Free written program · 29 CFR 1926.502 / 1910.28
Fall Protection Plan Template: Plan the Work and Rescue
A fall protection plan records how you will prevent falls during elevated work and recover a worker after an arrested fall. This template outlines protection methods, task examples, training, equipment inspection, and rescue arrangements. Supervisors can use it to organize planning, but a qualified reviewer must check the methods against the actual job, applicable rules, equipment instructions, and available fall clearance.
The full fall protection plan template
Fall Protection Plan. Blanks in [brackets] are for your own details.
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Written plan establishing fall protection methods, training requirements, and rescue procedures for elevated work.
1. Purpose & Scope
This Fall Protection Plan establishes the methods used by [Company Name] to protect employees from fall hazards. Falls are the #1 cause of death in construction and a leading cause of injury in all industries. This plan covers all work activities where employees are exposed to fall hazards of 4 feet (general industry) or 6 feet (construction) or more.
2. Fall Protection Methods
Primary fall protection methods (in order of preference):
- Elimination — design work to avoid elevated positions.
- Guardrail systems — top rail 42" ±3", midrail at 21", toeboard 3.5" minimum. Must withstand 200 lbs force.
- Safety net systems — installed within 30 feet of working surface. Inspected weekly.
- Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS) — full-body harness, shock-absorbing lanyard or SRL, and anchor point rated for 5,000 lbs per attached worker. Maximum free fall distance: 6 feet. Total fall distance calculation must ensure no contact with lower level.
3. Specific Work Activities
Leading edges: PFAS or guardrails. Holes: covers (rated for 2x anticipated load, labeled "HOLE/COVER") or guardrails. Ramps/runways: guardrails on open sides above 6 feet. Roofing (low-slope ≤4:12): warning line at 6 feet from edge plus monitor, or PFAS, or guardrails. Wall openings: guardrails when the bottom edge is less than 39 inches above walking surface. Ladders: use 3-point contact; fixed ladders >24 feet require cage or ladder safety system.
4. Training Requirements
All employees exposed to fall hazards are trained by a Competent Person on:
- Nature of fall hazards in their work area.
- Correct use and installation of fall protection systems.
- Equipment inspection procedures.
- Maximum load limits.
- Proper PFAS donning and connection.
- Fall distance calculations. Refresher training when: procedures change, employee demonstrates lack of knowledge, or new equipment is introduced. Training documented with date, employee name, and trainer signature.
5. Equipment Inspection & Maintenance
Before each use: visual inspection of harness, lanyards, SRLs, and connectors for damage, wear, or defects. After any fall event: immediately remove equipment from service — do not reuse. Annual inspection: by competent person or manufacturer-authorized inspector. Manufacturer recalls: monitor and act immediately. Storage: clean, dry location away from chemicals, sharp edges, and UV exposure. Documentation: maintain inspection records and equipment inventory.
6. Rescue Plan
A rescue plan must be in place BEFORE any elevated work begins. Rescue options:
- Self-rescue when feasible and employee is trained.
- Assisted rescue by trained co-workers using rescue equipment.
- Emergency services (911) — note response time and communicate in advance. Suspension trauma: workers suspended in a harness after a fall are at risk of suspension trauma within 15-20 minutes — rescue must be rapid. Rescue equipment location: [specify]. Rescue drills: conducted annually.
The printable copy adds effective and review dates and approval signature lines for management and the safety manager.
A starting point, not legal advice. Have a qualified person check it against your site, your state's rules and the standard before you rely on it.
Fall protection plan: when it’s needed
Unprotected edges generally trigger protection at four feet in general industry under 29 CFR 1910.28(b)(1), versus six feet in construction under 1926.501(b)(1). A written plan is otherwise good practice, not a universal federal requirement. The alternative plan under 1926.502(k) is limited to leading edge work, precast concrete erection, or residential construction when conventional protection is infeasible or creates greater hazards. That site-specific plan requires a qualified preparer and jobsite availability. This broad template alone is not that specialized alternative plan.
How to use this fall protection plan template
- Map elevated tasks, open edges, holes, and lower-level obstructions, then identify the rule governing each work activity.
- Choose protective systems for each location and have a qualified person verify anchorage, compatibility, clearance, and installation details.
- Replace generic roofing, ladder, and equipment examples with methods checked against current requirements and the specific work configuration.
- Assign training under 1926.503 for construction or 1910.30 for general industry, retaining construction training certification as required.
- Plan prompt rescue before exposure begins, confirming trained responders, suitable retrieval equipment, communication, and realistic access to the casualty.
Before you use this fall protection plan template: what to fill in and check
- Working heights, edge conditions, fragile surfaces, openings, and obstructions beneath each work position.
- Approved anchor locations, equipment model instructions, worker weights, and calculated fall clearance.
- Rescue team availability, equipment staging points, and access for emergency responders.
- Whether a proposed alternative plan fits 1926.502(k) and has the required qualified-person preparation.
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Fall protection plan questions
When can a construction employer use an alternative fall protection plan?
The option in 29 CFR 1926.502(k) is restricted to leading edge work, precast concrete erection, and residential construction when conventional protection is infeasible or creates a greater hazard. It is not a general permission to replace guardrails, nets, or personal fall arrest with a written policy. A qualified person must prepare the site-specific plan, which needs the required explanations, measures, and jobsite availability.
Does calling 911 count as a fall rescue plan?
A phone number alone does not establish that a suspended worker can be rescued promptly. Construction employers must provide prompt rescue or assure self-rescue under 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(20). Confirm responder capability, access, equipment, and expected availability before work starts. Your arrangements may involve trained coworkers or outside responders, but they must address the actual position a worker could occupy after a fall.
Is fall protection always required at six feet?
Six feet is the construction threshold for unprotected sides and edges under 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(1), not a universal rule for every workplace or activity. General industry unprotected edges generally use four feet under 1910.28(b)(1). Other conditions have their own provisions, including hazards below the work surface. Identify the task and applicable standard rather than choosing protection from height alone.