CSLB C-33 Painting & DecoratingSafetyMedium
A painting contractor is supervising a crew working near an open trench on a commercial job site. OSHA requires fall protection for workers at specific heights. What is the minimum height threshold for requiring fall protection for workers working adjacent to a trench on a construction site?
- A15 feet
- B10 feet
- C6 feet
- D4 feet
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. 6 feet
OSHA's general industry standard for fall protection is 4 feet, but for construction activities, including working near unprotected sides or edges of trenches, the threshold is 6 feet. This applies to falls into the trench, not just from elevated surfaces.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 15 feet is the threshold for certain types of aerial lifts or specific scaffold situations, not general trench work.
- B. 10 feet is the threshold for some specific scaffolding types, but not for general construction fall protection near trenches.
- D. 4 feet is the general industry standard, but construction requires 6 feet.
Construction Fall Protection Height
The minimum height above a lower level at which OSHA regulations mandate the use of fall protection systems for construction workers.
- Generally 6 feet for construction activities.
- Applies to unprotected sides, edges, and openings.
- Different thresholds exist for specific tasks/equipment.
Memory trick: Six feet deep, your safety to keep.