FALL PROTECTION Relevant OSHA Standards: 29 CFR Walking-Working Surfaces 29 CFR Fall protection systems criteria and practices

Where a fall hazard exists, there are two acceptable options: Developing a Fall Protection Program (1)eliminate the hazard (2) provide protection against it.

Fall Dangers Falls are dangerous because of three primary elements:  The distance of free-fall  The body weight of the worker  The shock absorption at impact

Fall Hazards 25’ fall leaves worker with half a head and a multitude of physical injuries. In 2010 OSHA investigated 635 fatalities that were the result of falls

Components of a Fall Protection System FULL BODY HARNESS LANYARD LIFELINE

Falls from same level – Slips & Trips – Occur more frequently but average less severe injuries. Falls from an elevated level – Occur less frequently but average more severe injuries. Types of Falls

vGuardrail systems and toeboards vHandrail and stair rail systems vDesignated areas Protection Systems – Walking / Working Surfaces

Protection Systems – Walking / Working Surfaces  Hole covers  Safety net systems  Ladder cages

Protection Systems – Walking / Working Surfaces vRamps and bridging devices vSlip-resistant flooring vEffective housekeeping

v When falling from a height of 12 feet, your body will hit the ground at roughly 20 Miles Per Hour. Falling Velocity

Freefall is the uncontrolled length of travel before a worker hits the floor, the ground, or before fall arrest equipment activates. Fall Distance - definition

OSHA requires that fall protection be rigged so that an employee can neither free fall more than 6 feet (1.8 meters) nor contact any lower level. Fall Distance - limiting FLOOR

Fall Arrest System “Photos/Illustrations/Information courtesy of Miller® Fall Protection” Remember: A, B, & C A = Anchorage/Anchorage Connector B = Body Wear C = Connecting Device

A = ANCHOR POINTS A = Anchorage / Anchorage Connector Commonly referred to as a tie-off point (Ex: I-beam, rebar, scaffolding, lifeline, etc.) Must be high enough for a worker to avoid contact with a lower level should a fall occur. Anchorages must be capable of supporting 5,000 pounds of force per worker. Careful consideration should be given to selecting a proper anchorage for ultimate safety. The anchorage should be easily accessible.

Types of Anchors

B = Body Wear Body Wear: The personal protective equipment worn by the worker (Ex: full-body harness) After 1998 Only form of body wear acceptable for fall arrest is the full-body harness. Should be selected based on work to be performed and the work environment. Side and front D-rings are for positioning only. Premium Harness “Photos/Illustrations/Information courtesy of Miller® Fall Protection ”

HARNESS FIT Chest and Leg Straps Offer a Snug Fit “Photos/Illustrations/Information courtesy of Miller® Fall Protection” Correct Harness Fit

Shock-absorbing Lanyard Shock-absorbing lanyards extend deceleration distance during a fall, significantly reducing fall arresting forces by 65 to 80 percent, below the threshold of injury (as specified by OSHA & ANSI).

Snap Hooks In accordance with OSHA regulations, lanyards are required to have self-closing, self- locking snap hooks to reduce the possibility of unintentional disengagement, or “rollout”.

Snap Hook - Forces In 2007 ANSI changed their requirements for the design of Snap Hooks Tensile Test

C = Connecting Devices

Self-retracting Lifeline While traditional six-foot shock absorbing lanyards can take up to 9 feet before arresting a fall, self-retracting lifelines require less than 2 ft. to arrest free falls.

Fall Distance Less than this requires a Self-Retracting Lifeline.

HAZARD ALERT! NEVER!! – Tie-Back (choke off) with a standard / conventional lanyard. Conventional lanyards can not be tied- back for 3 reasons: 1.Lanyard strength is weakened by at least 30%. (i.e. similar concept of reduced strength in rigging due to sling load angle used to lift materials or equipment) 2.Conventional Lanyards can be damaged, frayed, or cut when dragged over beams or other structure. 3.Conventional Snap Hook Gates could open or break since they are not designed for 5,000 pounds of force.

Safety Strap Inspections What should you look for during the safety strap inspection? Inspect for cut fibers or damaged stitches inch by inch by flexing the strap in an inverted "U." Note any cuts, frayed areas or corrosion damage. Check friction buckle for slippage and sharp buckle edges. Replace when tongue buckle holes are excessively worn or elongated.

Fall Protection – Priorities

Fall Protection – More than just HANGING ON

Fall-Swing Hazard Whether using shock- absorbing lanyards or self-retracting lifelines, it is very important to position your anchorage point directly overhead whenever possible to minimize swing falls. Anchor Point Danger of Impact

Fall Protection Selection To select the appropriate lanyard for a specific application, consider the following factors: Type of work being performed Environmental Conditions Other Hazards

Fall Protection - Engaged Once Used… After a fall occurs, all components of the fall arrest system should be removed from service.

Fall Trauma - Time In the event of a suspended fall, the longer a person is left hanging, the greater the risk of “suspension trauma” HoursMinutesSeconds Time is not your friend

Fall Trauma – Suspension Trauma Research indicates that suspension in a fall arrest device can result in unconsciousness, followed by death, in less than 30 minutes.

Fall Trauma - Risk Factors that can affect the degree of risk of suspension trauma: Inability to move legs Pain Injuries during fall Fatigue Dehydration Hypothermia Shock Cardiovascular disease Respiratory disease Blood loss

Fall Trauma - What to do What you can do:  Rescue suspended workers as quickly as possible.  Be aware of the risk.  Be aware of signs and symptoms of increased trauma.  Be aware that suspension trauma is potentially life threatening.  Suspended workers with head injuries or who are unconscious are particularly at risk.

Safety BE SMART BE SAFE

Safe Principles – Think before you Act

Safe Principles – Think before you Act Life isn't like a box of chocolates. It's more like a jar of jalapenos. What you do today, might burn your butt tomorrow. - Larry the Cable Guy

Fall Distance Questions?