2018MITA

FALL PROTECTION

SCOPE

The following are minimum requirements forfall protection in construction. The standarddoes not apply to employees making inspection,investigation or assessments of workplaceconditions prior to actual start of work or aftercompletion.

TRAINING:• For each employee who might be exposed to falling

• Trained by a competent person to recognize fallhazards in the work area

• Covers procedures for FPS to be used

• The use and operation of guardrail systems, personalfall arrest systems, safety net systems, controlled access

zones and other protection to be used

Prevention

• Select fall protection systems appropriate for the givensituation.

• Use proper construction and installation of safetysystems.

• Supervise employees.

• Use safe work practices.

• Train workers in the proper selection, use andmaintenance of fall protection systems.

What are the three ways to protectagainst falls?

1. Personal Fall Arrest System

2. Guardrail System

3. Safety Net System

If determined that these systems are infeasible, a Fall ProtectionPlan may be implemented. Consult Part 45 for details. A Fall

Protection Plan if put in place MUST be kept on site.

1926.501(b)(1) “Unprotected sides and edges.” Eachemployee on a walking/working surface (horizontal orvertical) with an unprotected side or edge which is 6 feetor more above a lower level shall be protected fromfalling by guardrail system, safety net system, or personalfall arrest system.

EXCEPTION: When the employer can demonstrate that it isinfeasible or creates a greater hazard to use these systems, theemployer shall develop and implement a fall protection plan thatmeets the requirements of 1926.502(k)

Part 45 Applies to:

• Unprotected sides and edges.

• Leading edges.

• Hoist areas.

• Holes.

• Formwork and reinforcing steel.

• Ramps, runways and other walkways.

• Excavations.

• Dangerous equipment.

• Precast concrete erection.continued.....

• Wall openings.

• Residential construction, low and steep roofs.

• All other walking/working surfaces not otherwiseaddressed.

What are the components of a PFAS?

HARNESS

LANYARD

ANCHOR

How much force doesit need to support?

5000 lbsper user

Guardrail System

What are the keys to acompliant guardrail

system?

Top rail that is 42” +/- 3” and able to withstand 200 lbsoutward downward pressure.

Mid rail 1/2 between and a toe board to prevent objects fromfalling below.

Cable guardrail needs tobe marked with flags for

visibility.

SAFETY NET

“Holes”Means a gap or void 2” or more in its least dimension, in afloor, roof, or other walking/working surface.Some of the more common in our industry are:

• Man Holes

• Bridge Decks

• Joints in the road

What do we do about them?

• Cover them:

The cover should be able to support twice the intended load.

• Mark them:

Covers should be clearly marked “hole” or “cover”.

• Secure them:

Covers should be secured to prevent displacement.

Warning Line System

Controlled Access Zone

May be used when traditional means of fallprotection are infeasible.

Must have a written plan in place developedby a qualified person.

The safety monitor must be able to recognizehazards and communicate with those in the zone.

Hoist Areas• Must be protected by a fall protection system.

• If guardrail sections are removed and workers areexposed to the opening, a PFAS is required.

Working Over Water

What’s wrong withthis picture?

Summary

• If you can fall more than 6 feet to the next level, youMUST be protected.

• Use fall protection on:walkways & ramps, open sides & edges, holes,concrete forms, excavations, roofs, wall openings,bricklaying and residential construction.

• Protective measures include guardrails, covers,safety nets and personal fall arrest systems.

TRAIN, TRAIN, TRAIN