1. Roofing Fall Protection
The following presentation can be used to satisfy the training requirements of the Fall Protection Standard in the WISHA Safety Standards for Construction - WAC (3) & (4).
Training is required as part of the fall protection work plan (see next slide to view WISHA rules on fall protection training).
These two training modules contains generic information for fall protection in the roofing industry. It is best suited for new employees not familiar with fall protection.
You will need to add work-site specific information to provide the necessary training for your employees and meet the intent of the WISHA regulations.

2. WISHA Fall Protection Training Requirements
WAC Fall protection work plan.
(1) The employer shall develop and implement a written fall protection work plan including each area of the work place where the employees are assigned and where fall hazards of 10 feet or more exist.
(2) The fall protection work plan shall:
(a) Identify all fall hazards in the work area.
(b) Describe the method of fall arrest or fall restraint to be provided.
(c) Describe the correct procedures for the assembly, maintenance, inspection, and disassembly of the fall protection system to be used.
(d) Describe the correct procedures for the handling, storage, and securing of tools and materials.
(e) Describe the method of providing overhead protection for workers who may be in, or pass through the area below the work site.
(f) Describe the method for prompt, safe removal of injured workers.
(g) Be available on the job site for inspection by the department.
(3) Prior to permitting employees into areas where fall hazards exist the employer shall:
(a) Ensure that employees are trained and instructed in the items described in subsection (2)(a) through (f) of this section.
(b) Inspect fall protection devices and systems to ensure compliance with WAC
(4) Training of employees:
(a) The employer shall ensure that employees are trained as required by this section. Training shall be documented and shall be available on the job site.
Training requirements in red.

3. How to Use This PowerPoint Program
Users with PowerPoint can download, edit, and use the program for training with a laptop and multimedia projector.
Additional information is found in the Notes at the bottom of each slide. You can read the text in quotations found in the Notes section or use your own words.
If you want to print out this program, the PDF version uses less computer memory and prints faster.

4. Meeting WISHA Training Requirements
To meet the WISHA training requirements for fall protection, you must include information specific to your worksite as indicated in slides #17, 18, & 19 of this module.
Preview this program and include your specific workplace information prior to conducting the training.
It is recommended you keep an attendance roster for your records to document training.

5. Roofing Fall Protection
Module 2
Roofing Fall Protection
This training will cover the following:
Fall arrest equipment
Inspection and maintenance of fall protection equipment
Rescuing a fallen co-worker
The fall protection work plan
“These are the topics that WISHA says we must cover in training our employees who use fall protection.” 1

6. Fall Arrest – two types used in roofing
Personal Fall Arrest - full body harness is the most common
Catch Platform – sometimes used on large buildings 2

7. Fall Arrest Catch Platforms
Must be no lower than 10 ft. from roof edge.
Equals fall distance
Under 10’
Must be at least as wide as the fall distance, but never less than 45 inches in width.
“The catch platform in the photo is missing a toeboard and is being used for storage.”
Must have guardrails, toeboard and not used for storage 3

8. Fall Arrest Equipment Personal Fall Arrest
A full body harness is a common fall arrest system used in roofing.
A full body harness stops a fall in progress and minimizes the force of the fall to your body.
Waist belts not allowed because a fall will usually result in injury. 4

9. Fall Arrest Equipment Full Body Harness
The attachment point on a full body harness is a D-ring on your upper back.
It must be an commercial ANSI Class III harness. Recreational climbing harness are not allowed.
Be sure to use a size that fits you properly. 5

10. Fall Arrest Equipment Why Waist Belts Are Not Safe
“ A fall with a waist belt on will usually cause internal injuries. A heavy person will probably tip over and fall head-first out of the waist belt in a fall.”
If you fall, the high force of the fall is concentrated at your waist rather than the 6 points of a full body harness. 6

11. Fall Arrest Equipment
Some fall arrest gear comes with a shock-absorbing lanyard.
Must be adjusted to prevent hitting ground or lower level.
“Some lanyards are self-retracting.”
In a fall, the equipment stretches several feet. 7

12. Anchors Fall arrest equipment is only as good as the anchor
An anchor must be able to withstand 5000 lbs. of force without failing.
Manufactured anchors must be installed according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Check pre-installed anchors before using.
In a fall, your life depends on the anchor holding.
“ 5000 pounds is the weight of a mid-size pickup truck. When you install an anchor or decide to use an existing one, keep in mind that that anchor must hold the equivalent of a pickup truck. Eyebolts are not recommended since they can pull out too easily under high forces.” 8

13. Anchor Strength
These commercial anchors will support 5000 pounds when installed according to manufacturer’s instructions
But, what about knots tied to trusses? 9

14. Knots and Anchor Points
A knot can be used to secure a lifeline to an anchor point only when:
You know the breaking strength of the lifeline,
and
The knot does not decrease the strength of the lifeline below 5000 lbs.
“This kind of anchor can be used on trusses, provide the conditions mentioned are met. This picture shows a double half-hitch or round turn which reduces the strength of the rope by 30-35%.”
Truss peak used as anchor point 10

15. Knots and Anchor Points
Rope-Breaking Strength
Material
Diameter
Manila
Polypro
Dacron
Nylon
5/8 in.
3470
4858
6940
8675
17 mm
3987
5882
7974
9967
18 mm
4477
6268
8954
11,192
¾ in.
19 mm
4997
6996
9994
12,492
“ This chart shows the breaking strength in pounds of different kinds of life-line rope.” 11

16. Knots and Anchor Strength
Loss of rope strength from knots
Knot
percent of line strength lost
percent of line strength left
Bowline
37%
63%
Round turn
(double half-hitch)
30-35%
65-70%
Clove hitch
40%
60%
“This chart shows the loss of strength in rope when a knot is used to tie-off.” 12

17. Fall Arrest Equipment Use
Protect rope or lanyard from sharp edges
“ Knots are not prohibited, but they must not reduce the strength of the rope below 5000 pounds.”
Knots in ropes or lanyard can reduce strength by as much as 50% 13

18. Fall Arrest Equipment Use
Snap hooks
Must be locking type
Never hook two snap hooks together
“Snap hooks must also have minimum breaking strength of 5000 pounds.” 14

19. Fall Arrest Equipment Use
Some Equipment Do’s and Don’ts
Do inspect for wear and damage before use.
Do remove from service after a fall for inspection.
Don’t use to lift materials.
“ Don’t attach to hoist unless you are using the hoist to gain access to the roof.”
Don’t attach to guardrails or hoists. 15

20. Fall Arrest Equipment Use
Fall Arrest Gear Inspection
Look for the following:
Webbing - Cuts, tears, abrasion, fraying, stretching, mold, chemical damage
D-rings - Cracks, breaks corrosion, rough edges
Tongue-buckle - Distortions, added holes, broken grommets
Ropes - Abrasion, internal damage
[Inspection of employees’ personal fall arrest equipment can be done here.] 16

21. Handling Tools & Materials
Describe here your procedures for handling, storing and securing tools and materials at the jobsite. 17

22. Overhead Protection
Describe how will you protect any employees working or passing through area below roof from overhead items dropping on them such as:
Hard hats
Warning signs
Warning line designating a material handling area
Debris nets
Toe boards on walkways and decks 18

23. Fall Protection Rescue
Describe rescue methods here – self-rescue or assisted rescue using ladders, aerial lifts, forklifts, etc. Also describe first aid measures for injured fallen worker, and how will get medical treatment.
[Calling 911 in some areas does not ensure prompt rescue since some 911 responders are not equipped or trained to rescue an injured worker suspended from a building.] 19

24. Fall Protection Plan Fall Protection Plan For Every Job
We are required to prepare a fall protection plan for every job.
Be prepared to go over this plan with your crew boss or lead worker at the beginning of every roofing job.
[You can show an example of a fall protection plan from previous jobs here.] 20

25. The End
“New York City in the 1930’s. Is there a net down there somewhere?”