What constitutes a passive fall protection system?

A passive fall protection system is designed to prevent falls without requiring active participation from the worker. This means that once the system is in place, it functions independently to provide safety. Guardrails, safety nets, and barriers exemplify passive fall protection because they physically obstruct a worker from falling off an edge or into a dangerous area, thus providing a safe environment without the need for the worker to use equipment actively.

In contrast, safety clothing and helmets, such as those in the first option, are considered personal protective equipment (PPE) and do not inherently prevent falls; they provide protection in the event of a fall. Harnesses and lanyards, mentioned in the third option, represent an active fall protection system because they require the worker to use them correctly and are reliant on proper fit and use to be effective. Lastly, inspection tools and devices identified in the fourth option relate to safety compliance and maintenance and do not contribute to fall prevention directly. Therefore, the only choice that fits the definition of a passive fall protection system is guardrails, safety nets, and barriers.