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Subchapter 5. Electrical Safety Orders
Group 1. Low-Voltage Electrical Safety Orders
Article 3. Work Procedures

§2320.8. Fall Protection.

(a) Fall Protection. When work is performed at elevated locations more than 4 feet (1.2 meters) above the ground on poles, towers or similar structures, the employer shall require the employees to use either fall arrest equipment, fall restriction equipment, work positioning equipment, or travel restricting equipment, if other fall protection methods have not been provided (e.g., guardrails, safety nets, etc.). The use of body belts for fall arrest systems is prohibited.

(1) Personal fall arrest systems shall meet the requirements of Section 1670(b) of the Construction Safety Orders.

(2) Climbing or changing location. Qualified employees climbing or changing locations on poles, towers, or similar structures shall use fall protection equipment.

EXCEPTION: to subsection (a)(2): The employer can demonstrate that fall protection is infeasible or creates a greater hazard.

(b) Linemen's Body Belts, Safety Straps, Lanyards, and Fall Restriction Equipment.

(1) Linemen's body belts and safety straps purchased after January 1, 1993, shall be labeled as meeting the requirements of ASTM F887-91, Standard Specifications for Personal Climbing Equipment.

EXCEPTION: Linemen's body belts and safety straps purchased before January 1, 1993 which are labeled/tagged as meeting either the ANSI A10.14 or ASTM F887 Standard in effect at the time of purchase.

(2) Personal fall arrest and positioning equipment used by employees who are exposed to hazards from flames or electric arcs, as determined by the employer under Section 2320.11, shall be labeled as meeting the requirements of ASTM F887-04, Standard Specifications for Personal Climbing Equipment, January 1, 2004 edition, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

(3) Wood pole fall restriction equipment shall meet the requirements of ASTM F887-10, Standard Specifications for Personal Climbing Equipment, July 1, 2010 edition, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

(4) Body belts, safety straps, and lanyards shall be inspected by a qualified person each day before use to determine that they are safe. Those determined to be unsafe shall be immediately removed from service.

(5) Safety straps shall not be used when any portion of the red safety marker strip in the strap is exposed.

Note: Authority cited: Section 142.3, Labor Code. Reference: Section 142.3, Labor Code.

HISTORY

1. New section filed 9-10-99; operative 10-10-99 (Register 99, No. 37). For prior history see Register 86, No. 37.

2. Amendment filed 2-27-2018; operative 4-1-2018 (Register 2018, No. 9).

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