Assessing the Workplace

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The workplace must be assessed for potential fall hazards before each assigned job begins.

 

          ~ Proper fall arrest equipment must be used when elimination of the hazard is not possible.
          ~ Job sites must be evaluated to determine fall hazards.
          ~ A complete list of fall hazard locations and protective measures and procedures taken must be

             maintained.

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Common and Dangerous Fall Hazards

 

          ~ Working from crane booms and tower cranes.
          ~ Working on top of machinery and equipment, such as overhead cranes, furnaces, conveyors and

             presses.
          ~ Other work that involves fall hazards, such as “off-chutes” from main piping in duct work or boilers.
          ~ Working on roofs with deteriorating or unsupported sections and framing.
          ~ Working over chemical tanks or open pits.

          ~ Working from fixed or portable ladders or climbing systems.
          ~ Performing work on water towers, product tanks, silos, pipe racks, presses, and floor pits.

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Types of Systems – Full-body Harness

 

A full-body harness system consists of a full-body harness, lanyard, energy shock absorber and self-locking snap hook.

Before using a full-body harness system, you must:

 

          ~ Inspect all parts of the fall protection system, including the anchor points, lifeline, and harness system.
          ~ Make sure the equipment will protect you, based on the freefall distance.
          ~ Make sure there are no objects in the fall zone (objects sticking up) or swing zone (objects or

             structures to either side) that could interfere with the safe use of the equipment.

 

Inspection and Maintenance

 

To ensure fall protection systems are ready and able to perform heir required tasks, a program of inspection and maintenance must be implemented and maintained.

 

Inspection and maintenance includes:

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          ~ inspection per manufacturer’s instructions
          ~ inspection before use and at least every 6 months
          ~ inspection for mildew, damage, wear, or distortion
          ~ user inspection before each use
          ~ inspection of anchors and mountings before each use

          ~ inspection of hardware for cracks, sharp edges, or burns
          ~ inspection of straps to ensure they are not cut, broken, torn or scraped
          ~ removal of equipment subjected to a fall or impact load from service until inspected by the

             manufacturer or qualified engineer
          ~ a detailed inspection policy for equipment stored longer than one month
          ~ considerations for special situations (such as radiation, electrical conductivity and chemical effects)
          ~ ensuring damaged equipment is tagged and not stored in the same area as serviceable equipment.

 

Types of Systems – Retractable Lifelines

 

A retractable lifeline is a fall arrest device used in conjunction with other components of a fall arrest system.
 

Retractable lifelines should be used by one person at a time.

 

          ~ Retractable lifelines automatically stop a person’s descent within a short distance after the onset of an

             accidental fall.
          ~ A properly inspected and maintained retractable lifeline, when correctly installed and used as part of

             the fall arrest system, automatically stops a person’s descent within a short distance after the onset of

             an accidental fall.
          ~ Retractable lifelines may be considered when working in areas such as roofs, scaffolds, tanks, towers,

             vessels, and manholes. Also, retractable lifelines should be considered when climbing such equipment

             as vertical fixed ladders.
          ~ Considerations for use include:
               * user training
               * use in conjunction with a complete fall arrest system
               * equipment maintenance, and
               * equipment inspection (at least every 6 months).
 

Types of Systems – Standard Harness

 

Standard harnesses used in fall protection systems must be:

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          ~ constructed with a sliding back D-ring
          ~ suitable for continuous fall protection while climbing, riding or working on elevated personnel platforms
          ~ suitable for positioning, fall arrest, and rescue and evacuation.

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Employee Requirements

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Attend fall protection training annually.

Know the type of fall arrest system required for your job.

Use the fall arrest system properly.

Inspect fall protection equipment before each use.

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