MCAA Clarifies the OSHA Requirements for Mechanical Service and Construction Work on Low-Slope Roofs

With the overlapping work many MCAA and MSCA members have, clarifying the differences of low-slope roof work between Mechanical Service (1910 Standards) and Mechanical Construction (1926 Standards) is important. MCAA has created a poster to be printed and posted on jobsites to help your workers quickly understand the OSHA requirements, and ultimately create safer jobsites.

OSHA’s Position on Mechanical Service (1910 Standards):

Mechanical service work does not meet the definition of “temporary and infrequent” if the task takes longer than it would to install or set up fall protection, and the task is performed more than once a month, once a year, or when needed. MCAA is working to establish a reasonable interpretation of the standard.

OSHA’s Position on Mechanical Construction (1926 Standards):

There is no safe distance where a worker can work on a low-slope roof without fall prevention or fall protection when working six feet or more above a lower level with a few exceptions.