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How high before you need fall protection in Canada? The 3-metre rule

Reviewed by Julie Gunn, Head of Services, SALUS Safety

The question, as asked: How high before I need fall protection

A person submitted this question to Rosie's free generator. The asker's identity is neither imported nor published.

Rosie's answer

Published by SALUS

Generally, in Canada, fall protection is required when working at heights where there's a potential to fall 3 metres (approximately 10 feet) or more 1, 3, 6, 14. However, this height can be less than 3 meters if the surface below presents a greater risk of injury than a solid, flat surface 4, 7, 9, 10, 11, 15. Examples of such risks include working near machinery, risk of drowning, or open tanks containing hazardous materials [1].

It's important to remember that specific requirements can vary by jurisdiction, so always consult the relevant local legislation for complete information [1].

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[1] Fall Protection - Legislation

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Source excerpt

# Fall Protection - Legislation (cont.) ## When is fall protection required? (cont.) - working at a height of less than 3 metres when the surface below could cause a greater injury than just the fall (e.g., machinery; risk of drowning in water or other liquid; open tanks, vats, or pits containing hazardous materials; materials that can shift) - a worker may fall through an opening in the work surface - it is determined that fall protection is necessary ## What are the sources of legislation regarding fall protection? Below is a table for guidance purposes that lists the common situations where fall protection is required. NOTE that other requirements may be listed in other sections, regulations, or Acts that are not listed in this table. For more details, consult the legislation directly. Always consult the legislation that applies in your situation, and with your jurisdiction for complete information. Fall Protection - Legislation CCOHS

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