FALL PROTECTION

CONTENTS Introduction Purpose Same Level Falls Lower Level Falls Fall Prevention Summary

INTRODUCTION Working at random elevations and exposure to slip and trip hazards are common situations when working in construction. Between 1980 and 1992, over 50 people were killed by falling from heights. Falls are generally the result of poor work practices, poor conditions, or a combination of both.

SAME LEVEL FALLS Definition: A slip or trip that occurs at the same level where you are working, standing, etc., that does not result in falling to a lower level. Cause of same level falls: Poor housekeeping Trip hazards - loose materials, welding leads, etc. lying across walkways, stairs or in congested areas Oil, grease, water or any liquids on the floor

LOWER LEVEL FALLS Definition: A fall in which you drop from one surface to a lower surface or elevation. Working at elevated areas: Roofs, Scaffolds, Ladders Openings Floor Openings, Wall Openings, Ladderway Openings

FALL PREVENTION Definition: The installation of barriers to prevent a person from falling to a lower level. Types of Fall Prevention Guard Rails, Hole Covers, Perimeter Guards Use of Fall Prevention Fall prevention should always be the first choice when confronted with a fall exposure.

FALL PROTECTION Guard Rails Top rail Mid rail Toe boards Hole Covers Clearly marked Fastened down Able to support intended load

FALL PROTECTION A method of protecting a person should they fall. Definition: A method of protecting a person should they fall. When employees are working from an unprotected elevation of 2m or more above the ground, fall protection must be used.

FALL PROTECTION DEVICES Components Harness - the device which attaches to the person. Lanyard - the device which connects the harness to the anchorage point. Lifeline or Retractable Device - the intermediate attachment point which is used in some applications to allow for greater range of vertical or horizontal movement. Lanyards must incorporate shock absorbers. Anchorage point must be designed to support load.

REQUIREMENTS Harness Must be provided by the Company. No personal belts or harnesses are allowed. Lifelines / Anchorage Points Must be capable of supporting 2.5 metric tons.

REQUIREMENTS Lanyards Should be secured above the point of operations Must have a maximum length of 2m Two lanyards cannot be hooked together for use Must have locking snap hooks on both ends

USE OF FALL PROTECTION Always secure above your head Attach lanyard to secure fixing point Inspect before use Use two lanyards when necessary

A REMINDER Your fall protection device is only as strong as its weakest link. Damaged or worn equipment, or equipment which has been subjected to a fall must be taken out of service.

SUMMARY Falls are one of the most common causes of serious injuries and fatalities. Poor housekeeping is the most common cause of same level falls. Fall prevention devices such as guard rails should always be the first choice when confronted with a fall exposure. Only in situations where it is not possible to use fall prevention devices, should fall protection devices be relied upon as to sole means of fall prevention.

SUMMARY Lower level falls result from working in elevated area. Fall protection is a method of protecting a person should they fall, and is required any time employees work from an unprotected elevation 2m or more above the ground. Components of a fall protection system include the harness, the lanyard, the anchorage point, and in some cases the intermediate attachment point. Fall protection devices should be inspected before each use. Damaged or worn equipment, or equipment which has been exposed to a fall must be taken out of service.