2024-12-09 TBT Warning Lines

This toolbox talk explains construction-industry best practices for using a warning line to alert workers that they are approaching an unprotected edge of a roof, floor, or other work surface.

This information applies to all trades except those that do roofing work – roofing work means “hoisting, storing, applying, and removing roofing materials and equipment.” When doing roofing work, you can use a warning line for fall protection only if you follow the requirements in 1926.502(f), Warning Line Systems, and WAC 296-155-24615 (4), Warning line systems.

What is a warning line?
A warning line is a barrier such as rope, wire, or chain that warns workers they are approaching an unprotected roof, floor, or other work surface edge.

How do you set up a warning line?
Set up the warning line so that it keeps workers at least 15 feet back from the unprotected edge. This “setback” distance must eliminate the exposure and the risk that a worker could fall over the edge. You may need to increase the distance to eliminate the risk in some situations. Factors such as weather, visibility, the slope and condition of the work surface, the work performed, materials handled, and the experience and supervision of the workers can increase the risk of a fall – even at a 15-foot setback. The correct setback distance eliminates the exposure and the risk of a fall.

Never use a warning line as a substitute for a guardrail. Use a guardrail or another fall protection system described in WAC 296-155-24615, Fall Restraint Specifications.

Industry (all trades) best practices include the following:

Where can you learn more about warning lines?

Federal OSHA rules:

 

 

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Revision #1
Created 20 January 2025 16:25:58
Updated 14 April 2025 12:03:35