FALL PROTECTION IN THE WORKPLACE

FALLS CAN BE FATAL In the blink of an eye we can hit the ground hard. Consequences of ignoring fall protection is obvious Falls on the job kill 11,000 people and cause more than 200,000 disabling injuries per year

FALL PROTECTION IN THE WORKPLACE Fall Hazards Ladders Scaffolds Buckets Towers Work Platforms OR From any other off ground situation

Keep Your SAFETY in Mind Inspect equipment before use Get faulty equipment repaired before using it Follow safe work practices in all off-the-ground situations –(4 feet or more off-the-ground and 6 feet or more off- the-ground in construction industry) FALL PROTECTION IN THE WORKPLACE

LADDERS Are the rungs in good condition? Use a three point climb (2 feet and 1 hand or 2 hands and 1 foot) Always face the front of the ladder Keep hands on side rails at all times Keep weight centered FALL PROTECTION IN THE WORKPLACE

LADDERS Are you using the belt buckle rule? Keep your belt buckle between side rails of ladder at all times DON’T RUSH!!!!!!!!!!!!! FALL PROTECTION IN THE WORKPLACE

GUARD RAILS Designed to keep people from fallingDesigned to keep people from falling Around platforms or walkways May be temporary or permanent Rails must be able to support 200 lbs Rails must be 39 to 45 inches above surface FALL PROTECTION IN THE WORKPLACE

SAFETY NETS Used where guard rails are impractical or impossible to install Personal nets are intended to catch people Debris nets are intended to catch tools and debris Must be inspected regularly, generally weekly. FALL PROTECTION IN THE WORKPLACE

PERSONAL FALL ARREST SYSTEM Used only when other types of fall protection cannot be used Designed to tether a worker to an anchor point Used to protect workers climbing vertical distances Used to protect workers on horizontal surfaces high above the ground. FALL PROTECTION IN THE WORKPLACE

PERSONAL FALL ARREST SYSTEM Contains the following components: FULL BODY HARNESS CONNECTING DEVICE ANCHOR POINT (support 5,000 lbs) FALL PROTECTION IN THE WORKPLACE

PERSONAL FALL ARREST SYSTEM Inspection and Maintenance Frayed or broken harness straps D-ring securely attached and not bent Tears, missing stitches or damaged hardware

FALL PROTECTION QUIZ Circle TRUE or FALSE for each of the statements below: 1.Falls can cause about 11,000 on-the-job deaths each year. TRUEFALSE 2.A three-point climb means a ladder must be attached at three points. TRUEFALSE 3.Netting on a guard rail prevents people and items from falling. TRUEFALSE 4.Personal fall protection systems include two items: A full body harness and a connecting device. TRUEFALSE 5.Personal fall protection systems vary depending on the work being done but all include a full body harness TRUEFALSE 6.Fall protection systems may be connected to water or sewer lines or an electrical conduit. TRUEFALSE