INDIAN OIL SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
[ SURAKSHA ]
WORKING AT HEIGHT
ISMS STANDARD - 1001
First Edition, November 2007
INDIAN OIL CORPORATION LIMITED
REFINERIES HEAD OFFICE
SCOPE COMPLEX, CORE – 2,
7, INSTITUTIONAL AREA, LODHI ROAD,
NEW DELHI – 110 003
ISMS STANDARD - 1001
First Edition, November 2007
WORKING AT HEIGHT
IMPORTANT
Mandatory requirements (or “must”) are characterized by the word
“Shall” throughout the text. Advisory requirements or recommendations
are indicated by the word “Should”.
Prepared by:
COMMITTEE ON
STANDARDISATION OF SAFETY SYSTEMS
INDIAN OIL CORPORATION LIMITED
REFINERIES HEAD OFFICE
SCOPE COMPLEX, CORE – 2,
7, INSTITUTIONAL AREA, LODHI ROAD,
NEW DELHI – 110 003
WORKING AT HEIGHT
NOTES
This document is prepared for use in the Indian Oil
Corporation Limited, Refineries Division. This is the
property of Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Refineries
Division and shall not be reproduced or copied and
loaned or exhibited to others without written consent
from Executive Director (Operation), IOCL, Refineries
Division, New Delhi.
Though every effort has been made to assure the
accuracy and reliability of data contained in this
document, Committee hereby disclaims any liability or
responsibility for loss / damage resulting from its use.
This document is intended only to supplement and not
replace the prevailing statutory requirements.
ISMS STANDARD – 1001
Page 1 of 52
WORKING AT HEIGHT
PREFACE
Over the years of operation, Refineries under the
umbrella of Indian Oil Corporation Limited [i.e. IOCL],
adopted variety of safety practices in line with the
requirements of statutes, national and international
norms & Standards and safety management system
in safety practices. Based on safety assessment
studies and some serious accidents that occurred in
the recent past in IOCL Refineries emphasized the
need for the review of existing safety practices of
IOCL Refineries.
With this in view, it has been decided at IOCL (RD),
Head Office (H.O.) to standardize the key Safety
Management System elements for the Refineries
Division exploiting internal knowledge bank and
resources. In accordance with this decision, a
committee has been constituted by Executive Director
(Operation), IOCL, H.O., for the said purpose under
his convenership.
The present document on “Working At Height”,
prepared by the Committee on Standardisation of
Safety Systems, is based on the various national and
international codes, best practices prevailing in the
IOCL Refineries and accumulated knowledge &
experience of the members. Provisions of this
standard if implemented objectively will help in
improving safety at work places and thereby reducing
the possibility of undesired incidents in IOCL,
Refineries.
No change in the standard is permitted at unit level.
Suggestions for amendments / changes, if any, to this
standard shall be addressed to:
The Executive Director (Operation),
Indian Oil Corporation Limited
Refineries Head Office
Scope Complex, Core – 2,
7, Institutional Area, Lodhi Road,
New Delhi – 110 003
ISMS STANDARD – 1001
Page 2 of 52
WORKING AT HEIGHT
COMMITTEE ON WORKING AT HEIGHT
LIST OF MEMBERS
Sl.
No.
Name
Designati
on
Location
Position in
Committee
ED (O)
R&P, H.O.
Convener
CM (QA &
Systems)
Mathura Refinery
Member
1.
Shri N. K. Bansal
2.
Shri S. K. Das
3.
Shri A. Chaudhuri
CPNM
Haldia Refinery
Member
4.
Shri D. Chakraborty
CTSM
Barauni Refinery
Member
5.
Shri Sunil Kumar
CM (F&S)
Gujarat Refinery
Member
The committee expresses sincere gratitude to Shri A. Panda, GM (S&EP),
H.O., New Delhi for his immense support and guidance in formulating this
standard. The committee also extends sincere thanks to Shri G. B. Tolmare,
CM (SHE), C.O., New Delhi for his contribution, involvement and sharing of
knowledge & experience which has helped in framing the standard.
ISMS STANDARD – 1001
Page 3 of 52
WORKING AT HEIGHT
CONTENTS
SECTIO
N
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
5.2.7
6.0
6.1
6.2
7.0
8.0
9.0
10.0
ATTRIBUTE
Purpose
Scope
Definitions & Abbreviations
Introduction
Plan for Working at Height
Fall Protection Training
Portable Ladder and Step Ladder
Selection of Ladder
Position / Use of Ladder
Roof Work
Requirement of Fall Protection in Stairways
Audit
Reference
Annexures
Annexure-I : Use of Safety Net
Annexure-II : Personal Fall Protection Equipments
Annexure-III : Fall Protection Equipment Inspection & Maintenance
Annexure-IV : Rescue Equipments for Working at Height
Annexure-V : Pre-use & Inspection Checklists for Ladder
Annexure-VI : Work Permit Format for Working at Height
ISMS STANDARD – 1001
PAGE
NO.
5
5
5
11
11
28
30
30
32
35
49
50
51
Page 4 of 52
WORKING AT HEIGHT
1.0
PURPOSE
The purpose of this standard is to describe procedures and guidelines
to improve safety while accessing to height, coming down from height
and also working at height during maintenance and construction
activities through proactive approach to identify hazards of fall from
height and protective measures through planning.
However this standard shall not cover Scaffold Safety, which is covered
separately under standard on “Scaffold Safety”. This standard shall
also not cover details of permanent access / exit (stairways/ fixed
ladders etc.) provided for working at height or specialised rescue
ladders and permanent raised platforms / floors, which is provided as
per relevant Engineering Standard. It is very important to maintain the
permanent ladders / staircases and raised platforms / floor in healthy
condition with all safety features to make them free from all fall
hazards. All work at height including permanent structures also needs
to be checked for identification of fall hazard, before allowing them to
work under permit to work system. This standard can be used as
guidelines for such purposes.
2.0
SCOPE
This standard shall be applicable to all the Refinery premises of Indian
Oil Corporation Limited, wherever work at height is planned; using
temporary means during maintenance and construction activities. This
standard shall also be applicable at construction sites, where various
construction activities are carried out at height.
3.0
DEFINITIONS AND ABBRIVIATIONS
3.1
Safety belt means a strap with means for securing it around the waist
or body and for attaching it to a lanyard, lifeline, or deceleration device.
3.2
Body harness means a design of straps which is secured about the
employee in a manner so as to distribute the arresting forces over at
least the thighs, shoulders, and pelvis, with provisions for attaching a
lanyard, lifeline, or deceleration device.
3.3
Combination ladder means a portable ladder capable of being used
as a stepladder or as a single or extension ladder. It may also be
capable of being used as a trestle ladder or a stairwell ladder. Its
components may be used as single ladders.
3.4
Design factor means the ratio of the ultimate failure strength of a
member or piece of material or equipment to the actual working stress
or intended safe load.
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WORKING AT HEIGHT
3.5
Designated area means a space that has a perimeter barrier erected
to warn employees when they approach an unprotected side or edge,
and serves also to designate an area where work may be performed
without additional fall protection. Equivalent means alternate designs,
materials, or methods, which the HOD of concerned section can
demonstrate, will provide, an equal or greater degree of safety for
employees than the method or item specified in the standard.
3.6
Failure means a load refusal, breakage, or separation of component
parts. Load refusal is the point where the ultimate strength is exceeded.
3.7
Fall or fall hazard means the act or circumstances that could result in
the possibility of slipping or tripping on or falling off a surface.
3.8
Fixed ladder means a ladder, including an individual rung ladder that
is permanently attached to a structure, building, or equipment.
3.9
Guardrail system means a vertical barrier, normally consisting of, but
not limited to, an assembly of top rails, mid rails, and posts, erected to
prevent employees from falling to lower levels.
3.10
Handrail means a rail used to provide employees a handhold for
support.
3.11
Hole means an opening more than two inches (5.1 cm) in its least
dimension in a floor, roof, or other surface.
3.12
Individual rung ladder means a ladder consisting of rungs individually
attached to a structure, building, or piece of equipment. It does not
include manhole steps installed in manholes.
3.13
Ladder means a device typically used to gain access to a different
elevation consisting of two or more structural members crossed by
rungs, steps, or cleats.
3.14
Ladder cage means a barrier surrounding or nearly surrounding the
climbing area of a ladder. It fastens to the ladder's side rails, to one
side rail, or to other structures.
3.15
Ladder safety device means a support system, which will stop or limit
the speed of an employee's fall from a ladder.
3.16
Lower level means those areas to which an employee could fall. Such
areas include ground levels, floors, roofs, ramps, runways, excavations,
pits, tanks, materials, water, equipment, and similar surfaces.
3.17
Manhole means an access through which an employee gains entry to
a work area or to equipment below a surface or behind a vertical
partition such as a vessel wall.
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WORKING AT HEIGHT
3.18
Manhole steps means a series of steps individually attached or set
into the walls of a manhole structure. They are not considered to be an
individual rung ladder.
3.19
Manway means an opening through which employees access vessels
and equipment.
3.20
Mid rail means the rail located approximately midway between the top
rail and the toe board or work surface of a guardrail system.
3.21
Mobile ladder stand means a mobile fixed-size self- supporting ladder
consisting of a wide flat tread ladder in the form of stairs. The assembly
may include handrails, guardrails and toe boards. It may also be
referred to as a ladder stand.
3.22
Platform means a work surface elevated above the surrounding work
area.
3.23
Platform unit means the individual wood planks, fabricated planks,
fabricated decks, and fabricated platforms such as ladder- type and
light metal-type, which comprise the platforms and walkways of a
scaffold.
3.24
Portable ladder means a ladder that can readily be moved or carried,
usually consisting of side rails joined at intervals by steps, rungs,
cleats, or rear braces.
3.25
Ramp means an inclined surface between different elevations for the
passage of employees, vehicles, or both.
3.26
Riser means the upright member of a step situated at the back of a
lower tread and near the leading edge of the next higher tread.
3.27
Safety net means a non-rigid barrier supported in such a manner as to
catch employees who have fallen off a work surface and bring them to
a stop before contacting surfaces or structures below the net, which
might otherwise injure them.
3.28
Scaffold means any temporary elevated or suspended platform, and its
supporting structure, used for supporting employees or materials or
both, except this term does not include crane or derrick suspended
personnel platforms.
3.29
Slip-resistant surface means a surface that is capable of resisting the
sliding motion on the contact surface of an object or an employee's
shoe or foot.
3.30
Spiral stairway means a stairway having a spiral structure attached to
a supporting column.
ISMS STANDARD – 1001
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WORKING AT HEIGHT
3.31
Stair means a series of steps used to ascend or descend between
levels, and having four or more risers installed at an angle equal to or
less than 50 ° from the horizontal.
3.32
Stair rail or stair rail system means a vertical barrier erected along
the open-side of a stairway to prevent employees from falling to lower
levels. The top surface of a stair rail system may also be a handrail.
3.33
Step means any combination of risers and treads which may be part of
a stair.
3.34
Stepladder means a self-supporting portable ladder, non- adjustable in
length, with flat steps and a hinged back.
3.35
Step-bolt means a bolt or rung attached at intervals along a structural
member and used for foot placement during climbing or standing. Step
bolts may also be called pole steps.
3.36
Structurally supported means supported by structural components
such as pillars, piers, lintels, beams and joists. It does not include slabs
or floors placed on a grade.
3.37
Tieback means an attachment from a structural member to a
supporting device.
3.38
Toe board means a low protective barrier placed to prevent the fall of
materials to a lower level, or when used without a guardrail, to prevent
an employee's feet from slipping over the edge of a surface.
3.39
Tread means the horizontal member of a step.
3.40
Ultimate failure means the collapse of the structure or, where
applicable, a component thereof.
3.41
Unprotected sides and edges, means any side or edge of a surface,
except at entrances to points of access, where there is no wall or
guardrail system.
3.42
Walking and working surface means any surface, within the scope of
this standard, on which employees perform or gain access to their job
duties or upon which employees are required or allowed to walk or
work while performing assigned tasks.
3.43
Wall opening means an opening at least 30 “ (76 cm) high and 18 “
(46 cm) wide in any wall or partition through which employees can fall
to a lower level.
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WORKING AT HEIGHT
3.44
Anchorage means a secure point of attachment for lifelines, lanyards,
or deceleration devices, and which is independent of the means of
supporting or suspending the employee.
3.45
Buckle means any device for holding the body belt or body harness
closed around the employee's body.
3.46
Connector means a device, which is used to couple (connect) parts of
the system together. It may be an independent component of the
system, such as a karabiner, or it may be an integral component of part
of the system (such as a buckle or D-ring sewn into a body belt or body
harness, or a snap hook spliced or sewn to a lanyard or self retracting
lanyard.).
3.47
Deceleration device means any mechanism, such as rope grabs, rip
stitch lanyards, specially-woven lanyards, tearing or deforming
lanyards, automatic self retracting lifelines/lanyards, etc., which serve
to dissipate a substantial amount of energy during a fall arrest, or
otherwise limit the energy imposed on an employee during fall arrest.
3.48
Free fall means the act of falling before the personal fall arrest system
begins to apply force to arrest the fall.
3.49
Free fall distance means 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, lifeline and
lanyard elongation, but includes any deceleration device slide distance
or self-retracting lifeline\lanyard extension before they operate and fall
arrest forces occur.
3.50
Ladder belt means a belt, which may be attached to a fixed ladder, or
a secured portable ladder while the employee is performing work from
the ladder.
3.51
Lanyard means 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.
3.52
Lifeline means a component consisting of a flexible line for connection
to an anchorage at one end to hang vertically (vertical lifeline), or for
connection to anchorages at both ends to stretch horizontally
(horizontal lifeline), and which serves as a means for connecting other
components of a personal fall arrest system to the anchorage.
3.53
Personal fall arrest system means 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.
ISMS STANDARD – 1001
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WORKING AT HEIGHT
3.54
Personal fall protection system means a personal fall arrest system,
a positioning device system, or a personal fall protection system for
climbing activities, which protects a worker from falling, or safely arrests
a worker's fall, when the fall occurs.
3.55
Personal fall protection system for climbing activities means a
system worn or attached to an employee designed to prevent an
employee from being injured should the employee fall while ascending
or descending.
3.56
Restraint line means a line from an anchorage or between
anchorages, to which the employee is secured in such a way as to
prevent the employee from walking or falling off an elevated work
surface.
3.57
Rope grab means a deceleration device, which travels on a lifeline and
automatically frictionally, engages the lifeline and locks so as to arrest
the fall of an employee. A rope grab usually employs the principle of
inertial locking, cam/lever locking, or both.
3.58
Self-retracting lifeline / lanyard means 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.
3.59
Single-head anchor means one anchor head in the window frame on
each side of the window used for attaching each end (belt terminal) of a
window cleaner's strap.
3.60
Snap-hook means a connector comprised of a hook-shaped member
with a normally closed keeper, or similar arrangement, which may be
opened to permit the hook to receive an object and, when released,
automatically closes to retain the object. Snap-hooks may generally be
one of two types:
3.61
a)
The locking type with a self-closing, self-locking keeper which
remains closed and locked until unlocked and pressed open for
connection or disconnection, or
b)
The non-locking type with a self-closing keeper, which remains
closed until, pressed open for connection or disconnection.
Tie-off means the act of an employee, wearing personal fall protection
equipment, to connect directly or indirectly to an anchorage. It also
means the condition of an employee being connected to an anchorage.
ISMS STANDARD – 1001
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WORKING AT HEIGHT
4.0
INTRODUCTION
“Fall from height” during maintenance and construction activities in
industries is a major hazard, which has resulted into many disabling
injuries including fatal. The incidents of fall from height may have a low
frequency rate, but the severity of incidents is very high. In order to
reduce such incidents there is a need to introduce a proactive
approach to identify the hazards from work at height & protective
methods through planning and implement the same in order to reduce
the incidents due to work at height. The main area of attention shall be
fall prevention, rather than fall protection.
5.0
PLAN FOR WORKING AT HEIGHT
Two major hazards from work at height are fall of person from height
causing injury and material falling from height causing injury. Following
steps shall be considered before carrying out the any work at height:
5.1
Alternate To Work At Height
Ensure that no work is done at height if it is safe and reasonably
practicable to do it other than at height.
5.2
Planning And Organising Jobs
Planning of works shall be done properly, considering simple planning
process with following elements:
¾
Evaluate the work site
¾
Identify fall hazards
¾
Identify who is exposed to fall hazards
¾
Evaluate the work process and needs to complete the task
¾
Identify what method of fall protection shall be used for each
hazard identified
¾
Educate and train people, involved with the work at site
¾
Plan for emergencies and rescue
5.2.1 Determination Of Structural Safety Of Access / Working Platform
The strength and structural integrity of an access or a working surface
shall be checked to ensure that it can safely support the working
employees.
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WORKING AT HEIGHT
•
Consider for older buildings or buildings with wooden roofs
•
Consider for any roof structure during demolition work
No one shall be permitted to work on building
roofs and other access / working surfaces
until the site engineer has determined the
surfaces are structurally safe.
5.2.2 Conduct A Fall Hazard Assessment
Knowing what can immediately contribute to
fall can help in assessing the risk. Working
near unguarded edges, roofing on steep
pitch, lacking safe access, working on fragile
roof, pipe racks / cable rack etc. are some
common example. A fall hazard assessment
greatly helps identify and evaluate these
physical fall hazards.
Fig. 1
¾
Determine which specific jobs, activities or areas expose
employees to fall hazards.
¾
Determine the type of work performed.
¾
Determine if employees will be exposed to any of the following:
9 Unprotected sides and
edges
9 Leading edges
9 Floor / roof holes
9 Wall opening and hoisting
areas
9 Scaffolds
9 Precast concrete erection
9 Working above dangerous
equipment
9 Portable
ladders
and
stairways
9 Excavation
9 Aerial lifts
9 Obstructions (materials)
9 Overhead
bricklaying
and
related work
9 Formwork of reinforcing steel
9 Ramp, runways and other
walkways
9 Working on overhead pipe/
cable racks
9 Roofing work (Low slop and
steep)
¾
Determine the frequency of work
¾
Determine if workmen require horizontal and / or vertical
movement
¾
Determine the number of workers expose to fall hazards (other
trades)
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WORKING AT HEIGHT
¾
Determine the type of access/ walk/ working surface
¾
Determine distance to lower levels
¾
Determine if the edge of the building / platform or working surface
is protected by a guardrail system or parapet wall; if yes, assess
the adequacy.
¾
Determine the work safety during adverse weather condition at
height.
¾
a)
Postpone work while weather conditions endangers health
and safety (but this does not apply to emergency services
acting in an emergency situation).
b)
Discontinue work at height at a wind velocity of 65 kmph (40
mph) and during rain, thundering and where there is
likelihood of lightening (outdoor jobs only).
Determine if employees could be exposed to other types of health
and / or safety hazards and review the validity of selection or use
of fall protection system.
5.2.2.1Responsibilities
The assessment of fall hazard shall be carried out by a group of trained
refinery officers. The team shall be lead by a senior officer from
executing dept. The size of team shall depend on complexity of job and
hazard involved. The other members of team may be from permit
issuing dept., F&S, Engg Services, Project/ Maintenance Dept. For
major construction works, help may be obtained from PMC / Executing
agencies.
5.2.3 Eliminate/ Reduce The Need For Fall Protection
If the hazard assessment indicates the need for fall protection, the next
step is to determine if the fall hazard (s) can be eliminated through
controls and / or alternative work methods.
¾
Redesigned the process of job task
¾
Work at lower heights
¾
Use equipment that prevents fall hazards like platforms that
provide built-in protection fall hazards
¾
Use tool extensions and work from ground level
¾
Lower equipment and tools to ground level
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WORKING AT HEIGHT
¾
Use appropriate aerial lifts
¾
Design buildings and other access / walking / working surfaces to
eliminate / reduce exposure
¾
Use equipped contractor
5.2.3.1Planning Comes First
™
Eliminate the fall hazard
9
9
9
Work from ground
Walls / enclosures
Covers
™
Prevent fall
9
9
9
9
Railing
Aerial lifts
Fences / barricades
Parapets
™
Arrest fall
9
9
9
9
Personal fall arrest systems
Personal fall restraint systems
Nets
Roof brackets / slide guards
™
Control fall
9
9
9
Safety Monitors (Close supervision)
Warning lines
Controlled decking zones
5.2.4 Selection Of Fall Protection System
If the fall hazards cannot be eliminated, the next approach shall be to
select the appropriate fall protection system. No single fall protection
system provides adequate protection against fall for all jobs / activities.
As the type of system will vary job to job, we must always assess each
job and activity to determine the proper type of fall protection. Following
factors shall be considered for selecting fall protection systems:
a)
Distance to lower level
b)
Type of activities requiring fall protection and the specific
requirements of each activity
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WORKING AT HEIGHT
c)
The specific types of equipment and components needed with
each fall protection system
d)
How much vertical and horizontal movement employees will need
to perform each activity
e)
Environmental conditions (i.e. wind, rain, extreme heat / cold) in
which fall protection equipment will be used
f)
Potential difficulty of using fall protection systems to perform
normal and / or non-routine job activities
g)
Need for anchorage points of suitable design and strength
h)
Presence of chemical, electrical and hot work hazards
i)
How employees will recover or be rescued from fallen positions
j)
Presence of sharp or rough surfaces and edges
There are two major categories or systems of fall protection:
1)
Passive Fall Protection Systems [designed to provide fall
protection without any action by employees] Typical examples are
Covers, Guardrails, Safety Net, Aerial Lift, Warning Line System,
Control Access Zone etc.
2)
Active Fall Protection Systems [includes components and
systems that must be connected or otherwise activated by
employees] Typical varieties are Personal Fall Arrest Systems and
Personal Fall Restraint Systems.
5.2.4.1
Cover
Cover shall be capable of supporting,
without failure at least twice the weight of
employees, equipment and materials that
may be imposed on the cover at any one
time.
Any cover shall be secured when installed
so as to prevent accidental displacement
by the wind, equipment, or employees.
Fig. 2 Cover on
Holes
All cover shall be colour coded or they shall be marked with word
“HOLE” or “COVER” to provide warning of the hazard.
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WORKING AT HEIGHT
a)
b)
Protection From HOLE
¾
Each worker on walking / working surfaces shall be
protected from falling through holes (including skylights)
more than six feet (6’) above lower level.
¾
Each worker on walking / working surfaces shall be
protected from tripping in or stepping into or through
holes (including skylights) by cover.
¾
Each worker on walking / working surfaces shall be
protected from objects falling through holes (including
skylights) by cover.
¾
Smoke domes or skylights fixtures shall not be
considered covered unless they are capable of
supporting, without failure, at least twice the weight of
worker, equipment, and materials that may be imposed
on it at any one time.
Protection From Wall Opening / Walkways / Balconies /
Excavations
¾
Each worker working on, at, above, or near wall
openings (including those with chutes attached) shall be
protected from falling.
¾
Each worker on established floors, mezzanines,
balconies and walkways, with an unprotected side or
edge six feet (6’) or more above lower level, shall be
protected from falling.
¾
Each employee at the edge of well, pit, shaft, or
excavation (not apparent due to plant growth or other
visual barrier) six feet (6’) or more in depth shall be
protected from falling.
¾
Wall openings shall be provided with accessible grab
handles on each side of the opening whenever the work
activity requires employees to work through an
unprotected opening by reaching through or around the
opening. Each grab handle shall be capable of
withstanding a maximum horizontal pull-out force equal
to two times the intended load, or 200 lbs (890 N),
whichever is greater. In addition, worker shall be
provided with a fall protection system.
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WORKING AT HEIGHT
5.2.4.2
Guardrail System
a)
Top edge height of the top rails, or equivalent system
members shall be 42 inches (1.1 m) plus or minus 3 inches (8
cm) above the walking/ working surface level.
Fig.3. Guardrail System
b)
Mid rails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, or
equivalent intermediate structure members shall be installed
between top edge of the guardrail system and the walking /
working surface when there is no wall or parapet wall at lest
21” (53 cm) high.
c)
Mid rail shall be installed at a height midway between the top
edge of the guardrail system and walking / working level.
d)
Screen and mesh shall be used, shall extend from to rail to
the walking / working level and along the entire opening
between top rail supports.
e)
Intermediate members (such as balusters) used between
posts, shall be not more than 19 “ (48 cm) apart.
f)
Other members (such as additional mid rails and architectural
panels) shall be installed such that there are no openings in
guardrail system that are more than 19 “ (48 cm) wide.
g)
Guardrail system shall be capable to withstanding, without
failure, a force of at least 200 lbs (890 N) applied within 2 “
(5.1 cm) of the top edge, in any outward or downward
direction at any point along the top edge.
h)
Mid rails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, solid
panels, and equivalent structural members shall be capable of
withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 150 lbs (666
N) applied in any downward or outward direction at any point
along the mid rail or other members.
ISMS STANDARD – 1001
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i)
Guardrail systems shall be so surfaced as to prevent injury to
an employees form punctures or lacerations, and to prevent
snagging of clothing.
j)
The ends of all top rails and mid rails shall not overhung the
terminal posts, except where such overhung does not
constitute a projected hazard.
k)
Steel banding and plastic banding shall not be used as top
rails of mid rails.
l)
Toe rails and mid rails shall be at least ¼” (0.6 cm) nominal
diameter or thickness to prevent cuts and lacerations. If wire
is used as top rails, it shall be flagged at not more than 6-foot
intervals with high-visibility materials.
m) When guardrail systems are used at hoist areas, a chain, gate
or removable guardrail section shall be placed across the
access opening between guardrail sections when hoisting
operations are not taking place.
5.2.4.3
n)
When guardrail systems are used at holes, they shall be
erected on all unprotected sides or edges of the hole.
o)
When guardrail systems are used around holes used for the
passage of materials, the hole shall have not more than two
sides provided with removable guardrail sections to allow the
passage of materials, when the hole is not in use, it shall be
closed over with a cover, or a guardrail system shall be
provided along all unprotected sides or edges.
p)
When guardrail systems are used around holes used as point
of access (such as ladder ways), they shall be provided with
gate, or be so offset that a person cannot walk directly into the
hole.
q)
Guardrails system used on ramps and runways shall be
erected along each unprotected side or edge.
r)
Manila, plastic or synthetic rope being used for top rails or mid
rails shall be inspected frequently to ensure that it continues
to meet the strength requirement as above.
Safety Net
a)
All safety net shall be confirming to requirements of and
marked with IS: 11057.
ISMS STANDARD – 1001
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b)
Safety net shall be installed as close as practicable under the
walking / working surface on which employees are working,
but in no case more than 30 ’ (9.1 m) below such level. When
nets are used on bridges, the potential fall area from the
walking / working surface to the net shall be unobstructed.
Please refer ANNEXURE – I for pictorial illustrations of safety
net.
c)
Safety net shall extend outward from the outermost projection
of the working surface as per following guideline:
d)
Vertical Distance
From Working
Surface To Horizontal
Plane Of Safety Net
Minimum Horizontal
Extension Length Of
Safety Net From Edge
Of Working Surface
≤ 5 ft
> 5 ft but ≤ 10 ft
> 10 ft
8 ft
10 ft
13 ft
Drop Test of Safety Nets
Safety nets shall be installed with sufficient clearance under
them to prevent contact with the surface or structure below
when subjected to an impact force equal to the drop test
specified below:
¾ Safety net and safety net installation shall be drop-tested
at the job site after initial installation and before being
used as fall protection system, whenever relocated, after
major repair, and at 6-month intervals if left in one place.
The drop test shall consists of a 180 kg bag of sand 30 ±
2 “ (76 ± 5 cm) in diameter dropped into the net from the
highest walking / working surface at which employees are
exposed to fall hazards, but not from less than 42 “ (1.1
m) above that level.
¾ When Site Engineer / Engineer-In-charge demonstrates
that it is unreasonable to perform the drop-test required,
he shall certify that the net installation is in compliance
with above the provision of drop test (as specified above)
by preparing a certification record prior to the net being
used as a fall protection system. The certification record
must indicate an identification of the net and net
installation for which the certification record is being
prepared; the date that it was determined that the
identified net and net installation were in compliance of
above requirements and the signature of the person
making the determination and certification. The most
recent certification record for each
ISMS STANDARD – 1001
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net and net installation shall be available at the job site for
inspection.
5.2.4.4
f)
Defective nets shall not be used. Safety nets shall be
inspected at least once a week for wear, damage, and other
deterioration. Defective components shall be removed from
service. Safety nets shall also be inspected after any
occurrence, which could affect the integrity of the safety net
system.
g)
Materials, scrap pieces, equipment, and tools which have
fallen into the safety net shall be removed as soon as possible
from the net and at least before the next shift.
h)
The maximum size of each net mesh opening shall not
exceed 30 sq.in. (230 cm2) nor be longer than 6 “ (15 cm) on
any side and the opening, measured centre-to-centre of mesh
ropes or webbing, shall not be longer than 6 “ (15 cm). All
mesh crossings shall be secured to prevent enlargement of
the mesh opening.
i)
Each safety net (or section of it) shall have a border rope for
webbing with a minimum breaking strength of 5,000 lbs (22.2
kN).
j)
Connections between safety net panels shall be as strong as
integral net components and shall be spaced not more than 6
inches (15 cm) apart.
Aerial Lifts
¾
Guardrail system of all each
aerial lift shall be maintained in
sound health.
¾
Personal fall protection shall be
used in aerial lifts of vehicle
mounted elevating & rotating lifts
and boom mounted elevating
work platform.
¾
All aerial lifts shall be maintained
in good health and tested as per
statutory
requirement
/
manufacturer’s guidelines.
Fig. 4 Aerial Lift
¾
The trained persons shall operate it only for the intended
purpose.
¾
It shall be positioned on hard, levelled surface during work.
ISMS STANDARD – 1001
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WORKING AT HEIGHT
5.2.4.5
¾
It shall never be loaded beyond rated capacity.
¾
Carry out Pre- use check before every use.
Warning Line Systems
a)
Warning line shall be
erected around all
sides of the roof area,
where there is no or
inadequate guardrail
protection.
When
mechanical equipment
is not being used, the
warning line shall be
erected not less than 6
feet (1.8 m) from the
roof edge.
Fig. 5 Warning Line
b)
When mechanical equipment is being used, the warning line
shall be erected not less than 6 ft (1.8 m) from the roof edge
which is parallel to the direction of mechanical equipment
operation, and not less than 10 ft (3.1 m) from the roof edge
which is perpendicular to the direction of mechanical
equipment operation.
c)
Point of access, materials handling areas, storage areas and
hoisting areas shall be connected to the work area by an
access path formed by two warning lines.
d)
When the path to a point of access is not in use, a rope,
wires, or chains, or other barricade, equivalent to strength and
height to the warning line, shall be placed across the path at
the point where the path intersects the warning line erected
around the work area, or the path shall be offset such that a
person cannot walked directly into work area.
e)
Warning line shall consist of ropes, wires, or chains, and
supporting stanchions. The rope, wire, or chain shall be
flagged at not more than 6 ft (1.8 m) intervals with highvisibility material.
f)
The rope, wire, or chain shall be rigged and supported in such
a way that its lowest point (including sag) is no less than 34 “
(0.9 m) from the walking / working surface and its highest
point no more than 39 “ (1.0 m) from the walking / working
surface.
g)
After being erected, with the rope, wire, or chain attached,
stanchions shall be capable of resisting, without tipping over,
a force of at least 16 lbs (71 N) applied horizontally against
ISMS STANDARD – 1001
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the stanchions, 30 “ (0.8 m) above the walking/ working
surface, perpendicular to the warning line, and in the direction
of the floor, roof or platform edge.
5.2.4.6
h)
The rope, wire, or chain shall have a minimum tensile strength
of 500 lbs (2.22 kN), and after attached to the stanchions,
shall be capable of supporting, without breaking, the loads
applied to the stanchions.
i)
The line shall be attached at each stanchion in such a way
that pulling on one section of the line between stanchions will
not result in slack being taken up in adjacent sections before
the stanchions tips over.
j)
No employee shall be allowed in the area between a roof
edge and a warning line unless the employee is performing
roofing work in that area.
k)
Mechanical equipment of roofs shall be used or stored only in
areas where employees are protected by a warning line
system, guardrail system, r personal fall arresting system.
Controlled Access Zones
Controlled Access Zones and their usage shall conform to
following:
a)
When used to control access to areas where leading edge
and other operations are taking place the controlled access
zones shall be defined by a control line or by any other means
that restricts access.
b)
When control lines are used, they shall be erected not less
than 6 ft (1.8 m) nor more than 25 ft (7.7 m) from the
unprotected or leading edge, except when erecting precast
concrete members.
c)
When erecting precast members, the control line shall be
erected not less than 6 ft (1.8 m) nor more than 60 ft (18 m) or
half the length of the member being erected, whichever is
less, from the leading edge.
d)
The control line shall extend along the entire length of the
unprotected or leading edge and shall be approximately
parallel to the unprotected or leading edge.
e)
The control line shall be connected on each side to a guardrail
system or wall.
ISMS STANDARD – 1001
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f)
When used to control access to areas where overhand
bricklaying and related work are taking place.
g)
The controlled access zone shall be defined by a control line
erected not less than 10 feet (3.1 m) nor more than 15 feet
(4.5 m) from the working edge.
h)
The control line shall extend for a distance sufficient for the
controlled access zone to enclose all persons performing
overhand bricklaying and related work at the working edge
and shall be approximately parallel to the working edge.
i)
Additional control lines shall be erected at each end to
enclose the controlled access zone. Control line shall consist
of ropes, wires, tapes, or equivalent material, and supporting
stanchions. Each line shall be flagged or otherwise clearly
marked at not more than 6 ft (1.8 m) intervals with high
visibility material.
j)
Only persons engaged in overhand bricklaying or related work
shall be permitted in the controlling access zone.
k)
Each line shall be rigged and supported in such a way that its
lowest point (including sag) is not less than 39 “ (1 m) from
the walking/ working surface and its highest point is not more
than 45 “ (1.3 m). Each line shall have a minimum breaking
strength of 200 lbs (88 kN).
l)
On floors and roofs where guardrail system guardrail systems
are not in place prior to the beginning of overhand bricklaying
operations, controlled access zones shall be enlarged, as
necessary, to enclose all points of access, material handling
areas, and storage areas.
m) On floors and roofs where guardrail systems are in place, but
need to be removed to allow overhand bricklaying work or
leading edge work to take place, only that portion of the
guardrail necessary to accomplish that day’s work shall be
removed.
5.2.4.7
Personal Fall Arrest System
a)
A personal fall arrest system (EN-364) shall be continuously
used by anyone on an elevated work area or platform or on
ladder. A personal fall arrest system includes a full
body s a f e t y harness (IS: 3521 or EN: 361), lanyard with
shock absorber (IS: 3521 or EN: 355), substantial
anchorage(s), fall arrester (EN: 360, EN: 353-2), possibly
a lifeline. It shall be ensured that each components of
ISMS STANDARD – 1001
Page 23 of 52
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personal fall arrest system such as hook, carabin, lanyard,
lanyard, shock absorber harness etc. has approval from body
of standardisation. Figures of different personal fall arrest
systems are enclosed as ANNEXURE – II.
b)
At no time shall S af et y belt be used as part of a personal
fall arrest system.
c)
Before each use the supervisor shall check each component
of personal fall arrest system. Before each use, the user
shall a l s o c h e c k all components of the personal fall
arrest system, he will be using. The method of inspection and
testing is enclosed as ANNEXURE – III.
d)
Full body harnesses (including D-rings, EN-362), lanyards
(including snap hooks, EN-362), lifelines, fall arrester and other
components of personal fall arrest systems shall either be
IS or EN certified. Safety harness shall be marked with either
IS: 3521 or EN-361.
e)
When used, personal fall arrest systems shall be attached
by lanyard ( I S : 3 5 2 1 o r E N : 3 5 4 ) to a vertical lifeline,
horizontal lifeline, or overhead structural anchorage
capable of supporting 2,000 kg. When vertical lifelines are
used each person shall be attached to a separate lifeline,
except during the construction of elevator shafts, when two
persons may be attached to the same lifeline in the hoist way,
provided both are working atop a false car that is equipped
with guardrails. The strength of such lifeline shall be 4000 kg.
Lifeline shall be protected against being cut or abraded.
f)
Self retracting lifelines and lanyards which automatically limit
free fall distance to 2 ft or less shall be capable of sustaining a
minimum tensile load of 1500 kg applied to the device with the
lifeline or lanyard in the fully extended position. Self-retracting
lifelines and lanyards which do not limit free fall distance to 2 ft
or less shall be of strength 4000 kg.
g)
Lanyards shall, if feasible, be tied-off to an anchorage point
or lifeline that is high enough (preferably above shoulder
height) to prevent the worker from free falling more than 6
ft (1.8 m) or striking any lower level, should a fall occur. If
shock absorber is used in lanyard a further length of 3.5 ft to
be added in lanyard while considering the fall from height, so
that person should not fall on surface.
h)
Lanyards shall have a maximum length of 1.8 m (6 ft). Two
or more lanyards may be connected together (hook to eye)
provided the total possible free fall distance is not more than
ISMS STANDARD – 1001
Page 24 of 52
WORKING AT HEIGHT
1.8 m (6 ft). However, self-retracting lanyards (inertia reels)
are preferred for these situations.
i)
Locking type snap hooks or carabineers with self-closing,
self-locking keeper shall be attached to the end of each
lanyard to prevent rollout. D-rings and snap hooks shall be
compatible to prevent rollout.
j)
When lifelines are used, they shall be fastened to fixed safe
point(s) of anchorage capable of supporting 2,000 kg, shall
be independent, and shall be protected from sharp edges
and abrasion. Safe points of anchorage may include
structural members, but do not include guardrails,
standpipes, vents, other small diameter piping systems,
electrical conduit, outrigger beams, or counterweights.
k)
Horizontal and vertical lifelines shall be made from 10 mm
(3/8”) min. diameter wire rope. Other materials such as
manila, nylon, or polypropylene rope shall not be used as a
lifeline.
l)
Horizontal lifelines shall be installed at the highest feasible
point, preferably above shoulder height. Horizontal lifelines
shall be maintained with sag at the centre no greater than
300 mm (12 “) for every 10 m (33 ft) of lifeline length between
attachment points. This shall be erected under supervision of
trained and experienced person.
m) When a personal fall arrest system is used at hoist areas, it
shall be rigged to allow the movement of the persons only as
far as edge of the walking working surface.
n)
Supervision shall ensure continuous monitoring of employees
wearing a personal fall arrest system so that prompt
assistance is possible in the event of a fall.
o)
Personal fall arrest system components shall not be used for
any other purpose and shall not be re-used after stopping a
fall or if any component has any sign of damage.
5.2.5 Rescue / Retrieval Facilities
When using a personal fall protection system, refinery shall provide for
prompt rescue in case of a fall or assure that employees shall be able
to rescue themselves.
ISMS STANDARD – 1001
Page 25 of 52
WORKING AT HEIGHT
While planning and preparing Rescue / Retrieval Facilities, following
points shall be considered:
9
Training of rescuers in rescue techniques and practicing rescue
attempts.
9
Ensure availability of equipments for rescue and their readiness
9
Arrange and communicate with other agencies on site for trained
persons
9
Arrange and communicate with outside services, if available
9
Designate someone to summon them upon arrival
9
Plan a route and establish lines of communication
The rescue program shall also include identification of rescue
procedures that address the potential for orthostatic intolerance and
suspension trauma. Rescue procedure should address how the
rescued workman will be handled to avoid any post rescue injuries. As
part of emergency preparedness on rescue call, the doctor with
ambulance should also be available at site. Rescue procedure shall
include following contingency-based action:
9
The worker should be advised to “pump” his / her legs frequently
to activate the muscle and reduce risk of venous pulling.
Footholds can be used to alleviate pressure, delay symptoms, and
provide support for “muscle pumping”.
9
Continuous monitoring of suspended workman to identify signs
and symptoms of orthostatic intolerance and suspension trauma.
9
Ensure that worker receives standard trauma resuscitations once
rescued. It is suggested to transport the patient with upper body in
raised condition.
9
If the workman is unconscious, keep the workman’s air passage
open and obtain first aid.
9
Workman should be kept under monitoring in hospital.
Pictorial illustrations of some of the rescue equipments / devices as
well as rescue arrangements are enclosed as ANNEXURE – IV.
ISMS STANDARD – 1001
Page 26 of 52
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5.2.6 Inspection, Maintenance & Storage Of Fall Protection Equipments
Inspection and maintenance schedule for fall protection equipments
shall be developed and followed as per recommendations of
manufacturer and M&I guidelines.
All fall protection equipments, including harness, lanyards and other
connectors must be visually inspected before each use. A guideline for
visual inspection of fall protection equipments is enclosed as
ANNEXURE – III.
Inspection shall be done for the following:
¾
Cuts, Tears, Rips, Snags, Punctures, Abrasions, Mold or
Stretching
¾
Alternate or additions which might affect the equipment / system
efficiency / efficacy
¾
Damage caused by acids or other corrosives
¾
Distorted hooks or faulty hook springs
¾
Cracked, broken, or deformed D-Ring, karabiner, grommets, and
snap hooks
¾
Loose, damaged or non-functioning mountings and parts, wearing
or any internal deterioration in the ropes
¾
Colour fading possibly indicating UV exposure
Periodic inspection by trained and experienced persons for wear,
damage or corrosion should be a part of safety inspection program.
Defective equipment must be immediately taken out of service and
tagged / marked as unusable, or destroyed. Best Practice is to
Destroy when subjected to any significant damage or loading.
The custodian [F&S Department and / or any other department keeping
stock of fall protection equipments] of fall protection equipments shall
do proper storage and maintenance of the same after use.
The fall protection equipments shall be stored in clean condition in an
environment, which shall be free of dirt, fumes, corrosives, or other
contaminants. Synthetic material shall always be kept away from strong
sunlight and extreme temperatures, which could degrade the materials
(colour fading normally indicates UV exposure).
ISMS STANDARD – 1001
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5.2.7 Training
a)
b)
Training on Fall Protection System shall include the following as
minimum requirement:
¾
Nature of fall hazard in working area
¾
Correct procedure for erecting, maintaining, disassembling,
inspection and storage of Fall Protection Systems
¾
Use and operation of Guardrail System, Personal Fall Arrest
System, Personal Fall Restraint System, Slide Guards, Edge
Protection, Warning Line System
¾
Correct procedures for the handling and storage of equipment
and materials and erection of overhead protection
¾
Statutory requirements on subject
¾
Techniques to delay / avoid orthostatic intolerance and
suspension trauma
¾
Ladder and Stepladder Safety including pre-use inspection
and safe access to work platforms
¾
Working at height permit
Training must be provided whenever
¾
employees are assigned to work where fall hazards exist.
¾
change in responsibilities occurs or new methods are used.
¾
there is a new fall hazard.
¾
fall protection program proves to be inadequate and necessity
of additional training is felt.
¾
employees have not acquired or retained adequate
understanding about fall protection / working at height.
Site Engineers and Contractor Supervisors shall be exposed to class
room as well as hands on training of minimum ½ day duration, whereas
contractor workmen shall be exposed to training of minimum 2 hr.
duration in field, which shall include hands on exercise on fall
protection equipment.
ISMS STANDARD – 1001
Page 28 of 52
WORKING AT HEIGHT
Refinery may club these programs with other safety training programs
as per convenience. The validity of this training shall be limited to 2
years. The rescue team shall be exposed to rescue technique from
height and first aid for trapped persons.
The mock exercise for foreseen scenarios shall be carried out at least
once in a year to improve the emergency handling preparation.
5.2.8 Inspection & Audit
a)
Site Engineer shall continuously monitor the effectiveness of
implementation of the fall protection programme and shall ensure
that own employee as well as contractor supervisors & workmen
at job site follow the required elements. In case of any noncompliance, Site Engineer shall take immediate corrective action
including disciplinary action as per prevailing norms.
b)
A nominated officer (Trained person nominated by refinery
management, may be officer from F&S / maintenance / project
department) shall carry out fortnightly inspection of site, where
work at height is being done. In case of any non-compliance, the
officer shall also take immediate corrective action including
disciplinary action as per prevailing norms.
c)
A multi disciplinary team nominated by refinery management shall
carry out comprehensive compliance audit for implementation and
sustenance of the programme at a regular frequency on random
sampling basis. The inspection and audit shall cover the following
aspects of the standard as minimum requirement:
1)
Application of fall prevention and protection equipments and /
or methods at work site
2)
Inspection of
equipment)
3)
Inspection record for PPE and ladder / stepladder (including
pre-use check)
4)
Training records (including course content) and effectiveness
of training programs
5)
Compliance of permit for “Working At Height”
6)
Reporting of accident / near miss incident and reporting of sub
standard conditions / acts / practices from work site and
compliance of recommendations relevant to this standard.
ISMS STANDARD – 1001
equipment
storage
area
(fall
protection
Page 29 of 52
WORKING AT HEIGHT
6.0
PORTABLE LADDER AND STEPLADDER
Ladder and stepladder is used for access at height. Many a times it is
also used for carrying out some minor jobs at height. Before selecting
right equipment for access at height one shall consider as follows:
6.1
Selection
6.1.1. Following shall be considered before selecting a ladder as access
equipment:
•
Whether working at height can be avoided by any other means
•
Preventive measure against fall from height
•
Ways / means for Minimisation / reduction of consequences of fall
6.1.2 Safety of ladders depends upon three important factors:
•
Selection of right type of ladder for the work at height
•
Condition of the ladder
•
Safe use of the ladder
6.1.3 Decision to use ladder / stepladder also depends on type of work and
it’s duration. One shall use a ladder / stepladder
•
in one position for a maximum of 30 minutes.
•
for “light work” [i.e. not strenuous or heavy work] only. If a task
involves a worker, carrying more than 10 kg material up the
ladder or steps, it needs to be justified by a detailed manual
handling assessment.
•
where a handhold is available on the ladder or stepladder.
•
where one can maintain three points of contact (hands and feet)
at the working position.
On a ladder where one cannot maintain a handhold, other than for a
brief period of time, other measures shall be needed to prevent a fall or
reduce the consequences of a fall. On stepladder, where a handhold is
not practicable, a risk assessment shall be required.
ISMS STANDARD – 1001
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6.1.4 Metal ladder shall be either of steel, complying with IS: 1977 or
aluminium alloy, complying with the suitable grade confirming to IS:
617. The ladder shall comply with the requirements of IS: 3696 (Part 2).
Aluminium alloy ladders and steps confirming to BS 2037/ ANSI A 14.2
can also be used. Timber ladder confirming to relevant IS / BS or ANSI
A 14.1/ ANSI A 14/ EN-131 standard can be used in areas having very
low risk of fire, free from hydrocarbon hazard and also for electrical
works or work near live electrical equipment / wires.
Portable ladders designed in accordance with ANSI A14.1-1982, ANSI
A14.2-1982, and ANSI A14.5-1982 shall pass the applicable ANSI test
requirements as follows:
Duty Rating
Ladder Type
Extra Heavy Duty
Heavy Duty
Medium Duty
Light duty
IA
I
II
III
Working Load
lbs
kg
300
136.2
250
113.5
225
102.2
200
90.8
a)
A ladder shall be of the proper length for the job to be done. If it is
used as a means of access or as a working place, it shall rise to a
height of at least 3'6" (1.07 m) above the landing place or above
the highest rung to be reached by the feet of the person using the
ladder.
b)
Metal ladders, wooden ladders with metal reinforced stiles, and
ladders, which are wet, shall not be used near electrical
equipment with exposed live conductors.
c)
Ladder shall have uniform spaced rungs (all rungs shall be the
same distance apart), at a gap of 300 mm (12 inches) on centre.
d)
Minimum distance between stiles of a straight ladder, or any
section of an extension ladder, shall be 300 mm (12 inches),
except for tripod ladder.
e)
Ladders shall be examined for
i)
cracked, damaged, buckled, warped or split stiles
ii) missing, broken, loose, decayed or damaged rungs, and
splinters
iii) bent or missing hinges
Iv) shoe in feet, feet free from oily materials
iv) any other damage that hinders safe use of ladder.
ISMS STANDARD – 1001
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No defective ladder shall be used. No painted ladder shall be
used as this may hide the defect. Checklist of ladder scaffold,
Pre-use checklist and figures of inspection are enclosed as
ANNEXURE – V.
f)
6.2
No one shall use makeshift or homemade ladders or carry out
makeshift repairs to a damaged ladder.
Position / Use
a.
All portable ladders shall be subjected to pre-use check after
selection and certified before being put to use. The base supports
of stiles of all ladders shall be equally supported on a firm level
surface.
Ladder / stepladder shall be used on plain, levelled and firm
ground (such as paving slabs, floors etc). The surface shall be
clean (free from oil, moss or leaf litter and loose materials such as
sand, packing materials etc). Boxes, bricks, barrels, etc., shall not
be used as a means of support and under no circumstances shall
wedges or other loose material be used as packing. Many a times
board is used to spread the load. Shiny floors can be slippery
without any contamination.
The stiles of a ladder shall be equally supported on a firm level
surface.
Ladders shall not be supported on their rungs and rungs shall not
be used to support scaffold boards.
b.
Where a ladder is carried single-handed, the front end should be
kept high enough to clear person's heads and special care taken
at corners and blind sports.
c.
The bottom rung of the ladder shall not be more than 600mm (2 ft)
above the lower level used to mount the ladder.
d.
The area at the base of a ladder shall be kept clear.
e.
Ladders shall be set 1' (300 mm) out of each 4' (1.210 m) of
height, i.e. at an angle of 75 degrees to the horizontal. Refer
ANNEXURE – IV. or straight ladders and extension ladders may
be supported vertically if both stiles of ladder are rigidly attached
to a supporting structure at the top, middle and bottom of ladder,
as is done for mobile scaffold towers.
f.
Ladder shall have clear perpendicular distance of 760 mm (30 “)
from the rungs to the nearest projecting object on the climbing
side. When unavoidable obstructions are encountered, the
ISMS STANDARD – 1001
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WORKING AT HEIGHT
minimum clearance distance may be reduced to 24 “ if deflector
plates are provided.
g.
The perpendicular distance from face of the rung on the climbing
side to the nearest fixed object on the backside of the ladder shall
not be less than 10 “.
h.
The minimum clearance to the nearest to the nearest fixed object
shall be 13 “ on each side of the centreline of single-rung ladder.
i.
Ladders shall be set with metal reinforcing on the underside of
rungs, and where reinforcing is provided on one side of stiles, that
too shall be on the underside.
j.
Where extension ladders are used fully extended, the minimum
overlap of sections shall be four rungs. Splicing or lashing ladders
together to obtain an extension shall not be permitted.
k.
Both stiles of a ladder shall be evenly supported at the upper
resting place and securely lashed to prevent any movement.
l.
Where lashing at the upper resting place is impossible, measure
must be taken to prevent movement of the ladder, by stationing a
man at the foot but it must be borne in mind that a man stationed
at the foot can only be expected to control a ladder up to 20' (6.10
m) in height.
m.
No ladder / stepladder should be overloaded. The highest load
stated on the ladder shall not be exceeded.
Fig. 6 Incorrect
overreaching 3 points
contact not maintained
n.
Fig. 7 Correct
Method 3 points
contact maintained
No one shall try to overreach, using ladder / stepladder. Keep
your safety harness engaged and both feet on the same rung
throughout the task. See above figures.
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Fig. 8 Correct-steps facing
to work activity
o.
Fig. 9 Incorrect-steps sideon work activity
When working on stepladder avoid work that imposes aside
loading, such as side-on drilling through solid materials (eg bricks
or concrete), by having the steps facing the work activity. See
above figures. Where side-on loadings cannot be avoided one
shall prevent the steps from tipping over, for example by tying the
steps to a suitable point. Otherwise a more suitable type of access
equipment shall be used.
Fig. 10 Ladder
tied at top stiles
Fig. 11 Tying
part way
d
Fig. 12 Tying
near the base
Fig. 13 Securing
at the base
p.
It is safe to tie the ladder with structure. It shall be ensured that
ladder shall be tied using both stiles. Tying of rungs is not
permitted. Where tying is not practical, footing should be done as
last step. See above figures.
q.
Where there is a possibility of a ladder being struck by moving
vehicles or plant, a man shall be placed on guard and space at
the base of the ladder shall be fenced off. Similarly if a ladder is
erected close to a door, the door should be locked shut or secured
in the open position with a man on guard. Similar precautions
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shall be taken where pedestrians are prevented from walking
under them.
r.
Where the restraint devices on stepladder can be fully opened,
locking device must be engaged.
s.
Ladder landing places or platforms are required at every 30'
(9.140 m) of height and shall be provided with guardrails and toe
boards. Holes in platforms through which ladders pass shall be as
small as practicable.
t.
Do not spice, lash or tie ladders or ladder sections together.
u.
On a ladder or stepladder don’t work within 6 m horizontally of any
overhead power lines, unless the line is insulated or isolated. If
the activity is a regular one, the shifting of power line should be
considered. Always use non-conductive ladder or steps for
necessary work near live electrical work.
v.
Persons ascending or descending ladders shall not carry tools
and materials except those tools, which may be carried in pockets
or special belts, provided they do not impair movement.
w.
A person working on or from a ladder must always have both feet
on the rungs and a secure handhold. If the work to be done
necessitates the use of both hands, safety harness should be
used. Only one person should be on a ladder at a time.
x.
Before climbing a ladder, worker shall check that their safety
shoes and the ladder are free from grease, oil and mud.
Rope grab fall arrester should be used while ascending/
descending ladder. Use personal fall arrest system (Safety
harness with lanyard and shock absorber, fall arresters etc.) for
working on ladder beyond 1.8 m.
y.
Ladders shall not be moved, shifted or extended while occupied.
z.
While climbing or descending, worker shall face the ladder and
keep both hands on the ladder.
aa. Ladder shall not be used in a horizontal position as platforms,
walkways or scaffolds.
7.0
ROOF WORK
Working on a roof is considered as hazardous activity, as it involves the
risk of fall from height. Many accidents have resulted due to fall from or
through roofs and frequently involve fragile materials. Any fall from a
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roof inevitably involves serious injury. The risks are substantial
however long or short the work.
Falls occur from the edges of roofs, through gaps or holes in roofs,
through fragile roof materials and roof lights.
In addition, many people have been seriously injured by material falling
or thrown from roofs. Accidents occur not only to those building roofs,
but also to people maintaining, cleaning, demolishing and inspecting
them.
Any work on a roof is high-risk. High safety standards are essential
however long or short term the work is. The nature of the precautions
needed may vary from one job to another, but not providing any
safeguards is simply unacceptable.
7.1
Precautions For All Roof Work
The best way to prevent a fall from or through a roof is to make sure
nobody ever goes on or near it. Ask the question ‘do we need to do the
work?’ For instance, if a roof is sound, is there any need to clean it for
purely cosmetic reasons? If work does need to be done can it be done
without going on the roof? For example, if the roof needs to be
inspected can it be done by examination from a powered access
platform?
7.1.1 Risk Assessment And Method Statements
A risk assessment shall be carried out for all roof work. Simple jobs
may not require a great deal. More complex ones need to be assessed
in much more depth. But all roof work is dangerous and it is essential
that the risks be identified before the work starts and that the
necessary equipment, appropriate precautions and systems of work
are provided and implemented.
Except for the simplest jobs, where the necessary precautions are
straightforward and can be easily repeated, (e.g. use a proper roofing
ladder to replace a ridge tile) safety method statements should be
prepared. They should be specific and relevant to the job in hand and
describe clearly the precautions and system of work identified during
risk assessment. Diagrams or pictures can often say more and be
clearer than text. This can be done by engineer Inc-charge of site
engineer and get it approved from HOD of executing dept. Everyone
involved in the work needs to know what the method statement says
and what they have to do. This might need someone to explain the
statement for more complicated jobs. There will usually need to be
some supervision during the work to check that the correct procedures
are followed. For complex nature of jobs the executer may need help of
other dept. such as Engineering Services, F&S Dept., etc. for
developing a plan for safe execution of work.
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“Work at Height” Permit, and “Medical Fitness Certificate” shall cover
all works at 2 m and above height from floor on fragile, sloping and
industrial roofing for all persons working at height. The format for the
same is enclosed as ANNEXURE – VI. For further detail refer standard
on “ Work Permit System”.
7.1.2 Getting On And Off The Roof
Getting on and off the roof is a major risk. A secure means of entry and
exit is essential. A properly secured ladder shall be the minimum
requirement.
7.1.3 Edge Protection
Wherever anyone could fall more than 2 m or more, the first line of
defence is to provide adequate edge protection. A minimum standard
equivalent to a main guard rail at least 910 mm above the edge, a toe
board at least 150 mm high and an intermediate guard rail or other
barrier shall have to be ensured for edge protection.
Sometimes a roof parapet may provide equivalent protection but if it
does not, extra protection shall be required.
7.1.4. Work Platforms
As well as edge protection it is just as important to provide an adequate
and secure working platform. In many cases the roof itself will provide
this. If it does not, e.g.; when working on a chimney on a pitched roof, a
platform should be provided.
7.1.5 Fall Arrest Equipment
Providing adequate platforms and edge protection may not always be
possible or reasonably practicable. If so, either safety nets or safety
harnesses will be required. They do not stop people falling, but
minimize the potential injuries if they do.
If nets are used make sure that they are properly installed by
competent riggers as close as possible below the roof involved to
minimize the distance fallen. Installing a net does not mean that proper
working platforms and edge protection can be ignored, because the
first priority is to stop people falling in the first place. For detail refer
section 5.2.4.3. on safety net.
If safety harnesses are used make sure that they are securely attached
to a sufficiently strong anchorage point and that they are always worn.
This requires user discipline and active management monitoring. For
detail refer section 5.2.4.7
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7.1.6 Falling Material
The work site shall always be kept tidy. Accumulating material, which
could fall, shall not be kept on working platform at height. Nothing shall
ever be thrown from a roof.
Use enclosed rubbish chutes or lower
material to the ground instead.
Prevent access to danger areas underneath
or adjacent to roof work. Where this cannot
be guaranteed, consider using debris netting,
fans, covered walkways or similar safeguards
to stop falling material causing injury.
Particular care is needed where there is
public access close to roof work. If possible
try to arrange for work to be carried out when
passers-by will not be there, e.g.; carry out
repairs to schools during the school holidays.
Fig.14 Rubbish chute
If this cannot be arranged minimize the public access to danger areas.
In some cases physical protection to catch falling materials, e.g.; fans,
may be appropriate. Remember that even fine material such as dust
can cause discomfort or injury to eyes.
7.1.7 Training
Roof workers need the appropriate knowledge, skills and experience to
work safely, or be under the supervision of someone else who has it.
They need to be able to recognize the risks, understand the
appropriate systems of work and be competent in the skills to carry
them out. Examples are:
•
Installing & wearing harness systems and safety net
•
Installing edge protection; slide guard system
•
Operating a mobile access platform
•
Emergency procedures e.g., action in case of rescue work,
accident etc.
Training will usually be required to achieve these competencies. It is
not sufficient to hope that workers will ‘pick up safety on the job.
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7.1.8 Weather Conditions
No work on roofs shall be carried out in rainy or windy conditions.
Anyone carrying a roof sheet can easily be blown off the roof if they are
caught by a gust of wind.
7.1.9 Short-duration Work
Short-duration work means that lasting minutes rather than hours. It
may not be reasonably practicable to provide full edge protection for
short-duration work but it still needs to be considered during
assessment and should not be automatically discounted. Mobile
access equipment can provide both edge protection and a working
platform. It can do away with the need for scaffolding and can be
particularly appropriate for short-duration minor work. Where it is not
reasonably practicable to provide full edge protection, a securely
attached safety harness will normally be required.
7.2
Fragile Roofs
7.2.1 Fragile Material / Condition
A fragile material is one that does not safely support the weight of a
person and any load they are carrying. The fragility of a roof does not
depend solely on the composition of the material in it. Following factors
are also important:
•
Span between supports
•
Roof sheet profile
•
Type, number, position and quality of fixings
•
Design of the supporting structure e.g. the purlins and the age of
the material
Sometimes the entire roof surface is fragile, such as many fibre cement
or asbestos roofs. Many a times people have fell down from false
ceiling. Sometimes part of the roof is fragile, e.g. when fragile roof
lights are contained in an otherwise non-fragile roof. Sometimes a roof
is temporarily fragile, such as during ‘built up’ roof construction when
only the liner is installed or sheets have not been secured. Sometimes
the fragility of a roof can be disguised, for instance when old roofs have
been painted over. This guidance applies to all these situations.
The fragility, or otherwise, of a roof should be confirmed before work
starts. If there is any doubt, the roof should be treated as fragile unless,
or until, confirmed that it is not. It is positively dangerous to assume
that a roof is non-fragile without checking this out beforehand.
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“Work at Height” Permit, and “Medical Fitness Certificate” shall cover
all works at 2 M and above height on fragile roof for all persons working
at height. The format for the same is enclosed as ANNEXURE – VI.
For further details, please refer standard on “ Work Permit System”.
7.2.2 Prevent Unauthorized Access
Make sure that unauthorized access to the roof is prevented by, for
instance, implementing a permit-to-work regime or blocking off roof
access ladders. Make sure that appropriate warning signs are
displayed on existing roofs, particularly at roof access points.
7.2.3 Working On Fragile Materials
At no time may anyone work on, from or pass over fragile material,
unless platforms, coverings or other similar means are provided that
adequately support them. Properly installed safety netting beneath the
roof surface will provide collective fall protection within the protected
area. Harnesses can also be an effective solution, but if used they
require adequate attachment points which may be difficult to arrange in
work on fragile roofs. They also rely on user discipline, training and
constant supervision to ensure that they are consistently and correctly
used.
Support platforms should be at least 600 mm wide and more when the
work requires it.
Make sure that support platforms are long enough to provide adequate
support across roof members. They should span across at least two
purlins. Using a platform may spread the load, but that will not provide
enough support if the only thing supporting it is the fragile material.
Walking on the lines of purlin bolts gives no protection whatsoever. It is
like walking a tightrope and must never be allowed or condoned.
Workers should not have to constantly move platforms of boards to
‘leap-frog’ across a fragile roof. Make sure there are enough platforms
provided to avoid this.
Precautions are needed to prevent a person falling from the platform. If
possible provide the platform with edge protection comprising top rail,
intermediate rail (or equivalent protection) and toe board.
7.2.4 Working Near Fragile Material
Protection shall be needed when anyone passes by or works nearer
than 2 m to fragile materials, e.g. during access along valley gutters in
a fragile roof, fragile roof lights or smoke vents contained in an
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otherwise non-fragile roof, during access to working areas on a fragile
roof etc.
Wherever possible, make sure that all fragile materials, 2 m or closer to
the people at risk, are securely covered. Alternatively, provide full edge
protection, i.e. top rail, intermediate guardrail or equivalent and toe
board, around or along the fragile material to prevent access to it. Make
sure that appropriate precautions are taken when installing such
protection, e.g. the use of netting or safety harnesses.
Sometimes it will not be reasonably practicable to provide such
protection, usually if the proximity to fragile material is irregular and
short duration, i.e. a matter of minutes. Safety harnesses shall usually
be the appropriate solution and may be used in conjunction with any
permanently installed running line systems. Boundaries can be
established identifying ‘safe’ areas containing the workplace and routes
to and from it.
If these are used,
7.3
•
the boundary should be at least 2 m from the nearest fragile
material.
•
the boundary does not need to comply with full edge protection
standards, but there should be a physical barrier (a painted line or
bunting is not acceptable).
•
tight discipline is essential to ensure everyone stays inside the
safe area at all times.
Working On Sloping Roofs
On traditional pitched roofs most people fall
•
from eaves.
•
by slipping down the roof and then over the eaves.
•
through the roof internally, e.g. during roof truss erection.
•
from gable ends.
“Work at Height” Permit, and “Medical Fitness Certificate” shall cover
all works at 2 M and above height on sloping roof for all persons
working at height. The format for the same is enclosed as ANNEXURE
– VI. For further details, please refer standard on “ Work Permit
System”.
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7.3.1 Edge Protection
Full edge protection at eaves level will normally be required for work on
sloping roofs. The edge protection needs to be strong enough to
withstand a person falling against it. The longer the slope and the
steeper the pitch the stronger the edge protection needs to be. A
properly designed and installed independent scaffold platform at eaves
level will usually be enough. Less substantial scaffolding barriers
(rather than platforms) may not be strong enough for work on larger or
steeper roofs, especially slopes in excess of 30 °.
.
Fig.15 Edge protection,
supported from window
opening
Fig.16 Edge protection,
with top lift of a scaffold
Fig.17 Edge protection
with platform below the
On some larger roofs, the consequences of sliding down the whole roof
and hitting the eaves edge protection may be such that intermediate
platforms at the work site are needed to prevent this happening.
If the work requires access within 2 m of gable ends, edge protection
will be needed there as well as at the eaves.
Powered access platforms can provide good access as an alternative
to fixed edge protection. They can be particularly useful in shortduration work and during demolition when gaps are created in the roof.
7.3.2 Use of Slide Guard Systems
Slide Guard System prevents workers from sliding down a slop roof.
System consists of slide guard (typically 2” X 6“ lumber) and at least
two roof brackets and shall be installed under supervision of a trained
as experienced person.
Slide Guard system shall not be used on roofs with ground / eave
height of 25 ft or more and / or on roofs with a slope less than 3:12 (3
vertical for 12 horizontal) and not greater than 8:12.
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•
•
Requirement for roofs with slopes greater than or equal to 3:12 to
and including 6:12
-
Minimum one side guard placed below the work area
-
No closure than 6 feet form the eave.
Requirement for roofs with slopes greater than 6:12 to and including
8:12
-
Multiple slide guard must be used
-
Spaced 8 feet apart, vertically
-
Lower slide guards must be placed no closure than 6 feet from
eave
•
Lowest slide guard must be 90 degrees to the roof surface
•
Upper slide guards cannot be less than 60 degree to the roof
surface
Many a times manufactured roof
brackets are used. In all such cases
the manufacturer guidelines shall be
followed during installation.
Such
installation shall comply with following
requirements:
•
Minimum 6 “ brackets shall be used.
•
Brackets shall not be spaced
greater than 8 ft apart horizontally
or according to manufacturer’s
specs. (which ever is less).
•
Nominal 2 ” X 6 “ materials shall be
used for slide guard.
Fig. 18. Slide guard
7.3.3 Roof ladders
Fig.19 Roof top ladder
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Slates and tiles do not provide a safe footing especially when they are
wet. Properly designed roof ladders or crawling boards are an essential
aid to any work on sloping roofs. These shall be long enough to span
the supports (at least three rafters) and securely placed. Roof ladder
anchorages shall bear on the opposite roof and not rely on the ridge
tiles for support as these can easily break away. Do not use gutters to
support any ladder. Roof battens can be an alternative to roof ladders
but if relied on it is essential that their strength be established
beforehand. Battens often fail. (They should be attached to rafters no
more than 450 mm apart if used as footing.)
7.3.4 Short-duration Work On Sloping Roofs
Short-duration work means tasks that are measured in minutes rather
than hours. It includes such jobs as replacing a few tiles or adjusting a
television aerial. Work on a roof is still dangerous even if it only
lasts a short time. Appropriate safety measures are essential.
For short-duration work it may not be reasonably practicable to provide
full edge protection (but if it is it should be provided). This does not
mean that nothing needs to be provided in its place. The minimum
requirements for short-duration work on a roof shall be:
•
a safe means of access to roof level.
•
a properly constructed and supported roof ladder.
Roof workers shall not work directly on tiles or slates.
7.3.5 Erecting Roof Trusses
If possible, reduce the need for work at height by assembling roof
sections on the ground and craning them into position.
Fig. 20 Roof built on ground and lifted into position avoiding
the need to work over open joisting later on
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If trusses are assembled in situ, provide a safe working platform,
preferably by boarding out the area as close as possible to the
underside of the trusses, or alternatively supporting a platform on the
truss members. If a separate platform is used, make sure it can safely
support the worker and has edge protection. The truss members may
provide adequate edge protection but not always.
If possible, an adequate working platform shall be provided which
protects against falls during roof truss erection. If a platform does not
provide complete protection then safety nets shall also be provided to
catch anyone who falls.
7.4
Industrial Roofing
Building and working on steel framed wide-span industrial roofs
involves a number of hazards, such as fall:
•
from the roof edge;
•
through gaps in the partially completed roof;
•
through liner panels;
•
from the leading edge when unprotected gaps are inevitable; and
•
from the frame, e.g. when loading out with roof sheets.
These hazards can all arise not only at the working position but also
the routes to and from it.
7.4.1 Systems of Work
Good planning can significantly reduce the risks involved in industrial
roofing. Key elements are as follows.
a)
Reduce the need for workers to travel about the roof by:
•
arranging for the right sheets to be delivered as they are needed
to the right place at the right time;
•
arranging access points that are convenient for the working
position; and
•
making full use of loading bays.
b)
Minimize the potential for falls by providing a safe place of work
(e.g. properly guarded working platforms or powered access
equipment) rather than relying on fall arrest equipment to restrict a
fall.
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c)
“Work at Height” Permit, and “Medical Fitness Certificate” shall
cover all works at 2 M and above height on sloping roof for all
persons working at height. The format for the same is enclosed as
ANNEXURE – VI. For further details, please refer standard on “
Work Permit System”.
7.4.2 Fall From The Roof Edge
Full edge protection (comprising top rail, toe board and intermediate
protection) is required whenever the work requires access within 2 m of
the roof perimeter.
7.4.3 Fall Through Gaps
If work involves any likelihood of access within 2 m of such gaps they
should be covered. If this is not possible provide edge protection or as
a last resort install safety netting beneath the gap.
7.4.4 Falls Through Liner Panels
Liner panels on their own should be considered as fragile unless it has
been conclusively confirmed that they are not. Try to avoid ‘lining out’
the shell to weatherproof the site. This will avoid the need for a second
pass at height as well as the presence of a large expanse of potentially
fragile material. Consider the use of composite panels to reduce the
need for work at height.
7.4.5 Falls From The Leading Edge
Whatever system of work is chosen the presence of dangerous gaps is
always a possibility as space is created to place the next leading edge
sheet. Options to deal with this include:
•
temporary barriers at the leading edge, such as trolley systems;
•
birdcage scaffolds;
•
safety nets and
•
safety harnesses used with running line systems.
Safety nets are the least problematic and hence the preferred option.
Trolley systems can be a useful aid, but are not appropriate for all
roofs, e.g. where there are hips or dormers. Remember that installing
and moving such systems can involve significant risks. Where trolley
are used, make sure that:
•
there is a safe system of work for installing and dismantling them;
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•
the trolley system is compatible with the purlin design;
•
there is a safe system of work for moving the trolleys;
•
the trolley can move freely - if it jams it can be dangerous trying to
release it;
•
there is safe access to the trolley;
•
the trolley is locked in position so that it does not overturn if
someone falls onto it and
•
there is a suitable barrier at the trolley end if someone could fall
from it.
If trolley systems are used, the system of work needs to be carefully
thought out to avoid unnecessary risks, e.g. can roof workers lock the
trolley in position after it has been moved forward without stepping over
the newly created gap?
Make sure that either safety nets or harnesses are used to protect
against falls through the gaps created as the leading edge moves
forward. If safety nets are used make sure that these are installed as
per section 5.2.4.3.
If harnesses are used make sure that they:
•
are securely attached to an adequate anchorage point (trolley
guard rails are not usually strong enough);
•
are appropriate for the user and in good condition and
•
are actually and properly used - ensuring this requires tight
discipline.
Safety netting is the preferred fall arrest option since it provides
collective protection and does not rely on individual user discipline to
guarantee acceptable safety standards. They can simplify systems of
work and can protect not only roof workers but also others such as
supervisors.
7.4.6 Falling Materials
Try to avoid leaving materials on the roof when the site is closed
especially at weekends and during holiday periods. If materials are left
on the roof make sure that they are secured so that they cannot be
blown off the roof by windy weather.
Make sure that toe boards are in place around the roof perimeter.
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Control other trades’ access to areas underneath roofing work, unless
protection such as debris netting is provided which ensures protection
for anyone working underneath.
7.4.7 Manual Handling
Handling awkward roof sheets is a particular problem for roof workers
and can lead to back injuries, which can cause a lifetime of pain and
disability.
Minimize the need for manual handling by using mechanical handling
devices, e.g. hoists, to deliver materials where they are actually needed
on the roof. Where manual handling cannot be avoided arrange
systems, which make manual handling easier. Provide workers with
information about the weight of the loads they will have to carry.
7.5
Working On Flat Roofs
Work on a flat roof is high risk. People can fall:
•
from the edge of a completed roof and
•
from the edge where work is being carried out; through openings
or gaps.
7.5.1 Edge Protection
Unless the roof parapet provides equivalent safety, temporary edge
protection shall be required during most work on flat roofs. Both the
roof edge and any openings in it need to be protected. It will often be
more appropriate to securely cover openings rather than put edge
protection around them. Any protection should be:
•
in place from start to finish of the work and
•
strong enough to withstand people and materials falling against it.
Where possible the edge protection shall be supported at ground level,
e.g. by scaffold standards, so that there is no obstruction on the roof. If
the building is too high for this, the roof edge up-stand can support the
edge protection provided it is strong enough. Edge protection can also
be supported by frames, counterweights or scaffolding on the roof. The
protection should be in place at all times. Guarding systems are widely
available that enable roof repair work to carry on without removing any
guardrail.
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7.5.2 Demarcating Safe Areas
Full edge protection may not be necessary if limited work on a
larger roof involves nobody going any closer than 2 m to an open
edge. In such cases demarcated areas can be set up, outside which
nobody goes during the work or access to it. Demarcated areas
should be:
•
limited to areas from which nobody can fall;
•
indicated by an obvious physical barrier (full edge protection is not
necessary but a painted line or bunting is not sufficient);
•
subject to tight supervision to make sure that nobody strays
outside them (demarcation areas are unacceptable if this standard
is not achieved).
7.5.3 Short-duration Work On Flat Roofs
Short-duration means a matter of minutes rather than hours. It includes
such jobs as brief inspections or adjusting a television aerial. Work on
a flat roof is still dangerous even if it only lasts a short time.
Appropriate safety measures are essential.
It may not be reasonably practicable to provide edge protection
during short-duration work. In such cases anyone working nearer
than 2 m to any unguarded edge shall be using a safety harness.
Where safety harnesses are used they need to be:
•
appropriate for the user and in good condition – full harnesses are
essential, safety belts are not sufficient;
•
securely attached to an anchorage
point of sufficient strength;
•
fitted with as short a lanyard as
possible that enables wearers to do
their work and
•
actually used - tight management
discipline is needed to ensure this.
Fig.21. Counterweight removed
and baseplate lifted for work
near edge
8.0
REQUIREMENT OF FALL PROTECTION IN STAIRWAYS
8.1.
Stairways having four or more risers and less than 44 “ wide shall be
equipped with standard stair railings or handles as follows:
•
Shall have at least one handrail (preferably right-side descending)
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if both sides enclosed.
•
Shall have at least one stair railing on open side if one side open.
•
Shall have one stair railing on each side if both sides open.
8.2.
Stairways having four or more risers and more than 44 “ wide, but less
than 88 “ wide, shall have one handrail on each enclosed side and one
stair railing on each open side.
8.3.
Stairways having four or more risers and more than 88 “ wide shall
have one handrail on each enclosed side; one stair railing on each
open side; and one intermediate stair railing located approximately
midway of the width.
8.4.
A stair railing is a vertical barrier erected along exposed sides of a
stairway with construction similar to a standard railing. A stair railing
shall have a vertical height neither more than 34 “ nor less than 30 “
from the upper surface of the top rail to the surface of the tread.
8.5.
Stairs shall be capable of supporting, without failure, at least five times
their maximum intended load.
8.6.
Stairs shall be installed with uniform riser heights and tread depths
between landings.
8.7.
Fixed stairs shall be installed at angle up to 50 ° from the horizontal.
8.8.
Riser height of fixed stairs shall be from 6½ ” to 9½ ” (16.5 to 24.1 cm).
8.9.
Fixed stairs shall have a minimum width of 22 “ (55.9 cm) between
vertical barrier.
8.10. Fixed stairs with close risers shall have a minimum tread depth of 8 ”
(20.3 cm).
8.11. Fixed stairs with open risers shall have a minimum tread depth of 6“
(15.2 cm).
8.12. Stairways landing and platform measured in direction of travel shall be
at least 22 “ (55.9 cm) wide, and not less than 30 “ (76 cm) in length.
8.13. Non-skid type steps shall be used in stairways.
9.0
AUDIT
A multi disciplinary team, constituted by refinery management, shall
carry out comprehensive compliance audit for implementation and
sustenance of this standard at a regular frequency of one (1) year on
random sampling basis. The objective shall be to evaluate the
effectiveness of the implemented standard and suggesting corrective
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measures for improvement. The audit shall cover the following aspects
of the standard as minimum requirement:
10.0
•
Documentation and work permit compliance
•
Safety assessment survey of jobs at height at various work sites
•
Training record of workers, supervisors, site engineer and rescue
team including effectiveness of training
•
Course content of training
•
Storage and inspection of personal fall arresting equipment,
ladders and their records
•
Site visit to know the compliance of system at work site
REFERENCE
IS: 13416 (Part-I) – Recommendations for preventive measures against
hazards at work place (Part-I: Falling material hazard prevention)
IS: 13416 (Part-II) – Recommendations for preventive measures
against hazards at work place (Part-I: Fall prevention)
IS: 3696 (Part-II) – Safety code for scaffold and ladder (Part-II- ladder)
IS: 4912 – Safety requirement for floor and wall opening, railing and toe
board
IS: 11057 – Industrial Safety Net
IS: 3521 – Industrial Safety Belts and Harness- Specification
OISD GDN –192 – Safety practices during construction
OISD STD–155 (Part-I) – Personal protective equipment (Non
respiratory equipment)
OSHA – 3146 – Fall protection in construction
OSHA-1910 – walking and working surface; Personal protective
equipment (fall protection system)
OR-OHSA -301 – Introduction to fall protection
OHSA-1926 – Fall protection system
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OSHA-1926.1053 – Ladder
Fall Protection Requirement for Construction – by OSHA, USA
Fall Protection – by OSHA, USA
ANSI A 14.1/ ANSI A 14.19 – Wooden portable ladder-safety
requirements
ANSI 2359.1 – Safety requirement for personal fall arrest system,
subsystem and components
Height Safe – by HSE, UK
Working on Roof – by HSE, UK
Safe use of Ladder and Step Ladder – by HSE, UK
A Textbook on Learning Ladder and Step Ladder Safety – by HSE, UK
An Introduction to Personal Fall Protection Equipment – by Safe SC
EN-353, 354, 355,358, 360, 361, 362, 813, 1497, 3341 – On fall
protection equipment, their components and rescue devices from
height
***
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