FALL PROTECTION

FALL PROTECTION

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WHY?

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BECAUSE:

• Falls accounted for 10% of fatal work injuries in 1994 & 1995. • Serious hazards can be present while above ground.

– Examples: Slips, trips, falling objects, etc.

REGULATIONS

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Occupational Safety And Health Administration

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General Industry

• OSHA 1910.66 Powered Platforms • OSHA 1910.66 App C Fall Arrest System • OSHA 1910.23 Floor and Wall Openings • OSHA 1910.27 Fixed Ladders • OSHA 1910.28 Scaffolding –

Construction Industry

• OSHA 1926.104 Safety Belts, Lifelines, and Lanyards

WHEN TO WEAR FALL PROTECTION

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FALL PROTECTION SHOULD BE WORN ANY TIME THAT YOU ARE 6 FEET OR MORE ABOVE GROUND LEVEL.

GENERAL RULES

• Use a personnel lift only if you are authorized. • Only authorized employees should work in elevated areas. • Stay away from edges and refrain from leaning too far over. • Listen for verbal warnings.

POWERED PLATFORMS

• Includes powered platform installations dedicated to interior and exterior building maintenance • Platforms should not exceed rated load • Refrain from using the platform in snow, ice, or other hazardous weather conditions • Adequate precautions should be taken to protect the platform, ropes, and life lines from damage – Example: ACIDS, HEAT • The platform should not be used in winds greater than 25mph.

FALL ARREST SYSTEM

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USES

– Used for working above a lower level. – Worker positioning. – Worker restraint. – Climbing.

FORCES

– Body Weight x Fall Distance

SYSTEM

– Tied or fixed to object. – Harness or belt worn. – Lanyard, Lifeline.

FALL ARREST SYSTEM

• • The system should be rigged so that a worker cannot free-fall more than 6 feet or contact a lower level. • Hook the line to an object that will allow the connection to be stable and keep the hook from becoming loose.

INSPECT THE SYSTEMS PRIOR TO EACH USE

– Do not use if mildew, wear, damage, deterioration, or defective components are found.

FALL ARREST SYSTEM

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BODY BELTS

– As of January 1, 1998 the use of a body belt is prohibited by OSHA • Damage to spine and organs • Max force - 900 pounds

HARNESS

• Forces on thighs, pelvis, waist, chest, and shoulders • Must be rated for at least 1800 pounds of force and 15 min of suspension

CONNECTION RINGS

• Upper back for fall arrest • Sides for positioning • Front for rescue or suspension

FALL ARREST SYSTEM

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LANYARD

– Connects harness to lifeline or anchor – Stretching or tearing system absorbs shock and prevents bouncing – No knots or wrapping around sharp objects

LIFELINES

– Rope or webbed material – Secured above point of operation – Support 5400 pounds

GUARDING FLOOR AND WALL OPENINGS AND HOLES

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FLOOR OPENINGS

– Guarded by a standard railing and toeboard on all sides.

– Guarded by a protective cover.

• Example: Manhole covers

WALL OPENINGS AND HOLES

– Wall openings or holes with a drop of more than 4 feet should be guarded.

– Can be guarded by a rail, roller, fence, half door or the equivalent.

– Grab bars on sides of opening.

FIXED LADDERS

• The distance between rungs, cleats, and steps should be no larger than 12 inches. • Ladders should be free of splinters, sharp edges, burrs, or projections. • Metal or wood ladders should be maintained in good condition. – Metal - Prevent corrosion – Wood - Prevent decay • Inspect ladders before every use.

SCAFFOLDING

• Footing for scaffolds shall be solid and be able to hold the intended workload. • Do not use objects such as barrels, boxes, loose bricks or concrete blocks to support the scaffold or it’s parts. • Scaffolds should be able to support at least 4 times the intended weight load.

SCAFFOLDING

• Scaffolds shall be secured to permanent structures. • Overhead protection shall be provided if needed. • Tools, materials and debris shall not be allowed to accumulate.

• Scaffolds shall not be altered or moved while they are in use or occupied. • Scaffolds shall be inspected regularly and maintained in a safe, working condition.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR INSPECTION OF EQUIPMENT

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LOOK FOR:

– Cuts, tears, abrasions, or stitches coming out.

– Cracks or burns.

– Parts move freely. – Alterations in design. – Deterioration.

– Appropriate labels.

RESCUE PLAN

• Each worksite or facility must have a rescue plan.

• Employees must be trained on the plan.

• Be able to limit hanging or suspension time.