Transcript Document

Fall Protection:
What to Know and What Not to Miss
Presented by:
Dan Weber, P.Eng., CCCA, LEED®AP
Project Engineer
Read Jones Christoffersen Ltd.
Victoria, BC.
June 13th, 2013
Overview of Presentation
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Introduction to Fall Protection
Fall Protection Systems
Fall Protection Planning
Site Placement and Positioning
Introduction:
Falls are the leading cause of fatalities in the
construction industry
(US Department of Labor)
Top 10 injuries in the Workplace:
1. Overexertion
2. Falls on the Same Level
3. Falls to a lower Level
What is Working at Heights?
When work is being done at a place:
• from which a fall of 3 m (10 ft)* or more may occur, or
• where a fall from a height of less than 3 m involves a risk of injury greater than the
risk of injury from the impact on a flat surface.
*NOTE: Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) or Site Safety Procedures may have more
stringent requirements but cannot change the minimums. Check with your local
regulations for the minimums.
Who Governs Fall Protection?
Primary Governing Body:
• Provincial Authority having Jurisdiction (WCB/OHS)
Secondary Governing Body:
• Site Safety Programs that require more stringent regulations
• Local Bylaws
Other Governing Bodies:
• Federal Projects – Canada Labour Code
• Airports, Federal Gov’t Projects, Interprovincial
CSA Standards (may not be the most current version)
Jurisdictions in your Area
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Alberta - WCB/OHS Part 9
BC – WCB/OHS Part 11
Ontario – OHSA Part 2
For other Provinces refer to their local regulations.
*OHS = Occupational Health and Safety
Fall Protection Systems
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Guardrails
Travel Restraint Systems
Fall Arresting Systems
Other Acceptable Methods
Working at Heights Hierarchy
Hierarchy of Fall Protection Systems when working at heights are as follows:
• The employer/owner must ensure that guardrails meeting the requirements of the AHJ or other similar
means of fall restraint are used when practicable.
• If the use of guardrails is not practicable, the employer/owner must ensure that another travel restraint
system is used.
• If a travel restraint system is not practicable, the employer/owner must ensure that a fall arrest system is
used.
• If the use of a fall arrest system is not practicable, or will result in a hazard greater than if the system
was not used, the employer/owner must ensure that work procedures are followed that are acceptable to
the AHJ and minimize the risk of injury to a worker from a fall.
Fall Protection Systems
Guardrails:
• Permanent: measuring at least 42”
from the surface.
Travel Restraint Systems
Travel Restraint:
“travel restraint system" is a system that
prevents one or more workers from
reaching an unprotected edge or opening.
(CSA Z259.16)
• Roof anchors, horizontal lifelines,
elevators shafts
Fall Restraint Systems
Can you spot the problem?
Not an anchor
Fall Arrest Systems
Fall Arresting Systems:
"fall arrest system" an assembly of
components that will arrest a worker’s fall
when properly assembled and used together
and when connected to a suitable anchorage.
(CSA Z259.16)
When do you need a Fall Arresting System?
• When there is no guardrail and a travel
restraint system is not available
• When the roof slope exceeds 4:12
• When you are in a position where a fall
could take place (i.e. slab/roof edge)
• When you are on a swingstage
• In full suspension i.e. bosun’s
chair/harness
Other Acceptable Work Procedures
Control Zones:
"Control zone" means the area between an unguarded edge
of a building or structure and a line which is set back a safe
distance of at least two meters (6.5 feet).
Safety Monitors:
"Safety monitor system" means a system in which a trained
worker is designated to monitor work activities in a control
zone to ensure that work is done in a manner that
minimizes the potential for a worker to fall.
(Confirm if allowed in your area)
Control Monitor?
How long does it take to fall?
• You will fall 20m (65’) in 2 seconds
• At a 6 foot height it will take you 0.8 seconds to hit the ground.
• You will not have time to grab something to prevent a fall.
The Physics of Falling
Clearance Distances
• Clearance: is defined as the safe distance required to prevent the
worker from striking the next level or any other obstruction below,
in the event of a fall.
• Free Fall: is the distance the worker will fall with no resistance.
Typically limited to 1.8m max.
Types of Anchors
What is an Anchorage?
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A structure that resists the forces applied by a fall protection, descent control,
positioning, rescue, or suspended component/tie-back line system
Examples: a beam, a roof slab, elevator core
What is an Anchorage Connector (Anchor)?
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A component or system of components that secure fall protection descent control,
positioning, rescue, or suspended component/tie-back line system to an anchorage
Examples: an eyebolt, a baseplate with an attached loop, a loop attached to a
platform.
Types of Anchors Cont’d
What about Design Strength?
Permanent anchors:
• BC: 22kN (5000lbs) fracture load (in any direction)
• Temporary anchors have lower design limits
Note: All Permanent Fall Arrest, Travel Restraint and Suspension Anchors all have to be designed for the
same ultimate force of 5000lbs (22kN) regardless of activities.
CSA Standards
CSA Z259 vs CSA Z91/Z271 what is the difference?
• CSA Z259 “Design of Active Fall Protection Systems” covers
all fall protection requirements for regular duties. (work not
in suspension)
• CSA Z91 “Health and Safety Code for Suspended Equipment
Operations” /Z271 “Safety Code for Suspended Elevating
Platforms” covers suspension type work i.e. swingstages and
bosun’s chairs.
• The main difference is the type of anchor you are connecting
to, CSA Z91 requires a minimum diameter of 19mm.
Z259
Z91
Horizontal Lifelines
Horizontal Lifelines (HLL):
• Allows for maximum coverage with minimal
anchors
Challenges:
• Most only allow 2 users at one time.
• Not allowed to suspend from them
• Clearance calculations are different for HLL’s
The 5 Questions of Fall Protection Planning
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Why do I need anchors?
What do I need?
Who is going to do the work?
When should it be done?
Where should it go?
Why do I need anchors on my building?
Owners Responsibilities:
• To provide adequate anchorage for workers
• To ensure contractors are using adequate
anchorage
• To protect the health and safety of people
using the systems
What do I need on my building?
• What activities will need to be done after the building is completed.
– Do I need window washing only
– Do I need full access to all surfaces (brick repairs/painting)?
– Do I only need access to roof edge for maintenance (gutters)?
– Do I need to only access mechanical units?
– Do I need swingstages or davit arms?
Who is on my building?
• Who will be working on the building?
– Will I have my own forces (VIHA, UVIC)
– Window Washers
– Roofing Contractors
– HVAC Contractors
• Do I need special training for own forces?
• Do the contractors need special training?
When should it be done?
New Construction:
• Needs Assessment – During Initial Design Phase
• Design integration & Documents – with Tender Documents
• Construction – During regular construction
• Testing/Certification – Post construction prior to handover
Existing Buildings:
• Needs Assessment – Prelim meetings with client
• Design review for adequate strength – Prelim with Assessment
• Tender-Construction-Testing – Similar to New Construction
Where should it go?
CSA Z295.16 – Design of Active Fall Protection
Systems
• Anchors should be located throughout the roof to
provide enough access as required by the task.
• Need to minimize swingfall to less than 1.2m (4’).
Where should it go? Cont’d
CSA Z91-02 – Suspended Operations:
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Maximum 25˚angle* for life lines
Maximum 12.5˚ angle* for suspension
Maximum 3.0m (10’) offset
Swingfall restrictions
Swing Stages require more anchors
*Note: New regulations per April 2013
Typical Anchor Plan
Documentation Required
CSA Z259.16 – Active Fall Protection - Section 4 – Drawings and Specifications
• 4.1 General: must be prepared under a P.Eng
• 4.2 Sealing of Drawings: P.Eng who designs system must seal the drawings
• 4.3 Required Information:
a)
b)
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Type of System
Drawings showing layout
Qualification of worker including max weight of worker
Specs for all components of system (breaking strengths, materials, model #’s)
Proof testing if required
Environment factors (Snow, wind)
MAF
Clearance calculations
Assembly instructions
Inspection and maintenance
Safe access to and from system including usage
Rescue plan
As-built drawings.
Documentation Required Cont’d
CSA Z91 – Suspended Equipment Operations –
Section 7.3 – Inspection and Testing of Systems
• All new anchor systems shall be inspected and tested by a P.Eng.
• Review of existing systems every 12 months
• Testing of post installed anchors (epoxy, mechanical) every 5 years
Section 7.4 – Inspection Reports
• All reports reviewed and sealed by a P.Eng.
• Must be kept with the equipment log book.
Section 8 – Documentation
• 8.1 Equipment Log: to be kept by the Owner of the equipment
a)
b)
c)
Description and Operating instructions (rigging plans, intended usage)
Installation records
Records of Inspection and maintenance
Documentation Required Cont’d
CSA Z91 – Suspended Equipment Operations –
Section 8 – Documentation Continued
• 8.2 Roof Plans: to be kept by the Owner of the equipment
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
Plan showing essential structural members, including anchors
Detail of equipment
Safe working loads
All relevant obstructions and hazards on the roof
Must sealed by a P.Eng
Posted at each entrance to roof level
• 8.3 Work Plans:
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Shall be completed for every project (a Written Fall Protection Plan) similar to WorkSafe BC requirements.
What to Watch out for
Challenges with Fall Protection System Design:
• Ropes deflecting over guardrails
• Architectural Appendages (Window Shades, Parapets)
• Irregular Shaped Buildings (Pointy)
• Interference with Mechanical/HVAC Systems
• Not enough or inadequate structure available
• Roof Overhangs
• Access to the anchors (steep roofs, connecting within control zones)
Summary
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As an owner you need to protect yourself and the workers
Select the Fall Protection System based on need
Provide adequate layout and coverage
Ensure adequate structure available
Engage a consultant versed in Fall Protection Requirements who will look out for the owners best
interest from a cost and safety point of view
Questions?
Thank you