FALL PROTECTION

Overview Identify fall hazardous areas Describing potential fall hazards How appropriate portable and extension ladders are used

Fall Protection All situations that expose personnel to a fall of 6’ or greater must be assessed by a competent person who is trained in fall protection to implement appropriate controls “Military unique” such as obstacle course training and rappelling are covered by SOP or other military standards, but requirements of CFR 1910 and 1926 apply if feasible The General Industry and Construction Standards cover fall protection systems and use requirements

Unit /Employer Responsibilities Ensure personnel who may be exposed to fall hazards receive fall protection awareness training Provide fall protection equipment Ensure work site hazards are assessed and SOPs relating to fall protection are current Installation Safety Manager Provide fall protection training and material as required Provide recommendations for fall protection Review all fall protection SOPs before they are published Stop any work operations not in compliance Supervisors Get assistance from ISM for assessing potential fall hazards Provide personnel with a written SOP Provide stable work platforms, scaffolds, ladders, fall protection equipment, debris nets, and barriers Ensure personnel are properly trained and enforce the use of fall protection equipment Marine Corps Personnel Comply with the fall protection program requirements Request supervisor’s assistance when assessing potential fall hazards Use equipment and techniques properly Inspect all equipment before use and maintain IAW manufacturers recommendations Remove any defective or shock-loaded equipment from service until inspected by competent person or manufacturer Report unsafe work conditions to the supervisor

Types of Fall Protection Guardrails Personal Fall Arrest System with Harnesses Safety nets Covers Warning Line Systems Safety Monitoring Systems Positioning and Restraint Systems Keep Rescue Operations into consideration when considering fall protection.

Guardrails Temporary or permanent: capable of withstanding 200 lbs force applied within 2” of top edge in any out or downward direction along it’s length Top rail Mid rail Toe board Top rail 39” to 45” (42”) above the walking/working surface Mid rail Installed between the top rail and working surface so opening doesn’t exceed 19” Toe board 4” high from working surface

Personal Fall Arrest System with Harnesses Free-fall is no more than 6’ All components must be rated at 5000 lbs. breaking strength and be compatible for use together as a system May include horizontal, vertical, or self-retracting life lines System is composed of Anchor system (A) Full body harness (B) - Body belts not authorized Lanyard with shock absorbing device (C) Self locking connectors (D) D

Safety Nets Extend a minimum of 8 ft. from the edge of the working surface Installed as close as possible to the working level Able to withstand a weight of 400 lbs. dropped from the highest point of the working surface

Covers Able to withstand twice the weight of personnel, equipment, and materials that may be imposed at any time Must be fastened to prevent slipping Must be marked “cover” or “hole”

Warning Line Systems System can only be used on low-slope roofs with a pitch equal or less than 4” in 12” Rope, wire, or chain placed 34” to 39” high Placed at least 6 ft. from the edge of roof Flagged with high visibility material every 6 ft. Support able to withstand 16 lbs. of force without tipping

Safety Monitoring System A competent person Must be on the same working surface Can have no other duties but observe System be used on low slope roofs only A competent person to warn workers if they appear to be unaware of a fall hazard Must be on the same working surface as the workers with no visual obstructions and able to communicate orally with workers Can have no other duties Can only be used on low slope roofs, pitch equal to or less than 4” in 12”, and flat roofs

Positioning and Restraint Systems Will not allow a person to fall more than 2 feet Anchor strength must be a minimum of 3000 lbs.

Rescue Operations The ISM and supervisors shall insure personnel can be rescued promptly A rescue and evacuation plan must be in place The ISM and supervisors shall insure personnel exposed to fall hazards can be promptly rescued, or able to recover themselves if they fall A rescue and evacuation plan must be in place that includes emergency procedures, methods of rescue, equipment used, and training requirements

Scaffolds moved to reach a desired work level or position Scaffolds are elevated platforms that can be moved to reach a desired work level or position 2 main types of scaffolds Suspension Mobile

Scaffolds Tube and Suspended Hang by ropes or wires from an overhead support Single/Double Point Suspension Keep scaffolds at least 10 ft from energized power lines Use a personal fall arrest system attached to a proper anchor A guardrail is required if the scaffold is more than 14” away from surface being worked on Don’t use scaffolds if winds are over 40 mph Mobile Rest on the ground and may be supported by wheels or casters The height of the scaffold should not be more than 4 times it’s base measurement Set the brakes and chock the wheels to keep the scaffold from moving while you work Use approved outriggers to increase the width of the base for a higher scaffold Clear a pathway for the scaffold that is free of any debris, cracks or holes Alert everyone in the area that the scaffold will be moved Push as close to the bottom of the scaffold as possible

Ladders Two basic types of ladders Portable ladders - Step ladder Extension ladder Fixed ladders Portable Metal Ladders No structural defects or accident hazards such as sharp edges, burrs, etc. Slip resistant rungs (a)(1)Designed to produce a ladder without structural defects or accident hazards such as sharp edges, burrs, etc. (a)(1)(v)Slip resistant rungs 1910.26

Portable Ladders Stepladder Make sure the ladder is fully open and the spreaders are locked Don’t climb, stand or sit on the top two rungs

Portable Ladders cont. Extension ladder Set up with about 3 feet extension above the working surface Be sure to secure or foot the ladder firmly before extending Never raise or lower the ladder with the fly section extended Tie off at top

Portable Ladders cont. Figure out the right set-up angle or pitch - should be about 1/4 of the distance from the ladder’s top to bottom supports

General Ladder Safety If you must use a ladder in a passageway, set out cones or barricades Use both hands for climbing Tie off the ladder to a secure object Make sure the footing is secure Use wooden or fiberglass ladders for electrical work Don’t reach when on a ladder

Inspecting Ladders Look for broken or missing steps or rungs Look for broken or split side rails and other defects Check footing devices when installed Tag defective ladders “out of service” or “do not use” Don’t paint ladders, it covers defects Missing rung

Use of Ladders Portable ladders are designed as a one-man working ladder based on a 200-pound load. The ladder base section must be placed with a secure footing. The top of the ladder must be placed with the two rails supported, unless equipped with a single support attachment.

Use of Ladders When ascending or descending the climber must face the ladder and have two points of contact 1910.26(c)

Fixed Ladders Must be able to support two loads of 250lbs Must be able to withstand rigging, impact loads and weather conditions If fixed ladder is longer than 24 ft, must have cages or wells to protect worker from falling May have a ladder climbing device installed Ladders that are permanently attached to buildings or other physical structures Must be able to support two loads of 250lbs Must be able to withstand rigging, impact loads and weather conditions If fixed ladder is longer than 24 ft, must have cages or wells to protect worker from falling May have a ladder climbing device installed

Stairways use handrails !

Stairways Must be strong enough to carry 5 times it’s maximum intended load Treads must be slip resistant and equally spaced

Stairways cont. Stairways landings must be at least 30 inches deep and 22 inches wide at every 12 feet or less of vertical rise Unprotected sides of landings must have standard 42 inch guardrail systems

variation in any stairway system Stairways cont. Install between 30 and 50 degrees Must have uniform riser height and tread depth, with less than a 1/4-inch variation Uniform - 30 & 50 deg. angle No more than 1/4 inch variation in any stairway system

Stairways cont. Stairways with four or more risers, or higher than 30” must be equipped with at least one handrail

Stairways cont. Fix slippery conditions before using Stairway parts must be free of projections which may cause injuries or snag clothing

Training Conducted by a competent person designated by the ISM Training shall be provided to all personnel that may be exposed to fall hazards Nature of fall hazards in work area Procedures for erecting, inspecting, and disassembling fall protection systems being used Use and operation of fall protection systems being used Correct procedures for handling and storing equipment and materials and overhead protection Role of each person in the safety monitoring system

References NAVMC DIR 5100.8, Chapter 18 29 CFR 1910 29 CFR 1926 COE EM-385 2011 Local SOP