CSLB C-39 Roofing ContractorSafety and RepairMedium
A roofing crew is performing a reroofing operation on a residential property. The roof has a pitch of 6:12 (26.5 degrees). According to Cal/OSHA, what is the maximum vertical distance a worker can fall from the roof edge before fall protection is required?
- A10 feet
- B7.5 feet
- C6 feet
- D15 feet
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. 7.5 feet
Cal/OSHA requires fall protection for workers on roofs with a fall hazard of 7.5 feet or more to the ground or lower level. This applies to both low-slope and steep-slope roofs.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 10 feet is not the standard Cal/OSHA threshold for roofing fall protection.
- C. 6 feet is a common threshold for general industry fall protection, but Cal/OSHA for roofing specifically uses 7.5 feet.
- D. 15 feet is incorrect; fall protection is required well before this height.
Cal/OSHA Roofing Fall Protection Threshold
Cal/OSHA requires fall protection for workers on roofs when there is a fall hazard of 7.5 feet or more to the ground or lower level.
- Applies to all roof slopes.
- Fall protection methods include guardrails, safety nets, personal fall arrest systems, or safety monitoring systems (for low-slope).
- Ensures worker safety from significant falls.
Memory trick: Seven and a half feet, a fall too deep, Cal/OSHA says a safety promise to keep.