Application: 

    • The use of a warning line system is permitted for construction work only on low sloped roofs. The application of warning line systems varies with the type of construction-related work being done.
    • The use of a warning line system is permitted for general industry work only on low sloped roofs and only in conjunction with the use of a Designated Area. See the “Designated Area Appendix to Fall Prevention Program.”

Warning Line System applicable to any construction work

    • The use of warning lines in lieu of conventional fall protection is acceptable for construction work on low sloped roofs only, where the warning lines are at least 15 feet away from the edge and all of the following criteria are met:
      • A warning line is used 15 feet or more from the edge (or nearest edge of a hole or other fall hazard);
      • The warning line meets or exceeds the requirements specified below
      • No work or work-related activity is to take place in the area between the warning line and the fall hazard; and
      • An effective work rule is developed, written, and implemented by a competent person prohibiting employees from going past the warning line. Employee training on the work rule must be conducted.

Warning Line System applicable to construction roofing work only: 

    • A warning line may be used for construction roofing work when closer to the fall hazard than 15ft, but no closer than 6ft and in conjunction with one of the following: 
      • a guardrail system, 
      • a safety net system, 
      • a personal fall protection system, or 
      • a safety monitoring system.  
    • A warning line may be used for construction roofing work when closer to the fall hazard than 15ft, but no closer than 10 ft When mechanical equipment is being used, the warning line shall be erected not less than 6 feet (1.8 m) from the roof edge which is parallel to the direction of mechanical equipment operation, and not less than 10 feet (3.1 m) from the roof edge which is perpendicular to the direction of mechanical equipment operation Mechanical equipment means all motor or human propelled wheeled equipment used for roofing work, except wheelbarrows and mopcarts.

A warning line system shall conform to the following:

    • Warning lines shall consist of ropes, wires, or chains, and supporting stanchions erected as follows:
      • The rope, wire, or chain shall be flagged at not more than 6-foot (1.8 m) intervals with high-visibility material;
      • The rope, wire, or chain shall be rigged and supported in such a way that its lowest point (including sag) is no less than 34 inches (.9 m) from the walking/working surface and its highest point is no more than 39 inches (1.0 m) from the walking/working surface;
      • After being erected, with the rope, wire, or chain attached, stanchions shall be capable of resisting, without tipping over, a force of at least 16 pounds (71 N) applied horizontally against the stanchion, 30 inches (.8 m) above the walking/working surface, perpendicular to the warning line, and in the direction of the floor, roof, or platform edge;
      • The rope, wire, or chain shall have a minimum tensile strength of 500 pounds (2.22 kN), and after being attached to the stanchions, shall be capable of supporting, without breaking, the loads applied to the stanchions as prescribed in paragraph (f)(2)(iii) of this section; and
      • The line shall be attached at each stanchion in such a way that pulling on one section of the line between stanchions will not result in slack being taken up in adjacent sections before the stanchion tips over.
    • Points of access, materials handling areas, storage areas, and hoisting areas shall be connected to the work area by an access path formed by two warning lines.
    • Mechanical equipment on roofs shall be used or stored only in areas where employees are protected by a warning line system, guardrail system, or personal fall arrest system.
      (note: refer to OSHA interpretations: Cole, 5/12/2000 & Steigerwald, 1/3/2005)
    • No employee shall be allowed in the area between a roof edge and a warning line unless the employee is performing roofing work in that area and is being monitored.

Safety Monitoring Systems for roofing work only (Construction)

    1. NC State employees planning to conduct work protected by a Safety Monitoring System shall document a project safety review, including a job hazard analysis for each task or job, and submit it to Environmental, Health & Safety for review at least 2 weeks prior to the start of work.
    2. 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 only on low sloped roofs. 
    3. A Safety Monitoring System alone may be used on low sloped roofs less than 50 ft. wide, as determined according to OSHA’s 29CFR1926, Subpart M, Appendix A, “Determining Roof Widths.”
    4. Refer to the Safety Monitoring Systems Appendix for specific information on Safety Monitoring System requirements and Safety Monitor Responsibilities.

Fall protection requirements for employees, other than roofers, working on low-slope roofs
Fall protection non-conforming guardrail criteria for application of a de minimis policy.