Safety Monitoring Systems

  • Application: The use of a safety monitoring system is permitted only for construction roofing work on low sloped roofs.
  • Safety Monitoring Systems used in conjunction with a Warning Line System (see Warning Line Appendix)

    A safety monitoring system may be used in conjunction with a warning line system in lieu of conventional fall protection such as guardrails, a fall protection system, or a safety net system for roofing work on low sloped roofs only, as follows: 

    • A competent person shall be designated to monitor the safety of other employees and shall comply with the following requirements:
      • The monitor is competent to recognize fall hazards;
      • The monitor shall warn the employee when it appears that the employee is unaware of a fall hazard or is acting in an unsafe manner;
      • The monitor shall be on the same walking/working surface and within visual sighting distance of the employee being monitored;
      • The monitor shall be close enough to communicate orally with the employee; and
      • The monitor shall not have other responsibilities which could take the monitor’s attention from the monitoring function.
      • Employees protected by a safety monitoring system shall comply with the monitor’s instructions
    • No employee, other than an employee engaged in roofing work [on low-sloped roofs] shall be allowed in an area where an employee is being protected by a safety monitoring system.
    • The monitor must communicate to the employee using language the employee understands.
  • Safety Monitoring System used without a warning line system:

    A Safety Monitoring System may be used without a warning line system in lieu of conventional fall protection such as guardrails, a fall protection system, or a safety net system for roofing work on low sloped roofs 50 feet or less in width only when:

    • The width of the low sloped roof is determined as specified in 29CFR1926, Subpart M, Appendix A, of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
    • No other fall protection methods, including guardrails, warning lines, safety nets, or personal fall protection equipment can be used.
    • A fall protection competent person has been assigned to monitor the safety of other authorized employees as follows:
      • The monitor is competent to recognize fall hazards
      • The monitor has no other responsibilities which could take the monitor’s attention away from the monitoring function 
      • The monitor is on the same surface and can maintain visual sight of the employees he or she is monitoring 
      • The monitor shall warn any employee when it appears the employee is unaware of a fall hazard or is acting in an unsafe manner. 
      • Employees protected by a safety monitoring system shall comply with the monitor’s instructions
      • No mechanical equipment may be stored or used in the area being monitored.
    • The monitor must communicate to the employee using language the employee understands.
    • Workers who are not engaged in roofing work are not permitted in the area being protected by a safety monitoring system. This includes other authorized employees, contractors, and inspectors. A warning line may be used to prevent unauthorized access 
  • Contractors: When NC State employees and contractor workers, conducting roofing work in the same location, are protected by a safety monitoring system:
    • NC State employees conducting roofing work may be protected by a safety monitoring system only when the monitor is an NC State employee.
    • An NC State employee shall not function as a safety monitor for contractor workers.