References: 

  • A Controlled Access Zone is a work area designated and clearly marked in which overhand bricklaying work may take place without the use of conventional fall protection systems (guardrail systems, personal fall arrest systems, or safety net systems) to protect the employees. Only overhand bricklaying work may be protected by a Controlled Access Zone. 
  • Workers inside a controlled access zone who are exposed to fall hazards associated with hoist areas; holes; ramps, runways and other walkways, and dangerous equipment must be protected by conventional fall protection systems, as specified in 29CFR1926.501(b) – Duty to have fall protection.
  • Controlled access zones shall be enlarged, as necessary, to enclose all points of access, material handling areas, and storage areas. Access to the Controlled Access Zone must be controlled to limit the number of workers exposed to fall hazards.
  • Control lines, or other means, shall be used to control access to areas where overhand bricklaying or associated work is being conducted. 
  • Workers using scaffolds erected inside a controlled access zone shall be protected as specified in 29CFR1926, subpart L – Scaffolds
  • Control Lines
    • When doing overhand bricklaying or associated work, the Controlled Access Zone shall be defined by a control line not less than 10 ft, nor more than 15 ft., from the edge or fall hazard, 
    • Control lines shall enclose all authorized employees conducting work protected by the Controlled Access Zone
    • The control line shall extend along the entire length of the unprotected or leading edge and shall be approximately parallel to the unprotected or leading edge.
    • Additional control lines shall be erected at each end to enclose the controlled access zone
    • Control lines shall be attached at each end to a guardrail system, wall, or other permanent structure
    • Control lines shall consist of ropes, wires, tapes, or equivalent materials, and supporting stanchions as follows:
      • Each line shall be flagged or otherwise clearly marked at not more than 6-foot (1.8 m) intervals with high-visibility material.
      • Each line shall be rigged and supported in such a way that its lowest point (including sag) is not less than 39 inches (1 m) from the walking/working surface and its highest point is not more than 50 inches (1.25 m) from the walking/working surface.
      • Each line shall have a minimum breaking strength of 200 pounds (.88 kN).