If work is to be carried out at height, there is a requirement to use railings or other protective measures. From what height does the requirement apply?
Working at height involves increased risk, and falls are one of the most common causes of serious injuries in the construction industry. That is why the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority sets clear requirements for when railings, scaffolding, fall protection or other protective measures must be used. But from what height does the requirement actually apply?
In this article, you will get a clear and understandable answer based on regulations on the performance of work, including exceptions, examples and recommended practices.
What do the rules say about working at height?
The rules on work at height are not collected in a single paragraph, but come from several parts of the Regulations on the Performance of Work , combined with the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority's own guidelines. The basic principle is that the employer must ensure that work at height is carried out safely through planning, risk assessment and the use of appropriate protective measures.
The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority specifies that falls over 2 meters must be secured , and that the employer must use suitable measures such as:
- Railings
- Scaffolding or other work platform
- Passenger lift (lift)
- Fall protection equipment if other measures cannot be implemented
The purpose is to prevent fall accidents and ensure that the employee performs the work safely and efficiently.
From what height does the requirement for railings or protective measures apply?
The general requirement is:
When working at heights above 2 meters, railings or other suitable protective measures must be used.
This applies regardless of whether the work is carried out from scaffolding, roofs, lifts, platforms, decks, landings or other workplaces where the fall height exceeds 2 meters.
This means that the employer must ensure that the employee has:
- Safe access and work platform
- Railings of the right height and strength
- Suitable collective protective measures such as scaffolding or lifts
- Fall protection equipment if other measures cannot be used
Why is the limit set at 2 meters?
The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority justifies the height requirement by saying that falls from over 2 meters often lead to:
- Fracture injuries
- Head injuries
- Musculoskeletal injuries
- Serious or lasting consequences
Even falls from lower heights can be dangerous, but the 2-meter limit is set as the minimum requirement for protective measures. Many businesses still choose to implement measures from 1 meter or lower, especially in high-risk environments.
Requirements for railings when working at height
According to the regulations, a railing used as a protective measure must be:
- At least 1 meter high
- Solid and attached so that it can withstand stress
- Equipped with top rail, knee rail and foot rail
This applies to both permanent and temporary jobs.
When should scaffolding, lifts or fall protection be used instead of railings?
It is not always possible to install railings. In such cases, the employer must consider alternative protective measures:
1. Scaffolding
Used when the task requires a stable work platform, especially when working along facades, roofs, installations and the like.
For work between 2 and 5 meters, proper training is recommended, such as this course:
Scaffolding course 2–5 meters with fall protection (online theory)
2. Scaffolding from 2 to 9 meters
When working at greater heights, the requirements for competence and planning increase. This course level is then relevant:
Scaffolding course 2–9 meters with fall protection - (online theory)
3. Person lift / lift
Lifts are used when it is not possible or appropriate to install railings or scaffolding. The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority requires documented training for anyone who uses personal lifts.
Lift course (personnel lift course) - (online theory)
4. Fall protection equipment
If none of the above-mentioned protective measures can be used, the employee must be secured with suitable fall protection equipment. The following must then be available:
- Anchor points
- Proper harness and leash use
- Rescue plan
Fall protection course (online theory)
Is training required for working at heights?
Yes. Working at height requires documented training, both in the use of equipment (scaffolding, lifts, fall protection) and knowledge of risk.
Example: For work on scaffolding, the employee must have training that is appropriate to the working height. This also applies to simpler work that does not involve assembly.
For those who will use scaffolding without assembling it, this basic course is available:
Scaffolding user course (online)
Common examples where requirements for railings or protective measures apply
✔ Roof work
Requirements for railings or fall protection apply even if the work is short-term.
✔ Work from platforms or decks
Falling edges over 2 meters must be secured.
✔ Installation of facade panels
Scaffolding or a lift is often used here.
✔ Maintenance and cleaning
Also applies to cleaners, operations personnel and service workers.
Exceptions: Are there situations where the requirement does not apply?
The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority allows for a few exceptions. The requirement can only be waived if:
- it is physically impossible to install protective measures
- the work is very short-lived (seconds, not minutes)
- the risk is considered minimal
Even in such situations, fall protection may still be required.
Summary: From what height does the requirement apply?
- Above a fall height of 2 meters , a railing or other protective measure is required.
- The employer should always choose the safest measure first.
- Scaffolding, lifts and fall protection are alternatives when railings cannot be used.
- All training must be documented in accordance with regulations on the performance of work.
- Proper training depends on the working height and type of equipment.
