AE 868
Commercial Solar Electric Systems

Falling Hazards

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A fall is considered the primary cause of death in the construction industry. OSHA fall protection regulations apply to PV systems since PV systems can be installed in locations where climbing a ladder, working on roof, or use scaffolds is required.

A training on fall protection should be offered to workers on how to use fall protection systems and devices to avoid injuries that include:

  • Personal fall arrest systems (PFAS):
 Such as anchorages, lifelines, and body harnesses
  • Guardrails: For open-sided floors with top rail 39”-45” tall, mid rails, and lower rail at least 3 ½” high.
  • Safety nets
: Required for work sites 25’ and more above ground to catch falling workers and reduce fall-related injuries.
  • Stairways and ladders
: OSHA requires all elevations 19” and more to have stairways or ladders with certain regulations to meet safety requirements.
    • Ladder
      • Position ladder at an angle such that the horizontal distance from the top support to the foot of the ladder is 1/4 the working length of the ladder

      • Ladder rail extension: When using a portable ladder for access to an upper landing surface, the side rails must extend at least 3 feet above the upper landing surface—the ladder must be tied-off and a grab rail provided if the 3-foot extension cannot be achieved. 29CFR1926.1053(b)(1)

      • Face the ladder when going up or down when climbing a Ladder

      • Use at least one hand to grab the ladder when going up or down

      • Do not carry any object or load that could cause you to lose balance 

      • 29 CFR 1926 1053(b) (20), (21) and (22)
  • Warning line systems: A barrier erected on a roof to warn employees that they are approaching an unprotected roof side or edge. They contain an area where roofing work may take place without fall protection systems 1926.500 (b)
  • Safety monitors: to warn workers when it appears they are unaware of a fall hazard or are acting in an unsafe manner. A safety monitor must be:
    • A competent person

    • At same level

    • Within sight

    • Able to communicate

    • Free from other responsibilities that could distract the monitoring


The following video (26:25) discusses OSHA's fall protection policies for residential construction.

OSHA's Fall Protection Policies for Residential Construction.
Credit: OSHA

The following videos (3:21, 2:59, 3:06, 3:02, 3:03, and 3:10 respectively) cover various falls in construction.

Falls in Construction/Bridge Decking. Transcript (opens in new tab)
Credit: OSHA
Falls in Construction/Fixed Scaffolds. Transcript (opens in new tab)
Credit: OSHA
Falls in Construction/Floor Openings. Transcript (opens in new tab)
Credit: OSHA
Falls in Construction/Leading Edge Work. Transcript (opens in new tab)
Credit: OSHA
Falls in Construction/Reroofing. Transcript (opens in new tab)
Credit: OSHA
Falls in Construction/Skylight. Transcript (opens in new tab)
Credit: OSHA