the truss sections are on the ground. The trusssections can then be hoisted into place. Peakanchors and lifelines can be pre-installed beforethe sections are lifted onto the frame. Scaffolds,ladders and lifts can provide workers stable walk-ing/working platforms to stand on to secure thepre-fabricated truss section to the building frame.

When installing roof sheathing in elevated locations, employers should be aware that roofstructures generally are unstable until they areproperly braced according to industry standardsor some sheathing is in place. If conventional fallprotection cannot be used due to unstable conditions, employers should consider using ladders, scaffolds or aerial lifts until the first rowof sheathing has been installed and until a qualified person, as defined by 29 CFR 1926.32(m),determines that the roof can be used as ananchorage point for a personal fall arrest system.A qualified person can be the owner, the supervisor, or any other worker who has extensive knowledge, training and experiencewith fall protection and is able to solve problemsrelating to fall protection.

Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS): A PFAS is atool available to workers during roof sheathingjobs. In fact, a PFAS is the system of choice formany workers at heights. However, a breakdownin any component of a PFAS could be disastrousfor a worker. Always follow the manufacturer’sinstructions on selecting, installing and usingPFAS components correctly.

Risks While Installing Roof SheathingWorkers installing roof sheathing risk permanentinjury or death from falls. Even experienced workers are exposed to unpredictable fall hazardscaused by uneven sheathing, sudden gusts ofwind, loose materials, and surfaces that becomeslick when wet. Taking appropriate fall protectionmeasures reduces risks and saves lives.

The employer must provide a training programfor each worker who might be exposed to fall hazards. The program must enable each worker to recognize the hazards of falling and train eachworker in the procedures to follow to minimizethese hazards. For fall protection training require-ments, refer to 29 CFR 1926.503. In all cases,employers must evaluate the hazards and takemeasures to reduce the risk of falls.

More than one-third of fall deaths in residentialconstruction are caused by falls from roofs.

Roof Sheathing Safely: Important StepsPre-planning for the use of fall protection equipment can help employers protect workersfrom falls. Before beginning the job, focus onidentifying fall protection needs. Plan ahead andidentify those systems needed to protect workersfrom falls and have them available before sheathing begins.

Reducing RisksWorkers’ risk of falling can be greatly reduced ifsheathing is installed onto truss sections while

FactSheetReducing Falls During ResidentialConstruction: Roof SheathingAfter a roof has been framed, workers can begin installing roof sheathing. Because thiswork often occurs at great heights, it involves serious fall hazards. This risk makes itimportant that fall protection systems be used properly during these activities. Thisfact sheet highlights some of the hazards associated with installing roof sheathing and lists some practical methods that employers may be able to use to protect work-ers. The fall protection methods in this fact sheet may not be suitable in all situations.Employers are responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable OSHA requirements.

Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS)

A PFAS is designed to safely stop a fall beforethe worker strikes a lower level. It includes threemajor components:

A. An anchorage to which the other componentsof the PFAS are rigged.

B. A full body harness worn by the worker.

C. A connector, such as a lanyard or lifeline, link-ing the harness to the anchorage. A rip-stitchlanyard, or deceleration device, is typically apart of the system.

For more information on the requirements for aPFAS, refer to 29 CFR 1926.502(d).

Remember that workers must use full-body harnesses in fall arrest systems. Body belts cancause serious injury during a fall, and OSHA prohibits their use as part of fall arrest systems.

Numerous employers have found that for mostroofs, a PFAS can be used once the proper brac-ing and/or an appropriate amount of sheathinghas been established. Anchor points establishedduring truss erection can prove useful during roofsheathing. When placing sheathing on trusses,workers should keep sheathing in front of them as a barrier to protect themselves from fallingbetween truss openings. Once in place, thesheathing can be tacked and nailed down to prevent movement and reduce fall exposures to the inside of the building.

Fall Restraint: While fall restraint systems are notmentioned in OSHA’s fall protection rules, OSHAwill accept a properly utilized fall restraint systemin lieu of a personal fall arrest system when therestraint system is rigged so that the worker can-not get to the fall hazard. In effect, (if properlyused) the system tethers a worker in a mannerthat will not allow a fall of any distance. A fallrestraint system is comprised of a body belt orbody harness, an anchorage, connectors, andother necessary equipment. Other components

typically include a lanyard, and may also include alifeline and other devices.

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions orconsult a qualified person to ensure proper instal-lation of anchor points. Fall restraint may be aviable way to provide fall protection in situationsin which the employer has concerns about theadequacy of available anchorage points for fallarrest equipment.

Attaching AnchorsOSHA requires that anchors for PFAS be able tohold at least 5,000 pounds of weight per person,or maintain a safety factor of at least two (twicethe impact load) under the supervision of a qualified person. Always follow the anchor manufacturer’s instructions or consult a qualifiedperson when installing anchors to ensure they arestrong enough to hold the sudden weight of afalling worker. OSHA believes that anchoragesavailable on the market will meet the strengthrequirements if they are installed as per the man-ufacturer’s instructions, with the right number ofproperly sized nails or screws through the roofsheathing and into one or more roof trusses.

When choosing an anchor to use for fall pro-tection, employers have a number of options; for example,• Peak anchor: At the top of the roof, peak

anchors are typically solid, non-moving piecessecured to the trusses underneath.

• Permanent D-rings: Inexpensive D-ring anchorsare attached to the truss frame; they can be leftpermanently on the roof for future use.

Spreader: Employers may be able to use engineered spreaders as anchor points. Wheninstalled in accord with the manufacturer’s

instructions, these devices distribute the force of aPFAS across multiple trusses. The roof trusses donot need to be sheathed to use a spreader. Theseengineered anchorage devices are reusable andcan be uninstalled and reinstalled quickly. A qualified person should decide if the spreader issuitable for use as an anchor.

Install an anchor above the area being built:Choose an anchor that is appropriate for the typeof roof and anchor location. Depending on theroof design, the best location might be at the peakof the roof, directly over a truss.

Consider leaving anchors in place: Where practi-cal, employers may consider leaving anchors inplace. This can make the current job simpler andreduce the burden for roofers in the future.

Scaffolding: Workers installingroof sheathing may be able touse scaffold systems. Bracket scaffolding systems, includingtop-plate scaffolding systems,can provide workers with stable work platforms. Workers may beable to install the bottom row ofroof sheathing while they arestanding on these scaffold systems and leaning over the

sheathing. Always follow the manufacturer’sinstructions or consult a qualified person toensure proper scaffold assembly and use. Forrequirements on scaffolds, refer to 29 CFR 1926Subpart L - Scaffolds.

Ladders (A-frame and platform): If the floor belowhas been established, A-frame and platform ladders can provide stable work platforms forworkers who are installing the first row of sheathing on a roof. Always ensure that a ladderhas good footing before mounting it. Consult 29CFR 1926 Subpart X, Ladders for ladder safetyrequirements.

Safety net systems: In some situations, safety netscan be placed underneath unsheathed trusses toprevent workers from falling between the trussesto the level below. Safety nets must be installed toprevent contact with the surface or structuresbelow them. For requirements for safety nets,refer to 29 CFR 1926.502(c)-Safety Net Systems.

Staging MaterialLoose material and hand-held equipment can create tripping hazards on the roof surface. To

minimize exposure to fall hazards, employers canstage materials so that workers on the roof havequick and safe access to them. While handlingmaterial on the roof, the worker should hold thematerial on the side of his or her body that facesthe down-sloped edge to prevent being struck bythe materials if they are dropped. Material canalso be staged so it cannot slide off the roof edgeand potentially strike a worker on the ground.Slide guards can help to keep material from sliding off the roof. Establishing a restricted areaaround the perimeter of the project can also keepworkers out of the danger zone where debris,tools or materials may fall to the ground. The areashould be posted with signs that warn of thepotential hazard.

Other considerations: Some employers havefound success in eliminating fall hazards by usingscaffolds and aerial lifts when site conditions permit their use. Fall protection requirements performed on scaffolds and aerial lifts can befound in Subpart L – Scaffolds.

Written Fall Protection PlansWhen working at heights of six feet or greater, ifthe employer does not use ladders, scaffolds, aerial lifts or fall restraint systems and can demonstrate that it is not feasible or would create a greater hazard to use conventional fallprotection equipment (guardrails, safety nets orPFAS), the employer must develop a written site-specific fall protection plan in accord with 29 CFR1926.502(k). The plan must be prepared by a qualified person. This person could be the owner,the supervisor, or any other worker who hasextensive knowledge, training and experience with fall protection and is able to solve problemsrelating to fall protection.

The site-specific fall protection plan must document, for each location, why the use of conventional fall protection equipment is not feasible or will create a greater hazard. The planmust also describe the alternative methods thatthe employer will use so that workers are protect-ed from falls. Workers and their supervisors mustbe trained on the proper use of those other fallprotection methods.

Conventional fall protection equipment can reduceor eliminate the chances of a fatal fall. Otherwise,a written site-specific fall protection plan ensuresthat protection continues, even when conventionalfall protection methods are determined to not befeasible.

This is one in a series of informational fact sheets highlighting OSHA programs, policies or standards. It does not impose any new compliance requirements. For a comprehensive list of compliance requirements of OSHA standards or regulations, refer to Title 29 of the Code of FederalRegulations. This information will be made available to sensory-impaired individuals upon request.The voice phone is (202) 693-1999; teletypewriter (TTY) number: (877) 889-5627.

DOC FS-3501 1/2012

U.S. Department of Laborwww.osha.gov (800) 321-OSHA (6742)

For assistance, contact us. We can help. It’s confidential.

OccupationalSafety and HealthAdministration

OSHA Standard: 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M – Fall Protection Available online atwww.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=10922.

OSHA Residential Fall Protection Web Page:www.osha.gov/doc/topics/residentialprotection/index.html.

OSHA Compliance Guidance:Compliance Guidance for Residential Construction – STD 03-11-002 (dated 12/16/2010)Available online atwww.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=DIRECTIVES&p_id=4755.

State Plan Guidance: States with OSHA-approved state plans may have additionalrequirements for Residential Roofing. For moreinformation on these requirements, please visit:www.osha.gov/dcsp/osp/statestandards.html.

Help for Employers: OSHA’s On-site ConsultationProgram offers free and confidential advice tosmall and medium-sized businesses in all statesacross the country, with priority given to high-hazard worksites. On-site Consultation servicesare separate from enforcement and do not resultin penalties or citations. Consultants from stateagencies or universities work with employers toidentify workplace hazards, provide advice oncompliance with OSHA standards and assist inestablishing injury and illness prevention programs. To locate the OSHA ConsultationProgram nearest you, call 1-800-321-OSHA (6742)or visit www.osha.gov/dcsp/smallbusiness/index.html.

Almost every OSHA area office has a ComplianceAssistance Specialist to assist employers in complying with OSHA standards. To find theCompliance Assistance Specialist nearest you,call 1-800-321-OSHA (6742) or visit:www.osha.gov/html/RAmap.html.

FactSheet

Risk of Falls during Attic WorkWorking in a low attic can be difficult. Employees moving through these spaces may be exposed to fall hazards at the openings between truss chords. Exposed nails, cables, wires, low-hanging rafters or cross-beams, hot conditions, poor lighting, and truss chords hidden by deep insulation, can add to the risk of falling.

The employer must provide a training program for each worker who might be exposed to fall hazards. The program must train each worker to recognize fall hazards and to know the procedures to follow to minimize these hazards. For fall protection training requirements, refer to 29 CFR 1926.503. In all cases, employers must evaluate the hazards and take steps to reduce the risk of falls. Using appropriate fall protection measures reduces risks and saves lives.

Reducing Risks:PlanningPlanning for the use of fall protection equipment can help employers protect workers from falls. Before beginning the job, identify fall protection needs. Survey the attic to determine what fall protection systems can be used. Plan ahead and have those systems in place before the workers report to the job.

Determining Structural Integrity of Truss Chords or Ceiling JoistsWorkers can be injured if they fall through the ceiling to a lower level. Employers must determine if the walking/working surfaces in attics have the strength and structural integrity to support workers safely (29 CFR 1926.501(a)(2)). Only after this determination has been made should workers be allowed to enter those areas. Using a piece of plywood or planking to stand on could improve footing.

Reducing Falls during Residential Construction: Working in AtticsProtecting workers from falls while working in attics can be challenging for some employers. This fact sheet highlights some of the hazards of attic work and details some practical methods that employers can use to protect those who work in attics. The fall protection methods in this fact sheet may not be suitable in all situations. Employers are responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable OSHA requirements.

If the area around the plywood or planking is open, and the work area is 6 feet or more above a lower level, the employer generally must ensure that workers use fall protection meeting OSHA requirements (29 CFR 1926.501(b)(13)). Employers also may choose to use scaffolds or ladders for attic work.

(Note: OSHA’s fall protection requirements for residential construction work performed on scaffolds and ladders are specified in Subpart L and Subpart X, respectively, not in 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(13)).

Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS)A PFAS is a tool available to workers performing attic work. In fact, a PFAS is the system of choice for many workers who work at heights. However, a malfunction in any component of a PFAS could be disastrous for a worker. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on selecting, installing and using PFAS components correctly.

Personal Fall Arrest System

A PFAS is designed to safely stop a fall before the worker strikes a lower level. The system includes three major components:

A. An anchorage to which the other components of the PFAS are rigged.

B. A full body harness worn by the worker.

C. A connector, such as a lanyard or lifeline, linking the harness to the anchorage. A rip-stitch lanyard, or deceleration device, is typically a part of the system.

For more information on the requirements for a PFAS, refer to 29 CFR 1926.502(d).

Remember that workers must use full-body harnesses in fall arrest systems. Body belts can cause serious injury during a fall, and OSHA prohibits their use as part of fall arrest systems.

Attaching AnchorsOSHA requires that anchors for a PFAS either be able to hold at least 5,000 pounds per worker or maintain a safety factor of at least two (twice the impact load) and be used under the supervision of a qualified person. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions or consult a qualified person when installing anchors to ensure that they are strong enough to hold the sudden weight of a falling worker. There are anchorages available on the market that can meet OSHA’s strength requirements if they are installed in accord with the manufacturer’s instructions, with the right number of properly-sized nails or screws. Also, employers may find it possible to provide safe anchorage down the length of an entire attic by properly installing an engineered horizontal lifeline.

Pre-installed Anchorage Systems With advance planning on new construction projects, some anchorage systems can be pre-installed before the trusses are lifted into position. This method permits workers to attach their lanyards

to an anchorage immediately upon entering the attic space.

Consider leaving anchors in place: Where practical, employers should consider leaving anchors in place. This can make the current job simpler and reduce the burden for attic workers in the future.

A pre-installed attic anchorage system.

Fall RestraintFall restraint systems prevent falls by keeping the worker from reaching a fall hazard. While fall restraint systems are not mentioned in OSHA’s fall protection rules, OSHA will accept a properly utilized fall restraint system in place of a personal fall arrest system when the restraint system is rigged so that the worker cannot reach the fall hazard. In effect, (if properly used) the system tethers a worker in a manner that will not allow a fall of any distance. A fall restraint system is comprised of a body belt or body harness, an anchorage, connectors, and other necessary equipment. Other components typically include a lanyard, and may also include a lifeline and other devices. Note: A self-retracting lanyard is not appropriate for a fall restraint system unless the worker cannot reach the fall hazard when the lanyard is fully extended.

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions or consult a qualified person to ensure proper installation of anchor points. OSHA recommends that fall restraint systems have the capacity to withstand 3,000 pounds of force or twice the maximum expected force that is needed to restrain the worker from exposure to the fall hazard. As a result, fall restraint may be a viable way to provide fall protection in situations in which the employer has concerns about the adequacy of available anchorage points for fall arrest equipment.

Safety Net Systems In some situations, employers may be able to place safety nets underneath truss chords to prevent workers from falling to the level below. Safety nets must be installed to prevent contact with the surface or structures below them. For requirements for safety nets, refer to 29 CFR 1926.502(c)–Safety Net Systems.

ScaffoldsScaffolds, stationary or mobile, can be erected below the attic work area. Workers on the scaffold can work between truss chords and joists to perform some installation activities. For requirements for scaffolds, refer to 29 CFR 1926 Subpart L – Scaffolds.

LaddersLike scaffolds, A-frame and platform ladders can provide safe platforms from which workers on the lower level can perform some tasks in the attic above. Consult 29 CFR 1926 Subpart X – Stairways and Ladders for ladder safety requirements.

Written Fall Protection PlansWhen working at heights of 6 feet or greater, if the employer does not use ladders, scaffolds, aerial lifts or fall restraint systems and can demonstrate that it is not feasible or would create a greater hazard

to use conventional fall protection equipment (guardrails, safety nets or a PFAS), the employer must develop a written site-specific fall protection plan in accord with 29 CFR 1926.502(k). The plan must be prepared by a qualified person. This person could be the owner, the supervisor, or any other worker who has extensive knowledge, training and experience with fall protection and is able to solve problems relating to fall protection.

The site-specific fall protection plan must document, for each location, why the use of conventional fall protection equipment is not feasible or will create a greater hazard. The plan must also describe the alternative methods that the employer will use so that workers are protected from falls. Workers and their supervisors must be trained on the proper use of those other fall protection methods.

OSHA Standard: 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M – Fall Protection Available online at: www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_ document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=10922.

OSHA Residential Fall Protection Web Page: www.osha.gov/doc/topics/residentialprotection/index.html.

OSHA Compliance Guidance: Compliance Guidance for Residential Construction – STD 03-11-002 (dated 12/16/2010)Available online at: www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=DIRECTIVES&p_id=4755.

State Plan Guidance: Twenty-seven states or territories currently operate their own OSHA-approved state plans. State plan workplace health and safety standards must be at least as effective as comparable Federal OSHA standards. State plans have the option of promulgating more stringent standards and, therefore, may have additional requirements for residential

construction. For more information on state plans and their requirements, please visit: www.osha.gov/dcsp/osp/statestandards.html.

Help for Employers: OSHA’s On-site Consultation Program offers free and confidential advice to small and medium-sized businesses in all states across the country, with priority given to high-hazard worksites. On-site consultation services are separate from enforcement and do not result in penalties or citations. Consultants from state agencies or universities work with employers to identify workplace hazards, provide advice on compliance with OSHA standards, and assist in establishing safety and health management programs. To locate the OSHA Consultation Program nearest you, call 1-800-321-OSHA (6742) or visit: www.osha.gov/dcsp/smallbusiness/consult.html.

Almost every OSHA area office has a compliance assistance specialist to assist employers in complying with OSHA standards. To find the compliance assistance specialist nearest you, call 1-800-321-OSHA (6742) or visit: www.osha.gov/html/RAmap.html.

This is one in a series of informational fact sheets highlighting OSHA programs, policies or standards. It does not impose any new compliance requirements. For a comprehensive list of compliance requirements of OSHA standards or regulations, refer to Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations. This information will be made available to sensory-impaired individuals upon request. The voice phone is (202) 693-1999; teletypewriter (TTY) number: (877) 889-5627.

DOC FS-3553 05/2012