Fall Protection Audit Checklist

Complete this comprehensive fall protection audit weekly or before any elevated work at heights of 6 feet (1.8m) or more. This checklist ensures compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M, ANSI Z359 Fall Protection Code, and international standards including UK HSE Work at Height Regulations 2005, Brazil NR-35, and Mexico NOM-009-STPS-2011.

Industry: Construction
Frequency: Weekly / Before elevated work
Estimated Time: 45-60 minutes
Role: Competent Person / Safety Officer
Total Items: 48
Compliance: OSHA 1926 Subpart M (Fall Protection), OSHA 1926.502 (Fall Protection Systems), ANSI Z359.1 (Full Body Harnesses), ANSI Z359.14 (SRLs), EN 361/362/363 (EU)

Guardrail Systems Inspection

Inspect conventional guardrail systems per OSHA 1926.502(b). Top rails at 42 inches (+/- 3 inches), able to withstand 200 lbs force. UK HSE specifies 950mm-1100mm height.

Top rail height 42 inches (+/- 3 in)?
Top rail withstands 200 lbs outward/downward force?
Mid-rail installed at 21 inches?
Mid-rail withstands 150 lbs force?
Posts securely anchored to structure?
Toeboards installed (4 inches minimum)?
Surfaces smooth (no snag hazards)?
All openings/gaps less than 19 inches?

Personal Fall Arrest Systems - Harnesses

Inspect full body harnesses per OSHA 1926.502(d) and ANSI Z359.1. Check webbing, stitching, D-rings, and labels.

Webbing free of cuts, burns, fraying, chemical damage?
All stitching intact (no broken threads)?
D-rings free of cracks, distortion, corrosion?
Buckles and adjusters functioning properly?
Labels legible with manufacturer and date?
Workers fitted properly (straps snug, D-ring centered)?

Personal Fall Arrest Systems - Lanyards & Connectors

Inspect shock-absorbing lanyards, rope/web lanyards, and hardware per OSHA 1926.502(d) and ANSI Z359.13.

Lanyard free of cuts, burns, abrasion, knots?
Shock absorber pack intact (not deployed)?
Snap hooks self-closing and self-locking?
Snap hook gates close fully without binding?
Carabiners auto-locking or require 2 actions to open?
Total fall distance calculated and clearance verified?

Self-Retracting Lifelines (SRLs)

Inspect self-retracting lifelines per OSHA 1926.502(d) and ANSI Z359.14. Verify function and condition.

Housing free of cracks, dents, damage?
Lifeline (cable/webbing) free of kinks, corrosion, fraying?
Lifeline retracts smoothly under tension?
Braking mechanism activates properly?
Inspection tags current (within annual service)?
Mounted overhead to minimize swing fall?

Anchorage Points

Inspect anchorage points per OSHA 1926.502(d)(15). Must be capable of supporting 5,000 lbs per attached employee or designed with safety factor of 2.

Anchors rated for 5,000 lbs per worker?
Anchors independent of walking/working surfaces?
Anchor hardware free of corrosion, cracks, damage?
Anchors installed per manufacturer specifications?
Anchors positioned for convenient access?
Permanent anchors labeled with capacity?

Floor & Roof Hole Covers

Inspect covers for floor holes, skylights, and roof openings per OSHA 1926.502(i) and 1926.501(b)(4).

Covers secured against displacement?
Covers marked with 'HOLE' or 'COVER'?
Covers support 2x maximum intended load?
Skylights guarded or covered?
Cover material in good condition (no rot, cracks)?

Safety Net Systems

Inspect safety nets per OSHA 1926.502(c). Verify installation height, mesh size, and border rope condition.

Net installed as close as practical below work (max 30 ft)?
Sufficient clearance below net to prevent contact?
Mesh openings no larger than 36 sq inches/6 inches on side?
Net border rope connections secure?
Net clear of accumulated debris/tools?

Training & Documentation

Verify fall protection training per OSHA 1926.503 and rescue plan requirements per 1926.502(d)(20).

All workers trained in fall protection hazards?
Retraining completed when deficiencies observed?
Written rescue plan in place for prompt rescue?
Rescue team trained and equipment available?
Pre-use equipment inspection logs maintained?
Training certifications on file?