OSHA Fall Protection Test Answers (29 CFR 1926 Subpart M)
Fall protection answers for independent study: review 82 questions on construction fall protection, the ones trainees report first, each quoted from 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M or 29 CFR 1910 on eCFR. Not an official OSHA Outreach exam key.
Fall protection rules for construction from 29 CFR 1926.500-1926.503 (Subpart M), with the general industry trigger heights and definitions from 29 CFR 1910.21, 1910.28 and 1910.29 (eCFR current as of 2026-10-28): trigger heights, guardrails, safety nets, personal fall arrest and positioning systems, warning lines, safety monitors, covers, fall protection plans and training.
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01At what height is fall protection required in construction, that is, when working at elevations over how many feet?
6 feet. 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(1) protects each employee on a walking/working surface with an unprotected side or edge 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above a lower level.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“with an unprotected side or edge which is 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above a lower level shall be protected from falling by the use of guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems”
— 29 CFR 1926.501, Duty to have fall protection (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗02What are the ways an employer can protect workers from falls: guardrails, safety net systems and safety belts; guardrails and safety nets; or guardrails, safety net systems and personal fall arrest systems?
Guardrails, safety net systems and personal fall arrest systems. 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(1) names those three, and 29 CFR 1926.502(d) says body belts are not acceptable as part of a personal fall arrest system.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Effective January 1, 1998, body belts are not acceptable as part of a personal fall arrest system”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗03Safety standards require fall arrest system equipment to protect workers from falls at what heights?
6 feet or more in construction (29 CFR 1926.501(b)(1)) and 4 feet or more in general industry (29 CFR 1910.28(b)(1)(i)).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“unprotected side or edge that is 4 feet (1.2 m) or more above a lower level is protected from falling by one or more of the following”
— 29 CFR 1910.28, Duty to have fall protection and falling object protection (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗04True or false: in general industry, fall protection shall be provided when working above 4 feet from the walking working surface.
True. 29 CFR 1910.28(b)(1)(i) requires protection for an unprotected side or edge 4 feet (1.2 m) or more above a lower level.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“unprotected side or edge that is 4 feet (1.2 m) or more above a lower level is protected from falling by one or more of the following”
— 29 CFR 1910.28, Duty to have fall protection and falling object protection (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗05What are the three basic (main) components of a typical personal fall arrest system (PFAS): body belt, lanyard, anchorage point, guard rail, or full body harness?
An anchorage point, a full body harness and a connecting device such as a lanyard. 29 CFR 1926.500(b) says a PFAS consists of an anchorage, connectors and a body belt or body harness, and that a body belt may no longer be used for fall arrest.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“It consists of an anchorage, connectors, a body belt or body harness and may include a lanyard, deceleration device, lifeline, or suitable combinations of these. As of January 1, 1998, the use of a body belt for fall arrest is prohibited.”
— 29 CFR 1926.500, Scope, application, and definitions applicable to this subpart (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗06How many pounds must a personal fall arrest system (PFAS) anchorage point be capable of supporting, or handling, per worker attached?
5,000 pounds per employee attached, unless a qualified person designs it as part of a complete system with a safety factor of at least two. 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(15).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Anchorages used for attachment of personal fall arrest equipment shall be independent of any anchorage being used to support or suspend platforms and capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds (22.2 kN) per employee attached”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗07A personal fall arrest system (PFAS) is designed to do what to a person in a fall from a working level?
Arrest the fall. 29 CFR 1926.500(b) defines a personal fall arrest system as a system used to arrest an employee in a fall from a working level.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Personal fall arrest system means a system used to arrest an employee in a fall from a working level”
— 29 CFR 1926.500, Scope, application, and definitions applicable to this subpart (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗08Anchorages requirements: what must an acceptable anchorage point for a personal fall arrest system be?
Independent of any anchorage used to support or suspend platforms, and able to support at least 5,000 pounds per employee attached. 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(15).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Anchorages used for attachment of personal fall arrest equipment shall be independent of any anchorage being used to support or suspend platforms and capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds (22.2 kN) per employee attached”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗09Guardrail systems must be capable of withstanding (able to withstand) a force of at least how many pounds applied within 2 inches of the top edge, at any point along the top edge?
200 pounds, in any outward or downward direction. 29 CFR 1926.502(b)(3).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“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.”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗10How many pounds of force must the top rail, mid rail and toe board be able to withstand?
200, 150 and 50 pounds. 29 CFR 1926.502(b)(3) sets 200 pounds for the top edge, (b)(5) 150 pounds for midrails, and (j)(2) 50 pounds for toeboards.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Toeboards shall be capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 50 pounds (222 N) applied in any downward or outward direction at any point along the toeboard.”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗11Top rails must be how many inches, plus or minus 3 inches, above the walking/working level (the height from the upper surface of the top rail to floor level)?
42 inches. 29 CFR 1926.502(b)(1) sets the top edge height at 42 inches (1.1 m) plus or minus 3 inches.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“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.”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗12Intermediate members such as balusters, when used between guardrail posts, shall not be more than how many inches apart?
19 inches. 29 CFR 1926.502(b)(2)(iii).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Intermediate members (such as balusters), when used between posts, shall be not more than 19 inches (48 cm) apart.”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗13A safety net's maximum mesh openings must not be longer than how many inches on any side?
6 inches. 29 CFR 1926.502(c)(7) also caps each mesh opening at 36 square inches.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The maximum size of each safety net mesh opening shall not exceed 36 square inches”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗14Safety nets must never be placed more than how many feet below workers, and must be tested by dropping a bag of how many pounds?
30 feet and 400 pounds. 29 CFR 1926.502(c)(1) limits nets to 30 feet below the working surface, and (c)(4)(i) drop-tests them with a 400 pound bag of sand.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The drop-test shall consist of a 400 pound (180 kg) bag of sand”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗15When safety nets are required, they must be drop-tested using a 28-32 inch-diameter bag of sand weighing no less than how many pounds?
400 pounds. 29 CFR 1926.502(c)(4)(i) uses a 400 pound bag of sand 30 inches, plus or minus 2 inches, in diameter, dropped into the net from the highest walking/working surface.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The drop-test shall consist of a 400 pound (180 kg) bag of sand”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗16If safety nets are connected together, the connection must be as strong as the individual nets and not more than how many inches apart?
6 inches. 29 CFR 1926.502(c)(9).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Connections between safety net panels shall be as strong as integral net components and shall be spaced not more than 6 inches (15 cm) apart.”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗17A Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS) must be rigged so that an employee can neither free-fall more than how many feet, nor contact any lower level?
6 feet. 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(16)(iii).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“be rigged such that an employee can neither free fall more than 6 feet (1.8 m), nor contact any lower level”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗18Which one of these workers must be provided with an OSHA-required fall prevention system: an employee constructing a leading edge on a third-floor balcony, or an employee on a 5-foot-high platform with no dangerous equipment below?
The employee constructing the leading edge on the third floor. 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(2)(i) covers each employee constructing a leading edge 6 feet or more above lower levels; a 5-foot platform is under the 6-foot trigger.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Each employee who is constructing a leading edge 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above lower levels shall be protected from falling by guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems.”
— 29 CFR 1926.501, Duty to have fall protection (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗19As a safety monitor, do you have to be able to recognize fall hazards? Yes or no?
Yes. 29 CFR 1926.502(h)(1)(i) says the safety monitor shall be competent to recognize fall hazards.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The safety monitor shall be competent to recognize fall hazards”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗20As a safety monitor, do you just have to be there if anyone has a question? Yes or no?
No. 29 CFR 1926.502(h)(1)(ii) says the safety monitor shall warn the employee when it appears the employee is unaware of a fall hazard or is acting in an unsafe manner.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The safety monitor shall warn the employee when it appears that the employee is unaware of a fall hazard or is acting in an unsafe manner”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗21As a safety monitor, do you have to warn workers when they're unaware of a fall hazard? Yes or no?
Yes. 29 CFR 1926.502(h)(1)(ii).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The safety monitor shall warn the employee when it appears that the employee is unaware of a fall hazard or is acting in an unsafe manner”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗22As a safety monitor, do you have to be able to see the workers you're monitoring? Yes or no?
Yes. 29 CFR 1926.502(h)(1)(iii) puts the safety monitor on the same walking/working surface and within visual sighting distance of the employee being monitored.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The safety monitor shall be on the same walking/working surface and within visual sighting distance of the employee being monitored”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗23As a safety monitor, do you have to be close enough to communicate orally with the workers? Yes or no?
Yes. 29 CFR 1926.502(h)(1)(iv).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The safety monitor shall be close enough to communicate orally with the employee”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗24As a safety monitor, are you also responsible for inspecting all of the equipment and tools? Yes or no?
No. 29 CFR 1926.502(h)(1)(v) says the safety monitor shall not have other responsibilities which could take the monitor's attention from the monitoring function.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The safety monitor shall not have other responsibilities which could take the monitor's attention from the monitoring function”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗25Warning lines must be flagged at not more than how many foot intervals with high-visibility materials?
6 feet. 29 CFR 1926.502(f)(2)(i).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“flagged at not more than 6-foot (1.8 m) intervals with high-visibility material”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗26Positioning devices must be rigged such that an employee cannot free fall more than how many feet?
2 feet. 29 CFR 1926.502(e)(1).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Positioning devices shall be rigged such that an employee cannot free fall more than 2 feet (.6 m).”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗27Positioning devices shall be secured to an anchorage capable of supporting at least twice the potential impact load of an employee's fall or how many pounds, whichever is greater?
3,000 pounds. 29 CFR 1926.502(e)(2).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Positioning devices shall be secured to an anchorage capable of supporting at least twice the potential impact load of an employee's fall or 3,000 pounds (13.3 kN), whichever is greater.”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗28On jobs where workers will be exposed to fall hazards, who is required by OSHA to conduct employee training?
A competent person. 29 CFR 1926.503(a)(2) requires each employee to be trained by a competent person qualified in the nature of fall hazards in the work area and the other listed areas.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“has been trained, as necessary, by a competent person qualified in the following areas: (i) The nature of fall hazards in the work area;”
— 29 CFR 1926.503, Training requirements (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗29Because conventional fall protection equipment can create greater hazards for certain workers, the fall protection plan option is available for all these jobs EXCEPT which: leading edge work, precast concrete erection, residential construction, or high steel?
High steel. 29 CFR 1926.502(k) makes the fall protection plan option available only to employees engaged in leading edge work, precast concrete erection work, or residential construction work.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“This option is available only to employees engaged in leading edge work, precast concrete erection work, or residential construction work”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗30As minimum protection, employers must provide employees exposed to falling objects with what, and require them to be worn?
Hard hats. 29 CFR 1926.501(c) has each employee exposed to falling objects wear a hard hat, plus toeboards, screens, canopies or other measures.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“When an employee is exposed to falling objects, the employer shall have each employee wear a hard hat”
— 29 CFR 1926.501, Duty to have fall protection (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗31Warning lines must be rigged and supported so that the lowest point (including sag) is never less than how many inches from the walking/working surface?
34 inches, and the highest point no more than 39 inches. 29 CFR 1926.502(f)(2)(ii).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“is no less than 34 inches (.9 m) from the walking/working surface and its highest point is no more than 39 inches (1.0 m) from the walking/working surface”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗32What option do employers have when conventional fall protection systems are not feasible and might even put workers at risk?
Develop and implement a fall protection plan. 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(2)(i) allows it when the employer can show the conventional systems are infeasible or create a greater hazard; the plan must meet 29 CFR 1926.502(k).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“When the employer can demonstrate that it is infeasible or creates a greater hazard to use these systems, the employer shall develop and implement a fall protection plan which meets the requirements of paragraph (k) of § 1926.502”
— 29 CFR 1926.501, Duty to have fall protection (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗33A hole is defined by OSHA as a gap or open space in a floor, roof or horizontal walking-working surface that is at least how many inches in its least dimension: 2, 4, 5 or 6?
2 inches. 29 CFR 1910.21(b).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Hole means a gap or open space in a floor, roof, horizontal walking-working surface, or similar surface that is at least 2 inches (5 cm) in its least dimension.”
— 29 CFR 1910.21, Scope and definitions (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗34An opening is defined by OSHA as a gap or open space in a wall, partition, vertical walking-working surface or similar surface that is at least how many inches high and at least how many inches wide?
30 inches high and 18 inches wide. 29 CFR 1910.21(b).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Opening means a gap or open space in a wall, partition, vertical walking-working surface, or similar surface that is at least 30 inches (76 cm) high and at least 18 inches (46 cm) wide, through which an employee can fall to a lower level.”
— 29 CFR 1910.21, Scope and definitions (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗35A cover must be sturdy enough to support at least how many times the maximum load that may be placed on it at any one time?
Two times. 29 CFR 1910.29(e) requires covers capable of supporting at least twice the maximum intended load that may be imposed on the cover at any one time.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“at least twice the maximum intended load that may be imposed on the cover at any one time”
— 29 CFR 1910.29, Fall protection systems and falling object protection-criteria and practices (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗36How often must personal fall arrest systems (all fall arrest or restraint system components) be inspected for damage or defects: at least weekly, daily, before each use, or at least monthly?
Before each use. 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(21) requires inspection prior to each use for wear, damage and other deterioration.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Personal fall arrest systems shall be inspected prior to each use for wear, damage and other deterioration, and defective components shall be removed from service.”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗37If a fall arrest system has been used to arrest a fall, it must be replaced or taken out of service until it is inspected. True or False?
True. 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(19) removes systems and components subjected to impact loading from service until a competent person inspects them and finds them undamaged.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Personal fall arrest systems and components subjected to impact loading shall be immediately removed from service and shall not be used again for employee protection until inspected and determined by a competent person to be undamaged and suitable for reuse.”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗38What is a deceleration device in a personal fall arrest system?
Any mechanism, such as a rope grab, rip-stitch lanyard or self-retracting lifeline, that dissipates a substantial amount of energy during a fall arrest or limits the energy imposed on the employee. 29 CFR 1926.500(b).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Deceleration device means any mechanism, such as a rope grab, rip-stitch lanyard, specially-woven lanyard, tearing or deforming lanyards, automatic self-retracting lifelines/lanyards, etc., which serves to dissipate a substantial amount of energy during a fall arrest”
— 29 CFR 1926.500, Scope, application, and definitions applicable to this subpart (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗39What is deceleration distance in a fall arrest?
The additional vertical distance a falling employee travels, excluding lifeline elongation and free fall distance, before stopping, from the point where the deceleration device begins to operate. 29 CFR 1926.500(b).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Deceleration distance means the additional vertical distance a falling employee travels, excluding lifeline elongation and free fall distance, before stopping, from the point at which the deceleration device begins to operate.”
— 29 CFR 1926.500, Scope, application, and definitions applicable to this subpart (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗40What is free-fall distance in a fall arrest?
The vertical displacement of the fall arrest attachment point on the body harness between the onset of the fall and just before the system begins to apply force to arrest the fall. 29 CFR 1926.500(b).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Free fall distance means the vertical displacement of the fall arrest attachment point on the employee's body belt or body harness between onset of the fall and just before the system begins to apply force to arrest the fall.”
— 29 CFR 1926.500, Scope, application, and definitions applicable to this subpart (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗41Short, flexible lines with connectors on each end are called what?
Lanyards. 29 CFR 1926.500(b) defines a lanyard as a flexible line of rope, wire rope, or strap which generally has a connector at each end.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Lanyard means a flexible line of rope, wire rope, or strap which generally has a connector at each end for connecting the body belt or body harness to a deceleration device, lifeline, or anchorage.”
— 29 CFR 1926.500, Scope, application, and definitions applicable to this subpart (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗42True or false: D-rings, buckles, and snaphooks are examples of deceleration devices.
False. They are connectors. 29 CFR 1926.500(b) defines a connector as a device that couples parts of the system together, such as a carabiner or a buckle or dee-ring sewn into a harness; deceleration devices are things like rope grabs and self-retracting lifelines.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Connector means a device which is used to couple (connect) parts of the personal fall arrest system and positioning device systems together. It may be an independent component of the system, such as a carabiner, or it may be an integral component of part of the system (such as a buckle or dee-ring sewn into a body belt or body harness”
— 29 CFR 1926.500, Scope, application, and definitions applicable to this subpart (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗43What are used to connect lanyards to D-rings on a body harness?
Snap hooks (snaphooks). 29 CFR 1926.500(b) defines a snaphook as a connector with a hook-shaped member and a normally closed keeper that closes automatically to retain the object.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Snaphook means a connector comprised of a hook-shaped member with a normally closed keeper, or similar arrangement, which may be opened to permit the hook to receive an object and, when released, automatically closes to retain the object.”
— 29 CFR 1926.500, Scope, application, and definitions applicable to this subpart (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗44True or false: a positioning device system is a fall arrest system.
False. 29 CFR 1926.500(b) defines it separately, as a body belt or body harness system rigged so an employee can be supported on an elevated vertical surface and work with both hands free while leaning; its rules are in 1926.502(e), apart from personal fall arrest systems in 1926.502(d).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Positioning device system means a body belt or body harness system rigged to allow an employee to be supported on an elevated vertical surface, such as a wall, and work with both hands free while leaning.”
— 29 CFR 1926.500, Scope, application, and definitions applicable to this subpart (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗45Each employee working in a controlled access zone must be directed to comply with all instructions by whom?
The safety monitor. 29 CFR 1926.502(h)(4) directs each employee in a controlled access zone to comply promptly with fall hazard warnings from safety monitors.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Each employee working in a controlled access zone shall be directed to comply promptly with fall hazard warnings from safety monitors.”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗46Covers located in roadways and vehicular aisles shall be capable of supporting, without failure, at least how many times the maximum axle load of the largest vehicle expected to cross over the cover?
Two times. 29 CFR 1926.502(i)(1).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Covers located in roadways and vehicular aisles shall be capable of supporting, without failure, at least twice the maximum axle load of the largest vehicle expected to cross over the cover.”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗47True or false: if an employee must lean through an opening to conduct hoisting operations, the employee must be protected by a personal fall arrest system.
True. 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(3) requires a personal fall arrest system when guardrails are removed for hoisting and the employee must lean through the access opening or out over its edge.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“and an employee must lean through the access opening or out over the edge of the access opening (to receive or guide equipment and materials, for example), that employee shall be protected from fall hazards by a personal fall arrest system”
— 29 CFR 1926.501, Duty to have fall protection (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗48True or false: a skylight is a hole which an employee must be protected from falling through.
True. 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(4)(i) protects each employee from falling through holes, including skylights, more than 6 feet above lower levels.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Each employee on walking/working surfaces shall be protected from falling through holes (including skylights) more than 6 feet (1.8 m) above lower levels, by personal fall arrest systems, covers, or guardrail systems erected around such holes.”
— 29 CFR 1926.501, Duty to have fall protection (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗49True or false: a guardrail system is not an appropriate form of fall protection around skylights.
False. 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(4)(i) allows personal fall arrest systems, covers, or guardrail systems erected around such holes, including skylights.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Each employee on walking/working surfaces shall be protected from falling through holes (including skylights) more than 6 feet (1.8 m) above lower levels, by personal fall arrest systems, covers, or guardrail systems erected around such holes.”
— 29 CFR 1926.501, Duty to have fall protection (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗50True or false: toeboards are not a method of falling object protection.
False. 29 CFR 1926.501(c)(1) lists erecting toeboards, screens, or guardrail systems to prevent objects from falling from higher levels.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Erect toeboards, screens, or guardrail systems to prevent objects from falling from higher levels”
— 29 CFR 1926.501, Duty to have fall protection (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗51Can defective safety nets be used for fall protection?
No. 29 CFR 1926.502(c)(5) requires weekly inspection and says defective nets shall not be used.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Defective nets shall not be used. Safety nets shall be inspected at least once a week for wear, damage, and other deterioration.”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗52If your inspection of fall protection equipment shows evidence of damage or defects on part of your personal fall arrest system, what should you do?
Remove the damaged part from service right away. 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(21) says defective components shall be removed from service.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Personal fall arrest systems shall be inspected prior to each use for wear, damage and other deterioration, and defective components shall be removed from service.”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗53Which of the following best describes the purpose of an anchor (anchorage) in a fall arrest system?
It provides a secure point of attachment for lifelines, lanyards and deceleration devices. 29 CFR 1926.500(b).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Anchorage means a secure point of attachment for lifelines, lanyards or deceleration devices.”
— 29 CFR 1926.500, Scope, application, and definitions applicable to this subpart (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗54Vertical lifelines or lanyards must have a minimum breaking strength of how many pounds?
5,000 pounds. 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(9).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Lanyards and vertical lifelines shall have a minimum breaking strength of 5,000 pounds (22.2 kN).”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗55Each employee should be attached to a separate vertical lifeline except during what?
The construction of elevator shafts, where two employees may be attached to the same lifeline in the hoistway under listed conditions. 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(10).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“During the construction of elevator shafts, two employees may be attached to the same lifeline in the hoistway”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗56Horizontal lifelines can be installed as part of a complete PFAS (personal fall arrest system) which maintains a safety factor of at least what?
Two. 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(8) has horizontal lifelines designed, installed and used under the supervision of a qualified person.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Horizontal lifelines shall be designed, installed, and used, under the supervision of a qualified person, as part of a complete personal fall arrest system, which maintains a safety factor of at least two.”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗57If there is a hole covering, what should be written on the cover?
HOLE or COVER. 29 CFR 1926.502(i)(4) has covers color coded or marked with the word HOLE or COVER to warn of the hazard.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“All covers shall be color coded or they shall be marked with the word "HOLE" or "COVER" to provide warning of the hazard.”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗58Warning line system: where is it used, and how far from the roof edge must it be erected?
On roofs, around all sides of the roof work area, not less than 6 feet from the roof edge when mechanical equipment is not being used. 29 CFR 1926.502(f)(1)(i).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“When mechanical equipment is not being used, the warning line shall be erected not less than 6 feet (1.8 m) from the roof edge.”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗59Standard toeboard: how much clearance may it have above the floor (walking-working surface)?
Not more than a quarter inch (0.25 inch). 29 CFR 1910.29(k)(1)(iii) says toeboards may not have more than a 0.25-inch clearance or opening above the walking-working surface.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Do not have more than a 0.25-inch (0.5-cm) clearance or opening above the walking-working surface.”
— 29 CFR 1910.29, Fall protection systems and falling object protection-criteria and practices (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗60What roof slope does 29 CFR 1926.500 define as a low-slope roof?
A slope less than or equal to 4 in 12 (vertical to horizontal). 29 CFR 1926.500(b).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Low-slope roof means a roof having a slope less than or equal to 4 in 12 (vertical to horizontal).”
— 29 CFR 1926.500, Scope, application, and definitions applicable to this subpart (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗61What does 29 CFR 1926.500 call a roof with a slope greater than 4 in 12?
A steep roof. 29 CFR 1926.500(b).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Steep roof means a roof having a slope greater than 4 in 12 (vertical to horizontal).”
— 29 CFR 1926.500, Scope, application, and definitions applicable to this subpart (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗62How must each employee on a steep roof with unprotected sides and edges 6 feet or more above lower levels be protected?
By guardrail systems with toeboards, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems. 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(11).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Each employee on a steep roof with unprotected sides and edges 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above lower levels shall be protected from falling by guardrail systems with toeboards, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems.”
— 29 CFR 1926.501, Duty to have fall protection (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗63On a low-slope roof 50 feet or less in width, what system may be used alone for roofing work?
A safety monitoring system. 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(10) permits a safety monitoring system alone on roofs 50 feet (15.25 m) or less in width.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“the use of a safety monitoring system alone”
— 29 CFR 1926.501, Duty to have fall protection (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗64When must an employer retrain an employee who has already been trained in fall protection?
When the employer has reason to believe the employee does not have the understanding and skill required, for example after workplace changes or new fall protection systems or equipment, or when the employee's work shows inadequate knowledge. 29 CFR 1926.503(c).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“When the employer has reason to believe that any affected employee who has already been trained does not have the understanding and skill required by paragraph (a) of this section, the employer shall retrain each such employee.”
— 29 CFR 1926.503, Training requirements (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗65What must the employer provide for employees in the event of a fall?
Prompt rescue, or assurance that employees are able to rescue themselves. 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(20).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The employer shall provide for prompt rescue of employees in the event of a fall or shall assure that employees are able to rescue themselves.”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗66Since January 1, 1998, may a body belt be used as part of a personal fall arrest system in construction?
No. 29 CFR 1926.502(d) says body belts are not acceptable as part of a personal fall arrest system; a body belt may still be used in a positioning device system.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Effective January 1, 1998, body belts are not acceptable as part of a personal fall arrest system”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗67Since January 1, 1998, what type of snaphook may be used in a personal fall arrest system?
Only locking type snaphooks. 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(5).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“only locking type snaphooks shall be used”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗68When a personal fall arrest system is used with a body harness, what is the maximum arresting force allowed on the employee?
1,800 pounds (8 kN). 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(16)(ii).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“limit maximum arresting force on an employee to 1,800 pounds (8 kN) when used with a body harness”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗69A personal fall arrest system must bring an employee to a complete stop and limit the deceleration distance to how far?
3.5 feet (1.07 m). 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(16)(iv).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“bring an employee to a complete stop and limit maximum deceleration distance an employee travels to 3.5 feet (1.07 m)”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗70Self-retracting lifelines that automatically limit free fall to 2 feet or less must sustain a minimum tensile load of how many pounds?
3,000 pounds (13.3 kN), applied with the lifeline or lanyard fully extended. 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(12).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Self-retracting lifelines and lanyards which automatically limit free fall distance to 2 feet (0.61 m) or less shall be capable of sustaining a minimum tensile load of 3,000 pounds (13.3 kN)”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗71When mechanical equipment is used on a roof, how far must the warning line be from a roof edge that is perpendicular to the direction of equipment operation?
Not less than 10 feet (3.1 m); it may be 6 feet from an edge parallel to the direction of operation. 29 CFR 1926.502(f)(1)(ii).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“and not less than 10 feet (3.1 m) from the roof edge which is perpendicular to the direction of mechanical equipment operation”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗72When control lines are used to set up a controlled access zone, how far from the unprotected or leading edge must they be erected?
Not less than 6 feet nor more than 25 feet, except when erecting precast concrete members. 29 CFR 1926.502(g)(1)(i).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“When control lines are used, they shall be erected not less than 6 feet (1.8 m) nor more than 25 feet (7.7 m) from the unprotected or leading edge”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗73What is the minimum vertical height of a toeboard on a construction site?
3 1/2 inches, from its top edge to the level of the walking/working surface. 29 CFR 1926.502(j)(3).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Toeboards shall be a minimum of 3 1/2 inches (9 cm) in vertical height from their top edge to the level of the walking/working surface.”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗74How often must safety nets be inspected for wear, damage and other deterioration?
At least once a week, and after any occurrence which could affect the integrity of the net system. 29 CFR 1926.502(c)(5).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Defective nets shall not be used. Safety nets shall be inspected at least once a week for wear, damage, and other deterioration.”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗75What minimum tensile strength must dee-rings and snaphooks have?
5,000 pounds (22.2 kN). 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(3).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Dee-rings and snaphooks shall have a minimum tensile strength of 5,000 pounds (22.2 kN).”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗76To what minimum tensile load must dee-rings and snaphooks be proof-tested without cracking, breaking, or permanent deformation?
3,600 pounds (16 kN). 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(4).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Dee-rings and snaphooks shall be proof-tested to a minimum tensile load of 3,600 pounds (16 kN) without cracking, breaking, or taking permanent deformation.”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗77Who must prepare a fall protection plan under 29 CFR 1926.502(k)?
A qualified person, developed specifically for the site and kept up to date. 29 CFR 1926.502(k)(1).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The fall protection plan shall be prepared by a qualified person and developed specifically for the site”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗78Where must a copy of the fall protection plan be kept?
At the job site, with all approved changes. 29 CFR 1926.502(k)(3).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“A copy of the fall protection plan with all approved changes shall be maintained at the job site.”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗79Who must supervise the implementation of a fall protection plan?
A competent person. 29 CFR 1926.502(k)(4).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The implementation of the fall protection plan shall be under the supervision of a competent person.”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗80When a personal fall arrest system is used at a hoist area, how must it be rigged?
To let the employee move only as far as the edge of the walking/working surface. 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(24).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“it shall be rigged to allow the movement of the employee only as far as the edge of the walking/working surface”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗81What minimum nominal diameter or thickness must top rails and midrails have to prevent cuts and lacerations?
One-quarter inch (0.6 cm). 29 CFR 1926.502(b)(9).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Top rails and midrails shall be at least one-quarter inch (0.6 cm) nominal diameter or thickness to prevent cuts and lacerations.”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗82When must a guardrail top rail made of manila, plastic or synthetic rope be inspected?
As frequently as necessary to ensure that it continues to meet the strength requirements. 29 CFR 1926.502(b)(15).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Manila, plastic or synthetic rope being used for top rails or midrails shall be inspected as frequently as necessary to ensure that it continues to meet the strength requirements”
— 29 CFR 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗Know questions we're missing?
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