Transcript No Slide Title
FALL PROTECTION TRAINING CORPORATE SAFETY TRAINING 29 CFR 1910 & 1926
WELCOME
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Establish Fall Protection’s Role in Today’s Industry.
Discuss OSHA’S requirements for Fall Protection.
Discuss Basic Skills in Fall Hazard Recognition & Control.
Discuss Fall Hazard Analysis Techniques.
Discuss Fall Protection Systems.
Discuss Hazards Associated with Fall Protection.
Discuss Rescue and Retrieval Requirements.
Provide Examples of Fall Protection Systems.
BASIS FOR THIS COURSE
150- 200 fatalities annually in the U.S.
100,000+ work-related fall injuries annually.
Most workers who survive falls lose time from their job.
This training helps improve:
Safety Morale Productivity Employee well-being
APPLICABLE REGULATIONS
29CFR - SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS 1910 - INDUSTRIAL SAFETY 27 - FIXED LADDERS 66 - POWERED PLATFORMS 146 - CONFINED SPACE STANDARD
APPLICABLE REGULATIONS
29CFR - SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS 1926 - CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY 500 - SCOPE OF SUBPART M 501 - DUTY TO HAVE FALL PROTECTION 502 - SYSTEM CRITERIA & PRACTICES 503 - TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
APPLICABLE REGULATIONS
ANSI - Z359.1 - 1992 SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR PERSONAL FALL ARREST SYSTEMS, SUBSYSTEMS AND COMPONENTS ANSI - A10.14 - 1991 REQUIREMENTS FOR SAFETY BELTS, LANYARDS AND LIFELINES FOR CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION USE
APPLICABLE REGULATIONS
ANSI - A14.3 - 1992 LADDER SAFETY DEVICES
GENERAL PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
ALL EMPLOYERS MUST:
Institute safe work practices.
Review job specific fall hazards.
Conduct fall hazard assessments.
Ensure PPE is not damaged or defective.
Certify that assessments have been done.
Provide training to all required employees.
Install engineering controls where possible.
Institute administrative controls where possible.
Control hazards using fall PPE as a last resort.
TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
THE EMPLOYER MUST PROVIDE TRAINING:
The nature of fall hazards in the work area. The procedures for use and operation of: - Fall protection systems.
- Fall arrest systems.
- Guardrails systems.
- Safety net systems.
- Warning line systems.
- Safety monitoring systems.
- Control access zones.
TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
THE EMPLOYER MUST PROVIDE TRAINING:
The role of each employee in the safety monitoring system. The limitations of use of fall protection equipment.
The correct procedures for handling and storage of equipment.
The role of employees in fall protection plans.
The respective OSHA Standard.
Other requirements as dictated by site-specific hazards.
RETRAINING REQUIREMENTS
REQUIRED WHEN THERE IS A:
Close-call event.
Program related injury.
Change in job assignment.
New fall hazard or equipment.
New fall hazard control methods.
Failure in the fall safety procedures.
Reason to doubt employee proficiency.
Any changes rendering previous training obsolete.
FALL PROTECTION TRAINING IS IMPORTANT
A GOOD FALL PROGRAM WILL HELP:
Reduce fatalities.
Reduce injury and illness rates.
Acceptance of high-turnover jobs.
Workers feel better about their work.
Reduce workers’ compensation costs.
Elevate OSHA compliance to a higher level of awareness.
PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION
PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION REQUIRES:
DEDICATION PERSONAL INTEREST MANAGEMENT COMMITMENT NOTE: UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORT FROM THE WORK FORCE IS ESSENTIAL, WITHOUT IT THE PROGRAM WILL FAIL!
KEY PROGRAM ELEMENTS
KEY PROGRAM ELEMENTS INCLUDE:
TRAINING
SAFETY COMMITTEE
FALL HAZARD ANALYSIS
FALL HAZARD PREVENTION AND CONTROL
KEY PROGRAM ELEMENTS
(Continued)
TRAINING
Job-specific fall hazard training.
Training for facility engineers.
Annual awareness training.
Training for: - Affected employees. - Managers.
- Supervisors.
- Maintenance personnel.
KEY PROGRAM ELEMENTS
(Continued)
FALL HAZARD ANALYSIS
Systematic site analysis.
Departmental surveys.
Job hazard analysis.
SAFETY COMMITTEE
Written program.
Employee involvement.
Top management commitment.
Regular program activity, review and evaluation.
KEY PROGRAM ELEMENTS
(Continued)
FALL HAZARD PREVENTION AND CONTROL
Engineering controls.
Administrative controls.
Optimization of work practices.
Fall ppe reduction as a last resort.
THE SUPERVISOR’S ROLE
CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING: 1. Do (or get involved in) the fall hazard analysis.
2. Obtain assistance (if needed) from experts in the field of concern.
3. Complete the paperwork (work orders, policy changes, etc.) to make corrective actions.
4. Attend the same training as your workers. 5. Follow-up on the actions you took.
WRITTEN PROGRAM
WRITTEN PROGRAMS MUST BE:
Developed Implemented Controlled Periodically reviewed
SAFETY COMMITTEE
COMMITTEES SHOULD:
Include fall hazard topics during regular meetings.
Document committee meetings.
Encourage employee involvement in the process.
Employee complaints, suggestions, or concerns can be brought to the attention of management.
The committee should analyze statistical data concerning fall hazards, and make recommendations to management for corrective action.
Follow-up is critical.
PROGRAM REVIEW & EVALUATION
EVALUATION TECHNIQUES INCLUDE:
Fall hazard analysis assessments.
Job hazard analysis assessments.
Employee surveys.
Review of results of facility evaluations.
Analysis of trends in fall injury rates.
Up-to-date records of logs of fall hazard improvements tried or implemented.
Before and after surveys/evaluations of job/worksite fall protection changes.
INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE CONTROLS
ENGINEERING CONTROLS
Work Station Design Process Modification
Facility Modification Mechanical Assists FIRST CHOICE
ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROLS
Training Programs Facility Signage
SECOND CHOICE
Job Rotation/Enlargement Policy and Procedures
PERSONNEL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
LAST CHOICE
Body Harnesses/Belts Eye Protection
Head Protection Non-Slip Shoes
WORKSITE ANALYSIS
WORKSITE ANALYSIS IS DIVIDED INTO FOUR MAIN PARTS: 1. Gathering information from available sources.
2. Conducting baseline screening surveys to determine which areas or jobs need a closer analysis.
3. Performing fall and job hazard analyses to identify fall hazards.
4. After implementing control measures, conducting periodic surveys and follow-up to evaluate changes.
HIGH RISK TYPES OF WORK
TYPES OF WORK:
Roofers.
Bridge work.
Ladder work.
Iron workers.
Tree trimming.
Scaffolding work.
Window cleaning.
Construction framing.
Construction painters.
Work from overhead cranes.
HIGH RISK TYPES OF WORK
Continued
WHAT OTHER TYPES OF FALL HAZARD WORK CAN YOU THINK OF?
FALL HAZARD DEFINITIONS
Continued
COMPETENT PERSON:
A person who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them. 29 CFR 1926.32
QUALIFIED PERSON:
A person approved or assigned by the employer to perform a specific type of duty or duties or to be at a specific location or locations at the jobsite. 29 CFR 1926.32
FALL HAZARD DEFINITIONS
FALL PREVENTION:
The prevention of a fall through the use of physical restraints:
Hand rails* Guard rails* Toe boards* Floor covers* Ladder cages* *Covered under a separate set of standards.
FALL HAZARD DEFINITIONS
Continued
FALL PROTECTION:
The prevention of injury through the use of planned, active protective systems:
Roof Systems Rescue Systems Retrieval Systems Restraint Systems Fall Arrest Systems Suspension Systems Ladder Safety Systems
FALL HAZARD DEFINITIONS
Continued
FREEFALL DISTANCE:
29 CFR 1926.500
The vertical displacement of the fall arrest attachment point on the employee's body belt or body harness between onset of the fall and just before the system begins to apply force to arrest the fall.
This distance excludes deceleration distance, and lifeline/lanyard elongation, but includes any deceleration device slide distance or self-retracting lifeline/lanyard extension before they operate and fall arrest forces occur.
FALL HAZARD DEFINITIONS
Continued 29 CFR 1926.500
"Anchorage" - A secure point of attachment for lifelines, lanyards or deceleration devices.
"Body belt (safety belt)" - A strap with means both for securing it about the waist and for attaching it to a lanyard, lifeline, or deceleration device.
"Body harness" - Straps which may be secured about the employee in a manner that will distribute the fall arrest forces over at least the thighs, pelvis, waist, chest and shoulders with means for attaching it to other components of a personal fall arrest system.
FALL HAZARD DEFINITIONS
Continued 29 CFR 1926.500
"Buckle" means any device for holding the body belt or body harness closed around the employee's body.
"Connector" means a device which is used to couple (connect) parts of the personal fall arrest system and positioning device systems together.
It may be an independent component of the system, such as a carabiner, or it may be an integral component of part of the system (such as a buckle or dee-ring sewn into a body belt or body harness, or a snap-hook spliced or sewn to a lanyard or self retracting lanyard).
FALL HAZARD DEFINITIONS
Continued 29 CFR 1926.500
"Controlled access zone (CAZ)" - An area in which certain work (e.g., overhand bricklaying) may take place without the use of guardrail systems, personal fall arrest systems, or safety net systems and access to the zone is controlled.
"Dangerous equipment" - Equipment (such as pickling or galvanizing tanks, degreasing units, machinery, electrical equipment, and other units) which, as a result of form or function, may be hazardous to employees who fall onto or into such equipment.
FALL HAZARD DEFINITIONS
Continued 29 CFR 1926.500
"Deceleration device" - Any mechanism, such as a rope grab, rip-stitch lanyard, specially-woven lanyard, tearing or deforming lanyards, automatic self-retracting lifelines/lanyards, etc., which serves to dissipate a substantial amount of energy during a fall arrest, or otherwise limit the energy imposed on an employee during fall arrest.
FALL HAZARD DEFINITIONS
Continued 29 CFR 1926.500
"Personal fall arrest system" - A system used to arrest an employee in a fall from a working level. It consists of an anchorage, connectors, a body belt or body harness and may include a lanyard, deceleration device, lifeline, or suitable combinations of these.
As of January 1, 1998, the use of a body belt for fall arrest is prohibited.
FALL HAZARD DEFINITIONS
Continued 29 CFR 1926.500
ACCELERATION:
An airborne body will 2 accelerate at 32 feet/second during a free fall. If the free fall distance can be reduced the injury can be reduced.
FALL HAZARD DEFINITIONS
Continued 29 CFR 1926.500
FREEFALL DISTANCE:
The distance the person falls to the moment the system begins to apply force to arrest the fall.
18 FEET
FALL HAZARD DEFINITIONS
Continued
DECELERATION DISTANCE:
29 CFR 1926.500
The additional vertical distance a falling employee travels, excluding lifeline elongation and free fall distance, before stopping, from the point at which the deceleration device begins to operate.
Measured as the distance between the location of an employee's belt or harness attachment attachment point point comes to a stop.
at after the the moment of activation of the deceleration device during a fall, and the location of that employee
FALL HAZARD DEFINITIONS
Continued
TOTAL FALL DISTANCE
+ =
Free Fall Distance Deceleration Distance Total Fall Distance
FALL HAZARD DEFINITIONS
Continued
LANYARD:
29 CFR 1926.500
A flexible line of rope, wire rope, or strap which generally has a connector at each end for connecting the body belt or body harness to a deceleration device, lifeline, or anchorage.
FALL HAZARD DEFINITIONS
Continued
SELF-RETRACTING LANYARD:
A deceleration device which contains a drum wound line which may be slowly extracted from, or retracted onto, the drum under slight tension during normal employee movement, and which, after onset of a fall, automatically locks the drum and arrests the fall.
29 CFR 1910.66
SAFELINE SELF-RETRACTING LANYARD
FALL HAZARD DEFINITIONS
Continued
ARRESTING FORCE:
29 CFR 1926.502
The amount of force that a worker would be subjected to from the fall protection system arresting the fall.
Belts and harnesses must meet the following criteria:
Limit maximum arresting force on an employee to 900 pounds (4 kN) when used with a body belt..
Limit maximum arresting force on an employee to 1,800 pounds (8 kN) when used with a body harness.
FALL HAZARD DEFINITIONS
Continued 29 CFR 1926.502
Anchorages equipment is to which attached personal must be fall arrest capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds (22.2 kN) per employee attached, or must be designed, installed, and used as part of a complete personal fall arrest system which maintains a safety factor of at least two, under the supervision of a qualified person.
FALL HAZARD DEFINITIONS
Continued
CONNECTING MEANS:
29 CFR 1926.502
A device which is used to couple (connect) parts of the personal fall arrest system and positioning device systems together. It may be an independent component of the system, such as a carabiner, or it may be an integral component of part of the system (such as a buckle or dee-ring sewn into a body belt or body harness, or a snap-hook spliced or sewn to a lanyard or self-retracting lanyard).
Standard D-Ring
FALL HAZARD DEFINITIONS
Continued 29 CFR 1926.502
Dee-rings and snaphooks have a minimum tensile strength of 5,000 pounds (22.2 kN).
Dee-rings and snaphooks are proof-tested to a minimum tensile load of 3,600 pounds (16 kN) without cracking, breaking, or taking permanent deformation.
Standard D-Ring
FALL HAZARD DEFINITIONS
Continued
FALL ARRESTER:
A device, which travels on a lifeline, and will automatically engage the lifeline and lock to arrest a fall of an individual.
A fall arrester usually employs the principle of internal locking, cantilever locking, or both.
A “Rope Grab” is an example of a fall arrester.
FALL HAZARD DEFINITIONS
Continued
LIFELINES:
A lifeline is a component consisting of a flexible line for connection to an anchorage or anchorage connector at one end (vertical lifeline), or for connection to anchorages at both ends (horizontal lifeline) and which serves as a means for connecting other components of a personal fall arrest system to the anchorage.
FALL HAZARD DEFINITIONS
Continued
LIFELINES:
Cannot be made of natural fiber rope.
Must be protected against damage by cuts or abrasions.
When vertical lifelines are used, each employee must be provided a separate lifeline.
Lanyards and vertical lifelines must have a minimum breaking strength of 5000 pounds (22.2kN).
Self-retracting lifelines and lanyards which do not limit free fall distance to two feet (0.61m) or less, (ripstitch lanyards, and tearing and deforming lanyards) must be capable of sustaining a minimum tensile load of 5000 pounds (22.2kN) applied to the device when the lifeline or lanyard is in the full extended position.
FALL HAZARD DEFINITIONS
Continued
SNAPHOOKS:
Must be sized to be compatible with the member to which they are connected to prevent unintentional disengagement of the snaphook by depression of the snaphook keeper by the connected member, or shall be a locking type snaphook designed and used to prevent disengagement of the snaphook by the contact of the snaphook keeper by the connected member.
As of January 1, 1998, only locking type snaphooks shall be used. 1926.502
FALL HAZARD DEFINITIONS
Continued
DOUBLE-LOCKING SNAPHOOKS:
HOOKBODY RELEASE EYE HOOKNOSE GATE LOCK HINGE
ELEMENTS OF A FALL
THREE ELEMENTS TO A FALL:
Free Fall Distance
Body Weight
Shock Absorption
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO FALL?
ELEMENTS OF A FALL
Continued Time (second) 0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
4.0
6.0
10.0
Height (feet) 4.0
16.0
36.0
64.0
100.0
144.0
256.0
576.0
1600.0
ELEMENTS OF A FALL
Continued
BODY WEIGHT:
The greater the body weight, the greater the energy to be dissipated during shock absorption.
Tools and equipment carried or attached to the worker increase mass and the potential forces that must be absorbed by the fall arrest system.
SYSTEM PERFORMANCE CRITERIA:
Full body harnesses are generally not designed to withstand a combined weight (worker plus equipment) greater than 310 pounds (140kg).
ELEMENTS OF A FALL
Continued
ARRESTING FORCE
X =
Body Weight Free Fall Distance Arresting Force
ELEMENTS OF A FALL
Continued
SHOCK ABSORPTION:
Ends when the fall is completely arrested.
May vary considerably depending upon the fall protection equipment used. The greater the shock absorption, the less forces the body is subjected to.
ARRESTING FORCE:
The more arresting forces generated, the more shock absorption needed. If the free fall distance and body weight is kept to manageable amounts, the body is less likely to absorb much, if any of the forces generated during the fall.
SAFETY REQUIREMENTS OF A FALL
Continued
FREE FALL DISTANCE:
Be rigged such that an employee can neither free fall more than six (6) feet nor contact any lower level. Free fall includes a maximum D-Ring slide of six (6) inches.
DECELERATION DISTANCE:
Equipment must bring an employee to a complete stop and limit maximum deceleration distance an employee travels to three and one-half (3-1/2) feet.
SAFETY REQUIREMENTS OF A FALL
Continued
ARRESTING FORCE:
When using a body belt the arresting force on an employee must be limited to 900 pounds (4kN).
When using a body harness the arresting force on an employee must be limited to 1,800 pounds (1.8kN).
Equipment must have sufficient strength to withstand twice the potential impact energy of an employee free falling a distance of six feet (1.8m), or the free fall distance permitted by the system, whichever is less.
COMPONENTS OF A FALL
BODY HEIGHT DECELERATION DISTANCE (<3-1/2 ft) FREE FALL DISTANCE (<6ft) SAFETY FACTOR
THE BASIC FALL PROTECTION SYSTEM
FALL ARREST SYSTEMS SHOULD:
Match the particular work situation Keep free fall distance to a minimum.
Be appropriate for the work environment.
ALL COMPONENTS MUST BE COMPATIBLE WITH EACH OTHER
THE BASIC FALL PROTECTION SYSTEM
FALL ARREST SYSTEM CONSIDERATIONS:
The presence of acids, dirt, moisture, oil, grease, etc., and their effect on the system, should be evaluated.
Hot or cold environments may also have an adverse effect on the system.
Wire rope should not be used where an electrical hazard is anticipated. The employer must plan to have means available to promptly rescue an employee should a fall occur, since the suspended employee may not be able to reach a work level independently.
THE BASIC FALL PROTECTION SYSTEM
COMPONENT COMPATIBILITY CONSIDERATIONS:
Ideally, a personal fall arrest system is designed, tested, and supplied as a complete system.
However, it is common practice for lanyards, connectors, lifelines, deceleration devices, body belts and body harnesses to be interchanged since some components wear out before others. Not all components are interchangeable.
Any substitution or change to a personal fall arrest system should be fully evaluated or tested to determine that it meets the standard, before the modified system is put in use.
THE BASIC FALL PROTECTION SYSTEM Continued
ANCHORAGE CONSIDERATIONS:
Anchorage should be a substantial point of attachment.
Anchorage should be independent of the work surface.
Anchorage points should be pre-approved and marked.
Anchorage strength should be no less than 5,000 lbs.
Factor-in sag and other clearance requirements.
Provide for quick self-recovery, or rescue procedures.
If possible, keep anchorage points over head to prevent swing falls.
THE BASIC FALL PROTECTION SYSTEM Continued Anchorages used for attachment of personal fall arrest equipment must be independent of any anchorage being used to support or suspend platforms and capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds (22.2 kN) per employee attached, or shall be designed, installed, and used as follows: As part of a complete personal fall arrest system which maintains a safety factor of at least two; and under the supervision of a qualified person.
THE BASIC FALL PROTECTION SYSTEM Continued Personal fall arrest systems, when stopping a fall, must: Limit maximum arresting force on an employee to 900 pounds (4 kN) when used with a body belt; Limit maximum arresting force on an employee to 1,800 pounds (8 kN) when used with a body harness; Be rigged such that an employee can neither free fall more than 6 feet (1.8 m), nor contact any lower level;
THE BASIC FALL PROTECTION SYSTEM Continued Bring an employee to a complete stop and limit maximum deceleration distance an employee travels to 3.5 feet (1.07 m); and, have sufficient strength to withstand twice the potential impact energy of an employee free falling a distance of 6 feet (1.8 m), or the free fall distance permitted by the system, whichever is less.
THE BASIC FALL PROTECTION SYSTEM Continued
CONNECTING MEANS SHOULD:
Provide continuous and complete fall protection.
Keep the free fall distance to a minimum.
Maintain arresting forces below 600 pounds.
Eliminate the creation of swing falls.
Allow for ease of retrieval.
Not create prolonged suspension if controlled descent is feasible.
THE BASIC FALL PROTECTION SYSTEM Continued
BODY BELTS SHOULD NOT BE USED BECAUSE:
Possibility of falling out of the belt.
Vulnerable mid-section and internal injuries.
Prolonged suspension can result in constriction of internal organs, and suffocation.
THE BASIC FALL PROTECTION SYSTEM Continued
FULL BODY HARNESSES:
In most situations the body harness is preferable to the belt because of its ability to spread arresting forces and to avoid trauma to the neck. Harness design factors include:
Absence of a waist belt.
Seat strap distribution of forces over the buttocks.
A sliding back D-Ring.
Color coding of top and bottom straps.
Light weight and soft webbing material.
Harnesses allow greater arresting forces than body belts.
The connecting means is kept behind the worker.
The worker is left in a “heads up” position after a fall.
CATEGORIES OF FALL PROTECTION SYSTEMS
4 FUNCTIONAL CATEGORIES:
Positioning and Suspension Systems
Rescue and Retrieval Systems
Fall Arrest Systems
Roof Systems
CATEGORIES OF FALL PROTECTION SYSTEMS
Continued
POSITIONING AND SUSPENSION SYSTEMS:
Often used in window washing and painting industries, they are designed to lower and support a worker while allowing a hands-free work environment. A back-up system should be used in conjunction with the suspension system.
Examples include:
Rebar chain assembly.
Tree trimmer belt.
Lineman’s body belt.
Window washer’s belt.
CATEGORIES OF FALL PROTECTION SYSTEMS
Continued
RESCUE AND RETRIEVAL SYSTEMS:
Rescue and retrieval systems are generally used in confined spaces, and are often known as personal retrieval systems.
The system is primarily used when workers must be lowered into tanks, manholes, etc., and when retrieval may be required should an emergency occur.
CATEGORIES OF FALL PROTECTION SYSTEMS
Continued
RESCUE AND RETRIEVAL SYSTEMS:
BACK-UP FALL PROTECTION WINCH TRIPOD SAFELINE SAFELINE TIE-OFF POINT
CATEGORIES OF FALL PROTECTION SYSTEMS
Continued
RESCUE AND RETRIEVAL SYSTEMS:
The tripod and winch (only) are acceptable when workers are descending or ascending on a ladder or staircase providing the following conditions are met:
The ladder and steps are in good condition and travel is in a straight continuos climb.
The worker on the ladder wearing a full body harness with the cable attached to the back D-Ring
A trained and competent operator is controlling the winch.
The operator maintains tension in the cable at all times.
CATEGORIES OF FALL PROTECTION SYSTEMS
Continued
RESCUE AND RETRIEVAL SYSTEMS:
The tripod and a self-retracting life line with retrieval capability may also be used when descending or ascending on a ladder or staircase providing the following conditions are met:
The ladder and steps are in good condition and travel is in a straight continuos climb.
The worker on the ladder wearing a full body harness with the cable attached to the back D-Ring
A trained and competent operator is controlling the winch.
The operator maintains tension in the cable at all times.
CATEGORIES OF FALL PROTECTION SYSTEMS
Continued
RESCUE AND RETRIEVAL SYSTEMS:
The tripod and a self-retracting life line with retrieval capability may also be used when descending or ascending on a ladder or staircase.
NOTE: The self-retracting lifeline with retrieval capability should not be used for frequent or continual hoisting or lowering of personnel or equipment. This equipment should only be used for emergency rescue of personnel.
CATEGORIES OF FALL PROTECTION SYSTEMS
Continued
RETRIEVAL SYSTEMS AND PERMIT SPACE ENTRY:
To facilitate non-entry rescue, retrieval systems or methods authorized must entrant be used enters a whenever permit an space, unless the retrieval equipment would increase the overall risk of entry or would not contribute to the rescue of the entrant.
CATEGORIES OF FALL PROTECTION SYSTEMS
Continued
RETRIEVAL SYSTEMS AND PERMIT SPACE ENTRY:
Retrieval systems must meet the following requirements:
Entrants must use a chest or full body harness.
Lines must attached to the center of the back at shoulders or; Above the entrant’s head.
Wristlets may be used in lieu of harness if: 1. It can be demonstrated that a harness is infeasible.
2. It can be demonstrated that a harness increases the hazard.
3. It can be demonstrated that wristlets are the safest means.
The other end of the retrieval line must be attached to a mechanical device or fixed point outside the space to facilitate immediate rescue.
CATEGORIES OF FALL PROTECTION SYSTEMS
Continued
RETRIEVAL SYSTEMS AND PERMIT SPACE ENTRY:
To facilitate non-entry rescue, a mechanical device must be available to retrieve personnel from vertical type permit spaces more than 5 feet deep.
CATEGORIES OF FALL PROTECTION SYSTEMS
Continued
RETRIEVAL SYSTEMS AND PERMIT SPACE ENTRY:
The following guidelines will help determine if a retrieval system presents more hazards than benefits:
A permit space with obstructions or turns that could bind the retrieval line, the entrant need not use a retrieval system.
When an employee being rescued with the retrieval system would be injured because of forceful contact with projection in the space, the entrant need not be attached to a retrieval system.
In a permit space, an entrant using an air supplied respirator need not use a retrieval system if the retrieval line could become tangled with the air line.
CATEGORIES OF FALL PROTECTION SYSTEMS
Continued
FALL ARREST SYSTEMS:
Designed to minimize the forces generated during a fall.
Theses systems are designed to be passive, and will only operate should a fall occur.
ANCHORAGE CONNECTING MEANS BODY SUPPORT
CATEGORIES OF FALL PROTECTION SYSTEMS
Continued
ROOF SYSTEMS:
Roof systems permit the individual to work near the edge of the structure or roof without exposing him or herself to the actual edge of the roof. Generally this system operates as a restraint. Roof safety systems should include the following:
Inspections of the roof condition, structural integrity, etc.
Designated safe work areas.
Perimeter guarding for any new buildings and renovations.
CATEGORIES OF FALL PROTECTION SYSTEMS
Continued
LIFELINE SYSTEMS:
Vertical Lifeline: A vertical line that extends from an independent anchorage point to which a lanyard or device is attached.
Horizontal Lifeline: A horizontal line that extends between two horizontal anchorages to which a lanyard or device is attached.
The above two systems can function independently, or can be integrated to provide two dimensional fall protection.
HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH FALL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT
SWING FALL HAZARDS:
Continued A pendulum-like motion may result when an individual moves or walks away from a fixed anchorage point and then falls.
Swing falls can generate the same forces as falling through the same distance vertically, but with the additional hazard of striking an obstruction.
Swing falls are of particular concern with retracting lifelines because of the longer cable length and ability to move freely.
These falls can be controlled by maintaining the anchorage point overhead, or by raising the height of the anchorage point to minimize the arc and the force of the swing.
HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH FALL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT
TRIP FIXED ANCHORAGE POINT HORIZONTAL LIFELINE
HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH FALL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT
Continued
SNAPHOOK ROLL-OUT HAZARD:
Roll-out can occur when a single-locking snaphook is improperly connected to an attachment point such as a small eyebolt, or to another snaphook.
Roll-out is also possible when a lanyard or lifeline is wrapped around a structure and hooked back into itself.
SEQUENCE: 1. Force of the arrest rebounds through the lanyard or lifeline.
2. The snaphook is driven up and around the attachment.
3. The gate of the snaphook is depressed by the roll motion.
4. The snaphook pop loose or rolls out of the attachment point.
HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH FALL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT
Continued
EQUIPMENT INCOMPATIBILITY:
Ideally, a personal fall protection system should be designed, tested, and supplied as a complete system.
Components may not be interchangeable.
Ask the manufacturer if different equipment is compatible.
Substitutions or change to personal fall protection systems should be fully evaluated or tested to determine whether or not it meets the standard, BEFORE THE MODIFIED SYSTEM IS PUT INTO USE.
HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH FALL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT
Continued
ADDITIONAL HAZARDS:
Heat
Sharp and cutting edges
Environmental conditions
Corrosion and dirt
FALL PROTECTION AND RESCUE
TRAINING AND PROPER DESIGN IS CRITICAL:
It is important to remember that training is critical when rescuing injured or sick workers involved in falls. It is recommended that basic rescue techniques be considered when designing or renovating a facility.
Proper design may allow less skill and training in accomplishing rescues than those techniques used by advanced rescue teams.
FALL PROTECTION AND RESCUE
Continued
Descent DEVICES:
Descent devices may help in retrieving fall individuals from above ground levels. These devices may be available at the following locations:
Overhead crane cabs Elevated platforms on towers and vessels Elevated workhouses
FALL PROTECTION AND RESCUE
Continued
DESCENT DEVICES:
Automatic speed-limiting descent devices reduce the need for trained rescue personnel because the equipment controls the rate of descent of the fallen individual(s) Permanent or temporary chutes may also aid in rescue procedures at elevated heights. Helicopters, ladders and fire equipment may also be used during rescue operations.
INSPECTION AND CARE OF FALL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT
INSPECTION BEFORE USE:
Employees using the equipment need to inspect their own equipment. Do not place your life unnecessarily in anyone else hands!
Defective components must be removed from service if their function or strength has been adversely affected.
INSPECTION AND CARE OF FALL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT
Continued
IMPACT LOADING:
Equipment subjected to impact loading or an actual fall must be immediately removed from service and not used again unless inspected and determined by a competent person to be undamaged and suitable for reuse.
INSPECTION AND CARE OF FALL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT
Continued
IMPACT LOADING: IMPORTANT:
Some manufacturers will not guarantee harnesses or lanyards will provide adequate protection during a second fall.
Many of these manufacturers state on the equipment to destroy the harness and lanyard after a fall has been sustained.
INSPECTION AND CARE OF FALL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT
Continued
INSPECTION CONSIDERATIONS:
Inspect equipment before each use (without exception).
Inspect anchorage point before use.
Tag as unusable, damaged equipment.
Separate damaged equipment from serviceable equipment.
Develop a detailed inspection policy.
Consider the effects on equipment stored for long periods.
Remove “impact loaded” equipment from service immediately.
Incorporate manufacturer’s instructions into a plant inspections.
Consider special situations such as radiation, electrical conductivity, and chemicals when developing a maintenance program.
TIPS FOR USING CONTRACTORS
Remember, you control your facility or area! Review their procedures before starting the job!
Determine their safety performance record!
Determine who is in charge of their people!
Determine how they will affect your employees!
Protect your employees!