Roof Inspection Fall Protection Requirements

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 in general osha s fall protection standard 1926 501 requires that each employee on a walking working surface horizontal and vertical surface with an unprotected side or edge which is 6 feet 1 8 m or more above a lower level shall be protected from falling by the use of guardrail. Under the standard the requirement for fall protection for this work does not depend on the duration of the fall hazard exposure. For steep roofs having a slope greater than 4 inches of vertical rise for every 12 inches horizontal length 4 12 1926 501 b 11 follows the general rule but adds that any guardrail system must have toeboards to prevent any tools or equipment debris from falling below.