FALL PROTECTION IN THE WORKPLACE Trainer’s Guide Presented by: Regional Safety Manager U.S. Department of Commerce 200 World Trade Center Norfolk VA 23510 757-441-6448

FALL PROTECTION IN THE WORKPLACE FALLS CAN BE FATAL In the blink of an eye we can hit the ground hard. Consequences of ignoring fall protection is obvious Falls on the job kill 11,000 people and cause more than 200,000 disabling injuries per year

FALL PROTECTION IN THE WORKPLACE FALLS CAN BE FROM: Ladders Scaffolds Buckets Towers Work Platforms OR From any other off ground situation Give examples of each possible situation

FALL PROTECTION IN THE WORKPLACE A SAFETY MINDSET Inspect equipment before use Show equipment if possible Get faulty equipment repaired before using it (unless it has been loaded, then replace) Follow safe work practices in all off-the-ground situations (4 feet or more off-the-ground and 6 feet or more off-the-ground in construction industry)

FALL PROTECTION IN THE WORKPLACE LADDERS Are the rungs in good condition? (Are they cracked, broken?) Use a three point climb (2 feet and 1 hand or 2 hands and 1 foot) (This means three limbs on ladder at all times, show example) Always face the front of the ladder Keep hands on side rails at all times Keep weight centered

FALL PROTECTION IN THE WORKPLACE LADDERS Are you using the belt buckle rule (belt buckle between rails of ladder at all times)? DON’T RUSH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

FALL PROTECTION IN THE WORKPLACE GUARD RAILS Designed to keep people from falling Around platforms or walkways May be temporary or permanent (Give examples of temporary or permanent I.e. around a pit until it is filled in) Rails must be able to support 200 lbs Rails must be 39 to 45 inches above surface

FALL PROTECTION IN THE WORKPLACE SAFETY NETS Used where guard rails are impractical or impossible to install Personal nets are intended to catch people Debris nets are intended to catch tools and debris Must be inspected regularly, generally weekly (Recommend keeping a log of inspection to prove it is done)

FALL PROTECTION IN THE WORKPLACE PERSONAL FALL ARREST SYSTEM Used only when other types of fall protection cannot be used Designed to tether a worker to an anchor point Used to protect workers climbing vertical distances Used to protect workers on horizontal surfaces high above the ground.

FALL PROTECTION IN THE WORKPLACE PERSONAL FALL ARREST SYSTEM Contains the following components: FULL BODY HARNESS (show example of the harness) CONNECTING DEVICE (show example of connecting device) ANCHOR POINT (support 5,000 lbs) (expound on this weight requirement)

FALL PROTECTION IN THE WORKPLACE PERSONAL FALL ARREST SYSTEM Inspection and Maintenance Frayed or broken harness straps (if frayed or broken, remove from service and replace) D-ring securely attached and not bent Tears, missing stitches or damaged hardware (remove from service and replace Recommend keeping a log book of inspection to ensure it is being done especially if equipment is used by more than one person

Circle TRUE or FALSE for each of the statements below: FALL PROTECTION QUIZ Circle TRUE or FALSE for each of the statements below: 1. TRUE Falls cause about 11,000 on-the-job deaths each year and disable more than 200,000 people. 2. FALSE A three point climb means three of your limbs must be in contact with the ladder at all times (Two feet and one hand or two hands and one foot) 3. TRUE Netting on a guard rail prevents people and items from falling 4. FALSE Personal fall protection systems include three items: a full body harness, a connecting device and an anchor point. 5. TRUE Personal fall protection systems vary depending on the work being done but all include a full body harness. 6. FALSE Fall protection systems must be connected to an anchor point that will support 5,000 pounds of weight per person connected. Water or sewer lines or electrical conduits will not support this much weight and should never be used. Now wrap up the class, collect the tests, ensure everyone has signed in and remind everyone to get refresher training one time per year.