FALL PROTECTION AND LADDER SAFETY PROGRAM

FOR

INSERT NAME of AGENCY

Month Year

Table of Contents

Purpose and Scope...........................................................................................................1

Responsibilities..................................................................................................................1

Following the Fall Protection Program...............................................................................2

Selecting Fall Protection....................................................................................................3

Program Components........................................................................................................3

Training – Fall Protection...................................................................................................6

Site Specific Fall Protection Plan.......................................................................................7

Guardrails..........................................................................................................................7

Toe Boards........................................................................................................................7

Roofing Operations............................................................................................................8

Controlled Access Zones...................................................................................................9

Safety Monitoring...............................................................................................................9

Work Planning – Personal Fall Protection (PFP).............................................................10

Limitations Of Personal Fall Protection............................................................................10

Posting Fall Hazards........................................................................................................10

Off-Site Fall Hazards.......................................................................................................11

Head Protection...............................................................................................................11

Provisions for Rescue......................................................................................................11

Fall Protection Considerations for New Construction and Renovations..........................11

Fall Hazard Locations......................................................................................................11

Ladders............................................................................................................................12

Definitions........................................................................................................................15

References.......................................................................................................................21

Equipment Inspection.....................................................................................................................6

AppendicesA – Basic Guardrail and Toe Board RequirementsB – Personal Fall Protection System Components C – Basic Personal Fall Protection Equipment and Inspection Requirements D – ScaffoldsE – Fall Protection PlanF – Inventory of Work Areas with Fall HazardsG – Template Inventory of Ladders

Purpose and Scope

The purpose of this program is to specify procedures and training for the safety of INSERT NAME of AGENCY employees while working on elevated surfaces and ladders. Employees whose jobs will require them to work at heights of 4 feet or greater are required to attend training on fall protection. Additionally, those employees working on INSERT EQUIPMENT BEING USED, SUCH AS AERIAL PLATFORMS, SCISSOR LIFTS, OR OTHER ELEVATED PLATFORMS must receive training on the equipment if they have been authorized to use it.

Elimination of fall hazards needs to be the first consideration. If a fall hazard cannot be eliminated, effective fall protection needs to be planned, implemented, and monitored to control the risks of injury due to falling.

This program also applies to employees who perform duties on an elevated work surface where there is a fall hazard of 4 feet or more to a lower level or a fall to an area, regardless of height, if work is being performed above or adjacent to dangerous operations or equipment.

Employees must consider how to control fall hazards in their work area by maintaining good housekeeping and reporting conditions that may lead to slips, trips, and falls to their supervisor.

It is critical to remember that the use of fall protection equipment may pose physical and physiological hazards that could result in injury or death to the wearer when used incorrectly or without adequate preparation for rescue.

Responsibilities

Managers:

Endorse this program Delegate sufficient authority to the respective department heads needed to

implement the plan Appropriate necessary resources required to implement this program

Supervisors:

Ensure employees covered receive the necessary training Ensure necessary fall protection equipment is provided and maintained in a good

state of repair Enforce the Fall Protection and Ladder Safety Program Identify the activities and locations where fall hazards exist

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INSERT DEPARTMENT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF THIS PROGRAM:

Develop a written fall protection program and performs a periodic review to determine if revisions are necessary

Provide guidance and technical assistance to departments regarding the documentation of fall protection plans

Promote compliance with relevant Cal-OSHA standards Provide a means by which employees can direct suggestions and concerns

regarding the fall protection program or specific fall protection plans Maintain a record of all reported injuries related to falls from elevated surfaces

involving staff and investigates these injuries

Competent Persons

Receive training as “competent person” and maintain that status Implement all aspects of the fall protection program and act as the “competent

person” for work areas and job sites under their control that contain fall hazards

Employees

Participate in training programs offered and learn as much as possible about the fall protection program.

Abide by rules and apply safety precautions to the fullest extent possible Report any problems that could compromise the health and safety of yourself or

co-workers to your immediate supervisor Maintain fall protection equipment in a safe and sanitary condition Ensure no other individuals are exposed to fall hazards based on the operations

being conducted

Contractors

Comply with applicable Cal/OSHA workplace safety regulations Maintain their own fall protection program and equipment, meeting or exceeding

this plan, and make it available for review upon request by staff

Following the Fall Protection Program

If there are questions regarding a specific fall protection situation, employees should consult their immediate supervisor. Each department that has employees covered by this program shall take actions consistent with our Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP).

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Selecting Fall Protection

Prior to the selection of fall protection methods, the strength of the walking-working surface shall be evaluated by a competent person or supervisor. The walking-working surface must be capable of supporting the expected loads, including a safety factor. We will attempt to implement engineering controls, such as guardrails, barriers, and covers, first when controlling a fall hazard. Those work areas where engineering controls have been implemented are so noted in Appendix F. Otherwise, this plan is dynamic, and fall protection selection will be based on each unique situation.

Program Components

The work situations covered by this program include, but are not limited to:

Ladders – fixed, free standing, or roll-away type Elevating Personal Platforms – scaffolds, aerial platforms, scissor lifts, forklift

mounted platforms, cherry pickers, etc. Elevated Surfaces – roofs (where work is closer than 6 feet to the edge),

catwalks, skylights, mezzanines and above-ground storage areas, etc. Vertical Openings –

o ground level entry into excavations, trenches, holes, pits, vessels, and confined spaces

o other than ground level access into vessels and other permit required or non-permit required confined spaces

Fall protection is required whenever work is performed in an area 4 feet above its surroundings and can generally be provided through the use of fall protection systems including:

Guardrails – Standard guardrails consist of a top rail located 42 inches above the floor, a mid-rail, and toe board. Screens and mesh may be used to replace the mid-rail so long as they extend from the top rail to the floor.

Stair railings and handrails – Standard railings shall be provided on the open sides of exposed stairways and stair platforms. Handrails shall be provided on at least one side of closed stairways preferably on the right side descending. Stair railings and handrails shall be installed in accordance with appropriate regulations.

Personal Fall Arresting Systems – Components of a personal fall arresting system include a body harness, lanyard, lifeline, connectors, and anchorage point(s) capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds.

Personal Fall Restraint Systems – Personal fall restraint systems prevent a worker from falling from a work position or a restriction system to prevent a worker from traveling to an edge from which the worker could fall.

Positioning Device Systems – Positioning device systems consist of a body belt or harness rigged to allow work on a vertical surface, such as a wall, with both hands free.

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Covers – Covers are fastened over holes in the working surface to prevent falls.

Ladder Wells/Cages – Ladder wells and cages vary greatly depending on the type, height, and/or use of the ladder. For guidance on specific design criteria for ladder wells and cages, refer to relevant General Industry Safety Orders.

Where it can be clearly demonstrated the use of the above methods is infeasible or creates a greater hazard, alternative fall protection measures may be implemented, such as:

Safety Nets – Safety nets may be an option in certain cases in construction operations.

Warning Line Systems for Roof Repair and Roof Construction – A warning line must be erected not less than 6 feet from the roof edge. No worker is allowed in the area between the warning line and the roof edge without active fall protection or a safety monitor.

Warning Line Systems while Working on a Roof (for other than roof construction or repair) – The warning line must be erected not less than 15 feet from the roof edge.

The following guidelines are for employees using specific equipment that also creates potential fall hazards:

Aerial Lifts – Employees using aerial lifts shall receive training and functional operations training on the specific aerial lift they are assigned to use and be knowledgeable about:

o The manufacturer's operating instructionso Pre-start inspection of the lifto Inspection of the work area for dangerous conditions such as uneven

surfaces, overhead obstructions such as power lines, or other hazardso Load capacities of the equipmento How to safely move the equipmento Minimum safe approach distances to energized power lines

Ladders – Employees who work on ladders shall be knowledgeable in: o How to inspect ladders for visible defectso How to use ladders properly

Scaffolds – Employees who work on scaffolds shall be knowledgeable about:o The nature of any electrical hazards, fall hazards, and falling object

hazards in the work area o The correct procedures for dealing with electrical hazards and for

erecting, maintaining, and dissembling the fall protection systems and falling object protection systems being used

o The proper use of the scaffold and the proper handling of materials on the scaffold

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o The maximum intended load and the load carrying capacities of the scaffolds

o How to prevent falls and use appropriate fall protection personal protective equipment

o Minimum safe approach distances to energized power lines

Personal Fall Arrest Systems – Employees who use personal fall arresting systems to control fall hazards in their work area shall be knowledgeable about:

o The application limits of the equipmento The proper hook-up, anchoring, and tie-off techniques including

determination of elongation and deceleration distanceo Methods of use, inspection, and storage of equipmento Inspection of personal fall arrest components, including harnesses and

lanyards, prior to each use for mildew, wear, damage or other deterioration

o Removal from service of defective componentso Certification for single rope technique (SRT) use by acceptable national

consensus standards such as NFPA 1983 Standard on Life Safety Rope and Equipment for Emergency Services, 2006 Edition for rope used for rope access, confined space entry and rescue, or employee safety lines

o Not utilizing ropes or lanyards used for employee safety lines, confined space entry and rescue, or rope access for any other purpose

o Removing from service ropes or lanyards that have been subjected to fall arrest

o Maintaining records showing date of purchase, dates when attachments were renewed, and dates when the entire harness assembly was inspected and by whom

Housekeeping – Employees should be aware of guidelines to minimize slips, trips, and falls on working surface no matter the height

o To prevent slipping, tripping, and falling, work environments including passageways, storerooms, and service areas must be kept clean, orderly, and in a sanitary condition.

o The floor of every work area will be maintained in a clean and, so far as possible, dry condition.

o Where wet processes are used, drainage will be maintained and false floors, platforms, mats, or other dry standing places shall be provided for assigned work.

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Training – Fall Protection

Each employee who is potentially exposed to fall hazards will receive training so they are able to recognize the hazards and take action to prevent falls. Due to the specialized knowledge and skills required to effectively assess and train employees to recognize fall protection situations and to competently rig, inspect, and use fall protection systems, training shall be provided by a competent person (see Definitions). Training should include:

The nature of the fall hazards in the work area;

The correct procedures for erecting, maintaining, inspecting, and disassembling the fall protection system being used;

The use and operation of guardrails, personal fall arrest systems, safety net systems, warning line systems, safety monitoring systems, controlled access zones, and other protections used;

The role of each employee in the safety monitoring system when this system is used;

The limitations of the use of mechanical equipment during the performance of roofing work on low-sloped roofs;

The correct procedure for handling and storing equipment and materials;

The role of employees in the fall protection plans; and

Cal/OSHA fall protection regulations

Under no circumstance will an employee work in an area where fall protection is required, perform work requiring fall protection devices, or use fall protection devices before attending the above-noted training. This includes new employees regardless of previous experience or employment.

Retraining (refresher) training will be provided when any of the following exists:

Changes in the workplace or fall protection equipment that render previous training obsolete,

The individual demonstrates a lack of knowledge regarding the basic components of the fall protection plan,

At intervals deemed acceptable by their immediate supervisor.

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Site-Specific Fall Protection Plan

A site-specific fall protection plan must be developed when personnel are assigned to do leading edge work (see Definitions) or where standard fall protection methods cannot be provided due to infeasibility or because it creates a greater hazard. This option is available only for situations involving leading edge work or where it is infeasible to use engineering controls or other standard fall protection measures. A fall protection plan (see Appendix E) is to be completed by a competent person for each project and must be kept on file.

Guardrails

Guardrails must be installed at the open sides of all work surfaces that are 4 feet or higher, whenever possible. Guardrail applications may include:

Floor and roof openings – Floor, roof, and skylight openings in work surface must be guarded by railings and toe boards or by covers. The cover must be able to support 400 pounds or twice the expected load of workers and material and must be securely fastened. Covers must bear a sign, with minimum 1-inch letters, stating – OPENING – DO NOT REMOVE.

Note: Finished skylights are considered roof openings

Access to surfaces glazed with transparent or translucent materials are not permitted unless an engineer certifies the surface will sustain anticipated loads.

Wall openings – Wall openings must be guarded if there is a drop of more than 4 feet.

Elevators – Guardrails are required for elevator shaft openings that are not enclosed or do not have cages.

Roofing operations – Provisions must be made during roofing operations to prevent workers from falling off roofs.

Toe Boards

Toe boards must be provided on open sides and ends of railed scaffolds at locations where persons are required to work or to pass under the scaffold and at interior floor, roof, and shaft openings.

A toe board must be securely fastened at a minimum of 4 inches (nominal) in height from its top edge to the level of the floor, platform, runway, or ramp.

A toe board must have not more than a 1/4-inch clearance above the floor level. It may be made of a substantial material either solid or with openings not more than 1 inch in greatest dimension.

Where material is piled to such a height that a standard toe board does not provide protection, paneling or screening from floor to intermediate rail or top rail shall be provided.

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Roofing Operations

Roofing operations are classified as either single-unit (these typically are built-up roofing, flat-seam metal roofing, and vinyl roofing) or multi-unit (asphalt shingles, cement, clay and slate tile, standing seam metal panels, shingle metal roofing, and wood shingles).

Work on roofs or work involving equipment that the operator must pull backward, regardless of roof height, requires one or a combination of the following to reduce the fall hazard:

For single-unit roofs with slopes of 0:12 through 4:12o Warning lines and headerso Personal fall protection systemso Catch platforms with guardrailso Scaffold platformso Eave barrierso Parapets that are 24 inches or highero Standard railings and toe boards

For single-unit roofs with slopes exceeding 4:12o Parapets that are 24 inches or highero Personal fall protection systemso Catch platformso Scaffold platformso Eave barrierso Standard railings and toe boards

Note: This does not apply where motorized equipment on which the operator rides has been designed for use on roofs having slopes greater than 4:12 and is used where a parapet is at least 36 inches high at roof edges that are perpendicular to the direction in which the equipment is moving.

For multi-unit roofso Parapets that are at least 24 inches higho Personal fall protection systemso Catch platformso Scaffold platformso Eave barrierso Roof jack systems (Safety lines are required when using roof jack

systems on roofs steeper than 7:12.).

Note: On a roof with a slope exceeding 4:12, do not use equipment that must be pulled backward by an operator.

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Personal fall protection for roofing operations:

Personal fall arrest systems, personal fall restraint systems, and positioning devices must be installed and used.

Safety lines must be securely attached to substantial anchorages on the roof. Roof openings must be railed or covered. The cover must be securely fastened

and able to withstand two times the expected load or a minimum of 400 pounds. Covers must bear a sign stating – OPENING-DO NOT REMOVE.

Note: An employee approaching within 6 feet of a finished skylight or skylight opening must be protected from falling through the skylight or opening.

Controlled Access Zones

A controlled access zone (CAZ) is an area within which designated employees during construction perform work under a fall protection plan without using conventional fall protection (guardrails, personal fall arrest system, nets, etc.). The CAZ must be established and maintained as follows:

A control line or its equivalent must control access to the CAZ and must:o Consist of ropes, wires, tapes, or equivalent materials and be supported

by stanchions.o Be flagged or marked at not more than 6 feet, on centero Be rigged not fewer than 39 inches and not more than 45 inches from the

working surface.o Have a breaking strength of 200 pounds (minimum).

Signs must be posted to keep out unauthorized persons.

A safety monitoring system is required and must include a designated safety monitor who is able to:

o Monitor the safety of other employeeso Recognize fall hazardso Warn an employee when it appears the employee is unaware of a fall

hazard or is acting in an unsafe mannero Stay in sight of and in communication with the employee being monitoredo Have no other responsibilities

Safety Monitoring

A safety monitor is a competent individual (able to recognized fall hazards) located on the same working surface as other at-risk individual(s) who must warn co-workers when they are acting in an unsafe manner that could result in a fall. The monitor shall be able to see the employees, not have other immediate work responsibilities, and be able to orally communicate with the at-risk individuals.

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Work Planning – Personal Fall Protection (PFP)

A competent person selects the appropriate PFP equipment and ensures it properly fits each user. General work planning guidelines are as follows and are carried out by the competent person:

Determine whether an engineered fall-protection system is required. In collaboration with a Qualified Person (see definitions) ensure it is satisfactory (for example, determine whether guardrails or cages are necessary). If an engineered fall-protection system is not required, list each fall scenario that workers will be exposed to.

For each fall scenario, analyze the fall hazards and determine the PFP components that will be needed.

Maintain and inspect the PFP components needed to ensure equipment is available when needed.

Determine the worker's vertical and horizontal movement requirements in each scenario.

Plan the anchoring system. Identify and evaluate the strength of anchor points.

Select and obtain the appropriate equipment (e.g., harness, lanyard, or self-retracting lifeline).

Confirm training status of users.

Review the planned work with workers to ensure their understanding of the requirements for the job.

Review the planned method of self-rescue, anticipated time of hanging in the harness, and personal actions to minimize suspension trauma.

Limitations of Personal Fall Protection

Competent persons must ensure PFP equipment is used only for worker safeguarding. This may include harnesses and lanyards. Competent persons and supervisors must ensure a device that has been subjected to a fall load (i.e., devices that have protected a worker during an actual fall) have all components immediately removed from service, destroyed, and not used again.

Posting Fall Hazards

Fixed fall hazards that are routinely encountered should be posted with signs stating "Fall Protection Required." The sign(s) shall be posted at a location where the fall hazard is first encountered. If there are multiple entry points where the fall hazard is encountered, each location should be posted. Signs shall be posted by the department that has control of the fall hazard.

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Off-Site Fall Hazards

Provisions shall be made to ensure employees are protected when they are engaged in activities that expose them to fall hazards on property not under INSERT YOUR ORGANIZATION NAME’s control.

Head Protection

Head protection is required for employees who are potentially exposed to falling objects or to electric shocks and burns. These employees must wear approved head protection.

Provisions for Rescue

Provisions shall be made for rescue when employees can possibly be suspended by their personal fall protection equipment. Such provisions may take the form of ladders, lifts, ropes, combined fall arresting or retrieval body harnesses, etc. See Appendix E for items to consider for rescue operations. If a rescue is likely to endanger the individual who has fallen, or the rescuers, call 911 to initiate the rescue.

Fall Protection Considerations for New Construction and Renovations

For new construction, fall protection must be provided in accordance with applicable building codes. Provisions should be incorporated into building design and construction for fall protection for future maintenance activities.

Fall Hazard Locations

The following list provides examples of general fall hazards that may exist. This list is not all-inclusive and was designed to illustrate examples to assist YOUR ORGANIZATION’S NAME in identifying its fall hazards throughout its facilities.

Street lights and other elevated light structures Vertical lifts Elevated walking and working surfaces more than 4 feet above the lower level Roofing projects Working on roofs with a parapet wall less than 42 inches in height Unattended excavation projects – exceeding 6 feet in depth Construction and renovations projects having floor openings, wall openings, etc. Maintenance and repair of HVAC or other elevated equipment Work around skylights Work on catwalks

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Ladders

To further protect employees and to comply with applicable standards, we have developed a Ladder Safety Program separate but yet in conjunction with the above fall protection program. This Program applies to all facilities and to employees and contractors that use ladders. It is available to employees, contractor personnel, and regulatory agencies when requested.

The following practices apply to ladders:

Properly secure ladders to prevent unauthorized access or use. Maintain ladders free of oil, grease, and other slipping hazards. Also be sure your

shoes or boots are free from mud, grease, or other substances. Do not load ladders beyond their maximum intended load nor beyond the

manufacturer’s rated capacity. Use ladders only for their designed purpose. Use ladders only on stable and level surfaces unless secured to prevent accidental

movement. Do not use on or boxes to gain extra height. Do not use ladders on slippery surfaces unless secured or provided with slip-

resistant feet to prevent accidental movement. Do not use slip-resistant feet as a substitute for exercising care when placing, lashing, or holding a ladder upon slippery surfaces.

Secure ladders placed in areas such as passageways, doorways, or driveways, or where they can be displaced by workplace activities or traffic to prevent accidental movement.

Keep areas clear around the top and bottom of ladders. Do not move, shift, or extend ladders while in use. Use ladders equipped with nonconductive side rails if you or the ladder could contact

exposed energized electrical equipment. Face the ladder when moving up or down. Use at least one hand to grasp the ladder when climbing. Do not carry objects or loads that could cause loss of balance and falling. Ladders must not be tied or fastened together to create longer sections unless they

are specifically designed for such use. Ladder components must be surfaced to prevent snagging of clothing and injury from

punctures or lacerations. Wood ladders must not be coated with any covering except for identification or

warning labels, which may be placed only one face of a side rail.

PORTABLE LADDERS

The base of a straight ladder must be set back a safe distance from the vertical – at least ¼ of the working length of the ladder.

The rungs and steps of portable metal ladders must be corrugated, knurled, dimpled, or coated with skid-resistant material or treated to minimize slipping.

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STEPLADDERS

A metal spreader or locking device must be provided on each stepladder to hold the front and back sections in an open position when the ladder is being used.

Do not use the top or top step of a stepladder as a step. Do not climb cross bracing on the rear section of stepladders unless the ladder is

designed and provided with steps for climbing on both front and rear sections.

FIXED LADDERS

If the total length of the climb on a fixed ladder equals or exceeds 24 feet, the ladder must be equipped with ladder safety devices or self-retracting lifelines and rest platforms at intervals not to exceed 150 feet or a cage or well and multiple ladder sections with each ladder section not to exceed 50 feet in length. Fixed ladders must:

Be able to support at least two loads of 250 pounds (114 kg) each, concentrated between any two consecutive attachments

Have steps or rungs that are each able to support a load of at least 250 pounds applied in the middle of the step or rung.

Have rungs so shaped that they prevent slipping. Have side rails (for through or side-step fixed ladders) that extend at least 42

inches above the top level or landing platform served by the ladder. Be used at a pitch no greater than 90 degrees from the horizontal, measured

from the back side of the ladder.

DEFECTIVE LADDERS

Ladders must be inspected prior to each use for visible defects, more thoroughly periodically, and after any incident that could affect their safe use.

Portable ladders with structural defects — such as broken or missing rungs, cleats, or steps; broken or split rails; corroded components or other faulty or defective components — must immediately be marked defective or tagged with "Do Not Use" or similar language and withdrawn from service until repaired.

Fixed ladders with structural defects — such as broken or missing rungs, cleats, or steps; broken or split rails; or corroded components— must be withdrawn from service until repaired.

Defective fixed ladders are considered withdrawn from use when they are immediately tagged with "Do Not Use" or similar language or marked in a manner that identifies them as defective, or blocked — such as with a plywood attachment that spans several rungs.

Ladder repairs done only by those authorized to make such repairs must restore the ladder to a condition meeting its original design criteria before the ladders are returned to use.

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LADDER SAFETY TRAINING

Employees who will use ladders shall be provided with effective information and training to minimize the likelihood of injury.

Employees using ladders will receive training at initial assignment and periodic refresher training thereafter.

The training will enable ladder users to recognize hazards related to ladders and to use proper procedures to minimize ladder-related hazards to include:

o Nature of fall hazards in the work areao Correct procedures for using ladderso Requirements of the ladder safety program

LADDER INVENTORY AND CONTROL

Ladders must be inspected and reviewed upon being put into service to ensure they are marked with ladder size, type, maximum length, number of sections (if appropriate), highest standing level, total length of sections (if applicable), model number, manufacturer's name, manufacturer's location, and date of manufacture. Do not remove these markings.

Each department must maintain an inventory of all ladders in use. Periodic inspections by a competent person, at least quarterly, shall be made to ensure ladders are in safe working order. A ladder with any defects must be taken out of service and be treated as a defective ladder as noted above. These inspections should check for:

Missing or loose steps or rungs (they are loose if you can move them by hand) Damaged or worn non-slip feet Loose nails, screws, bolts, or nuts Loose or faulty spreaders, locks, and other metal parts in poor repair Rot, decay, or warped rails in wooden ladders Cracks or exposed fiberglass in fiberglass ladders Cracked, split, worn, or broken rails, braces, steps, or rungs Sharp edges on rails and rungs Rough or splintered surfaces Corrosion, rust, oxidization, or excessive wear, especially on treads Twisted or distorted rails; check ladders for distortion by sighting along the rails;

using a twisted or bowed ladder is hazardous Missing identification labels

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Definitions

FALL PROTECTION

Aerial lift device – Equipment such as powered platforms, vehicle-mounted elevated and rotating work platforms, extendible boom platforms, aerial ladders, articulating boom platforms, vertical towers, or powered industrial truck platforms

Anchor point – A secure point of attachment for lifelines, lanyards, or deceleration (grabbing) devices

Body harness (also referred as full-body harness) – An interconnected set of straps that may be secured about a person in a manner that distributes the fall arrest forces over at least the thighs, pelvis, waist, chest, and shoulders with a means for attaching the harness to other components of a personal fall arrest system

Competent person – One who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions that are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them. By way of training and/or experience, a competent person is knowledgeable of applicable standards, is capable of identifying workplace hazards relating to the specific operation, and has the authority to correct them.

Control zone – The distance between an unguarded edge of a building or structure and a line that is set back a safe distance

Deceleration device – A mechanism, such as a rope, grabbing device, rip stitch lanyard, specially woven lanyard, or automatic self-retracting lifeline/lanyard that serves to dissipate a substantial amount of energy during a fall arrest or otherwise limits the energy imposed on an employee during fall arrest

Deceleration distance – The additional vertical distance a falling person travels, excluding lifeline elongation and free fall distance, before stopping, from the point at which a deceleration device begins to operate

Designated area – A space that has a perimeter barrier erected to warn employees when they approach an unprotected side or edge, and serves also to designate an area where work may be performed without additional fall protection

Fall arrest system – A system that will stop a worker’s fall before the worker hits the surface below

Fall protection system – Any of the following when used to protect a worker from a fall or minimize the risk from falling:

guardrails; safety belt or full body harness with a lanyard and/or lifeline and an anchor and

their related equipment; safety net; control zone; safety monitor with a control zone; other procedures acceptable to the board;

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Fall restraint system – A work positioning system to prevent a worker from falling from a work position, or a travel restriction system such as guardrails or a personal fall protection system to prevent a worker from traveling to an edge from which the worker could fall

Fixed ladder – A ladder, including an individual rung ladder, that is permanently attached to a structure, building, or equipment

Guardrail – A vertical barrier erected along the open edges of a floor opening, wall opening, ramp, platform, runway, or other elevated area to prevent falls of persons

Hole – A void or gap 2 inches or more in its least dimension in a floor, roof, or other walking/working surface.

Ladder – A device typically used to gain access to a different elevation consisting of two or more structural members crossed by rungs, steps, or cleats; there are several ladder types: Type I (heavy duty industrial), Type II (medium duty commercial). Type III (light duty household)

Ladder Safety Zone – An exclusion or warning zone established at the base of the ladder by deploying high visibility traffic cones. This process is used to ensure pedestrians or other workers are made aware of work occurring overhead. A ladder safety zone must be established when using a portable ladder.

Lanyard – A flexible line of rope or strap that generally has a connector at each end for connecting the body harness to a deceleration device, lifeline, or anchor point

Leading Edge – The unprotected side and edge of a floor, roof, or formwork for a floor or other walking-working surface that changes as additional floor, roof, decking, or formwork sections are placed, formed, or constructed.

Lifeline – A component consisting of a flexible line for connection to an anchorage at one end to hang vertically (vertical lifeline), or for connection to anchorages at both ends to stretch horizontally (horizontal lifeline). This serves as a means for connecting other components of a personal fall arrest system to the anchorage.

Lower Levels – Those areas or surfaces to which an employee can fall. Such areas include, but are not limited to, ground levels, floors, platforms, ramps, runways, excavations, pits tanks, material, water, equipment, structures, or portions thereof.

Positioning device system – A body harness system rigged to allow an employee to be supported on an elevated vertical surface such as a wall and work with both hands free while leaning.

Personal fall arrest system – A system used to arrest an employee in a fall from a working level. It consists of an anchorage, connectors, and body harness and may include a lanyard, deceleration device, lifeline, or suitable combinations of these

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Personal fall protection system – An individual worker’s fall protection system, composed of a safety belt or full body harness, and lanyard, lifeline, and other connecting equipment, that is used to secure the worker to an individual anchor or to a horizontal lifeline system.

Qualified person – A person designated by the employer who by reason of their training and experience has demonstrated their ability to safely perform their duties and, where required, is properly licensed in accordance with federal, state, or local laws and regulations.

Restraint line – A device, that is attached between the employee and an anchorage to prevent the employee from walking or falling off an elevated surface.

Roof – The exterior surface on the top of a building.

Rope Access – The use of rope access equipment where ropes are used as the primary means of support, as a means of protection or positioning, and where an employee descends or ascends on a rope, or traverses along a rope. “Rope supported work shall be permitted only when other means of access are not feasible or would increase the risk of injury to the employee and/or the public. The requirements of this section (CCR, T8, 3270.1) include, but are not limited to, the inspection of dams and spillways, access to interior or exterior structural and architectural components of buildings, highway/bridge inspection and maintenance, and access to power plant penstocks.”

Rope access equipment – Specialized equipment approved for use with rope access techniques to suspend, support, position, or protect an employee.

Rope grab (grabbing device) – A deceleration device that travels on a lifeline and automatically, by friction, engages the lifeline and locks to arrest a fall.

Safety monitor system – A system in which a trained worker is designated to monitor work activities in a control zone to ensure work is done in a manner that minimizes the potential for a worker to fall.

Scaffold – Temporary elevated or suspended platform, and its supporting structures, used for supporting employees or materials or both.

Self-retracting lifeline/lanyard – A deceleration device containing a drum-wound line that can be slowly extracted from, or retracted onto, the drum under minimal tension during normal movement and which, after onset of a fall, automatically locks the drum and arrests the fall

Standard railing – A vertical barrier erected along exposed edges of a floor opening, wall opening, ramp, platform, or runway to prevent falls of persons

Snap hook – A connector consisting of a hook-shaped member with a normally closed keeper, or similar arrangement, that may be opened to permit the hook to receive an object and, when released automatically closes to retain the object.

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Toe board – A low protective barrier that prevents material and equipment from falling to lower levels and that protects personnel from falling

Tie-off – A procedure of connecting directly or indirectly to an anchorage point

Unprotected sides and edges – Any side or edge (except at entrances to points of access) of a walking/working surface, e.g., floor, roof, ramp, or runway where there is no wall or guardrail system

Vertical lifeline – A component consisting of a vertically hanging flexible line for connection to an anchor point at one end that serves as a means for connecting other components of a personal fall arrest system to the anchor point

Walking/working surface – Surface, whether horizontal or vertical, on which an employee walks or works including, but not limited to, floors, roofs, ramps, bridges, and runways

Work area – That portion of a walking/working surface where job duties are being performed

LADDERS

Angle of Inclination – The pitch that the horizontal distance from the top support to the foot of the ladder is one-quarter of the working length of the ladder (the length along the ladder between the foot and the top support)

Cage – A guard that may be referred to as a cage or basket guard, which is an enclosure that is fastened to the side rails of the fixed ladder or to the structure to encircle the climbing space of the ladder for the safety of the person who must climb the ladder

Carrier – The track of a ladder safety system consisting of a flexible cable or rigid rail, which is secured to the ladder or structure by mountings

Cleat – A ladder crosspiece of rectangular cross section placed on edge upon that a person may step while ascending or descending a ladder

Double-cleat ladder – A ladder similar in construction to a single-cleat ladder but with a center rail to allow simultaneous two-way traffic for employees ascending or descending

Equivalent – Alternative designs, materials, or methods that the employer can demonstrate will provide an equal or greater degree of safety for employees than the method or item specified in the standard

Extension ladder – An extension ladder is a non-self-supporting portable ladder adjustable in length. It consists of two or more sections traveling in guides or brackets so arranged as to permit length adjustment. Its size is designated by the sum of the lengths of the sections measured along the side rails.

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Extension trestle ladder – A self-supporting portable ladder, adjustable in length, consisting of a trestle ladder base and a vertically adjustable extension section, with a suitable means for locking the ladders together

Failure – Load refusal, breakage, or separation of component parts. Load refusal is the point where the structural members lose their ability to carry the loads

Fastening – A device to attach a ladder to a structure, building, or equipment. Fixed, hinged, bearing, or slide-type fastenings may be used.

Fixed-ladder – A ladder that cannot be readily moved or carried because it is an integral part of a building or structure. A side-step fixed ladder is a fixed ladder that requires a person getting off at the top to step to the side of the ladder side rails to reach the landing. A through fixed ladder is a fixed ladder that requires a person getting off at the top to step between the side rails of the ladder to reach the landing.

Footing support – The ladder base section of surface supported ladders

Grab bars – Individual handholds placed adjacent to, or as an extension above ladders, for the purpose of providing access beyond the limits of the ladder.

Individual-rung/step ladders – Ladders without a side rail or center rail support. Such ladders are made by mounting individual steps or rungs directly to the side or wall of the structure.

Job-made ladder – A ladder that is fabricated by employees, typically at the construction site, and is not commercially manufactured. This definition does not apply to any individual-rung/step ladders.

Ladder – An appliance usually consisting of two side rails joined at regular intervals by crosspieces called steps, rungs, or cleats, on which a person may step in ascending or descending.

Ladder safety system – an approved assembly of components whose function is to arrest the fall of a user. The ladder safety system shall include the carrier and its associated attachment elements (brackets, fasteners, etc.), safety sleeve, full body harness and connectors, wherein the carrier is permanently attached to the climbing face of the ladder or immediately adjacent to the structure.

Ladder stand – a mobile fixed size self-supporting ladder consisting of a wide flat tread ladder in the form of stairs. The assembly may include handrails.

Lower levels – those areas to which an employee can fall from a stairway or ladder. Such areas include ground levels, floors, roofs, ramps, runways, excavations, pits, tanks, material, water, equipment, and similar surfaces. It does not include the surface from which the employee falls.

Maximum intended load – the total load of all employees, equipment, tools, materials, transmitted loads, and other loads anticipated to be applied to a ladder component at any one time.

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Pitch – The included angle between the horizontal and the ladder, measured on the opposite side of the ladder from the climbing side.

Point of access – All areas used by employees for work-related passage from one area or level to another. Such open areas include doorways, passageways, stairway openings, studded walls, and various other permanent or temporary openings used for such travel.

Portable ladder – A ladder that can be readily moved or carried.

Rail ladder – A fixed ladder consisting of side rails joined at regular intervals by rungs or cleats and fastened in full length or in sections to a building, structure, or equipment.

Rungs – Ladder crosspieces on which a person may step in ascending or descending.

Safety sleeve – the part of a ladder safety system consisting of the moving component with locking mechanism that travels on the carrier and makes the connection between the carrier and the full body harness.

Steps – the flat crosspieces of a ladder on which a person may step in ascending or descending.

Sectional ladder – a non-self-supporting portable ladder, nonadjustable in length, consisting of two or more sections of ladder so constructed that the sections may be combined to function as a single ladder. Its size is designated by the overall length of the assembled sections.

Side-rolling ladder – a semi-fixed ladder, nonadjustable in length, supported by attachments to a guide rail, which is generally fastened to shelving, the plane of the ladder being also its plane of motion.

Single-cleat ladder – a ladder consisting of a pair of side rails, connected together by cleats, rungs, or steps

Single ladder – a non-self-supporting portable ladder, nonadjustable in length, consisting of but one section. Its size is designated by the overall length of the side rail.

Single-rail ladder – a portable ladder with rungs, cleats, or steps mounted on a single rail instead of the normal two rails used on most other ladders.

Special-purpose ladder – a portable ladder that represents either a modification or a combination of design or construction features in one of the general-purpose types of ladders previously defined, in order to adapt the ladder to special or specific uses.

Step ladder – a self-supporting portable ladder, nonadjustable in length, having flat steps and a hinged back. Its size is designated by the overall length of the ladder measured along the front edge of the side rails.

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Step stool (ladder type) – a self-supporting, foldable, portable ladder, nonadjustable in length, 32 inches or less in overall size, with flat steps and without a pail shelf, designed to be climbed on the ladder top cap as well as all steps. The side rails may continue above the top cap.

Top support – The top of non-self-supporting ladders, such as single and extension ladders.

Trestle ladder – A self-supporting portable ladder, nonadjustable in length, consisting of two sections hinged at the top to form equal angles with the base. The size is designated by the length of the side rails measured along the front edge.

Trolley ladder – A semi-fixed ladder, nonadjustable in length, supported by attachments to an overhead track, the plane of the ladder being at right angles to the plane of motion.

Well – A permanent complete enclosure around a fixed ladder, which is attached to the walls of the well. Proper clearances for a well will give the person who must climb the ladder the same protection as a cage.

References

1983 Standard on Life Safety Rope and Equipment for Emergency Services 2006 Edition

California Code of Regulations, Title 8 California Code of Regulations, General Industry Safety Orders – §3209 , §3210 , §3211 , §3212 , §3213 , §3214 , §3270.1 § 3277, §3299 , and Subchapter 4 Construction Safety Orders, Article 24

American National Standards Institute (ANSI), Safety Requirements for Personal Fall Arrest Systems, Subsystems and Components (ANSI Z359.1-1992)

NFPA 2007 – 1983 Standard on Life Safety Rope and Equipment for Emergency Services 2006 Edition

OSHA Standards for General Industry (29 CFR Part 1910): 1910.23, Guarding floor and wall openings and holes; 1910.25, Portable wood

ladders; 1910.26, Portable metal ladders; 1910.27, Fixed ladders; 1910.28, Safety requirements for scaffolding; 1910.66, Powered platforms for building maintenance; 1910.67, Vehicle-mounted elevating and rotating work platforms Aerial lifts; 1910.68, Manlifts; 1910.132, General requirements Personal Protective Equipment

OSHA Standards for Construction Industry (29 CFR Part 1926): 1926.451, General requirements Scaffolding; 1926.452, Additional requirements applicable to specific types of scaffolds; 1926.454, Training requirements Scaffolding; 1926.501, Duty to have fall protection; 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices; 1926.503, Training requirements Fall protection; 1926.760, Steel erection Fall protection; 1926.1051, General requirements Stairways and ladders; 1926.1052, Stairways; 1926.1053, Ladders; 1926.1060, Training requirements stairways and ladders.

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Appendix A – Basic Guardrail and Toe Board Requirements

Guardrails must be installed at the open sides of all work surfaces that are 4 feet or higher, whenever possible. Guard rail specifications:

Railing must be made from select lumber (or equivalent material) and must consist of:o A wooden top rail that is 42 inches to 45 inches high and that measures 2

inches x 4 inches or largero A mid-rail that is placed halfway between the top rail and the floor and that

measures at least 1 inches x 6 incheso A supporting post that measures at least 2 inches x 4 inches and is placed no

more than every 8 feet Post tops and top railing mid-points shall be capable of withstanding a load of

200 pounds out and down. Railing constructed of substitute materials must meet the following requirements:

o The top rail must be smooth surfaced and 42 inches to 45 inches high above the floor, platform, etc.

o Protection between the top rail and the floor, platform, etc., must be equivalent to that provided by the standard midrail.

The top rail or midrail on scaffolding platforms may be substituted by the X-braces as specified in scaffolding regulations.

Other Guard Rail Applications:

Floor and roof openings – Floor, roof, and skylights openings in work surface must be guarded by railings and toe boards or by covers. The cover must be able to support 400 pounds or twice the expected load of workers and material, and must be securely fastened. Covers must bear a sign, with minimum 1 inch letters, stating – OPENING – DO NOT REMOVE.

Note: Finished skylights are considered roof openings

Access to surfaces glazed with transparent or translucent materials are not permitted unless an engineer certifies that the surface will sustain anticipated loads.

Wall openings – Wall openings must be guarded if there is a drop of more than 4 feet and the bottom of the opening is less than 3 feet above the working surface.

Elevators – Guardrails are required for elevator shaft openings that are not enclosed or do not have cages.

Roofing operations – Provisions must be made during roofing operations to prevent workers from falling off roofs.

Toe boards must be provided on open sides and ends of railed scaffolds, and similar elevated work platforms at locations where persons are required to work or to pass under the scaffold, as well as at interior floor, roof, and shaft openings. A toe board:

Must be securely fastened at a minimum of 4 inches (nominal) in height from its top edge to the level of the floor, platform, runway, or ramp.

Must have not more than a 1/4-inch clearance above the floor level. It may be made of a substantial material, either solid, or with openings not more than 1 inch in greatest dimension.

Where material is piled to such a height that a standard toe board does not provide protection, paneling or screening from floor to intermediate rail or top rail shall be provided.

Appendix B – Personal Fall Protection System Components

Fall-protection systems require vigilance, whether through pre-work inspections, group instructions, or other means of communication. A hazard evaluation may determine that a personal fall-protection system or other protective means may be required for the employee’s protection even though working from a ladder or scaffold does not normally require fall protection. Relevant safety standards and requirements must be reviewed in addition to information provided in this document. The use of specialized fall protection equipment must be fitted to the user and worn to control fall hazards. In other words, a user is secured to an anchorage point at all times, even while moving from point to point. Fall protection systems and equipment are used for personnel protection only.

Full Body Harness – The full body harness has been designed to distribute arresting forces over the buttocks and shoulders. The chest strap serves a retainer function and should be worn high on the chest, but under the collarbone. D-ring locations may vary, so make sure the harness is the correct one for your task. Most harnesses have the D-ring on the upper back, but for ladder climbing systems the D-ring is located on the chest or rib area. D-rings on the hips are for work positioning and on the shoulders are for retrieval. The most common misuse of the harness involves failure to connect the leg straps. This is also the most dangerous practice, as slipping through and out of the harness when the actual arresting action takes place is a very real possibility if the leg straps are not connected. Having loose leg straps is also dangerous. It can lead to severe contusions to the upper thighs and groin area in the event of fall.

Body belts are NOT fall arrest devices! Body belts, waist belts, or safety belts, as they are sometimes called, are only to be used as work positioning supports, that is, when the worker is standing, leaning out, and needs support to hold a position—thus the term “work positioning.”

Connectors – Two shock-absorbing lanyards, at least one of which is always attached to a secure anchorage, are required for foot travel beyond the limits of a single lanyard when exposed to a fall greater than 6 feet.

Lanyards – A lanyard is a short, flexible rope or strap webbing that connects a worker’s body harness to an anchorage point or the grabbing device on a lifeline. The lanyard should be as short as possible, without restricting movement. The minimum attachment height should be at or above the D-ring height. Unlike basic cable, web, or rope lanyards, shock-absorbing lanyards not only significantly reduce arresting forces on the body, but also provide a means to determine in-service use. Obvious deformation makes it evident that they have been stressed. Lanyards are to be destroyed and replaced after having been shock loaded.

Snap Hooks – Snap hooks must be of a self-closing and self-locking type. The self-locking gate meets the 3600-pound breakage strength requirements and must not be directly connected to: webbing, rope, or wire rope; horizontal lifelines (a separate ring or carabiner should ride on the horizontal lifeline); or to an object whose shape or dimensions are incompatible with the snap hook such that unintentional disengagement (e.g., roll-out) could occur. A snap hook must not be connected directly to another snap hook. Snap hooks may only be used with compatible components. Snap hooks are not to be attached directly to cables, ropes, chains, or the lanyard itself—as in looping the lanyard over a pipe and hooking the snap hook on the lanyard—unless approved by the

manufacturer. Only approved anchor points must be used to connect to the lanyard snap hook.

Retractable Lifelines – Self-retracting lanyards with locking devices are designed to arrest free falls within inches by eliminating the slack inherent in fixed-length lanyards. The Competent Person will determine the free fall distance. One main consideration is that for self-retracting lanyards to be effective overhead installation is required. A major advantage is that arresting forces can be kept to the 650-pound range, almost one-third of that associated with a 6-foot free fall. This system is especially attractive when working near the edge on roofs and when frequent ladder climbs are required.

Lifeline Systems – Lifeline systems provide a means for connecting components of a personal fall-arrest system to an anchorage. They consist of either:

A flexible line to hang vertically (vertical lifeline) for connecting to an anchorage at one end

A flexible line to stretch horizontally (horizontal lifeline) for connecting to anchorages at both ends.

For lifeline systems, vertical or horizontal, a Qualified Person must approve the anchorages and the selection of the type of lifeline to ensure proper design of the system.

Vertical Lifeline Systems – A vertical lifeline allows the worker to move up and down the entire height of the line rather than having to disconnect and find a new tie-off point on the tower or ladder being climbed. Workers connect to the lifeline by a "rope grab" deceleration device that travels along with the worker as he or she moves higher or lower. The diameter and composition of the line may vary, but it must have a 5,000-pound breaking strength. Although polypropylene rope is a popular tool, its stretch factor must be taken into account. The rope grab is a deceleration device that travels on a lifeline and automatically, by friction, engages and locks the lifeline to arrest the fall of the user. A rope grab usually employs the principle of inertial locking, cam/level locking, or both. Rope grabs can be either manual or mobile and must be suited to the lifeline fabric. Squeezing and releasing a locking cam operates the manual grabs. The grab should be located above shoulder height and a short (3-foot) lanyard is recommended to prevent exceeding the 6-foot free fall requirement.

Ladder Safety Devices – Ladder safety devices are similar to vertical lifeline systems with the exception that they attach to the front harness D-ring with a 9-inch maximum connector and are limited to 2-foot free falls.

Horizontal Lifeline Systems – A horizontal lifeline is a flexible line rigged in a horizontal plane and secured at each end to an anchorage. It provides fall protection for work requiring horizontal mobility along elevated surfaces. A worker connects to the line using a personal fall-arrest system that moves with the worker between the two anchorages. By providing a sliding connection along the entire walkway, the anchorage is kept overhead, reducing the hazard of dangerous swing falls that can occur if the worker moves to a location where the anchorage is no longer directly overhead. Horizontal lifeline systems are common in work areas lacking overhead anchor points available for personnel tie-off. In its simplest form, the horizontal lifeline consists of a cable attached to two or more anchor points on a rooftop, crane runway, bridge, outdoor construction site, or an elevated work area that poses a fall risk to personnel. When used in

combination with personal protective equipment, a horizontal lifeline can arrest a fall, limiting the amount of force that is transferred to both the worker and the fall-arrest system. Horizontal lifelines must be designed, installed, and used under the supervision of a Qualified Person, and be part of a complete personal fall-arrest system that maintains a safety factor of at least two. Although installing a horizontal lifeline may appear to be as simple as stringing a line between two supports, determining the loads applied to the anchorages and the clearance required below the working surface in the event of a fall can be extremely complicated. In this respect, horizontal lifelines are among the most complex types of fall protection equipment.

Anchorages – Personal fall-protection systems are dependent on an adequate anchor point. Without it, harnesses, lanyards, and shock absorption are useless. ONLY ANCHORAGE POINTS IDENTIFIED BY A QUALIFIED OR COMPETENT PERSON ARE TO BE USED.

Guardrails, handrails, fire sprinkler piping, and roof ducting are NOT acceptable anchorage points. Questions on anchorages should be directed to a Fall Protection Program Competent Person. Anchorages are to be:

Independent from the work object whenever possible - Clearly marked if permanent, and identified as approved by a Qualified

Person. - Located at suitable attachment heights - Of sufficient strength for its intended purpose - Inspected regularly and before each use

Connecting devices (e.g., shock absorbing lanyards) should be secured above the point of operation to an anchorage or structural member capable of supporting a minimum dead weight of 5,000 pounds per worker and limiting the fall distance to 6 feet or less.

Appendix C – Basic Personal Fall Protection Equipment and Inspection Requirements

A personal fall protection (PFP) system prevents a worker from falling or—if the worker falls—limits the fall. PFP systems include guardrails, safety nets, personal fall restraint systems, personal fall arrest systems, and positioning device systems.

A personal fall restraint (PFR) system is used to prevent an employee from falling. It consists of anchorages, connectors, and a body belt or harness. It may include lanyards, lifelines, and rope grabs designed for that purpose.

A personal fall arrest (PFA) system is used to stop an employee during a fall and to keep him or her from hitting a lower level or structure. The system consists of an anchorage, connectors, and a body harness. It may include a lanyard, a lifeline, a deceleration device, or suitable combinations of these. Note: The use of a body belt or safety belt as a part of a PFA system is prohibited.

Safety belts and body belts are to be used only as positioning devices or in PFR systems. A PFP system may be required while an employee uses a safety belt, as specified in certain safety orders. Safety belts must limit the maximum arresting force on an employee to 900 pounds and the free-fall distance to 2 feet. The following need to be considered in order to reduce the hazards associated with falls:

Lanyard Length. The lanyard length must be selected to allow freedom of movement to do the work, yet be short enough to minimize the fall distance. The maximum length of the lanyard and shock absorber combination is 6 feet. The minimum total vertical distance from the anchor point with a 6 foot lanyard is 18.5 feet, allowing a 3 foot safety factor.

Free Fall Distance o If the trigger height for fall protection is 6 feet above the walking/working

surface, a 6-foot lanyard does not offer protection if the anchor point of the lanyard is connected at head height. To be effective, the anchor point needs to be as high as practicably possible above the user’s head without interfering with the work being done.

o The D-ring on the harness moves from the back at shoulder blade height to a position at the head when supporting full body weight. A 6-foot fall can result in forces exceeding 10 times body weight. A worker weighing 200 pounds can experience more than 2,000 pounds of dynamic force from the harness unless the user has a shock-absorbing lanyard. A 2,000 pound force is capable of causing heart damage, severe internal injury, and possibly a fatal injury.

o Serious consideration must be given to the equipment being approved for each situation based on the total fall distance and impact forces that could be encountered. A good rule of thumb is to limit the free fall to 2 feet whenever possible, by using a minimum lanyard length or raising the anchor point. Consider using self-retracting lanyards, some of which can activate within 1-2 feet.

o Use the following formula as a guide for Minimum Anchorage Point Height (MAPH):

MAPH = (6′ + L) – H + D + S + C6′ = Harness D-ring heightL = Lanyard length (typically is 6 feet)H = Anchorage point height (positive if below D-ring)D = Deceleration or shock absorbing distance (typically is

3.5 feet)S = Harness stretch (typically 1 foot)C = Min. required clearance to lower level (3 feet)

Shock Absorption at Impact – Even a short free-fall distance of 6 feet on a solid lanyard or cable can create serious impact problems. Shock absorption devices stretch more than 3 feet 6 inches depending on the type of unit.

Body Weight – Body weight adds to the impact load on the body of a worker and on the fall-arrest system. How the harness is worn and the tightness of the straps, if adjusted for comfort, can create harmful stress and abrasions on the body during a fall arrest. The correct size harness must be worn and all harness straps are to be adjusted for a snug fit.

Swing – If a fall is not a direct drop, pendulum action comes into play. The worker may be relatively uninjured from the fall due to the fall-protection system but could potentially swing into another object or strike a solid object. Use the shortest lanyard practical for the task to minimize swing effect.

Suspension Trauma – A person suspended in a harness may experience suspension trauma leading to death in as little as 5 minutes. Whenever a worker is suspended for longer than 5 minutes in an upright posture with legs relaxed straight beneath the body, gravity pulls blood into the lower legs, which have a very large storage capacity. Enough blood eventually accumulates so return blood flow to the right chamber of the heart is reduced, and the heart’s output begins to fall. The harness leg straps compound the problem by restricting the flow of blood up to the heart. To minimize the effects of suspension trauma, the worker should be trained to try to move the legs in the harness, push against any object, and, if possible, raise the legs to a horizontal position. For prolonged suspension, a harness with a seat rather than straps alone should be used to help position the upper legs (and lower legs if conscious) horizontally.

Equipment Inspection

All ropes and lanyards shall be inspected per the manufacturer’s specifications prior to and following each use, and must be retired from use after five years of service, whether or not it has been used. This equipment must be destroyed so that no one can re-use it.

Fall arrest systems including harnesses shall be thoroughly inspected by a competent person at least twice each year or according to manufacturer’s recommendations.

The date of the most current semi-annual inspection shall be recorded on an inspection tag that is attached to the harness.

Personal fall protection equipment shall be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines and inspected prior to each use. The following should be checked:

D-rings – Cracks, distortion, corrosion, pitting, or excessive wear

Buckles – distortion, sharp edges, or cracks

Body harnesses – burns, damaged due to chemicals, cuts, abrasion to the material. Broken stitches. One of the best ways to check the material is to hold sections of the material between the hands and bend the material into a U-shape to look for damage.

Keepers and snap locks – make sure they operate correctly. Do not rely on the sound of the latches, they must be connected.

Retractable lines – they should operate smoothly. The rope or cable should not be damaged. A quick pull of the line should cause the line to lock. The retractable lifeline assemblies shall be returned to the factory for re-certification as specified by the manufacturer. In most cases, the manufacturer specifies an annual inspection. Check the date on the unit for the last certification.

Lanyard (rope, webbed or cable) – Look for cuts, frayed parts, damaged fibers, and the condition of connections. There should be no knots in the line. A knot can result in a substantial reduction in strength.

Shock Absorber – Check for ripped stitches, signs of impact loading and connections.

Appendix D – Scaffolds

Scaffolds must be provided for work that cannot be done safely by employees standing on ladders or on solid construction that is at least 20 inches wide.

The design of scaffolds must conform to design standards, or scaffolds must be designed by a licensed engineer. Standards are based on stress grade lumber. Metal or aluminum may be substituted if the structural integrity of the scaffold is maintained.

Each scaffold must be designed to support its own weight and four times the maxim load. Maximum working loads are as follows:

o Light-duty scaffolds: 25 pounds per square feet (psf) of work platformo Medium-duty scaffolds: 50 psf of work platformo Heavy-duty scaffolds: 75 psf of work platformo Special-duty scaffolds exceeding 75 psf as determined by a qualified person

or a California registered civil engineer with scaffold design experience The erecting and dismantling of scaffolds are regulated as follows:

o Scaffold erection and dismantlement must be supervised by a qualified person.

o Scaffolds must be erected and dismantled according to design standards, engineered specifications, or manufacturer’s instructions.

Scaffold access: Ladders, horizontal members, and stairways must provide safe and unobstructed access to all platforms. The equipment must be located so its use will not disturb the stability of the scaffold:

o Ladders may be used if the following applies:- Manufactured hook-on ladders shall be securely attached to the

scaffold, must be designed for the type of scaffold used, have a minimum rung length of 11-1/2 inches, and be uniformly spaced with maximum spacing between rungs of 16-3/4 inches.

- Ladders must extend 3 feet above the platform, or handholds must be provided.

Scaffolds must be tied off with a double– looped No. 12 iron wire or a single– looped No. 10 iron wire or the equivalent. A compression member should prevent scaffold movement toward the structure.

o Light duty wooden pole scaffolds must be tied off every 20 feet horizontally and vertically.

o Heavy-trade wooden pole scaffolds must be tied off every 15 feet horizontally and vertically.

Platforms must be capable of supporting the intended load. Platforms must be planked solid (without gaps) and cover the entire space between

scaffold uprights. Planking must be made of scaffold grade (structural plank 2200 Psi) lumber with a

nominal dimension of 2 inches x 10 inches Planking shall not exceed a maximum span as follows:

o Light trades @ 25 psf = 10 feeto Medium trades @ 50 psf = 8 feeto Heavy trades @ 75 psf = 7 feet

Planking shall overhang the ledger or support as follows:o A minimum of 6 incheso A maximum of 18 inches

Appendix E – Fall Protection Plan

Instructions: Complete this form when personnel are assigned to do leading edge work where standard fall protection methods cannot be provided due to infeasibility or because it creates a greater hazard. Refer to the questionnaires that follow to assist in making fall protection decisions and to provide written documentation. Train all employees as required. Keep this plan on-site when work is occurring.

Specific Work Area:Work Description:Department:Prepared By: Date Prepared:Reviewed By: Date Reviewed:Identify all Fall Hazards:

Identify restraint(s) (guardrails, safety belts or harness, warning line system, barrier, and safety monitor):

Identify fall arrest system(s) (full body harness, safety nets, catch platform):

Monitor Name Acquired Training:Procedures for assembling & disassembling fall protection system(s):

Procedures for maintenance of fall protection system(s):

Inspection procedures for fall protection system(s):

Emergency response procedures:

Questionnaire – Elevated Surface Work PlanQuestions to Consider Answers or

SolutionsDoes the type of work involve unprotected elevated locations?

What is the job to be done?

What’s the location? How high is it?

What is the working or walking surface like?

Questions to Consider Answers or Solutions

Are there environmental factors to consider? (Heat, cold, slippery, wet, wind, glare, etc.)

Are there hazards nearby or underneath that are exposed or could become exposed in an impact (plumbing lines, electrical exposures, protruding or impalement hazards, etc.)?Will the work require special PPE (besides fall protection)?

How will I get equipment and tools to the work location?

Do I need to prevent my activities from resulting in hazards to those below by following appropriate barricading methods to keep non-essential personnel away?Can I work from the ground level instead by bringing the work down?

Can I work safely from a ladder instead?

Can I use an aerial (boom) lift or scissors lift instead (and am I qualified to operate one?)If not, can we install portable guardrails?

If not, can I use fall restraint?

If not, will I use fall arrest?

Other?

Questionnaire – Analysis for Fall ArrestQuestions to Consider Answers or

SolutionsAre there existing approved anchorage points I can use? Where?

Is it labeled as an approved anchorage point or obviously capable of holding 5000 pounds or more as determined by a designated SLAC qualified person?

If not, can approved pre-manufactured or engineered anchorages be installed?

Do I have the right equipment (full body harness, minimum length lanyard, shock absorber, connecting hardware, I-beam strap, self-retracting lifeline, etc.)?

Questions to Consider Answers or Solutions

What is the clearance or distance I may fall into?

Is there at least 15-18 feet of clear space from anchorage point before the next level down? (Calculate fall distance to include lanyard length, deceleration distance of 3.5 feet, your height, one foot of harness slack, elongation factor, and a safety factor).

What is between me and the ground or floor below?

What will I hit on the way down?

How would I be rescued if I fall and am suspended in the harness? (Develop rescue plan)

Questionnaire – Rescue Plan A rescue plan must be developed whenever personnel may not be able to self-rescue should a fall occur.

Questions to Consider Answers or Solutions

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?

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 reaching the suspended worker?

How will rescue be ensured 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?

Appendix F – Inventory of Work Areas with Fall Hazards

Department ________________

Operation/Facility Work Area Fall Hazard Description

Method(s) to Mitigate Fall Hazard(S)

SAMPLE INVENTORY OF WORK AREAS WITH FALL HAZARDS

Operation/Facility Work Area Fall Hazard Description

Method(s) to mitigate fall hazard(s)

Public Works -Lift Station

GP Lift Station

Fall into confined space

In order to access the lift station the cover is raised. A fabricated grate is in place and must remain in place until it is determined that personnel must enter the space. For any entry at this location, employees will don appropriate harness with rope/lanyard. An attendant will be stationed at the entrance anytime an employee enters the space and they will follow all permit requirements.

Public Works-Maintenance Garage

Storage mezzanine

Fall to ground level if gate is not secured

Chain gate must remain in place until time materials need to be transferred to the storage area. Open space will be blocked by material being moved, and gate fastened after material is placed on work surface.

Appendix G – Template Inventory of Ladders

Department ________________

Inventory Number

Ladder Type Description Service

Date