CSLB General Building (B)SafetyHard

Under Cal/OSHA regulations for fall protection, what is the minimum height above a lower level at which guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems are generally required for employees on walking/working surfaces?

  1. A6 feet
  2. B4 feet
  3. C10 feet
  4. D7.5 feet
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D. 7.5 feet

Cal/OSHA generally requires fall protection (guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems) for employees exposed to a fall of 7.5 feet or more to a lower level from a walking/working surface.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. 6 feet is the federal OSHA requirement for construction, but Cal/OSHA is more stringent in some areas.
  • B. 4 feet is the general OSHA (federal) requirement, but Cal/OSHA has a higher threshold.
  • C. While fall protection is certainly needed at 10 feet, this is not the minimum threshold.

Cal/OSHA General Fall Protection Height

Cal/OSHA generally requires fall protection for employees exposed to a fall of 7.5 feet or more to a lower level from a walking/working surface.

  • Threshold is 7.5 feet.
  • Applies to most walking/working surfaces.
  • Methods include guardrails, safety nets, PFAS.

Memory trick: Fall protection is 'Seven-Point-Five' feet to a lower level.

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