greater than .04 inches (1

mm) when a force of two thousand two hundred fifty pounds (10 kN) is applied.

(d) The test weight used in the strength and force tests should be a rigid, metal, cylindrical or

torso-shaped object with a girth of thirty-eight inches plus or minus four inches (96 cm plus or

minus 10 cm).

(e) The lanyard or lifeline used to create the free fall distance should be supplied with the system,

or in its absence, the least elastic lanyard or lifeline available to be used with the system.

(f) The test weight for each test should be hoisted to the required level and should be quickly

released without having any appreciable motion imparted to it.

(g) The system's performance should be evaluated taking into account the range of environmental

conditions for which it is designed to be used.

(h) Following the test, the system need not be capable of further operation.

(3) Strength test.

(a) During the testing of all systems, a test weight of three hundred pounds plus or minus five

pounds (135 kg plus or minus 2.5 kg) should be used. (See subsection (2)(d) of this

appendix.)

(b) The test consists of dropping the test weight once. A new unused system should be used for

each test.

plus or minus 5 cm) as measured from the fixed anchorage to the attachment on the body

harness.

(d) For rope-grab-type deceleration systems, the length of the lifeline above the centerline of the

grabbing mechanism to the lifeline's anchorage point should not exceed two feet (0.61 m).

(e) For lanyard systems, for systems with deceleration devices which do not automatically limit

free fall distance to two feet (0.61 m) or less, and for systems with deceleration devices which

have a connection distance in excess of one foot (0.3 m) (measured between the centerline of

the lifeline and the attachment point to the body harness), the test weight should be rigged to

free fall a distance of seven and one-half feet (2.3 m) from a point that is one and one-half feet

(46 cm) above the anchorage point, to its hanging location (six feet below the anchorage).

The test weight should fall without interference, obstruction, or hitting the floor or ground

during the test. In some cases a nonelastic wire lanyard of sufficient length may need to be

added to the system (for test purposes) to create the necessary free fall distance.

Chapter 296-880 WAC Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 48

(f) For deceleration device systems with integral lifelines or lanyards which automatically limit

free fall distance to two feet (0.61 m) or less, the test weight should be rigged to free fall a

distance of four feet (1.22 m).

(g) Any weight which detaches from the harness should constitute failure for the strength test.

(4) Force test.

(a) General. The test consists of dropping the respective test weight specified in (b)(i) or (c)(i) of

this subsection once. A new, unused system should be used for each test.

(b) For lanyard systems:

(i) A test weight of two-hundred twenty pounds plus or minus three pounds (100 kg plus or

minus 1.6 kg) should be used. (See subsection (2)(d) of this section.)

(ii) Lanyard length should be six feet plus or minus two inches (1.83 m plus or minus 5 cm)

as measured from the fixed anchorage to the attachment on the body harness.

(iii) The test weight should fall free from the anchorage level to its hanging location (a total

of six feet (1.83 m) free fall distance) without interference, obstruction, or hitting the

floor or ground during the test.

(i) A test weight of two hundred and twenty pounds plus or minus three pounds (100 kg

plus or minus 1.6 kg) should be used. (See subsection (2)(d) of this section.)

(ii) The free fall distance to be used in the test should be the maximum fall distance

physically permitted by the system during normal use conditions, up to a maximum free

fall distance for the test weight of six feet (1.83 m), except as follows:

(A) For deceleration systems which have a connection link or lanyard, the test weight

should free fall a distance equal to the connection distance (measured between the

centerline of the lifeline and the attachment point to the body harness).

(B) For deceleration device systems with integral lifelines or lanyards which

automatically limit free fall distance to two feet (0.61 m) or less, the test weight

should free fall a distance equal to that permitted by the system in normal use.

(For example, to test a system with a self-retracting lifeline or lanyard, the test

weight should be supported and the system allowed to retract the lifeline or lanyard

as it would in normal use. The test weight would then be released and the force

and deceleration distance measured.)

(d) A system fails the force test if the recorded maximum arresting force exceeds two thousand

five hundred pounds (11.2 kN) when using a body harness.

(e) The maximum elongation and deceleration distance should be recorded during the force test.

(5) Deceleration device tests.

(a) General. The device should be evaluated or tested under the environmental conditions, (such

as rain, ice, grease, dirt, type of lifeline, etc.), for which the device is designed.

(b) Rope-grab-type deceleration devices.

(i) Devices should be moved on a lifeline one thousand times over the same length of line a

distance of not less than one foot (30.5 cm), and the mechanism should lock each time.

(ii) Unless the device is permanently marked to indicate the type(s) of lifeline which must

be used, several types (different diameters and different materials), of lifelines should be

used to test the device.

Chapter 296-880 WAC Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 49

activating-type deceleration devices designed for more than one arrest should lock each of one

thousand times as they would in normal service.

Additional nonmandatory guidelines for personal fall arrest systems. The following information

constitutes additional guidelines for use in complying with requirements for a personal fall arrest system.

(6) Selection and use considerations. The kind of personal fall arrest system selected should match the

particular work situation, and any possible free fall distance should be kept to a minimum.

Consideration should be given to the particular work environment. For example, the presence of

acids, dirt, moisture, oil, grease, etc., and their effect on the system, should be evaluated. Hot or

cold environments may also have an adverse effect on the system. Wire rope should not be used

where an electrical hazard is anticipated. As required by the standard, the employer must plan to

have means available to promptly rescue an employee should a fall occur, since the suspended

employee may not be able to reach a work level independently.

Where lanyards, connectors, and lifelines are subject to damage by work operations such as

welding, chemical cleaning, and sandblasting, the component should be protected, or other securing

systems should be used. The employer should fully evaluate the work conditions and environment

(including seasonal weather changes) before selecting the appropriate personal fall protection

system. Once in use, the system's effectiveness should be monitored. In some cases, a program for

cleaning and maintenance of the system may be necessary.

(7) Testing considerations. Before purchasing or putting into use a personal fall arrest system, an

employer should obtain from the supplier information about the system based on its performance

during testing so that the employer can know if the system meets this standard. Testing should be

done using recognized test methods. Part II of this Appendix C contains test methods recognized

for evaluating the performance of fall arrest systems. Not all systems may need to be individually

tested; the performance of some systems may be based on data and calculations derived from

testing of similar systems, provided that enough information is available to demonstrate similarity

of function and design.

(8) Component compatibility considerations. Ideally, a personal fall arrest system is designed, tested,

and supplied as a complete system. However, it is common practice for lanyards, connectors,

lifelines, deceleration devices, and body harnesses to be interchanged since some components wear

out before others. The employer and employee should realize that not all components are

interchangeable. For instance, a lanyard should not be connected between a body harness and a

deceleration device of the self-retracting type since this can result in additional free fall for which

the system was not designed. Any substitution or change to a personal fall arrest system should be

fully evaluated or tested by a competent person to determine that it meets the standard, before the

modified system is put in use.

(9) Employee training considerations. Thorough employee training in the selection and use of personal

fall arrest systems is imperative. As stated in the standard, before the equipment is used, employees

must be trained in the safe use of the system. This should include the following:

(a) Application limits;

(b) Proper anchoring and tie-off techniques;

distance to prevent striking a lower level;

(d) Methods of use; and

(e) Inspection and storage of the system.

Chapter 296-880 WAC Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 50

Careless or improper use of the equipment can result in serious injury or death. Employers and

employees should become familiar with the material in this appendix, as well as manufacturer's

recommendations, before a system is used. Of uppermost importance is the reduction in strength caused

by certain tie-offs (such as using knots, tying around sharp edges, etc.) and maximum permitted free fall

distance. Also, to be stressed are the importance of inspections prior to use, the limitations of the

equipment, and unique conditions at the worksite which may be important in determining the type of

system to use.

(10) Instruction considerations. Employers should obtain comprehensive instructions from the supplier

as to the system's proper use and application, including, where applicable:

(a) The force measured during the sample force test;

(b) The maximum elongation measured for lanyards during the force test;

(d) Caution statements on critical use limitations;

(e) Application limits;

(f) Proper hook-up, anchoring and tie-off techniques, including the proper D-ring or other

attachment point to use on the body harness for fall arrest;

(g) Proper climbing techniques;

(h) Methods of inspection, use, cleaning, and storage; and

(i) Specific lifelines which may be used. This information should be provided to employees

during training.

(11) Inspection considerations. As stated in WAC 296-880-40020, personal fall arrest systems must be

regularly inspected. Any component with any significant defect, such as cuts, tears, abrasions,

mold, or undue stretching; alterations or additions which might affect its efficiency; damage due to

deterioration; contact with fire, acids, or other corrosives; distorted hooks or faulty hook springs;

tongues unfitted to the shoulder of buckles; loose or damaged mountings; nonfunctioning parts; or

wearing or internal deterioration in the ropes must be withdrawn from service immediately, and

should be tagged or marked as unusable, or destroyed.

(12) Rescue considerations. As required by WAC 296-880-10005 when personal fall arrest systems are

used, the employer must assure that employees can be promptly rescued or can rescue themselves

should a fall occur. The availability of rescue personnel, ladders, or other rescue equipment should

be evaluated. In some situations, equipment which allows employees to rescue themselves after the

fall has been arrested may be desirable, such as devices which have descent capability.

(13) Tie-off considerations.

(a) One of the most important aspects of personal fall protection systems is fully planning the

system before it is put into use. Probably the most overlooked component is planning for

suitable anchorage points. Such planning should ideally be done before the structure or

building is constructed so that anchorage points can be incorporated during construction for

use later for window cleaning or other building maintenance. If properly planned, these

anchorage points may be used during construction, as well as afterwards.

(b) Employers and employees should at all times be aware that the strength of a personal fall

arrest system is based on its being attached to an anchoring system which does not

significantly reduce the strength of the system (such as a properly dimensioned eye-bolt/snap-

hook anchorage). Therefore, if a means of attachment is used that will reduce the strength of

the system, that component should be replaced by a stronger one, but one that will also

maintain the appropriate maximum arrest force characteristics.

Chapter 296-880 WAC Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 51

lanyard strength by fifty percent or more. Therefore, a stronger lanyard or lifeline should be

used to compensate for the weakening effect of the knot, or the lanyard length should be

reduced (or the tie-off location raised) to minimize free fall distance, or the lanyard or lifeline

should be replaced by one which has an appropriately incorporated connector to eliminate the

need for a knot.

(d) Tie-off of a rope lanyard or lifeline around an “H” or “I” beam or similar support can reduce

its strength as much as seventy percent due to the cutting action of the beam edges.

Therefore, use should be made of a webbing lanyard or wire core lifeline around the beam; or

the lanyard or lifeline should be protected from the edge; or free fall distance should be

greatly minimized.

(e) Tie-off where the line passes over or around rough or sharp surfaces reduces strength

drastically. Such a tie-off should be avoided or an alternative tie-off rigging should be used.

Such alternatives may include use of a snap-hook/D-ring connection, wire rope tie-off, an

effective padding of the surfaces, or an abrasion-resistance strap around or over the problem

surface.

(f) Horizontal lifelines may, depending on their geometry and angle of sag, be subjected to

greater loads than the impact load imposed by an attached component. When the angle of

horizontal lifeline sag is less than thirty degrees, the impact force imparted to the lifeline by

an attached lanyard is greatly amplified. For example, with a sag angle of fifteen degrees, the

force amplification is about 2:1 and at five degrees sag, it is about 6:1. Depending on the

angle of sag, and the line's elasticity, the strength of the horizontal lifeline and the anchorages

to which it is attached should be increased a number of times over that of the lanyard.

Extreme care should be taken in considering a horizontal lifeline for multiple tie-offs. The

reason for this is that in multiple tie-offs to a horizontal lifeline, if one employee falls, the

movement of the falling employee and the horizontal lifeline during arrest of the fall may

cause other employees to also fall. Horizontal lifeline and anchorage strength should be

increased for each additional employee to be tied-off. For these and other reasons, the design

of systems using horizontal lifelines must only be done by qualified persons. Testing of

installed lifelines and anchors prior to use is recommended.

(g) The strength of an eye-bolt is rated along the axis of the bolt and its strength is greatly

reduced if the force is applied at an angle to this axis (in the direction of shear). Also, care

should be exercised in selecting the proper diameter of the eye to avoid accidental

disengagement of snap-hooks not designed to be compatible for the connection.

(h) Due to the significant reduction in the strength of the lifeline/lanyard (in some cases, as much

as a seventy percent reduction), the sliding hitch knot should not be used for lifeline/lanyard

connections except in emergency situations where no other available system is practical. The

“one-and-one” sliding hitch knot should never be used because it is unreliable in stopping a

fall. The “two-and-two,” or “three-and-three” knot (preferable), may be used in emergency

situations; however, care should be taken to limit free fall distance to a minimum because of

reduced lifeline/lanyard strength.

(14) Vertical lifeline considerations. As required by the standard, each employee must have a separate

lifeline when the lifeline is vertical. The reason for this is that in multiple tie-offs to a single

lifeline, if one employee falls, the movement of the lifeline during the arrest of the fall may pull

other employees' lanyards, causing them to fall as well.

(15) Snap-hook considerations.

Chapter 296-880 WAC Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 52

(a) Required by this standard for all connections, locking snap-hooks incorporate a positive

locking mechanism in addition to the spring loaded keeper, which will not allow the keeper to

open under moderate pressure without someone first releasing the mechanism. Such a

feature, properly designed, effectively prevents roll-out from occurring.

(b) As required by WAC 296-880-40020 the following connections must be avoided (unless

properly designed locking snap-hooks are used) because they are conditions which can result

in roll-out when a nonlocking snap-hook is used:

(i) Direct connection of a snap-hook to a horizontal lifeline;

(ii) Two (or more) snap-hooks connected to one D-ring;

(iii) Two snap-hooks connected to each other;

(iv) A snap-hook connected back on its integral lanyard;

(v) A snap-hook connected to a webbing loop or webbing lanyard;

(vi) Improper dimensions of the D-ring, rebar, or other connection point in relation to the

snap-hook dimensions which would allow the snap-hook keeper to be depressed by a

turning motion of the snap-hook.

(16) Free fall considerations. The employer and employee should at all times be aware that a system's

maximum arresting force is evaluated under normal use conditions established by the manufacturer,

and in no case using a free fall distance in excess of six feet (1.8 m). A few extra feet of free fall

can significantly increase the arresting force on the employee, possibly to the point of causing

injury. Because of this, the free fall distance should be kept at a minimum, and as required by the

standard, in no case greater than six feet (1.8 m). To help assure this, the tie-off attachment point to

the lifeline or anchor should be located at or above the connection point of the fall arrest equipment

to harness. (Since otherwise additional free fall distance is added to the length of the connecting

means (i.e., lanyard).) Attaching to the working surface will often result in a free fall greater than

six feet (1.8 m). For instance, if a six foot (1.8 m) lanyard is used, the total free fall distance will be

the distance from the working level to the body harness attachment point plus the six feet (1.8 m) of

lanyard length. Another important consideration is that the arresting force which the fall system

must withstand also goes up with greater distances of free fall, possibly exceeding the strength of

the system.

(17) Elongation and deceleration distance considerations. Other factors involved in a proper tie-off are

elongation and deceleration distance. During the arresting of a fall, a lanyard will experience a

length of stretching or elongation, whereas activation of a deceleration device will result in a certain

stopping distance. These distances should be available with the lanyard or device's instructions and

must be added to the free fall distance to arrive at the total fall distance before an employee is fully

stopped. The additional stopping distance may be very significant if the lanyard or deceleration

device is attached near or at the end of a long lifeline, which may itself add considerable distance

due to its own elongation. As required by the standard, sufficient distance to allow for all of these

factors must also be maintained between the employee and obstructions below, to prevent an injury

due to impact before the system fully arrests the fall.

In addition, a minimum of twelve feet (3.7 m) of lifeline should be allowed below the securing

point of a rope-grab-type deceleration device, and the end terminated to prevent the device from

sliding off the lifeline. Alternatively, the lifeline should extend to the ground or the next working

level below. These measures are suggested to prevent the worker from inadvertently moving past

the end of the lifeline and having the rope grab become disengaged from the lifeline.

(18) Obstruction considerations. The location of the tie-off should also consider the hazard of

obstructions in the potential fall path of the employee. Tie-offs which minimize the possibilities of

exaggerated swinging should be considered.

Chapter 296-880 WAC Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 53

(19) Other considerations. Because of the design of some personal fall arrest systems, additional

considerations may be required for proper tie-off. For example, heavy deceleration devices of the

self-retracting type should be secured overhead in order to avoid the weight of the device having to

be supported by the employee. Also, if self-retracting equipment is connected to a horizontal

lifeline, the sag in the lifeline should be minimized to prevent the device from sliding down the

lifeline to a position which creates a swing hazard during fall arrest. In all cases, manufacturer's

instructions should be followed.

Chapter 296-880 WAC Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection

Statutory Authority

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 1

WAC 296-880-080 Scope.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 20-12-091 (Order 19-05) § 296-880-080, filed 06/02/2020, effective 10/01/2020.

WAC 296-880-090 Quick reference guide. Unified Fall Protection Quick Reference Guide.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 22-19-082 (Order 22-17), § 296-880-090, filed 09/20/22, effective 11/0122.

Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 20-12-091 (Order 19-05) § 296-880-090, filed 06/02/2020, effective 10/01/2020.

WAC 296-880-095 Definitions.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 22-19-082 (Order 22-17), § 296-880-095, filed 09/20/22, effective 11/0122.

Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 20-12-091 (Order 19-05) § 296-880-095, filed 06/02/2020, effective 10/01/2020.

WAC 296-880-100 Application.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 20-12-091 (Order 19-05) § 296-880-100, filed 06/02/2020, effective 10/01/2020.

WAC 296-880-10005 General requirements.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 20-12-091 (Order 19-05) § 296-880-10005, filed 06/02/2020, effective 10/01/2020.

WAC 296-880-10010 Fall protection required regardless of height.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 20-12-091 (Order 19-05) § 296-880-10010, filed 06/02/2020, effective 10/01/2020.

WAC 296-880-10015 Training.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 20-12-091 (Order 19-05) § 296-880-10015, filed 06/02/2020, effective 10/01/2020.

WAC 296-880-10020 Fall protection work plan required at ten feet or more.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 20-12-091 (Order 19-05) § 296-880-10020, filed 06/02/2020, effective 10/01/2020.

WAC 296-880-200 Fall protection required at four feet or more.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 20-12-091 (Order 19-05) § 296-880-200, filed 06/02/2020, effective 10/01/2020.

WAC 296-880-20005 Fall protection required at four feet or more.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 22-19-082 (Order 22-17), § 296-880-20005, filed 09/20/22, effective 11/0122.

Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 20-12-091 (Order 19-05) § 296-880-20005, filed 06/02/2020, effective 10/01/2020.

WAC 296-880-20010 Exemption from fall protection requirements in this section.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 20-12-091 (Order 19-05) § 296-880-20010, filed 06/02/2020, effective 10/01/2020.

WAC 296-880-300 Specific fall protection requirements.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 20-12-091 (Order 19-05) § 296-880-300, filed 06/02/2020, effective 10/01/2020.

WAC 296-880-30005 Construction work.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 22-19-082 (Order 22-17), § 296-880-30p005, filed 09/20/22, effective 11/0122.

Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 20-12-091 (Order 19-05) § 296-880-30005, filed 06/02/2020, effective 10/01/2020.

WAC 296-880-30010 Order pickers (PITS).

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 20-12-091 (Order 19-05) § 296-880-30010, filed 06/02/2020, effective 10/01/2020.

WAC 296-880-30015 Elevating work platforms.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 20-12-091 (Order 19-05) § 296-880-30015, filed 06/02/2020, effective 10/01/2020.

WAC 296-880-30020 Powered platforms.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 20-12-091 (Order 19-05) § 296-880-30020, filed 06/02/2020, effective 10/01/2020.

WAC 296-880-30025 Window cleaning.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 20-12-091 (Order 19-05) § 296-880-30025, filed 06/02/2020, effective 10/01/2020.

WAC 296-880-30030 Scaffolds.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 20-12-091 (Order 19-05) § 296-880-30030, filed 06/02/2020, effective 10/01/2020.

WAC 296-880-30035 Cranes.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 20-12-091 (Order 19-05) § 296-880-30035, filed 06/02/2020, effective 10/01/2020.

WAC 296-880-30040 Telecommunication requirements that apply to wireless.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 20-12-091 (Order 19-05) § 296-880-30040, filed 06/02/2020, effective 10/01/2020.

WAC 296-880-30045 Ship repairing, shipbuilding and shipbreaking.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 20-12-091 (Order 19-05) § 296-880-30045, filed 06/02/2020, effective 10/01/2020.

Chapter 296-880 WAC Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection

Statutory Authority

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 2

WAC 296-880-30050 Longshore, stevedore, and waterfront related operations.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 20-12-091 (Order 19-05) § 296-880-30050, filed 06/02/2020, effective 10/01/2020.

WAC 296-880-30055 Ski area facilities and operations.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 22-19-082 (Order 22-17), § 296-880-30055, filed 09/20/22, effective 11/0122.

Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 20-12-091 (Order 19-05) § 296-880-30055, filed 06/02/2020, effective 10/01/2020.

WAC 296-880-400 Fall protection system specifications.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 20-12-091 (Order 19-05) § 296-880-400, filed 06/02/2020, effective 10/01/2020.

WAC 296-880-40005 Guardrail systems.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 22-19-082 (Order 22-17), § 296-880-40005, filed 09/20/22, effective 11/0122.

Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 20-12-091 (Order 19-05) § 296-880-40005, filed 06/02/2020, effective 10/01/2020.

WAC 296-880-40010 Ramps, runways, and inclined walkway requirements.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 20-12-091 (Order 19-05) § 296-880-40010, filed 06/02/2020, effective 10/01/2020.

WAC 296-880-40015 Cover requirements—Holes and openings.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 20-12-091 (Order 19-05) § 296-880-40015, filed 06/02/2020, effective 10/01/2020.

WAC 296-880-40020 Personal fall arrest system requirements.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 20-12-091 (Order 19-05) § 296-880-40020, filed 06/02/2020, effective 10/01/2020.

WAC 296-880-40025 Personal fall restraint system requirements.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 20-12-091 (Order 19-05) § 296-880-40025, filed 06/02/2020, effective 10/01/2020.

WAC 296-880-40030 Positioning device system requirements.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 20-12-091 (Order 19-05) § 296-880-40030, filed 06/02/2020, effective 10/01/2020.

WAC 296-880-40035 Self-rescue device requirements.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 20-12-091 (Order 19-05) § 296-880-40035, filed 06/02/2020, effective 10/01/2020.

WAC 296-880-40040 Warning line system requirements.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 20-12-091 (Order 19-05) § 296-880-40040, filed 06/02/2020, effective 10/01/2020.

WAC 296-880-40045 Safety monitor system requirements.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 20-12-091 (Order 19-05) § 296-880-40045, filed 06/02/2020, effective 10/01/2020.

WAC 296-880-40050 Safety watch system requirements.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 22-19-082 (Order 22-17), § 296-880-090, filed 09/20/22, effective 11/0122.

Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 20-12-091 (Order 19-05) § 296-880-40050, filed 06/02/2020, effective 10/01/2020.

WAC 296-880-40055 Safety net system requirements.

Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 20-12-091 (Order 19-05) § 296-880-40055, filed 06/02/2020, effective 10/01/2020.

WAC 296-880-40060 Catch platform requirements.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 20-12-091 (Order 19-05) § 296-880-40060, filed 06/02/2020, effective 10/01/2020.

WAC 296-880-40065 Canopy requirements.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 20-12-091 (Order 19-05) § 296-880-40065, filed 06/02/2020, effective 10/01/2020.

WAC 296-880-40070 Roof bracket requirements.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 20-12-091 (Order 19-05) § 296-880-40070, filed 06/02/2020, effective 10/01/2020.

WAC 296-880-40075 Crawling board and chicken ladder requirements.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 20-12-091 (Order 19-05) § 296-880-40075, filed 06/02/2020, effective 10/01/2020.

WAC 296-880-40080 Roof edge materials handling and material storage requirements.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 20-12-091 (Order 19-05) § 296-880-40080, filed 06/02/2020, effective 10/01/2020.

WAC 296-880-500 Appendix A—Determining roof widths—Nonmandatory guidelines.

WAC 296-880-505 Appendix B—Calculating fall clearance distance—Nonmandatory guidelines. Calculating fall

clearance distance using a shock-absorbing lanyard and D-ring anchorage connector - Nonmandatory guidelines for

complying with WAC 296-880-40020.

WAC 296-880-510 Appendix C—Test methods and additional guidelines for personal fall arrest systems—Nonmandatory

guidelines.