Fall Protection Inspection

Guardrails required at heights of 6 feet or more (OSHA). Top rail at 42" (+/- 3"), mid-rail, and toe board required.

1. Verify guardrails installed at all edges where fall height exceeds 6 feet

2. Measure top rail height — 42" (+/- 3") from working surface

3. Check for mid-rail at approximately 21"

4. Verify toe boards (4" minimum height) at floor openings

5. Check that guardrails can withstand 200 lbs force at top rail

6. Verify no gaps larger than 19" between mid-rail and top rail

7. Check stairway railings — 36" height with handrail

- Missing guardrails at open edges

- Top rail too low or too high

- Missing mid-rail

- No toe boards at openings

- Guardrails not sturdy enough

- Gaps too large (fall-through hazard)

Ladders must extend 3 feet above landing. 4:1 pitch ratio. Secured at top or bottom. Proper duty rating for the load.

1. Verify ladder extends at least 3 feet above the landing point

2. Check pitch — base should be 1 foot out for every 4 feet of height

3. Verify ladder is secured at top or bottom (tied off or someone holding)

4. Check duty rating — must support worker + tools weight

5. Verify ladder is on firm, level surface

6. Check for damaged rungs, rails, or locking mechanisms

7. Verify no metal ladder near electrical work

- Ladder too short — does not extend above landing

- Wrong pitch angle — too steep or too shallow

- Ladder not secured — could slide

- Ladder on soft or uneven ground

- Damaged ladder still in use

- Metal ladder near electrical sources