What constitutes a “safe” distance from an unprotected side or edge for steel erection activities?

The fall protection standards for steel erection activities are set out in 1926.760 of 29 CFR 1926 Subpart R (Steel Erection). Section 1926.760(a) states: (1) Except as provided by paragraph (a)(3) of this section, each employee engaged in a steel erection activity who is on a walking/working surface with an unprotected side or edge more than 15 feet above a lower level shall be protected from fall hazards by guardrail systems, safety net systems, personal fall arrest systems, positioning device systems or fall restraint systems.

By its terms, 1926.760(a)(1) requires all employees performing a steel erection activity who are on a walking/working surface with an unprotected side or edge more than 15 feet above a lower level be protected by one of the enumerated fall protection methods, unless an explicit exception applies. There is no “safe” distance from an unprotected side or edge that would render fall protection unnecessary.