Making Synapses · Bringing Knowledge to Mankind
ElectricityFall protection on the pole
More than 4 feet up a pole, tower or similar structure, the line worker uses fall protection, and the work-positioning equipment is inspected before use each day. 29 CFR 1910.269(g)(2) sets how body belts, positioning straps, snaphooks and anchorages are used.
Free to startScenarios
- Work positioned on a wood pole more than 4 feet above the ground.
- Work from the bucket of an aerial lift.
- A trainee who has not yet shown proficiency in climbing.
The steps
- Inspect your work-positioning equipment before use each day, and do not use it if it is not in safe working condition.
- More than 4 feet above the ground on a pole, tower or similar structure, use a personal fall arrest system, work-positioning equipment or a fall restraint system.
- In the bucket of an aerial lift, use a travel restraint system or a personal fall arrest system.
- Rig the work-positioning system so you can free fall no more than 2 feet.
- Attach it to an anchorage that holds at least twice the potential impact load of your fall, or 3,000 pounds-force, whichever is greater.
- Use locking snaphooks, and do not hook them directly to webbing, rope or wire rope, to each other, to a D ring that already holds another connector or to a horizontal lifeline, unless they are designed for that connection.
- If you may be exposed to flames or electric arcs, use personal fall arrest equipment that still passes its drop test after an electric arc.
Safety rules that stop the station
- Work-positioning equipment that is not in safe working condition may not be used.
To pass
- Trainees use fall protection any time they are more than 4 feet above the ground.
- Body belts and positioning straps meet the hardware, strength, dielectric and drop tests of 1910.269(g)(2)(iii).
- The employer pays for the required fall protection equipment.
Official source
Federal · OSHA, 29 CFR 1910.269
29 CFR 1910.269, Electric power generation, transmission, and distribution
The U.S. Government Publishing Office publishes 29 CFR 1910.269 free: the OSHA rule for electric power generation, transmission and distribution work.
Making Synapses is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by OSHA, The Pulitzer Prizes or any utility or training provider. Agency names are named only to describe the content.