Editorial Contributions by Accella Polyurethane Systems, LLC
SPRAY FOAM SAFETY
36 MARCH/APRIL 2017 • SPRAY FOAM MAGAZINE
(cont’d on the next page)
FALL PROTECTION AND PPE
Dressing
for success
BY JIM KOCH, NATIONAL ROOFING MANAGER, ACCELLA ROOFING S YS TEMS
Often spray polyurethane foam jobsites require that crews work at elevation. Whetherthis entails praying foam onto ceiling joists in a residential attic or applying a new roofing system onto a
24-story building, there are strict rules and regulations that
must be followed to ensure worker safety.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) has established fall protection guidelines for
working at heights in Standard 1926.501. “Each employee
on a walking/working surface (horizontal or vertical) with
an unprotected side or edge which is six feet (1.8m) or
more above a lower level shall be protected from falling by
guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest
systems.” That is an important combination of passive or
active protection. The key factor to remember is six feet. If
you or your crew will be working at that height – even on a
ladder – you must use a method of fall protection in addition
to your regular personal protective equipment (PPE).
SIX FOOT RULE If you
or your crew will be
working at a height of six
feet or more – even on a
ladder – you must use a
method of fall protection,
such as a harness or
perimeter flags.