HSE-OS-ST22 Working at Height PDF Standard 2019

ADNOC Classification: Internal THE CONTENTS OF THIS DOCUMENT ARE [PROPRIETARY AND CONFIDENTIAL]. HEALTH SAFETY ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM WORKING AT HEIGHT STANDARD STANDARD NO.: HSE-OS-ST22 VERSION NO.: 1 EFFECTIVE DATE: August 2019 ADNOC Class...

ADNOC Classification: Internal THE CONTENTS OF THIS DOCUMENT ARE [PROPRIETARY AND CONFIDENTIAL]. HEALTH SAFETY ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM WORKING AT HEIGHT STANDARD STANDARD NO.: HSE-OS-ST22 VERSION NO.: 1 EFFECTIVE DATE: August 2019 ADNOC Classification: Internal HSE Management System Operations Safety Standards Working at Height TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION.....................................................................................................................................4 2. PURPOSE...............................................................................................................................................4 3. SCOPE....................................................................................................................................................4 4. LAWS AND REGULATIONS..................................................................................................................4 5. DEFINITIONS & ABBREVIATIONS........................................................................................................5 6. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES..........................................................................................................9 7. REQUIREMENTS..................................................................................................................................10 7.1. OVERVIEW...........................................................................................................................................10 7.2. PLANNING............................................................................................................................................10 7.2.1. Conducting Risk Assessment........................................................................................................11 7.2.2. Risk of Falling Objects....................................................................................................................11 7.2.3. Hierarchy of Controls......................................................................................................................12 7.2.4. Selection of Personnel....................................................................................................................13 7.2.5. Selection of Equipment...................................................................................................................13 7.2.6. Access and Egress..........................................................................................................................14 7.3. CONSIDERATION FOR WORKING AT HEIGHT..................................................................................14 7.3.1. Fall Prevention.................................................................................................................................15 7.3.2. Fall Protection..................................................................................................................................20 7.3.3. Fall Arrest.........................................................................................................................................21 7.3.4. Measurement for Assessing Fall Hazards and Controls [Ref. 8].................................................25 7.4. SPECIFIC ACTIVITY.............................................................................................................................29 7.4.1. Working on Roof..............................................................................................................................29 7.4.2. Rope Access....................................................................................................................................29 7.4.3. Working Over Water/Over Side.......................................................................................................30 7.5. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT.............................................................................................................31 7.5.1. Emergency Planning.......................................................................................................................31 7.5.2. Rescue Operations..........................................................................................................................31 7.6. TRAINING AND COMPETENCY...........................................................................................................32 7.7. INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE.....................................................................................................32 8. COMPLIANCE ASSURANCE...............................................................................................................34 8.1. PERFORMANCE KPIS.........................................................................................................................34 9. REFERENCES......................................................................................................................................35 Standard No.: HSE-OS-ST22 Version No.: 1 Effective date: August 2019 Page 3 of 35 ADNOC Classification: Internal HSE Management System Operations Safety Standards Working at Height 1. INTRODUCTION Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), as part of its Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) policy, commits to ensure that a safe working environment is maintained in all areas and that all personnel who undertake Working at Height activity, are fully aware of the hazards involved and have the competence, training and awareness to undertake such activities. Working at Height means work in any place where, if precautions were not taken, a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury. Working at height includes, but not limited to, working: (i) On a flat roof; (ii) On fragile surfaces; (iii) On scaffoldings; (iv) Using access equipment (such as, ladders, gangways, cradle, man-basket); and (v) At ground level close to holes (e.g. excavations) edges or ledges (e.g. retaining walls). Extra controls (e.g. Body Harness) shall be placed when working at height is greater or equal to 1.8 meters. Working at height does not include a slip or a trip on the level, as a fall from height has to involve a fall from one level to a lower level, nor does it include walking up and down a permanent staircase in a building. Therefore, it is essential to strictly establish and implement a fall protection strategy while planning to working at height within the ADNOC Group. 2. PURPOSE The purpose of this Standard is to provide an overall understanding of Working at Height and its application within the ADNOC Group. This Standard establishes a consistent safety guideline to the personnel involved in the activities which may require Working at Height within the ADNOC Group. All works at height carried out for ADNOC Group shall be in accordance with the requirements of this Standard. 3. SCOPE This document stipulates the mandatory requirements applicable to ADNOC Group (Directorates & Functions in ADNOC Head Quarter, Group Companies and Affiliates) and its Contractors. ADNOC Group and Contractors shall ensure that all expectations listed herein are fully understood, implemented and thoroughly monitored. 4. LAWS AND REGULATIONS UAE legislations applicable to this Standard includes but not limited to: (i) UAE Federal Law No. 8 (1980), Chapter V: Safety, Protection, and the Health and Social Care of the Employees; Article (91). ADNOC Group shall ensure that their activities comply with all relevant Federal and Abu Dhabi laws and regulations at all times, including any that may be introduced after the publication of this Standard. Standard No.: HSE-OS-ST22 Version No.: 1 Effective date: August 2019 Page 4 of 35 ADNOC Classification: Internal HSE Management System Operations Safety Standards Working at Height 5. DEFINITIONS & ABBREVIATIONS TERMS DESCRIPTION ADNOC Abu Dhabi National Oil Company ADNOC Group ADNOC Group includes the Directorates & Functions (in ADNOC Headquarter), Group Companies and Affiliates Anchorage Means a secure ‘point for attaching a lanyard, lifeline or other component of a travel restraint system or fall-arrest system’. Anchorages require specific load and impact capacities for their intended use Body Harness A system of straps that may be secured around the personnel in a manner that will distribute the fall arrest forces over at least the thighs, pelvis, waist, chest, and shoulders with a means for attaching it to other components of a personal fall arrest system Collective Protection Means using measures that protect everyone working at height at all times when in place, such as guardrails or safety nets before specifying personal fall arrest equipment that is reliant on being attached Competent Person A person who has demonstrated the required set of skills and underpinning knowledge to successfully perform a task to the required standard under different and changing conditions in the workplace and capable of carrying out a task safely and efficiently Contractor A ‛Contractor’ is defined as an individual or organization having a contract/sub-contract with ADNOC Group for the provision of services, equipment or performance of works. The term ‟Contractor” as used in the ADNOC Group Contracts Procedure is synonymous with the terms including but not limited to ‟Consultant”, ‟Sub-Contractor”, ‟Service Provider” or ‟Supplier” ERT Emergency Response Team Fall Arrester Automatic life line devices that act by resistance of movement to grab the lifeline if a fall occurs Fall Clearance Fall clearance is the minimum vertical distance needed between the worker’s feet and a lower level (this can be the ground level, but also a lower working platform) to prevent the worker from hitting the lower level in the event of a fall Fall Protection system A system designed to protect personnel from the risk of falls when working at heights Fragile Surface Any surface through which one can fall through guardrail systems barrier erected to prevent employees from falling to lower levels Free Fall The act of falling before a personal fall arrest system begins to apply force to arrest the fall Guardrail System A vertical barrier, consisting of, but not limited to, top rails, mid rails, and posts, erected to prevent employees from falling off a scaffold platform or walkway to lower levels Horizontal Lifeline A flexible line between two fixed anchorages independent of the work surface to which a lanyard is secured by means of a safe sliding connection or tying off Standard No.: HSE-OS-ST22 Version No.: 1 Effective date: August 2019 Page 5 of 35 ADNOC Classification: Internal HSE Management System Operations Safety Standards Working at Height TERMS DESCRIPTION Incident An undesirable event or chain of events which cause, or could have caused injury, illness and/or damage (loss) to the environment, assets or third parties IRATA Industrial Rope Access Trade Association A person whom works under the direction of Performing Authority (PA) and accepts the worksite as safe to commence work. He communicates Job Performer the hazards, permit controls and conditions to other work party members or a group or personnel Job Performers (JPs) A person whom works under the direction of Performing Authority (PA) and accepts the worksite as safe to commence work. He communicates the hazards, permit controls and conditions to other work party members or a group or personnel JSA Job Safety Analysis kN KiloNewton KPI means key performance indicator, which is a type of a performance measurement that evaluates the success of a particular activity Ladder Means a portable appliance consisting of two stiles joined by steps or rungs and designed for the purpose of climbing and descending Lanyard It is a flexible line of rope, wire rope, or strap which generally has a connector at each end for connecting the body harness to deceleration device, lifeline, or anchorage point Lifeline A component consisting of a flexible line for connection to an anchorage at one end to hang vertically (vertical lifeline), or a connection to anchorages at both ends to stretch horizontally (horizontal lifeline), and which serves as a means for connecting other components of a personal fall arrest system to the anchorage MEWP Mobile Elevated Working Platform; it includes scissor lift, aerial platform, or an extensible or articulating boom aerial device (either self-propelled or vehicle-mounted) used to provide temporary access for people or equipment to inaccessible areas, usually at height OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration OSHAD Occupational Safety and Health Abu Dhabi Performing Authority A competent person within the PTW System (employee or contractor as applicable), assigned to request a permit or supervise Job Performers. This person understands the task and accepts responsibility for ensuring that details in the permit and associated attachments provide a clear description of the work to be performed including tools, materials and any specialist skills required Permit Issuer (PI) A competent person appointed in writing by the Asset Owner and responsible for monitoring the safety of an area and the assets within it, and providing clearance to work in that area at any particular time. In Operations Department, this will normally be the Outside Area Operator. For non-operational areas, the PI is appointed by the Asset Owner for that particular area (Maintenance, Engineering or Construction or Electrical). Standard No.: HSE-OS-ST22 Version No.: 1 Effective date: August 2019 Page 6 of 35 ADNOC Classification: Internal HSE Management System Operations Safety Standards Working at Height TERMS DESCRIPTION Personal fall Arrest System A system including but not limited to an anchorage, connectors and body belt or body harness used to arrest an employee in a fall from a working level PFAS Personal Fall Arrest System PPE Personal Protective Equipment; any device or appliance designed to be worn or held by an individual for protection against one or more health and safety hazards PTW Permit to Work; the form of declaration issued by Permit Issuer to Job Performer that states the nature of the work to be undertaken, the period during which the work may take place and the precautions to be taken Rope Grab A deceleration device that travels on a lifeline and automatically by friction engages the lifeline and locks to arrest a fall Safety Net The net provided underneath of any elevated work activities to prevent personal and material/tools falling Scaffold A temporary structure on or from which persons work or which provides support for the materials used in construction, maintenance, inspection, repair, or demolition work or access to certain areas or equipment Self-Retracting Lifelines A fall-arrest device that allows free travel, without slack rope, but locks (SRL) instantly when a fall occurs. There are two types of Self-Retracting Lifelines i.e. Class A and Class B Shall Indicates a mandatory requirement Should Indicates a recommendation to be followed Standard means ‘standard setting’ documents which, in effect, set out mandatory requirements that shall be complied with and implemented across ADNOC Group ADNOC Group Companies shall demonstrate that they meet the requirements of the Standards either by showing that they have the necessary systems and procedures in place and/or by preparing additional systems and procedures to address identified ‘gaps’ SWL Safe Working Load SWP Suspended Work Platform TBT Tool Box Talk Thermite Reaction A thermite reaction is basically iron oxide (rust) reacting with aluminum to produce molten/melted iron. The reaction is initiated by the heat from burning magnesium ribbon which is placed in the iron oxide/aluminum mixture. Toe Board A low protective barrier that will prevent the fall of materials and equipment to lower levels and provide protection from falls for personnel Standard No.: HSE-OS-ST22 Version No.: 1 Effective date: August 2019 Page 7 of 35 ADNOC Classification: Internal HSE Management System Operations Safety Standards Working at Height TERMS DESCRIPTION Total Fall Clearance It is the minimum vertical distance between the worker and the lower Distance level that is necessary to ensure the worker does not contact a lower level during a fall Trestle It is a rigid frame consisting of vertical, slanted supports and horizontal crosspieces used as a support, especially when referring to or erecting a bridge. A simpler form is where a horizontal beam or bar is held up by two pairs of divergent legs acting as a support UAE United Arab Emirates Vertical Lifeline A flexible line suspended from a fixed anchorage independent of the work surface, to which the lanyard is attached Working at Height Working at height means work in any place where, if precautions were not taken, a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury. Extra controls (e.g. Body Harness) shall be placed when working at height is greater or equal to 1.8 meters Standard No.: HSE-OS-ST22 Version No.: 1 Effective date: August 2019 Page 8 of 35 ADNOC Classification: Internal HSE Management System Operations Safety Standards Working at Height 6. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES JOB POSITION ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES ADNOC Directorates Ensures implementation of this Standard across the ADNOC Group; Ensures that protective measures are in place to prevent fall of personnel and material from working at height; and Appoints a Focal Point allocating responsibilities for monitoring the activity. ADNOC Group Companies Draws up a structured process for management of working at height activity is in place across the ADNOC Group. Site Managers Avoids working at height wherever possible; Ensures risk assessments are carried out on site and appoints a suitably qualified person to carry out the risk assessments; Ensures that maintenance and inspection plan for all the equipment to be used for the activity is in place; Ensures that specifications are laid down in writing for all equipment that is used at or around worksite for the activity; Conduct regular audits to ensure that access equipment is being used only as specified. In cases where non-compliance is identified, suspend work until corrective action is implemented; and Maintains personal training and competency records. Job Performer Ensures risk assessment with respect to working at height activity has been performed; Carries out the activity with a valid and authorized Permit to Work (PTW) as per ADNOC Permit to Work Standard [Ref.20], wherever applicable; Ensures personnel performing the activity are adequately trained and competent; Conducts Tool Box Talks (TBT) briefing the workers on potential hazards and precautionary measures required for the activity; Ensures that appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is selected and used as per this Standard and ADNOC Personal Protective Equipment Standard [Ref. 23]; Ensures that fit-for-purpose access and safety equipment, with clear and visible instructions are provided to all personnel for the activity; Shall be well aware of the Emergency Response Plan during the activity is performed; Continuously monitors worksite conditions during job progress for changes that could compromise the safety; and Ensures that appropriate warning signage is in place at the relevant worksite locations to inform of the danger and/or access restrictions. Standard No.: HSE-OS-ST22 Version No.: 1 Effective date: August 2019 Page 9 of 35 ADNOC Classification: Internal HSE Management System Operations Safety Standards Working at Height JOB POSITION ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES Personnel Working at Well aware of the risks exposed to while they are working at Height height; Complies with the precaution as mentioned in the activity risk assessment and PTW; Inspects the good condition of all the equipment to be used during the activity; Prevents tools and materials to be dropped from height; and Reports unsafe conditions including any health issues to the Job Performer. HSE Site Manager Ensures working at height awareness sessions are conducted; Ensures periodical inspection are conducted for the location where activity is performed to ensure the procedural compliance; and Ensures review of pre use inspection check list for ladders, scaffolds and fall protection systems on a periodic basis. 7. REQUIREMENTS 7.1. OVERVIEW A fall from a small height may result in serious injury resulting into bone fracture and/or damage to the ligaments. A fall from as low as 1m may result in fatal injuries, typically the head striking the ground or body impacting a sharp object or through internal bleeding. The risk of injuries from falling typically exists when: (i) Using elevated platforms or scaffolds; (ii) Using ladders; (iii) Standing on the roofs and falling: 1. Off the side; 2. Through a fragile structure; or 3. Through an opening. (iv) Ascending or descending within a confined space; and (v) Using an access cradle or man-basket. Employees shall obtain a PTW prior to the commencement of the work, where appropriate as per ADNOC Permit to Work Standard [Ref 20], which includes guidelines on issuing, monitoring and suspending permits to perform work within the ADNOC Group. 7.2. PLANNING All works at height shall be properly planned and risk assessed with involvement of the Performing Authority. The planning includes the following considerations. Standard No.: HSE-OS-ST22 Version No.: 1 Effective date: August 2019 Page 10 of 35 ADNOC Classification: Internal HSE Management System Operations Safety Standards Working at Height 7.2.1. CONDUCTING RISK ASSESSMENT Working at height shall be avoided wherever possible. If not, then associated hazards shall be identified and control measures defined during the mandated Job Safety Analysis (JSA). The relevant factors to be considered while conducting the JSA shall include, but not limited to the following: (i) Work location and access routes; (ii) Type of work surface: 1. Uneven 2. With unprotected edges 3. Not capable to support load 4. Moving 5. Working over water or working over side (iii) Hazards in the vicinity of working at height (e.g. nearby hot service etc.); (iv) Type of work to be carried out; (v) Adverse weather conditions (i.e. heat and humidity, strong wind etc.); (vi) Number of personnel who may be at risk; (vii) Training and experience of the personnel carrying out the work; (viii) Type of equipment to be used (such as ladder, scaffold, MEWP etc.); (ix) Losing control, such as: 1. Loss of hand grip; 2. Struck by a moving or falling object; 3. Moving from one surface to another; and 4. Changing levels. Once the hazards have been identified, risk associated with them shall be assessed using JSA to develop the appropriate controls. ADNOC Job Safety Analysis (JSA) Standard [Ref. 21], provides details on requirements of identifying hazards related to a particular job activity as well as recommending actions to eliminate or reduce those hazards. 7.2.2. RISK OF FALLING OBJECTS ADNOC Group shall ensure necessary protection to personnel from potential falls of tools or materials or from use of mechanical platforms during the activity. Protection measures shall include, but not be limited to: (i) Wherever possible area shall be barricaded around the activity; (ii) Diversion of pedestrian walkways away from any overhead activities; (iii) Provision of walkway with overhead protection; (iv) Tools and materials required for work shall be carried in tool bag, either a shoulder bag, or a scaffolder belt; (v) Use of debris netting to prevent materials from falling outside the perimeter; (vi) Tying down or securing of material to prevent them from being blown off; and Standard No.: HSE-OS-ST22 Version No.: 1 Effective date: August 2019 Page 11 of 35 ADNOC Classification: Internal HSE Management System Operations Safety Standards Working at Height (vii) Avoid working at height during presence of personnel in the vicinity of the activity. 7.2.3. HIERARCHY OF CONTROLS The hierarchy of control is a systematic approach to managing safety in the workplace by providing a structure to select the most effective control measures to eliminate or reduce the risk of certain hazards that have been identified as being caused by the activity. While undertaking a risk assessment for the tasks that are to be completed ‘at height’ including objects falling from height, the following hierarchy of control shall be adopted: (i) Avoid: working at height where it is reasonably practicable to do so; (ii) Prevent falls: Where it is not reasonably practicable to avoid working at height, ADNOC Group shall ensure that appropriate equipment or other control measures are in place to prevent personnel falling from a place at height and objects falling from height; and (iii) Minimize the distance and consequence of a fall: ADNOC Group shall ensure that where it is not reasonably practicable to prevent falls, work equipment or other means shall be provided that will reduce the distance of fall and its consequence. The following figure depicts the hierarchy of controls: Avoid working at height e.g. using extendable tools from ground level to avoid/eliminate the need to climb a ladder; installing cables at ground level; lowering a lighting mast to ground level etc. AVOID Prevent a fall from occurring by the methods such as using an existing place of work that is already safe, or, using work equipment to prevent people from falling e.g. fixed platforms, temporary platforms such as scaffoldings, Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs) such as scissor lifts, work restraint (travel restrictions) system that prevent personnel getting into a fall position etc. PREVENT  Minimize the falling distance and/or consequences of a fall e.g. full body safety harness, fall arresters, safety nets, soft landing systems, e.g. air bags, installed closed to the level of the work. MINIMIZE Figure 7.2.1: Hierarchy of Controls Once risk assessment is carried out, appropriate controls shall be recommended. The best practice to eliminate hazard is to work on the ground wherever possible. However, when not possible, the following controls shall be considered: Standard No.: HSE-OS-ST22 Version No.: 1 Effective date: August 2019 Page 12 of 35 ADNOC Classification: Internal HSE Management System Operations Safety Standards Working at Height (a) Engineering Controls (i) Substitute a work method or process with a less hazardous one (such as, using walkways for access instead of ladders); (ii) Isolate the hazard (such as, using a physical barrier); and (iii) Modify the system of work or equipment (such as, using a travel restraint). (b) Administrative Controls (i) Personnel exposure control (i.e. person working for long hours in extreme heat may faint and fall off the elevated platform); and (ii) PTW/JSA/TBT. (c) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (i) PPE for fall protection, prevention and arrester; (ii) Footwear that minimizes the risk of slipping; (iii) As a minimum, low impact eye protection such as sunglasses to make sure that the person is not at risk due to glare reflection; and (iv) Safety helmets that will remain in place in the event of a fall. Note: ADNOC Personal Protective Equipment Standard [Ref.23], provides details on the requirements of PPE for exposure to hazardous activities, materials and work environment which shall be adhered to for selection and use of PPE. 7.2.4. SELECTION OF PERSONNEL ADNOC Group shall ensure personnel required for working at height shall be selected as per their ability to perform work. ADNOC Group Medical Fitness Guidelines [Ref. 18] shall be referred for selection of personnel for working at height. Medical fitness certificate shall be obtained, wherever appropriate for personnel assigned to working at height. Section 7.6 shall be referred for training and competency for all works at height. The following persons shall be excluded from being required for the activity: (i) Personnel suffering from vertigo and acrophobia; (ii) Personnel who are physically unfit to undertake climbing activities; (iii) Personnel suffering from dizziness; and (iv) Personnel having physical shape or weight which may affect the safe operation of working at height equipment. 7.2.5. SELECTION OF EQUIPMENT The following shall be ensured prior to the selection of equipment: (i) Use of most appropriate equipment available taking into account technological advances that may introduce new means of controlling working at height risks; (ii) Give collective protection measures priority over PPE; (iii) Take account of: 1. The working conditions; 2. Risks to the safety of all those at the place where the work equipment is to be used; 3. The distance to be negotiated, in the case of work equipment for access and egress; 4. The distance and consequence of a potential fall; Standard No.: HSE-OS-ST22 Version No.: 1 Effective date: August 2019 Page 13 of 35 ADNOC Classification: Internal HSE Management System Operations Safety Standards Working at Height 5. The duration and frequency of equipment use; 6. The need for easy and timely evacuation and rescue during an emergency; and 7. Any additional risk posed by the use, installation or removal of work equipment or by evacuation and rescue from it. 7.2.6. ACCESS AND EGRESS ADNOC Group shall provide safe method to personnel for working at height i.e. easy movement and access around the work area. It shall include but not limited to the following: (i) Installation of fixed working platforms, walkways and stairways; (ii) Use of temporary working platforms; (iii) Installation of fall arrest systems; (iv) Location and space requirement for any equipment or materials used or being temporarily stored; and (v) The clearance of obstructions for easy movement. (a) Roof Access (i) A safe means of getting to and from the roof particularly when other roofs need to be crossed to reach an area for work shall be ensured. The access ways need to be in place before commencing work. Access shall be located where the work on the roof is to begin. (ii) For new roof installations or where extensive repair or replacement of existing roofs is planned, it is recommended that a ladder access tower shall be provided. (iii) If access and egress is required regularly, a permanent walkway may need to be installed, for example, stairs. Stairs shall serve each floor of a building or structure that is being constructed or demolished. (b) Guarding of Holes and Openings (i) Holes and openings present significant hazards. Firstly, a person may fall through a hole. Secondly, cuts and bruises may result when feet or legs penetrate holes. (ii) All holes and openings where a person may fall through or step into - unless a physical barrier is erected around the hole or opening - shall be guarded with embedded wire mesh and covered with material of adequate strength to prevent entry by object or persons. The cover shall be secured to prevent the cover from dislodging from position. (iii) When a hole is protected by a cover, a suitable warning sign shall be placed nearby or onto the cover itself. 7.3. CONSIDERATION FOR WORKING AT HEIGHT The first approach shall be to review activities requiring working at height and possibility of fall elimination. Such review and selection of alternatives shall be taken care at the early stage of project management and work planning. The approach can lead to designing a project or worksite which has provision of suitable anchorages for securing fall-arrest system at strategic locations thus improving safety as well as cost effectiveness. Suspension of working at height shall be considered when the wind speed reaches or gusts higher than 38 km/hr or 20.5 knots [Ref. 3] and then ensure review of the work based on risk assessment considering the current and anticipated wind speed, weather conditions, altitude of work being undertaken and any other conditions (hazards) that may affect the safety and health of personnel working at height. Standard No.: HSE-OS-ST22 Version No.: 1 Effective date: August 2019 Page 14 of 35 ADNOC Classification: Internal HSE Management System Operations Safety Standards Working at Height If fall elimination is not possible, the following approaches shall be followed for working at height: (i) Fall Prevention: The next approach is to look for a continued protection measure for prevention of fall. If fall hazards cannot be completely eliminated, a proactive approach shall be taken to prevent the fall through improvement at worksite. Early installation of stairs, guardrails, barriers, and travel restriction systems can lead to fall prevention work environment. All the floor openings shall be covered properly in a secured way and this shall be checked periodically for its integrity to prevent fall of person/material through the opening. (ii) Fall Protection: Personal fall protection systems are work restrains, working positioning including rope access and positioning techniques/systems. (iii) Fall Arresting: As a last line of defense against fall from height, it is essential to use fall- arresting equipment. However such approach is implied after determining that potential falls cannot be eliminated by changing work procedures and/or the workplace. Equipment such as harnesses, lanyards, shock absorbers, fall arresters, lifelines, anchorages, and safety nets can reduce the risk of injury if a fall occurs. A proper assessment of worksite and work process shall be required to select the most appropriate fall arresting equipment, its installation and correct use. 7.3.1. FALL PREVENTION (a) Working Platforms Working platforms are defined as ‘any platform used in a place of work or as a means of access to or egress from a place of work’. It includes any permanent platforms, scaffold, suspended scaffold, cradle mobile platform, trestle, gangway, gantry and stairway. For providing temporary work platform, scaffolding to be erected as required. Scaffolding shall be designed, erected and maintained as per the requirement provided in ADNOC Scaffolding Standard [Ref. 22]. The working platform shall conform to the following: (i) Sufficient strength and rigidity for the intended use; (ii) Erected under supervision of scaffolding supervisor/inspector and tagged after completion; (iii) Used in a manner that prevents accidental displacement; (iv) Remains stable at all times, including during and after modification; (v) Have sufficient dimensions to permit free passage of persons and safe use of equipment and materials; (vi) At least of 600mm wide; (vii) Constructed so that the surface has no gap likely to cause injury or through which an object could fall on to any person below; and (viii) Maintained to prevent slips or trips and be provided with guardrails, toe boards, handholds and footholds. (b) Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWP) MEWP is a mechanical device which includes scissor lift, aerial platform, or an extensible or articulating boom aerial device (either self-propelled or vehicle-mounted) used to provide temporary access for people or equipment to inaccessible areas, usually at height. They are generally used for temporary, flexible access purposes such as maintenance and construction work or by fire fighters for emergency access, which distinguishes them from permanent access equipment such as elevators. ADNOC Lifting Operations Standard [Ref. 24] shall be referred for the use and inspection of MEWPs. Standard No.: HSE-OS-ST22 Version No.: 1 Effective date: August 2019 Page 15 of 35 ADNOC Classification: Internal HSE Management System Operations Safety Standards Working at Height As a minimum, the following shall be confirmed: (i) Operators of MEWPs shall be trained by authorized party and competent to use the equipment (For details refer to ADNOC Lifting Operations Standard [Ref. 24]). The training given shall be specific to the type of equipment the person is operating and shall be in accordance with internationally recognized training, such as The International Powered Access Federation-Powered Access License (PAL) or equivalent; (ii) MEWP shall be examined at six monthly intervals or major repair whichever is earlier, by authorized person. Copies of such certification shall be kept for record purpose by the equipment custodian; (iii) The Safe Working Load (SWL) shall be prominently displayed on the MEWP; (iv) Personnel working from MEWP shall wear safety harness securely connected to a suitable anchor point on the platform; (v) MEWPs shall only be used when the ground conditions are favorable for this type of device; (vi) Step ladders or hop-ups shall never be used from the working platform of a MEWP; (vii) Personnel working shall not be allowed to leave the working platform whilst in an elevated position, e.g. climbing off the platform to gain access to an elevated place of work; (viii) Wind speeds shall be monitored and the wind-off speed shall be in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendation; (ix) MEWPs shall have the safe working load of the platform clearly marked on the equipment; and (x) MEWPs shall be fitted with an emergency lowering device in the event of power failure or other malfunction. Figure 7.3.1: Mobile Elevated Working Platforms - Image Courtesy HSE - UK (c) Suspended Work Platforms (SWP) SWP is an access system comprising of one or more overhead fixed supports, one or more suspension lines, and one or more work platforms that can be moved vertically, but it does not include a boatswain’s chair or a multi-point suspended work platform. The SWP shall conform to the following: (i) Man basket operations are not allowed for high wind speeds [Refer Section 7.3 for suspension of work]; (ii) Man basket shall be tested and certified by 3rd party at every 6 months; Standard No.: HSE-OS-ST22 Version No.: 1 Effective date: August 2019 Page 16 of 35 ADNOC Classification: Internal HSE Management System Operations Safety Standards Working at Height (iii) Visual inspection carried out before every use; (iv) Use of separate full body safety harness attached to an independent life line for each worker; (v) Use of trauma suspension strap shall be ensured; (vi) Maintain lanyard attachment at highest point possible; (vii) Before workers use a platform suspended from a crane, a trial lift shall be performed; (viii) Tools and materials secured in the man basket; (ix) SWL displayed on the man basket and man basket shall not be overloaded; (x) Do not overreach from the man basket; (xi) A communication system with the crane operator shall be made available at all times; (xii) Crane Operator shall not get out of the crane while workers are suspended in a man basket; (xiii) Cranes shall not travel while supporting a platform occupied by workers; (xiv) A secondary hoisting line and rigging shall be removed, or set in such a way that it will not tangle or endanger workers on the platform, and prevent safe operation of the crane; and (xv) Boom shall be equipped with a failsafe device system and devices to prevent the boom from free falling or unintentional lowering or retracting. (d) Guardrail Systems A vertical barrier, consisting of, but not limited to, top rails, mid rails, and posts, erected to prevent employees from falling off a scaffold platform or walkway to lower levels. The guardrail system shall conform to the following (i) Guardrails are used on the edge of working platforms, walkways, stairways, ramps or landings and at: 1. The perimeters of buildings or other structures; 2. The perimeters of skylights or other fragile roof materials; 3. Openings in floor or roof structures; and 4. Edges of shafts or excavations. (ii) Guardrails shall be provided to all edges where there is a fall potential for 1.8 meters or more; (iii) Risk assessment for implementation of guardrail system shall be performed in case fall potential of less than 1.8 meters is envisaged, as a minimum requirement a single guardrail of 950mm from the walking/working level [Ref.1]; (iv) Toe boards shall be provided at least 150mm high and run continuously along the edge where guardrail protection is provided [Ref.1]; (v) Mid-rail shall be fitted to all edges where a risk of falling 1.8 meters or more and the gap shall not exceed 470mm between any guardrail and mid-rail or toe board and mid-rail [Ref.1]; (vi) Screen and mesh shall be extended from the guardrail to the walking/working level and along the entire opening; (vii) It shall be capable of withstanding a force of at least 1.25 kN [Ref.1]; and (viii) It shall be surfaced to prevent injury to personnel from punctures or lacerations and to prevent snagging of clothing; Standard No.: HSE-OS-ST22 Version No.: 1 Effective date: August 2019 Page 17 of 35 ADNOC Classification: Internal HSE Management System Operations Safety Standards Working at Height Figure 7.3.2: SWP with Guardrail System - Image Courtesy Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (e) Ladders The following key safety precautions prior to the use of Ladders shall be ensured: Ladders shall be set up on a level area on firm footing and the base shall be located a distance from the wall approximately a quarter of the vertical height of the ladder (Refer Figure 7.3.3); Figure 7.3.3: Positioning of Ladder (Image Courtesy Workplace Safety and Health Council) Anyone working on ladders shall maintain three points of contact at all times, e.g. two feet and one hand or two hands and one foot as shown in (i) Figure 7.3.4; Standard No.: HSE-OS-ST22 Version No.: 1 Effective date: August 2019 Page 18 of 35 ADNOC Classification: Internal HSE Management System Operations Safety Standards Working at Height Figure 7.3.4: Three Points of Contact (Image Courtesy Workplace Safety and Health Council) (ii) If the ladder is more than 3 meters in length, it shall be securely fixed (e.g. ladder lashing). If it is impracticable to do so, a person shall be stationed at the base of the ladder to prevent the ladder from slipping or falling; (iii) Proper selection of ladder (including material) with respect to the activity; (iv) Wooden ladders shall not be used in any hydrocarbon handling/storing area, except where it is needed to safely perform electrical work, under controlled conditions to; (v) Aluminium ladders shall not be used in areas classified as hazardous zones due to the possibility of Thermite reaction which may cause fire/explosion hazard; (vi) Fiberglass ladders should be used when an electrical conductivity hazard has been identified; (vii) The ladder is secured; lash the ladder securely, preferably at the top to prevent slippage; (viii) Two (2) person team to transport ladders that are greater than 2m in height, carry the ladder close to the body at elbow height; (ix) Chains or ropes are used where required on stepladders. This helps to prevent overspreading and the stepladder shall be only used when fully spread; (x) The ladder is standing at the correct angle; one metre out for four metres up; (xi) An extension or straight ladder used to access an elevated surface shall extend at least 3 feet above the point of support [Ref. 10]; (xii) Facing the ladder when climbing or descending; (xiii) Using both hands when climbing or descending a ladder. (xiv) Weather conditions assessed as acceptable before use; (xv) Tools and materials required for work shall be carried in tool bag either a shoulder bag, or a scaffolder belt, or be hoisted up or lowered down afterwards. (xvi) Do not: 1. Use a damaged ladder; report the damage ladder immediately; 2. Climb ladders with grease or mud on rungs; report it immediately; 3. Carry out work from the top step of a stepladder; Standard No.: HSE-OS-ST22 Version No.: 1 Effective date: August 2019 Page 19 of 35 ADNOC Classification: Internal HSE Management System Operations Safety Standards Working at Height 4. Place ladders next to overhead power lines; 5. Place ladders in front of doors; 6. Paint ladders along their length: this can hide cracks and damage; 7. Work on the ladder continuously for extended periods of time; 8. Use more than one person using a ladder at any one time; 9. Stand on the top three rungs of a ladder; 10. Over reach. The most satisfactory method for working safely on a ladder is for both thighs and hips to be kept between the stiles; 11. Move a ladder without authorisation; it may be someone’s only means of egress slide down a ladder; 12. Drop a ladder on its sides, instead lower gently to the ground; 13. Splice or tie short ladders together to give greater length; and 14. Use tools requiring the use of two hands shall not be used. (f) Fall Restraint System and Positioning Devices 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. At a minimum, fall restraint systems shall have the capacity to withstand at least 3,000 pounds of force or twice the maximum expected force that is needed to restrain the worker from exposure to the fall hazard. Positioning devices are specialized systems that hold workers in place on an elevated vertical surface (such as a wall) allowing them to keep both hands free to work while leaning into the system. When the worker leans back, the system is activated (supporting the worker’s body weight). Positioning devices limit free falls to two feet or less. 7.3.2. FALL PROTECTION A personal fall protection system can be used only if: (i) A risk assessment has demonstrated that work can, so far as is reasonably practicable, be performed safely while using the system; (ii) The use of other, safer work equipment is not justified; (iii) The user and a sufficient number of available persons have received adequate training, including rescue provision; (iv) The fall protection system is securely anchored; (v) The various components of the system are of sufficient strength to support all known loads and have been inspected by a competent person; and (vi) Suitable and sufficient steps have been taken to ensure, so far as is practicable, that in the event of a fall, injury from the fall protection system is minimized. Fall Protection includes: (i) Working Positioning (ii) Personal Suspension Equipment Standard No.: HSE-OS-ST22 Version No.: 1 Effective date: August 2019 Page 20 of 35 ADNOC Classification: Internal HSE Management System Operations Safety Standards Working at Height (a) Working Positioning Work positioning is a technique for supporting a person while working by means of PPE ʽin tension’ to prevent a fall. The obvious advantage with work positioning is that the user is free to use his hands. A work positioning system usually consists of components attached to a vertical life safety rope and includes a full body harness, descent controllers and positioning lanyards used to support or suspend a worker at a work position. A work positioning system can be used only if: (i) The system includes a suitable backup system for preventing or arresting a fall, as per the hierarchy of Rope Access systems; and (ii) Where the system includes a line as a backup system, the user is connected to it. (b) Personal Suspension Equipment Personal suspension equipment is defined as equipment used by an individual for suspended access purposes (e.g. boatswain chair). It shall be inspected by a competent person before each use. It shall only be used by personnel who have received specific training in its use and who have formally demonstrated their competence. Workers in a boatswain’s chair shall wear a full body harness connected to a separate fall arrest system. 7.3.3. FALL ARREST Personal fall arrest is the most common form of personal fall protection as it is relatively simple to operate, requiring only minimal equipment and limited training. Fall arrest is a technique that makes use of PPE to stop a falling person under safe conditions. A fall arrest equipment shall be marked with: (i) The manufacturer’s name, equipment designation and serial number, and test date; (ii) Supplied with written instructions for use (made available to all users); and (iii) Tested to approved International Standards, with records of tests available. Fall Arrest includes: (i) Safety Nets (ii) Lanyards (iii) Full-Body Harness (iv) Anchorage Points (v) Horizontal and Vertical Lifelines (vi) Self-Retracting Lifelines (a) Safety Nets A net used to protect people from injury after falling from heights by limiting the distance they fall, and deflecting to dissipate the impact energy. This also helps in arresting the falling or flying objects for the safety of people beyond or below the net. Safety nets are used in construction, building maintenance, or other industries. The safety nets shall conform to the following (i) Types of Safety nets available: 1. Personnel nets: 100mm mesh size - intended to catch a person falling from height [Ref.1]; Standard No.: HSE-OS-ST22 Version No.: 1 Effective date: August 2019 Page 21 of 35 ADNOC Classification: Internal HSE Management System Operations Safety Standards Working at Height 2. Material or debris protection nets: 12mm -19mm mesh size - intended to minimize risk of personnel below the falling object [Ref.1]. (ii) It shall only be considered where fall prevention measures are not reasonably practicable to implement; (iii) It shall be regularly inspected and replaced in case of any wear and tear; (iv) It shall be erected as close as reasonably practicable to the working level; (v) Erection of Safety nets shall be carried out by competent persons and shall ensure that any supporting framework can withstand impact or shock loadings; (vi) It shall be securely attached to support framework with tie cords, hooks rings or thimbles spaced according to the net manufacturer’s recommendation; and (vii) It shall extend outward from the outermost projection of the work surface as mentioned in Table 7.3.1. Table 7.3.1 - Working Duration with respect to Wind Speed [Ref. 1] Vertical distance from working level to Minimum required horizontal distance of horizontal plane of net outer edge of net from the edge of the working surface Up to 1.5 meters 2.5 meters Between 1.5 and 2.0 meters 3.0 meters (viii) It shall be drop-tested at the job site after initial installation, before being used as a fall protection system, after any fall, whenever relocated, after major repair and at six months intervals if left in one place: 1. The drop test shall consist of a 180kg bag of sand 750mm ± 50mm in diameter dropped into the net from the highest walking/working surface at which personnel are exposed to work hazards, but not less than 1 meter above that level [Ref.1]; 2. When the drop-test is not practicable, it shall certify that the net and net installation is in compliance with the provisions of this section by preparing a certification record prior to the net being used as a fall protection system; and 3. Most recent certification record for each net and net installation shall be made available at the jobsite for inspection. (ix) The maximum size of each safety net mesh opening shall not exceed 230cm2 nor be longer than 150mm on any side, and the opening, measured centre-to-centre of mesh ropes or webbing, shall not be longer than 150mm [Ref.1]. (b) Lanyards These are designed to connect the person working at height to an anchorage point so that in the unfortunate event of a fall the lanyard will catch the fall and absorb the forces created by the fall. There are two types of lanyard; single lanyard and twin lanyards as shown in Figure 7.3.5 and Figure 7.3.6. (i) It shall be long enough to allow full reach to the work. Should it become necessary to move beyond the reach of one lanyard, two/twin lanyards shall be worn, one of which shall be tied off to a secure anchorage point at all times. It shall be ensured that at all times the personnel working at height shall be connected to the anchorage point. (ii) Lanyards shall be anchored to a structural member or other supports which shall withstand the impact of the fall, and not allow the free fall more than 1.8 meters (6 feet), nor allow contact with any lower level. Standard No.: HSE-OS-ST22 Version No.: 1 Effective date: August 2019 Page 22 of 35 ADNOC Classification: Internal HSE Management System Operations Safety Standards Working at Height (iii) Additional lanyards shall be supplied for use as replacements in the event that defective lanyards are taken out of use. Figure 7.3.5: Single Lanyard - Image Courtesy OSHA Figure 7.3.6: Twin Lanyard - Image Courtesy National Access & Scaffolding Confederation (c) Full-Body Harness It forms an ergonomic link or interface between the human body and the attachment system. The ‘Full Body Harness’ shall be suitable and appropriate to withstand the weight of personnel wearing it including the weight of tools to be carried. The full body harness shall be equipped with shoulder straps and leg straps, a sub-pelvic assembly, adjustable buckles or fasteners, and one or more D- rings to connect to shock absorbing lanyards. Harnesses shall be selected to ensure they are suitable for intended use. It shall have combined body and tool weight of less than 310 pounds (140 kg) [Ref. 9Error! Reference source not found.]. A well selected harness shall have the following features: (i) Suspension Trauma safety straps (ii) Comfortable to wear when not ‘in tension’, e.g. walking about site (iii) Provide adequate levels of support for working (iv) Be able to catch a fall without injuring the wearer (v) Shall not be overly complex to put on or adjust Standard No.: HSE-OS-ST22 Version No.: 1 Effective date: August 2019 Page 23 of 35 ADNOC Classification: Internal HSE Management System Operations Safety Standards Working at Height Figure 7.3.7: Typical Harness - Image Courtesy British Standard (d) Anchorage Points (i) It shall be established such that personnel have free movement without the need to repeatedly unclip the harness; (ii) Where the foregoing distances do not permit sufficient range of movement, then approved and certified inertia reels and running lines may be used, provided that the maximum free fall distances are not exceeded; (iii) It shall be as high as possible (ideally overhead, but no lower than waist height); and (iv) It shall be located such that, in the event of a fall, the cable/lanyard does not contact the edge of a roof or platform, and avoids the pendulum effect whereby it slides along an edge. Such contact may result in the damage or failure of the line or failure to arrest the person. Table 7.3.2: Anchor Strength Requirements [Ref. 17] Fall Protection System Certified Anchor Non-Certified Anchor Fall Arrest 2 times maximum arresting force 5,000 lbs Working Position 2 times foreseeable force 3,000 lbs Fall Restraint 2 times foreseeable force 1,000 lbs Rescue 5 times applied force 3,000 lbs Horizontal Lifeline 2 times maximum line load Not Applicable (e) Horizontal and Vertical Lifelines Horizontal lifelines shall be installed and used according to manufacturer’s recommendation. The following guidelines shall be taken into consideration while using a lifeline: (i) Softeners shall be used where lifelines contact sharp edges, such as beam flanges; (ii) Temporary lifelines shall be removed at the completion of a job; Standard No.: HSE-OS-ST22 Version No.: 1 Effective date: August 2019 Page 24 of 35 ADNOC Classification: Internal HSE Management System Operations Safety Standards Working at Height (iii) Anchor points, connectors, and other system components shall be capable of safely supporting one person falling 1.8 meters; and (iv) A vertical lifeline shall be used by only one person at a time. (f) Self-Retracting Lifelines (SRL) It is used in conjunction with other components of a fall arrest system. It shall be used by only one (1) person at a time. A properly inspected, correctly installed and well maintained SRL used in fall arrest system, automatically stops a person’s descent a short distance after the onset of an accidental fall. SRL shall be considered for use when working in areas such as roofs, scaffolds, tanks, towers, vessels, and manholes. The retractable lifelines shall be considered when climbing such equipment as vertical fixed ladders. There are two types of SRL [Ref. 5]: (i) Class A Type 1. Maximum arrest distance not to exceed 24” (610mm) 2. Average arresting force not to exceed 1350 lbs (6kN) or maximum peak of 1800lbs (8kN) 3. After environmental conditioning (hot, cold, wet), average arresting force not to exceed 1575 lbs (7 kN) or a maximum peak of 1800 lbs (8kN) (ii) Class B Type 1. Maximum arrest distance not to exceed 54” (1372 mm) 2. Average arresting force not to exceed 900 lbs (4kN) or a maximum peak of 1800 lbs (8 kN) 3. After environmental conditioning (hot, cold, wet), average arresting force not to exceed 1125 lbs (5 kN) or a maximum peak of 1800 lbs (8kN) All in all, the two classes are divided by 2.5 feet of arresting distance and 450 lbs of arresting force. Note: Fall protection equipment subjected to fall arresting forces shall be removed from service immediately. 7.3.4. MEASUREMENT FOR ASSESSING FALL HAZARDS AND CONTROLS [REF. 8] The measurement for assessing the fall hazards and controls prior to the start of working at height activity shall be considered. A few basic measurements and equations can aid in evaluating if a Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS) will be sufficient to prevent workers from contacting a lower level. This provides information on evaluating: (i) The necessary total fall clearance distance for PFASs (ii) Swing fall hazards for PFASs (a) Total Fall Clearance Distance for PFAS The total fall clearance distance is the minimum vertical distance between the worker and the lower level that is necessary to ensure the worker does not contact a lower level during a fall. The total fall clearance distance shall be calculated before a decision is made to use a PFAS. If the available distance is not greater than the total fall clearance distance, it is inappropriate to use the PFAS and a fall restraint system might be used instead. Total fall clearance distance calculations to perform based on several factors, including: Standard No.: HSE-OS-ST22 Version No.: 1 Effective date: August 2019 Page 25 of 35 ADNOC Classification: Internal HSE Management System Operations Safety Standards Working at Height (i) Lanyard length (ii) The height at which the lanyard is anchored relative to where the other end attaches to the worker's harness (iii) The distance the worker will travel as the deceleration device absorbs the energy from the fall (i.e., slows it down) (iv) The worker's height (v) D-ring shift (vi) A safety factor The following variables are necessary to calculate the total fall clearance distance: (i) Free fall distance: This is the distance the worker falls before the PFAS begins to slow the fall. When using a PFAS, this distance shall be 1.8m or less and also prevent the worker from contacting a lower level by the following limit: 1. maximum arresting force on an employee to 900 pounds (4 kN) when used with a body belt; 2. maximum arresting force on an employee to 1,800 pounds (8 kN) when used with a body harness. (ii) Free fall distance varies depending on the lanyard's length and where the anchor is set relative to the back D-ring on the harness. (iii) Deceleration distance: This is the distance the lanyard stretches in order to arrest the fall. Deceleration distance shall be not greater than 3.5 feet (1.07m). (iv) D-ring shift: This is the distance the D-ring moves and the harness shifts when they support the worker's full weight. As the line tugs upwards, the harness can shift so the D-ring location is higher on the worker than it was before the fall. This shift is often assumed to be one foot, but it can vary, depending on the equipment design and the manufacturer. (v) Back D-ring height: The D-ring height is measured as the distance between the D-ring and the worker's shoe sole while the worker is wearing the harness. This height is often standardized as five feet for six-foot-tall workers (shorter workers may also be protected using this default distance). It is necessary to adjust the back D-ring height for workers exceeding six feet. (vi) Safety factor: A safety factor is an additional distance added to the total fall clearance distance to ensure there is enough clearance between the worker and the lower level after a fall. It is typically 2 feet. The total fall clearance distance is calculated by adding these values together as shown in Figure 7.3.8 and Figure 7.3.9. (b) Calculating Total Fall Clearance Distance for Fall Arrest Systems with a Shock-Absorbing Lanyard The following common assumptions to be taken: (i) Deceleration distance: 3.5 feet (ii) D-ring shift: 1 foot (iii) D-ring height (shoe sole to point between shoulder blades): 5 feet (iv) Safety factor: typically 2 feet The Figure 7.3.8 below shows how to add the various values in order to calculate total fall clearance distance. A fall arrest system will not protect a falling worker if the calculated clearance distance is Standard No.: HSE-OS-ST22 Version No.: 1 Effective date: August 2019 Page 26 of 35 ADNOC Classification: Internal HSE Management System Operations Safety Standards Working at Height greater than the actual distance available below the elevated work area (measured as the distance between the point at which a worker would be anchored and any lower surface). Figure 7.3.8: Fall Clearance Distance Calculation Note: If actual workplace values or manufacturer specifications are available, or if circumstances dictate the need to use alternative values, use them instead. (c) Calculating Free Fall Distance The following cases shall be considered in order to calculate the distance: (i) D-ring (above Anchor): Free Fall Distance = Lanyard Length + Distance from D-ring to anchor (ii) D-ring (below Anchor): Free Fall Distance = Lanyard Length - Distance from D-ring to anchor (iii) D-ring (level with Anchor): Free Fall Distance = Lanyard Length This applies to a worker using a shock-absorbing lanyard. SRL typically activate, and thus limit free fall distance, within 2 feet. Refer to manufacturer’s recommendation for activation details. Typical Example (D-ring below Anchor): A competent person sees that the trusses in the adjacent section have been installed, fastened in place, and sheathed, and are stable enough to serve as an anchorage. An anchor is installed 2 feet above the back D-ring on the worker's harness. What is the total fall clearance distance? Free fall distance = 6-foot lanyard - 2 feet between the anchor and D-ring = 4 feet Deceleration distance = 3.5 feet D-ring shift = 1 foot Back D-ring height = 5 feet Safety factor = 2 feet Answer: total necessary fall clearance distance = 4 + 3.5 + 1 + 5 + 2 = 15.5 feet. This value can then be compared to the vertical clearance actually available at the work location. Standard No.: HSE-OS-ST22 Version No.: 1 Effective date: August 2019 Page 27 of 35 ADNOC Classification: Internal HSE Management System Operations Safety Standards Working at Height Figure 7.3.9: Total fall Clearance distance (with D-ring below anchor) – Image Courtesy OSHA (d) Evaluating the Swing Fall Hazard The swing fall hazard is created by the pendulum effect, which can swing a fallen worker into a nearby surface, such as a wall or protruding beam (Refer to Figure 7.3.10). In addition to calculating the total fall clearance distance before beginning work on an elevated level, it is important to evaluate the swing fall hazard at the edges where a worker might fall. A worker who falls while connected to an anchor (unless it is directly overhead) will swing back and forth like a pendulum. Workers can be seriously injured if they strike objects during a swing fall. Installing the anchorage point directly above the work area (i.e., connected to an overhead attachment point with sufficient strength) will help prevent injury. Figure 7.3.10: Swing Fall - Image Courtesy International Safety Equipment Association Standard No.: HSE-OS-ST22 Version No.: 1 Effective date: August 2019 Page 28 of 35 ADNOC Classification: Internal HSE Management System Operations Safety Standards Working at Height 7.4. SPECIFIC ACTIVITY 7.4.1. WORKING ON ROOF The following shall be ensured before commencing the roof works: (i) Edge protection systems shall be installed, inspected and signed off by a competent person; (ii) Safety harnesses shall be made available where required and employees are trained in their use; (iii) Employees involved with roof working shall be briefed specifically on the safe system of work; (iv) Rescue arrangement shall be in place to deal with any employee who may fall and become suspended by their safety harness; (v) Areas below where roof works are to be undertaken are barricaded off and warning signs shall be clearly displayed; (vi) Safe access shall be provided to each roof work area; (vii) Weather conditions shall be assessed and within the limits for work to start safely; and (viii) Fragile roof materials shall be identified and access to these areas are restricted with the use of rigid barriers and warning signs. Figure 7.4.1: Work at Roof - Image Courtesy OSHA 7.4.2. ROPE ACCESS Rope access techniques allow access to structures or equipment that are otherwise inaccessible, unsafe or impractical to access using conventional techniques. Specialists using industrial rope access techniques shall be trained and certified to requirements as per BS 7985 - Code of Practice for the use of Rope Access Methods for Industrial Purposes [Ref. 4], such as IRATA (Industrial Rope Access Trade Association), SPRAT (The Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians) or equivalent. All rope access activities shall be conducted in line with the requirements of IRATA. Maximum allowed working time at different wind speeds are shown in Table 7.4.1: Standard No.: HSE-OS-ST22 Version No.: 1 Effective date: August 2019 Page 29 of 35 ADNOC Classification: Internal HSE Management System Operations Safety Standards Working at Height Table 7.4.1: Working Duration with respect to Wind Speed [Ref. 11] Wind Speed Maximum Duration (hrs) 2 m/s (3.9 knots/ 7.2 km/hr) 8 5 m/s (9.7 knots/ 18 km/hr) 5 7 m/s (13.6 knots/ 25.2 km/hr) 4 9 m/s (17.5 knots/ 32.4 km/hr)* 3 11 m/s (21.4 knots/ 39.6 km/hr)* 2 *Only for Emergency As a minimum the following work methods shall be ensured: (i) Provision of at least one additional means of protection to prevent a rope access technician falling, for example, a safety line in conjunction with the working line; (ii) The connection to the rope access system or other personal fall protection system and disconnection from it shall be made in an area where there is no risk of a fall from a height; (iii) The rope access personnel shall be connected to both the working line and the safety line via a harness; and (iv) Rope access systems shall be planned to avoid falls. In the unlikely event of a fall, the impact load on a rope access technician shall never be greater than 6 kN. 7.4.3. WORKING OVER WATER/OVER SIDE For the particular case where work takes place over water, the following shall apply: (i) SOLAS approved (Auto inflation/Foam type) life jackets fitted with light and whistle shall be worn; (ii) In absence of proper scaffolding, safety nets should be rigged or a safety harness shall be worn; (iii) Personnel working over the water shall be supervised by a person equipped with a portable radio and in radio contact with control room/standby vessel; (iv) A lifebuoy, line and stand by boat shall be present in the immediate vicinity; (v) If working is ongoing in more than one location, the standby boat shall select a position where all personnel can be observed; (vi) No person shall work alone or without continuous supervision; (vii) No person shall work in adverse weather conditions (wind speed in excess of 38 km/hr or 20.5 knots) [Ref. 3]; and (viii) Work shall not be carried out over the side during hours of darkness unless safety reasons require it, or it cannot be safely postponed until daylight, when such work is necessary, adequate illumination shall be provided and such lighting shall be connected to the emergency power system. Standard No.: HSE-OS-ST22 Version No.: 1 Effective date: August 2019 Page 30 of 35 ADNOC Classification: Internal HSE Management System Operations Safety Standards Working at Height 7.5. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT When a person falls and is suspended in a harness, it’s important to rescue him or her as quickly as possible because of the following reasons. (i) The workers may have suffered injuries during the fall and may need medical attention; (ii) When the workers are suspended in their safety harnesses for long periods, they may suffer from blood pooling in the lower body. This can lead to suspension trauma; (iii) Suspended workers may panic if they are not rescued quickly; and (iv) The event that led to the fall may create additional risks that need to be addressed. 7.5.1. EMERGENCY PLANNING A proper planning for in an event of any emergency during the activity shall be ensured. The emergency plan shall include but not limited to the following: (i) A written Emergency Response Plan including rescue shall be established; (ii) Emergency response equipment shall be kept on site and made readily available and accessible (identified based on the risk assessment); (iii) Personnel at work shall be provided with information on emergency plan including: 1. Who to approach or call in the event of an emergency; 2. Procedures to follow in event of emergencies, including those persons suspended in safety harness during fall arrest; and 3. Assembly points (if relevant). (iv) The provision of first aid shall be made available. 7.5.2. RESCUE OPERATIONS Emergency plan and rescue procedures to recover personnel suspended in safety harness shall consider: (i) The immediate rescue of a person after and arrested fall to prevent the onset of potential injuries such as suspension trauma which can occur when a person is suspended in a harness; (ii) The type of equipment required to carry out a rescue. Such equipment shall be suitable for use in all foreseeable situations in the workplace. Existing equipment such as mobile elevated work platforms and scissor lifts may be used for conducting rescue if suitable; (iii) The installation of individual fall-arrest systems and individual rope access systems shall be in locations where it is possible to assist or rescue a person quickly if required; (iv) Ensuring that all workers using fall arrest systems are familiar with devices before the commencement of the work; (v) The details of additional support facilities, including the location, contact information and availability of emergency services; and (vi) An effective and readily available means of communication. Standard No.: HSE-OS-ST22 Version No.: 1 Effective date: August 2019 Page 31 of 35 ADNOC Classification: Internal HSE Management System Operations Safety Standards Working at Height 7.6. TRAINING AND COMPETENCY A training program shall be provided to ensure that all persons involved in working at height acquire the understanding, knowledge and skill necessary for the safe performance of all duties. Training shall include but not limited to the following: (i) The nature of fall hazards to which they are exposed; (ii) Risk of injury associated with the task; (iii) Control measures that are needed, including safe work procedures and use of PPE; (iv) A discussion of ADNOC Group Fall Prevention Plan; (v) Types of fall protection equipment to be used at site; (vi) Fall hazards associated with the work to be completed; (vii) Procedures for removal of fall protection devices from service for repair or replacement; (viii) Fall protection equipment identification methods; (ix) Equipment maintenance and inspection requirements; (x) Emergency rescue procedures; (xi) Equipment strength and weight limitations; (xii) Use of operation of all fall prevention, protection and arrester systems; (xiii) Practical and theoretical training on actions to be taken in an emergency situation; (xiv) Roles of personnel in fall protection plans; and (xv) First aid training. 7.7. INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE All the equipment used during working at height shall be properly inspected and maintained in order to minimize the risk. ADNOC Group shall ensure inspection and maintenance of equipment shall be in compliance with this Standard and as per manufacturer’s recommendation. The following periodic monitoring shall be performed: (i) A thorough visual inspection and checks on equipment before every usage for ensuring that the equipment is free from observable defects; (ii) The maintenance program shall include the following components 1. An inventory of equipment that require regular maintenance, the frequency and procedures of maintenance; 2. Periodic inspections; 3. Preventive maintenance, such as servicing; 4. Repair for damaged items; 5. Replacement for irreparable items; 6. Check the lifespan of the equipment as per manufacturer’s recommendation; and 7. Record keeping (such as for damages, flaws detected, any preventive maintenance, repairs or replacements done). Standard No.: HSE-OS-ST22 Version No.: 1 Effective date: August 2019 Page 32 of 35 ADNOC Classification: Internal HSE Management System Operations Safety Standards Working at Height (a) Fall Protection System (i) As a minimum it shall include inspection and preventive maintenance procedure: 1. Equipment manufacturer’s recommendation; and 2. A requirement that all the fall protection equipment shall be inspected prior to each use, and also documented inspection at intervals not to exceed 6 months, or in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendation [Ref. 1]. (ii) It shall ensure that any item is inspected: 1. After it is assembled and before first use; 2. At regular intervals (at periods not exceeding 7 days) [Ref. 1]; 3. Following any substantial alterations; and 4. Following any impact or extreme weather conditions that may affect the stability of the platform. (iii) For mobile platforms, inspections at the site is appropriate without the need for re-inspection every time the platform is moved. (b) Fall Arrest System (i) Any defective fall arrest equipment found during inspection and maintenance shall be segregated, tagged with a cautionary “Out of Service Tag” and discarded; (ii) In the event of a fall arrest, each of equipment involved shall be segregated and discarded. Any items found to have been stretched or damaged shall be replaced before the equipment can be re-used; (iii) Personnel performing working at height shall inspect each of the following items as per manufacture’s instruction before and after use: 1. Harnesses, lanyards, connectors, ropes, slings, and any other mobile attachment devices e.g. snap-hooks, karabiners, rope grabs. (iv) The following inspection shall be ensured: 1. Include the opening of any equipment where access for daily inspection is provided, to make sure that internal components are in satisfactory condition; 2. For ropes, include running the rope through the hands. (v) Ensure inspections of harnesses and lanyards to be conducted every 6 months by a trained and competent person [Ref. 1]; (vi) Ensure anchorages to be inspected and certified before use after initial installation, and inspected every 12 months by a qualified rigger, scaffolder or specialist installer [Ref. 1]; (vii) Ensure inspection of fall arrest devices to be conducted every 3 months by a trained and competent person [Ref. 1]; (viii) Ensure inspection of horizontal life lines, vertical life lines used with fall arrest devices and horizontal or vertical rails to be undertaken every 12 months [Ref. 1]; (ix) Ensure fall arrest devices to be fully serviced if they have been in storage for longer than 12 months [Ref. 1]; and (x) Ensure that fall arrest equipment is stored and transported in conditions which avoid dampness, heat and stress on components. Standard No.: HSE-OS-ST22 Version No.: 1 Effective date: August 2019 Page 33 of 35 ADNOC Classification: Internal HSE Management System Operations Safety Standards Working at Height (c) Ladders shall (i) Have a pre-use daily checks; and (ii) Have an up-to-date record of the detailed visual inspection carried out regularly by a Competent person which shall be done in accordance to manufacturer’s recommendation. 8. COMPLIANCE ASSURANCE ADNOC shall conduct compliance audit of this Standard at approximately three-year intervals, these Audits shall be in addition to Group Company’s internal audits and where required, ADNOC shall take steps to minimise overlap and duplication between ADNOC Corporate and Group Companies internal audits. Compliance with this Standard shall be monitored regularly and the number of near misses, incidents and accidents associated with working at height activity shall be recorded and all efforts made to eliminate, prevent and control further occurrence of such incidents. A culture of no blame reporting of near misses incidents and accidents shall be implemented, root causes identified and weaknesses in the system shall be reviewed and revised to eliminate further incidents. All near misses, incidents and accidents shall be subject to ADNOC Incident Notification, Reporting & Investigation Standard [Ref. 19]. 8.1. PERFORMANCE KPIS Key Performance Indicators for this Standard shall include as minimum the following table: Table 8.1.1: Key Performance Indicator No. KPI Targets 1. Working at Height conducted as per the 100% compliance with requirements of this