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Subchapter 4. Construction Safety Orders
Article 24. Fall Protection

§1671.1. Fall Protection Plan.

(a) This section applies to all construction operations when it can be shown that the use of conventional fall protection is impractical or creates a greater hazard.

(1) The fall protection plan shall be prepared by a qualified person and developed specifically for the site where the construction work is being performed and the plan must be maintained up to date. The plan shall document the identity of the qualified person. Note:The employer need only develop a single site fall protection plan for sites where the construction operations are essentially identical.

(2) Any changes to the fall protection plan shall be approved by a qualified person. The identity of the qualified person shall be documented.

(3) A copy of the fall protection plan with all approved changes shall be maintained at the job site.

(4) The implementation of the fall protection plan shall be under the supervision of a competent person. The plan shall document the identity of the competent person.

(5) The fall protection plan shall document the reasons why the use of conventional fall protection systems (guardrails, personal fall arrest systems, or safety nets) are infeasible or why their use would create a greater hazard.

(6) The fall protection plan shall include a written discussion of other measures that will be taken to reduce or eliminate the fall hazard for workers who cannot be provided with protection provided by conventional fall protection systems. For example, the employer shall discuss the extent to which scaffolds, ladders, or vehicle mounted work platforms can be used to provide a safer working surface and thereby reduce the hazard of falling.

(7) The fall protection plan shall identify each location where conventional fall protection methods cannot be used. These locations shall then be classified as controlled access zones and the employer must comply with the criteria in Section 1671.2(a).

(8) Where no other alternative measure (i.e. scaffolds, ladders, vehicle mounted work platforms, etc.) has been implemented, the employer shall implement a safety monitoring system in conformance with Section 1671.2(b).

(9) The fall protection plan must include a statement which provides the name or other method of identification for each employee (i.e., job title) who is designated to work in controlled access zones. No other employees may enter controlled access zones.

(10) In the event an employee falls, or some other related, serious incident occurs (e.g., a near miss), the employer shall investigate the circumstances of the fall or other incident to determine if the fall protection plan needs to be changed (e.g., new practices, procedures, or training) and shall implement those changes to prevent similar types of falls or incidents.

Note: Authority cited: Section 142.3, Labor Code. Reference: Section 142.3, Labor Code.

HISTORY

1. New section filed 7-30-97; operative 8-29-97 (Register 97, No. 31).

2. Editorial correction of subsection (a)(10) (Register 2006, No. 17).

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