|
Product Code:
|
|
|
Product Code:
|
|
|
Product Code:
|
|
|
Product Code:
|
|
|
Product Code:
|
|
|
Product Code:
|
Fall protection once again tops the list of OSHA’s most frequently cited violations; rooftop fall protection is a significant concern for employers and safety managers across a number of industries. Rooftop work, elevated surfaces, walking-working surfaces, and working at height and/or over dangerous equipment can all present fall hazards. Fortunately, injury is preventable with the right fall protection systems in place. So, whether you’re taking your first job as a safety manager, or an old pro starting at a new company, we put together a handy guide that will help ensure your workers stay safe, and you can get your job done.
Developing and implementing a comprehensive fall protection program is the most effective tool for employers to: identify, evaluate, eliminate or control fall hazards though planning; ensure proper training of personnel; ensure proper installation and use of fall protection and rescue systems and implement viable fall protection and rescue procedures.
Like all good things, safety starts with a plan. The intent of the fall protection program is that each fall hazard is identified, a control method is selected, workers are trained according to the control method and the specific work practice (how to access, where to anchor, which system to use, etc.) is documented through written fall protection and rescue procedures.
A needs assessment shall be developed to determine the content and depth of fall protection training required. For example, authorized person training for an employer who only uses aerial lifts will be significantly different than competent person training for an employer in a manufacturing facility using several different systems. Every employer has the responsibility to determine the duration and delivery method of fall protection training according to specific needs and standards.
Each project is different, but it’s worthwhile to create a general checklist nonetheless to make sure you aren’t missing any details. Here are just a few basic questions to get the ball rolling:
Whether you’re a new safety manager or a seasoned pro, rooftop work should never begin without having your rooftop fall protection system set up and ready to go. Here are a few of your options:
Safety railings are a great choice because they can be either temporary or permanent, and take the guesswork out of fall protection for your employees. OSHA requires that the guard rails be 42 +/- 3 inches above the walking working surface, mid-rail at 21 inches and a nominal 4 inch kick plate. Guardrail systems shall be capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 200 pounds (890 N) applied within 2 inches (5.1 cm) of the top edge, in any outward or downward direction, at any point along the top edge.
A guard rail system is designed for the leading edge of your work surface or rooftop, but it’s also a good option around roof holes, skylights, hatches, and machinery. If you need to access through a stairwell or ladder, adding a swing gate provides a safe and easy access.
Fall restraint systems prevent the user from falling any distance. To determine the force needed to restrain a worker, consideration is given to the force that would be generated by the worker walking, leaning, or sliding down the working surface.
Travel restraint systems shall only be used on working surfaces with a downward slope of less than 4:12 towards the fall hazard.
A fall arrest system consists of: Body Support, Connector, Anchor and Rescue.
Personal fall arrest systems involve the use of personal fall protection equipment assembled in such a manner that a worker at heights can fall. Fall arrest systems are characterized by a worker free falling some distance and the fall being arrested by the fall protection equipment. Fall arrest systems create additional concerns regarding the amount of force that the workers body will experience during the event, contact of any structure, and rescue being required.
Some things to consider:
Identification of acceptable fall arrest anchorages and tie off techniques, inspection of fall protection equipment, clearance requirements including available clearance, complete set up for access, limitations on use of the system, including the maximum free fall, weight range of users, maximum arrest force and the maximum number and permitted locations of workers who may attach to or use the system, total fall distance and free fall distance, along with rescue.
We made brief mention of ladders, roof holes, hatches, and skylights earlier—and how you can help guard them or prevent falls around/through them with the use of safety railings. Many companies offer specific items for these items as well. Ladder guards, hatch guards, and skylight guards are all available and may make more sense to your particular set up.
When safety is your job, you can’t risk any mistakes. The workers you manage put their well-being in your hands on a daily basis. No matter how big or small the job, it’s worth it to review your fall protection program. If you’re having trouble getting started on your rooftop fall protection plan—or just want to hear about the latest safety options available—give us a call. We’ll be a partner you can trust to help get your job done as safely and efficiently as possible.