| Purpose |
Protecting Workers from injuries associated with working at heights. |
| Definition |
Fall protection is the use of controls designed to protect Workers from falling or in the event they do fall, to stop them without causing severe injury. Typically, fall protection is implemented when working at height, but may be relevant when working near any edge. |
| Hazards
This list of potential hazards is not comprehensive. Workers are required to complete a Hazard Assessment prior to starting this task to ensure all hazards are identified and controlled.
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Physical:
- Falling Objects
- Improper use of fall protection equipment
- Other Workers in the area
- Fall from Heights
- Weather Conditions
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| Controls |
Engineering:
- Barricades
- Warning Signage
Administrative:
- SJP – Fall Protection
- Emergency Response Plan (ERP)
- Fall Protection Plan
- End-User Fall Protection Training
- Manufacturer’s use and inspection requirements
- Signage
- Hazard Assessment
- Reliable weather-monitoring tools (Environment Canada, AccuWeather, etc.)
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| Work Site Supervisory Responsibility |
Do
- Ensure Workers have valid End-User Fall Protection Training.
- Determine type of equipment required.
- Ensure hazard assessments are completed prior to starting work.
- Conduct site safety inspection (formal or informal, as appropriate).
- Review and understand the Fall Protection Plan including rescue procedures
Do Not
- Allow untrained Workers to use any form of fall protection system.
- Allow Workers to use defective equipment.
- Allow Workers to conduct work from an elevated work area without appropriate fall protection equipment and training.
- Allow work to proceed if wind speeds exceed 40 km/h or 25 mph.
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| Worker Responsibility |
Do
- Be properly trained and competent to work at heights.
- Be fully conversant with fall protection systems.
- Inspect fall protection equipment before each use.
- Follow the fall protection plan and use equipment as directed.
- Ensure fall protection equipment is used properly at all times, in accordance with training.
- Ensure barricades, ribbons and signs identify restricted areas.
- Ensure understanding of the procedures for rescue of Workers who may be unable to rescue themselves from an elevated work area.
- Ensure lanyards and/or rope are not wrapped around beams, girders, pipes, etc. Use only certified anchor straps.
- Know the anchor points of your fall protection equipment. Know the limitations and restrictions of the anchors and safety straps.
- Report any issues or concerns with fall protection equipment immediately.
- Utilize buddy system and continually check harnesses and D-rings to ensure that the harness is not too loose and/or the D-ring has not slipped down the back.
- Report any falls, injuries or accidents immediately.
Do Not
- Use fall protection systems without training.
- Use defective equipment.
- Accept to work at heights if you are uncomfortable or untrained.
- Continue work if wind speeds exceed 40 km/h or 25 mph.
- Wrap the lanyards and/or rope around beams, girders, pipes, etc.
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