PSU Fall Protection Program
Issue Date: July 14, 2010
The Pennsylvania State University
Fall Protection Program
Introduction
It is the policy of the Pennsylvania State University (PSU) to take all necessary measures
to prevent falls from elevated locations. Fall hazards shall be eliminated through the
application of engineering controls whenever possible. Administrative controls and fall
protection equipment shall be used when engineering controls are either not feasible or
do not completely eliminate the fall hazard.
Purpose
The purpose of this program is to prevent injuries due to falls from elevated locations.
This program has been developed in accordance with the following OSHA standards:



29 CFR 1910 Subpart D, “Walking-Working Surfaces”
29 CFR 1910 Subpart F, “Powered Platforms, Manlifts, and Vehicle-Mounted Work
Platforms”
29 CFR 1926 Subpart M, “Fall Protection”
Scope


This program applies to all employees at all PSU locations except the Hershey
Medical Center and the College of Medicine.
The use of ladders, scaffolds, and aerial lifts is not covered in detail within this
program. Contact EHS for information pertaining to these types of equipment.
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PSU Fall Protection Program
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Table of Contents
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
7.0
8.0
9.0
Responsibilities
Definitions
Identification of Fall Hazards & Control Measures
Hierarchy of Controls
Training
Inspection
Recordkeeping
Contractors
Rescue
Appendix A- Fall Protection Equipment Annual Inspection Checklist
Appendix B- Diagram showing total fall distance
Appendix C- Sample picture showing a guardrail system
Appendix D- Sample picture showing a fall restraint system
Appendix E- Example of a “Relief Step Safety Device”
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1.0 Responsibilities
1.1 Budget Executives and Budget Administrators:
1.1.1
1.1.2
1.1.3
Ensure that responsibilities assigned with this program are carried out
within their administrative work unit.
Monitor implementation of this program within their work unit.
Ensure adequate funding is available to support this program.
1.2 Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Department:
1.2.1
1.2.2
1.2.3
Provide program oversight and assist work units in implementing the
provisions of this program.
Maintain records in accordance with this document.
Periodically audit and update this program as needed.
1.3 College/Work Unit Safety Officers:
1.3.1
1.3.2
1.3.3
1.3.4
1.3.5
1.3.6
Be thoroughly informed of the contents of this program and how it relates
to their areas of responsibility and authority.
Coordinate implementation of the fall protection program within their
work unit.
Ensure specific fall hazards within their work unit are identified and
adequately controlled.
Identify a competent person/s responsible for conducting annual
equipment inspections.
Assist in the investigation of all injuries and incidents involving falls from
elevated locations within their work unit.
Ensure that records are maintained for their work unit in accordance with
this document.
1.4 Supervisors:
1.4.1
1.4.2
1.4.3
1.4.4
1.4.5
Be thoroughly informed of the contents of this program and how it relates
to their areas of responsibility and authority.
Identify specific fall hazards encountered by their employees.
Initiate control measures for fall hazards discovered within their assigned
areas.
Ensure employee compliance with all provisions of the fall protection
program.
Investigate all injuries and incidents involving falls from elevated
locations within their work unit.
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PSU Fall Protection Program
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1.4.6
Ensure that affected personnel attend fall protection training sessions and
are provided with appropriate fall protection equipment.
1.5 Employees:
1.5.1
1.5.2
1.5.3
Comply with all provisions of this program, including the use of protective
equipment and completion of pre-use inspections.
Attend all training required relative to this program.
Promptly report any concerns related to fall protection to their immediate
supervisor.
2.0 Definitions
The following terms are defined to allow for a better understanding of this program:
2.1 “Anchorage” means a secure point of attachment for lifelines, lanyards, or
deceleration devices.
2.2 “Body Belt” means a strap with means for both securing it around the waist and
attaching it to a lanyard or lifeline. The use of a body belt for fall arrest is
prohibited.
2.3 “Body Harness” means an interconnected set of straps that may be secured about a
person in a manner that distributes fall arrest forces over at least the thighs, pelvis,
waist, chest, and shoulders and has a means of attaching it to other components of a
fall arrest system.
2.4 “Competent Person” one who is capable of identifying existing and predictable
hazards in the work environment and who has the authority to take prompt corrective
measures to eliminate them.
2.5 “Construction Work/Activities” means work for construction, alteration, and/or
repair, including painting and decorating.
2.6 “Conventional Fall Protection System” the following types of systems are
commonly considered conventional fall protection systems: standard guardrail
systems, fall restraint systems, and personal fall arrest systems. Conventional fall
protection systems must always be considered first before a “specialized fall
protection system”.
2.7 “Deceleration Device” means any mechanism (such as a rope grab, rip-stitch
lanyard, specially-woven lanyard, tearing or deforming lanyard, automatic selfretracting lifeline or lanyard, etc.) which serves to dissipate a substantial amount of
energy imposed on an individual during a fall arrest.
2.8 “Deceleration Distance” means the additional vertical distance a falling person
travels, excluding lifeline elongation and free fall distance, before stopping, from the
point at which the deceleration device begins to operate.
2.9 “Fall Restraint System” means a system used to prevent an employee from falling
off a working level. It consists of an anchorage, connectors, and a body harness.
2.10 “Floor Hole” An opening measuring less than 12 inches but more than 1 inch in
its least dimension in any floor, platform, pavement, or yard, through which materials
but not a person may fall.
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PSU Fall Protection Program
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2.11 “Floor Opening” An opening measuring 12 inches or more in its least
dimension, in any floor, platform, pavement, or yard through which a person may fall.
2.12 “Free Fall Distance” means the vertical displacement of the fall arrest
attachment point on the body harness between onset of the fall and just before the
system begin to apply force to arrest the fall.
2.13 “Handrail” means an individual rail with the same specifications as the top rail
of a standard stair railing. The rail must have a height between 30 and 34 inches
when measured from the upper surface of the rail to the intersection of the tread
surface and riser face. Handrails are not installed in conjunction with an intermediate
rail or a toe board.
2.14 “Horizontal Lifeline” means a flexible line between two horizontal fixed
anchorages to which a fall arrest device is connected.
2.15 “Infeasible” means that it is impossible, highly impractical, or more hazardous to
perform the work using a conventional fall protection system (i.e., guardrail system,
fall restraint system, or personal fall arrest system)
2.16 “Lanyard” means a flexible line of rope or strap that generally has a connector at
each end and is used for connecting a body harness to a deceleration device, lifeline,
or anchorage.
2.17 “Low Sloped Roof” Means a roof having a slope less than or equal to “4 in 12”.
(a 4 in 12 roof would have a vertical rise of 4 feet over a horizontal distance of 12
feet)
2.18 “Leading Edge” means the edge of a floor, roof, or formwork for a
walking/working surface (such as a deck) which changes location as additional floor,
roof, decking, or formwork sections are placed, formed, or constructed. A leading
edge is considered to be an "unprotected side and edge" during periods when it is not
actively and continuously under construction.
2.19 “Personal Fall Arrest System” A system including but not limited to an
anchorage, connectors, and a body harness used to arrest a person in a fall from a
working level. The use of a body belt for fall arrest is prohibited.
2.20
“Qualified Person” One who by possession of a recognized degree, certificate,
or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training and experience,
has successfully demonstrated his or her ability to solve problems relating to subject
matter, the work, or the project. (Note: This person is usually an engineer.)
2.21 “Residential Construction” is where the working environment, materials,
methods and procedures are essentially the same as those used in building a typical
single family home or townhouse. Residential construction is characterized by the
use of wood frames, floor joists and roof structures.
2.22 “Restraint Line” means a device which is attached between the employee and an
anchorage to prevent the employee from falling off an elevated surface.
2.23 “Roof Work” means the hoisting, storage, application, and removal of roofing
materials and equipment, including related insulation, sheet metal, and vapor barrier
work. “Roof work” does not include the construction of the roof deck.
2.24 “Safety Net” means a net installed underneath the work platform which is used to
catch a person during a fall.
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2.25 “Specialized Fall Protection Systems” the following types of systems are
commonly considered specialized fall protection systems: safety monitor system,
warning line system, designated areas, and fall protection plans.
2.26 “Standard Guardrail” is an engineering fall protection control consisting of a
top rail, intermediate rail and posts. (See Section 4.1 of this document for further
information on standard guardrail systems).
2.27
“Standard Stair Railing” is an engineering control similar in construction to a
standard guardrail (top rail, intermediate rail, posts) but designed for use on
stairways. The top rail of a standard stair railing must have a height between 30 and
34 inches when measured from the upper surface of the rail to the intersection of the
tread surface and riser face.
2.28 “Toe Board” A low protective barrier at least four inches high that prevents
material and equipment from falling to a lower level and which protects personnel
from falling.
2.29 “Unprotected Sides and Edges” means any side or edge (except at entrances to
points of access) four feet or higher above a lower walking/working surface (e.g.
floor, roof, ramp, or runway) where there is no wall or guardrail system at least 42
inches high.
2.30 “Vertical Lifeline” means a flexible line which hangs vertically from a
connection to an anchorage at one end and serves as a means for connecting other
components of a fall arrest system to the anchorage.
2.31 “Wall Opening” A gap or void 30 inches or more high and 18 inches or more
wide, in a wall or partition, through which a person can fall to a lower level.
3.0 Identification of Fall Hazards & Control Measures
Supervisors are responsible for identifying specific fall hazards encountered by their
employees. EHS is available to assist in the identification and evaluation of fall hazards.
The following is a list of potential fall hazards at PSU along with the applicable control
measures for each condition:
3.1 Open sided floors, platforms, catwalks and ramps four feet or more in height:
 Fall hazards shall be addressed by installation of a standard guardrail on all
open sides except where there is entrance to a ramp, stairway, or fixed ladder.
3.2 Open sided floors, platforms, and ramps adjacent to or above hazardous
equipment regardless of height:
 Fall hazards shall be addressed by installation of a standard guardrail on all
open sides except where there is entrance to a ramp, stairway, or fixed ladder.
3.3 Stairways with four or more risers:
3.3.1 Fall hazards shall be addressed by installation of standard stair railings
and/or handrails.
3.3.2 Stairways less than 44 inches wide with both sides enclosed shall have a
handrail installed on the right descending side.
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PSU Fall Protection Program
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3.3.3 Stairways less than 44 inches wide shall have standard stair railings
installed on each open side.
3.3.4 Stairways between 44 and 88 inches shall have handrails installed on each
enclosed side and a standard stair railing installed on each open side.
3.3.5 Stairways more than 88 inches wide shall have a handrail on each enclosed
side, a standard stair railing on each open side, and a handrail located at the
midpoint of the stair width.
3.3.6 Stairway floor openings shall have a standard railing installed on all
exposed sides.
3.3.7 All treads and risers on stairs must be maintained in good condition.
3.4 Loading Docks (Four or more feet in height):
3.4.1
3.4.2
3.4.3
3.4.4
Guardrail systems on the working side of loading docks are not required,
where it can be demonstrated that the presence of guardrails would
prevent the performance of work (i.e. truck pulling in).
All other sides of loading docks shall be guarded by standard guardrail
systems or a removable type of guardrail system.
Dock doors shall remain closed after use to eliminate the fall hazard.
Employees that may be exposed to fall hazards associated with this type of
work must be trained to recognize and avoid these hazards.
3.5 Floor openings into which personnel can accidentally walk:
3.5.1
3.5.2
Fall hazards shall be addressed by the installation of a standard guardrail
on all exposed sides or by a floor hole cover of substantial strength.
When floor hole covers are not in place, the opening shall be constantly
attended by a designated employee or protected by a removable standard
guardrail.
3.6 Pits, Tanks, Ditches, Weirs and Vats:
3.6.1
3.6.2
Fall hazards shall be addressed by the installation of a standard guardrail
on all exposed sides or by a floor hole cover of substantial strength where
applicable.
When floor hole covers are not in place, the opening shall be constantly
attended by a designated employee or protected by a removable standard
guardrail.
3.7 Manholes:
 Manhole covers shall be placed over manhole openings at all times. If
removed, a designated employee must constantly attend the opening or the
opening must be protected by a removable standard guardrails.
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3.8 Excavations more than six feet deep:
3.8.1 Fall hazards shall be addressed by the installation of guardrail systems,
fences, barricades, or covers of substantial strength.
3.8.2 Walkways crossing over excavations must be equipped with standard
guardrails if the walkway is six or more feet above the excavation.
3.9 Service platforms of bridge cranes:
 Fall hazards shall be addressed by the installation of standard guardrails on all
exposed sides.
3.10 Hatchways leading through roof openings:
3.10.1 When the opening is not in use, the cover shall be closed.
3.10.2 When the hinged cover for an opening is left up, the exposed sides must
be appropriately protected by a guardrail system.
3.11 Skylights installed in roof surfaces:
3.11.1 Fall hazards shall be addressed by:
3.11.1.1 The installation of standard skylight screens which are capable of
withstanding a load of at least 200 pounds applied perpendicular
to any point on the screen, or
3.11.1.2 A cover which is 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, or
3.11.1.3 By installing standard guardrails, or
3.11.1.4 A personal fall arrest system.
3.12 Building roofs:
3.12.1 Fall hazards shall be addressed as determined by the following hierarchy
of controls:
3.12.1.1 Installation of guardrail system,
3.12.1.2 Use of a personal restraint system,
3.12.1.3 Use of a personal fall arrest system,
3.12.1.4 If none of these options are feasible, specialized fall protection
systems may be used with EHS approval.
3.12.2 Existing parapet walls can be used in lieu of standard guardrails as long as
the top of the parapet is at least 39” above the roof surface. If this is not
the case, a permanent or temporary guardrail can be installed on the
parapet to reach the required height.
3.13 Scaffolds over six feet high:
 Fall hazards shall be addressed by the installation of a standard guardrail on
all open sides. Fall arrest systems may also need to be worn based on the type
of scaffolding being used.
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3.14 Scissor Lift:
3.14.1 Fall hazards shall be addressed by maintaining the standard guardrails
installed by the equipment manufacturer.
3.14.2 If the manufacturer has installed anchor points, a fall restraint system shall
also be used.
3.14.3 Operators must follow manufacturer’s recommendations as to which fall
protection system to use (restraint or a personal fall arrest system).
3.15 Aerial / boom / bucket trucks and similar types of equipment:
3.15.1 Operators shall be secured to the anchor point provided by the equipment
manufacturer by either a self-retracting lanyard or by a lanyard short enough to
prevent the employee from being ejected.
3.15.2 Operators must follow manufacturer’s recommendations as to which fall
protection system to use.
3.16 Any other situation where an individual is exposed to a fall distance of four
feet or more:
 Fall hazards shall be addressed by the installation of a standard guardrail
system. When this is infeasible, other conventional or specialized fall
protection systems can be utilized according to the hierarchy of controls listed
in the next section.
4.0 Hierarchy of Controls
The hierarchy of controls, or preferred order of controls, shall be used to choose methods
to eliminate or control fall hazards. More than one control measure may be used to
reduce the risk of a fall and/or control a hazard. A summary of the hierarchy of controls
is as follows:
Conventional Fall Protection Systems – Fall protection systems must be considered
according to the following hierarchy of controls. Conventional fall protection systems
must be utilized/installed before a specialized fall protection system can be considered.
1. Standard guardrail systems
2. Fall restraint systems
3. Personal fall arrest systems
Specialized Fall Protection Systems – Specialized fall protection systems are only
permitted after conventional types of fall protection are found infeasible.
 Warning line system
 Controlled Access Zone
 Designated area
 Safety monitor system
 Fall protection plans
4.1
Conventional Fall Protection System - Standard guardrail system
requirements:
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
Note: It is permissible to purchase pre-engineered temporary guardrails
which are designed to attach to the edge of roofs and parapets. All
manufacturer’s instructions must be followed regarding installation.
4.1.1 Top rails shall have a vertical height of 42 inches when measured from the
upper surface of the rail to the working surface. (OSHA allows existing
rails to fall within a range of 36 to 44 inches).
4.1.2 Intermediate rails shall be halfway between the top rail and floor surface.
4.1.3 Toe boards shall be provided with a guardrail wherever, beneath the open
sides:
4.1.3.1 Persons can pass,
4.1.3.2 There is moving machinery,
4.1.3.3 There is equipment with which falling materials could create a
hazard.
4.1.4 Refer to OSHA regulation 1910.23 for additional requirements regarding
standard guardrail systems: OSHA Guardrail Regulation - 1910.23(e)
4.2
Conventional Fall Protection System - Fall restraint system requirements:
This system is used to prevent someone from falling off the edge of a
walking/working surface to a lower level. The lanyard must be short enough to
prevent a fall from occurring.
4.2.1
4.2.2
4.2.3
4.2.4
4.2.5
4.2.6
4.2.7
4.2.8
4.3
The anchor point must be capable of supporting 3000 pounds or twice the
maximum expected force that is needed to restrain the person from
exposure to the fall hazard. When determining this, consideration must be
given to forces generated by a person walking, leaning, or sliding down a
work surface.
Full body harnesses must be used as part of a fall restraint system. Body
belts are not permitted.
Restraint lines must connect the harness directly to the anchorage
independently of any other lines.
Knots shall not be made in lanyards or lifelines.
Fall protection equipment shall only be used for employee protection and
not to hoist equipment or tools.
Restraint lines must be protected against cutting and abrasion.
Padding or webbing straps shall be used as needed when restraint lines
must pass over or around sharp surfaces.
Fall protection equipment shall be stored in clean, dry areas that are free
from exposure to fumes, corrosive elements, and temperature extremes.
Conventional Fall Protection System - Personal fall arrest system
requirements:
If a fall occurs, this system stops the persons fall before they reach the next lower
level (see Appendix B for further information).
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4.3.1
4.3.2
4.3.3
4.3.4
4.3.5
4.3.6
4.3.7
4.3.8
4.3.9
4.3.10
4.3.11
4.3.12
4.3.13
4.3.14
4.3.15
4.3.16
4.3.17
Only commercially manufactured equipment specifically designed for fall
protection may be used. The equipment must comply with the ANSI Z359
Fall Protection Code.
Only locking type snaphooks shall be used. Snaphooks shall be sized to
be compatible with the member to which they are connected to prevent
unintentional disengagement of the snaphook.
The attachment point of the body harness shall be located in the center of
the wearer’s back near shoulder level.
Body belts may not be used as part of a fall arrest system. Only body
harnesses may be used for this purpose.
Lifelines shall be protected against cutting and abrasion. Padding or
webbing straps shall be used as needed when lifelines must pass over or
around sharp surfaces.
Knots shall not be made in lanyards or lifelines.
Lanyards are not permitted to be attached to each other in an attempt to
increase length.
Fall arrest devices shall be connected in a manner, preferably above head
level, that minimizes the free fall distance and prevents any contact with
lower levels in the event of a fall (see Appendix B for further
information).
The maximum potential free fall distance is six feet (see Appendix B for
further information).
The maximum permissible deceleration distance is 3.5 feet (see Appendix
B for further information).
Horizontal lifelines shall be designed, installed, and used under the
supervision of a qualified person as part of a complete fall arrest system
which maintains a safety factor of at least two times the intended load.
Separate lifelines shall be provided for each employee when vertical
lifelines are used.
Fall protection equipment shall only be used for employee protection and
not to hoist equipment or tools.
Anchorages used for attachment of fall protection equipment shall be
independent of any anchorage being used to suspend platforms.
Anchorages shall be capable of supporting at least 5000 pounds per
individual attached or shall be designed, installed, and used under the
supervision of a qualified person as part of a fall arrest system which
maintains a safety factor of at least two times the intended load.
Fall arrest systems and components subject to a fall shall be immediately
removed from service. Such equipment must be destroyed prior to
disposal.
Fall arrest systems shall not be attached to:
 standard railings,
 standard guardrails,
 ladders/rungs,
 scaffolding,
 light fixtures,
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 conduit or plumbing
 wiring harnesses
 other lanyards
 roof stacks, vents, or pipes
4.3.18 Fall protection equipment shall be stored in clean, dry areas that are free
from exposure to fumes, corrosive elements, and temperature extremes.
4.3.19 The following link leads to the OSHA regulations for a personal fall
arrest system:
OSHA's Personal Fall Arrest System regulation: 1926.502(d)
Specialized Fall Protection Systems shall be used only if conventional fall protection
systems are infeasible.
4.4
Specialized Fall Protection - Warning line system: A warning line system is a
barrier erected on a roof to warn employees that they are approaching an
unprotected roof side or edge. A warning line is only permitted for roof work on
low slope roofs in combination with a guardrail system, safety net system,
personal fall arrest system, or safety monitoring system. Consult with EHS if this
type of fall prevention is being considered.
4.5
Specialized Fall Protection - Controlled Access Zone: A Controlled Access
Zone is an area in which certain work may take place without the use of guardrail
systems, personal fall arrest systems, or safety net systems and access to the zone
is controlled. The use of this type of fall protection is only permitted when
conducting overhand brick laying operations and related leading edge work.
Consult with EHS if this type of fall prevention is being considered.
4.6
Specialized Fall Protection - Designated area: A type of a warning line system
that can only be used in certain circumstances dependent on the type of work
being performed. Consult with EHS if this type of fall prevention is being
considered.
4.7
Specialized Fall Protection - Safety monitoring system: A safety monitoring
system is one in which a trained worker is designated to monitor work activities in
a control zone to ensure that work is done in a manner that minimizes the
potential for a worker to fall. A safety monitoring system can only be utilized
during low-sloped roof work when combined with a warning line system. If the
roof is 50-feet or less in width the use of a safety monitoring system alone is
permitted. Consult with EHS if this type of fall prevention is being considered.
4.8
Specialized Fall Protection - Fall protection plan: This option is available only
to employees engaged in leading edge work, precast concrete erection work, or
residential construction work who can demonstrate that it is infeasible or it creates
a greater hazard to use conventional fall protection equipment. Consult with EHS
if this type of fall protection is being considered.
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5.0
Training
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
5.6
6.0
Fall protection training shall be provided to all personnel who use fall protection
devices at PSU. Such training shall be provided before working in elevated
locations. This includes such tasks as roof work, aerial/boom/scissor lift
operation, etc.
Fall protection trainers need to be approved by EHS.
Fall protection training includes:
 Enabling employees to recognize fall hazards and understand the
associated risks.
 Familiarize employees with the procedures and equipment used for
minimizing these hazards.
 The use, operation, and limitations of the fall protection systems.
 Inspection procedures for fall protection equipment.
Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that their employees receive fall
protection training when required by their job duties before they are exposed to
the hazard.
Each work unit is responsible for maintaining records of fall protection training
for their employees. These records must be accessible to EHS upon request.
Re-training shall be provided to employees under the following circumstances:
 Changes in the workplace render previous training obsolete.
 Changes in the type of fall protection systems or equipment used render
previous training obsolete.
 Inadequacies in an affected employee’s knowledge or use of fall protection
systems or equipment indicate that the employee has not retained the requisite
understanding or skills.
Inspection
6.1
Pre-Use Inspections
6.1.1 Fall protection equipment shall be visually inspected prior to each use by
the employee who uses the equipment for wear, damage, and other
deterioration.
6.1.2 Defective equipment shall be immediately removed from service and
destroyed.
6.2
Annual Inspections
6.2.1 An annual inspection of all fall protection equipment shall be made by a
competent person who has been trained to conduct such inspections.
6.2.2 Annual inspection results shall be documented using Appendix A or
an equivalent manufacturer’s inspection checklist.
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6.2.3
6.3
7.0
Each work unit is responsible for maintaining the following:
7.1.1 Records of all fall protection training provided to employees within the
work unit.
7.1.2 Records of annual fall protection equipment inspections. Records shall be
kept for the life of the equipment.
7.1.2.1 If additional inspection frequencies are required by the
manufacturer, those records must also be kept for the life of the
equipment.
Contractors
8.1
8.2
9.0
Additional inspection frequencies may be required by the manufacturer. Refer to
the equipment instruction/owner’s manual for complete details regarding
inspection.
Recordkeeping
7.1
8.0
Defective equipment shall be immediately removed from service and
destroyed.
Contractors engaged in activities that require working at heights shall comply
with all applicable OSHA regulations regarding fall protection.
Contractors are responsible for providing their own fall protection equipment.
Rescue
9.1
When a personal fall arrest system is utilized, procedures shall be in place to
provide prompt rescue in the event of a fall.
9.2
There are a variety of ways in which this requirement can be met, depending on
the particular circumstances of the work site. Some examples include, but are not
limited to, ensuring that at least one other designated employee shall be available
to monitor ongoing operations or equipping the employee utilizing the fall arrest
system with communication equipment that enables the worker to obtain help
promptly.
9.3
All situations where a personal fall arrest system is currently utilized should
consider purchasing a “Relief Step Safety Device” manufactured by Miller or an
equivalent device (Appendix E). This device alleviates the effects of orthostatic
intolerance (pooling of blood in the legs which restricts blood flow to the brain
and other organs), also known as suspension trauma.
12.2.1 “Relief Step Safety Devices” shall be purchased along with all new fall
protection harnesses. (As of the effective date of this program)
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Appendix A
Fall Protection Annual Inspection Checklist
User: ______________________________________________________________________________
Type of Equipment: Harness / Lanyard / Self-Retracting Lifeline / Carabineer / OTHER
(specify)____________________________________________________________________________
Make and Model: ___________________________________________________________________
Serial Number: _____________________________________________________________________
Competent Person conducting the inspection: (PRINT)____________________________________
If any failures are found the unit must be removed from service
Part
Criteria
Pass
Fail
N/A
Comment
Label present
Legible
Label
Less than 5 years old (If not=fail)
Cut, torn, holes
Fabric
Mildew
Fraying
Heat or chemical damage
(discoloration)
Hardening
User self repaired (if yes=fail)
Corroded
Hardware
Bent
Cracked
Any alteration or absence of parts
Cross-section cracked
D-Ring
Bent
Corroded
Does it lock
Snaphook
Corroded
Bent
Cracked
Signs that a fall occurred (different
Shock Absorber
color showing)
Damage to outer casing
Self-Retracting
Lanyard
Nuts/bolts/rivets intact
Check entire length of nylon/metal
cable for damage
Cable fully retracts
If cloth cable, is unit less than 5 yrs.
old
Breaking mechanism function
Other Comments:____________________________________________________________________
Sign:_______________________________________________________________________________
Date:_______________________________________________________________________________
15
PSU Fall Protection Program
Issue Date: July 14, 2010
Appendix B
Diagram showing total fall distance
Picture obtained from Millerfallprotection.com
16
PSU Fall Protection Program
Issue Date: July 14, 2010
Appendix C
Sample picture showing a guardrail system
Photo obtained from http://www.wildeck.com/
17
PSU Fall Protection Program
Issue Date: July 14, 2010
Appendix D
Sample picture showing a fall restraint system
Photo obtained from http://kcontracts.com/site/
18
PSU Fall Protection Program
Issue Date: July 14, 2010
Appendix E
Example of a “Relief Step Safety Device”
Easy to Deploy and Use (Attaches to any brand full-body harness)
Pull tab to deploy
Insert foot into loop step
and adjust
Ability to stand allowing
Two Relief Steps
improved circulation
provide added support,
balance and comfort
Picture obtained from Millerfallprotection.com
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