Falling-object hazards

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Chapter : Fall Protection 

Full Body Harness

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Chapter : Fall Protection 

Hierarchy Of Fall Protection

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Chapter : Fall Protection 

Workplace Slips, Trips and Falls

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Chapter : Fall Protection 

FP : Inspection Of Fall Protection Equipment is Necessary

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Chapter : Fall Protection 

Inspection Of Fall Protection Equipment

Safety should always be the number one priority on any job site. Taking the proper safety precautions and making sure employees are fully aware of all possible dangers is an essential part of running a successful business.

This is especially true when employees are working at heights where fall protection equipment can mean the difference between life and death. In this sense, ensuring that your company's equipment is well maintained and properly inspected is one of the most important things you can do to prevent accidents, injuries and potential lawsuits.
 

The Importance of Using the Proper Safety Equipment

There is a reason that government safety regulations are so strictly enforced and that companies that don't follow these regulations can face such stiff penalties. It is solely the responsibility of the employer to create a safe work environment and to provide employees with the necessary tools and equipment to perform their tasks with as little risk as possible.

However, just buying the proper safety equipment isn't enough. You also need to make sure that all equipment is properly inspected. Even minor tears or other seemingly insignificant damage can be enough to cause the equipment to fail in case of a fall. This makes it vital that employees remember to fully inspect each piece of safety equipment before use.

Inspecting Your Safety Equipment

All fall protection devices and other safety equipment needs to be in good condition in order to function properly. A tiny tear in the webbing lanyard of a harness can lower its failure point by up to 40 percent, showing just how important it is to fully inspect the equipment each day.

One of the primary components of most standard fall arrest equipment is a shock-absorbing lanyard, which connects the body harness to the anchor point. In the event of a fall, this lanyard absorbs much of the energy from the fall and should help to prevent serious injuries. However, this shock-absorbing capacity can be severely reduced when the webbing becomes damaged. Unfortunately, the synthetic fibers used to create these lanyards can be quite susceptible to all of the following sources of damage.

• General wear and tear
• Exposure to paint, solvents, and other chemicals
• Dirt, grit, and grime
• Ultraviolet light

Improper Use and Rough Handling

Due to the risk of catastrophic failure, these lanyards need to be inspected daily for any signs of surface or edge damage, cuts and tears or softening/hardening of the fibers. It's important that to take the time to both visually inspect and physically go over the entire surface with your hands in order to detect even tiny cuts or tears. The inspection should always be performed in a well-lit area, and it generally should take 5 to 10 minutes to perform a thorough inspection.

While these lanyards may be easy to visually inspect, most other fall protection equipment isn't nearly as easy to inspect and usually requires specialty testing equipment. This includes testing the strength of anchor points and inspecting welds, bolts, beams, clamps, etc.

Should an OHS inspector show up on your job site, he or she will want to see records documenting these inspections to prove that you've been maintaining your safety equipment as required by law.
Only a fully certified fall protection equipment inspector has the tools, skills and knowledge to do a proper inspection of every piece of equipment. This means it is vital that you either provide one or more employees with the required fall protection training or hire a professional inspector. Not only these inspections required by law, but they'll also go a long way towards ensuring that your employees and your business are protected from any potential accidents.

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Chapter : Fall Protection.

Fall Prevention

Falls hurt—and worse, they can disable or kill. Fall injuries occur in every industry, but they can be prevented or reduced in severity by the worker who is alert.

Falls cost not only your company, but they also cost your workers and their families. They can cost workers pain, time spent at the doctor, enjoyment that you might have had on your time off, lost income when they are out of work, loss of mobility, and inability to do the tasks they usually do for their families around the house.

And, perhaps worst of all, people don’t always recover 100 percent from falls. Permanent pain spots and re-injury points can be created.

Slippery surfaces, poor lighting, obstacles, having vision obscured when carrying packages, and other factors can all cause falls. Make sure your workers are aware when hazards exist, report those which they can't correct themselves, and take steps to reduce their own likelihood of falling down on the job.

Here are some fall prevention tips you can share with employees at a safety meeting:

• Keep alert. Walk through the workplace in an alert, balanced state, watching where you are going and ready to catch yourself quickly should you begin to slip or trip and fall.
• Stay flexible. Those who are not limber usually have a higher center of gravity and are toppled more easily than the supple individual. Daily stretching helps.
• Stay straight. The use of drugs, alcohol, even some prescribed or over-the-counter medications can alter your perception and throw off your sense of balance. Make it a point to find out any side effects of medicine you are taking.
• Wear the right shoes. Be sure that your shoes give you proper support, are the right size, don’t have heels that will catch on the stair treads, and don’t have slippery soles.
• Watch where you're going. Make sure you can see where you're going at all times so that you can see danger ahead. Never carry a load stacked so high that you can't see where you're going.

Minimizing the Impact of Falls

Not only should employees know how they can prevent falls, but they should also be prepared to reduce the impact of falls that do occur.

Here are some "safe falling" techniques to consider:

• The head is a heavy body part. Don't tilt your head back as you walk up stairs, throwing off your balance. Look up with your eyes only. If you work at a height and find yourself falling, don't look down with your head either, because that will propel you forward.
• Gripping a nearby railing may help. Use your thumb, along with the little finger and the ring finger to grip. The little and ring fingers actually have more gripping strength than the index and middle fingers.
• When falling, defend the vital areas. It’s better to have soft tissue damage than severe breaks. The head is vulnerable to serious injury and must be protected first of all. Protect it by tucking it to either collarbone. Next comes the spine and back, then the joints such as knees, wrists, shoulders, elbows, and ankles.
• Disperse the force. Spread the impact of the fall over as wide an area as possible. Don't break a fall with only your hands, for instance; use the insides of your forearms along with your hands.
• Relax. Athletes and stunt riders learn this important lesson early. Know how to reduce the force of impact: Yell and exhale when falling.

Prevent Fall Incident

Falls are the leading cause of death in construction / erection and height work in recent years  there were many fatal / serious falls to a lower level which lead to maximum fatalities. These deaths are preventable.

As their is  many fall accident in recent year many companies and agency have conducted Fall Prevention Campaign/Training in their work area to raise awareness among workers and employees about common fall hazards in construction/erection and height work, to prevent falls from ladders, scaffolds and roofs etc..

1. PLAN ahead to get the job done safely:- When working from heights, employers must plan projects to ensure that the 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.
   When estimating the cost of a job, employers should include safety equipment, and plan to have all the necessary equipment and tools available at the construction site. For example, in a roofing job, think about all of the different fall hazards, such as holes or skylights and leading edges, then plan and select fall protection suitable to that work, such as personal fall arrest systems (PFAS).
2. PROVIDE the right equipment:- Workers who are six feet or more above lower levels are at risk for serious injury or death if they should fall. To protect these workers, employers must provide fall protection and the right equipment for the job, including the right kinds of ladders, scaffolds, and safety gear.
   Use the right ladder or scaffold to get the job done safely. For roof work, if workers use personal fall arrest systems (PFAS), provide a harness for each worker who needs to tie off to the anchor. Make sure the PFAS fits, and regularly inspect it for safe use.
3. TRAIN everyone to use the equipment safely:- Every worker should be trained on proper set-up and safe use of equipment they use on the job. Employers must train workers in recognizing hazards on the job. 

Determine Fall Incident
    
Working on a ladder, roof or scaffolding, it's important to plan ahead, assess the risk and use the right equipment. First, determine if working from a height is absolutely necessary or if there is another way to do the task safely.

• Discuss the task with coworkers and determine what safety equipment is needed.
• Make sure you are properly trained on how to use the equipment.
• Scan the work area for potential hazards before starting the job.
• Make sure you have level ground to set up the equipment.
• If working outside, check the weather forecast; never work in inclement weather.
• Use the correct tool for the job, and use it as intended.
• Ensure stepladders have a locking device to hold the front and back open.
• Always keep two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand on the ladder.
• Place the ladder on a solid surface and never lean it against an unstable surface.
• A straight or extension ladder should be 1 foot away from the surface it rests on for every 4 feet of height and extend at least 3 feet over the top edge.
• Securely fasten straight and extension ladders to an upper support.
• Wear slip-resistant shoes and don't stand higher than the third rung from the top.
• Don't lean or reach while on a ladder, and have someone support the bottom.
• Never use old or damaged equipment; check thoroughly before use.

Many of peoples are treated in emergency rooms for fall-related injuries every year. A fall can end in death or disability in a split second, but with a few simple precautions, you'll be sure stay safe at at work.

 

 

FP : After the Fall: Do You Have a Rescue Plan

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Chapter : Fall Protection.

After the Fall: Do You Have a Rescue Plan

Many companies with excellent safety standards lack a solid plan for recovery once a worker has fallen. There should be more to it than calling emergency numbers.

Falls continue to be not only one of the most common workplace accidents but also the most frequently violated standard year after year. However, preventing falls is only part of the plan to keep your workers safe. The other important part is rescuing the worker after the fall to prevent additional injuries.

The importance of preparing for the fall while on the ground, rescue plan is a critical element of fall protection because workers are at risk of serious injury, even death, from falls when using fall arrest systems, even if there is no visible trauma. Prolonged suspension can cause orthostatic intolerance and suspension trauma—all that matters is that the legs are immobile and lower than the heart.

OHS Fall protection systems criteria and practices requires that employers provide for "prompt rescue of employees in the event of a fall or shall assure that employees are able to rescue themselves." This should include identifying rescue procedures that address the potential for orthostatic intolerance and suspension trauma. Your rescue procedures also should address how the rescued worker will be handled to avoid any post-rescue injuries.

While OHS standards don’t specify a time rescues need to be carried out within, they have stated in a safety and health information bulletin "research indicates that suspension in a fall arrest device can result in unconsciousness, followed by death, in less than 30 minutes." The danger begins when someone is unable to move for as little as 5 minutes. The tolerance varies greatly from person to person, but the negative effects can set in quickly.

Rescue plans do not have to be complicated. In some situations, a ladder can do the job and the worker can self-rescue. Simple plans do work, but they need to be noted and practiced before an accident happens for them to be completed swiftly when an emergency does occur. Without training and practice, it may take coworkers an hour or more from the fall event to even initiate the rescue procedures themselves.

Rescue Plan

Here are some items to include in your rescue plan whenever fall arrest systems are used and when self-rescue is not possible:

• What is the emergency contact information of professional rescue services available, such as the local fire department, and what are the instructions for summoning immediate assistance?
• When using a third-party rescue service, let it know in advance that your work project involves potential fall hazards—give details.
• Is rescue equipment immediately available for this location? (Ladders, aerial devices, elevating work platforms, tripods, additional harnesses, controlled descent devices, winches, pulleys, etc.)
• What obstructions are in the way of reaching the suspended worker?
• How will rescue be assured within 15 minutes of the occurrence of a fall to minimize the risk of further injury or death due to suspension trauma?
• How will the safety of the rescuers be assured as well as that of the suspended worker?
• What communication systems will be used between the suspended worker and rescue team?

Other Procedures

Your fall prevention plan should include the following contingency-based actions: If self-rescue is impossible, or if rescue cannot be performed promptly, the worker should be trained to "pump" his or her legs frequently to activate the muscles and reduce the risk of venous pooling. Footholds can be used to alleviate pressure, delay symptoms, and provide support for "muscle pumping." Continuous monitoring of the suspended worker for signs and symptoms of suspension trauma.

Ensuring the worker standard trauma resuscitation once rescued. If the worker is unconscious, keeping the worker's air passage open and obtaining first aid.

Monitoring the worker after the rescue and ensuring that the worker is evaluated by a healthcare professional.

While the ultimate goal of fall protection is to prevent a fall from occurring, the reality is that falls from height are a daily occurrence in workplaces. To be prepared for the eventuality of a fall means having a fall protection plan that includes provisions for prompt rescue.

Many employers feel intimidated by rescue procedures and shy away from them, but just like any other safety plan or policy, rescue can be addressed reliably and efficiently when tackled head on.

Rescue from heights is not only possible but necessary. You must prepare, train, and practice performing these types of rescues. Preplanning is the key ingredient to a safe and cost-efficient operation.

FP : Emergency Response Plan - Fall From Height

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Chapter : Fall Protection.

Emergency Response Plan - Fall From Height 

The rescue of a worker who has fallen and is being suspended in his/her safety harness needs to be undertaken as quickly as possible for several reasons:

• The worker may have suffered injuries during the fall and may need medical attention.
• Workers suspended in their safety harness for long periods may suffer from blood pooling in the lower body and this can result in “suspension trauma.” (See attached information on treating suspension trauma – have this available on site to provide to First Aid team and to external emergency crews.)
• The suspended worker may panic if they are not rescued quickly.
• The event that led to the fall may create additional risks that need to be addressed.

General Rescue Procedures:

1. If Elevating Work Platform is available on site:
• Bring it to the site and use it to reach the suspended worker.
• Ensure that rescue workers are protected against falling.
• Ensure that the EWP has the load capacity for both the rescuer(s) and the victim.
• If the victim is not conscious, 2 rescuers will be probably be needed to safely handle the weight of the victim.
• Position the EWP platform below the worker and disconnect his lanyard when it is safe to do so.
• Treat the victim for Suspension Trauma and any other injuries.
•  Arrange for transport to nearest hospital.
2. If no Elevating Work Platform is available:
• Where possible, use ladder(s) to reach the victim.
• Rig separate lifelines for rescuers to use while carrying out the rescue from the ladder(s).
• If worker is not conscious or cannot reliably help with his/her own rescue, at least 2 rescuers may be needed.
• If worker is suspended from a lifeline, where possible, move the suspended victim to an area that can be safely reached by the ladder(s).
• If victim is suspended directly from his/her lanyard or from a lifeline, securely attach a separate lowering line to the victim’s harness.
• Other rescuers should lower the victim while he/she is being guided by the rescuer on the ladder.
• Once the victim has been brought to a safe location, administer First Aid and treat the person for Suspension Trauma and any other injuries.
• Arrange for transport to nearest hospital.
3. If the injured person is suspended near the work area and can be safely reached from the floor below or the area they fell from:
• Ensure that rescuers are protected against falling.
• If possible, securely attach a second line to the workers’ harnesses to assist in pulling them to a safe area. (Note: at least 2 strong workers will be needed to pull someone up.)
• Ensure that any slack in the retrieving lines is taken up to avoid slippage.
• Once the victim has been brought to a safe location, administer First Aid and treat the person for Suspension Trauma and any other injuries and arrange for transport to the nearest hospital.
4. If a person has fallen and is suspended in an inaccessible area (e.g. a tower, against a building or structure that has no openings):
• Specialized rescue techniques are needed for this type of situation. It may involve a rescuer rappelling or being lowered down to the victim, it may involve using the lifeline to retrieve the fallen worker, or the use of high-reach emergency equipment.
• Due to the inherent risk to the rescuers and/or the victim, this type of rescue should not be undertaken by people without specialized training and experience.

If any worker falls and is suspended by a safety harness, follow the ERP steps as below; 

1. The site supervisor (or alternate) takes control of the situation. 
2. The site supervisor raises the emergency alarm. 
• All workers in the immediate vicinity of the incident stop working. 
3. The site supervisor quickly evaluates the situation and identifies any further hazards that could arise. 
4. The site supervisor or their designate goes to get help if workers are close by. If no one is close enough, the site supervisor calls for help by the possible ways. 
5. The site supervisor calls to notify local police, fire, and ambulance if required. 
6. The site supervisor (or a worker assigned to the task) isolates the accident zone and its perimeter to limit further exposure by suitable method. 
7. The site supervisor (or a worker assigned to the task) moves all non-affected personnel to a safe zone or directs them to remain where they are.
• The site supervisor sends a designated worker to the site gate to meet the response team (police, medical, fire, etc.) and ensure that they have a safe access path to the incident scene.
• The site supervisor assembles the emergency rescue team at the incident site as quickly as possible to determine the best rescue procedure for the situation 

Rescue Procedures 

The following rescue procedures are ordered  as A, B & C.

A. Elevating Work Platform Rescue—If an elevating work platform (EWP) is available on site and the suspended worker can be reached by the platform, follow the procedure below. 

1. Bring the EWP to the accident site and use it to reach the suspended worker. 
2. Ensure that rescue workers are wearing full-body harnesses attached to appropriate anchors in the EWP. 
3. Ensure that the EWP has the load capacity for both the rescuer(s) and the fallen worker. If the fallen worker is not conscious, two rescuers will probably be needed to safely handle the weight of the fallen worker. 
4. Position the EWP platform below the worker and disconnect the worker’s lanyard when it is safe to do so. When the worker is safely on the EWP, reattach the lanyard to an appropriate anchor point on the EWP if possible. 
5. Lower the worker to a safe location and administer first aid. Treat the worker for suspension trauma and any other injury. 
6. Arrange transportation to hospital if required. 

B. Ladder Rescue—if an elevating work platform is not available, use ladders to rescue the fallen worker with the procedure outlined below. 

1. If the fallen worker is suspended from a lifeline, move the worker (if possible) to an area that rescuers can access safely with a ladder. 
2. Set up the appropriate ladder(s) to reach the fallen worker. 
3. Rig separate lifelines for rescuers to use while carrying out the rescue from the ladder(s). 
4. If the fallen worker is not conscious or cannot reliably help with the rescue, at least two rescuers may be needed. 
5. If the fallen worker is suspended directly from a lanyard or a lifeline, securely attach a separate lowering line to the harness. 
6. Other rescuers on the ground (or closest work surface) should lower the fallen worker while the rescuer on the ladder guides the fallen worker to the ground (or work surface). 
7. Once the fallen worker has been brought to a safe location, administer first aid and treat the person for suspension trauma and any other injury. 
8. Arrange transportation to hospital if required. 

C. Rescue from Work Area or Floor Below — if the fallen worker is suspended near a work area and can be safely reached from the floor below or the area from which they fell, use the following procedure. 

1. Ensure that rescuers are protected against falling. 
2. If possible, securely attach a second line to the fallen worker’s harness to help rescuers pull the fallen worker to a safe area. You will need at least two strong workers to pull someone up to the level from which they fell. 
3. Take up any slack in the retrieving line to avoid slippage. 
4. Once the worker has been brought to a safe location, administer first aid and treat the person for suspension trauma and any other injury. 
5. Arrange transportation to hospital if required. 

Post-Rescue Procedure 

• All non-affected workers should remain in the designated safe gathering zone until the site supervisor notifies them to do otherwise.
• The site supervisor and health and safety representative should Begin the accident investigation.
• Quarantine all fall-arrest equipment that may have been subjected to fall fatigue effects and/or shock loading for further investigation. 
• Secure the area (an accident scene not be disturbed where a fatal or critical injury has occurred). 
• Determine whether or not the job site-specific rescue and evacuation plans were followed as designed. 
• Record modifications or additions to the plans that the rescue team deems necessary. 
• Record all documented communications with fire, police, and other contractors involved. 
• Record all documented statements from employees, witnesses, and others. 
• Save all photographs of the incident. 
• Record all key information such as dates, time, weather, general site conditions, and specific accident locales including sketches of the immediate incident area, complete with measurements if applicable.
  

FP : Inspecting A Full Body Harness

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Chapter : Fall Protection.

Inspecting A Full Body Harness

Harness Inspection Guide

Personal fall protection systems such as harnesses can be a lifesaver for those who continually or occasionally work at heights. However, if it isn't in good shape, you could be putting your life in a risky situation. It is important to inspect your fall protection gear prior to every use.

Always follow the recommendations of the manufacturer of your gear for inspections and maintenance requirements. Here are some things to look for:

Harness Inspection

• Begin by holding the harness up by the D-ring. Bend the straps in an inverted "U." Watch for frayed edges, broken fibers, pulled stitches, cuts or chemical damage. Check D-rings and D-ring metal wear pads for distortion, cracks, breaks, and rough or sharp edges. The D-ring bar should be at a 90 degree angle with the long axis of the belt and should pivot freely.
• Attachments of buckles and D-rings should be given special attention. Note any unusual wear, frayed or cut fibers, or distortion of the buckles. Rivets should be tight and unmovable with fingers. Body side rivet base and outside rivets should be flat against the material. Bent rivets will fail under stress.
• Inspect frayed or broken strands. Broken webbing strands generally appear as tufts on the webbing surface. Any broken, cut or burnt stitches will be readily seen.
• Tongue Buckle: Buckle tongues should be free of distortion in shape and motion. They should overlap the buckle frame and move freely back and forth in their socket. Rollers should turn freely on the frame. Check for distortion or sharp edges.
• Friction Buckle: Inspect the buckle for distortion. The outer bar or center bars must be straight. Pay special attention to corners and attachment points of the center bar.

Lanyard Inspection

When inspecting lanyards, begin at one end and work to the opposite end. Slowly rotate the lanyard so that the entire circumference is checked. Spliced ends require particular attention.

• Snap hooks: Inspect closely for hook and eye distortion, cracks, corrosion, or pitted surfaces.
• The keeper, or latch, should seat into the nose without binding and should not be distorted or obstructed. The keeper spring should exert sufficient force to firmly close the keeper. Keeper rocks must provide the keeper from opening when the keeper closes. Closing/locking mechanism should move freely without sticking or jamming.
• While bending webbing over a piece of pipe, observe each side of the webbed lanyard. This will reveal any cuts or breaks.
• The outer portion of the shock-absorbing pack should be examined for burn holes and tears.
• Stitching on areas where the pack is sewn to the D-ring, belt or lanyard should be examined for loose strands, rips and deterioration.

Inspect your harness before each use. Check the buckles, the webbing, and the D-rings. Check the manufacturer’s label for additional user information.

If the harness is damaged or worn, do not wear it

Buckles

     Many full body harnesses have interlocking buckles called friction buckles. Look for bent, cracked, or nicked buckles. Test the buckles to make sure the coupling is secure.

Webbing

Look for frayed, cracked, cut, burned, or damaged webbing, and loose or broken stitching.        

 

D-rings

Look for bent, cracked, nicked, or gouged rings.

 

Manufacturer’s label

Inspect the manufacturer’s label on the harness. The manufacturer’s label on a EN/IS-approved full body harness will contain the following information:

• Manufacturer or vendor identification.
• Size of harness.
• Date the harness was manufactured.
• Model number.

 

FP : Fall Protection & Prevention

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Chapter : Fall Protection.

Fall Protection & Prevention

Slips, trips, and falls constitute the majority of general industry accidents. They cause 15% of all accidental deaths, and are second only to motor vehicles as a cause of fatalities. Management should implement fall protection and fall prevention programs to protect employees.

• Falls from evaluated locations account for the majority of deadly falls. Companies must identify fall hazards and implement effective fall prevention programs and fall protection systems to protect employees. The primary action is to eliminate fall hazards. Various safety surveys show that falls are one of the primary causes of occupational death. When an employee is working at a height of four feet or more, the employee is risking a fatal fall: fall protection and fall prevention programs are required. Fall protection must be provided at six feet in all industries. Fall protection is also required when an employee is working over dangerous equipment or machinery
• To start a fall protection program, you should first identify the fall hazards. Engineering controls and fall protection equipment are the primary means of eliminating injury and death from falls. Using work platforms, railings and toe boards are the engineering controls that provide permanent fall protection when working at heights
• Fall protection systems are equipment and devices that arrest a free fall or that restrain an employee so that it prevents a fall from occurring.
• 
  Full-body fall protection harnesses wrap around the waist, shoulders and legs. A D-ring located in the center of the back provides a connecting point for lanyards or other fall arrest connection devices.
• 3 factors determine the arresting force from a fall: lanyard material type, free fall distance and the weight of the worker. The use of a shock-absorbing lanyard or a higher tie-off point will reduce the impact force from a fall.

The following items represent the bulk of the exposure to falls on a construction site.

Ladders:

• Always use the right ladder.
• Set them on level ground and tie them off at the top (for security).
• Do not over reach.
• Do not over extend yourself on the ladder.
• Always face the ladder and try to use both hands when climbing.

Floor Openings:

• Floor openings should be properly covered.
• Covers must be able to support walls the same as the floor.
• Covers should be firmly attached to the floor/walking/working surface.
• Covers should be marked as such. For example: “Cover,” or “Do Not Remove Floor Opening Cover.”
• Consider wall openings and uncompleted stairways as openings with suitable protection provided.

Stairways:

• Use handrails.
• Watch where you step.
• Keep your view clear.
• Concentrate on the stairs.
• Do not run up or down the stairs.
• Keep stair well clean.

Housekeeping:

• Always try to provide good footing.
• Keep tools, trash, scrap materials out of walkways.
• Clean as you go.
• Always be wary of oil, ice or snow.

Point to remember

• Wear appropriate footwear (including auxiliary footwear like corkers) when necessary.Paying attention to things around you like ladders, floor openings, stairways and good housekeeping will help prevent a fall.

Fall Protection

Falls from height as one of the leading causes of traumatic occupational death.

• Construction safety standards require that anytime you are more than 6 feet above the ground, fall protection is required. 
• General industry standards dictate fall protection measures at four feet.

Hazards to watch for:

• Leading edge work—roofs, bridges, etc.
• Roof holes and manholes
• Ramps and runways
• Steel erection
• Articulating lifts
• Bore pits and shafts
• Work over open tanks

Issues to consider:

• Do pre - task planning to prevent falls.
• Use compatible fall arrest equipment.
• Ensure sturdy construction and anchor points.
• Think about rescue operations and tolerable suspension times for personal fall arrest systems.
• Body belts may only be used as positioning devices— not as part of a personal fall arrest system.
• Appropriate footwear is critical during roof demolition. A nail or shingle-removal tool injury can cause a worker to lose concentration and fall.
• Workers shouldn’t step on air hoses and power cords for nail guns. Doing so can lead to a falls.

Some options for fall protection:

• Covers
• Guardrail systems
• Personal fall arrest systems
• Positioning devices
• Warning lines
• Controlled access zone
• Safety net systems

Safe procedures:

• When using a cover, be sure it’s secure and labeled. Paint the word “hole” on the cover.
• Use fall protection when installing guardrails. Guardrails must meet OSHA criteria.
• Personal fall arrest systems must be properly selected, maintained, inspected and utilized. Do not mix components from different models.
• Warning lines must be erected around all open sides of the work area and should be at least 6 feet back from the edge. Clearly mark the lines with high visibility flags.
• Use controlled access zones only when no other form of fall protection is feasible. Have a job-specific fall protection plan explaining the requirements when using a controlled access zone.

Point to be noted:

Don’t gamble with fall protection. Understand your needs, select the right system, be trained on use, inspect components frequently and communicate with others.

FP: Fall Protection System

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Chapter:- Fall Protection

Fall Protection System

Fall Protection System (FPS) plays an important part in fall from heigth at workplace. The functionality of a fall protection system often depends on its  type used: for a fall arrest system stops workers from hitting a lower structural part or ground level. On the other hand, fall restraint prevents workers from getting in an area where fall hazard exists by restricting the freedom of movement.

Full body safety harness

The FPS that is most commonly used for fall protection solutions is the full body safety harness. No matter what system is used, the worker will always have to wear a proper safety harness to be securely attached to an anchor point by means of a lanyard.
Safety harnesses come in many shapes and forms. Basic harnesses for those who occasionally works at height and more comfortable premium harnesses for workers who work at height for entire days in a row. Also, specialist harnesses exist for workers that work with rope access (harnesses with a D-ring for abseiling) or iron workers that often weld and come into contact with hot molten metals (heat resistant welding-harness).

The use of body belts or positioning belts

Body belts aren’t allowed to be used in a fall arrest system! They may be used in a fall restraint system, but we advise to use a full body safety harness instead. Some restraint systems require manual adjusting of the lanyard and a fall could occur when a miscalculation is made. Arresting a fall with a body belt will result in internal injuries, as the impact forces will concentrate around the lower abdomen of the user.

Types of Safety Belts  

1. Industrial Safety Belts  

• Full-Body Harness  
• Half-Body Harness  
• Work Positioning Belt  
• Fall Arrest Belt  

2. Specialized Safety Belts  

• Climbing Harness  
• Rescue Harness  
• Construction Safety Belt

When to replace a safety harness

After a fall is arrested

If a harness has been subjected to impact forces after a fall, OSHA and EN regulations state that the harness has to be withdrawn from use immediately. According to the regulations, a competent person has to check the harness after a fall and confirm in writing if the safety harness is in good condition and ready to be used again.

A safety harness has several indicators that it has arrested a fall, such as fabric that is only exposed when impact forces have stretched the harness. Also, attachment points or D-rings can be deformed. Despite these visual indicators that a harness is not safe to use, workers sometimes ignore the warning signs or don’t report a fall, resulting in the harness being used by the next worker.
Therefore, manufacturers often recommend to destroy harness that have arrested a fall to prevent misjudgment and unauthorized re-use of the safety harness.

Other factors that affect the harness’ strength

Arresting a fall is an obvious cause of possible damage to a safety harness, but there are less visible and less noticeable factors that affect a harness’ fabric over time. For example, prolonged exposure to dust, sunlight, moisture and salty coastal environments all speed up the wear and tear of a safety harness.

That’s why workers need to check the safety harness’ fabrics, attachment points and other elements for possible damages and deformations before each use. If there exists any doubt of the safety of the harness, it needs to be taken out of service immediately. Only after a competent person has checked the harness and confirms in written that it’s safe to use, it can be used again.

Annual inspection of PPE

All PPE needs to be checked annually by a competent person. This competent person is trained and certified in checking, maintaining and approving fall protection PPE products. Regular inspections and maintenance is necessary to stay compliant to the regulations and, more important, guarantee the safety of those who work at height every day!

Harness Inspection Form

To support workers who need to check their safety harness, we have created a harness inspection form to go through and thoroughly check the safety of the harness they will be using.