safety line systems

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CODE OF PRACTICE

Code of Practice: Safety Line Systemsgazetted 17 March 1995, commenced 19 June 1995

Acknowledgments

The WorkCover Authority wishes to thank all members of the tri-partite working party who were involved in the development of the Code, and the many other who contributed to the process.

Foreword

This Industry Code of Practice has been produced by the WorkCover Authority of NSW to provide employers, self employedpersons and employees with practical advice on safety line systems.

This Code has been developed by a tri-partite industry working party and has involved extensive consultation with industry andother special interest groups.

General Manager, WorkCover Authority of NSW

1. Introduction

1.1 Citation

This Code of Practice may be cited as the Code of Practice, for safety line systems.

1.2 Purpose

This Code of Practice sets out guidelines for work practices and protective measures when using safety line systems for

construction work.

1.3 Scope

This Code covers the planning, preparation, and conduct of work for the installation and use of safety line systems.

1.4 Commencement

This Code of Practice commences on 19 June 1995

1.5 Authority

This Code of practice is approved as an Industry Code of Practice pursuant to Section 44A of the Occupational Health and SafetyAct 1983, by the Minister for Industrial Relations and Employment on the recommendation of the WorkCover Authority of

N.S.W.

2. Planning and preparation

The first essential step in ensuring that work is done safely is to plan it and prepare for it so it can be done safely. Planning andpreparation should involve consultation with all engaged in the work, including employee representatives.

2.1 Planning by designer

In the design of buildings and structures architects and designers should take into account the need to minimise the risk of fallsand the risk of injury to those constructing or maintaining the building or structure.

(a) Construction

Reducing the risk of falls during the construction of a building or structure can be achieved by designing the building orstructure so that:

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(i) as much as possible of the construction work can be done at ground level;

(ii) guard rails or safety screens can be installed when working at heights is required; or

(iii) if (i) or (ii) above are not practicable, a safety line system or other fall arrest system, can be installed. Matters to beconsidered when designing for the inclusion of a safety lines system are:

• Provision of anchorage points (See anchorages Item 3.5) for static lines capable of supporting imposed loads.

• Safe access to and from anchorage points.

(b) Maintenance

The design of a building or structure should ensure that in places where maintenance has to be done at height:

(i) safe access to maintenance points is provided;

(ii) barriers or hand rails are provided; or

(iii) a safety line system, or other fall arrest system, which allows the worker to remain attached to the safety line at all times,is or can be installed.

2.2 Planning by builder

When planning the site layout and sequence of construction, the builder or principal contractor should consider the items insection 2.1(a). If a safety line or fall arrest system is to be used, the builder should, in conjunction with the contractor proposing toinstall and/or use a safety line system, consider factors such as:

(a) The most appropriate fall arrest or restraint system and method of installation.

(b) Distance between anchorage points.

(c) Safe access for persons installing anchorage points.

(d) Safe access to attachment points is provided so that a person is able to attach themselves to a safety line without being placed

at risk.

(e) To protect persons below, overhead protection should be provided while work is being carried out on the edge of thebuilding. If this is not practicable a suitable area below should be barricaded with signs displayed stating "BEWARE,WORK ABOVE". Signs should be in accordance with AS1319, Safety Signs for the Occupational Environment.

(f) Persons attached to safety lines are not placed at risk from work above.

2.3 Planning by contractor

In addition to collaboration with the builder or principal contractor in the overall job planning, the contractor installing/and orusing the safety line system should consider work issues such as:

(a) The most appropriate fall arrest or restraint system, and method of installation.

(b) The provision and use of personal protective equipment.

(c) Manual handling tasks which may cause back strains and other injuries. Refer to Manual Handling Regulation 1991.

(d) Electrical safety;

• the location of nearby power lines

• systems of work which comply with the recommendations in the Code of Practice: Electrical Practices for Construction

Work .

Contractors working on electricity supply and distribution industry projects should refer to the Electricity (Workers Safety)Regulation 1992.

(e) Training of personnel.




2.4 Preparation

The principal contractor and the contractor installing and/or using the safety line system must ensure that the workplace, andaccess to and from the workplace are safe before work commences, including assessment of weather conditions.

The contractor installing and/or using the safety line system should ensure, before work commences, the organising of:

(a) Fall arrest or restraint equipment.(b) Safe access/workplace suitability

(c) Personal protective equipment

(d) Formulation of specific instructions for the workers.

(e) Means of rescuing persons from safety harnesses following arrested falls.

3. Work practices and protective measures

The installation of safety line systems should be carried out in accordance with manufactures or designers specifications by acompetent person eg, rigger, scaffolder or specialist installer.

3.1 Static Line

(a) Engineered and manufactured systems

These systems should be designed for the potential load on the system, taking into consideration:

• the number of persons on the line at any given time; and

• whether or not energy absorbing lanyards are to be used.

Information provided to the system installer or user should include details of:

• the number of persons that can be on the line at any one time;

• whether or not energy absorbing lanyards are required; and

• any other restrictions on the use of the system.

For permanent installations any restrictions on the use of the system should be displayed at the access points to the system.

(b) Single span specifications

The following system specification may be used instead of having to design a system for single spans of 4 to 6 meters, whereno more than 2 people are on the line at any one time, and all persons are using lanyards with energy absorbers rated at 6 kNor less.

• Cable - 10mm diameter (minimum) flexible steel wire rope

• Sag - approximately 50mm per meter, ie. 6m span = 300mm sag

• Anchorage - capable of supporting an imposed load of 40kN.

• Tensioning turnbuckles - one tonne (minimum) working load limit (WLL).




Figure 1

(c) Multiple-span specification

The specification for a multi-span system is the same as a single span system with the following exceptions:

• Sag for 2-3 continuous spans - approximately 30mm per meter ie. 6m spans = 180mm sag

• Sag for 4 or more spans - no minimum sag required but line should not be over tensioned.




Where a line is not free to slide through a corner support or intermediate support of a multiple span the support should beregarded as an end anchorage. When used in this way they should be capable of supporting an imposed load of 40kN.

Figure 2

3.2 Static Line Spans

(a) The line should be supported at each column or in accordance with an Engineer’s specifications.

(b) The line should be placed to eliminate the risk of tripping. Where practicable the line should be located NO LESS THAN 2.1metres above the floor of the work area. The point of attachment to the safety line system should be reachable by the userstanding on the floor. (See Figure 1)

(c) Anchorages and line supports should be positioned on the inside face of columns where practicable and used to anchor staticlines, or, the static line may pass through a cavity "tube" cast in concrete columns for that purpose.

(d) Lines between supports should be free of obstructions to allow uninterrupted movement for persons who may be attached tothe line.

(e) If a line passes around a column corner or other sharp edge it should be suitably packed to prevent damage.

(f) Bulldog grips should not be used on any static line.

(g) Tensioning should be achieved by turn buckles or other appropriate means. Use turnbuckles as described in section 3.6.

(h) If ratchet and pawl devices are used for tensioning, remove them from the system after the tensioning is completed.

(i) Joining lines may be achieved but not limited to the following example:

Terminate each line end by using a thimble and three (3) evenly spaced double saddle wire rope clips and allow a 200mmtail. Use a shackle to join the lines together.

(j) Line joins should be located at or adjacent to supports or anchorage points.

(k) Lapped joins of lines should not be used under any conditions.

3.3 Line Systems for Vertical Travel

(a) When using vertical lifelines (droplines) or other vertical fall arrest systems in connection with work from boatswains’ chairsor ladders, only one person should be attached to any one lifeline.

(b) Vertical lifelines should comply with AS1891. Part 3, Industrial Fall-arrest Systems and Devices.

(c) Anchorage points for vertical lifelines (see clause 3.5)




3.4 Static Line Ends

The termination of the line should be by way of eye and thimble. Where practicable ends should be secured by one of thefollowing:

(a) Double saddle wire rope clips (See Figure 3.) with a minimum of three (3), at equal spaces with a minimum 200mm tail pastthe last clip.

(b) Hand splice with thimble eye.

(c) Machine splice with thimble eye.

(d) Suitable wedge sockets.

(e) Purpose designed fittings, e.g, swaged or pressed fittings.

Figure 3

Lines and fittings may be secured directly to anchorage points with "D" or bow shackles of a minimum size of 12mm orhaving a capacity not less than 2 tonne. The pin of the shackle should be moused (lashed) to the shackle. (See Figure 4.)




Figure 4

3.5 Installation of anchorage points

(a) All bolts referred to in this document should comply with AS2317, Collared Eye Bolts.

(b) Anchorage points used should be located as high as equipment permits as it is safer to work below the point of anchorage.(See section 3.2b).

(c) Intermediate supports of static lines should not exceed design specification.

The following types of anchorages are acceptable when used in concrete.

(i) Cast in anchors (in situ)




• A wall tie (shee-bolt) purpose designed.

• An engineer designed anchorage.

(ii) Chemical and friction type anchors

Chemical or friction type anchorages should be PROOF TESTED in tension to at least one third of the design load priorto use. Collared eye bolts should used.

All anchorages should be visually checked prior to use.

(iii) Electrical safety

Electrical equipment used in the installation of anchorages should comply with the N.S.W Code of Practice for

Electrical Practices for Construction Work .

3.6 Turnbuckles (as per AS2319, Rigging Screws and Turnbuckles)

(a) Only "framed" turnbuckles of an open type design should be used. This is to allow visual inspection of the condition andextension of the threaded sections.

(b) The frame should be locked or moused (lashed) to the eye bolt to prevent slackening due to vibration, shock or spin in theline attached.

(c) Only eye or clevis type turnbuckles should be used on line systems. (See Figure 5).

Figure 5




3.7 Harness, lanyards and equipment

(a) Use body type harnesses of the "parachute" type (see Figure 6) complying with AS1891.1, Industrial Safety Belts andHarnesses. The harness should be connected to the lanyard or lifeline at the top dorsal position. If a life line and rope-grabdevice is used on steeply sloping surfaces, the user needs to have the device located in front. This will allow safe manualoperation of the mechanism. Do not connect onto a D-ring on the side of the harness belt.

WAIST TYPE BELTS SHOULD NOT BE USED.

Safety harnesses should be selected and used in accordance with AS2626, Selection, use and maintenance of industrialsafety belts and harnesses. Where a manufacturer’s information and advice is available it should be followed.

Figure 6

(b) There should be a minimum of slack in the lanyard between the person and attachment to the anchorage. The length of thelanyard should restrict the fall distance to a maximum of 1.8 meters.

(i) Where an anchorage point is above the harness connection point a 1.8m lanyard will achieve this result.

(ii) Where the anchorage point is below the harness connection point a shorter lanyard or other means of restricting the falldistance may be required.

(c) Use lanyards with a minimum tensile strength of 15 kN complying with AS1891.1, Industrial Safety Belts andHarnesses.

(d) USE SNAP HOOKS OR OTHER CONNECTORS WITH A LOCKING DEVICE.

(e) DO NOT USE LANYARDS IN CONNECTION WITH INERTIA REELS.

(f) Workers using safety harnesses should not work alone. In the event of a fall it is vital that a worker be rescued as soonas possible. This is necessary to prevent further injury being caused by the harness restricting blood flow.

(g) Energy absorbers can be used as part of the lanyard to reduce injuries caused by a fall

(h) Equipment used with static lines should be compatible with the original system specification eg. manufactured travellersor energy absorbing lanyards may be required.

3.8 Inertia Reels




(a) Inertia reel systems can be used to arrest falls where workers are required to carry out their work near an unprotected edge(See Figure 7). They should comply with AS1891.3, Industrial Fall-arrest Systems and Devices.

(b) Inertia reels are not designed for continuous support but become effective in the event of a fall. They should not be used asworking supports by locking the system and allowing it to support the user during normal work. Inertia reels may be lesseffective for certain applications, e.g. stopping a person falling down an inclined surface.

(c) Inertial reels may be connected to a static line with a snap hook fitted with a locking device.

Figure 7

The most suitable application with the use of inertia reel system

3.9 Pendulum effect

(a) This is a potential hazard connected with the use of individual fall-arrest systems. The pendulum effect may also occur if thepositioning of the inertia reel allows for a significant length of unsupported line connected to the user (see Figure 8).

(b) Swing down can occur if an inertia reel is extended out diagonally so that the line makes an extreme angle with the structure’sperimeter edge. In this situation, the forces generated in an arrested fall over the edge will cause the line to rotate back alongthe perimeter edge until it reaches a position directly in line with the anchorage point of the inertia reel and at right angleswith the perimeter edge.

As the line moves back in this way, its unsupported section lengthens, thus dropping the attached worker further than the

original (arrested) fall distance. If the length of the unsupported line equals the height of the building then the worker will hitthe ground. Even if the worker does not reach the ground they may collide with obstructions on the side of the building.

(c)




(c) To eliminate the pendulum effect:

Place the inertia reel anchorage point perpendicular to the position of the line at the perimeter edge. A mobile anchoragehelps here. Another method is to use a secondary anchorage point and lanyard or lifeline (see Figure 10).

Figure 8

Pendulum effect: Following an arrested fall at this extreme diagonal, the inertia line moves back along the roof, dropping theworker dangerously down to the ground




Figure 9

Application of inertia reels

(d) Swing back

In an arrested outward fall, particularly from a perimeter edge, a person will swing back into the building structure andcollide with any obstructions in the path of the swing (See Figure 9). If this situation could arise, the use of independentfall-arrest system should be reassessed.

Figure 10

Use of a secondary anchorage and lanyard or lifeline removes or reduces the pendulum effect

3.10 Maintenance and inspection

All safety systems should be maintained so that they perform their intended function.

The user should inspect the safety line system prior to use.

Safety harnesses should be maintained in accordance with AS2626, Selection, Use and Maintenance of Industrial Safety belts andHarnesses.

Where manufacturer’s information and advice is available it should be followed.

4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Clothing

Before starting work, the employer should assess conditions likely to affect the health and safety of employees and arrange for theprovision and use of appropriate PPE. The following points need to be considered:




4.1 Footwear

To reduce the risk of falls resulting from slips suitable safety shoes with a nonslip tread pattern sole are recommended for use.

4.2 Eye protection

(a) If the work carried out involves the use of grinding or cutting or manipulating surfaces with abrasive discs or such like, eyeprotection complying with AS1337 Eye Protectors for Industrial Applications should be provided and used.

(b) Sunglasses complying with AS1067 Sunglasses and Spectacles - Non Prescription Types should be provided and used toreduce glare in bright conditions. The sunglasses should be of a type that do not easily dislodge when the wearer bends overand should have lenses big enough to reduce side glare.

4.3 Sunburn Prevention

The exposed parts of the body should be protected by a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) rating of 15+. Howeverthere should be sufficient supervision and monitoring conducted to ensure that employees do not experience unacceptableexposure to strong sunlight, including reflected light.

4.4 Clothing

(a) Clothing should be comfortable in all positions of standing, bending, and crouching and be suitable for the work being donein the prevailing weather conditions.

(b) Loose clothing or equipment which may snag or create a trip hazard should be avoided.

(c) If short sleeved shirts and shorts are worn in very hot weather, the exposed parts of the body should be protected by asunscreen with a SPF rating of 15+.

4.5 Maintenance of PPE

The employer should have all personal protective equipment provided for employees’ use, inspected and replaced as necessary.Where manufacturers information and advice is available it should be followed.

5. Training and supervision

5.1 Training

The training and instruction given should cover at least:

(a) The method to be used in carrying out the specified work task. This should include access and the attachment method.

(b) The correct use, care and storage of individual fall-arrest equipment, including PPE.

(c) The correct use, care and storage of tools and equipment to be used, including electrical safety tools and equipment.

(d) The procedure to be adopted in the event of emergency eg. fall, accident or injury.

5.2 Supervision

Supervision should:

(a) Ensure that only employees that have received training and instruction in relation to the work task are authorised to carry outthe work.

(b) Ensure that adequate occupational health and safety management systems are in place and functional to ensure that the safework practices that have been adopted are adhered to. This should include the use of fall protection systems and PPE.

6. Legal Requirements

6.1 Employers "Duty of Care" responsibilities




Installation and maintenance of fall-arrest systems requires compliance with the Acts and Regulations relating to occupationalhealth and safety. Compliance applies to work practices, equipment and qualifications of workers. If any uncertainty exists,inquiries should be made at the planning stage to the WorkCover Authority of N.S.W.

Standards and Codes which offer practical guidance on health and safety in fall-arrest systems of work are listed in Section 7 .However these are subject to change and checks should be made with the WorkCover Authority of N.S.W.

6.2 Employees’ "Duty of Care" ResponsibilitiesSection 19 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1983 requires employees to take reasonable care for the health and safety of other persons in the workplace and to co-operate with their employer in the interests of health, safety and welfare.

Regulation 7 of the Construction Safety Act 1912 requires every person to use the safeguards provided and not to interfere withthe use of these safeguards.

Employees shall wear suitable clothing and use the appropriate protective equipment for the work being done.

6.3 Self Employed persons’ "Duty of Care" Responsibilities

Section 16 of the Occupational Health And Safety Act 1983 requires that self-employed persons are to ensure that persons who arenot their employees are not exposed to risk.

7. Statutes, Standards and Industry Codes of Practice

7.1 Statutory Provisions

Occupational Health and Safety Act 1983

Occupational Health and Safety Act (Manual Handling) Regulation 1991

Construction Safety Act 1912

7.2 Industry Codes of Practice

Code of Practice, Electrical Practices for Construction Work

7.3 Standards

AS1067 Sunglasses and Spectacles - Non Prescription Types

AS1319 Safety Signs for the Occupational Environment

AS1337 Eye Protectors for Industrial Applications

AS1891.1 Industrial Safety Belts and Harnesses

AS1891.3 Industrial Fall-arrest Systems and Devices

AS2317 Collared Eye Bolts

AS2319 Rigging Screws and Turnbuckles

AS2626 Industrial Safety Belts and Harnesses Selection, Use and Maintenance

Definitions

"Anchorage - " is the means for attaching a lanyard, lifeline or other components to a secure point.

"Construction Work - " is work in constructing, erecting, installing, adding to, altering, repairing, equipping, finishing,painting, cleaning, signwriting, sheathing, spraying, dismantling, or demolishing or any other prescribe operations that isdone in relation to a building or structure.

"Drop lines - " are vertical lifelines.

"Energy absorber (deceleration device) - " reduces the shock to the body by absorbing some of the fall energy.

"Fall-arrester - " is a mechanical device that arrests a fall by locking onto the lifeline but at the other times allows freedomof movement.

"Type 1 Rope grab fall arresters "




"Type 1 Rope grab fall arresters " reduce the potential free fall distance and may absorb much of the energy of a fall whileallowing mobility along the lifeline. The rope grab can be either manually moved along the lifeline and locked on place,or it can be an automatic device.

"Type 2 An inertia reel " is a retractable lifeline that has a fall-arrester built into the feeding mechanism of the line. Itconsists of a drum connected to a body containment device by wire rope, nylon webbing or fibre rope.

"Fall-arrest system - " is any device designed to minimise the length and severity of a fall.

"Fall distance - " is determined by the travel distance measured from the point of connection to the body harness when theuser is in a standing position to the point where the lanyard is taut or straight in a fallen position.

"Harnesses - Full Body Harnesses " are designed to contain the body of a falling worker and to distribute forces resultingfrom an arrested fall to minimise the likelihood of injury. (refer also AS1891.1)

"Individual Fall-arrest Systems (IFAS) - " are designed to arrest an accident fall and consist of some or all of thefollowing:

• Anchorage

• Lifeline

• Fall-arrester

•Lanyard

• Shock absorber

• Retractable lifeline

• Static lifeline

"Lanyard - " is a flexible line, rope or strap used to connect the harness of a fall safety system to an anchorage or lifeline.

"Lifeline - " is a heavy line used to transfer an anchorage site to a more convenient or secure site while providing horizontalor vertical freedom of movement.

"Principal contractor - " The owner or a person contracted by the owner to carry out the work.

"Snap hook - " is a self closing hook with a keeper latch that will automatically close and remain closed until manuallyopened.

"Static line - " is a horizontal lifeline attached to two (2) or more anchorage points.

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