at what height is a fall harness required

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# Fall Protection - Legislation (cont.) ## When is fall protection required? (cont.) - working at a height of less than 3 metres when the surface below could cause a greater injury than just the fall (e.g., machinery; risk of drowning in water or other liquid; open tanks, vats, or pits containing hazardous materials; materials that can shift) - a worker may fall through an opening in the work surface - it is determined that fall protection is necessary ## What are the sources of legislation regarding fall protection? Below is a table for guidance purposes that lists the common situations where fall protection is required. NOTE that other requirements may be listed in other sections, regulations, or Acts that are not listed in this table. For more details, consult the legislation directly. Always consult the legislation that applies in your situation, and with your jurisdiction for complete information. Fall Protection - Legislation CCOHS

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# Fall Protection - Fall Protection Plan (General) (cont.) ## What is working at heights? (cont.) - elevated work platforms, - fixed suspended work platforms, - swing staging, - boatswain's chairs, - aerial devices, - suspended equipment, or - personnel carrying equipment (e.g., personnel lifting units raised by cranes or hoists) Occupational health and safety laws generally require action when a worker has the potential to fall about 3 metres (10 feet). Check with your jurisdiction as exact requirements do vary. Note that most jurisdictions require the use of specific fall protection measures before, or in addition to, personal protective equipment (PPE). These measures generally include the use of some of the following: - fixed barriers (e.g., handrails, guardrails) - surface opening protection (e.g., covers, guardrails, etc.) - warning barriers or control zones - fall or travel restraint systems (i.e., a system to prevent a worker from falling from a work position, or from travelling to an unguarded edge from which the worker could fall) - fall containment system (e.g., safety nets) - fall arrest systems (ie., a system that will stop a worker's fall before the worker hits the surface below) There may also be specific legal requirements around use of equipment like ladders and scaffolding. ## What are fall protection plans and why are they important? A fall protection plan is a general term for the policy and procedures used to identify fall hazards, and the measures taken to prevent injury. Included in this plan is selecting, assembling, maintaining, inspecting, using, and dismantling equipment such as ladders, scaffolds, or platforms used for working at heights as well as any fall protection equipment. Emergency procedures for rescuing fallen workers (including those who are hanging in midair by their harness) are also needed. Fall protection plans must be specific to each site where workers are at heights. There is "no one size fits all" plan.…

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# Fall Protection - Fall Arrest Systems (cont.) ## How can bottoming out be prevented? (cont.) length of the energy absorber when it is deployed (when in use) - length of the harness and other equipment when stretched - the location and strength of the anchor point - the worker's height - the vertical (up and down) and horizontal (side-to-side) clearances - the potential for pendulum or swing falls - a safety factor distance ## How is the total fall clearance distance calculated? The total fall clearance distance is the distance from the ground (or object below) to the connection point where the worker attaches their lanyard to the anchor or lifeline. To prevent bottoming out, the fall clearance distance must be longer than the distance the worker could fall before being stopped by the fall arrest system. When calculating the fall clearance distance, consider the length of the lanyard, the length of the energy absorber (when deployed), the worker's height, and a safety factor. Length o Fall Length O' Clearance Energy A Distance Height of Safety Fa Figure 1: Elements used to calculate the fall clearance distance (adapted from Infrastructure Health and Safety Association, 2020) Detailed equations are available, including those in CSA Z259.17 "Selection and use of active fall-protection equipment and system". The manufacturer of the fall arrest equipment or a fall protection training organization may also have recommendations. Note: Certain CSA Group standards are available for online viewing. To access these, you must first create an account with "CSA Communities". Go to: https://community.csagroup.org/login.jspa?referer=%252Findex.jspa Once you are logged in, click on the text below the "OHS Standards / View Access" graphic. Click on the jurisdiction of your choice to see the CSA Standards as referenced in that legislation. Standards may also be purchased from CSA Group: https://store.csagroup.org/ What is the pendulum effect and how to reduce it? …

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# What are elements to consider when writing a fall protection plan? (cont.) ## Who has responsibilities for fall hazards? (cont.) - Educate and train workers and supervisors to understand and properly fulfill their role in fall protection and prevention. Workers should have easy access to policies and procedures so the directions can be reviewed when needed. - Make sure workers are instructed in all of the fall-protection methods or systems used and, in the post-fall rescue procedure before being allowed into an area where there is a risk of falling. - Make sure the fall-arresting system consists of the required components, including full body harness, self-retracting lanyard, energy absorbing lanyard or lanyard and energy absorber, and appropriate anchor point or horizontal life line. - Make sure all protective equipment, clothing or devices are provided, used, and maintained in good condition. - Make sure PPE is used effectively according to the policies and procedures, legal requirements, and the manufacturer's specifications. - Review and amend the fall protection plan when necessary, on a regular schedule. - Review and amend the fall protection plan after relevant workplace changes. - Review and improve the fall protection plan after each fall or near-miss incident. A supervisor must: - Make sure workers follow applicable legal requirements and the workplace policy and procedures regarding fall protection. - Inform workers about fall hazards and how to work safely at heights. - Make sure workers use and know how to wear the appropriate fall protection equipment. - Act on information provided by workers (e.g., safety concerns about the situation, when equipment is broken, defective, or missing, etc.). - Participate in fall protection planning where relevant and when requested. A worker must: worker must: - Alert the supervisor about previous unidentified fall hazards before beginning or continuing any work. - Participate in fall pr…

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CCOHS CCHST Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Centre canadien d'hygiène et de securite au travail Fall Protection # Fall Protection - Fall Arrest Systems ## On this page What is meant by fall arrest system? What should be considered when using a fall arrest system? How can bottoming out be prevented? How is the total fall clearance distance calculated? What is the pendulum effect and how to reduce it? What is suspension trauma and how to address it? ## What is meant by fall arrest system? Fall arrest system is the name given to the group of equipment, components, and systems used to arrest (stop) a fall from height. These systems can be used to protect workers who that are working at heights. A fall arrest system should only be used when other methods of fall protection are not available or possible, including engineering controls (e.g., elevated platform), guardrails, safety nets, or travel restraint. Fall arrest systems should: - keep the free fall distance as short as possible, - minimize the forces of the fall experienced by the worker, - protect the worker from striking other surfaces while falling, and - protect the worker from the pendulum effect or swing falls. See other OSH Answers documents for more information on fall protection, including fall protection plan. Always use the type of fall arrest system(s) required by your local jurisdiction. and standards such as CSA Z259.17 "Selection and use of active fall-protection equipment and system", Z259.12 "Connecting components for personal fall arrest systems", Z259.16 "Design of active fall- protection systems", and others. NOTE that other requirements may be needed that are not discussed in this document. Always consult the legislation that applies in your situation and with your jurisdiction for complete information. ## What should be considered when using a fall arrest system? It is important to assess the hazards a worker may be exposed to if they fall, and the impact of…

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CCOHS CCHST Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Centre canadien d'hygiène et de sécurité au travail Fall Protection # Fall Protection - Working at Heights Rescue Plan ## On this page What is a working at heights rescue plan? Why are rescue plans important when working at heights? What elements should a rescue plan include? What should be included in a working at heights rescue plan? What personal protective equipment (PPE) do rescuers need to use? How are hazards identified and risks assessed for a rescue at heights? What methods and equipment can be used in a working at heights rescue? What are some important considerations for the anchor system? How will the rescue team communicate during an emergency? What kind of training does the rescue team need? What post-incident procedures should be followed after a rescue? ## What is a working at heights rescue plan? A working at heights rescue plan refers to written emergency response procedures for quickly retrieving and providing help to a worker who has fallen while working at heights. A rescue may be needed when a worker falls or needs rescue for other reasons (including medical emergencies or mechanical failures) and is located at an elevated position, such as being suspended by a fall arrest harness. Recuse may also be required while the worker is on a roof, crane, elevated platform, lifting device, or other areas. While a fall protection plan is intended to help prevent falls, it is important to include a rescue plan in case of an emergency. Why are rescue plans important when working at heights? Fall Protection - Working at Heights Rescue Plan CCOHS

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CCOHS CCHST Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Centre canadien d'hygiène et de sécurité au travail Fall Protection # Fall Protection - Legislation ## On this page When is fall protection required? What are the sources of legislation regarding fall protection? What are the applicable standards for fall protection? Where can I find more information from CCOHS about fall protection and working at heights? ## When is fall protection required? Most jurisdictions require the use of specific fall protection measures before, or in addition to, personal protective equipment (PPE). These measures generally include the use of some of the following: - fixed barriers (e.g., handrails, guardrails) - surface opening protection (e.g., covers, guardrails, etc.) - warning barriers/control zones - fall or travel restraint systems (i.e., a system to prevent a worker from falling from a work position, or from travelling to an unguarded edge from which the worker could fall) - fall containment system (e.g., safety nets) - fall arrest systems (i.e., a system that will stop a worker's fall before the worker hits the surface below) There may also be specific legal requirements around use of equipment like ladders and scaffolding. Occupational health and safety laws generally require action when a worker has the potential to fall about 3 metres (10 feet). In most cases, fall protection is required when: other means of fall protection are not available or possible, such as guardrails - working at a height of 3 metres or more (permanent and/or temporary work areas) Fall Protection - Legislation CCOHS

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# Fall Protection - Working at Heights Rescue Plan (cont.) ## What is a working at heights rescue plan? (cont.) Relying only on calling for local emergency services after an incident as a rescue plan is not appropriate. Workers who fall and become suspended in their fall arrest harness need to be rescued immediately. Suspension trauma (also referred to as orthostatic intolerance) involves blood pooling in the lower body, reducing the amount of oxygen available to the brain and other vital organs. It occurs when a worker hangs in the harness for too long. The harness may create pressure, preventing the blood from circulating, or the worker may be in shock, unconscious, or otherwise not able to move their legs, causing blood to pool in their lower limbs. This trauma can occur in minutes and can cause serious health effects such as damage to the brain, kidneys or other organs. Death may occur in less than 30 minutes. The worker may have sustained an injury from the fall or be unconscious and be unable to rescue themselves or assist the rescuers. A rescue may be needed if a worker experiences a medical emergency while working at heights, such as heat stroke, fainting, and cardiovascular or respiratory distress, and is unable to get down on their own or requires immediate medical assistance. The plan must also consider that the conditions or hazards that caused the fall may also be a risk to other workers, including the rescuers. ## What elements should a rescue plan include? Before a specific task begins, make sure that the plan covers any possible scenarios experienced at the specific worksite. Adjust and modify the rescue plan as needed. A rescue plan should include the following details: - Be written, reviewed and posted before work begins - Identify who will conduct the rescue and their roles and responsibilities - Include procedures for identifying, assessing, and controlling hazards - Outline training requirements for both rescue personnel and work…

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# What are elements to consider when writing a fall protection plan? Develop the fall protection plan by involving those individuals with direct experience and whose work will be most impacted. This involvement will allow for input from supervisors and workers whose work involves fall hazards. Involve the joint health and safety committee or representative during the plan development as well. Fall arrest planning includes the steps necessary to prevent the worker from hitting the ground, material, equipment, or lower level of a structure. Determine the fall clearance distance below the work area to make sure that if a worker falls, they do not hit the ground. Workers may swing from side to side when they fall (called the pendulum effect), which also must be taken into consideration. A worker who has fallen and is hanging suspended will need to be rescued by others. A site-specific fall protection plan will incorporate many items, including: - site location (address, description, work area, tasks) - site-specific fall hazards (e.g., maximum height(s), roof slope if applicable, proximity to power lines, ground cover, etc.) - type of fall protection to be used, - protection to be used, including anchor points, and clearance requirements - procedures for fall protection equipment inspection, set-up, use, and removal - any other requirements before beginning work (e.g., presence of first aid or rescue personnel, other safety equipment, barricades, etc.) - rescue procedures - worker sign off ## Who has responsibilities for fall hazards? An employer must: - Develop written fall protection policy and procedures relevant for the workplace. - Identify all areas where there is a potential of injury due to fall. - Prioritize using passive fall arrest systems, such as guardrails, travel restraint, or fall- restricting systems over only relying on personal fall arrest systems. - Develop fall arrest rescue procedures which detail how to return workers safely to…