Fall Protection

OSHA Susan Harwood Grant

• This material was produced under Grant Program # SH-31246-SH7

from OSHA, U.S. Department of Labor. It Does not necessarily reflect
the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does
mentioning of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply
endorsement by the U.S. Government. Revisions were made to this
material under grant number SH-22317-11 from the Occupational Safety
and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor.
 Training Audience
• Water Utility Operators
• Heavy equipment operators
• Electricians
• Plumbers
• Mechanics
• Welders
• Carpenters
• General laborers
• Trades people
 Training Objectives

• Occupational Safety and Health

Act of 1970 and your rights as a
whistleblower.
• Introduction into the OSHA
construction standards and fall
protection requirements.
• Case studies and exercises.
• How to use safe work practices
to prevent fall hazards.
 OSH Act of 1970-SEC.5.Duties
(a) Each employer shall:
(1) Furnish to each of his employees employment and a
place of employment which are free from recognized
hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death
or serious physical harm to his employees;
(2) Comply with occupational safety and health standards
promulgated under this Act.
(b) Have each employee comply with occupational safety and
health standards and all rules, regulations, and orders issued
pursuant to this Act which are applicable to his own actions
and conduct.
 Your Rights as a Whistleblower
• You may file a complaint with OSHA if your employer
retaliates against you by taking unfavorable personnel
action because you engaged in protected activity
relating to ‘workplace safety or health’, asbestos in
schools, cargo containers, airline, commercial motor
carrier, consumer product, environmental, financial
reform, food safety, health insurance reform, motor
vehicle safety, nuclear, pipeline, public transportation
agency, railroad, maritime, motor vehicle safety, and
securities laws.
 Unfavorable Personnel Actions
• Applying or issuing a policy Failing to hire or rehire
which provides for an Firing or laying off
unfavorable personnel action
due to activity protected by a Intimidation
whistleblower law enforced by Making threats
OSHA: Reassignment to a less
Blacklisting
desirable position, including one
Demoting
adversely affecting prospects for
Denying overtime or
promotion promotion
Disciplining
Reducing pay or hours
Denying benefits
Suspension
 When Filing a Complaint-Legal Time
Limits
• Occupational Safety and Health Act -30 days to file
• Solid Waste Disposal Act-30 days
• Toxic Substance Control Act-180 days
• Federal Water Pollution Act-30 days
• Compensation and Liability Act-30 days
• Clean Air Act-30 days
• Safe Drinking Water Act-30 days
 Filing Complaint
• Visit or calling the local OSHA office
• Mailing a written complaint to the regional or area office
• Written complaints can be sent by facsimile, electronic
communication, hand delivery during business hours
• https://www.whistleblowers.gov/
Construction’s Fatal Four Occupational
Hazards
• Falls — 384 out of 991 total deaths in
construction in 2016 (40%)
• Struck by Object - 93 (10%)
• Electrocutions - 82 (8%)
• Caught-in/between - 72 (7%)
 Top 10 most frequently cited OSHA
standards violated in FY 2017
• Fall protection, construction (29 CFR 1926.501)
• Hazard communication standard, general industry (29 CFR 1910.1200)
• Scaffolding, general requirements, construction (29 CFR 1926.451)
• Respiratory protection, general industry (29 CFR 1910.134)
• Control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout), general industry (29 CFR
1910.147)
• Ladders, construction (29 CFR 1926.1053)
• Powered industrial trucks, general industry (29 CFR 1910.178)
• Machinery and Machine Guarding, general requirements (29 CFR 1910.212)
• Fall Protection–Training Requirements (29 CFR 1926.503)
• Electrical, wiring methods, components and equipment, general industry(29
CFR 1910.305)
 Define Fall Protection

• A series of reasonable
steps taken to prevent falls
while working at heights.
 How Can We Plan for Fall Hazards?
• Prevention through design practices
recommend that fall protection becomes a key
part of the project planning process, from
constructability, to systems installation, to use
and maintenance
• A project cannot be truly safe unless fall
protection is added into every phase of
the construction process-even the
smallest projects
• Best if fall protection is planned and designed
prior to construction-keeps cost down
• Regular safety briefs will keep workers safe
and minimize liability for all parties involved
 How Can We Control Fall Hazards?
• Select the proper fall protection systems for each situation.
• Use proper construction and installation of safety systems
• Effectively supervise employees
• Ensure supervisors are responsible and accountable for fall
protection at workplaces
• Use safe work procedures
• Train Workers in the proper selection, use, and maintenance
of fall protection systems
• Evaluate the effectiveness of all steps
 Introduction to Fall Hazards
Fall Hazards Accident Prevention
• Building Structures • Guard Rail Systems
• • Warning Lines
Exterior Construction Areas
• Scaffolds • Personal Fall Arrest Systems
• Stairs • Floor Covers
• Ladders • 3 Point of contact
• Heavy Equipment
• Water storage tanks
• Deep excavation
Working Above Dangerous Equipment
and Objects
• Falls from a short distance
can result in serious injury

• All workers must be

protected from falling onto
sharp objects and
equipment
 Open Excavation
• Excavation and Trenching Fall Hazards
• All open excavation areas and
holes in the earth or manholes
must be guarded or protected
• Adequate signage to WARN
people of the open fall
hazards
 Holes in Floors, Roofs or Walking
Surfaces
• Open areas require guarding
• Proper signage required to
WARN people of the fall
hazards
• Lift stations or vaults
 Introduction to Fall Protection
Requirements
• Working 6 feet or more • Regardless of the height, fall
above the lower level protection must be used when
requires the use of fall working above:
protection  Dangerous equipment
Unprotected sides and  Sharp objects
edges  Piercing objects
Leading Edges
Excavations
Walking/working surfaces
Introduction to Fall Protection Systems
• When working at the height
of 6’ above a lower level you
must use fall protection that
include one at least of the
following:
Guardrail system
Personal fall arrest system
Warning line system
 Guardrail Systems
• Guardrail system structure
must be properly installed
and maintained in order to
provide any worker protection
when working above 6 feet.
• Guardrail systems are also
added to protect workers
from dangerous equipment
and sharp objects
 Wood Guardrail Systems
• Top Rail 42”
Adequate strength 200lbs
outward or downward direction
• Mid-rails- In between the top and
walking surface
Adequate strength 150lbs
outward or downward direction
• Toe-board
Adequate strength 50lbs
outward or downward direction
 Cable Guardrail System
• Top rail 42”
Can not deflect below 39”
• Marked every 6’
High visibility material
• Termination and attachments
must meet standards (per
Appendix B Subpart M)
• Wire rope
1/4” nominal diameter
 Guardrail Systems to Cover
Openings
• Guardrail over open construction• Guardrail over manhole
cover
 Damaged Guardrail Systems
• Damaged or missing guardrails must
be fixed immediately

• Toe boards, screens and or netting

must be installed and maintained to
prevent materials from falling onto
workers
 Warning Lines
• Warning lines are only used to keep
workers away from unsafe edge
• Must be located at least 6 feet from
the edge
• Must withstand 16 lbs. of tipping
pressure
• Must be at least 34 inches from the
ground
• Must be maintained
 Introduction to Temporary Work
Platforms
• The role of the competent person
during construction of scaffolds
• Supported scaffold
• Access ladders
• Power lift platforms
 Scaffolds
• Guardrails must be in place
when working 10 feet above the
lower level
• Guardrail system must be
installed on all open sides to
include top and mid rails
• Must include a toe board on all
sides
• Scaffold must not more than 9.5
inches from structure
 Platform Construction

• Scaffold base must rest on

base plate and a mud sill
• Base plate is designed to
support and level the
scaffolding
• Requires a competent person
to design and install
 Access Ladders on Scaffolding
• The ladder must be firmly secured to
the scaffolding
• When using hook on ladders, it must
be positioned to prevent de-
stabilizing the scaffolding
• In addition, the spacing of the ladder
rungs must be 16 ¾ inches or less
and have a minimum length of 11 ½
inches.
• Scaffolds must be fully planked –no
gaps greater than 1 inch
 Mobile Scaffold
• Mobile scaffolds are a
type of supported scaffold
set on wheels or casters.
• They are designed to be
easily moved and are
commonly used for
painting and plastering,
where workers must
frequently change position
 Avoiding Hazards

• Only work from scaffolds that are

properly constructed and
supported
• Never use scaffolds that do not
have proper guardrails system
installed
• Never use blocks, brick, walk
boards, and other unsafe
methods to access a scaffold
• Electrical hazards
• Platform slip hazards
• Wind hazards
Unsafe Work Practices on Mobile
Scaffold
 Competent Person Duties

• Design and preplanning of the scaffold including weight

limitations, scaffold type, fall protection, tie-offs, supports, etc.
• Overseeing the erection of the scaffold
• Final inspection of the scaffold prior to initial occupation for
use.
• At a minimum, daily inspection and documentation of the
condition of the scaffold and its ability to be occupied safely.
• Inspections of scaffolds after changes / alterations have been
made.
• Oversight and inspections of mobile scaffolds.
• Training of other competent persons, scaffold erectors, and
Introduction to Powered Lift
Platforms
• Only use equipment that is designed for lifting
personnel and suitable for the assigned task
• Ensure equipment is functioning properly
• Never use a powered platform that requires
maintenance or is unsafe to operate
• Fall protection is required for most power lift platforms
• Direct supervision and use of a spotter are good safe
work practices
 Personal Lift System
• Battery powered systems
• Eliminate the risk of using a ladder
at heights
• Must be rated for the scope and
application in your work
environment
• Weight and height limitations
• Use for indoors
• Use on flat even surfaces
 Articulating Power Lift Systems
• Battery and propane powered
systems
Use indoors
• Gas and diesel powered systems
Use outdoors only
• Requires personal fall arrest
system to be used while inside
the bucket
• Use of a spotter to avoid struck
against injuries
 Scissor Lift Systems
• Battery and propane powered
Use indoors
Use on a flat even surface
• Gas and diesel powered
Use outdoors on flat even surfaces
• Personal fall arrest system MAY not be
required if:
Guardrail system meets ANSI standards
for fall protection
The Hazards of Mobile Lift Platforms
• Equipment malfunction
• Lack of situational awareness
• Struck against injuries
• Contact with electrical power lines (electric Shock)
• Uneven surfaces
• Slip, trips and falls
• Ejection
• Exhaust
 Ejection Hazard

Show an ejection hazard video

Makeshift Work Platform-Safe or
Unsafe?
Power Lift Platforms-Safe or Unsafe?
Power Lift Platforms Safe or Unsafe?
 Introduction to Ladders
• Ladders are constructed of wood,
aluminum and fiberglass
Step ladders
Extension ladders
Platform ladders
Step stools
Telescoping ladders
Folding and articulated ladders
 Important Factors for Selecting the
Right Ladder
• Its type: • Wood and aluminum ladders
Wood, aluminum (light are subject to damage and
weight) and fiberglass corrosion by water and wind
(heavy weight) • Aluminum and wood ladders
• It’s length are conductors for electricity
• Strength • Fiberglass ladders are lower
conductors for electricity and
Rated for how much
ideal for most working
weight the ladder is rated conditions
for.
 Ladder Safety Tip

• Read ladder instructions to

ensure proper use

• Must be inspected prior to use

• Must be kept in a good

working condition and at a
safe location
 Ladder Safety Tips
• Always maintain good footing on a
step ladder
• Use correct size ladder for the
intended work task
• Never sit on top of the ladder
• Never straddle the ladder
• Always use ladders on stable
surfaces
• Never use the last two rungs
 Ladder Safety Tips

• Proper position of ladders

• Ladders must be positioned
at a safe angle to avoid
potential fall hazards when
climbing

• Extension ladders must

extend 3 feet over the
landing for safe access and
egress
 Ladder Safety Video

Show a ladder
safety video
Do Not Stand on Top of the Ladder
 Safety Tip-While Climbing Ladders

• Use both hands while

climbing-keep a firm
grip
• Always face the ladder
when climbing up or
down
• Never climb a ladder
while carrying materials
• Hoist materials or
bucket or two person
approach
 Safety Tips for Stairs

• Stairways must have a

stair rail along each
unprotected side or
edge.
• Stairs that have walls on
both sides must have at
least one hand rail on
the right-hand side
when climbing down
• Never use stairs that are
not complete are unsafe
 Introduction to Fall Arrest System
• A personal fall arrest system is one option of protection that
OSHA requires for workers on construction sites who are
exposed to vertical drops of 6 feet or more
• Ensure that personal fall arrest systems will, when stopping
a fall:
Limit maximum arresting force to 1,800 pounds.
Be rigged such that an employee can neither free fall more
than 6 feet nor contact any lower level.
Bring a worker to a complete stop and limit maximum
deceleration distance to 3½ feet.
Have sufficient strength to withstand twice the potential
impact energy of a worker free falling a distance of 6 feet, or
the free fall distance permitted by the system, whichever is
Fall Arrest System Considerations

• Inspect systems before each use for wear, damage,

and other deterioration, and remove defective
components from service.
• Do not attach fall arrest systems to guardrail systems
or hoists.
• Rig fall arrest systems to allow movement of the
worker only as far as the edge of the
walking/working surface, when used at hoist areas.
• Evaluate swing fall hazard to avoid striking objects
• Remove systems and components from service
immediately if they have been subjected to fall
impact.
 Swing Fall Avoidance

Show a swing
fall avoidance video
 Fall Distance Calculation
1.D-ring ABOVE Anchor-
Free fall distance =Lanyard
Length + vertical distance
from D ring to Anchor
2.D-ring BELOW anchor-
Free fall vertical distance =
Lanyard Length -Distance
from D-ring to anchor
3.D-ring LEVEL with
anchor-Free fall distance =
Lanyard length
Calculating Your Fall Clearance
Distance

Demonstrate calculating
fall clearance distance
 The A, B, C, add D of Fall Protection
A = Anchor
• Anchorages used for attachment of
personal fall arrest equipment must be
independent of any anchorage being
used to support or suspend platforms,
and capable of supporting at least
5,000 pounds per employee attached,
or must be designed and used as
follows:
• As part of a complete personal fall
arrest system which maintains a safety
factor of at least two
• Under the supervision of a
qualified person
 Improper Anchor Points

• Standard Guardrails • C-Clamps

• Standard Railings • Cable Trays
• Ladder/Rungs • Another lanyard
• Roof stacks, vents
• Scaffolding
• Joists, girders (unless qualified
• Light fixtures person allows same)
• Conduit or Plumbing
• Ductwork or Pipe Vents
• Pipe Hangers
Common Roof Top Anchor Points
Can you Install an Anchor Point without
Fall Protection?
• OSHA 1926 Subpart M, (1926.500(a))1)) states “The
provisions of this subpart do not apply when employees
are making an inspection, investigation, or assessment
of workplace conditions prior to the actual start of
construction work or after all construction work has
been completed.”
Initial Installation of an Anchor Point
• The key to this industry standard states that prior to the
actual start of construction work the competent person will
focus on identifying fall protection needs.
• Survey the roof to determine if there are pre-installed
anchorages available that can be used. If not, then plan
immediately to identify those systems needed to protect
workers from falls and have them in place before the
workers report to the job.
• The first person on the roof conducting the inspection will
be the one to install anchor point without initial fall
protection in place. However once the anchor point is
installed he or she will need to connect in right of way
before any construction work can begin.
 Introduction to Fall Protection
Harness Inspection

Add a video to show fall

protection harness inspection
B = The Body Harness
• Requires daily inspection before
use
• Recommend monthly by
Competent Person
• Should never be modified unless
approved by the manufacturer
• Should be taken out of service
immediately if defective or
exposed to an impact
 Proper Adjustment

• Be able to reach your D-Ring

with your thumb
• Maximum four (flat) fingers of
slack at the legs, straps as high
as comfortably possible
• Ensure chest strap is across the
chest/breastbone
• Have a buddy double check for
twist..etc......
 C = Connector

• Connectors are devices that connect to the

full body harness system
• Connectors such as shock absorbing lanyards
or self retracting lifelines connect a worker's
harness to the anchorage
• They can be single products or multiple
products working together
• Connectors, including D-rings and snap-
hooks, must be made from drop-forged,
pressed or formed steel, or equivalent
materials. They must have a corrosion-
resistant finish, with smooth surfaces and
edges to prevent damage to connecting parts
of the system
 Snap Hook Type
• Must have a minimum tensile strength of 5000 pounds,
and be proof tested to a minimum tensile load of 3,600
pounds without cracking, breaking, or becoming
permanently deformed

• Must be double locking and designed to prevent the

disengagement of the snap hook by the contact of the
snap-hook keeper with the connected member
 Snap Hook Type Continued
• Must have a minimum tensile strength of 5000 pounds,
and be proof tested to a minimum tensile load of 3,600
pounds without cracking, breaking, or becoming
permanently deformed

• Must be double locking and designed to prevent the

disengagement of the snap hook by the contact of the
snap-hook keeper with the connected member
 Snap Hooks Must Not Be Engaged
To:
• Directly to webbing, rope or wire
• To each other
• To a D-ring to which another snap-
hook or other connector is attached
• To a horizontal life line
• To any object which is
incompatibility shaped in relation to
the snap-hook such that the
connected object could depress the
snap-hook keeper and release itself
 Retractable Life Lines

• Very effective for vertical

applications

• Will normally lock up in 1 to 2

feet, minimizing total fall
distance and impact forces on
the employee’s body
Fall Protection-Safe or Unsafe?
D = Descent and Rescue Systems

• Enable the retrieval of and

injured or incapacitated worker

• Equipment facilitates rapid

recovery of the worker without
endangering other workers in
the process
 Rescue Plan
• Under 29 CFR 1926.502 (d)(20) requires employers to
provide prompt rescue of fall employees, IF the employee
can not rescue themselves
• Notify community health aid or 911 system of injuries
• Provide immediate first aid
• Execute a written rescue plan of action
• Ensure employees are trained and qualified to rescue
injured workers
• Evaluate all your options in a worst case scenario to
ensure the safety of everyone during a rescue operation
 Competent Person

• Means one who is capable

of identifying existing and
predictable hazards in and
surrounding, or working
conditions which are
unsanitary, hazardous, or
dangerous to employees,
and how has the
authorization to take
prompt corrective
measures to eliminate
them
 How Can a Competent Person
Become Qualified

• By possessing a recognized
degree, certificate, or
professional standing, or
by extensive knowledge,
training and experience,
has successfully
demonstrate their ability to
solve or resolve problems
related to the subject
matter
This Concludes our Training