Guidelines For Prevention of Dropped / Unsecured Objects at Heights

Suncor-Wide Guideline
Guidelines for Prevention of Dropped / Unsecured Objects at Heights
Guidelines for Prevention of Dropped / Unsecured Objects at

Heights
Effective Date: 2017-03-01

Owned by: Vice President Environment Health & Safety
Livelink ID: 405752610
Controlled Document
Copyright © 2016 Suncor Energy Inc. All rights reserved.
The current revision of this approved document is kept online. Printed and digital copies are uncontrolled.
SUN-00219 1 of 22 Revision: 1.1
Summary of Changes
This Summary shows:
• The location of each change within the document

• All changes to this document since it was last approved and published
Revision 1.1
Location of Change Summary of Change

Page 6 Clerical Change: Corrected broken link
R# Changes in the new revision will be identified with a revision triangle beside it.
Contents
Summary of Changes ................................................................................................................................... 2

Contents ........................................................................................................................................................ 3
1 About this Guideline ............................................................................................................................... 4
Purpose ............................................................................................................................... 4
Scope .................................................................................................................................. 4
Target Audience .................................................................................................................. 4
Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 4
2 Sources of Dropped Objects .................................................................................................................. 5
2.1 Static and Dynamic Sources ......................................................................................................... 5
Sources of Dropped Objects ............................................................................................... 5
3 Guidelines ............................................................................................................................................... 6
3.1 Identifying dropped / unsecured objects at heights risks .............................................................. 6
Identify dropped / unsecured objects at heights risks ......................................................... 6
3.2 Assessing dropped / unsecured objects at heights risks .............................................................. 6
Assess dropped / unsecured objects at heights risks ......................................................... 6
3.3 Treating dropped / unsecured objects at heights risks ................................................................. 7
Tool and Material Securement ............................................................................................ 7
Debris Netting ...................................................................................................................... 7
Alternative Catchment Measures ........................................................................................ 8
Control Zones ...................................................................................................................... 8
Housekeeping ..................................................................................................................... 9
Leaving Worksite Unattended ............................................................................................. 9
Task Completion ................................................................................................................. 9
3.4 Monitoring and reviewing dropped / unsecured objects at height risks ...................................... 10
Field Verifications .............................................................................................................. 10
Contractor Reviews ........................................................................................................... 10
4 Terms and Definitions .......................................................................................................................... 11
5 References ........................................................................................................................................... 12
5.1 Essential Documents .................................................................................................................. 12
Appendix A – Planning Level Hazard Assessment Template..................................................................... 13
Appendix B – DROPS Calculator ................................................................................................................ 14
Appendix C – Static and Dynamic Dropped Objects .................................................................................. 15
Appendix D – Examples of Dropped Objects Controls ............................................................................... 17
Appendix E – Field verification form example ............................................................................................. 19
Appendix F – Contractor Audit Template .................................................................................................... 21
1 About this Guideline
Purpose The purpose of this Guideline is to provide guidance for identifying and mitigating
potential strikes from falling objects.
Scope This Guideline applies to all aspects of Suncor activities including, projects
(operational and non-operational phases) and under normal and abnormal business
operating conditions.
Target Audience This Guideline applies to Suncor Energy Inc. and subsidiaries over which Suncor
has operational control (collectively “Suncor” or “the company” or “enterprise-wide”).
As used in this document, “Suncor personnel” includes directors, officers,

employees, contract workers, consultants and agents of Suncor.
Introduction Dropped / unsecured objects at heights continue to present significant safety

challenges in all operational activities. Our industry’s statistical data shows that the
majority of actual and potentially fatal incidents can be attributed to “dropped
objects”. In fact, dropped objects are among the Top 3 Causes of death and serious
injury across many industrial sectors.
Further investigations show that these challenges relate to a number of contributing

factors including work processes, behaviours, design, environment and the
inappropriate securing of tools and equipment.
Note: Source - Dropped Objects Prevention Scheme (DROPS) Online
2 Sources of Dropped Objects
2.1 Static and Dynamic Sources
Sources of Suncor recognizes two sources of dropped objects:

Dropped
a) Static Sources
Objects
b) Dynamic Sources
2.1.1 Static sources refer to any object that falls from its previous fixed position
under its own weight, solely due to the force of gravity.
2.1.2 Dynamic sources refer to any object that falls from its previous fixed position
due to the application of energy or force. Examples of applied energy
include:
• Gravity
• Motion
• Mechanical
• Electrical
• Pressure
• Temperature
• Chemical
• Biological
Note Multiple forms of energy may be applied simultaneously, and the

combination of these forces should be included in developing and applying
controls.
3 Guidelines
3.1 Identifying dropped / unsecured objects at heights risks
Identify dropped The preparation of a hazard / risk assessment is essential to understand the dropped
/ unsecured / unsecured object hazards and mitigating measures.
objects at
3.1.1 A hazard / risk assessment should be conducted during the planning stages
heights risks
of work to identify the hazards and controls for dropped / unsecured objects
at heights (e.g. Construction Hazard Assessment, CHA; Planning Level Risk
Assessment, PLRA - See Appendix A).
3.1.2 Example of activities where objects could fall on workers or equipment
include, but are not limited to:
• Any activity conducted above grade
• Construction activities
• Lifting and lowering activities
• Turnarounds
• Outages
• Shutdowns
• Corrective and preventative maintenance
3.2 Assessing dropped / unsecured objects at heights risks
Assess dropped 3.2.1 The DROPS calculator* should be utilized to assist with selecting which
/ unsecured control option(s) are required to mitigate potential and existing
objects at dropped/unsecured objects hazards (See Appendix B).
heights risks
3.2.2 All risk assessments should conform to the requirements of the Suncor
standard for risk assessment, and should utilize the Suncor Risk Matrix.
3.2.3 Mitigation measures should address both Preventative and Mitigating
controls (See Appendix C).
3.2.4 Controls should be developed and layered in line with the Hierarchy of
Controls outlines in Suncor’s Risk Management Standard.
3.2.5 Prior to commencing the work in the field, the Field Level Hazard / Risk
Assessment (FLHA / FLRA) or equivalent tool should include review of the
dropped/unsecured object at height hazards and mitigating controls.
Note: DROPS calculators are available via the “free downloads” section of the
DROPS Online website. These calculators were developed by and for the use of
energy companies.
3.3 Treating dropped / unsecured objects at heights risks
The following are examples of mitigating control methods for dropped/unsecured objects at heights (also See
Appendix D). All controls identified during the risk assessment should be in place prior to any work begins.
Tool and 3.3.1 Certified tools with appropriate lanyards, tethers, carabineers, and/or
Material shackles can be incorporated to ensure tools are not dropped from heights
Securement while in use.
3.3.2 Tool bags/belts/pouches can to be utilized to prevent the drop of tools from
heights.
3.3.3 If there is a potential for objects to be blown off an elevated worksite due to
dynamic forces such as wind, additional measures should be taken to ensure
securement (i.e. wind barrier, strapping).
Debris Netting 3.3.4 During turnaround or larger scope maintenance work, debris netting can be
utilized as a primary method of containment specific to permanent platforms,
walkways, stairs and scaffolding work.
3.3.5 Debris netting should be secured at the bottom of the netting (toe board) at
the middle and top rail.
If a gap is present between the toe board and decking, the gap should be
covered.
Plastic zip ties are the preferred material for securing netting.
3.3.6 Plywood may be required in-conjunction with debris netting when additional
strength is required or when wind may become an issue).
3.3.7 No objects should be leaned against debris netting
Alternative The following Mitigating controls could also be implemented based on the risks
Catchment identified.
Measures
3.3.8 Safety Nets may be used for certain applications to prevent tools and
materials from hitting individuals who are performing work below.
Safety nets should have safety hooks or shackles of drawn, rolled or forged
steel with an ultimate tensile strength of not less than 22.2 kilonewtons. The
net should extend not less than 2.4 metres beyond the work area and not
more than 6 metres below the work area.
3.3.9 Catch platforms (bulkheads) may be utilized when work is occurring at
various elevations. The platform should be constructed with sufficient
strength and designed to withstand the maximum expected load.
3.3.10 Plywood Decking and or Fire blankets may be used to prevent objects from
falling through metal grating or through sides of handrails, or when debris
netting is not of sufficient strength.
3.3.11 Fire blankets may be considered as a barrier for small objects (e.g. welding
rods, bolts and screws or small tools) from falling through grating.
3.3.12 Toe boards should be installed when there is a risk of objects falling from
height off of a floor, platform, mezzanine, walkway ramp, runway or other
surface.
3.3.13 Wire mesh used for containment should be fabricated of wire at least 1.6
millimeters in diameter and spaced to reject a ball 40 millimeters in diameter.
3.3.14 Enclosed chutes may be used for the safe removal of materials at height.
The proper bin/containment screening or cover should be used to contain
waste material.
3.3.15 Catchment safeguards should not be less than 1 meter high from the floor,
platform or working level of the safeguard
Control Zones Control zones may be required where there is a potential for workers at ground level
to be exposed to falling object risks.
3.3.16 A control zone should be established beneath the work area of which
ensures the extent of the zone is appropriate for the work height and takes
into consideration of the potential deflection of “bounce” of a dropped object.
3.3.17 Selection of barrier/flagging tape or physical barriers such as fences, cement
blocks, or plastic barriers should be applicable to the work area.
3.3.18 Establish effective means of communication for those working in lift area.
Housekeeping The following are Housekeeping expectations for working at height.

3.3.19 Unnecessary tools and equipment should be removed from heights as soon
as possible.
3.3.20 Unused tools, material and equipment should be stored in tool boxes away
from leading edges.
3.3.21 Tripping hazards need to be eliminated and egress areas should remain
clean.
Leaving The following are expectations in the event the worksite needs to be left unattended
Worksite for a period of time.
Unattended
3.3.22 If the workers have to leave the worksite, it should ensure that they leave
their tools and/or equipment in a manner that does not create a fall or
tripping hazard.
Task The following are expectations when the work is completed.

Completion
3.3.23 Upon completion of the task, workers are to leave the worksite clean and
tidy.
3.3.24 All scrap materials, debris and/or loose items are to be removed from the
work area.
3.4 Monitoring and reviewing dropped / unsecured objects at height risks
Field The following are expectations for systematically identifying dropped object hazards.
Verifications
3.4.1 Field verifications of the worksite should be conducted at regular frequencies
in order to ensure exposures to dropped/unsecured objects at heights are
eliminated or mitigated (See Appendix E).
3.4.2 Field verifications are planned site walk-throughs where workers look for
dropped/ unsecured object at heights hazards. Any faults or hazards are
immediately rectified and documented. Field verifications can be conducted
prior to, and during the following activities:
• Outages
• Turnarounds
• Shut-Downs
• Construction Activities
• Operations Rounds
• Corrective Maintenance Work
3.4.3 Periodic reviews of the inspection results should be conducted to determine
systemic trends. Action plans should be implemented to address negative
trends.
Contractor Regular contractor reviews ensure compliance with prevention of dropped /

Reviews unsecured objects at height area procedures or equivalent contractor standard.
3.4.4 Contractor companies are chosen based on the risks of dropped/unsecured
objects at heights as part of their services.
3.4.5 Contractor program audits and field verifications should be conducted at a
regular frequency (See Appendix F).
3.4.6 Business areas should define the frequency of contractor reviews based on
the scopes of work.
4 Terms and Definitions
Term Definition
A dropped / unsecured object at height is any object which has the potential to fall
from one level to another resulting the actual or potential personal injury or damage
to equipment. Examples of dropped / unsecured objects at heights include:
Dropped / • Hand tools
unsecured objects
• Equipment
at heights
• Work / waste material lying loosely on open gratings or access platforms
• Hooks
• Components of platform structures
• Construction materials left on heights and not secured
The process of identifying the hazards associated with a defined task and
Hazard
prescribing protection measures which must be employed to reduce the risk from
Assessment
the hazards.
A system of cascading controls designed to remove or limit exposure to hazards.

The hierarchy provides a layered, defense in depth approach to hazard control. The
hierarchy consists of:
Hierarchy of
Controls • Design controls (the most effective control method)
• Engineering controls
• Administrative controls
• Physical controls (the least effective control method)
Process to understand the nature, sources and causes of risk and to determine the
level of risk. This includes understanding the impact and addressing the
Risk Analysis
effectiveness of existing controls. Risk analysis provides the basis for risk
evaluation and decisions about risk treatment.
Risk Assessment Overall process of risk identification, risk analysis and risk evaluation.
5 References
5.1 Essential Documents
The list below outlines the documents that need to be read with this document for full understanding:
• SUN-00006 Environment, Health and Safety Policy

• SUN-00154 Risk Management Standard
• SUN-00191 Risk Matrix
• SUN-00194 Guidelines for Serious Injury and Fatality Prevention
Appendix A – Planning Level Hazard Assessment Template
Appendix B – DROPS Calculator
Source: http://www.dropsonline.org/
Appendix C – Static and Dynamic Dropped Objects
Static: any object that falls from its previous static position under its own weight (icicles falling from high-lines, light
fixtures, etc.)
Recommended preventative and mitigating controls for Static sources of dropped objects*:
Preventative Controls Mitigating Controls
Preventative Maintenance Effective Use of Barriers
Scheduled Inspections Restricted Access Areas
Hazard Hunts
Dynamic: any object that falls from its previous static position due to applied force from equipment/machinery or
moving objects (hard hat, tools, and/or materials falling from an elevated work area)
Recommended preventative and mitigating controls for Dynamic sources of dropped objects*:
Preventative Controls Mitigating Controls
Preventative Maintenance Effective Use of Barriers
Scheduled Inspections Restricted Access Areas
Hazard Hunts Tool Lanyards
Job / Task Safety Analysis Audible Alarms / Horns
Field Level Risk / Hazard Personal Protective Equipment

Assessment Securing Straps
Management of Change Processes
Maintenance Planning
Notes: *Controls should be developed and layered in line with the Hierarchy of Controls outlined in Suncor OEMS
Element 2.
Appendix D – Examples of Dropped Objects Controls
1. Netting
2. Debris Chutes
3. Barriers/Flagging
4. Tethers/Tie-downs for tools
5. Tool bags/belts/pouches
Appendix E – Field verification form example
Appendix F – Contractor Audit Template
Contractor Dropped Object Prevention Verification

Audited Company: Auditors:
Review Date:
Scope of Work: Business Area:
Not
Not Sighted
Satisfactory
Criteria Comments
Sighted Good
1.0 Dropped Object Prevention Program
Does the contractor have a Dropped Object Prevention Program in
1.1 place?
Is the contractors Dropped Object Prevention Program reflected in
1.2
their EHS Plan?
Do the contractors JHA's reflect the Dropped Object Prevention
1.3 Program as a hazard control?
1.4 Is the Dropped Object Prevention Program part of the FLHA process?
Does the contractor have a training program in place that supports the
1.5
Dropped Object Prevention Program?
Is the dropped objects calculator included in the Dropped Object
1.6 Prevention Program?
Does the Dropped Object Prevention Program specify roles and
1.7 responsibilities for front line supervisors, EH&S, workers?
Contractor has a process for communicating the program and
1.8 identified the period(s) for review?
There is documented evidence of an audit process for the Dropped
1.9 Object Prevention Program?
Contractor can demonstrate that audit findings and corrected actions
1.10
are acted upon?
2.0 Content/Quality
Is the Dropped Object Prevention Program applicable to the current
2.1
scope of work?
Does the Dropped Object Prevention Program include pre-planning?
2.2
2.3 Is housekeeping identified in the Dropped Object Prevention Program?

Does the Dropped Object Prevention Program include consideration for
2.4 control zones as specified heights as well as at different levels?
Has consideration been given for the requirement of netting, barriers
2.5 and safeguards including appropriate thoroughfares?
Does the program specify that only those tools required are taken to
2.6
elevated heights?
Does the program specify tool and material containment including
2.7 storage areas?
Does the program give consideration for static objects including a

2.8 process for mitigating hazards for such things as icicles, light fixtures,
snow, canopies over doors, ice rakes, etc?
3.0 Implementation
The program is readily available to site personnel?
3.1
3.2 Contractor FLHA includes consideration for Dropped Objects?
Contractor can demonstrate that Dropped Object Hazards are

3.3
mitigated?
Use Focused Observation Template for Dropped Objects (SUN-XXX) to
3.4
document field compliance
Overall Comments/Expected Findings Closure Due Date:
The following individuals have approved and signed this document.
Name: Mike Agnew (magnew)

Title: VP EH&S
Date Wednesday, 15 February 2017, 01:54 PM Mountain Time
*Clerical changes have been made to this document which does not require re-approval. To view the original
approved document, click the following link.

Guidelines For Prevention of Dropped / Unsecured Objects at Heights

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Suncor-Wide Guideline

Guidelines for Prevention of Dropped / Unsecured Objects at Heights

Guidelines for Prevention of Dropped / Unsecured Objects at

Effective Date: 2017-03-01

This Summary shows:

• The location of each change within the document

Location of Change Summary of Change

Summary of Changes ................................................................................................................................... 2

1 About this Guideline

As used in this document, “Suncor personnel” includes directors, officers,

Introduction Dropped / unsecured objects at heights continue to present significant safety

Further investigations show that these challenges relate to a number of contributing

Note: Source - Dropped Objects Prevention Scheme (DROPS) Online

2 Sources of Dropped Objects

2.1 Static and Dynamic Sources

Sources of Suncor recognizes two sources of dropped objects:

Note Multiple forms of energy may be applied simultaneously, and the

3.1 Identifying dropped / unsecured objects at heights risks

3.2 Assessing dropped / unsecured objects at heights risks

3.3 Treating dropped / unsecured objects at heights risks

Housekeeping The following are Housekeeping expectations for working at height.

Task The following are expectations when the work is completed.

3.4 Monitoring and reviewing dropped / unsecured objects at height risks

Contractor Regular contractor reviews ensure compliance with prevention of dropped /

4 Terms and Definitions

A system of cascading controls designed to remove or limit exposure to hazards.

5.1 Essential Documents

• SUN-00006 Environment, Health and Safety Policy

Appendix A – Planning Level Hazard Assessment Template

Appendix B – DROPS Calculator

Appendix C – Static and Dynamic Dropped Objects

Preventative Controls Mitigating Controls

Preventative Maintenance Effective Use of Barriers

Scheduled Inspections Restricted Access Areas

Preventative Controls Mitigating Controls

Preventative Maintenance Effective Use of Barriers

Scheduled Inspections Restricted Access Areas

Hazard Hunts Tool Lanyards

Job / Task Safety Analysis Audible Alarms / Horns

Field Level Risk / Hazard Personal Protective Equipment

Management of Change Processes

Appendix D – Examples of Dropped Objects Controls

4. Tethers/Tie-downs for tools

Appendix E – Field verification form example

Appendix F – Contractor Audit Template

Contractor Dropped Object Prevention Verification

2.3 Is housekeeping identified in the Dropped Object Prevention Program?

Does the program give consideration for static objects including a

3.2 Contractor FLHA includes consideration for Dropped Objects?

Contractor can demonstrate that Dropped Object Hazards are

The following individuals have approved and signed this document.

Name: Mike Agnew (magnew)

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