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<CompanyName>

Fall Protection Procedures

Version <Version>

Updated: <Date>

Contents

1.	Program Purpose	1

2.	Responsibilities	1

3.	Site Specific Plan	1

4.	Employee Training	1

5.	Fall Protection	2

6.	Guardrail Systems	2

7.	Personal Fall Arrest Systems	3

8.	Safety Net Systems	5

9.	Hole Covers	6

10.	Protection from Falling Objects	6

11.	Controlled Access Zones for Leading Edge Work	7

12.	Documentation Summary	7

Appendix I: Employees Trained in Fall Protection Use	8

Appendix II: Site Specific Fall Prevention Plan	9

EMERGENCIES - DIAL 911	9

Employee Acknowledgement	11

Program Purpose

The purpose of this procedure is to provide employees of <CompanyName> the criteria for the recognition and control of fall hazards. This procedure applies to all facilities and field operations where personnel could be exposed to fall hazards of 4 feet or greater. The Site Specific Appendix is intended to be completed at all jobsites prior to the beginning of work as a guide to implementing this program at the jobsite.

Responsibilities

Implementation of this procedure is the overall responsibility of <JobPosition1>. The completion of the site specific plan is the responsibility of the designated competent person assigned to the jobsite. The initial and ongoing training of personnel will be delivered by <JobPosition2> who will be designated as the competent person on site.

Site Specific Plan

A Site Specific Fall Protection Plan will completed for each jobsite prior to the commencement of elevated work. The form is contained in Appendix II.

Completed initially

Updated with any changes in job tasks

Updated with any previously unidentified hazard if identified

The jobsite designated Fall Protection Competent person will assess the jobsite and the planned activities to identify potential exposures to falls from elevation. Each exposure will be listed on the plan along with the expected controls.

The Site Specific Plan will be used to train jobsite personnel on the specific hazards of the site and the controls to be implemented for each.

Employee Training

The competent person must be qualified in the following areas:

The nature of fall hazards in the work area

The correct procedures for erecting, maintaining, disassembling, and inspecting the fall protection systems to be used

The use and operation of guardrail, personal fall arrest, safety net, warning line, and safety monitoring systems, controlled access zones, and other protection systems to be used

The role of each employee in the safety monitoring system, when used

The limitations on the use of mechanical equipment during the performance of roofing work on low-sloped roofs, or falls from heights less than 10 feet

The correct procedures for the handling and storage of equipment and materials, and the erection of overhead protection

The role of employees in fall protection plans

The use of fall protection equipment, manufacturer limitations, and fall protection standards

<JobPosition3> will prepare a written certification record which includes the name of the employees trained, the date(s) of training, and the signature of the person who conducted the training (See: Appendix I).

They will also provide retraining when one of the following situations occur:

Changes in the workplace render previous training obsolete

Changes in the types of fall protection systems or equipment to be used render previous training obsolete

Inadequacies in affected employee’s knowledge or use of fall protection systems or equipment indicate that the employee has not retained the requisite understanding or skill

Fall Protection

Require that one or more of the fall protection/prevention systems outlined in this procedure is provided at all locations where fall hazards of 4 feet or greater exist. These locations include, but are not limited to:

Excavations

Unprotected elevation

Ladders

Scaffolds

Floor holes

Wall openings

Formwork

Rebar tying

All other locations and operations where potential fall hazards exist

Guardrail Systems

Provide guardrail systems, when feasible, at all locations where a fall hazard of 6 feet or greater exists.

Where guardrail systems are impractical, an alternative form of fall protection as outlined elsewhere in this procedure must be provided.

Require that guardrail systems meet the following criteria:

Top rails must be installed 42 inches above the walking/working surface and be capable of withstanding, without failure, a minimum force of 200 pounds in any outward or downward direction with no more than 3 inches of deflection.

Mid rails must be installed 21 inches above the walking/working surface and be capable of withstanding, without failure, a minimum force of 150 pounds in any outward or downward direction.

Posts must be spaced not more than 8 feet apart on centers.

There are no openings more than 19 inches wide in any guardrail system.

Do not use plastic or steel banding as top rail.

Provide top rails and mid rails of at least one-quarter inch nominal thickness or diameter, and smoothly surfaced to prevent cuts and punctures.

Flag the top rail with high-visibility material when using wire rope for top rails.

Erect guardrails on all sides when using guardrail systems around holes.

When guardrails are used around holes that are used for access, such as ladder ways, provide a gate or offset the guardrail so that a person cannot walk directly into the hole.

When guardrails are used at hoisting areas, place a chain, gate, or removable guardrail section across the access point when hoisting operations are not taking place.

Provide guardrail systems at all locations above dangerous equipment, whether 6 feet or not.

Provide guardrails at all wall openings where the outside bottom edge of the opening is 6 feet or more above lower levels, and the inside bottom edge of the wall opening is less than 39 inches above the leading edge.

Erect guardrail systems on all unprotected sides or edges of ramps and runways when such systems are used.

Personal Fall Arrest Systems

Provide and require the proper use of personal fall arrest systems on all unprotected elevations 4 feet or more above a lower level.

Where these systems are impractical, an alternative form of fall protection as outlined elsewhere in this procedure must be provided.

All aspects of personal fall protection systems must be designed, installed, and used under the supervision of a qualified person.

Maintain a safety factor of at least 2 in all components of a personal fall protection system.

Safety belts (body belts) are prohibited.

Use only full body harnesses, shock-absorbing lanyards, horizontal lifelines, self-retracting lifelines, and anchorage points which meet the following criteria:

Body harness design and construction must meet the specifications set forth in current ANSI Standards.

All snap hooks must be of the double locking type.

Ropes and webbing used in lanyards and body harnesses must be made of synthetic fibers.

The attachment point (dee-ring) of a body harness must be located in the center of the wearer’s back near shoulder level.

Horizontal lifelines must be designed, installed, and used under the supervision of a qualified person; be capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds per employee attached; and maintain a safety factor of at least 2.

Lanyards and vertical lifelines must have a minimum breaking strength of 5,000 pounds.

Self-retracting lifelines and lanyards which limit free fall to 2 feet or less must be capable of sustaining a minimum tensile load of 3,000 pounds in the fully extended position.

Self-retracting lifelines and lanyards which do not limit free fall to 2 feet or less, rip stitch, and other shock-absorbing lanyards must be capable of sustaining a minimum tensile load of 5,000 pounds in the fully extended position.

Anchorage points for personal fall protection systems must be independent of any anchorage point being used to support or suspend platforms and must be capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds per employee attached.

Inspect all fall protection components for wear, damage, and deterioration prior to each use.

Require employees to be familiar with the fitting and donning of body harnesses, proper tie-off techniques, and suitable anchorage points.

Instruct employees to rig fall protection such that they can neither free fall more than 4 feet, nor contact any lower level

Never tie off to guardrail systems or hoists

Require employees to remain tied off 100% of the time when at or above 4 feet by means of horizontal lifelines, vertical lifelines, a double lanyard system, or other suitable means

Remove from service any component of a personal fall protection system that has been subjected to impact loading and do not use again until inspected by a competent person and determined to be undamaged and suitable for reuse.

Most modern equipment is not intended for reuse following a fall and should be replaced every 5 years after the first use

Make provisions for the prompt rescue of personnel in the event of a fall, or require that employees are capable of self-rescue.

Provide separate vertical lifelines for each employee using a vertical lifeline. 5/8-inch nylon rope is recommended for lifeline use.

Protect lifelines against cuts and abrasions.

Use rope grabs to attach to vertical lifelines and never use knots

Ensure that the rope grab is compatible with the vertical lifeline being used

Safety Net Systems

Provide safety net systems at locations where a fall hazard of 6 feet or greater exists, and other forms of fall protection are not feasible.

Where safety net systems are impractical, an alternative form of fall protection as outlined elsewhere in this procedure must be provided

Require that safety net systems meet the criteria set forth in current OSHA standards

Install safety nets as close as possible under the walking/working surface on which employees are working, but never more than 30 feet below this level.

Require that the potential fall area from the walking/working surface to the net is unobstructed.

Safety nets and safety net installations shall be drop-tested at the jobsite after initial installation and before being used as a fall protection system, whenever relocated, after major repair, and at 6-month intervals if left in one place.

The drop-test shall consist of a 400 pound (180 kg) bag of sand 30 + or - 2 inches (76 + or - 5 cm) in diameter dropped into the net from the highest walking/working surface at which employees are exposed to fall hazards, but not from less than 42 inches (1.1 m) above that level.

Install safety nets with enough clearance under them to prevent contact with the surface or structures below when subjected to an impact force equal to the drop test specified below.

Extend the outer edge of the net 8 feet from the edge of the working surface when the vertical distance from the working level to the net is 5 feet or less.

Extend the outer edge of the net 10 feet from the edge of the working surface when the vertical distance from the working level to the net is 5 feet to 10 feet.

Extend the outer edge of the net 13 feet from the edge of the working surface when the vertical distance from the working level to the net is greater than 10 feet.

Conduct a drop test of the safety net after installation and before being used as a fall protection system; whenever relocated; after major repair; and at 6-month intervals if left in one place.

Conduct the drop test by dropping a 400 pound sandbag, 30 inches in diameter, into the net from at least 42 inches above the highest walking/working level at which employees are exposed to a fall.

Inspect safety nets at least once a week, and after any occurrence that could affect the integrity of the system, for wear, damage, and deterioration. Remove defective nets and components from service.

Remove all materials, scrap, equipment, and tools which have fallen into the net as soon as possible, but at least before the next work shift.

Hole Covers

Provide covers in roadways and vehicle aisles that are capable of supporting at least twice the maximum axle load of the largest vehicle expected to cross over the cover.

Provide walking/working surface hole covers that are capable of supporting at least twice the weight of employees, equipment, and materials that may be imposed on the cover at any one time.

Secure covers at the time of installation to prevent displacement by the wind, equipment, or employees.

Color code or mark all hole covers with the word “HOLE” or “COVER” to provide warning of the hazard.

Safety Monitoring Systems, Warning Line Systems, and Controlled Access Zones

Consult the competent person and local OSHA codes prior to performing any roofing, overhand bricklaying, leading edge, or other elevated work which may require the use of one or more of these systems. (See Section 11: Controlled Access Zones for Leading Edge Work outlined below)

Protection from Falling Objects

Install toe boards along the edge of the overhead walking/working surface.

Require that toe boards:

Are a minimum nominal height of 3 ½ inches

Are capable of withstanding at least 50 pounds of force applied in any downward or outward direction

That there is no more than ¼ inch clearance between the toe board and the walking/working surface

Install paneling or screening from the top of the toe board to the top rail or mid rail when tools, equipment, or materials are piled higher than the top of the toe board.

Controlled Access Zones for Leading Edge Work

Each employee on a walking/working surface 6 feet or more above a lower level where leading edges are under construction, but who is not engaged in the leading edge work, will be protected from falling by a guardrail system, safety net system, or personal fall arrest system as described in this policy.

In leading edge work, a control line may be used instead of a guardrail along the edge that parallels the leading edge so long as the line is delineated 6 feet back from the leading edge, all employees are working within that zone, and there is signage stating controlled access zone.

Employees entering controlled access zones must be authorized by competent person and be protected by falls using other means such as fall restraints or fall arrest systems as defined in the policy.

Employees must be protected from falls prior to entering the controlled access zone.

Documentation Summary

Place in the project safety files:

Competent Person Qualifications

Employee Training Documents

Appendix I: Employees Trained in Fall Protection Use

Employee Name	Date
<Employee1>	<Date1>
<Employee2>	<Date2>
<Employee3>	<Date3>
<Employee4>	<Date4>
<Employee5>	<Date5>
<Employee6>	<Date6>
<Employee7>	<Date7>
<Employee8>	<Date8>
<Employee9>	<Date9>
<Employee10>	<Date10>
<Employee11>	<Date11>
<Employee12>	<Date12>
<Employee13>	<Date13>
<Employee14>	<Date14>
<Employee15>	<Date15>
<Employee16>	<Date16>
<Employee17>	<Date17>
<Employee18>	<Date18>
<Employee19>	<Date19>
<Employee20>	<Date20>

Trainer Signature: __________________________________________________________

Appendix II: Site Specific Fall Prevention Plan

Job Specific Address:	Date:

__________________________________	___________________

Job Foreman and/or First Aid Trained Person:	Jobsite Phone:

__________________________________	___________________

On the table below, identify each fall hazard of 10 feet or more that exists or will exist during this construction project and then select the protection method from the options identified below the table.

√	Hazard Type	General Location(s)	Fall Protection Method	Overhead Protection Method
Other:

Employee Training: Employees have been trained for this Fall Protection Work Plan.

EMERGENCIES - DIAL 911

If a crew member is injured at elevation, the supervisor will evaluate the employee’s condition and administer first aid. Emergency services will be called as needed. If an injured employee can’t return to ground level, the employee will be brought down to a lower level by emergency services. A trained employee will place a ladder next to the injured employee and release the pressure off the injured employee’s legs, if safe to do so, while awaiting EMS. The following equipment is available on site to facilitate lowering the injured worker: Extra Ropes, Ladders, and PFA Equipment

Fall Protection System Assembly and Maintenance

Fall protection systems will be assembled and maintained according to manufacturer’s instructions when using a manufactured system. A copy of those instructions is available on-site for reference. Any fall protection system used will meet applicable regulations and standards. Assembly and maintenance instructions unique to this worksite such as components, placement of systems, anchor points, areas where systems are particularly subject to damage, etc., are specified below.

Standard Guardrails must:

Be 39” to 45” above the work surface at top rail with midrail and toe board.

Be able to withstand 200 pounds of pressure on the top rail in any direction.

Not have significant deflection.

Be inspected regularly for damaged or missing components.

Note: A guardrail does not protect a person standing on a ladder, box, or other surface above the work surface.

Post Material: ___________________________	Rail Material: ____________________________

Post Spacing (8’ max): _____________________	Anchor Method: ________________________

Other Instructions: ____________________________________________________________________________

Fall Arrest Harness:

Must have anchor points capable of withstanding a 5000-pound shock unless a deceleration device in use limits fall to 2 feet, in which case a 3000-pound anchor point may be used.

Free fall may not exceed 6’.

A lower level may not be contacted during a fall.

Lifelines must be placed or protected to prevent abrasion damage.

Snap hooks may not be connected to each other, or to loops in webbing.

Inspect components for deformation, wear, and mildew.

System Component List: ______________________________________________________________

Anchor Point at this worksite: ___________________________________________________________

Scissor Lifts and Boom Lifts and Scaffolds:

Guardrails with midrail and toe boards may be used as fall protection up to 10’ on Scaffolding.

Personal fall arrest systems will be used on heights taller than 10’.

Fall arrest harnesses with lanyards must be used on Scissor and Boom Lifts at the manufacturer’s attachment point or at the boom or platform if manufacturer does not specify an attachment point.

Overhead Hazard Protection Methods:

For each overhead hazard identified, specify the method(s) of protection for workers below. Refer to the “Overhead Protection” Section of this plan for any special installation instructions.

Hard hats Required

Overhead Hazard Signs

Employee Acknowledgement

I have received information on <CompanyName>’s Fall Protection Procedures. By signing below, I agree to abide by the procedures in this document and bring to the attention of my supervisor any questions or concerns had.
Employee Name: _________________________________
Employee Signature: ______________________________
Date: __________________________________________