When people think of fall protection, many immediately think of active fall protection systems first. Specialized personal protection options like fall restraint or fall arrest systems with harnesses, lanyards, and lifelines stand out for their ability to dynamically stop falls. But arresting a fall is rarely the safest option when looking at a hierarchy of controls. Although both systems are often practiced in unison, passive fall protection is likely the first step you’ll take to ensure safe work at height.

Types of Passive Fall Protection Systems

Passive fall protection systems are stationary and non-dynamic: they don’t move, adapt, or change when in or out of use, nor do they require active worker participation or personal protective equipment. Many types are required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) while working at height, defined as when a walking-working surface is 4 feet or more above a lower level.

Rail Systems

• Guardrails: OSHA requires guardrail systems in place while working at height. Typically, they must be 42 inches (plus or minus 3 inches) above the walking-working surface
• Midrails: under certain conditions, intermediate members must be installed between a walking-working surface and the top edge of the guardrail system. This can take the form of solutions like midrails, screens, mesh, solid panels, or other intermediate vertical members
• Handrails: Stairways at height must have a guardrail or stair rail system, with rail heigh and location standards determined by the width and enclosure level of the stairs
• Hole rail system: guardrail systems should be installed on all unprotected sides or edge of a hole. When access to the hole is needed, an opening should have a self-closing gate that swings or slides away from the hole and has a top or midrail that meets standard requirements
•  Ramps and runways: when at height, guardrails must be placed at all unprotected edges

 Access ways and hoist areas: A removable guardrail section with a top rail and midrail must be placed across an access opening when hoisting is not being performed. Chains or gates offering the same level of safety may also be used

Other Fall Protection Systems

Rails are not the only passive means of fall protection. Specific working circumstances or spots may require other specialized solutions.

• Hole covers: Any hole on a walking-working surface should have a secured, marked cover that can support twice the maximum intended load expected to cross over the hole
•  Toeboards: these must be installed when there’s potential for objects to fall on people below. Debris netting may also be used to further prevent falling object hazards
• Safety nets: workplaces more than 25 feet above the ground or water must have safety nets, extending 8 feet beyond the edge of the work’s surface with clearances above surfaces below determined by impact load testing
•  Fixed ladder fall protection: When extending more than 24 feet above a lower level, fixed ladders should have cages and wells throughout their entire length

Reliable fall-arrest systems are important, but engineering controls that prevent workers from encountering hazards are typically safer and more effective than personal protective equipment alone. Adopting the wide range of passive fall protection solutions available will help ensure safe work for your entire team.