SAFETY TOOLBOX TALK

FALL PROTECTION SEPTEMBER02

Objectives To protect workers from falls of 1.5m or more off unprotected sides or edge e.g. floors and roofs. To protect workers from falling into or through holes and openings in floors and walls. To provide guardrails on runways and ramps where workers are exposed to falls of 1.5m or more to a lower level. Restraint Systems These are designed to prevent the user from reaching an area where free-fall could occur so no free-fall is possible, as leading edge roof work. Elements and examples of restraint systems: Body Support: Full body harness Connecting Component: Web lanyard Anchorage Connector: Carabiner, tie-off adapter Anchorage: Beam or support structure Rescue Systems These are designed to raise or lower a user to safety in the event of an emergency, so no free-fall is possible. (i.e. confined space work). Following are 4 elements of a rescue system and examples of each: Body Support: Full body harness Connecting Component: Lifeline (winch, self retracting lifeline) and Y-Lanyard Anchorage Connector: Tripod, Davit arm Anchorage: Support structure or surface Bring an employee to a complete stop and limit max deceleration distance an employee travels to 1m and, Have sufficient strength to withstand twice the potential impact energy of an employee free falling a distance of 1.5m or free fall distance permitted by system, whichever less.

TEKFEN HS

Shock Absorbing Lanyard

Self Retracting Lifelines

Body Belt

Use of body belts are prohibited as a fall arrest device

Rescue System

Cross-Arm Strap

Full Body Harness

Fall Arrest Consists of: Anchorage connector Shock absorbing lanyard Full body harness The anchorage connector must be attached to a suitable and strong attachment point. Requirements for Personal Fall Arrest Systems Limit max arresting force on an employee to 1800 pounds (800 kg) when used with a body harness. Be rigged so that an employee can neither free-fall more than 1.5m nor contact any lower level.

Additional Training Extensive training is needed to fully understand and utilize much of the fall protection equipment available. A competent person must evaluate work conditions to insure safety when working in elevated locations.