Article 3.16 Prevention of fall hazards

• 1

  When performing work involving a danger of falling, safe scaffolding, scaffolding, platforms or work floors have been provided if possible, or the danger has been countered by the installation of effective guardrails, railings or other such devices.

• 2

  In any case, there is a fall hazard in the presence of high-risk conditions, openings in floors, or if there is a danger of falling 2.5 meters or more.

• 3

  Railings and handrails are considered effective if they provide protection from falling at least up to 1 meter above the work surface, or comply with the provisions for floor partitions in or pursuant to the 2012 Building Code.

• 4

  Paragraph 1 does not apply to work under conditions in which the use of ladders and stairs is permitted as referred to in Article 7.23, paragraph 2.

• 5

  If the devices referred to in the first paragraph cannot be installed or only partially installed, or if their installation or removal entails greater danger than the work for which they are intended to protect, safety nets of sufficient strength and size shall be installed in places and in an effective manner to prevent the danger, or effective safety belts with safety lines of sufficient strength shall be used, or other technical means shall be applied which give at least the same degree of protection for the work referred to in the first paragraph. Measures aimed at collective protection shall have priority over measures aimed at individual protection.