By: Chou Lor, Safety Coordinator Fall Protection

Training Objectives: Types of Falls Fall Protection Systems Guardrails Systems Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS)

Types of Falls Falls from same levels: Cause of same level falls: Slips – When oil, grease, water or any liquids on the floor. Trips – Loose materials, welding leads, etc. lying across walkways, stairs or in congested areas. Falls from an elevation A fall in which you drop from one surface to a lower surface or elevation. Work at elevated areas: Roofs, Scaffolds, Ladders Openings: Floor Openings, Wall Openings, Ladderway Openings.

Fall Protection Systems Fall Protection measures: All walking and working surfaces must be strong enough to safely support employees. All employees exposed to falls of 6 feet or more to lower levels must be protected by a: Guardrail Systems Safety Net System Personal Fall Arrest Systems Others Options Include: Warning Line Systems Safety Monitoring Systems

Guardrail Systems The top edge height of top rails must be between 39 inches & 45 inches above the walking and working level.

Guardrail Systems Mid rails, screens, mesh, or intermediate vertical members are needed when there is no wall or parapet wall at least 21-inches high

Guardrail Systems Guardrail systems must be able to withstand the forces specified in OSHA’s standard Steel or plastic banding cannot be used as top rails or mid rails

Guardrail Systems Top rails and mid rails must have a diameter of at least 1/4-inch If wire rope is used for top rails, it must be flagged with high-visibility material at least every 6 feet Top rails or mid rails made from manila, plastic or synthetic rope must be inspected frequently The guardrail’s surface must be smooth enough so it does not cause lacerations or other injuries, or snag clothing

Guardrail Systems Ramps, runways, and other walkways have guardrails along each unprotected side or edge when employees could fall 6 feet or more

Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS) Anchorage, connectors, body belt or body harness Anchor at least 5000 lbs strength May include a deceleration device Maximum arresting force 1800 pounds (body harness) No free fall over 6 feet Bring employee to a complete stop Maximum deceleration distance 3.5 feet Inspect prior to each use, remove defective components from service Body belts for fall arrest prohibited after Jan. 1, 1998 No

PFAS Cont. Anchorage, connectors, body belt or body harness Cont. Dee-rings and snap hooks 5000 pounds minimum strength, proof tested to 3600 pounds Only locking snaphooks after Jan 1, 1998 Horizontal Lifelines Designed, installed and used under the supervision of a qualified person Vertical Lifelines

PFAS Cont. Anchorage, connectors, body belt or body harness Cont. Connecting Device This connects the Body Harness to the Anchor Point. Example, Shock Absorbing Lanyards, or Self Retractable Lifelines

PFAS Cont. Anchorage, connectors, body belt or body harness Cont. Lanyard to attach on harness between employees shoulders Do not tie back on same lanyard Do not shorten with knots Self retracting lifelines must stop a fall in 2’ max.

Any Questions ??