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Code guides · OSHA 1926.501

Fall protection trigger heights

OSHA's fall-protection trigger heights drive scope on roofing, framing, and site work. Equipment + training are bidable scope; missing them is a job-stop.

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Trigger heights

  • 6 ft for general construction (1926.501)
  • 10 ft for scaffolds (1926.451)
  • 4 ft for general industry (1910.28; not construction)
  • Steel erection: 15 ft for connectors, 30 ft for others (1926.760)

Acceptable systems

  • Guardrails (top rail at 42″ ± 3″, mid-rail, toeboard)
  • Personal fall-arrest system (PFAS) with anchor + harness + lanyard
  • Safety nets (close to work surface, max 30 ft below)
  • Warning lines for low-slope roofs (with monitor)

Disclosure

This is a plain-English summary for estimating purposes. It is not a substitute for the actual code documents — review for AHJ-specific amendments. Adopted editions vary by jurisdiction; OmniTakeoff applies the edition declared on the project, not a hard-coded default.

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Fall protection trigger heights (OSHA 1926.501) — OmniTakeoff Code Guides