SAFE 6045 Introduction to Fall Protection PDF

Course Module Worker Safety Introduction to Fall Protection SAFE 6045 027-51-13-20 G7601234 MacPhail School of Energy Revised: February 2011...

Course Module Worker Safety Introduction to Fall Protection SAFE 6045 027-51-13-20 G7601234 MacPhail School of Energy Revised: February 2011 FURTHER YOUR PASSION www.sait.ca Introduction to Fall Protection Learning Outcome When you complete this module, you will be able to… Examine the safety equipment available to assist in protecting workers against falls in the workplace. Learning Objectives Here is what you will be able to do when you complete each objective: 1. Describe current legislation pertaining to fall protection. 2. Describe fall arrest systems. 3. Describe fall prevention systems. 4. Discuss the selection, care and use of fall protection equipment. Introduction One of the major occupational hazards in industry is the potential for falling from a height. Falls account for more than ten percent work-related accidental deaths and more than 15 percent of all work-related injuries. This level of danger is unacceptable in today's workplace. In recent years, governments, employers, workers and manufacturers have cooperated, through the use of new knowledge, technology and equipment, to reduce the potential for falls from a height. However, the statistics clearly show that there is still room for improvement in this area. There are two main systems that can be used. Travel restraint prevents the worker from getting to the edge. Fall arrest stops a fall in progress. Both systems will be discussed in this module. There are on average 9,000 injury falls in Alberta each year. Note: All jurisdictions in Canada have the same or similar legislation concerning safety and health. Since it is impossible to refer to them all, the Alberta acts, regulations, and codes may be referred to in this module. You are encouraged to refer to the appropriate documents for your province or territory.  1 OBJECTIVE ONE When you complete this objective, you will be able to… Describe current legislation pertaining to fall protection. Learning Activity Complete each of the Learning Activities listed below. 1. Read the Learning Material. 2. Demonstrate your understanding of the material by completing the Assignment/Quiz, which is a gradable component of the course. Learning Material FALL PROTECTION LEGISLATION IN ALBERTA As a result of unacceptable rates of incidents and serious injuries involving falls, governments have put regulations in place to protect workers. In Alberta, the Occupational Health and Safety Code, Part 7, stipulates the legislation with regard to falling hazards. Here are some of the current regulations from the Code. 139 (1) An employer must ensure that workers use a fall protection system at a temporary or permanent work area if: a) A worker may fall three metres or more, or b) There is an unusual possibility of injury if a worker falls less than three metres. (2) For the purposes of this section, there is an unusual possibility of injury if the injury may be worse than an injury from landing on a solid, flat surface. For example, falling into a river if working on a bridge. (3) An employer must ensure that a worker at a permanent work area is protected from falling by a guardrail if the worker may fall a vertical distance of more than 1.2 metres and less than 3 metres. (4) Despite subsection (3), if the use of a guardrail is not reasonably practicable, an employer must ensure that a worker uses a travel restraint system.  (5) Despite subsection (4), if the use of a travel restraint system is not reasonably practicable, an employer must ensure that a worker uses an equally effective means that protects the worker from falling. (6) A worker must use or wear the fall protection system the employer requires the worker to use or wear in compliance with this Code. 141 (1) Aerial lift platforms (JLG) - must wear a full body harness: (2) Scissor lifts and the like are exempt (as long as all chains and guard rails remain in place). (3) Forklift cages are exempt as long as: a) All of the worker is in the basket. b) The work is located below three metres. c) No portion of the guardrail has been removed. (4) Man basket (crane) - must wear full body harness 137 Portable ladders are exempt from fall protection if: a) Below three metres. b) Light-duty work. c) Nose stays within side rails. d) Three points of contact. 143 (1) An employer must develop procedures in a fall protection plan for a work site if a worker at the work site may fall three metres or more and workers are not protected by guardrails. (2) A fall protection plan must specify: a) The fall hazards at the work site. b) The fall protection system to be used at the work site. 4 SAFE 6045  c) The procedures used to assemble, maintain, inspect, use and disassemble the fall protection system, and d) The rescue procedures to be used if a worker falls, is suspended by a personal fall arrest system or safety net and needs to be rescued. (3) The employer must ensure that the fall protection plan is available at the work site before work with a risk of falling begins. 3 144 An employer must ensure that a worker is trained in the fall protection plan and the safe use of the fall protection system before allowing the worker to work in an area where a fall protection system must be used. Other related sections of the OHS Code include: Section 20 Elevated Work Platforms Section 23 (1) (b and c) Protection From Drowning Section 78 (11) Fixed Ladders Section 90 and 91 Safety Belts, Lanyards and Lifelines Climbing of Communications and Section 93 (1 and 2) Power Transmission Towers SAFE 6045 OBJECTIVE TWO When you complete this objective, you will be able to… Describe fall arrest systems. Learning Activity Complete each of the Learning Activities listed below. 1. Read the Learning Material. 2. Complete the Exercise Two and compare it to the Exercise Two Answers at the end of the module. 3. Demonstrate your understanding of the material by completing the Assignment/Quiz, which is a gradable component of the course. Learning Material PROTECTIVE MEASURES OR SYSTEMS Fall Arrest Fall arrest refers to methods of protection in the event that a fall occurs. The three basic systems in use are: 1. Safety Nets Safety nets should be placed where the use of ladders, scaffolds, catch platforms, temporary floors, safety lines or safety belts is impractical. These are generally seen under bridges where they will catch workers when they fall, preventing them from going into the water. 2. Personal Fall Arrest Systems (Harnesses) These are required if there is a risk of a worker falling from an elevated position above three metres. A personal fall arrest system only comes into service when a fall actually occurs. These systems consist of: Anchor point(s). Connectors. Harness. Lanyard, shock absorber, lifeline or combination. 6 SAFE 6045  Maximum arresting force (MAF) is the short duration, dynamic peak force acting on a falling body during the arrest of its fall. MAF is applied upwards through the sub-pelvic area. The 8 kN limit established by the Alberta government will only protect workers if they would have survived the force without harm. The duration of the MAF must be limited to a fraction of a second. These limits are based on the fact that the average human body will sustain serious injury when subjected to a 12 kN load. The maximum permitted length of a non-absorbing lanyard is 1.2 m. This will generally limit the MAF to 8 kN. All fall arrest harnesses must be the full body type and meet the certification requirements specified in the Occupational Health and Safety Code, Part 7. Each class of harness must have the point of attachment as specified in the required standards. For example, a Class A harness must have the D-ring between the shoulder blades. A typical harness is shown in Figure 1. The following combinations might be used: 1. Fall arrest/positioning full body harness. 2. Fall arrest/sitting full body harness. 3. Fall arrest/suspension full body harness. 4. Fall arrest/retrieval full body harness. Figure 1 Body Harnesses © SAIT SAFE 6045  Lanyards are used to connect a positioning harness to an anchor point. They can be equipped with a shock absorber up to 2 m long. Shock absorbers increase the duration of catching the fall, thus reducing the force applied to the worker. Shock absorbers that meet CAN/CSA-Z259.11-M92 are designed to allow a 4 kN MAF when arresting a 100 kg weight after a 1.8 m fall.The MAF allowed by a lanyard will be affected by: Fall distance (more fall = more force) Cold or wet (or both) absorbers (reduced absorption = more force) More weight (more weight = more force) The manufacturer's instructions will give guidance as to what might affect the MAF. Retractable Lifelines are used solely in fall arrest systems. A self-retracting device (SRD) performs a tethering function while allowing vertical movement (below the device) to the maximum working length of the device, which will arrest a user's fall. Quick movement such as is typically applied in a fall will lock the drum, arresting the user's motion. The SRD is designed to arrest a fall while minimizing fall distance and impact force. This operation is similar to how a seat belt in a vehicle works. Figure 2 Retractable Lifeline © SAI T Carabiners are used to connect components together. Carabiners used in fall protection and fall prevention must have a self-locking mechanism. Carabiners are certified to have a minimum breaking strength of 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs). Figure 3  Carabiner s Snap Hooks are used to connect fall protection components together. Snap hooks used in fall protection and fall prevention must be double-locking and certified with a breaking strength of 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs). Figure 4 Snap Hooks © SAIT Retrieval or Rescue Systems Retrieval systems are required where a worker must be quickly lifted out of a given work environment. These systems must provide for rescue from both vertical and horizontal situations. For example, vertical retrieval might be required from storage tanks and manholes; horizontal retrieval might be required from tunnels or culverts. A retrieval system is only activated in an emergency situation where the worker needs to be removed quickly from the work location. Lifting Yoke and Space Bar are used in confined space rescue and is not intended as a fall arrest device. Anklets and Wristlets are designed only for rescue and not fall arrest. Anklets may be used to rescue from horizontal spaces, such as pipes or the wings of aircraft. Wristlets may be used to rescue a victim when it is not practical to use a harness or other body holding system to lift the person. Anklets and wristlets should be attached to the user and then to a rescue rope before entry into a confined space. SAFE 6045 8 SAFE 6045 Confined Space Rescue System is intended for situations where workers can climb up and down into the confined space using a ladder. The retractable lifeline will arrest any fall should workers slip while climbing. If workers become incapacitated, they may be winched up with a rescue winch on the lifeline. Necessary components include a tripod, a retractable lifeline/rescue winch and a bracket. Figure 5 Confined Space Rescue System © SAIT Note: Retrieval systems are designed for special situations and should not be relied upon to provide adequate fall arrest. Table 1 summarizes the components of a fall arrest system. 9 SAFE 6045  Table 1 Fall Arrest Systems © SAIT Exercise Two It is important to understand how the components of the fall arrest system are used and connected. 1. Identify the 3 essential pieces of equipment and place them in the order which they need to be connected for the fall arrest system to be used properly. 10 SAFE 6045 OBJECTIVE THREE When you complete this objective, you will be able to… Describe fall prevention systems. Learning Activity Complete each of the Learning Activities listed below. 1. Read the Learning Material. 2. Complete the Exercise Three and compare it to the Exercise Three Answers at the end of the module. 3. Demonstrate your understanding of the material by completing the Assignment/Quiz which is a gradable component of the course. Learning Material Fall protection involves systems designed to prevent a fall from occurring. The following are common methods of fall prevention. 1. BARRIERS OR BARRICADES Barriers and barricades prevent workers from entering areas where they may encounter hazardous fall situations. For example, these can set up as a control zone on a flat roof. The barriers do not need to be high, just raised enough to see where the controls zone starts. The control zone is a two metre space measured in from the entire outside edge of a flat roof. As long as the worker does not enter the control zone, fall protection is unnecessary. The worker can enter the safe zone and exit the safe zone to the access point without fall protection. However, if work must be conducted within the control zone, fall protection must be used. Figure 6 Barriers © SAIT 11 SAFE 6045  Another example of a barricade system is putting up a permanent or temporary fence around the edge of a roof. This fence would need to meet the specific requirements of the OHS code and be able to withstand the weight of someone falling against it; however, it is a practical alternative to using a control zone. 2. Travel Restrict System These systems prevent workers from reaching out from a safe zone to a point where a fall from height might occur. This system consists of either a safety belt with a restraining line or a full body safety harness and fall arrest system and anchor points. Figure 7 Safety Belt © SAIT Safety Belts, such as the one shown in Figure 7, must never be considered a fall arrest component, but can be used for travel restrict and positioning. Horizontal Lifeline System is a unique and easy way to use a lifeline with a lightweight trolley. It is ideal for use in fall arrest situations along unprotected walkways, beams, ledges and catwalks and around the tops of tanks and roof edges. It can also be used on bridges, decks and other locations where frequent access is required. Vertical Lifeline System is used on structures such as bridges and towers or as protection on ladders. The worker uses a rope or cable grab that travels freely up the rope but clamps when the worker falls. The rope grab may be connected directly to the worker's harness or to a short lanyard. Ladder systems typically connect to the front of the worker's harness. Manual Control Descent is used as a friction device that slides along a synthetic rope as the worker moves down the rope (Figure 8). The device remains stationary on the rope until it is activated by depressing the lever. Rail Systems for Ladders consist of a lightweight aluminum rail and trolley permanently installed on ladder steps and other climbing devices. 12 SAFE 6045 3. Personal Work Positioning System Work positioning systems are required when workers must be held in place while their hands are free to work. This system is made up of a safety belt or body harness that provides solid lumbar support, properly selected anchor points and a connecting device. Personal work positioning systems are in use whenever workers lean back. These are most commonly used for workers working on overhead power lines. Rope Grabs These are solely used in fall arrest systems. Attachment to a vertical lifeline permits the worker freedom of movement up and down. Grabs are designed to arrest downward movement on the rope (Figure 8). The worker is given freedom to move up and down the rope until a sudden downward force is exerted. Figure 8 Manual Control Descent/Rope Grab © SAIT It is recommended that a fall arrest system be used in conjunction with a work positioning system. Personal Suspension System Personal suspension systems are used when it is necessary to position and support workers from above. These systems are designed to lower and support workers at an elevated position. This system is most commonly used for window washers. 13 SAFE 6045  Exercise Three 1. Identify the hazards. 14 SAFE 6045  15 SAFE 6045  OBJECTIVE FOUR When you complete this objective, you will be able to… Discuss the selection, care and use of fall protection equipment. Learning Activity Complete each of the Learning Activities listed below. 1. Read the Learning Material. 2. Demonstrate your understanding of the material by completing the Assignment/Quiz, which is a gradable component of the course. Learning Material Use the following steps when selecting fall protection equipment: 1. Assess the hazards of the task and the work environment. 2. Identify the specific task requirements. 3. Be knowledgeable and competent in the appropriate regulations. 4. Determine the most appropriate fall protection system or systems required. 5. Select the proper safety belts and/or harnesses. Belts can only be used for work positioning and travel restriction applications. Harnesses must be worn for all other applications. For belts, the recommended impact limit for fall arrest is an impact force of 4,000 N (900 lbs). This means that any fall in a belt using a nylon rope must be limited to less than 0.5 m; otherwise, a shock absorber must be used. For harnesses, the recommended impact limit is 8,000 N (1,800 lbs) because a harness distributes the impact force of a fall to a wider area of the torso than a safety belt. Regardless of whether a belt or a harness is used, the freefall distance should be kept as short as possible. Note: The longer the freefall distance – the greater the likelihood of injury. 6. Select the proper connecting device. 16 SAFE 6045 Table 2 is a summary of some of the systems used for fall protection and rescue. Table 2 Fall Protection and Support Systems ©SAlT Fall Protection Systems Fall Prevention Barriers Travel restrict systems Personal work position systems Personal suspension systems Fall Arrest Systems Nets Harnesses Rescue Systems Self-rescue systems Rescue by others Support Systems Collective Swing stage Scaffold Platform/catwalk Individual Ladders Bosun chairs Seat harnesses Positioning belts Sit harnesses Aerial man baskets Aerial bucket trucks 17 SAFE 6045  (All systems require auxiliary fall arrest systems and escape/rescue systems.) Use, Inspection and Maintenance of Equipment Safe Use of Equipment Workers must be trained and competent in the use of fall protection equipment. The following precautions should be observed: Always read and follow warning and instructional materials. Equipment must be used only by trained and competent workers. Locking hooks or carabiners are required. Fall protection equipment must only be used for the specific purpose for which it is designed. Always discard equipment after any impact loading has occurred. Always visually check that each snap hook freely engages a D-ring or anchor point, and that the keeper is completely closed with each use. Never rely solely on the feel or sound of a snap hook engaging. Never attach foreign objects to D-rings. Do not attach multiple snap hooks onto a single D-ring. Do not punch holes or alter belts or harnesses in any way. Never work without independent fall arrest protection if there is danger of a fall. 18 SAFE 6045 General Inspection and Maintenance Procedures Regular inspection and maintenance must be performed to ensure the peak performance of fall protection equipment. 1. Inspection Before each use, the following checks should be made: a) Carefully inspect the belt or harness and associated equipment for signs of wear and deterioration or evidence of impact loading. b) Visually inspect fabric or belt straps for loose threads, pulled rivets, burns, cuts, broken stitches or excessive wear. Check for abrasions or evidence of chemical or physical deterioration that may have weakened the material or assembly. c) Inspect the hardware, including snap hooks, carabiners, buckles and D- rings, for malfunctions, distortions and cracks. Check that rivets are not bent, loose or missing. d) If there is a tongue buckle, check that the tongue does not bind on the buckle and that buckle holes are not damaged. e) Remove from service and discard all worn or damaged equipment that does not pass this inspection before use. Replace it immediately. 2. Maintenance The following steps should be used in the maintenance of fall protection equipment: a) Clean and maintain equipment in accordance with the manufacturer's recommended practices. b) Wash nylon belts and harnesses only in warm water and mild cleaner. c) Avoid harsh chemical cleaning agents, such as degreasing compounds, turpentine, paint thinner, gasoline and other solvents. d) Allow nylon objects to dry naturally. Do not use heat to speed up the process. e) Inspect and lubricate snap hooks after cleaning to ensure that they operate properly and close securely. Use aerosol lubricant, light motor oil or an equivalent.. 19 SAFE 6045  Exercise Two Answers Exercise Three Answers 1. Hazards: a) No fall protection, no railing system or control zone, no safety nets, leaning past edge of roof to connect swingstage lines. 2. Hazards: a) No using extension ladder against the eavestrophing. b) Using a frame ladder as an extension ladder. c) Standing on the top step of a frame ladder. d) Not maintaining 3 points of contact. e) No fall arrest system. f) Not securing the ladder. g) Not maintaining the 4:1 ratio. 3. Hazards: a) Ladder is too short, work positioning system not being used properly. 4. Hazards: a) Person on façade not wearing fall protection. b) Not supporting the step ladder. c) No fall arrest used for transferring from one place to another. d) Ladder on forklift. 20 SAFE 6045  SAIT’s vision is sharply focused – to be Course Module recognized as Canada’s premier polytechnic, one of the world’s finest, setting the standard in education, training and innovation. SAIT shall be an innovative organization equipping people to compete successfully in the changing world of work by providing relevant, skill-oriented education. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This material may not be reproduced in whole or part without written permission from the Director, Centre for Instructional Technology and Development. Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, 1301 16 Ave. N.W. Calgary AB T2M 0L4 Printed in Canada on Recycled Paper SAFE 6045