Fall Protection ABC s Chris Caron American Safety & Supply, Inc.
Fall Protection ABC Itinerary Review types of fall arrest systems Review and discuss ladder safety Discuss the various components of fall arrest systems A-B-C s Review inspection protocol
Fall Protection Fall Protection is a complicated issue with more than 100,000 reported incidents per year. In the construction industry, falls from height are the # 1 cause of death.
Some Statistics 2011 OSHA reports that Fall Protection took over first place in violations Duty to have fall protection - 6551 Scaffolding - 6432 Ladders - 2940 Fall Protection Training - 1824 Ariel Lifts - 1253
What s the cost??? The National Safety Council estimates that the cost of the average Fall Injury is $ 20,208.00
29 CFR 1910.23 1910.26 General Industry Operations Maintenance Construction All Construction Applications
ANSI Z359.2 This entirely new portion of the standard details the requirements for a comprehensive fall protection program including: Identify, evaluate and eliminate hazards Training of all personnel Ensure proper installation and use of equipment Implement rescue procedures
ANSI Z359.2 Continued Fall Protection Hierarchy 1. Eliminate hazard 2. Passive fall arrest 3. Fall restraint 4. Personal Fall arrest System - Active (PFAS) 5. Administrative controls
Passive Fall Arrest Systems Safety Nets are passive systems that require little or no training beyond installation. They are used to catch workers, materials and/or equipment from elevated work surfaces.
More Passive fall prevention systems Ladder cages, guardrails, handrails, warning lines & controlled work zones are all examples of passive Fall Prevention Systems.
Guard Rails Guardrail systems can be used on flat roofs as an option to using fall protection or restraint.
Fall Prevention/Restraint Fall Prevention refers to the systems and techniques that eliminate the possibility of a fall to a lower level. The most desirable method is to engineer out or modify the work plan to eliminate the hazard. Fall Restraint Systems use lanyards or some other kind of tethering systems measured so that a worker cannot go beyond the point where the potential for a fall exists.
Fall Restraint in Man Lifts When working in an elevated scissor lift A worker need only be protected by a properly designed guardrail system
More on Man-Lifts/Bucket Trucks Always keep feet on the floor of bucket. Do not sit, stand, or climb on the edge of the basket. Do not place any item in the bucket for the purpose of increasing work height (ladders, step stools). Do not try to climb down from the bucket when it is raised. Make sure bucket floor is clear of debris. ALWAYS WEAR FALL PROTECTION!
Man-Lift Know-No If a worker leaves the protection of the basket he or she shall be protected by a Personal Fall Arrest System.
Fall Protection/Active Fall Arrest Applications General Industry Personal Fall Arrest Systems 29 CFR 1910.23 Each employee on a walking/working surface (horizontal/vertical) with an unprotected side or edge which is 4-feet or more above a lower level shall be protected by the use of a guardrail system, safety net or a Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS) Some exceptions apply
Portable Ladders OSHA has no Fall Protection standard covering the use of portable ladders. Step or extension. OSHA Fall protection standards come into play the second you step off the ladder on to a walking/working surface. Fixed Ladders?
Portable Ladders The 4.1 ladder rule states: Place the ladder 1 foot away from whatever it s leaning against for every 4 of height to the point where it contacts the top.
Portable Ladders Continued Safety Guidelines Look overhead to avoid electrical hazards and other obstructions. Inspect ladder prior to every use Don t use a self-supporting (folding) ladder as single (Extension) ladder Maintain 3-points of contact while climbing. Always stay in the middle of the ladder and always face the ladder.
See What I Mean?!
Accessing An Upper Level For accessing an upper level: Make sure that the side rails extend at least 3-feet above the surface to be accessed. The top and bottom of the ladder should be secured. Secured how?
Anchorage - A Anchorage means a secure point of attachment for the fall arrest system. OSHA1926.502(d)(15) Anchorage used for attachment of personal fall arrest equipment shall be independent of any anchorage being used to support or suspend platforms. 1 Anchor 1 Worker Anchorage shall be capable of supporting at least 5,000lbs Positioning & restraint anchorage can be 3000 LBS and 1000 LBS. Let s talk SWING-FALL
Swing Fall A Swing-Fall occurs when a worker moves to any point not directly below their anchor. Use 3 in either direction (6 total) as a guideline. 6 Free-Fall 6 Swing Fall
Clearance When putting together a fall protection system, clearance must be considered. Work performed below 20, an SRL should be used.
Body Support - B A Full Body Harness provides a connection point on the worker for the personal fall arrest system. OSHA1926.502(d)(16 Personal Fall Arrest Systems, when stopping a fall shall limit maximum arresting force on an employee to 1,800 lbs Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS) shall be rigged so as to limit a workers free fall to no more than 6 feet and so that a fallen worker cannot come in contact with any lower level. Proper sizing technique
Connectors - C Connectors are devices used to connect the workers Full Body Harness to the anchor system. Connectors include lanyards, snap hooks, carabineers, deceleration devices, self-retracting lifelines (SRL), vertical lifelines and rope grabs. OSHA 1926.502(e)(3) Connectors shall be drop-forged, pressed or formed steel or made from equivalent materials. OSHA 1926.502(e)(5) Connecting assemblies shall have a minimum tensile strength of 5,000 lbs.
Force Weight times distance equals FORCE! The more you weigh, the farther you fall, the more force generated.
Descent & Rescue Rescue, the retrieval of a fallen worker or the self-rescue of workers is a necessary component of any fall protection system. OSHA 1926.502(d)(20) The employer shall provide for PROMPT rescue of employees in the event of a fall or shall assure that employees are able to rescue themselves. Suspension trauma!!!
Inspection Guidelines Frequency Prior to each use by the user Annually by a competent person other than the user RECORDED. After a fall, equipment must not be used until an inspection by a competent person determines it s suitability for use.
Inspection Guidelines Is it Fall Protection? Mechanical devises such as SRL s and rope grabs should be deployed and tested. Webbing should be inspected for fraying, cuts or broken fibers. Check for abrasion, stitching damage and chemical contact. Labeling should be present and fully legible.
More Inspection Guidlines Hardware Snap hooks, D-Rings, buckles check for damage, rust, burs corrosion, and worn parts. Mechanical devises such as SRL s and rope grabs should be deployed and tested.
Any Questions??? What s wrong with this picture? Any Questions? Thank You for your time and attention.