PPT-SM-FALLPROT
V.A.0.0
Introduction to Fall Protection • Falls account for 13% of fatal injuries • 11% of these fatal falls were to a lower level • Workers may be required to perform tasks at great
heights which puts them at risk to injuries and death from falls
• Knowing which fall arrest system to use and how to properly secure it will aid in the prevention of injuries and fatalities due to a fall
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PPT-SM-FALLPROT
V.A.0.0
When Fall Protection is Necessary When working under any of the following conditions fall protection equipment must be worn • Heights 4 feet or above in general industry • Heights 6 feet or above in construction industry • Heights more than 6 feet above the established working surface without guardrails
• Immediate danger below the working surface • Working on a tank roof • Lifting or lowering worker by air hoist or hydraulic winch
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PPT-SM-FALLPROT
V.A.0.0
Types of Fall Protection
• Guardrails and handrails
• Nets and barricades
• Ladder climbing devices
• Restraining devices
• Hole covers
• Fall arrest equipment
Other than guardrails, the most commonly used form of fall protection is fall arrest equipment.
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PPT-SM-FALLPROT
V.A.0.0
Worker Responsibilities
• Do not work at heights unless trained to do so • Know the hazards of working at heights • Inspect fall arrest equipment prior to use • Wear fall arrest equipment when required • Be alert for fall hazards • Be aware of chemicals that can damage
equipment
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PPT-SM-FALLPROT
V.A.0.0
Nature of Fall Hazards • The action of falling makes the
body susceptible to many different hazards
• While falling, you do not have control of your body which can cause you to land in dangerous or fatal ways
• Puncture wounds can occur from falling against objects or tools that might be at the jobsite
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PPT-SM-FALLPROT
V.A.0.0
Nature of Fall Hazards
• The body has no control of how or where it will land
• Protection from falling objects includes the use of – Toeboards – Barricades – Canopies – Hard hats – Lines to secure tools and material
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PPT-SM-FALLPROT
V.A.0.0
Selection and Use of Fall Arrest System
• Used in exposed areas where workers may be subject to a fall
• All parts of a fall arrest system must be capable of supporting a 5,000 pound load
A fall arrest system includes a • Full body
harness • Lanyard • Fall brake • Tie-off point
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PPT-SM-FALLPROT
V.A.0.0
Full Body Harness • Distributes force of fall
across buttocks – Less likely to cause internal
injuries
• Properly adjust harness – Tight but does not restrict
motion
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PPT-SM-FALLPROT
V.A.0.0
Full Body Harness
• Inspection – Monthly or quarterly
– Visually prior to use
• If subject to fall, destroy and
dispose
• Worn as described by
manufacturer
A full body harness must show no evidence of • Defects • Damage • Modifications
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PPT-SM-FALLPROT
V.A.0.0
Full Body Harness
Safety belts • Intended as positioning devices
• Worn underneath ribs, not on the waist
• Falls result in serious internal injuries to soft organs
• Know your company’s policy regarding the use of
safety belts
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PPT-SM-FALLPROT
V.A.0.0
Lanyard • Connects anchor to harness
• Restrict fall to 6 feet or
less
• Designed for use in a fall
arrest system
• Must support at least
5,000 pounds
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PPT-SM-FALLPROT
V.A.0.0
Lanyard
• Modified lanyard made from spare cable or rope is not acceptable
• Attach lanyard to back of full body harness
• Attachment hardware must be double locking design
Tying knots to shorten lanyards weakens the lanyard by up to 50%.
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PPT-SM-FALLPROT
V.A.0.0
Fall Brakes • Known as deceleration device • Controls deceleration during
fall – Limits the G forces exerted on
the person falling
• Divided into – Webbing tear aways – Retractable, inertial braking
mechanisms
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PPT-SM-FALLPROT
V.A.0.0
Tie-off Point • Estimated 80% of all errors that occur
with fall protection equipment are due to a poor choice for the tie-off point
• Must support weight of 5,000 pounds • Located above and behind the worker
as much as possible • Do not tie-off on
– Process pipe – Hand railings – Cable trays
Approximately 80%
of errors that occur
with fall protection
equipment are due
to a poor choice for
the tie-off point.
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PPT-SM-FALLPROT
V.A.0.0
Handling and Storage
• Handle properly to not allow deterioration or
damage
• Store equipment in designated area
• Store indoors away from the elements
• Hang equipment with D-rings or metal pieces on
hooks
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PPT-SM-FALLPROT
V.A.0.0
Inspection and Maintenance
• Inspect prior to use and on a routine basis • Remove damaged, modified or defective equipment
from service – Repair or destroy
• If subject to fall – Remove from service – Repair, inspect or destroy
• Be aware of chemicals that can damage equipment • Use only approved cleaning agents
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PPT-SM-FALLPROT
V.A.0.0
Rescue Plan
• Have rescue plan in place
• Speedy recovery is important
• Authorized workers should practice rescue plan
regularly
• Rescue equipment should – Meet ANSI requirements
– Be inspected by user before and after use
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