Fall Protection & Rescue Plan

CONTROLLED DOCUMENT

CLIENT PROJECT
JC vd Linde & Venter Projects Ford, Silverton Plant

AUTHORISED BY: 16(1) SIGNATURE: DATE:

B vd Linde 2021-01-06

FALL PROTECTION PLAN DEVELOPER: SIGNATURE: DATE:

M Botha 2021-01-06
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Purpose.
2. Scope of work and site details
3. Roles / responsibilities.
4. Definitions.
5. Primary fall protection system.
6. Scaffolding / temporary work platforms
7. Guardrail systems.
8. Covers.
9. Warning lines.
10. Personal restraint systems.
11. Secondary fall protection system.
12. Full body harness / double shock absorbing lanyards.
13. Anchorage points.
14. Positioning device systems.
15. Lifeline systems.
16. Connector toggles.
17. Concrete form anchorage points.
18. Structural steel erection.
19. Personnel lifts / hoisting devises.
20. Roofing. CR8(5)(a)
21. Dangerous equipment applications.
22. Training.
23. Re-training.
24. Fall protection training program.
25. Recognition of potential fall hazards.
26. Engineered fall protection systems.
27. Medical surveillance
28. Rescue Plan
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PURPOSE

To establish minimum requirements and guidelines to provide maximum prevention/protection

against falls from elevation and a minimum standard of training necessary to ensure personnel
understanding and compliance with the program. The goal is to achieve 100% fall
prevention/protection for all personnel exposed to potential falls.

SCOPE OF WORK AND SITE DETAILS

CLIENT: JC vd Linde & Venter Projects

PROJECT: Ford, Silverton Plant
SCOPE OF WORK: Erecting temporary works in accordance with design drawings.

ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Project Management and Front Line Supervision.

Support and enforce this program to ensure 100% compliance by all personnel.

2. Safety Department

Supports the program and assists in any training deemed necessary to ensure personnel
have sufficient understanding of the program for successful compliance.

C. DAILY SAFE TASK INSTRUCTION (DSTI)

DSTI is given to each person assigned work in elevated areas or in areas that present any
possibility of falls. Supervisors shall analyse all tasks for their individual fall potential and
then ensure that adequate fall prevention/ protection systems are in place, prior to any work
beginning. Supervisors will actively question their employees’ knowledge of the system
being utilized, its proper methods of use, and emergency procedures associated with the
task.

D. DEFINITIONS

1. CLIENT – means any person whom construction work is being performed.

2. COMPETENT PERSON – means a person who –

a) Has in respect of the work or task to be performed the required knowledge, training and
experience, where applicable, qualifications and training are registered in terms of the
provisions of the National Qualifications Framework Act 200 (Act no67 of 2000), Those
qualifications and training must be regarded as the required qualifications and training:
and
b) Is familiar with the Act and with applicable regulations made under the Act.

3. CONSTRUCTION MANAGER - means a competent person responsible for the management

of the physical construction processes and the coordination, administration, and management
of resources on a construction site.

4. CONSTRUCTION SITE – means a work place where construction work is being performed.
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5. CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISOR – means a competent person responsible for supervising

construction activities on a construction site.

6. CONTRACTOR – means an employer who performs construction work.

7. DESIGN – in relation to any structure, includes drawings, calculations, design details and
specifications.

8. FALL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT – means equipment used to arrest a person in a fall,

including personal equipment, a body harness, lanyards, deceleration devices, lifelines or
similar equipment.

9. FREEFALL DISTANCE - The vertical displacement of the fall protection attachment point
on the employee’s full body harness between onset of the fall and just before the system
begins to apply force to arrest the fall. This distance excludes deceleration distance, and
lifeline/lanyard elongation, but includes any deceleration device slide distance or self-
retracting lifeline/lanyard extension before they operate and fall arrest forces occur.

10. FALL PROTECTION PLAN – means a documented plan, which includes and provides for

a) All risk relating to working from a fall risk position, considering the nature of work
undertaken.
b) The procedures and methods to be applied in order to eliminate the risk of falling; and
c) A rescue plan and procedures.

11. FALL RISK – means any potential exposure to fall either from, off or into.

12. HEALTH AND SAFETY FILE – means a file, or other record containing the information in
writing required by these regulations.

13. HEALTH AND SAFETY PLAN – means a site, activity or project specific documented plan
in accordance with the client’s health and safety specification.

14. HEALTH AND SAFETY SPECIFICATION – means a site, activity or project specific
document prepared by the client pertaining to all health and safety requirements related to
construction work.

15. MEDICAL CERTIFICATE OF FITNESS – means a certificate contemplated in regulation

7(8)

16. PRINCIPAL CONTRACTOR – means an employer appointed by the client to perform

construction work.

17. PROVINCIAL DIRECTOR – means the provincial director as defined in regulations 1 of the
general administrations regulation, 2003.

18. SCAFFOLD – means a temporary elevated platform and supporting structure used for
providing access to and supporting workmen or materials or both.

19. THE ACT – means the Occupational, Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act no 85 of 1993)
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20. SCOPE OF APPLICATION –

1) These regulations are applicable to all persons involved in construction work.

2) Regulation 3 and 5 are not applicable where construction work carried out is in relation to
a single story dwelling for a client who intends to reside in such dwelling upon completion
there of.

21. ROOFING WORK - The hoisting, storage, application and removal of roofing materials and
equipment including related insulation, sheet metal, and vapour barrier work, but not
including the construction of the roof deck.

22. SECONDARY FALL PROTECTION - Utilization of fall arrest equipment as a backup to

primary fall prevention systems or in the absence of primary fall prevention systems.

23. SELF RETRACTING LIFELINE/LANYARD - A deceleration device containing drum wound

line that can be slowly extracted from or retracted onto the drum under slight tension during
normal employee movement, and that, after onset of a fall, automatically locks the drum
and arrests the fall.

24. SNAPHOOK - A connector comprised of a hook-shaped member with a normally closed

keeper, or similar arrangement, that may be opened to permit the hook to receive an object
and, when released, automatically closes to retain the object. The locking type with a self-
closing keeper that remains closed and locked until unlocked and pressed open for
connection is the only authorized snap hook. Non locking snap hooks are expressly
forbidden for fall prevention/protection purposes.

25. STEEP ROOF - A roof having a slope greater than 4 in 12 (vertical to horizontal).

26. TOEBOARD - A low protective barrier (minimum of 90mm in vertical height from their top
edge to the walking/working surface and no more than 6mm clearance above the
walking/working surface), that will prevent the fall of materials and equipment to lower
levels and provide protection from falls to personnel.

27. UNPROTECTED SIDES AND EDGES - Any side or edge (except entrances to points of
access) of a walking/working surface, e.g., floor, ramp, or runway where there is no wall or
guardrail system at least 900mm high.

28. WALKING/WORKING SURFACE - Any surface, whether vertical or horizontal on which an

employee walks or works, including, but not limited to, floors, roofs, ramps, bridges,
runways, form work and concrete reinforcing steel but not including ladders, vehicles, or
trailers, on which employees must be located to perform their duties.

29. WORK AREA - The portion of a walking/working surface where job duties are being
performed.

E. PRIMARY FALL PREVENTION SYSTEMS

1. Primary fall prevention systems are the preferred choice for performing work in elevated
areas. These systems provide walking and working surfaces that are free from floor/wall
openings and are equipped with standard guardrail systems on all open sides. In most
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cases, primary fall prevention systems are sufficient fall prevention methods in themselves
and do not require the use of additional (secondary) fall protection systems such as
harness/lanyard systems.

2. Secondary fall protection systems should only be utilized after all efforts to employ primary
fall prevention systems have been exhausted or when being used in concert with primary
systems.

F. SCAFFOLDING/TEMPORARY WORK PLATFORMS (CONSTRUCTION REGULATION 14)

Every effort shall be made to ensure all temporary platforms/walkways are equipped with solid
decking free of openings and standards guard rail systems.

1. Personnel working or traveling on temporary elevated platforms shall wear an approved

safety harness/lanyard system at all times.

2. Personnel working/traveling on temporary platforms with fall exposure shall secure their
lanyards to an anchorage point capable of supporting 3000Kg or designed as part of a
complete personal fall arrest system that maintains a safety factor of at least two (2).

3. Personnel working/traveling on complete temporary platforms, free from deck openings,

and equipped with standard guardrails are not required to secure their lanyards if they
remain within the confines of the temporary platform and guardrail system.

4. All temporary platforms shall meet engineering and manufactures specifications, prior to
any employee usage of the platform.

5. Temporary work platforms shall be inspected daily by Designated Competent Persons prior
to use by any personnel. A tag shall be placed on the platform to readily identify the
platform as inspected and safe for use.

6. Every temporary work platform shall be provided with a safe means of access/egress.
Retractable lifelines shall be used while ascending or descending access ladders to
temporary work platforms or walkways with a fall hazard greater than 3.5 meters.

G. GUARDRAIL SYSTEMS

Guardrail systems are an integral part of many primary fall prevention systems and whenever
used, must be constructed with absolute certainty of integrity and structural soundness.
Guardrail systems must meet the following minimum requirements:

1. Top rail must be 1m, plus or minus 75mm, above the walking/working surface.

2. Mid rails must be installed at a height midway between the top edge of the guardrail system
and the walking/working level.

3. Guardrail systems shall be capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 90Kg
applied within 50mm of the top edge, in any outward or downward direction at any point
along the top edge.

4. When a 90Kg load is applied to the top handrail, it shall not deflect to a height less than
900mm above the walking/working level.
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5. Mid rails must be capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 65Kg applied in
any downward or outward direction at any point along the mid rail.

6. If wire rope is used for top rails, it must be flagged at not more than 1,800mm intervals with
high visibility material.

I. COVERS

Covers for holes in floors, roofs, and other walking/working surfaces shall meet the following
requirements:

1. Covers located in roadways and vehicular aisles shall be capable of supporting, without
failure, at least twice the maximum axle load of the largest vehicle or piece of equipment
expected to cross over the cover.

2. All other covers shall be capable of supporting, without failure, at least twice the weight of
employees, equipment, and materials that may be imposed on the cover at any one time.

3. All covers shall be secured when installed to prevent accidental displacement by the wind,
equipment, or employees.

4. All covers shall be marked with the words "HOLE COVER - DO NOT REMOVE" to provide
adequate warning of the hazard.

5. Only authorized personnel shall be permitted to remove whole covers.

6. Prior to removing covers, the area shall be barricaded to prevent employees from
accidentally stepping through an opening.

7. For short duration tasks (single shift), barricade tape may be used to warn employees
provided the opening is attended by a monitor at all times. The monitor shall have no other
duties.

8. Barricade tape shall be erected a minimum distance of 1.8m from the opening.

J. WARNING LINES

Warning line systems are designed to be utilized while performing work on low-slope roofs.
The warning line allows employees to readily note when they are approaching an unprotected
roof edge.

1. The warning line shall be erected around all open sides of the roof work area.

a. When mechanical equipment is not being used, the warning line shall be erected not
less than 1.8m from the roof edge.

b. When mechanical equipment is being used, the warning line shall be erected not less
than1.8m from the roof edge that is parallel to the direction of mechanical equipment
operation, and not less than 3m from the roof edge that is perpendicular to the direction
of mechanical equipment operation.
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c. Points of access, material handling areas, storage areas, and hoisting areas shall be
attached to the work area by an access path formed by two (2) warning lines.

d. When the path to a point of access is not in use, a rope, wire, chain, or other barricade,
equivalent in strength and height to the warning line system, shall be placed across the
path at the point where the path intersects the warning line system placed around the
work area, or the path shall be offset such that an employee cannot walk directly into
the work area.

2. Warning lines shall consist of rope or wire cables, and supporting stanchions erected as
follows:

a. The rope or wire cable shall be flagged at not more than 1.8m intervals with high
visibility material.

b. The rope or wire cable shall be rigged and supported in such a way that it’s lowest point
(including sag) is no less than 750mm from the walking/working surface and it’s highest
point is no more than 900mm from the walking/working surface.

c. After being erected, with the rope or wire cable attached, stanchions shall be capable
of resisting, without tipping over, a force of at least 3Kg, applied horizontally against the
stanchion, 750mm above the walking/working surface, perpendicular to the warning
line, and in the direction of the floor, roof, or platform edge.

d. The rope or wire cable shall have a minimum tensile strength of 230Kg, and after being
attached to the stanchions, shall be capable of supporting, without failure, the loads
applied to the stanchions as prescribed in Step 2.c above.

e. The line shall be attached at each stanchion in such a way that pulling on one section of
the line between stanchions will not result in slack being taken up in adjacent sections
before the stanchion tips over.

3. Personnel working outside the protection of a warning line system shall be protected by
either a personal fall protection system or a safety net system at all times when there is a
fall potential 1.8m or more. A warning line system DOES NOT allow workers to be
unprotected from potential fall exposures.

K. PERSONNEL RESTRAINT SYSTEMS

Restraint systems are designed to restrain movement so that a fall is not possible. The system
must have the capacity to withstand at least 1300Kg, or twice the maximum expected force that
is needed to restrain the person from exposure to the fall hazard. In determining this force,
consideration should be given to site specific factors such as, but not limited to, the force
generated by a person walking, leaning, or even sliding down a steep roof.

L. SECONDARY FALL PROTECTION SYSTEMS

These systems must be worn and used in the absence of Primary Fall Prevention Systems.

M. FULL BODY HARNESS/SHOCK ABSORBING LANYARDS (CONSTRUCTION

REGULATION 8)
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1. A full body harness and shock absorbing lanyard system shall be worn and secured where
there is a fall exposure of 1.8m or more.

2. If the work is located on a permanent structure and no fall potential is created by the work
or by the condition of the structure, full body harnesses are not required.

3. If the work is located on a complete scaffold where no fall potential is created by the work
or the condition of the scaffold, full body harnesses shall be worn but tie off is not required.

4. When accessing a complete permanent structure by climbing a permanent caged ladder, a

full body harness is not required.
(SABS Standards EN 362, EN 361, EN 795, EN 353/2, EN 354 and EN 355)

NOTE: If at any time an employee is forced to reach, or position any part of their body
beyond the plane of the structure’s boundaries (i.e., guardrail system), full body
harnesses shall be worn and secured to ensure 100% fall protection.

5. To ensure the integrity of the equipment being used and success of the Fall
Prevention/Protection Program, the following shall be strictly adhered to:

a. Only full body harnesses/shock absorbing lanyard systems approved by the Client may
be used on any project. Personal safety harnesses/lanyard systems are strictly
forbidden.

b. Lanyards must be of the shock absorbing type when used for fall protection.

c. Shock absorbing lanyards shall only be used for fall protection and are never to be used
for positioning or material transport.

d. The shock absorbing lanyard shall be secured to the D-ring located on the back of the
harness between the shoulder blades.

e. The shock absorbing or deceleration device shall be secured adjacent to the harness
D-ring.

f. D-rings located at the waist may only be used for positioning or with rail-type ladder
climbing devices.

g. D-rings located on the front of the harness shall only be used for attachment to rail
mounted ladder climbing devices.
h. Full body harnesses/shock absorbing lanyards shall be attached to an anchorage point
capable of supporting an impact load of 3000Kg or twice the potential impact load of the
engineered fall protection system.

i. Full body harnesses and shock absorbing lanyards shall be secured to limit potential
freefall distance to 1.8m or less.

j. Snap hooks attached to shock absorbing lanyards shall be of the double action/locking
type design. Simple spring resistant snap hooks shall not be used for fall protection.

k. Employees using a full body harness and shock absorbing lanyards shall inspect them
for wear, damage and other deterioration prior to each use.
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l. All full body harnesses and shock absorbing lanyards shall be inspected at least
monthly by a Designated Competent Person(s) and subsequently color coded or tagged
to indicate a current inspection.

m. Defective full body harnesses and shock absorbing lanyards shall be tagged
"DEFECTIVE - DO NOT USE" and immediately removed from service.

n. Full body harnesses and shock absorbing lanyards subjected to impact loading shall be
immediately removed from service and shall not be used again for employee protection
until inspected and determined by a Competent Person to be undamaged and suitable
for reuse.

N. ANCHORAGE POINTS

The strength of a personnel fall arrest system is based on its being attached to an anchorage
system that does not reduce the strength of the system. The following equipment and structure
will not meet the requirements of the SABS standards and shall NOT be used for anchorage
points.

1. Screw Pipe

2. Conduit

3. Cable Tray (use requires engineering approval)

4. Welded Pipe Less Than 50mm

5. Wooden Handrails

O. POSITIONING DEVICE SYSTEMS

Work positioning systems are sometimes required for specialized tasks such as installing
vertical rebar walls. Personnel using positioning systems must adhere to the following
minimum guidelines.

1. Personal positioning belts will only be allowed after they have been inspected and found
acceptable by the onsite safety representative. A method for readily identifying inspected
belts must be developed by the project site to ensure all positioning belts in use have been
approved.

2. Positioning belts of any kind shall not be used as fall protection systems at any time.

3. Work positioning lanyards are to be attached to D-rings at the waist belt location and be
supported by an appropriate work belt/harness. Positioning lanyards shall not be of the
shock absorbing type and shall not be used for fall protection.

4. The positioning type lanyard shall limit fall potential to 900mm or less.

5. The positioning lanyard must always be backed up by a properly secured shock absorbing
fall protection lanyard or retractable lifeline reel.
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6. While ascending or descending vertical rebar walls, 100% fall protection shall be
maintained by utilizing the shock absorbing double lanyard system or retractable lifeline
reels.

7. Snap hooks on positioning lanyards shall be of the double action/locking type design.
Simple spring resistant hooks shall not be used.

8. Employees using positioning belts/harnesses and lanyards shall inspect them for wear,
damage and other deterioration prior to each use.

9. All positioning belts/harnesses and lanyards shall be inspected at least monthly by a

Designated Competent Persons(s) and subsequently color coded or tagged to indicate a
current inspection.

10. Defective positioning belts/harnesses and lanyards shall be tagged "DEFECTIVE - DO

NOT USE" and immediately removed from service.

11. Positioning devices shall be secured to an anchorage capable of supporting at least twice
the potential impact load of an employee’s fall or 1300 Kg, whichever is greater.

P. LIFELINE SYSTEMS (WHEN APPLICABLE)

Lifeline systems are points of attachment for fall protection lanyards and harnesses. Lifelines
may be mounted either vertically or horizontally and provide fall protection for personnel
working in elevated areas.
1. Lifelines shall not be used for any other purpose than fall protection.

2. Lifelines shall be protected against being cut or abraded (i.e., Softeners around lifelines at
anchorage point).

3. Lifelines shall be inspected, by a Competent Person(s) at least weekly to ensure system

and equipment integrity. The project shall fit a coloured tag to readily identify that the
lifeline has been inspected and is fit for use prior to beginning any work involving the lifeline
system.

4. LIFELINE PLACEMENT/INSTALLATION

a. Use the engineered systems included in this procedure or the project will be required to
design and engineer a system for their particular needs. Approved-engineered
drawings must be kept on file at the project site. All engineered systems must be
approved by the Client’s registered professional engineer.

b. Lifelines must be installed and used under the supervision of a qualified person. Only
designated qualified persons that have been approved by the project
manager/superintendent and safety representative will be allowed to supervise the
installation. Written documentation on personnel qualified to supervise the installation
of lifelines shall be kept on file at the project.

5. HORIZONTAL LIFELINES
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a. Systems must be designed and engineered to maintain a safety factor of at least two
(2).

b. Use the engineered systems included in this procedure or the project will be required to
design and engineer a system for their particular needs. This must be done under the
approval of a professional engineer. Approved-engineered drawings must be kept on
file at the project.

c. Lifelines shall be installed, removed, and used under the supervision of a designated
qualified person(s).

d. Written documentation on personnel qualified to supervise the installation of lifelines will

be kept on file at the project.

6. VERTICAL LIFELINES

a. Must have a minimum breaking strength of at least 3000Kg.

b. Use the engineered systems included in this procedure or the project will be required to
design and engineer a system for their particular needs. Approved-engineered
drawings must be kept on file at the project.
c. Only designated qualified persons that have been approved by the project manager/
superintendent and safety representative will be allowed to supervise installation.

d. Written documentation on personnel qualified to supervise the installation of lifelines will

be kept on file at the site.

7. RETRACTABLE LIFELINE SYSTEM

Retractable lifelines are devices that when properly used, will serve to stop the free fall of
an employee prior to the employee striking a lower surface.

a. Retractable lifeline devices shall be attached to an anchorage point capable of

supporting 3000Kg or designed and installed as part of a fall arrest system that
maintains a safety factor of two (2).

b. Retractable lifelines shall be secured by, as a minimum 10mm wire rope chokers or
slings and 12mm shackles. The slings and shackles designated for fall protection shall
only be used for fall protection purposes and should be colour coded "RED" to readily
identify them for that purpose. ROPE (synthetic or natural fibre) SHALL NOT BE USED
TO SECURE THESE DEVICES.

c. A Competent Person(s), at least monthly shall inspect all slings, chokers, and shackles.
The monthly colour code scheme should be placed on the equipment to identify it as
inspected and available for use.

d. Each retractable lifeline device shall be equipped with a rope tag line for extending the
device to elevations below the point of attachment.

e. Retractable lifelines shall be placed above every temporary construction ladder that is
to be used for repeated access/egress and exposes employees to a fall hazard greater
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than 3.5m. The retractable device shall be attached in such a manner that it does not
interfere with the employee who is using the ladder for access or egress.

f. Retractable lifelines shall be used to provide a fall protection system for structural
ironworkers during erection, prior to installation of other fall prevention/protection
systems.

g. A Competent Person shall inspect retractable lifeline systems, at least monthly. The
monthly colour code scheme shall be placed on the equipment to identify it as
inspected and fit for continued use.

h. Retractable lifelines devices shall only be installed by employees specifically trained

and Designated Competent for that task.

i. Retractable lifeline shall be attached directly to the full body harness. Attachment to a
shock-absorbing lanyard is not acceptable.

Q. CONNECTORS TOGGLES

1. These devices lock into structural steel bolt holes to provide an anchorage point for a shock
absorbing lanyard. These devices are to be used by structural iron connectors and bolt up
personnel during steel erection.

2. Connector’s toggles shall be able to withstand 3000Kg impact load or twice the potential
impact load of an engineered fall protection system.

R. CONCRETE FORM ANCHORAGE POINTS

1. These devices attach to patented concrete forms to provide an attachment point for a shock
absorbing lanyard. They are to be used when placing concrete forms at elevations where a
fall exposure exists.

2. Concrete form anchorage points shall be able to withstand 5000 pounds impact load or
twice the potential impact load of an engineered fall protection system.

a. Retractable lifeline
b. Man lifts

S. STRUCTURAL STEEL ERECTION

Personnel erecting skeletal steel structures shall maintain 100% fall prevention/protection
through the use of personal fall protection systems, retractable lifelines, connector toggles, and
aerial lifts (JLG, Snorkel, etc.).

1. Access to structural steel shall be obtained by use of ladders, aerial lifts, or other approved
personnel hoisting devices. Climbing of structural steel members such as columns and
diagonal braces is expressly forbidden.

2. Prior to and during lifeline system placement, personnel shall crawl (coon) steel members
with shock absorbing lanyards secured around said steel members. Retractable lifeline
systems secured at elevations above the operation may be used in some situations.
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3. When lanyard lengths longer than 1.8m are required to reach around large steel members
the Project Safety Representative or Project Manager/Superintendent shall be contacted for
approval of the using of a nylon attachment sling

T. PERSONNEL LIFTS/HOISTING DEVICE

1. Aerial Lifts (Cherry Picker Etc.)

Personnel riding in or working from these lifts must secure their safety lanyard to the lift
basket at all times.

2. Personnel riding in or working from these hoisting devices shall each be provided an
independent lifeline and rope grab. The employee’s lanyard shall be connected to the
rope grab at all times while aloft. The anchorage point for the lifeline must be independent of
any anchorage being used to support or suspend the platform.

3. Crane Hoisted Personnel Baskets (REGULATION 16)

Use of these devices shall comply with the safety procedures in the Client’s Safety
Procedures Manual. Personnel riding in or working from personnel baskets must secure
their lanyard to the basket or an overhead attachment point at all times while aloft.

U. ROOFING (Construction Regulation 2003: Regulation 8(5)(d)

1. Low Slope Roof Applications

a. Employees engaged in work activities on low slopes roofs, with unprotected sides and
edges 1.8m or more above a lower level, shall be provided 100% fall
prevention/protection by utilizing guardrail systems, personal fall protection systems,
safety net systems, or warning lines.

2. High Slope Roof Applications

Employees engaged in work activities on high slope roofs, with unprotected sides and
edges 1.8m or more above a lower level shall be provided 100% fall prevention/protection
by guardrail systems, personal fall protection systems, safety net systems, or lifeline
systems.

a. Guardrail systems must meet engineered drawing and technical specifications.

b. Personal fall protection systems must remain secured at all times while the fall
exposure of 1.8m or more is present.

c. Employees shall receive TSTI prior to beginning any task located on a high slope roof.

V. DANGEROUS EQUIPMENT APPLICATION

1. Each employee less than 1.8m above dangerous equipment shall be protected from falling
into or onto dangerous equipment by guardrail systems or by equipment guards.
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2. Each employee 1.8m or more above dangerous equipment shall be protected from fall
potential by guardrail systems, secured personal fall protection systems, safety net
systems, or employee restraint systems.

3. Lifeline and restraint systems shall meet engineered drawing and technical specifications
prior to use.

W. TRAINING

Projects shall provide specific training for each employee that has the potential to be exposed
to a fall hazard.

1. Employees that have the potential to be exposed to a fall hazard shall be trained prior to
starting work.

2. Training must be conducted by a competent person designated by the project

manager/superintendent and site safety representative.

3. As a minimum training shall include the following:

a. Client’s Fall Prevention Training Program Any fall protection equipment, procedures, or
hazards unique to the project that is not included in the Client’s Fall Prevention Training
Program.

4. Training must be documented with a written certification record and entered into the Client’s
Training System.

a. Certification records must include the following information:

(1) Title and summary of the training.

(2) The identity of the employee(s) trained (name, signature and Identification no).

(3) Date and location of the training (project name, number, and location).

(4) Name and signature of the competent person that conducted the training.

b. Personnel performing the training shall be designated in writing with documentation

being maintained by the project HSE representative.

c. Personnel performing the training must be qualified in the following areas:

(1) The nature of fall hazards in the work area.

(2) The correct procedures for erecting, maintaining, disassembling, and inspecting the
fall protection system to be used.
(3) The use and operation of guardrail systems, personal fall protection systems, safety
net systems, warning line systems, and other protection to be utilized.
(4) The limitations on the use of mechanical equipment during the performance of
roofing work on low sloped roofs.
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(5) The correct procedures for the handling and storage of equipment and materials
and the erection of overhead protection.

X. RETRAINING

1. Retraining in fall protection must be conducted anytime there is a reason to believe that
an employee does not have the necessary knowledge and skills to comply with the Fall
Protection/Prevention Program.

2. Re-training must be conducted by a Designated Competent Person.

3. Re-training is required under the following circumstances:

a. Changes in the workplace render previous training obsolete.

b. Changes in the types of fall protection system or equipment to be used render

previous training obsolete.

c. Observations of inadequacies in an affected employee’s knowledge or use of fall

protection systems/equipment indicate that the employee has not retained the
requisite understanding or skill.

4. Employee infractions of the Fall Prevention/Protection Program must be documented

and the employee retrained in the applicable area of the program violated.

5. Retraining must be documented with a written certification record and entered into the
Client’s Training System (same requirements as for initial training).

Y. FALL PREVENTION/PROTECTION TRAINING PROGRAM

I. INTRODUCTION

A. Falls are the leading cause of work related death in the construction industry.

B. Falls account for 40,000 to 75,000 work related injuries and 80 to 100 fatalities
annually.

C. As of January 1, 1998, the use of a body belt for fall arrest is prohibited.

D. As of January 1, 1998, the use of a non-locking snap hook as part of personal

fall arrest systems and positioning device systems is prohibited.

II. RECOGNITION OF POTENTIAL FALL HAZARDS

A. Unprotected Sides and Edges

1. Platforms
2. Walkways and ramps

B. Floor Openings
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C. Wall Openings

D. Pipe Racks and Skeletal Steel

E. Scaffolds

F. Ladders

1. Extensions
2. Step

G. Roofs

H. Vertical Walls

1. Reinforcing steel work

2. Concrete form installation

I. Excavations

J. Pits, Shafts and Manholes

K. Equipment (crane booms, maintenance, etc.)

OVERVIEW OF FALL PROTECTION PLAN

Be sure to add any project specific procedures, equipment, or hazards that are not
included in the Procedure. Emphasis should be placed on elimination of the
exposure first and utilization of fall protection equipment as a last resort.

All work performed on heights must be regulated by a risk assessment approved by

the client and must be available on site where the specific work is performed.
Construction Regulation 7(2)

HANDS ON DEMO OF EQUIPMENT

(Set up a mock work area where the instructor can demonstrate and employees can
practice hands on use of equipment. As a minimum, the demo shall include the
following items.)

A. Harness and Lanyard

1. Teach and demonstrate proper donning procedure (per manufacturer’s

guideline).

a. Proper fit
b. Proper positioning

2. Demonstrate correct use and storage of lanyards.

a. Secure overhead to limit fall potential to a maximum of 1.8m

b. Minimize swing fall hazard by securing lanyard directly overhead.
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c. Allow adequate clearance to prevent striking objects below (shock

absorber will elongate upon activation).
d. Never snap two (2) lanyards together for extra length.
e. Never tie knots in a lanyard.
f. Steel lanyard required for welders.
g. Shock absorber end must be secured adjacent to harness.
h. Never hook shock absorbing lanyards to a retractable reel.
i. Store lanyards rolled up out of the way to eliminate a trip or snag hazard.

3. Explain and demonstrate proper use of “D"-Rings.

a. Front "D"-Ring must only be utilized for attachment to rail mounted

ladder climbing devices.
b. Side "D"-Rings are designed only for positioning.
c. Back "D"-Ring located between the shoulders must be used to attach
shock absorbing lanyard to the harness. (Also to be used for direct hook
up to retractable lifelines.)
4. Review manufacturers recommended inspection procedure (by user before
each use).
a. Faulty latches or snaps
b. Cuts and abrasions
c. Burns
d. Dry rot
e. Chemical damage
f. Excessive wear
g. Loose or torn stitches

5. Movement and access in elevated areas.

a. Always tie-off before accessing work areas where a fall exposure exists.
b. Two (2) lanyards will be required to provide continuous tie-off while
climbing through pipe racks or structures.

c. Tie-off to approved anchorage points (refer to written procedure).

d. IF FALL PROTECTION TIE-OFF IS NOT AVAILABLE, DO NOT
ACCESS THE AREA!
e. ALWAYS connect the second lanyard before unfastening the first lanyard
when traveling in elevated areas.

B. Explain and demonstrate use of anchorage devices such as straps,

connector toggles, etc.

C. Retractable Lifelines

1. Inspect daily prior to use.

a. Check housing for dents or signs of abuse.

b. Check cable for kinks, bird caging, inlaying, broken wires, heat damage
and excessive wear.
c. Pull on cable and make sure it moves smoothly.
d. Give the cable a quick pull to ensure the brake is engaging properly.
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e. Check snap hooks for sign of alterations, distortions, cracks, dents or

cuts.
f. Check pressed metal sleeves on cable for cracks or excessive wear.
g. Check anchorage for proper connections.

2. Proper care of unit.

a. Never drop the unit from any height.

b. Protect the cable from sharp corners and edges.
c. Don’t allow foreign matter to enter the housing.
d. NEVER permit the cable to re-reel uncontrollably back into the device.
e. Do not leave cable extended for prolonged periods of time.
f. Do not stretch welding leads or electrical cords across the cable.

3. Demonstrate and review proper use of unit.

a. Snap hook shall be secured directly to the back "D"-Ring. (Do NOT use
safety lanyard for attachment to retractable lifeline.)
b. Swing fall must be minimized. Never install the unit where the cable will
make an angle of greatest than thirty degrees (30°) with vertical.
c. Allow a minimum clearance of 1m in the event of a fall.
d. Do not work with cable at full extension (at least 900mm must remain on
the device).
e. Cable should not pass over sharp corners.
f. Only designed for one (1) person at a time (36-130Kg).
g. Never to be used as a work positioning device.
h. Do NOT allow cable to pass under arms, between legs, or wrap around
any part of the body.
i. Do NOT climb above the anchorage point.
j. To arrest a fall, the unit must be inspected by a Competent Person prior
to being put back in service.

Z Medical surveillance programme –

k. Contractors shall submit details of their employee health and wellness programme as
part of their health and safety plan.
l. The contractor must ensure that his/her employees and subcontractor employees shall
be registered on a medical surveillance programme and shall be in possession of a
valid medical health certificate.
m. A certificate of fitness is also required that is relevant to the type of work (risk-based)
that the employee will be carrying out.
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D. ENGINEERED FALL PROTECTION SYSTEMS

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RESCUE PLAN:

To be discussed with all Employees.

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1.0 ITEM
Safety Harness and Lanyard – collectively referred to as “A Fall Protection Device”.

2.0 DESCRIPTION
A Fall Protection Device (Safety Harness and Lanyard) for use by relevant Wetback
employees and Contractors, when required to work at height.

3.0 FUNCTION
To establish a standard for the specifying of a Fall Protection Device that will best serve
the needs of ANY USER in order to PROTECT AGAINST A FALL; IDENTIFY AND
UNDERSTAND SUSPENSION TRAUMA; TO MANAGE THE RISK THEREOF; TO
FACILITATE THE RESCUE OF A SUSPENDED WORKER

4.0 APPLICATION
All surface operations or underground operations when an employee or Contractor is
required to work at a height.

5.0 GENERAL
Any person who is required to wear a Fall Protection Device (Safety harness and Lanyard)
to work at a height shall be properly instructed / trained on how to use a safety harness.
Such training shall be documented and refreshed annually. The Standard is designed to
specifically address the Risk of Death associated with Suspension Trauma and to preclude
any instances of Lanyard application misuse.

6.0 LEGAL REFERENCE

Standards from across the globe were researched over and above the two SABS / SANS
standards, the SANS however mirror standards. These standards were looked at in the
context of Suspension Harness legislation.

7.0 A BACKGROUND SUMMARY AND OBJECTIVE

A personal fall protection system compromises of at least a body holding device i.e. a
harness of some type, a lanyard and a reliable anchor point.
The Primary purpose of the fall protection system is to minimise the effects of a potential
fall and if a fall does occur, to minimise the effects of the forces endured in the fall arrest.
But this is only a starting point; as there are further dangers whilst in suspension, that
surprisingly not one of the 13 standards listed, legislate for.
The fall and arrest are only the beginning point of the Safety of a Fall Protection System
and are the parts of the fall and arrest that are covered and specified for under all the
specifications listed in Point 6.0 and Addendum 1. South African National Standards mirror
the European Standards EN 361 for harnesses and EN 355 for Shock Absorbing
Lanyards. The Standard seeks to go further than all the listed world standards by taking
the threat of Suspension Trauma acknowledging the danger thereof and, unlike any other
specification in the word, legislate
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a system that will proactively negate the Risk of Death induced by Suspension or
complications brought about by physiological dangers brought about by
Suspension Trauma.

The key departure from “mere” National Standards is that the Standard seeks to go further
than reactive protocols such as Rescue Procedures as a means to combat Suspension
Trauma. Certainly Rescue Procedures are a key to the holistic requirement of a Work at
Height Safety Standard but these procedures are NOT going to negate Suspension
Trauma. Such Rescue procedures are reactive and have a vital role to play BUT
prevention through proactive actions of the victim will ultimately lead to the saving of lives.
It is alarming to note that almost all Harness Manufacturers whilst acknowledging that
Suspension Trauma is a very real risk, are unable to offer a workable solution save for
underlining the need that the Fallen Worker should be rescued as “quick as possible” or
“without delay”. Time frames for rescue vary from Manufacturer to Manufacturer and the
general suggestion is a “15 minute” time frame. It is of grave concern that the Tests
highlighted below concluded that no specific time could be specified as Orthostatic
Intolerance Induced Fainting has been documented as being aa swift as within 24 seconds
after being suspended in a clinically controlled condition. Therefore the Standard cannot
rest merely on a “Swift Rescue Time” and “Rescue Protocol” only, it must seek a
PROACTIVE SOLUTION that will empower the Fallen Worker as much as possible to
initiate procedures that will ultimately lead to the Negation of Orthostatic Intolerance
induced Trauma.

Much of the literature deals with fall arrest and post fall suspension, and the problems
associated with being upright and motionless. The problems of being upright and
motionless are well known and understood in the medical field. Medically this is known as
Orthostatic Syndrome or Orthostatic Intolerance. Fall protection equipment that in most
circumstances the same problems present when a worker is suspended in a harness. This
condition is known as Suspension Trauma and can result in almost certain fatal
consequences.

8.0 SUSPENSION TRAUMA – A WELL DOCUMENTED SECRET

Further to the Thundering Silence from most Harness Manufacturers in respect of
Suspension Trauma, a silence that borders on the culpable – that 9/10 risk assessments
do not highlight this fact in spite of the risk to death it poses is thought to be negligent in
the extreme, and possibly as a result of the Manufacturers’ silence in this regard, it was
commonly thought that research into suspension trauma was very limited. Surprisingly it
was discovered during the course of the researching into this sourcing of a suitable Fall
Protection System to specify for the Standard, that in fact extensive work and papers had
been published on this subject, papers dating from 1968; 1972; 1978; 1979; 1982; 1983;
1985; 1986; 1987; 1990; 1991; 1997 1998 and 2002. It is of concern that so many papers
have been written on this Life Threatening Syndrome and yet Harness Manufacturers
throughout the world and South Africa have done almost nothing in all these years to re-
dress this situation. The Standard seeks to rectify this and acknowledges particularly the
inroads in Harness DESIGN that have taken place in, South Africa – harness design that is
leading the rest of the world. All these papers are reviewed, revealing ample evidence of
the condition. A study of thirteen harness-standards worldwide reveals a disappointing lack
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of attention to Suspension Trauma brought about during the Suspension Phase of a fall –
the most dangerous phase of a fall. The study is an indictment on the Manufacturers of
Fall Protection Systems as at no time have the majority of manufacturers actively warned
of this Suspension Trauma nor has a solution been promulgated by these Manufactures
notwithstanding the fact that the best advice given has been confined to referring to
Reactive rescue Protocols. The solution is a simple yet effective and Patented South
African Design, which design forms the cornerstone of the Standard by virtue of being the
only workable and pro-active solution to Suspension Trauma at this time. Out of the
thirteen international standards referenced in the research leading to this document, only
one standard incorporates a suspension test, using real people as a opposed to a torso
dummy, to ascertain comfort and adjustability to ensure good fit, and only two standards
require the manufacturer to “recommend a suspension test before purchasing or using the
harness for the first time”. Not one Standard however legislated for a solution to
Suspension Trauma and seeks to rectify this by means of this Standard.

9.0 VENOUS POOLING

Venous Pooling is the accumulation of blood in the veins (mostly in the legs) due to gravity
and restricted movement of the legs. When a person is standing some venous pooling will
naturally occur, muscular movement and the moving of the legs together with one way
valves in the veins normally assists the return of blood in the veins back to the heart. So if
the legs are immobile then these muscle pumps are unable to operate and an excess of
blood accumulates in the leg veins. These veins are capable of considerable expansion
and, therefore considerable volume. As this volume builds up in the legs, this causes the
circulating blood to the heart to reduce in volume, resulting in decreases in cardiac output
and a dropping of arterial pressure. This can and most often does, reduce the quality
and /or the quantity of oxygenated blood flowing to the brain and it is this that precipitates
syncope.
Harness Suspension (2002): review and evaluation of existing information summarises in
flow chart form the Probable order of processes leading to death from protracted
orthostatic shock:

START
|
Failure of the Anxiety
Muscle pump in |
the legs Catecholamine
| |
Reduction of Acidosis
Venous return |
| |
Hypovolemia ------------------------- |
|
Fall in cardiac
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output
|
Fall in blood
pressure
|
Hypoxidosis
|
Organ damage
|
Circulatory
insufficiency
|
Syncope
|
DEATH

The above research serves to illustrate the seriousness of Suspension Trauma beyond
doubt, and inspires the need for a comprehensive standard that is pro-active in its
attempts to negate Suspension Trauma whilst having a reactive back up or Rescue
Protocol. In short a Standard to manage the risk of Suspension Trauma.

11.0 EXAMINES OF FALL PROTECTION

There are four recognized phases of fall protection. The Standard examines all four
Phases and legislates for each of these phases, namely BEFORE THE FALL; AT FALL
ARREST; DURING SUSPENSION; and POST-FALL RESCUE.

a) BEFORE THE FALL

 The most important issue of fall protection before the fall is COMPLIANCE.
Consider the context of what a employee may do if a harness is too uncomfortable,
too inconvenient, or interferes too much with task completion, workers might not
utilize the harness and associated equipment or they may even opt to (illegally)
modify it to make it more tolerable. The biggest contributing factor to worker
modification non-compliance is the inexplicable habit of some Harness
Manufacturers to offer a “one size fits all” harness. It makes about as much safety
sense to offer a worker with size 7 boots, a size 10 shoe and instruct him “one size
fits all”. It is of great concern that a 100kg 1.86m worker is offered the same size
harness as a 65kg 1.65m worker – whilst there may well be sufficient strapping
provided what is done with the excess strapping, such strapping can have a
tenacity in excess of 2,5t, in an emergency situation such excesses can cause
snags and lead to unnecessary trauma or even` death. The prohibition of “one size
fits all” harnesses is recommended. As with the ordering of Safety Boots so should
size be an aspect of Harness ordering.

 The supply of a Harness that has a “seat” or so-called bum strap is not a pre-
requisite as it has been proven that the bum strap offers absolutely no relief from
the Orthostatic Intolerance inducing tourniquet effect of the Harnesses thigh straps
while a worker is in suspension. In one-size fits all Harnesses the bum strap
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particularly is of very little use – consider how the bum strap would work on a 65kg
individual as opposed to a 100kg individual’s bum strap comparison, a bum strap is
just not adjustable and therefore is superfluous. The term bum strap does not
include the purpose made and extremely expensive Riggers Harness with Seat that
is purpose made for workers who will be expected to work for extended periods in a
suspended attitude and which Harness in any event should not be one size fits all.

b) AT FALL ARREST
 The design of the Harness should encompass the so called Parachute Harness
design or double figure eight design, this design has proven to best share the Arrest
Force of the four “corners” of the human body, the shoulders and the thighs.
However it is not sufficient just for the Harness to be of Double Figure Eight /
Parachute Harness design,
 It is vital that the cross over strapping at the thigh or Pelvis area be joint sewn
behind the hip, it has been proven in tests that cross over’s that are in front of the
Hip may cause Trauma to the hip joint if the cross over point causes forces to be
endured in front of the hip. This is of particular concern in older workers and female
workers.
 All Harnesses should be supplied with the South African developed enhancement
known as the “Standing Trapeze” or “Stap Trap”, this is a specially designed
deployable permanent step made of at least 2,2t polyester webbing that is a
permanent fixture of the Harness and whose deployment negates the tourniquet
effect of the Harness Thigh straps during fall suspension thus rendering the
Standard Harness the only harness that completely negates the risk of Suspension
Trauma in the conscious worker. The “Stap Trap” is a patented foot loop sling
concept which forms a permanent part of the Harness design, and is made from
webbing which is designed in such a way that when the suspended person steps
into it after deployment, the pressure from the harness thigh straps on the body (in
particular the thighs), is alleviated by diverting the pressure in a straight line to the
Dorsal Ring and Lanyard.
 The Harness should have its lanyard Dee Ring in the dorsal position and at no
times will a Chest attachment Dee Ring be allowed as the primary Lanyard
attachment point – the potential for serious spinal damage in the event of lanyard
location being in front of the worker’s body disqualifies this as a primary attachment
point.
 A horizontal chest strap must not be able to move upwards on the Harness
Longitudinal straps to a point where the thoracic area is threatened. This upward
movement of the crosswise chest strap is more specifically noted in one size fits all
Harnesses.
 The Second major component of the Fall Protection Device covered by the
Standard is the Lanyard and Shock Absorber / Energy Absorber. The Standard
Lanyard and Shock Absorber should comply in every way to the SABS EN
355/SANS 50355 specification.
 The Shock Absorber or Energy Absorber component of a lanyard effectively
increases the length of the lanyard by about 1.7m, as the maximum length of a
lanyard in use may only be 2.0m a fully deployed lanyard including the length of the
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worker (say 1.8m) would be 5.5m usage of the Shock Absorber should be
disallowed for work below 6m.

The identification of Fall Risks associated with working at heights can best be summarized
as follows:
 Fall Factor – There are three fall factors in fall arrest. These factors relate to the
position of the Anchor Point and the Anchor Points relation to the Worker. These
factors should be used to determine the potential fall distance of a worker and so
ensure that a) the risks of creating a misuse event are removed and b) also to
ensure the risk of contact with the lower level of a fall are removed
Fall Factor 1 – The anchor point is located above the head ensuring that the lanyard
is kept taut above the worker.
Fall Factor 2 – The anchor point is level with or slightly above the waist of the
worker.
Fall Factor 3 – The anchor point is below the waist or by the feet of the worker.
Anchor point above the worker’s chest will not cause the worker to face more than
6kN force in a fall. Therefore when working at heights less than 6m a Non-Shock-
Absorbing lanyard may be used providing the Anchor point is above chest height.
The use of a webbing type inertia reel fall arrest block may also be considered as
the maximum a worker will fall is about 100mm. Inertia Reel Fall Arrest Blocks can
be supplied with 1,5 and 2,0m lengths.
 In the event of a worker falling, being rendered unconscious during injury received
during the fall and therefore unable to deploy the Stap Trap – a unique device
called the Fall Arrest Alarm is available for the Harnesses. This device causes an
85db alarm with LED flashing lights to be activated the moment the Worker is
involved in a fall. The key to

 The specification is that the Harness must pro-actively warn co-workers of a fall in
order that Rescue Protocols can be swiftly put into action.

 Usage specification for point of Anchorage will be that a worker should always use
an anchorage point that will never be less than at chest height. In the event that it is
identified that a worker may be expected to use an anchorage point below the chest
level the following enhancement over and above the SABS certification will be
advantageous. As there are documented instances of Lanyards failing in extreme
and possibly misuse situations. Two risks are identified, one is in the shock
Absorber itself where misuse (for example tethering below the worker’s feet) has
caused the shock absorber to have entirely broken through causing the worker to
free fall to the ground, and further in extreme or misuse situations there are
documented instances where in spite of the energy absorber deploying correctly,
the lanyards stitching has broken (where in a fall, foul ups have occurred in the
shock absorber and lanyard due snagging or having been “modified” by a worker).
In order to preclude ANY possibility of the shock absorber breaking through, the
manufacturer can insert a further lanyard strap into the shock absorber as a backup
in the unlikely event of Shock Absorber failure. And in order to preclude the
possibility of stitching failure the Manufacturer shall supply at the time of order
delivery, a Certificate from an independent Body (such as the CSIR) attesting to the
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fact that the Lanyard has a Minimum Breaking Strength of 22kN, such supplied
certificate will be dated within a six month period of supply date. Thus the two
components of the Shock Absorbing Lanyard will be 100% fail safe.

c) POST FALL AND RESCUE PLAN

Rescue of Persons Who Have Fallen

In Rescuing People who have fallen and First Aid following Suspension in a Safety
Harness

 Everybody who is suspended in a (regular) safety harness runs the risk of shock
and unconsciousness due to blood flow insufficiency.
 Unconsciousness can become life threatening after only a few minutes in a
(regular) harness.
 The victim of a fall must be released from the suspended situation as quickly as
possible.
 The accident victim must never be laid down after being rescued from the
suspended position, not even in the stable side position.
 Laying the victim down horizontally could be life threatening. The blood that has
accumulated in the legs flows abruptly into the heart creating the risk of heart failure
due to overstrain. Transfer to the horizontal posture should take place only
gradually. Continuous monitoring of the respiration and circulation is necessary.
 In the event of unconsciousness the air passages should be kept open.

 The most important step in treatment is to consider the possibility of suspension

trauma. Despite low blood pressure, the classic shock condition can lead to acute
right ventricular failure. There are cases of victims dying a few minutes after being
rescued. Although not appropriate, the term ‘rescue death’ has become accepted. It
is therefore recommended
 To initially prop up the upper body and increase blood volume carefully;
 The circulatory system is stabilized with sympathomimetic drugs.
 Only after between 20 and 40 minutes should a more generous volume therapy
(Ringer’s Lactate solution) be introduced with adjuvant diuretic administration, as
kidney failure is the most common complication.
 Concomitant hypoglycemia should be treated with higher percentage glucose
solution.
 The patient should be hospitalized even in cases of apparently minor symptoms
e.g. numb legs or transitory respiratory and circulatory problems.
 Possible delayed damage such as kidney failure as mentioned earlier cannot be
assessed at the scene of the accident.
1. Prop up the body for 20 – 40 minutes
2. Stabilize circulatory system, then increase blood volume carefully.
3. Determine Blood sugar levels
4. Administer Oxygen
5. Hospitalize, even with minor symptoms
6. Transport with upper body raised
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7. Diuretics: kidney failure most common complication.

12.0 Summary of the Protocols to be Adopted for the Standard on the Prevention
of Suspension Trauma, Rescue and Treatment of Victims of a Fall from Height and
Resultant Suspension:

i) Prevention of Suspension Trauma – Knowledge of and adherence to the following

points should minimize risk:
1. The first action in helping to prevent the onset of suspension trauma is the choice of
Harness.
2. One size fits all harnesses to be avoided in favor of a sized Harness (Small; Med; L;
XL; XXL etc)
3. The Design of the Harness should encompass the so-called Parachute Harness
Design and the Hip Cross over points should be of a design that ensures that these
cross overs are behind the Hip once fitted.
4. Harness with the Standing Trapeze Strap Design is mandatory as this is the only
harness that allows the wearer to pro-actively assist in their own prevention of
Suspension Trauma.
5. The wearer should carry out a suspension test in a safe place to ensure that their
harness is the correct size, has sufficient adjustment and the Standing Step portion
is correctly adjusted to ensure the wearer can stand in the harness for prolonged
periods.
6. There should always be a well thought out and practiced rescue plan in place
appropriate to the specific workplace
7. Appropriate rescue facilities should always be on hand to enable an immediate and
safe rescue should the need arise.
8. Awareness that anyone who is suspended in a harness may be at risk of
suspension trauma if they were to hang motionless in the harness, particularly
where conversion to the preferred Standing Trapeze Stap Trap Harness has not yet
been facilitated.
9. Awareness that suspension trauma is life threatening. Whatever the type of
harness, motionless suspension is not physiologically safe and can lead to very
serious blood circulation problems, including death, training in the deployment of
the Standing Trapeze / Stap Trap is vital.
10. Awareness that anyone sustaining a head injury while on a lanyard is particularly as
risk, especially if they lose consciousness use of the specially designed Fall Arrest
Alarm will assist in bringing attention to the fallen worker.
11. Awareness of the symptoms of suspension trauma, (i.e. the symptoms of pre-
syncope), and the precautions in rescue.
12. Awareness that leaving an unconscious person suspended on a lanyard can cause
death in less than 10 minutes.
13. Release of the casualty from the suspended position as quickly as possible.
14. Rope access workers and rope rescuers should not attempt long or difficult ascents
(or descents) when fatigued, dehydrated, hypothermic or low on energy.
15. Tasks should be avoided that require long periods of suspension in a harness with
little support of the legs or movement of them.
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16. Workers should never be allowed to work at height alone where there is the
possibility of immobile suspension, either in an emergency or otherwise.
17. Frequent pumping of the legs, preferably against a firm surface, such as the
deployed Standing Trapeze / Stap Trap will activate muscles and reduce the risk of
venous pooling as the Stap Trap relieves the pressure of the leg straps of the
Harness.
18. For suspended persons, the use of the Standing Trapeze / Stap Trap will alleviate
pressure on parts of the body such as the thighs and waist, and will reduce pain
which will delay pre-syncope symptoms and syncope thereby avoiding certain
death.
19. The Standing Trapeze / Stap Trap would also provide support and facilitate “muscle
pumping”.
20. The use of a Shock Absorbing Lanyard should be mandatory for work done above
6m and the use of a bypass strap or a non-Shock Absorbing lanyard for work below
6m. The use of an Inertia Reel is advisable for work below 6m.

ii) Rescue and Treatment - The following points should be taken into account during
the rescue and treatment of persons suspected of suffering from suspension trauma or
being at risk of it and in particular victims suspended in a non-Standing Trapeze / Stap
Trap Harness:
1. It is extremely important to reassure the person hanging helpless on the lanyard.
2. The basic principles of trauma management must always be followed whatever the
injury, namely
3. Time should be taken in stabilizing the casualty before handling to make them more
robust and less susceptible to suspension trauma. The more the casualty is
suffering from hypothermia, dehydration or shock, the greater the increase in
susceptibility to suspension trauma.
4. The casualty should be released from the suspended position as quickly as
possible and should be rescued in the direction of gravity, where possible, before
being stabilized and applying actual first aid measures.

5. Signs of pre-syncope symptoms should be closely monitored at all times. If capable,

the rescuer should encourage the casualty to assist by advising the rescuer how
they feel or of any changes in how they feel.
6. Even with the use of the Standing Trapeze / Stap Trap the casualty should be
encourage (and trained) to flex his leg muscles in order to assist with the muscle
pumping mechanism of return blood flow.
7. Important! The casualty must never be laid down after being rescued from the
suspended position, not even in the recovery position. This point must be
particularly enforced in the event that the casualty’s harness is of a design that does
not include the Standing Trapeze / Stap Trap. The casualty should be positioned
with the upper body raised, i.e. in a seated, or possibly squatting or crouched
posture. All restrictive belts and clothing should be unfastened. A doctor should be
called immediately. Laying the casualty down horizontally could be life threatening.
The blood that has accumulated in the legs flows abruptly into the heart creating a
risk of heart failure due to overstrain. However, conditions other than suspension
trauma should be borne in mind, e.g. hypothermia and dehydration.
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8. Transport the casualty with the upper body rose.

9. Continuous monitoring of the respiration and circulation is necessary. In the event
of unconsciousness, the air passages should be kept open.
10. With the casualty in the sat-up, squatting or crouched position, the blood volume
may be increased carefully; the circulatory system is stabilized with
sympathomimetic drugs. Only after between 20 and 40 minutes should a more
generous volume therapy (Ringer’s solution) be introduced, with adjuvant diuretic
administration, as kidney failure is the most common complication.
11. The possible use of digitalization.
12. Concomitant hypoglycemia should be treated with higher-percentage glucose
solution.
13. Administer oxygen
14. The patient should be hospitalized even in cases of apparently minor symptoms,
e.g. numb legs or transitory respiratory and circulatory problems. Possible delayed
damage, such as kidney failure as mentioned earlier, cannot be assessed at the
scene of the accident.
13.0 FALL PROTECTION DEVICE SPECIFICATION
A: HARNESS SPECIFICATIONS
1. One size fits all is completely disallowed
2. Bum strap seat not a pre-requisite
3. Double figure of eight Parachute type Harness design
4. Design must be such that the cross over point and stitching is behind the hip
5. All Harnesses must have the Standing Trapeze Stap Trap feature as a permanent
fixture
6. Lanyard attachment point must be a metal Dorsal Dee Ring situated between the
shoulder blades.
7. Two Dee rings situated on the Chest for rescue purposes.
8. Chest Dee Rings not for Primary Lanyard attachment
9. Horizontal chest strap must not be able to move upwards on the Harness
Longitudinal chest straps beyond the middle chest
10. Female Harnesses must have a Horizontal chest strap that is located below the
chest area in such a way as to cater for broader chest area and must be adjustable
with a roller buckle. To be specified to the Manufacturer at time of order.
11. Harness must comply to SABS EN 361; SANS 50361:2003 which covers such
aspects as the Dee Rings, buckles, and webbing, webbing composition and
webbing strengths as well as stitching.

B: LANYARD SPECIFICATIONS
1. Double Legged Lanyards to be used without exception.
2. The Lanyard and Shock Absorber must comply to SABS EN 355; SANS
50355:2003 in every way, which covers such aspects as the double action hooks,
quick links, webbing, webbing composition and webbing strengths
3. Lanyard composition can be Nylon Rope; Chain link; Webbing strap or Elasticized
Webbing (maximum extension of 2m) providing that the Lanyard’s Minimum
Breaking Strength is 22kN.
4. Shock Absorbing Lanyard to be used on heights exceeding 6m
5. Where heights are less than 6m
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a) Double legged Webbing Inertia Reel Fall Arrestor for Dorsal attachment can
be used
b) Anchor or Tie off point must be above chest height
c) Providing b) is adhered to, a non-shock absorbing double legged lanyard
may be used
6. All Lanyards to be fitted with the Fall Arrest Alarm feature
7. All Shock Absorbers to have a fail-safe secondary lanyard which strap will have a
minimum strength of 22kN, sewn into the Shock Absorber.
8. All Lanyards to be supplied with a Certificate of Minimum Breaking Load from an
independent body (such as CSIR) to attest to an MBL of 22kN. Such certificate will
be dated within a six-month period of the supply date.

C: USAGE SPECIFICATIONS
1. Any employee or contractor working at heights exceeding 1.5m shall not work alone
2. All Harnesses and Lanyards to be serial numbered and recorded in a Fall
Protection Device Register.
3. Anchorage points should never be lower than chest height of the worker standing
upright at his work position
4. All Fall Protection Devices must be inspected prior to each and every usage
incident
5. Supervisor / Safety Officer / Store man shall over inspect the storage and quality of
each harness under their control, on a weekly basis. Written record of this
inspection must be recorded in the Fall Protection Device Register
6. On a random sample basis, suitable test inspection shall be carried out by the
Safety Officer to ensure compliance of Supervisor duties in respect of Harness
Inspection. Written record of this audit must be recorded in the Fall Protection
Device Register
7. On receipt of issue of a harness, the wearer should carry out a suspension test to
ensure perfect fit and Standing Trapeze Stap Trap adjustment; ideally a
Manufacturer’s Trainer should carry out this inspection and training. Such training
should be noted in the Register and signed off by the worker and Supervisor. (In
house training).
8. A practical rescue plan specific to the particular work site, must be communicated to
the wearer and signed off in the register
9. Wearer to sign off that he/she has been made aware of what suspension trauma is
and that it is life threatening
10. Wearer to sign off that he/she knows how to deploy the Standing Trapeze Stap
Trap
11. Wearer to sign off that he/she is aware of the symptoms of suspension trauma
12. Wearer to sign off that he/she is aware of the dangers of fatigue, dehydration, and
hypothermia
13. Wearer to sign off that he/she is aware that pumping of the legs against a firm
surface, like the Standing Trapeze Stap Trap, will assist against Suspension
Trauma

D: RESCUE AND TREATMENT PROTOCOLS

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1. Specific Protocols to cover the uniqueness of each Work Site or Mine should be
taken into account in finalizing of Site Specific Rescue Needs (Client rescue team).
2. The Final Rescue Protocols must include all points.
3. Report to Clients Rescue or Emergency Team.

14.0 CONCLUSION
Suspension Trauma will in all probability lead to death. It is not good enough to merely
look at rescue protocols as a means to negate the risks to life brought on by Orthostatic
Intolerance induced Suspension Trauma. The most effective, most safe manner to ensure
that this life threatening risk is negated is to empower the fallen worker to initiate
procedures that cause him to save himself by choosing the right Harness equipped with
the most modern and up to date features.
Orthostatic Intolerance is a very real risk and an extremely dangerous physiological
phenomenon. The Specification offers the most comprehensive Fall Protection
Device available.

ADDENDUM 1
Suspension Requirements and advice in Selected Harness Standards
361:2003
Standard Number
Suspension Test

SANS 50361/SABS EN No
Requirement
Advice to carry out a
No
suspension test
Advice or warnings
on suspension
Min Thigh Width
(mm)
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Min Waist width

(mm)

Min support at chest

Fall Protection & Rescue Plan

No 40mm 40mm 40mm

(mm)
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SANS 50358/SABS EN No No No No 80mm No

358
ISO 10333-1:
2000/AMD 1:2002 Yes No No 40mm 40mm 40mm

EN 813: 1997 No Yes No 43mm 43mm No

EN 361:2002 No No No 40mm 40mm 40mm

EN 358: 2000 No No No No 80mm No

EN 12277:1998 No Yes No 43mm 43mm 43mm

CAN/CSA Z259.10-M90 No No Yes 41mm 41mm 41mm
ASME A39.1:1991+ No No No No 75mm No
A39.1a-1993
AS/NZS 1891.4:2000 No No Yes n/a n/a n/a

AS/NZS 1891.1:1995 No No No 40mm 40mm 40mm

ANSI Z359.1-1992 No No No 41mm 41mm 41mm

ANSI A10.14-1991 No No No No 41mm No

ADDENDUM A 2
Fall Factor Illustration, Anchor Points and Minimum Free Space to Fall In
(Note Chest anchor point is for illustrative purposes only)
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ADDENDUM A3
GLOSSARY OF MEDICAL TERMS AND DEFINITIONS
Asphyxiation Starvation of Oxygen
State of reduced tension in muscle, relating to the heart and blood
Cardiovascular hypertonia vessels
Catecholamine Group of physiologically important substances including adrenaline,
noradrenaline and dopamine, having various different roles
(mainly as neurotransmitters) in the functioning of the sympathetic and
central nervous systems (which prepare the body to meet emergencies
such as fatigue, cold or shock.
Diuretic Causing increased output of urine
Digitalization Administration of the drug digitalis or one of its purified derivatives to a
patient with heart failure until the optimum level has been reached in
the
Heart tissues, which may take several days.
Recording of the electrical activity of the heart on a moving paper strip
Electrocardiogram by
means of an electrocardiograph
Electrocardiograph Instrument for recording the electrical activity of the heart
To be outside or beyond the body cavity between the neck and the
Extrathoracically diaphragm
Hydrostatic Movement of liquid (or blood)
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Hyperextension Extension of a joint or limb beyond its normal limit

Hypoglycaemia Deficiency of glucose in the bloodstream
Hypoxia Deficiency of oxygen in the bloodstream
Paraesthesia Spontaneously occurring abnormal tingling sensations
Clear, colourless solution of chloride, potassium chloride and calcium
Ringer’s solution chloride
prepared with recently boiled water (widely used, intravenously, in the
initial resuscitation of an injured person)
Sympathomimetic Drug that has the effect of stimulating the sympathetic nervous system
(and which mimics at least part of adrenalin or catecholamine
responses)
Loss of consciousness induced by a temporarily insufficient flow of
Syncope blood
to the brain (fainting)
Accumulation of blood in the veins (of the legs) due to gravity and lack
Venous pooling of
muscular pumping