1. Fall Protection

2. Falls can be prevented and lives can be saved through three simple steps:
1. Plan
2. Provide
3. Train

3. Companies must plan projects to make sure a job is done safely.
Begin by deciding how the job will be done, what tasks will be involved, and what safety equipment may be needed to complete each task.

4. Workers must be protected by fall protection when they work at a height of:
4 ft. or above in general industry
6 ft. or above in construction industry

5. Fall protection includes:
Companies must provide fall protection and the right equipment for the job, including the right kinds of ladders, scaffolds, and safety gear.
Fall protection includes:
Guardrail systems
Personal fall arrest systems
Safety net systems
Controlled access zones

6. Types of guardrails include:
Guardrail systems are barriers erected to prevent workers from falling to lower levels.
Types of guardrails include:
Temporary guardrails
Guardrails for scaffolds and
aerial work platforms
Stairrails and handrails
Photo credit: J Vinton Schafer & Sons, Inc and CCBC Catonsville

7. A guardrail system includes a toeboard, midrail, and toprail that must be capable of withstanding at least 200 lbs. of force applied in any direction.
Guardrail systems must have a smooth surface to prevent workers from being injured from punctures or lacerations, and to prevent clothes from snagging.

8. A personal fall arrest system is designed to break a worker’s fall
A personal fall arrest system is designed to break a worker’s fall. The system includes a:
Full body harness
Deceleration device
Lanyard
Tie-off point

9. All parts of a fall arrest system must be inspected before each use and on a routine basis. Inspect fall arrest systems for:
Mildew
Wear and tear, holes, and cuts
UV damage
Damaged or corroded hardware
Damaged, modified, or defective equipment must be removed from service.

10. When safety nets are used, they must be installed:
As close as possible under the walking working surface but no more than 30 ft. below
With enough clearance under them to prevent workers or objects from contacting the surfaces or structures below

11. Materials, scrap pieces, equipment, and tools that have fallen into a safety net must be removed as soon as possible from the net and at least before the next work shift.
Photo credit: Mount Sinai/ CHEP

12. Controlled access zones (CAZs) are areas where certain work may take place without the use of a guardrail system, personal fall arrest system, or safety net system.
These zones are designed to keep unauthorized workers out of areas
where guardrails or protection have
been removed.

13. Control lines include:
A control line or some form of restricted entry must be created when there are CAZs in the work area.
Control lines include:
Ropes
Wires
Tapes
Other equivalent materials

14. Materials can also become falling objects
Materials can also become falling objects. Protection from falling objects includes:
Toeboards
Barricades
Canopies
Hard hats
Lines to secure tools and materials

15. Companies must train workers in:
Falls can be prevented when workers understand the proper setup and safe use of equipment. Workers need training on the specific equipment they will use to complete the job.
Companies must train workers in:
Hazard recognition
The care and safe use of ladders, scaffolds, fall protection systems, and other equipment they will use on the job

16. Worker training needs to be documented with
a certificate that includes the worker’s name, the date, and the training instructor’s signature.

17. Worker responsibilities include:
Do not work at heights unless you are trained to do so
Know the hazards of working at heights
Inspect fall arrest equipment before use
Wear fall protection when required
Be aware of chemicals that can damage equipment

18. General ladder safety includes:
Maintain three points of contact
Place the ladder on level footing
Always face the ladder
Do not overreach
Do not walk the ladder

19. General scaffold safety includes:
A competent person must inspect the scaffold before use
Make sure workers have proper access to scaffolds
Do not climb over cross braces
Do not stand on guardrails
Do not use a ladder on a scaffold

20. General roof safety includes:
Always stay connected/tied off
Make sure all anchor points are safe
Protect all holes, openings, and skylights
Do not sit or walk on skylights or other openings

21. Through proper planning, providing, and training, your company can help protect you from falls.
Follow your company’s policies on fall protection.