Work Safely at Heights

The Purpose

The purpose of this program is to outline

the guidelines on measures to be taken
to protect plant/facility/company and
contractors’ personnel against falling off,
onto, or through working levels and from
being struck by falling objects.
 The Scope

This procedure encompasses the areas where fall

prevention and protection is needed around the
plants, including –but not limited to– ramps, runways
and other walkways, excavations, hoist areas, holes,
leading edges, unprotected sides and edges, wall
openings, and other walking/working surfaces.
Except where otherwise specified in contract
requirements, it applies to all personnel required to
use fall arrest system equipment or who work in or
around fall hazard areas at Project site.
 Working Safely at Heights
• Introduction
• Problems Associated with Safe Working at
Heights
• Risk Assessment
• Fall Arrest Systems
• Fall Arrest Equipment Introduction
• Pre Use Inspection
• Donning a Safety Harness
• Anchorage Point Identification
• Horizontal Safety Systems
• Vertical Safety Systems
• Maintenance & Checking of Equipment
• Cleaning & Storage
• Ladder & Scaffolds
• Mobile elevated work platform
• Safety net
• Floor / Wall openings / Roof
• Review & Question Time
 Introduction
Falls are the leading cause of deaths in the
construction industry.
Most fatalities occur when employees fall from open-
sided floors and through floor openings.
Falls from as little as 4 to 6 feet can cause serious
injuries and sometimes death.

All work over 2 meters is considered

as Working at Height
 DO YOU KNOW
SOMEONE WHO FELL ?
Construction work related fatalities:
Falls from heights = 54%
Falling objects = 16% Only 1/5 of those
Trapped by Collapse or
Overturning Object
are scaffolders !
9%

Contact with Electricity Scaffolds/Platforms, 22.9% Unprotected Edges &

Openings, 25.7%
9%

Struck by Motor Vehicle

12%

Falls from Height

54%

Falling through Fragile

Materials, 21.6%

Struck by Moving, (Inc

Flying/Falling), Object Ladders, 26.4%
16%
Steelwork, 3.4%
 HAZARD RECOGNITION:
GRAVITY
Newton’s 2nd & 3rd law of physics predict that:
What goes up must come down
So…
Don’t go up if:
• You are not feeling well: dehydrated, hot…
• It is raining
• It is not safe to go up
Your descent should be as controlled as your
climb
 Assessing Risk
• Risk is the likelihood of a fall, or objects falling that results in injury (or worse!)
to workers or other people.

• The risk assessment process is a problem solving process that when taken
step-by-step will lead to informed decisions about how best to avoid or
control the impact of risks.

There are four basic steps:

• Step 1: Identify the problem (hazard identification).
• Step 2: Determine how serious a problem it is (assess the risks).
• Step 3: Decide what needs to be done to solve the problem
(eliminate or control risks).
• Step 4: Review the risk assessment process and control measures to
ensure risks are still adequately addressed.

• In carrying out a risk assessment, it is necessary to break down each

activity or process into a series of parts or smaller tasks and assess each
one separately. A Job Safety Analysis can assist with this.
 Remove the hazard. Eg.
Order of control measures Install air-conditioning
Replace with a less units in the centre of a
hazardous one. Eg. roof rather than on the
material side.
Elimination
Eg. Use safety nets
Separating the hazard Substitution
or mesh to prevent
from people. Eg. Use
falls.
Engineering
barriers or edge
Instructions, warning
protection Isolation
signs, policies and
procedures, JSA’s.
Enclosure
Similar to
isolation. Eg. PPE.
Administration Eg. Body
guards, hand harness, lanyards,
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
rails etc. gloves. (Last resort
– YOU CAN STILL
BE INJURED IN
FALL)
Fall Protection Devices and Systems

Fall Protection Devices

 Positioning Device
System
 Fall Arrest System
 Fall Protection Devices and Systems
What is a Positioning Device System?

A body harness system

rigged to allow an
employee to be
supported on an
elevated vertical surface,
such as a wall and work
with both hands free
while leaning.
 What is a Fall Arrest System?
 A system which limits free fall
distance, thereby reducing force
on the body.

 It consist of :
 An Anchorage Point.
 A Lanyard.
 A Full Body Harness.
Fall Protection Devices and Systems

What is an Anchorage Point?

A secure point of
attachment for
Personal Fall Arrest
systems.
 Anchorage Point Guidelines
Located at or above
the employee’s waist.
Capable of
supporting 5,000 lbs
or 2 times the
arresting force per
employee.
Designed and built to
hold the maximum
force of the fall arrest
Fall Protection
What is a Lanyard?
A flexible line made of
nylon rope, wire or
nylon strap with a
locking type small
hooks at each end for
connecting the body Photo
harness to a lifeline or
anchorage point to
stop the employee in
the event of a fall.
Fall Protection
Lanyard Guidelines

A Lanyard must:
 Be inspected prior to use.
 Be Protected against being cut or abraded.
 Have a minimum breaking strength of 5,000 lbs.
 Be the appropriate length.
 Be attach to an anchorage point, not to itself
Fall Protection
Self-Retracting Lifelines and Lanyards

A Lanyard that:
 Automatically limits free-fall
distance to less than two
feet.
 Be capable of sustaining a
minimum tensile load of
3,000 lbs when fully
extended
Fall Protection

What is a Full Body Harness?

Harness straps
secured about the
employee in a
manner that
distributes the fall
arrest forces
throughout the
body.
Fall Protection

Guidelines for a Full Body Harness

 The attachment point of a

body harness is located
in the center of the
wearer’s back near
shoulder level.

 Snap hooks shall be a

double locking type.
 Common Pieces of Equipment

Rope & Cable

Shock Absorbing Self Retracting Grabs
Lanyard Lifelines

Carabiners Full Body

Cross-Arm Harness
Strap
Fall Protection
Inspection of a Fall Arrest System
 Hold the harness by the back dee-ring, grasp a strap and run your
hand along the entire length checking for cuts or damaged fibers.
(Use this procedure for all webbing and straps)
 Check Dee-Rings and their metal or plastic wear pad for any
distortion or cracks. The dee-ring should pivot freely.
 Inspect all hardware looking for any loose grommets, distortion,
cracking or sharp edges.
 Attachments of Buckles and Dee-rings: Look for any unusual
wear, frayed or cut fibers, or distortion of hardware.
 Inspect for Frayed or Broken Strands
Fall Protection

Care for the Fall Arrest System

 After a fall arrest, equipment subjected to a fall will
be removed from use to ensure that it cannot be
reused.

 Clean equipment after use with mild soap and water.

Do not use harsh chemicals or solvents. Rinse with
fresh water.

 Hang equipment in a cool, dry area that is dark and

well ventilated. (UV light and excessive heat will
cause failure in the equipment.
Fall Protection Exercise

Donning and Doffing

A Full Body Harness
 Safe access, egress and movement around a work
area
Safety considerations include:

– the installation of fixed work platforms, walkways

and stairways;
– the use of temporary work platforms such scaffolds;
– the installation of a fall injury prevention system;
– the frequency and number of people who use the
access/egress system. (supervision and regular
inspection should also be considered);
– the location and space required for any plant,
equipment or materials used or temporarily stored;
Safe access, egress and movement around a work
(Cont) area
– the safety of work surfaces;
– the operation of plant by trained and competent operators;
– the method of getting plant, equipment and materials to the
work area;
– exposure of access ways to the weather (e.g. rain can make
surfaces slippery and strong winds can cause loss of hand
grip);
– the assessment of manual handling tasks, including
considering the provision of mechanical lifting aids;
– the provision of adequate natural or artificial lighting to all
access ways; and
– the clearance of obstructions so that persons are able to
move easily to and from the workplace.
Spot the Hazard!!
 Access/Egress (cont.)
• Use three points of contact at all times.
– EG. Two feet and one hand or two
hands and one foot.

Use the steps and handrails provided on plant

and equipment.
 Edge Protection
• It is often referred to as a ‘guard rail system’ and is used to
reduce the risk of a person falling from one level to another.

• Edge protection must be provided to the edge of:

– a scaffold,
– fixed stair,
– landing,
– suspended slab,
– formwork,
– or falsework at the workplace,
where a person is at risk of falling 2m or more metres.

• Or, any other edge where a fall of 2m or more is likely to occur.

Edge Protection
 Catch Platforms (Fans)
Catch platforms must be solidly constructed
and designed to withstand the maximum
potential impact load.

When scaffolding components are used, the

catch platform should:

• have a deck that is fully planked out and is

as close as possible to the work level;
• be no more than two metres below the work
area;
• extend a minimum of two metres beyond all
unprotected edges of the work area; and
• at a minimum, be the width of the area being
removed (e.g. in roof laying work).
 Safety Nets
Where safety nets are used as a fall injury prevention
system, employers should ensure that:
• safety nets are in position before the start of work;
• they are made from strong material in order to catch workers,
equipment and debris;
• safety nets are installed and maintained by a certificated rigger
or scaffolder, that is, a competent person;
• an EWP is used for the installation. If this is not possible,
scaffolding and fall-arrest systems should be used;
• safety nets are hung as close as is practicable to the underside
of the working area a, but no more than two metres below;(9m)
• nets extend at least 2.5 metres beyond the leading edge of the
working area (see diagram);
• nets are moved along with the work performed;
Safety Nets (cont)
• the safety net has sufficient
tension and clearance to
prevent a falling person
contacting any surface or
structure below the net;
• kept away from
combustible material, oxy
cutting, welding, flames etc.
• not exposed to chemicals,
sun or heat damage;
• nets are regularly
inspected;
• nets are stored correctly,
dry conditions, no exposure
to elements.
 Protection of holes and openings

• All holes and openings with dimensions greater than 200mm2

but less than 2m2 must be protected using:
• Fixed/embedded wire mesh
• Material of adequate strength
• Holes covered with wire mesh must not be used as work
platforms.
• All covers must be fixed securely and marked clearly with the
words ‘Danger - hole beneath’.
• Excludes – lift wells, stairwells & vehicle inspection pits
 Grid Mesh/Checker Plate Flooring
Used for walkways, access ways and work platforms
• Common Hazard.
• Panels dislodge easily if not fixed.
• Difficult to see panels missing.
• Workers can become disorientated if there are multiple
levels.
 Brittle or Fragile Roofing
• Includes:
– Asbestos
– Cellulose cement
– Glass
– Fibreglass
– Other synthetic or
fabricated sheeting
 Brittle or Fragile Roofing
The person who has control of the workplace must
ensure:
• Workers are informed of the state of the roofing;
• Safe access is provided;
• Work is carried out from a safe working platform;
• Fall injury prevention system is installed;
• Another person present at all times in case of emergency;
• Training and instruction is provided on precautions to be
taken, safe access, rescue techniques and rescue
equipment;
• Warning signs are fixed and displayed clearly at access
points; and
• The stability and soundness of the roof is assessed as
part of a risk management process.
 Brittle or Fragile Roofing (cont.)

Danger signs are to be The level of

fixed at points of access deterioration may
to the roof. not be apparent
from the upper
surface.
Inspect underside
for hazards also.

Broken sheets
are a severe
hazard. Many
old roofs have
no wire mesh
under brittle
sheets
 Scaffolding
Scaffolding work platforms are generally rated as light,
medium or heavy duty.
• ‘Light duty scaffolding’
• up to 122 kg/m2
• for plastering, painting, electrical work and other light tasks

• ‘Medium duty scaffolding’

• up to 244 kg/m2
• for carpentry and most other general trades work

• ‘Heavy duty scaffolding’

• up to 366 kg/m2
• bricklaying, concreting, demolition and most work tasks involving
heavy loads or heavy impact forces
Special Purpose -367 kg/m2 above.
Scaffolding (Cont)
 Elevated Work Platforms
Includes:
• Cherry pickers, Scissor lifts, Order pickers
 Elevated Work Platforms
The safety requirements include:
• workers operating the platforms must be trained and
instructed in safe operating procedures for the
particular brand and type of equipment;
• the platforms should only be used as working
platforms not as a means of access to and egress
from a work area;
• unless designed for rough terrain, the platforms should
be used only on a solid level surface;
• the training provided should include safe use of the
fall-arrest equipment and emergency rescue
procedures;
 Elevated Work Platforms (cont)
The safety requirements include:
• people working in cherry pickers must wear an
anchored safety harness and lanyard incorporating a
shock absorber as precaution against mechanical
failure of the basket. The lanyard should be as short
as possible. Fall-arrest systems are not required to be
worn on scissor lift type elevating work platforms; and
• people operating cherry pickers with boom lengths
exceeding 11 metres must have an appropriate
certificate of competency.
 When using Portable Ladders
the following suggestions should be considered to control risks:

• Use the correct ladder for the job.

• Use only industrial ladders – do not use domestic ladders.
• Examine ladders for defects and damage before use.
• Ladders should be adequately supported at the base.
• A ladder should not be walked by the person standing on
the ladder.
• One person on a ladder at a time.
• Do not climb higher than the third rung from the top of the
ladder.
• Only work on a job within easy arm’s reach from the
ladder.
• Ladders (other than trestle ladders) should not be used to
support planks as a work platform.
 When using Portable Ladders
the following suggestions should be considered to control risks:

• Metal ladders or wire reinforced ladders must not be used

where electrical hazards exist.
• Climb and descend facing the ladder.
• Do not place ladders in vehicle or pedestrian traffic areas.
• Long and heavy ladders (greater than 20kg) should be
handled by at least two people.
• Stepladders should only be used in the fully open position.
• Wear slip resistant footwear when using ladders.
• Clean off footwear and ladder rungs before using the
ladder.
 Portable Ladders
High number of accidents occur as a result of improper ladder use.

1 in 4 rule
Every 4 up,
1 out at the
base.
 Portable Ladders (cont.)

• Rungs at right angles to the

edge of the work platform (eg.
Roof, scaffolding or gutter).
• Extend at least 900mm above
the stepping off point.
• Edge protection must be
provided at the stepping off
point.
• Lashed at resting point on
support structure. Ties should
be attached to the stiles, not
the rungs.
Portable Ladders (cont.)

Light duties can be performed if:

• you maintain three points of
contact
• two feet and one hand,
• two hands and one foot or,
• two feet and the frontal D ring on the
harness attached to the
arrest/restraint line or inertia reel.

• tools are not carried by hand –

use a tool belt or side pouch.
• tools can be operated safely with
one hand.
 Portable Ladders (cont.)

Other methods of preventing falls may be necessary

when using portable ladders such as Pole belts.

• Used by lineworkers and others

required to work on poles.
• They are not intended for use in
situations permitting a drop of
0.6m.
• A secondary anchor point must be
used (Not shown in diagram).
• Pole belts must be inspected
regularly, at least daily when in
use.
 Step and Trestle Ladders
• fully open position,
locked.

• may be used in the

closed position by
leaning against a
support.

• Alternatives:
scissor lifts, light
duty aluminum
mobile scaffolds,
boom arms and
modular scaffolding.
 Fixed Ladders/Tower Safety
• The fixed ladder angle of
slope should not be less
than 70o.

• Fixed ladders with angles

exceeding 75o to the
horizontal should be fitted
with a permanent or
temporary fall arrest
system.
 Fixed Ladders/Tower Safety (cont.)
An alternative to using a ladder to climb a
tower is to use a double lanyard system.
• The person climbing is always connected
to the structure.
• Not fool proof – can be misused and
muscle/mental fatigue can occur.
 Electrical Safety
Overhead Power Lines

One of the most common causes of electrocution in

the workplace is contact with overhead electrical
power lines.
• Heights and distances between the ground and
overhead power lines are misjudged when:
• carrying equipment like poles and ladders,
• erecting scaffolding or,
• operating equipment with height extension
such as mobile scaffold and EWPs.
 Electrical Safety
Overhead Power Lines
Best method is to eliminate the hazard by shutting power off
(contact power supply company).
The following clearances should
be observed (allow for sag and
wind):

• 4 metres where any metal

material is being handled
(eg scaffolding, ladders).

• 1.5 metres where only

non-conductive material,
is being handled.
 Tools and equipment at height
Employers, must:
• Provide a safe means of raising and lowering plant,
materials and debris in the place of work.
• Provide a secure physical barrier to prevent objects falling
freely from buildings or structures in or in the vicinity of
the workplace.
• Where it is not possible to provide such a barrier, other
systems need to be in place including:
• the platform of a scaffolding system or certain types of other
roof edge protection systems; or
• the careful positioning of a toeboard that forms part of the
guardrail; or
• the use of appropriate infill panels to the guardrail.
• or the establishment of a no-go zone with the necessary
barriers and training of personnel in its observation.
 Tools and equipment at height
A common hazard is tools and equipment falling
from heights.
When using tools at height it is important to:
• Attach tools to a lanyard and harness;
• Use tool belts, side pouches;
• Stow tools in bags & tool boxes when at heights;
• Place tools in a position where they are unlikely
to be knocked down;
• Use the right tool for the job;
• Alert workers below if tool/equipment falls
 Tools and equipment at height
Be cautious when using toxic chemicals,
solvents, acids, paints and gases when working
at heights.
• Cause dizziness, loss of consciousness.
• Fall onto fellow workers.
• Use appropriate PPE.
 House Keeping
Good housekeeping can help prevent falls and other accidents.

Some pointers:

• Keep walkways, stairs and aisles clear of debris.

• All waste debris should be piled neatly away from work areas.
• Remove debris from the job on a regular basis.
• Store materials in designated areas.
• Keep tools and equipment stored neatly.
• Electrical cords and air compressor hoses should be overhead,
if not, they should not run across walkways.
• Ensure there are an adequate number a rubbish bins and they
are emptied regularly.
 Environmental Factors
• Weather
• High winds;
• Glare & excessive heat;
• Rain – slippery roofs, structures;
• Branches, things blowing into you;
• Lightning.

• Other
• Insects,bees etc
 Medical Factors
• Health
• Blood Pressure
• Vertigo/Nausea
• Asthma/allergies
• General Health

• Manual Handling
• Consider excessive bending and stretching
when working at heights – causing fatigue,
strain and dizziness.
 Emergency Rescue Procedures
Appropriate rescue procedures must be in place for
the rescue of a person in an emergency situation.

Employees must be provided with:

– information on emergency rescue procedures;
– procedures in the event of different emergencies such as
rescues, accidents or injuries;
– an induction on the emergency rescue procedures;
– training in the emergency rescue procedures; and
– training in the use of fall-arrest systems (where used).
 Emergency Rescue Procedures for Fall-
arrest Systems

Procedures should take into account the need for:

• a plan and timeframe to carry out any rescues;

• the immediate rescue of a person after an arrested
fall, without the need to rely on emergency services;
• the necessary equipment required to carry out a
rescue eg. an emergency rapid response kit;
• the installation of individual fall-arrest systems and
rope access systems in locations where it is possible
to assist or rescue a person;
 Emergency Rescue Procedures for Fall-
arrest Systems (Cont)

• all workers working with fall injury prevention

system receive information, instruction and
training in emergency, prior to work
commencing;
• workers are not working alone. This is important
if there is a risk of a fall;
 Emergency Rescue Procedures for Fall-
arrest Systems (Cont)

• access to first aid facilities or services, including

trained first aiders, a rescue team must have a
trained first aider;
• the location, contact information and availability
(hours open) of emergency services, such as
fire brigade, ambulance and hospitals; and
• an effective and readily available means of
communication eg. 2 way etc.
 RESCUE PLAN
• Rescue plan mandatory in the JSA

• Training on the Rescue Plan

• Training on suspension trauma

 EXAMPLES OF RESCUE
EQUIPMENT:

Mobile elevated platform or crane with man basket

 Suspension Trauma
Everybody who is suspended in a harness runs the
risk of shock and unconsciousness due to blood flow
insufficiency.

Shock/unconsciousness is caused by a lack of blood

flow. Blood accumulates in the lower parts of the body
as a result of leg musculature relaxing which stops the
`muscle pump’.

The blood supply to the heart is then restricted, the

body suddenly slows the heart causing the person to
faint.
 Suspension Trauma
– With the victim suspended and caught in an upright,
vertical position the harness straps cause pressure
on the leg veins.
– Fainting/unconsciousness can become life
threatening in minutes.
– May lead to renal failure and eventually death.
– The condition may be worsened by heat and
dehydration.
– Depends on a person’s susceptibility and physical
fitness therefore victim should be rescued
immediately.
 Preventing Suspension Trauma
• Workers should never work alone when using a
harness as fall protection;
• The time a worker spends in suspension after a fall
should be limited to less than five minutes;
• When a suspension is longer than five minutes,
foothold straps or a way of placing weight on the legs
should be provided;
• Workers should be trained to do the following when
they are hanging in their harness after a fall:
• try to move the legs in the harness and push against any footholds,
In some instances, the harness design and/or any injuries received
may prevent this movement; and
• try to move the legs as high as possible.
 Suspension Trauma First Aid
After rescue, if victim has been suspended for
longer than 5 minutes or is unconscious:

– They should not be laid down (even in the recovery position);

– They must be positioned with the upper body very well raised
(eg. Squatting or crouching);
– Belts and clothing must be loosened;
– Transfer to a horizontal position gradually over 40 minutes
(eg. Crouching, sitting, lying with body raised then lying);
– Heart failure may occur from the rush of blood that
accumulated in the legs during suspension;
– An ambulance must be called immediately;
– Constantly monitor circulation and respiration and if
unconscious make sure airways are clear.
 Job/Task Priorities
It may be necessary to prepare or follow a job, task or operation plan.

A job/task plan should consider:

• Job requirements
• What it is you will be doing.
• Workers involved.
• Equipment required including PPE.
• Priorities
• The order of tasks.
• Who does what job and when.
• Risks are reduced as the job is organised.
• Workplace rules and procedures
• Each site is different.
• Identified hazards and hazard control measures.
• JSA can assist in this.
Spot the Hazard!!
 Job Safety Analysis (JSA)
• JSA’s are a risk assessment tool to help analyze a
work activity or process by breaking it into a series of
parts or smaller tasks.
• It helps providing information to everyone involved in a
particular task.
• It sets out the method that will be used and the way
that hazards associated with the task will be managed
on that site.
• JSA’s are an important part of preparing for each job.
• JSA’s should be completed before work begins.
• They are usually conducted for high risk activities.
JSA example, Re-roofing building.