Fall Arrest and Rescue Program
PFAS selection, inspection, rescue plan, and suspension trauma prevention.
What this document is
This document is a ready-to-customize Fall Arrest and Rescue Program that contractors can adapt for their jobsites. It provides written procedures for selecting, inspecting, and using personal fall arrest systems along with rescue and suspension trauma prevention steps.
The regulation that requires it
29 CFR 1926.502(d) sets the federal requirements for personal fall arrest systems used in construction. The standard requires employers to provide systems that limit maximum arresting force on an employee to 1,800 pounds, prevent striking a lower level, and limit free fall distance to six feet or less. It also mandates proper anchorage, compatibility of components, and employee training. ANSI Z359 supplements these rules with detailed guidance on equipment selection, inspection, and rescue planning that many California contractors follow under Title 8 CCR.
Who needs it
General contractors, subcontractors, and specialty trades that work at heights above six feet need this program. Roofers, ironworkers, masons, framers, and HVAC installers are commonly affected. All California employers must comply because Cal/OSHA enforces both federal 29 CFR 1926.502(d) and additional Title 8 requirements that incorporate ANSI Z359 principles.
What happens without it
OSHA and Cal/OSHA inspectors routinely cite employers for missing or incomplete fall protection programs during site visits. A serious violation currently carries penalties up to $16,131 per violation while willful or repeat violations can reach $161,323. Multi-employer worksites often result in citations to both the controlling contractor and the exposing employer. Lack of a documented rescue plan increases the chance of additional citations and delays during an incident investigation.
What's included in the generated document
- Program scope and responsibilities
- PFAS selection and compatibility criteria
- Inspection, maintenance, and storage procedures
- Fall rescue and suspension trauma prevention plan
- Training and recordkeeping requirements
How to implement it at your company
- Talk to Guy first. Describe your operation, trade, and location — Guy draws from 300,000+ verified OSHA and state regulatory citations to build a compliance plan specific to your company. Your answers shape every section of the document you receive. Takes about 10 minutes.
- Download the PDF and edit the highlighted sections with your company name, specific equipment, and site procedures.
- Have your safety manager or competent person review the document for accuracy.
- Distribute the completed program to supervisors and conduct training for all affected employees.
- Post the program at the jobsite and keep a copy in your safety manual.
- Review and update the document annually or when equipment or work conditions change.