Workers potentially exposed to a fall hazard receive training before they start work in elevated locations.
Training includes an explanation of the company’s fall protection policies and systems, selection and proper use of protective devices, and equipment maintenance.
Personal Fall Protection
Personal fall protection is used both to prevent workers from falling and to break falls.
Fall protection is in place when workers could fall more than six feet.
Personal Fall Arrest Systems
Personal fall arrest systems are used to stop workers in a free-fall. They consist of an anchorage, connectors, and a body harness. They may also include a lanyard, lifeline, and deceleration device.
The system prevents workers from falling over six feet or hitting the lower level.
The system is inspected by a competent person at least twice a year, and whenever it has sustained an impact.
Lanyards, anchorages, and lifelines are capable of supporting 5,000 pounds.
The system is not attached to a guardrail or hoist that cannot sustain the load.
All personal fall arrest systems are of an approved type and are used in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Each worker has a separate lifeline.
Lifelines are protected from cuts and abrasion. Worn or damaged rope is removed from service.
Body harnesses are removed from service once they take a shock from a fall.
Body belts are not used as part of a fall arrest system.
Guardrails
Toprail is capable of withstanding downward and outward force of > 200 pounds.
Toprail height is 42 inches +/- 3 inches.
Midrail is capable of withstanding downward and outward force of > 150 pounds.
Midrail height is 21 inches +/- 3 inches.
Mesh or screen used in place of a midrail.
Toprail cable is flagged at six-foot intervals.
Safety Nets
Nets are never more than 30 feet below the work area.
There are no obstructions between the work area and the net.
Items are removed from the safety net as soon as possible, at least between work shifts.
