General Contractor Practice Exam

What fall protection is required for a person working on a concrete deck at 8 feet high with controlled access?

1. Full fall harness

2. Guardrails

3. Not required

4. Safety nets

The correct answer is: Not required

When working on a concrete deck that is 8 feet high, under certain conditions, fall protection may not be immediately necessary. The requirement for fall protection in construction settings generally depends on the height of the work surface and the type of work being performed. For heights up to 6 feet for general industry and up to 8 feet for the construction industry, some regulations allow for controlled access zones where fall protection measures may not be required if the area is clearly marked and access is limited. In this scenario, if there are safety protocols in place, such as controlled access to the area where the work is being done, it's possible that workers may be allowed to work without the necessity for fall protection. This controlled access can consist of delineating areas where only trained and authorized personnel are permitted, thereby minimizing the risk of falls among untrained workers. Thus, depending on the specific guidelines or standards followed, in this context, the absence of a fall protection requirement at 8 feet with controlled access can be justified. Different contexts or worksites may impose stricter regulations where harnesses, guardrails, or other fall protection measures would be mandatory, but under these specified conditions, fall protection may be deemed unnecessary.