6 rules and regulations for remodelers to watch in 2012

OSHA Fall Protection standard

Like the lead paint rules, this one’s been on the horizon for quite a while. Back in 1994, the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration set out requirements that anyone working 6 feet or more above the ground needed to have fall protection.

At that time, the residential construction industry argued that it needed more flexibility than the rule allowed and OSHA issued an “interim” guidance that allowed residential construction companies to use alternative procedures for safety. That policy was rescinded in 2010 and the original regulation is now being fully enforced.

So what does that mean for remodelers?

The required fall protection can consist of guardrail systems, safety net systems or personal fall arrest systems (body harness, with lanyard, anchor point, etc.). If a company can demonstrate that following the standard would make the site more dangerous or it is otherwise infeasible, it can create a plan using alternate methods, such as warning lines or slide guards. That alternate plan, though, must be put in writing and be on file for OSHA inspections.

Even if you sub out all your roofing work, it could cause problems for your company. As with other OSHA rules, general contractors can also be cited for violations by trade contractors.

NAHB has put together a resource guide at www.nahb.org/fallprotection, while OSHA’s guidance can be found at http://1.usa.gov/zviFow.