Fall Protection FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

Common frequently asked questions regarding fall protection, OSHA, ANSI, and Cal-OSHA Compliance, and various other safety topics

Fall protection is a system to prevent falls, required at different heights depending on the industry (e.g., 4 feet in general industry, 6 feet in construction). A complete system includes railing, anchor points, body harnesses, and lanyards, and requires regular inspection by a “competent person” before each use and annually. OSHA also requires employers to have a documented fall protection plan, which should include rescue procedures in case of a fall. Always refer to the manufacturer’s “Installation, Operation, and Maintenance” (O&M) documentation before installing any OSHA compliant fall protection system.

Safety note: Requirements can vary by industry, task, and jurisdiction. When in doubt, have a competent person evaluate the work area and select the right protection method or contact CAISS.

OSHA (Federal OSHA) is the primary U.S. regulator for workplace safety. State-plan OSHA programs (like Cal-OSHA in California and WA-OSHA in Washington) enforce their own rules that can be equal to or stricter than federal OSHA. ANSI/ASSP publishes consensus standards (like the ANSI/ASSP Z359 Fall Protection Code) that represent best practices and are often referenced by owners, engineers, and safety programs—even when not explicitly adopted into law.

Related CAISS resources:

It depends on the work type and the regulation that applies:

  • Federal OSHA (general industry): commonly 4 ft. for unprotected sides/edges.
  • Federal OSHA (construction): commonly 6 ft. for many construction activities.
  • Cal-OSHA (California): many construction scenarios use 7.5 ft. as a key trigger height, but California also has task-specific rules (roofing is a common example). Cal DIR

Because exceptions and task-specific rules are common (roof edges, ladders, platforms, leading edges, skylights, etc.), the safest approach is to treat fall hazards as a site-specific assessment, not a single universal number.

Related CAISS resources:

For personal fall arrest / personal fall protection anchorages, OSHA generally requires anchor points to be either:

  • Rated to 5,000 lb per worker attached, or
  • Engineered as part of a complete system with a safety factor of at least 2, under the supervision of a qualified person. OSHA.gov

Related CAISS resources:

Two layers of inspection matter:

  1. Pre-use / frequent user checks (OSHA-required):
    • General industry requires personal fall protection systems be inspected before initial use during each work shift and removed from service if defective. OSHA
    • Construction requires PFAS be inspected prior to each use and defective components removed. OSHA
  2. Formal documented inspections (often required by state rules, owners, or ANSI programs):
    • Cal-OSHA requires fall protection systems/components be formally inspected and documented at least twice annually by a competent person. Cal DIR

Related CAISS resources:

Competent person: Someone capable of identifying hazards and authorized to take prompt corrective measures.
Qualified person: Someone with a recognized degree/certificate/professional standing, or extensive knowledge/training/experience, who has demonstrated ability to solve problems related to the work or project (commonly the person who designs/engineers systems).

Related CAISS resources:

Yes. OSHA requires employers to provide for prompt rescue if a fall occurs (or ensure the worker can self-rescue), in both:

  • Construction
  • General industry

OSHA has also clarified that the rule does not specifically require a written rescue plan, but employers still must be capable of prompt rescue.
In California, Cal-OSHA explicitly requires a rescue plan and rescue equipment when PFAS are used.

Related CAISS resources:

In most cases, the employer is responsible for identifying fall hazards, selecting compliant systems, providing training, and ensuring proper use — this is a core theme throughout OSHA’s fall protection framework.

OSHA updated its Walking-Working Surfaces rules (general industry, 29 CFR 1910 Subpart D & related fall protection rules) with a final rule published in November 2016 and effective January 2017, aimed at reducing slip/trip/fall hazards.

Under OSHA’s fixed ladder rules, fixed ladders extending more than 24 feet above a lower level generally must have a ladder safety system or personal fall arrest system (instead of relying on cages alone).

Related CAISS resources:

A cage can help with ladder climbing control, but OSHA has moved away from cages as the primary means of fall protection on taller fixed ladders. Existing cages may be allowed in certain situations, but OSHA’s fixed ladder rules require compliant solutions (ladder safety systems / PFAS) and include a long-term phase-out timeline for cages. OSHA

Visit: CAI Safety Systems Fixed Vertical Ladders

For safe transitions, the ladder safety system should be configured so the user can remain protected while moving onto/off the upper landing. The exact “extension above the top rung/landing” depends on:

  • the ladder type (through vs. side-step),
  • the landing geometry,
  • and the manufacturer’s system requirements for the rail/cable termination and connector travel.

Related CAISS resources:

  • 29 CFR 1910.29: General industry standard for fall protection systems and falling object protection.
  • 29 CFR 1926.502: Criteria and practices for fall protection systems in construction.
  • 29 CFR 1926.501: Duty to have fall protection, including when working at the edges of excavations or over dangerous equipment.

Cal-OSHA fall protection guardrails are subject to strict requirements, primarily outlined in the California Code of Regulations. Key standards include a top rail height of 42–45 inches above the walking surface, a requirement for a midrail or equivalent, and a minimum strength of 20 pounds per linear foot for a live load. Posts must be spaced no more than 8 feet apart on center.

  • Title 8, Section 3209: Standard Guardrails. More strict than the federal rules for guardrails and roof fall protection systems.
  • Title 8, Section 1620: Design and Construction of Railings. More strict than the federal rules for guardrails and roof fall protection systems.

Visit: CAI Safety Systems Guardrail Fall Prevention Systems

Freight rates are calculated based on the prevailing freight market value when the quotation is created.

When CAISS sends clients a quotation, freight cost is included to ship the items/material to the shipping address provided by the client.

Freight cost provided in the quotation is valid for 3 weeks from the delivery of the quotation to the client (via email). In this case, if you wish to convert the quotation into an order after 3 weeks have past, we will require to update the freight cost prior to processing the order.

For some items in our inventory, freight cost cannot be pre-determined due to the complexity of the packaging (Items are overweight, bundled individually, and/or exceeds dimensional limits). At this point, CAISS will include "**Freight To Be Determined when ready to Ship" at zero cost in the quotation to let you know that we will seek your approval for freight cost when the material is ready to ship.

CAISS allows our clients to arrange their own freight service via their own shipping account or freight vendor (Freight Collect).

When CAISS sends clients a quotation, CAISS will include "Client Arranged Shipping" at zero cost in the quotation to let the client know that they will be arranging their own freight service to pickup and deliver the items to the shipping address provided. Once your order is ready to ship, the order will be shipped and billed to the freight account provided.

Please keep your shipper's contact/account information handy as CAISS will be requesting this information from our clients at the time of processing.

All quotations issued by CAISS are valid for 30 days from the date the quotation was sent to the client (via email).

After 30 days of receiving the quotation, pricing on items may be subject to change without prior approval, and may require to be requoted.

The validity of the quotation has been mentioned in the quotation email and PDF provided to the client.

  • Quotation created on: XXX Date
  • Quotation valid until: XXX Date

All quotations and orders includes the following Processing Fees:

  • Credit Card Processing Fee: 2.9%
    • This fee is associated with the credit card company that CAISS is in partnership with.
  • ACH/Bank Transfer Processing Fee: $0.00
    • When you select the 'ACH/Bank Transfer' payment option at checkout, there is no processing fee included with a Bank to Bank transfer / wire transfer.
    • If your bank requires an additional transfer fee, please do not include this fee as part of the order total amount.
  • Check Payment Processing Fee: $0.00
    • When you select the 'Check Payment' payment option at checkout, there is no processing fee included. Simply mail us your check payment.
  • PO Processing Fee: 5%
    • This fee is associated with manual order processing by CAISS staff for orders on Payment Terms such as NET10, NET30, etc.

CAISS provides the following payment terms to first time clients.

  • 50% upon order and 50% NET10 upon delivery
    • There is a 5% PO processing fee added to the order.
    • We will need a credit card on file and will verify availability of funds to cover the final 50% before processing the order.
    • Card will not be charged if final payment is received in a timely manner when invoiced 10 days after delivery of order.
    • CAISS does not collect Sales Tax on these orders, except for the state of California.
    • Credit references are not required, however, in some instances we may request this.

In summary, we invoice the first 50% of the order when order is placed. Once the order has been delivered, CAISS will invoice the remaining 50% 10 days after delivery.

Returning clients automatically qualify for 100% NET30 payment terms, provided an order is placed at least 2 years (24 months) from their last order with us. CAISS will analyze this on a case-by-case basis.

CAISS does not provide NET30, NET60, NET90, or any other payment terms to first time clients.

The lead time for material depends on various factors such as availability, packaging, transit time, holiday schedules, and market transport delays.

Lead times for all material is mentioned in the quotation/proposal we send you.

To find out lead times on online orders, simply send us an email by replying to your order confirmation, and we will respond to you.

Otherwise, you can call or email us about the lead times for all systems, and we will let you know the estimated delivery window.

CAISS has an affiliation with TaxCloud which is the leading tax reporting agency for tax compliance across the US. TaxCloud® is a Registered Trademark of The Federal Tax Authority, LLC. Our online website is integrated with TaxCloud and automatically calculates Sales Tax during the checkout process.

CAISS COLLECTS SALES TAX in states where we have physical presence (or nexus). The following are the US States CAISS does not mostly collect Sales Tax from: AL, AR, CO, FL, HI, ID, IA, MD, MO, NM, PA, NY. If Sales Tax is included in these states, it is because the taxing authority of that state requires CAISS to collect and report sales tax.

Online orders automatically calculate Sales Tax during the checkout process based on the shipping address/destination entered. If the Sales Tax item is $0.00 at checkout, this means that your State's tax jurisdiction does not allow CAISS to collect Sales Tax. In this case, your company/you may report the purchase to that state's tax jurisdiction.

Payment Term Orders with an issued Purchase Order (PO) do not qualify CAISS to collect Sales Tax, with the exception of California (CA).

FOR CANADA & MEXICO CUSTOMERS ONLY: CAISS does not collect Sales Tax in these countries. However, there are excise duties, taxes, port handling fees, and other customs charges that are involved. As the recipient of this order, these fees and charges, which will not be included as part of your order, are the “SOLE” responsibility of the client or freight broker making the purchase.

Sometimes, CAISS will include excise duties, taxes, port handling fees, and other customs charges in the freight quote to you, and will specifically mention it.

Online orders automatically calculate Sales Tax during the checkout process based on the shipping address/destination entered.

If you are Sales Tax Exempt, you can go ahead and place your order with Sales Tax included. Once we receive your order email, let us know that you are Tax Exempt and provide us with a copy of your Sales Tax Exemption/Resale Certificate. CAISS will then VOID the Sales Tax on the order before processing payment. This certificate is absolutely necessary for CAISS to process your order with an exemption.

If a customer is not able to provide a copy of their Tax-Exempt Certificate to CAISS (digitally via email) after the order has been placed, CAISS will charge the customer the required Sales Tax to process and complete their order.

All cancelled orders, even if not shipped, are subject to a minimum $100.00 or 10% cancellation fee, whichever amount is greater.
Cancellations within 48 hours of placing the order will receive a full refund.

Our team processes orders within the first two business days after receiving the order. When an order is cancelled, this means that more time and effort has been spent on processing your order before cancellation, hence the cancellation fee.

If orders have been delivered, a minimum of 15% restocking fee will be charged to orders that are returned or exchanged. This restocking fee may vary based on the material ordered. Restocking may not be an option for custom engineered orders.

Both Authorization and a Return Number must be issued by the factory on all returns.

Credit will not be issued for custom built items. Only unused stock items with a purchase date of two (2) months or less will be considered for return.

CAISS accesses returns on a case-by-case basis. Authorized returns will only be accepted for credit toward future purchases from CAISS, less a minimum 15% restocking charge or other handling charges, or costs.

For returns, ensure return number is visibly marked on the exterior of all packages. Customer will be advised by CAISS for returns.

Prices listed on this Website are valid for and at the time of order placement on the Website. All prices are subject to change without notice.

Every quotation issued by CAISS has an expiration date. The pricing quoted on the proposal expires on that expiration date and is subject to change.

If you have a fall protection system that requires a full body harness and tying off to an anchor or horizontal lifeline, you are required by law, and the manufacturer of the equipment, to adhere to strict inspection, use, and maintenance requirements. At CAI Safety Systems, our competent inspectors conduct comprehensive functional tests on the fall protection equipment to ensure that it is operating properly and that all components are working together as intended.

NOTE: CAISS does not repair your equipment in this inspection program. We will provide you with suggestions on the necessary repair, replacement, or modification of the equipment on inspection completion in a detailed report.

  • Functionality: Our inspector will conduct a functional test of the fall protection system to ensure that it is operating properly and that all components are working together as intended.
  • Tag-Out: If any defects or damage are found during the inspection, we will alert you and advise if the system needs to be taken out of service or may continue in use until repairs or replacement can be made.
  • Replacements: We will provide a proposal if necessary to repair, replace, or modify any part of the fall protection system.
  • Update Labels: The existing labels will be updated with the current inspection date for the benefit of all future users.
  • Inspection Report: A report will be generated to provide an executive summary.
    • Inspection reports for each component, identifying items that failed the inspection or are showing signs of wear and tear.
    • If necessary, we will point out any current procedures that could be modified or added to improve safety and longevity of your system.
    • We will provide a proposal if necessary to repair, replace, or modify any part of the fall protection system.

Related CAISS resources:

User equipment comprises devices such as SRLs, Harnesses, Lanyards, etc. You are required by law, and the manufacturer of the equipment, to adhere to strict inspection, use, and maintenance requirements. At CAISS, our competent inspectors conduct comprehensive functional tests on the fall protection equipment to ensure that it is operating properly and that all components are working together as intended.

NOTE: CAISS does not repair your equipment in this inspection program. We will provide you with suggestions on the necessary repair, replacement, or modification of the equipment on inspection completion in a detailed report.

  • Placing your order online: Visit Fall Protection User Equipment Inspection page and place your order by choosing the correct equipment. Input the "Brand" and "Model #" of the equipment. (if you do not have this on hand, CAISS will contact you after receiving the order)
  • Once the above information is received, our customer service will provide you with a Inspection Authorization Number (IAN#). Reference this number on the exterior of all packages you are shipping.
  • When shipping your equipment to CAISS, please remember to arrange a return as well with your shipping carrier.
  • Inspection paperwork is included with all repaired products returned to you.
  • Upon completion of the service, we will confirm shipment to the destination noted on the purchase order.
  • The program guarantees a 4-5 business days turnaround time up to 12 units. For more than 12 units, please call us to verify lead time.
  • The client is responsible for freight costs to CAISS and return to the client.

Related CAISS resources:

CAI Safety Systems, Inc. does not ship some Fall Protection, Fall Arrest, or Fall Restraint Systems outside the Continental US **. Here’s why…

  • Some CAISS fall protection systems have been rated to comply with USA Federal OSHA, Cal-OSHA, ANSI, and other US compliance standards and regulations.
  • Due to conflicts with the compliance standards and regulations of other countries, such as Canada, Mexico, and Europe, these fall protection systems may or may not comply with local standards.
  • Products marked with: “Availability: CAISS does not ship this product outside the continental USA.” qualify for this category.
  • If you would like to purchase one of these systems outside the United States, please contact your local fall protection distributor such as 3M, Honeywell, etc.
  • If you have any questions, please contact us.
  • For Canada, a good source for fall protection material would be:

** Continental United States: Includes all continental states, Alaska, and Hawaii.