FALL PROTECTION
FALL PROTECTION
• WHY?
– 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
• Occupational Safety And Health Administration
– General Industry
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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
• 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
• USES
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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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• LOOK FOR:
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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.