Fall Protection

Vertical Lifeline

An independent length of synthetic fiber or steel wire rope attached to a point of anchorage. It is used to guide a fall arrest device. It allows a worker to move vertically on an aerial lift device.

Structural Members, Imbedded Eyebolts

Anchoring Points

Lanyard

Flexible line of webbing or a synthetic rope used to secure a body belt or full body harness to a lifeline or anchor

Eliminate the fall hazard, Prevent / prohibit exposure to fall, Control the fall

Hierarchy of Fall Hazard Control

Rotate the rope lanyard and inspect from end to end for fuzzy, worn, broken or cut fibers, Replace when the rope diameter is not uniform throughout,

How do you inspect the rope?

Inspect the entire surface of webbing for damage. Watch for frayed edges, broken fibers, pulled stitches, cuts or chemical damage, Replace according to manufacturers' guidelines.

How do you inspect the webbing (body of belt, harness or lanyard)?

Inspect hardware like D-rings for cracks or other defects, Inspect tool loops and belt sewing for broken or stretched loops, Inspect snaps for hook and eye distortions, cracks, corrosion, or pitted surfaces, Inspect the buckle for distortion and sharp edges

Inspecting other hardware (forged steel snaps, "D" rings)

Full-Body Harness

It consists of straps passed over the shoulders, across the chest, and around the legs. In a fall, a full body harness protects you more than a safety belt, because it distributes the force of impact over a greater area of your body.

Controlling the fall

Least desirable method of protection because it minimizes the consequences of a fall rather than preventing its occurrence Should only be considered after determining that the fall hazard cannot be eliminated or the possibility of falling prevented

Guardrails

Non-Anchor Points

Rule 1068

Overhead Walks, Runways and Platforms: (1) Walks, runways, working platforms or open sided floors 2 m. (6.6 ft.) or more above the floor or ground level, except platforms used for motor or similar equipment, which do not afford standing space for persons, shall be guarded on all open sides by standard railings and toeboards.

Anchor

A secure point of attachment capable of withstanding the anticipated forces applied during a fall Shall be located above the worker

Immediately remove from service all equipment used to arrest the fall.

After A Fall. You cannot use the equipment again until it's been inspected and approved by the manufacturer or other approved agent, or by a professional engineer. What should you do?

horizontal lifeline

Consists of a fixed rail or synthetic fiber rope or wire rope rigged between two substantial anchor points Allows a worker to move horizontally

Safety Net/Mesh

Constructed of materials of sufficient strength to catch a falling person or debris Sufficient tension and clearance to prevent a falling person against contacting any surface or structure below the net Inspected at least once a week for wear, damage and other deterioration Place as close as possible and no more than 30 feet below where employees work

Scaffolds, Ladders, Roofs, Open sides & edges, Excavations, Bridges, Floor openings, Form works

Elevated locations which require increased fall hazard awareness

Fall hazards, Fall protection systems, Use of fall protection devices

Employers must provide fall protection training. The training must cover:

Alternative Work Methods

Example: Use of radio communication for signaling instead of employees hanging over the edge giving signals

Shock-absorbing Lanyards

Extend deceleration distance during a fall, significantly reducing fall arresting forces by 65 to 80 percent (below the threshold of injury). Make certain the lanyard is the proper length to allow the necessary worker movement and positioning.

Preventing employee exposure

Fall prevention methods include: ▪ Use of a properly erected scaffoldings ▪ Protecting openings with covers or guardrails ▪ Providing leading edges with guardrails ▪ Use appropriate aerial lifts ▪ Providing proper access to elevated work area using standard ladders and stairs with handrails ▪ Use of fall restraint system ▪ Practicing good housekeeping

fractures, serious head injuries, death

Falls from height can result in:

Engineering Control

Performing as much work on the ground as possible to eliminate the hazard of climbing/working at elevation. Examples: 1. Assembling guardrail systems at ground level rather than at elevation. 2. Maximize pre-assembly of structural components on the ground.

Fall Arrest Systems

Protect you AFTER you fall by stopping the fall before you hit the surface below ➢ Purpose: ▪ Stop the fall ▪ Distribute the impact energy experienced during the fall arrest Requires the use of personal fall protection equipment or a safety net to prevent a complete fall

Inspect your equipment daily, Replace defective equipment, Replace any equipment, including ropes, involved in a fall, Every piece of fall arrest equipment should be inspected and certified at least yearly by a competent person, use shock absorbers

What should you know about fall protective equipment?

guardrail

is a permanent or portable horizontal structural system consisting of a top rail, mid-rail and toe board secured to vertical posts intended to stop a worker from inadvertently stepping off a working level and falling to a level below. May be of wood or pipe material.

Travel Restraint System

is an assembly composed of body belt and proper accessories that prevent a worker from traveling to an edge where the occurrence of a fall may happen. Use to prevent the user from reaching an area where free-fall could occur (e.g. leading edge roof work)

fall hazard

is any condition in the construction workplace which exposes an employee to an unprotected fall that may result in injury or death.

Fall protection

is required when one or more employees have exposure to falls of six feet or greater to the lower level.