Fall Protection PPT-SM-FALLPROT 1 V.A.0.0 Introduction to Fall - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

PPT-SM-FALLPROT V.A.0.0

Fall Protection

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PPT-SM-FALLPROT V.A.0.0

Introduction to Fall Protection

• Falls account for 13% of fatal injuries
• 11% of these fatal falls were to a lower level
• Workers may be required to perform tasks at great

heights which puts them at risk to injuries and death from falls

• Knowing which fall arrest system to use and how to

properly secure it will aid in the prevention of injuries and fatalities due to a fall

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PPT-SM-FALLPROT V.A.0.0

When Fall Protection is Necessary

When working under any of the following conditions fall protection equipment must be worn

• Heights 4 feet or above in general industry
• Heights 6 feet or above in construction industry
• Heights more than 6 feet above the established working

surface without guardrails

• Immediate danger below the working surface
• Working on a tank roof
• Lifting or lowering worker by air hoist or hydraulic winch

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PPT-SM-FALLPROT V.A.0.0

Types of Fall Protection

• Guardrails and handrails
• Nets and barricades
• Ladder climbing devices
• Restraining devices
• Hole covers
• Fall arrest equipment

Other than guardrails, the most commonly used form of fall protection is fall arrest equipment.

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PPT-SM-FALLPROT V.A.0.0

Worker Responsibilities

• Do not work at heights unless trained to do so
• Know the hazards of working at heights
• Inspect fall arrest equipment prior to use
• Wear fall arrest equipment when required
• Be alert for fall hazards
• Be aware of chemicals that can damage

equipment

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PPT-SM-FALLPROT V.A.0.0

Nature of Fall Hazards

• The action of falling makes the

body susceptible to many different hazards

• While falling, you do not have

control of your body which can cause you to land in dangerous

• r fatal ways
• Puncture wounds can occur from

falling against objects or tools that might be at the jobsite

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PPT-SM-FALLPROT V.A.0.0

Nature of Fall Hazards

• The body has no control of how or where it will

land

• Protection from falling objects includes the use of

– Toeboards – Barricades – Canopies – Hard hats – Lines to secure tools and material

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PPT-SM-FALLPROT V.A.0.0

Selection and Use of Fall Arrest System

• Used in exposed areas where

workers may be subject to a fall

• All parts of a fall arrest

system must be capable of supporting a 5,000 pound load

A fall arrest system includes a

• Full body

harness

• Lanyard
• Fall brake
• Tie-off point

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PPT-SM-FALLPROT V.A.0.0

Full Body Harness

• Distributes force of fall

across buttocks

– Less likely to cause internal

injuries

• Properly adjust harness

– Tight but does not restrict

motion

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PPT-SM-FALLPROT V.A.0.0

Full Body Harness

• Inspection

– Monthly or quarterly – Visually prior to use

• If subject to fall, destroy and

dispose

• Worn as described by

manufacturer

A full body harness must show no evidence of

• Defects
• Damage
• Modifications

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PPT-SM-FALLPROT V.A.0.0

Full Body Harness

Safety belts

• Intended as positioning devices
• Worn underneath ribs, not on the waist
• Falls result in serious internal injuries to soft organs
• Know your company’s policy regarding the use of

safety belts

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PPT-SM-FALLPROT V.A.0.0

Lanyard

• Connects anchor to harness
• Restrict fall to 6 feet or

less

• Designed for use in a fall

arrest system

• Must support at least

5,000 pounds

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PPT-SM-FALLPROT V.A.0.0

Lanyard

• Modified lanyard made from

spare cable or rope is not acceptable

• Attach lanyard to back of full

body harness

• Attachment hardware must be

double locking design

Tying knots to shorten lanyards weakens the lanyard by up to 50%.

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PPT-SM-FALLPROT V.A.0.0

Fall Brakes

• Known as deceleration device
• Controls deceleration during

fall

– Limits the G forces exerted on

the person falling

• Divided into

– Webbing tear aways – Retractable, inertial braking

mechanisms

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PPT-SM-FALLPROT V.A.0.0

Tie-off Point

• Estimated 80% of all errors that occur

with fall protection equipment are due to a poor choice for the tie-off point

• Must support weight of 5,000 pounds
• Located above and behind the worker

as much as possible

• Do not tie-off on

– Process pipe – Hand railings – Cable trays

Approximately 80%

• f errors that occur

with fall protection equipment are due to a poor choice for the tie-off point.

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PPT-SM-FALLPROT V.A.0.0

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PPT-SM-FALLPROT V.A.0.0

Handling and Storage

• Handle properly to not allow deterioration or

damage

• Store equipment in designated area
• Store indoors away from the elements
• Hang equipment with D-rings or metal pieces on

hooks

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PPT-SM-FALLPROT V.A.0.0

Inspection and Maintenance

• Inspect prior to use and on a routine basis
• Remove damaged, modified or defective equipment

from service

– Repair or destroy

• If subject to fall

– Remove from service – Repair, inspect or destroy

• Be aware of chemicals that can damage equipment
• Use only approved cleaning agents

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PPT-SM-FALLPROT V.A.0.0

Rescue Plan

• Have rescue plan in place
• Speedy recovery is important
• Authorized workers should practice rescue plan

regularly

• Rescue equipment should

– Meet ANSI requirements – Be inspected by user before and after use

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PPT-SM-FALLPROT V.A.0.0

Training

Documented with a certificate that states

• Name of the worker trained
• Date of training
• Signature of the person that conducted the

training

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