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WELCOME TO U.S.M.

FALL PREVENTION &

PROTECTION TRAINING

University Environmental

Health and Safety

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Learning Objectives

• The U.S.M. Fall

Protection Program

• Key elements of the

OSHA Fall Protection

Standard

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Learning Goals: Fall Prevention

• Recognize potential fall hazards

• Identify strategies for fall prevention Understand the

requirements for the safe use of:

• Ladders

• Mechanical lifts

• Roof work

• Fall Arrest Systems

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Why a Policy for Fall Prevention ?

• Number of deaths

• Rank in cause of deaths

• Government Response

• 2005 = 767 = 6.6% <

• 4th highest

• 1st highway incidents

• 2nd, assaults

• 3rd, contact objects & equipment

• OSHA Subpart M: Fall Protection 1926.500

• Subpart L: Scaffolds

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Types of Falls

• Total Fall Fatalities 809

Fall to lower level 728

Fall from ladder 129

Fall from roof 184

Fall from scaffold 88

• Fall on same level 88

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How did the government respond?

• OSHA added Subpart (M) Fall Protection

to the CFR

• How did USM respond?

• In November of 1996, CES&H developed

a policy titled Fall Protection Program..

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Where do we need Fall Protection?

• Part 1926 section 501 tells us

• OSHA tells us.

1926.501(a)(2) Walking working surfaces

1926.501(b)(1) Unprotected sides and edges which

are 6 ft or more above a lower level

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Where else?

• (b)(7) Excavations >

6 ft

• (b)(10) Roofing work

> 6 ft.

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So how do we provide protection?

• OSHA tells us how. (of course) Where?

• 1926.502 Fall Protection Systems &

Criteria

(b) Guardrail systems.

• Top rail = 42” +/- 3” and 200 lbs of force

• Mid rail = 21 “ and 150 lbs of force

(d) Personal fall arrest systems

(k) Fall protection plan

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How do we learn about this stuff?

• OSAH tells us how

• 1926.503 Training Requirements

(a) The employer shall provide a training

program – Recognize and minimize hazard

(b) Certificate of training – Name, date, trainer signature

(c) Retraining – Changes in the workplace

– Inadequacies in the affected employees

knowledge

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Lets get started!

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The University of Southern Maine. University Environmental Health and Safety

Policy: Fall Protection Program

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Purpose

• To identify, evaluate, manage and control

fall hazards by eliminating or preventing

them through administrative and

engineering controls. When this is not

feasible, then fall protection systems shall

be used to protect a worker from exposure

to a fall event..

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Justification

• Falls account for 18% of work place fatalities

• Fall between 4 and 6ft result in the regular

occurrence of disabling injuries.

• Falls above 6 ft result in the regular occurrence

of death.

• Average cost of a disabling injury, $28,000.00

• Average cost of death, $980,000.00

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Objective

• Eliminate and prevent exposure to falls.

• Bring worker to a safe stop in the event of

a fall.

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Scope

• This policy applies to management,

supervisors, workers and subcontractors

working at elevations of six feet or higher

– Above a lower level

– Leading edge

– Floor or Wall opening

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USM TARGET GROUPS

• Grounds

• Telecommunications

• Electricians

• Painters

• Athletics

• Mechanical Trades

• Subcontractors

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Responsibilities

• Project Manager/ Administrator – Ensures compliance

• Project Supervisor – Assist with job site hazard recognition

– Ensure compliance

• Employee/Worker – Compliance with program

– Identifying and reporting fall hazards

– Inspecting equipment

– Attending safety training

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FALL PREVENTION

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Control Factors

Maintain uncluttered walking/working surfaces.

Erecting guardrails and walls.

Using approved scaffolds and lifts.

Restrict travel of workers.

Encourage equipment maintenance & inspection

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Fall Prevention Procedures

FP-1 Ladders

FP-2 Mechanical Lifts

FP-3 Staging

FP-4 Roof Tops

FP-5 Personal Fall Arrest Systems

FP-6 Watertower

FP-7 Power Lines

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FP- 1 Ladders (A-Portable, step)

Inspect for broken components

Read instruction labels on the ladder

– No ladder is to be used if the labels are missing

Open stepladders fully and secure locking devices

Position on a stable base

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What does OSHA say?

(1926.1053) Ladders, (a) General

– (a)(8) A metal spreader or locking device shall be provided on each step ladder to hold the front and back sections in an open when the ladder is being used.

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OSHA: 1926.1053(b) Use

(b)(1) portable ladder side rails shall extend at least 3 feet above the landing surface

(b)(2) free of oil grease and slipping hazards

(b)(3) not loaded beyond the manufacturer`s rated capacity

(b)(4) used only for the purpose for which they were designed

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OSHA: 1926.1053(b) Use

(b)(9) The area around the top and bottom of the ladder shall be kept clear

(b)(13) The top or top step of a step ladder shall not be used as a step

(b)(14) rear section of stepladders shall not be used for climbing

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FP- 1 Ladders ( B-Extension)

Extend ladder 3 feet past the surface being accessed

– Do not over extend in height

Secure both ends when possible

– Or use a designated spotter

– A climb > 20 feet requires a team of 2

Use the 1 to 4 principle ( arms length)

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FP- 1 Ladders ( B-Extension)

Inspect the ladder.

Read the labels.

Engage the locking devices.

Climbs over 20 feet require two people.

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FP- 1 Ladders (extension)

Never over reach while working.

Maintain three point contact.

Hands empty when ascending/descending.

Use a rope and or mechanical device to lift materials up to or down from work area.

When working in or around energized power lines follow procedures in FP-7.

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OSHA: 1926.1053(b) Use

(b)(5)(i) used at an angle such that the horizontal distance from the top support to the foot of the ladder is approximately one-quarter of the working length

(b)(6) used only on stable level surfaces

(b)(7) not used on slippery surfaces

(b)(8) if placed in any location where they can be displaced i.e., passageways, doorways shall be secured or barricaded

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OSHA: 1926.1053(b) Use

(b)(20) “When ascending nor descending a ladder, the user shall face the ladder.”

(b)(21) “Each employee shall use at least one hand to grasp the ladder when progressing up and/or down the ladder.”

(b)(22) “An employee shall not carry any object or load that could cause the employee to loose balance and fall.”

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FP-2 Mechanical Lifts

Manufacturers instructions are to be followed when using this equipment

Training and corresponding documentation are mandatory before an employee can operate a powered lift.

Operate only on a level surface

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FP-2 Mechanical Lifts

Lock/chock wheels where possible.

When working around electrical lines see:

FP-7 Power line procedure.

A team of two workers is required when moving the lift between buildings.

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1926.453 Aerial Lifts

(b) Specific Requirements

-(2) Extensible and articulating boom platforms

(i) Lift controls shall be tested each day

(ii) Only authorized persons shall operate a lift

(iii) Belting off to an adjacent pole, structure or equipment shall not be permitted.

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1926.453 Aerial Lifts

(iv) Stand firmly on the floor of the basket and shall not sit or climb on the edge of the basket or use planks, ladders, or other devices for a work position.

(v) A body harness shall be worn and a lanyard attached to the boom or basket when working from an aerial lift.

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1926.453 Aerial Lifts

(b) Specific Requirements

– (2) Extensible and articulating boom platforms

(vi) Load limits specified By the manufacturer shall not be exceeded.

(vii) Brakes shall be set and when outriggers are used, they shall be positioned on pads on a solid surface.

(viii) An aerial lift shall not be moved when the boom is elevated in a working position with men in the basket.

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FP-3 Staging

Level position. Wheels locked.

All cross bracing in place with pins, clips etc. in locked position.

Planking minimum 2 X 8 staging grade or aluminum decking planks

Railings; 500lbs, 2 x 4 guardrails, 42” top with midrail and toe board.

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FP-3 Staging

Do not over load the platform

When working around power lines follow FP-7 Power line Procedure.

Suspension Scaffolds are not to be used by USM employees!

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FP- 4, Roof Tops

Only workers who have been trained shall be allowed onto a roof.

Inspect roof surface for hazards prior to starting work.

Identify fall hazards including holes and skylights.

Appropriate foot wear should be worn.

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FP-4 Roof Tops

Only workers who have been trained.

Flat Roofs (<= 4 in 12 slope) – Minimum of 2 workers

– Warning lines minimum of 6 ft from the edge

– Inspect roof surface.

– Be aware of openings

– Wear appropriate footwear.

– Use a Safety Monitor with the warning line system.

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FP- 4, Roof Tops

Steep Roofs, having a slope greater than 4 in 12 (vertical to horizontal)

– Must be tied off securely before work begins

– Do not tie off to:

Roof hatch openings

Vent pipes, stacks, or chimneys

Benches or planters

Any item not securely fastened to the structure.

– Check with FM Engineering

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FP-5 Personal Fall Arrest System

To be covered in Training Certificate Session

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FP-7 Power Line Procedures

Maintain the mandated 10 foot clearance from power lines.

Electrical power lines entering the buildings must be wrapped by CMP before work can begin.

A team of two workers is required when moving the lift between buildings.

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Rescue Procedures

• Attempt communication with the victim.

• Try to assess victims condition.

• Do not move victim.

• Dial 911 or 780-5211 to summon help

• Direct first responders.

• Contact the employees supervisor.

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Training requirements

• The nature & recognition of fall hazards.

• Use and operation of guardrail and

personal fall arrest systems

• The role of employees in fall protection

plans

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Certificate of Training

• Name of employee.

• Dates of Training.

• Signature of trainer.

• Employee printed name and signature.

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Retraining

• When dangers in the workplace change.

• Changes in fall protection systems.

• When the employer has reason to believe

that an employee who has already been

trained does not have the understanding

and skill required by the Training

Requirements to perform their work safely.

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FALL PROTECTION

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Learning Goals Fall Protection

• Name the Components of a Personal

Fall Arrest System

• Learn to inspect your personal fall arrest

equipment

• Don and fit the body harness correctly

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3 General Principals of Fall

Protection

(the holy grail)

• 1. Don't hit the ground.

• 2. Minimize the fall forces.

• 3. Don't do stupid stuff.

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1. Don't hit the ground

• Always calculate the fall clearance prior to

working.

• Calculating the Total Fall Clearance • (+) 6 ft, length of lanyard

• (+) 3.5 ft deceleration distance

• (+) 6 ft height of worker

• (+) 3 ft safety factor

• 18.5 ft from the anchor point

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2. Minimize the fall force

• 3 Ways to minimize the arresting force

– (a) Minimize the fall distance

– (b) Minimize the working weight

– (c) Maximize the Stopping Distance

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(a) Minimize the free fall distance

• As the free fall distance increases, the

arresting force increases

– Use a shorter lanyard

– Anchor higher up

– Use a retractable (SRL)

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(b) Minimize the working weight

• As the working weight increases, the

arresting forces also increase

– Carry less tools

– Rope and bucket or mechanical aid

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(c) Maximize the Stopping Distance

• As the stopping distance (deceleration

distance) increases, the arresting force will

decrease

– Use a shock absorbing lanyard

– Use a self retracting lifeline

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3. Don’t do Stupid stuff.

• Have you planned your work?

• Do you have a rescue plan?

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What am I supposed to wear?

• Personal Fall Arrest System

• The “ABC`s”

• Anchor

• Body wear

• Connecting device

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A = Anchor Point

• Capable of supporting at least 5000 lbs

per employee attached. Why 5000 lbs?

• 2x the intended load or maximum arresting

force as determined by a qualified person.

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Anchor Point

• Shall be independent of any anchorage

being used to support or suspend

platforms

• Shape must be compatible with

connectors

• Located directly above the worker; swing

• Accessible; to facilitate rescue

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B = Body Harness

• All components must have a minimum tensile strength of 5000lbs

• Maximum working weight of 310 lbs, combined person and tool, unless otherwise specified on the label. ( now making 400 lb harness )

• Distributes the arrest forces to the major muscle groups. Limit 1800 lbs

• Hold the employee during and after the fall. (15 minutes, orthostatic intolerance)

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C = Connecting Devices

• Lanyards

• Retractables

• “D” rings and Snap hooks

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Connecting Devices

• Lanyards

– Web, rope, wire.

• Note; ropes and straps (webbing) used in lanyards, lifelines,

and strength components of body belts and body harnesses

shall be made from synthetic fibers. 1926.501(d)(14)

– Minimum breaking strength of 5000 lbs

– Limit max arrest force to 900 lbs

– Limit max free fall distance to 6 ft

– Limit max deceleration distance to 3.5 ft

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Connecting Devices

• Retractables: SRL`s

– Web and Cable

– Lengths from 9 to 95 feet

– Max free fall of 2 ft shall be able to sustain a

minimum tensile load of 3000lbs

– Max free fall > 2 ft but less than 3.5 ft ( rip

stitch, tearing ) shall be able to sustain a

minimum tensile load of 5000lbs

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How does it look?

• Inspecting your Personal Fall Arrest

Equipment.

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Inspecting your equipment

• Personal fall arrest equipment must be

inspected prior to each use

– Hardware

– Webbing material

– Stitching

– Labels

– Operation/Function

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Inspecting your equipment

• Hardware

– Distortions, dimples, cracks, corrosion or pitted

surfaces.

• Web Material

– Impact label

– frayed material, loose stitching

– Cuts, snags, breaks

– Swelling, discoloration, cracks, charring (signs of

chemical or heat damage).

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Inspecting your equipment

• Shock absorber/soft stop

– Examine outer pack/covering for

• burns,

• tears,

• discoloration,

• frayed stitching,

• deterioration.

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Inspecting your equipment

• Labels

– Present

– Legible

• Instructions

• Model number

• Date of Manufacture

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Inspecting your equipment

• Operation/function – All components shall be size to be compatible with the member

to which they are connected. 1926.501.(D)(5)

– Components must engage freely and interlock securely. Triple check the double locking snap hooks

– Buckle tongue and grommets must fit securely

– Interlocking rectangular buckles must be free of distortion and lock securely

– Thimbles must be firmly seated in the eye on all lanyards,

– Splices

• no loose or cut strands

• No sharp edges, distortions or cracks.

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Inspecting your equipment

• Do Not Write on the Straps, Webbing or

Material.

• The manufacturer can claim the product

has been altered.

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How do I put this tuxedo on?

• Donning your equipment.

– Properly fitted to the wearer after donning.

– “Hands on” class participation.

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Thank you