Fall Protection

1

Fall Protection Action Limits

Fall exposure - General Industry 4ft

Fall exposure - Construction 6ft

Roofing 6ft

Scaffolding 10ft

2

Training Requirements

• Fall Hazard Recognition• Protection Methods• Documentation must be maintained• If the process or environment

changes retraining may be necessary

3

Documentation• Contractors must have a written fall

protection plan for all work• Written Plan:

– Must be site specific– Identify all potential fall exposures– Plan must address methods of protection

• PFAS, handrails, safety nets, etc.– Employees must be educated on protection

measures and potential exposures4

Potential Jobsite Fall ExposuresGeneral

Unprotected sides and edges Hoist areas

Leading edges Holes

Ramps, runways, walkways Dangerous equipment

Formwork and reinforcing steel

Excavations, wells, pits, shafts

Overhand bricklaying Pre-cast concrete erection

Roofs Wall openings

Walking/working surfaces not otherwise covered.

5

Potential Jobsite Fall ExposuresSpecific to Residential Work

Truss Erection Foundation Walls

Rafter Installation Form Work

Ridge Beam Installation Floor Penetrations

Decking Operations Excavations & Culverts

Roof Sheathing Wall Erection

Floor Joists Wall Openings

Floor Decking All Roofing Operations

Walking/working surfaces not otherwise covered.

6

Fall Protection Measures

• Acceptable means of fall protection may include:– Handrails– Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS)– Positioning Devices– Safety Nets– Warning Lines & Barrier Systems– Controlled Access Zones (CAZ)– Covers

7

Considerations

• What fall protection system will best suit the project?–Duration of work and pace–Employee movement–Reusability–Implementation (assembly and

training)8

Stairways & Ladders• A stairway or ladder must be provided if

there is a break in elevation of 19” or more• Points of access must be kept clear of

obstacles • The standard does not apply to

manufactured scaffold access ladders

9

Stairways• OSHA standards make

provisions for permanent and non-permanent stairways

• Standards specify all dimensions:– All stairways must be at

least 22” wide– Stair angle must be between

30° and 50°– Risers must be uniform from

top to bottom 10

Stairways• Where doors or gates open onto a stairway a

platform must be provided so the swing of the door does not reduce the width of the platform to less than 21”

• Where stairs exit directly into vehicles pathways barriers and warnings shall be posted for pedestrian safety

• Stairway landings must be as wide as the width of the stairway

• Stairs must have landing platforms not less than 30” in the direction of travel and extend 22” in width at every 12 ft or less of vertical rise

• Steps on stairways must be slip resistant

11

Handrails• All stairways having four or more

risers must have handrails• Handrails must be located between

30 and 34” above the leading edge of stair tread

• Top rails must be able to support 200 lbs of outward and downward force, mid rails 150 lbs

• Handrails must have at least 3” of clearance between them and the wall or surface they are mounted on

• Height can vary + or – 3”• Toe boards are necessary only if an

exposure exists for those below12

Handrails

Top-rail @ 42”

Mid-rail @ 21”

Toeboard @ 3-1/2”13

Handrails

• Steel or plastic banding is not acceptable as a handrail

• Wire rope is acceptable + top rails must be flagged every six feet

• Plastic or synthetic ropes are acceptable and must be inspected regularly

• Rope/Cable material must have ¼” diameter or greater

14

Handrails

• Uprights or stanchions must be placed no more than 8 ft apart

• If handrail must be taken down for stocking purposes workers must use some other means of fall protection

• Parapet walls/window sills ≥ 39” in height do not require handrails

15

Handrails

The Safety Boot

Unit attaches to floor with four lag bolts

Doubled-up 2 x 4 acts as post

Slotted base is molded to hold toe boards

Once properly installed, device meets OSHA standards for handrail strength

Device is reusable16

Ladders – Duty Ratings• Choose a ladder that is right for the

job - type and capacity• If you have to use the top or next to

top rung it is time to get a taller ladder

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Ladders – Choosing the Right One

• Both fiberglass and aluminum are corrosion resistant but fiberglass is a better choice for work around electricity

• Consider the type of abuse the ladder will receive on a daily basis

• Consider the weight of the material that will be handled when choosing a load capacity

Material Weight5 Gallons of Paint 60 lbsBundle of Shingles 70 lbsSheet of Plywood 80 lbs

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Ladders – Pre-Shift Inspection

• Rails• Rungs• Feet• Load Rating• Rope & Pulleys• Rung Locks

*Defective ladders must be tagged as such and taken out of service*

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Ladders – Set-Up• Make sure that the ladder is on firm

level footing.• If using a stepladder, insure that the

spreaders are locked in place.• Be aware of overhead power lines

and other dangerous obstructions.• Position the ladder to face the work.

This eliminates potentially awkward positions.

• Ladders used for access to an elevated surface must extend beyond it 3’.

20

Ladders – Set-Up

• When using extension ladders, secure both the bottom and the top to prevent kick-out and/or sliding

• Use the 4 to 1 rule for proper ladder angle. For every four vertical feet, the ladder should be 1 horizontal foot away from the support surface

21

Safe Ladder Basics

• Keep the area around the top and bottom of the ladder clear.

• Secure ladders that may be subject to jobsite traffic or other activities.

• Always face the ladder, use the “Three Points of Contact” rule at all times.

• Use ladders with non-conductive sides if there is an electrical exposure.

22

Safe Ladder Basics• Never climb a closed stepladder.• Don’t sit on top of a stepladder.

Manufacturers do not design stepladders to carry a workers weight from that position.

• Do not permit more than one person on a ladder at a time unless the ladder is otherwise rated.

• Never “walk” a ladder to reposition. Get down and move it.

23

Safe Ladder Alternatives

• Ladder Stabilizers (aka Stand-offs)– Ideal for service situations

where the top cannot be easily secured

• Articulating Ladders– Safe solution for irregular

terrain or steps

• Ladder Leveler– Made by Werner Ladder

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Safe Ladder Alternatives• Lock N Climb

– Outrigger system for extension ladders– Kit attaches to existing ladder– Meets the requirements for all

applicable ANSI standards/load ratings

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Safe Ladder Alternatives• Safe T Ladder Extensions

– System attaches to all types of ladders

– Provides secure hand hold for transition to roof/ work deck

26

Job-Made Ladders

• Often used and rarely built correctly

• Fall under same set-up procedures as conventional ladders

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Job-Made Ladders

• Each rung must support 4xthe max intended load

• Vertical sides, cleats, and steps shall be uniformly spaced

• Vertical sides should be between 16 to 20” apart

• Steps should be between 8 to 12” apart

• All steps must be cleated28

Safety Harnesses and Lanyards

• Body belts have been banned for personal fall arrest use since January 1, 1998.

• Harness should be properly adjusted to fit the employee.

• Never use positioning devices as primary means of tie-off.

• Equipment must be inspected prior to each use.

• Always have a plan for retrieving a “hanging” worker.

29

Personal Fall Arrest System Components

Anchor Point

Rope Grab

Vinyl Rope

Shock Absorbing Lanyard

Full Body Harness

30

Distance Requirements for Personal Fall Arrest Systems

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Lanyards• Choose the right

lanyard for the task.– Static w/ shock

absorber– Retractable– Nylon Rope or Steel

Cable • All new lanyards are

equipped with double action snap hooks to prevent “turn-out”

• Never loop or attach a lanyard back to itself unless specified by the manufacturer 32

Anchors

• Anchorage point must withstand a 5000 lb. static load

• Must consider conditions of use for selection

• Must consider system that will provide best safety and efficiency for employee– Conventional Anchors– Disposable Anchors– Specific Applications

33

Conventional Anchors

Cross Arm Strap

Roof Anchor Permanent Anchor

34

Permanent Anchor SystemSuper Anchor

Attachment adjustable for various widths, pre-fabricated trusses and custom rafters set-ups

Includes rubber sleeve for water tight installation under shingles

Black plastic cap minimizes appearance of product location

35

Safe-T-Strap • One time use, one man per anchor. Device is left in the structure.

36

Other Safety-T-Strap Options• Concrete Application with

chemical resistant sleeve.• Double-legged roof

application

37

Specific Application• Truss Brace, spreads anchor force

over several trusses

38

Positioning Devices

• Should not allow wearer more than 2’ of free fall

• Devices must be inspected after each use

• Safety belts are suitable for positioning

39

Safety Nets

• As close as possible, no more than 30’ below work area

• For bridge applications, the fall area to the net should be unobstructed

• The net must have sufficient clearance to objects below

• The net must be drop tested or certified

Outward Extension of Safety Nets

Vertical Horizontal

Up to 5’ 8’

>5 to 10’ 10’

> 10’ 13’

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Safety Nets

• Inspections must be done at least weekly or after an impact

• Fallen objects must be removed daily or prior to each shift

• Openings on any side should be no greater than 6”

• Border ropes must be able to support 5,000 lbs of force

• Connections should not be more than 6” apart

41

Warning Line Systems

• For use on large flat roofs• System must be erected around all sides

of work area• Mechanical equipment must maintain a

distance of six feet parallel and ten feet on sides perpendicular to travel direction

• The warning line must be 34” to 39” high and flagged with highly visible material

42

Barrier Systems

• Can protect the perimeter as well as a specific exposure– Skylight Protection– Access Hatches– Ladder access points

43

Controlled Access Zones (CAZ)

• CAZ’s are acceptable when it can be proven that conventional fall protection is infeasible or could create a greater hazard

44

Controlled Access Zone Requirements

The contractor must have a written plan detailing all practices and procedures for the CAZ

The competent person shall determine the boundaries of the CAZ and clearly mark them with signs, wires, tapes, ropes or chains

The crew supervisor/foreman shall monitor the workers in the CAZ to ensure they don’t engage in unsafe practices.

All access to the CAZ is restricted to authorized workers. All employees permitted in the CAZ must be listed or identified by the competent person before entry.

All protective elements of the CAZ must be enforced before the beginning of work. 45

Use of a Controlled Access Zone

• Commercial*– Decking operations– Some roofing applications

• Residential*– Installation of floor joists, floor sheathing, roof

sheathing– Erecting exterior walls– Setting and bracing roof trusses and rafters

• *Application requires contractor to demonstrate CAZ is the most safe and effective way to complete the work.

46

Covers

• For vehicular traffic – 2 times the maximum axle load of the largest vehicle

• Foot traffic – 2 times the weight of the expected load

• Secured to prevent displacement• Marked “HOLE” or “COVER” or color

coded47

Fall Protection ChecklistGeneral Requirements

Employees working over 6 ft. must be protected.

Specific Hazard Exposures Personal Protective EquipmentAll window exposures with lower sill <39” hand railed (top rail, mid rail, and toe board).

Employees educated on capabilities and use of device.

Stairwells completed or unfinished covered with adequate decking or hand railed (top rail, mid rail, and toe board).

Anchorage points must withstand 5000lbs of force.

Open Entrance culverts covered with adequate decking or handrailed (top rail, mid rail, and toe board).

Equipment must be inspected prior to use.

Transitions with fall exposures inside or outside of structure properly decked and supported, equipped with handrails (top rail, mid rail, and toe board).

Equipment must be adequate for job.

DocumentationWritten fall protection plan must be site specific

Plan must educate employees on fall hazard recognition

Plan must address all potential fall exposures Plan must address methods of protection

48

Scaffolds

Scaffolds shall be constructed, altered, or dismantled under the supervision of a Competent Person.

A Competent Person is defined as:One who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings, or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to eliminate them.

49

ScaffoldsAll scaffolds must be inspected prior to use.10’ is the point at which some means of fall

protection must be used.Top handrails should be around 42”, with

the mid-rail about half way at 21”.Toe boards must be installed if there is a

possibility of anything falling and striking someone below.

50

Scaffolds All scaffolds must

support their own weight and 4x the maximum intended load.

Vertical tie-in or outrigger support is not necessary on a free-standing scaffold until the height exceeds the minimum dimension of the base by four times. 51

Scaffold Tie System

Scaffolds

Ladder use on a scaffold is prohibited.

Platforms must be kept clear of debris.

Do not load side brackets. Most are rated at 25 lbs/ft² maximum.

52

Decks And Planking All platforms must be fully decked or planked. Each abutted end of a plank shall rest on a separate support

surface. Overlap platforms not less than 12” only over supports, unless

restrained to prevent movement, i.e. ”Cleating”. The working deck should never be more than 14” away from the

working surface.

53

Decks And Planking A scaffold grade plank will be

stamped or marked as such Plank must be laminated or

solid drawn A lumber yard 2 x 10 can be

used if it is free of knots or other defects

Rough Sawn, Full Dimension Lumber

Nominal Thickness Lumber

Working Load in lbs/ft² 25 50 75 25 50 75Permissible Span in Feet 10 8 6 8 6 6

54

Overhead Power LinesThe clearance between scaffolds and power

lines is as follows:

Insulated Lines Minimum Distance< 300 V 3’

300 to 50 kV 10’> 50 kV 10’ + 1/2” for every additional kV

Uninsulated Lines Minimum Distance< 50 kV 10’> 50 kV 10’ + 1/2” for every additional kV

55

Frame Scaffolds Systems should use only

original parts. Components from different systems should not be mixed.

All frame scaffolds must use a manufactured base pad. Vertical tubes should never sit directly on the ground or mud sill.

X-braces may serve as a top-rail or mid-rail, but not both.

If aluminum walking decks are used, be sure that end hooks are in place and that the dimensions match the scaffold.

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Frame Scaffolds - Access

Ladder Frame Walk-Through

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Frame Scaffolds - Access Erectors can climb either

type, but provisions for safe access should be established as soon as possible.

Bottom rung cannot be more than two feet high.

Options for access are manufactured bolt-on ladder system, stair system, or extension ladder secured and sloped properly.

X-braces are not intended for use as access.

58

“Stick-Built” Pole Scaffold 2” x 4” poles free of knots, splits or other defects. 1” x 4” cross-bracing for each section. 2” x 6” or 2” x 8” block under pole if soft ground. Walk board a minimum 18” wide and free of knots or other defects. Walk boards must hang over bearer a minimum of 6”.Walk boards must

overlap each other a minimum of 12”. 2” x 4” top rail, mid rail, and toe board.

59

Stick Built Scaffolds

• Proper overlap on deck planking

• Top rail and mid rail established after deck height reaches ten feet

• Adequate support between stanchions

• Proper mud sills under poles

• Is this scaffold complete?

60

Pump Jack Scaffolds

Pump Jack brackets, braces, and accessories must be fabricated from metal.

Each pump jack bracket must have two positive gripping mechanisms.

Poles should be secured to the structure with triangular bracing.

Work benches should not be used as a working deck.

If 2x4’s are spliced to make a pole, mending plates must be installed to maintain strength.

61

Ladder Jack Scaffolds

Platforms must not exceed 20’ in height.

Job made ladders cannot be used to support ladder jack scaffolds.

Ladders that support ladder jacks must be placed, fastened, or equipped with devices to prevent slipping.

Scaffold platforms must not be bridged to one another.

Werner and Louisville produce handrail systems for ladder jack working decks.

Units must be hung on the inside of the ladder. 62

Hanging Scaffold System

The Wall Walker

Device meets OSHA standards

It can be hung on the inside or outside of the wall

Fall protection attachments are available

The horizontal beam positional is adjustable

63

The Wall WalkerGeneral Framing,

exterior face hanging on top plateHandrail System in

place

Setting pre-fab trussesAluminum walk deck

locked into place64

The Wall Walker

Cutting tails on raftersUsing inside wall

position from top plate

Easy stow and carryUnit folds down,

handrail post stores inside vertical support

65

Wall Walker Hardware

• Mid Wall Bracket

• Hand Rail Brackets

• Stabilizer Bar

66

Manually Propelled Mobile Scaffolds

Also known as a “Perry” or “Baker” scaffold.

The casters and wheels must be locked to prevent movement while the scaffold is stationary.

An employee may ride this scaffold under the following conditions:– The floor is level and free of all

obstructions– The minimum dimension of the

scaffold base is at least half the height– The wheels are equipped with rubber

or some other resilient material– All tools and materials are secured or

removed prior to movement Because the wheels and castors must

be locked once the scaffold is set, this prohibits movement from being a one-man operation.

67

Rustgo Manual Work Platform All-terrain motorless work

platform with rear steering capabilities

Can be towed to jobsite location on a standard hitch

Winch system on each upright raises and lowers work platform

Front handrail system is completely removable

Employees cannot stay on work platform during movement

All general scaffold standards apply

68

Horse Scaffolds

Horses must be spaced not more than 5 ft. for medium duty, not more than 8 ft. for light duty

For stacking applications, must not exceed two tiers or ten feet in height

Horses must be inspected for defects prior to use

All general scaffold standards apply

Members Dimensions

Horizontal Bearer

3 x 4”

Legs 11/4” x 41/2”

Braces between Legs

1 x 6”

Gusset Brace at top of Legs

1 x 8”

Half Diagonal Braces

11/4 x 41/2”

69

Adjustable Scaffolds Use is more common to

commercial projects Pre-shift inspection of all

components is critical Hoist Motors Outriggers All Fastening Points

All general scaffold standards apply

70

Crawling Boards / Chicken Ladders

Crawling board must be at least 10” wide and 1” thick

Cleats– Must be at least 1” x 11/2”– Must be as long as the board is

wide– Must be spaced equally at no

more than 2’ apart

If the crawling board presents a fall exposure, fall protection must be used i.e. handrails-harness

71

Scissor Lifts

Scissor lifts are not addressed by the aerial lift provisions of Subpart L.

There are no OSHA provisions that address scissor lifts, however, employers must comply with the applicable provisions of Subpart L, both general and specific.

Example:– Scissor lifts are mobile, the specific requirements for

mobile scaffolds standard (§1926.452 (w) - mobile scaffolds) shall be used.

Scissor lifts do not require a personal fall arrest system for occupants.

72

Aerial Lifts Occupants of an aerial

lift must use a personal fall arrest system.

Occupants are required to stay on the floor of the basket at all times.

73

Pre-shift inspection is critical to insure safe operation.

The lift may not be field modified without the manufacturers consent.

Scaffold ChecklistStability of the ground or work surface, proper mud sills when needed

All components from the same manufacturer

Adjustable screw jacks with base pads in every post

External ladder access for steel scaffold bucks not designed for climbing

Erection, dismantle, alteration done under supervision of a competent person

Complete decking from front to back on all working levels

Fall protection in place once work deck reaches or exceeds 10 ft. for conventional scaffolds

Daily inspection performed by a competent person before and during the shift

Scaffold must be designed to hold four times the intended working load (safety factor of “4”)

Tie-ins set once the height of the scaffold exceeds four times the minimum base dimension

Scaffold grade planking or better for all work surfaces

Planks overlapped over horizontal support no less than 12”

Overhead protection for other trades or personnel below

Pre-shift inspection of all motorized components, proper PPE in use

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