Safe Work Practices (SWP) SWP (6) FALL PROTECTION PROGRAM

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1 SWP (6) FALL PROTECTION PROGRAM The following information on Fall Protection has been based around the BC OHS Regulations, standards, policies and guidelines. Prior to starting work outside of BC, the work jurisdiction s OHS Regulations and supporting materials must be consulted when fall protection systems are to be used at the work site. Fall protection OHS Regulations vary from industry to industry as well as work jurisdictions. CCMET Group has established a 100% Fall Protection Goal for heights exceeding 10ft (3 metres) or as determined by the Client/Prime Contractor or work jurisdiction s OHS Regulations. Exposure will be prevented, but not limited to, the following: Whenever possible, adhering to the fall protection hierarchy. Preparation of fall protection plans, fall protection training, selection of fall protection PPE, systems inspections (pre-use, monthly, post incident) and monitoring as per the work jurisdictions OHS Regulations/Codes. When required, Fall protection systems designed and certified by a professional engineer. Regular inspections of CSA/ANSI personal fall protection equipment. (Workers will be issued full body harnesses, lanyards, etc.) Annual Manufacturer inspections/certifications for specific fall protection equipment (i.e. retractable lanyards, etc.) FALL PROTECTION DEFINITIONS (A) Fall Protection System: A system put in place to protect workers from falling. (i.e. installation of, fall arrest, fall restraint, etc.) (B) (C) Fall Restraint / Travel Restraint: Worker cannot fall lower than the surface the worker was supported on before the fall. Vertical drop must be limited. Fall distance should be no more than 30cm or 1 foot. A fall restraint system should only be used when a worker likely can regain footing or otherwise self rescue immediately after a slip or fall. Fall Arrest: Worker can fall lower than surface worker was supported on before the fall. A system that will stop a worker s fall before the worker hits the surface below. Rescue procedures must be created and implemented for each fall arrest scenario. (D) Anchors: In BC, the WSBC OHS Regulation defines an anchor as "a secure point of attachment for a lifeline or lanyard." Types of anchors under this definition include o A device that has been purposefully manufactured and installed as an anchor to support a personal fall protection system. Page1

2 o A substantial structure, such as a beam, column or similar substantial portion of the structure, selected as a point of anchorage where no dedicated anchor device is available. These points of anchorage generally require some supplemental rigging, such as a sling, to allow the anchorage connector of a personal fall protection system to connect to the anchorage. Natural anchors, such as large well-rooted trees or rock outcroppings can be acceptable points of anchorage as well if deemed by a qualified person to be able to withstand the forces that may be imposed by the fall protection system. FALL PROTECTION HIERARCHY 1. Installation of /guards (For more information refer to the Safe Work Practice: Guards, Guardrails and Handrails.) 2. If not practicable to install, use Fall Restraint System. 3. If not practicable to use a Fall Restraint System, use Fall Arrest System; 4. If not practicable to use a Fall Arrest System, another fall protection procedure must be created and deemed acceptable by the work jurisdiction s OHS Regulatory body. FALL RESTRAINT SYSTEM GENERAL INFORMATION (a) FALL RESTRAINT ANCHORS In a temporary fall restraint system, a personal fall protection must have an ultimate load capacity in any direction in which a load may be applied of at least: 800lbs; Four times the weight of the worker connected to the system. Each fall protection system that is connected to an anchor must be secured to an independent point of anchorage. (b) (c) GENERAL PROCEDURES Check work site to determine specific issues; Determine fall restraint requirements; As per the work jurisdiction s OHS Regulations, prepare a Fall Protection Plan. Review manufacturer s instructions for fall restraint system. Inspect fall restraint equipment and fall protection PPE before use. Calculate the length of the fall restraint equipment required and test it. Before work using fall restraint system starts, review fall protection plan with workers and have them sign-off on the program. ESTABLISHING REQUIREMENTS OF RESTRAINT EQUIPMENT Away from the hazardous work location: Select or adjust the equipment not exceeding the distance measured at the hazard location. Page2

3 Put on the equipment and connect to an anchorage. Stretch the equipment out; ensure all connections are secure and that the harness does not extend beyond the distance calculated. Be aware that an adjustable/retractable lanyard may change the situation from restraint to arrest if the maximum working length is overlooked. At the hazardous work location: Hook up and cautiously move towards the edge to ensure that the measurements taken are correct and do not extend beyond the hazard. Re-adjust or re-select equipment as needed. Repeat the above test if, and when, you change location and move tie-off point (anchor). Use a tape measure to measure the distance between the anchorage point and the edge of the closest hazard. (d) FALL RESTRAINT SAFE WORK PRACTICES As long as employee maintains self in a position of total restraint which prevents a fall from occurring, then fall rescue equipment is not required. Lanyards used in fall restraint situations should not be choked around the anchor point. Watch out for contamination (creosote, rust, lead paint, dirt) of lanyard when using it in a fall restraint situation FALL ARREST SYSTEM GENERAL INFORMATION (a) FALL ARREST ANCHORS In a temporary fall arrest system, an anchor must have an ultimate load capacity in any direction required to resist a fall of at least lbs Two times the maximum arrest force. (b) GENERAL PROCEDURES Check work site to determine specific issues and hazards; Determine fall arrest requirements; As per the work jurisdiction s OHS Regulations, prepare a Fall Protection Plan. Obtain engineering certification (drawings) for fall protection (arrest) system if required. Review manufacturer s instructions for fall arrest system (if available) Inspect fall arrest equipment and fall protection PPE before use.; Organize rescue equipment, position close to work area where fall arrest system will be used. Before work using fall restraint system starts, review fall protection plan with workers and have them sign-off on the program. Page3

4 FALL PROTECTION SYSTEMS- ESTABLISHED SAFE WORK PRACTICES Equipment used for a fall protection system must: o consist of compatible and suitable components, o be sufficient to support the fall restraint or arrest forces, and o meet, and be used in accordance with, an applicable CSA or ANSI standard in effect when the equipment was manufactured, subject to any modification or upgrading considered necessary by work jurisdiction s OHS Regulations. Equipment used in a fall protection system must be o inspected by a qualified /experienced worker before use on each work shift, o kept free from substances and conditions that could contribute to its deterioration, and o maintained / stored in good working order. After a fall protection system has arrested the fall of a worker, it must o be removed from service, and o not be returned to service until it has been inspected and recertified as safe for use by the manufacturer or its authorized agent, or by a professional engineer. ANCHORS GENERAL INFORMATION The actual strength of an anchor is dependent on The design of the anchor The orientation of the anchor relative to the direction of loading The condition of the anchor The connection of the anchor to the supporting structure The adequacy of the structure to resist the imposed loading (a) TEMPORARY ANCHORS - SAFE WORK PRACTICES A temporary anchor should be removed upon completion of the work for which it was intended. (b) PERMANENT ANCHORS SAFE WORK PRACTICES A permanent anchor should be made of stainless steel, hot dipped galvanized steel, or other corrosion-resistant material having similar structural properties. An anchor in concrete should be cast in place or through-bolted with a backing plate for adequate load distribution. An anchor can be cast in to precast concrete components during the fabrication process. An anchor mounted on concrete with drilled in fasteners (expansion or adhesive type) should use a group of at least three fasteners supporting an anchor plate, sized, and arranged so that if any one fastener in the group is assumed to be carrying no load, the remaining fasteners will have a design capacity to carry the full design load of the anchor A permanent anchor system must be engineered and certified by a professional engineer before being put into use. An anchor system that has multiple attachment points must be engineered and certified by a professional engineer before being put into use. Page4

5 TEMPORARY HORIZONTAL LIFELINES GENERAL INFORMATION A temporary horizontal lifeline system may be used if the system is manufactured for commercial distribution and installed and used in accordance with the written instructions from the manufacturer or authorized agent, and the instructions are readily available in the workplace; installed and used in accordance with written instructions certified by a professional engineer, and the instructions are readily available in the workplace; designed, installed and used in a manner acceptable to the work jurisdiction s OHS Regulatory body; The horizontal lifeline is a minimum 12 millimetres (1/2 inch) diameter wire rope having a breaking strength specified by the manufacturer of at least 89 kn (20,000 lbs); The horizontal lifeline is free of splices except at the terminations; Connecting hardware such as shackles and turnbuckles has an ultimate load capacity of at least 71 kn (16,000 lbs). End anchors must also have an ultimate load capacity of at least 71Kn (16,000lbs); The span is at least 6 metres (20 feet) and not more than 18 metres (60 feet); The horizontal lifeline has an unloaded sag of approximately the span length divided by 60; The elevation of the line at any point is at least 1 metre (39 inches) above the working surface; The free fall distance is limited to 1.2 metres (4 feet); A minimum of 3.5 metres (12 feet) of unobstructed clearance is available below the working surface; No more than 3 workers are secured to the horizontal lifeline; The horizontal lifeline is positioned so it does not impede the safe movement of workers. PERMANENT HORIZONTAL LIFELINES GENERAL INFORMATION A permanent horizontal lifeline must meet, but not be limited to, the following requirements: It must be engineered and certified by a Professional Engineer. The drawings and instructions must show: o The layout in plan and elevation, including anchor locations, installation specifications, anchor design, and detailing o Horizontal lifeline system specifications, including permissible free fall distance, clearance to obstructions below, and rope size, breaking strength, termination details, initial sag or tension o The number of workers permitted to connect to the lifeline, and maximum arrest force to each worker. Page5

6 TEMPORARY AND PERMANENT HORIZONTAL LIFELINES SAFE WORK PRACTICES A cable horizontal lifeline system will absorb the force of a fall primarily through the energy absorber and personal shock absorber. The total fall distance will increase as the lifeline span increases and if a second worker is added to the system. Follow sag specifications to prevent over-tensioning Over tensioning the lifeline could initiate tear-out of energy absorber or, in the event of a fall, overload the anchors. If two or more people occupy a horizontal lifeline between the same anchor points, a fall by a single person will result in the others falling and following the angle of the lifeline. Synthetic horizontal lifeline systems absorb the force of a fall through the energy absorbers, personal shock absorber and elongation of the lifeline. The total fall distance will increase as the lifeline span increases and if a second worker is added to the system. The following safety procedures should be followed when using a synthetic horizontal lifeline system: o Do not use this lifeline system adjacent to moving machinery, electrical hazards, or in the presence of excessive heat, open flames or molten metal. Do not allow synthetic components to come in contact with sharp or abrasive edges or surfaces, especially when under tension. Contact during a fall could cause partial or complete loss of strength that may cause the system to fail. o The line tensioner limits the amount of pre-tensioning in the line 350lbs to 400lbs. o Over tensioning the lifeline could initiate tear-out of energy absorber, or in the event of a fall, overload end anchors. o To achieve this, after pulling the line slack through line tensioner, use a torque wrench to tighten the tensioner nut to 50lbs. o Do not tension the lifeline with other devices. When permanent horizontal lifelines are installed, certain precautions must be followed. If a lifeline is of sufficient length to require intermediate anchor points, one person only can be between anchor points. Should a fall occur, it will not affect the other worker on the same line. Lifelines, permanent or temporary, having only end anchor points are to be used by one person on a time. If occupied by more than one person and a fall occurs, the angle of line sag will result in the other worker falling and following the angle of the lifeline. When employees are using a horizontal lifeline system, they must not work or climb above, the connecting point. This will ensure that a worker does not fall a greater distance than allowed by the lifeline. As the worker goes above the connecting point, the total distance of the fall will increase by the additional height. Page6

7 VERTICAL LIFELINES GENERAL INFORMATION AND SAFE WORK PRACTICES Only one worker is to be attached to the lifeline, unless the vertical lifeline is part of a ladder safety device. The lifeline is to have a breaking strength specified by the manufacturer of at least 27 kn (6,000 lbs). The lifeline is to be free of knots or splices except at its termination. A termination knot or splice should not reduce the breaking strength of the lifeline to less than 22 kn (5,000 lbs). The lifeline is to be installed and used in a manner that minimizes the swing-fall hazard. A vertical lifeline is to extend to within 1.2 metres (4 feet) of ground level or other safe lower surface to which the worker might descend or fall. The intent is to ensure that a worker on a suspended stage, such as a swing stage or boatswain's chair, can be secured to a lifeline through the full range of travel of the staging unit. Note: In some circumstances it is not practicable or safe for the lifeline to extend to within 1.2 metres of the lower landing spot. For example, if a stage is rigged over an underground parking entrance and the lower end of the rope were to come within 1.2 metres of the roadway, there would be a danger of the rope being caught by a vehicle, unless the use of the access was blocked. Blocking the access may not be practicable, in which case some means to terminate the lifeline rope at a safe distance above the danger area should be used. The stage should also be rigged to prevent it from being lowered into a zone where traffic could be a danger to the stage. A means to rescue workers also needs to be preplanned; and The suspended length of a vertical lifeline should not to exceed 91 metres (300 feet). Do not use vertical lifelines made out of natural fibre ropes. Never climb above the connecting point on the vertical lifeline. FALL PROTECTION PLAN The work jurisdiction s OHS Regulations and/or the Client/Prime Contractor will determine when a written fall protection plan is required. In BC, as per WSBC OHS Regulations, CCMET must prepare a fall protection plan for the project site if: work is being done at a location where workers are not protected by permanent, and from which a fall of 7.5 m (25 ft) or more may occur, or where a fall from a height of less than 3 m involves a risk of injury greater than the risk of injury from the impact on a flat surface In most work jurisdictions, A Fall Protection Plan must include following: Scope of work, site information The fall hazards/locations expected in each work area The fall protection system(s) to be used in each area The procedures to assemble, maintain, inspect, use, and disassemble the fall protection system or systems The procedures for rescue(s) (aerial man lift, ladders, fire department, etc.) Page7

8 The fall protection plan must be available at the workplace before work with a risk of falling begins. It can be updated/revised on site as work progresses. PROVINCIAL OHS REGULAGORY BODY FALL PROTECTION PLAN REQUIREMENTS NEW NOVEMBER 2013 Province When fall protection systems /equipment requirement When a written fall protection & rescue plan is required British Columbia 3 metres or 10 feet 7.5 metres or 25ft and workers are not protected by Yukon Territory 3 metres or 10 feet 7.5 metres or 25ft and workers are not protected by Alberta 3 metres or 10 feet 3 metres or 10ft and workers are not protected by Province When fall protection systems /equipment requirement When a written fall protection & rescue plan is required Saskatchewan 3 metres or 10 feet 3 metres or more and workers are not protected by Manitoba 3 metres or 10 feet Safe Work Practice/ Procedure required when workers could fall from 3 metres or more Ontario 3 metres or 10 feet 3 metres or more and workers are not protected by SERVICING FALL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT AFTER A FALL Suppliers of fall protection equipment and related PPE advise that equipment subjected to fall impact (including end anchors) must be removed from service immediately, and returned to the supplier for inspection and recertification. Following the deployment of the Fall Protection system and related PPE, components of the system must be returned to the supplier for inspection. These components would include harness, lanyard, carabiners, vertical and horizontal lifelines. Page8

9 FALL PROTECTION SYSTEMS THAT MUST BE CERTIFIED BY AN ENGINEER The work jurisdiction s OHS Regulations and/or the Client/Prime Contractor will determine when a fall protection systems must be certified by an Engineer. As per WSBC OHS Regulations, the following fall protection systems must be certified by an engineer before being put into use: Permanent anchors; Anchors with multiple attachment points; Permanent horizontal lifeline systems (see details under Permanent Horizontal Lifelines General Information); and Support structures for safety nets. The drawings and instructions required should show: The layout in plan and elevation, including anchor locations, installation specifications, anchor design, and detailing Horizontal lifeline system specifications, including permissible free fall distance, clearance to obstructions below, and rope size, breaking strength, termination details, initial sag or tension The number of workers permitted to connect to the lifeline, and maximum arrest force to each worker Page9