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Concrete Fall Protection

Although much of their work is performed at ground level, concrete contractors face also face significant fall hazards on a daily basis.  Providing safe access for concrete contractors requires a comprehensive fall prevention strategy, which includes the proper mix of fall protection equipment, personnel training, and partnering with a fall protection company that appreciates the unique nature of your construction site’s access points and potential fall hazards.

We are a complete turnkey provider of fall protection systems designed for the concrete industry and have the years of design and installation experience in this market sector. Contact us for expert assistance with your fall arrest, fall restraint and fall protection safety requirements.

Fall Protection Solutions

Design Considerations

Concrete Fall Protection Design Considerations

Cost effective fall protection system designs that do not lower worker productivity exist for the concrete industry, and thanks to application specific PPE, concrete workers can safely and efficiently perform their tasks with 100% tie-off. Fall protection anchoring systems for concrete applications may be permanent, or temporary, or a combination of both. In some situations, a permanent socket can be installed to accommodate a removable D-ring which can be inserted into additional sockets as needed. Effective system design will feature ease of use and allow workers to use both hands at all times. It is important to design fall arrest systems that do not impede worker mobility or lower productivity.

AT DFP, we appreciate the unique nature of the concrete industry’s access points, fall hazards, and the need for fall arrest solutions that are tailored to your specific application. Furthermore, it is extremely helpful to understand the types of materials and conditions associated with the site in en effort to provide you a recommendation that is specifically tailored to your needs. Our years of experience designing and installing fall protection systems for the concrete industry and our proven track record of training personnel in the safe use of these systems will keep your employees safe and your construction site in compliance with all OSHA fall protection regulations. To learn more about fall arrest systems for the concrete industry, or to discuss your application, contact the fall protection specialists at DFP for more information.

OSHA Regulations

  • Guardrail
    • 1926.502(b)
      'Guardrail systems.' Guardrail systems and their use shall comply with the following provisions:
    • 1926.502(b)(1)
      Top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, shall be 42 inches (1.1 m) plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm) above the walking/working level. When conditions warrant, the height of the top edge may exceed the 45-inch height, provided the guardrail system meets all other criteria of this paragraph.
    • 1926.502(b)(2)(iv)
      Other structural members (such as additional midrails and architectural panels) shall be installed such that there are no openings in the guardrail system that are more than 19 inches (.5 m) wide.
    • 1926.502(b)(3)
      Guardrail systems shall be capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 200 pounds (890 N) applied within 2 inches (5.1 cm) of the top edge, in any outward or downward direction, at any point along the top edge.
    • 1926.502(b)(4)
      When the 200 pound (890 N) test load specified in paragraph (b)(3) of this section is applied in a downward direction, the top edge of the guardrail shall not deflect to a height less than 39 inches (1.0 m) above the walking/working level. Guardrail system components selected and constructed in accordance with the Appendix B to subpart M of this part will be deemed to meet this requirement.
    • 1926.502(b)(5)
      Midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, solid panels, and equivalent structural members shall be capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 150 pounds (666 N) applied in any downward or outward direction at any point along the midrail or other member.
    • 1926.502(b)(11)
      When guardrail systems are used at holes, they shall be erected on all unprotected sides or edges of the hole.
    • 1926.502(b)(12)
      When guardrail systems are used around holes used for the passage of materials, the hole shall have not more than two sides provided with removable guardrail sections to allow the passage of materials. When the hole is not in use, it shall be closed over with a cover, or a guardrail system shall be provided along all unprotected sides or edges.
    • 1926.502(b)(13)
      When guardrail systems are used around holes which are used as points of access (such as ladderways), they shall be provided with a gate, or be so offset that a person cannot walk directly into the hole.

Talk to a fall protection specialist

Tell us about your fall protection needs, and we’ll configure a system that rises to your challenges.