fall protection plan for BC

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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…

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# What are elements to consider when writing a fall protection plan? (cont.) ## Who has responsibilities for fall hazards? (cont.) - Inspect your personal fall protection system before each use. - Protect the protective equipment from damage where possible (e.g., make sure the lifeline or lanyard is protected from sharp edges, heat, flame, or corrosive substances). - Notify the supervisor or employer of any broken, defective, or missing protective equipment. - Be aware of your right to refuse unsafe work. ## Does the fall protection plan include training for those working at heights? Many jurisdictions require workers who will be working at heights to receive training. Ontario and Newfoundland both require this training to be delivered by approved providers. Please see the Fall Protection - Legislation for Training Requirements for more details. Even if training is not specifically required for those working at heights, it is still a very important part of fall protection. Selecting the proper personal protective equipment is complex and understanding how to wear and use the equipment is not always intuitive. Workers and employers must understand how and when their equipment should be maintained, and how to identify damage or incorrectly assembled systems. Users must also have a clear understanding of how to work safely on equipment such as elevated platforms, lifts and scaffolds. ## Does the fall protection plan include a rescue plan? Often after a fall is arrested, the worker remains suspended in the air and will need to be rescued by others. In other situations, the fallen worker could have injuries that require first- aid. A rescue plan will detail how to return fallen workers to a place of safety while keeping rescuers safe. Like other forms of emergency planning, it is essential that everyone understands their role and what they must do after a fall. Before beginning the at heights work, discuss the situation with local emergency services to see if…

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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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# Fall Protection - Anchors (cont.) ## What should you know about the strength requirements of anchors? (cont.) The load applied to the anchor depends on the fall protection system used, such as fall restraint versus fall arrest systems. For example, in British Columbia, a temporary fall restraint system's anchor must be designed to hold a load in every direction of at least 3.5 kN (800 lbs) or four times the weight of the worker to be connected to the system. For a temporary fall arrest system, the anchor must be designed to hold a load in every direction of at least 22 kN (5 000 lbs) or two times the maximum arrest force. A permanent anchor for a personal fall protection system must have a load capacity in any direction of at least 22 kN (5,000 lbs). (From BC OHS Regulation Part 11: Fall Protection, Section 11.6) The strength required may also depend on whether an energy-absorbing device is used. For details that apply to your jurisdiction, please see Fall Protection - Legislation for Anchor Strength. ## What should be examined when inspecting anchor points? Visually inspect anchors for damage, corrosion, and suitability before connecting the fall protection equipment. Permanent anchors should be inspected by a competent person at least once a year or according to the manufacturer's instructions. Keep records of the inspections, including the date of inspection, name, and signature of the person who did the inspection and any modifications or repairs made to the anchor point. Always have anchors tested after a fall for their stability and strength by a professional engineer competent in fall protection systems or the manufacturer. ## What are tips to follow when using anchors? - Identify the location of anchor points and include which anchor points are to be used during the current work in the fall protection plan. - Make sure that the anchor(s) used are appropriate in terms of strength, stability, and location for the type of work being done. - Make s…

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# Fall Protection - Legislation for Training Requirements (cont.) ## What are the sources of legislation regarding fall protection training? (cont.) <table><tr><th>Jurisdiction</th><th>Act, regulations, etc.</th><th>Elements (general summary) (For more details, consult the legislation directly.)</th></tr><tr><td>Federal (Canada)</td><td>Canada Occupational Safety And Health Regulations, SOR/86-304, Sections 12.2</td><td>The employer must make sure every employee who uses protection equipment is trained by a qualified person in the use, operation, and maintenance of that equipment, and includes training about the fall-protection plan and in emergency procedures if there is a risk of drowning. Keep copies of the instruction and training.</td></tr><tr><td>Alberta</td><td>Occupational Health and Safety Code, Reg. 191/2021 Part 9, Fall Protection Section 141</td><td>The employer must train a worker in the safe use of the fall protection system before use. Training includes review of legislation, the fall protection plan, fall protection methods required at the work site, identification of fall hazards, assessment and selection of anchors, instruction on correct use of connecting hardware, effects of a fall on the body, pre-use inspections, emergency response procedures, practice, and other control measures.</td></tr><tr><td>British Columbia</td><td>Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, B.C. Reg. 296/97 Part 11, Fall Protection, Section 11.2</td><td>Employers must make sure the worker is instructed in the fall protection system and the procedures to follow before entering an area where there is a risk of falling.</td></tr><tr><td>Manitoba</td><td>Workplace Safety and Health Regulation, Man. Reg. 217/2006 Part 14, Fall Protection, Sections 14.2 and 14.11 And</td><td>Employers must develop and implement safe work procedures, train workers in these procedures, and make sure workers comply. Training must address guardrails and fall protection system, how to assembl…

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# Fall Protection - Working at Heights Rescue Plan (cont.) ## What should be included in a working at heights rescue plan? (cont.) Other key considerations include determining how a rescue will be initiated and making sure the appropriate equipment is available and maintained. The ability to respond very quickly and retrieve the worker is essential. Plan for situations where the worker is injured, including procedures for first-aid, medical treatment, and getting the injured worker to the hospital. The quickest route to the hospital should be determined. In locations far from a hospital, additional measures may be needed to make sure a worker can receive appropriate medical attention, as required. Immediately before work begins, another assessment should be done to ensure that the rescue plan is still appropriate and that no additional hazards or factors have been overlooked. Check and follow any legislative requirements regarding rescue at heights in your jurisdiction. ## What personal protective equipment (PPE) do rescuers need to use? The required personal protective equipment will depend on the hazards and risks present and should be specified in the fall rescue plan. Common personal protective equipment includes fall protection equipment, head protection, eye protection, high-visibility apparel, gloves, safety footwear, and other equipment. A first-aid kit and rescue equipment and accessories will also be required. ## How are hazards identified and risks assessed for a rescue at heights? Developing a systematic and comprehensive method for identifying hazards and assessing risk is essential. Risk assessments should be done well in advance and again immediately before and during the work as conditions can change. The team responsible for developing the rescue plan needs to identify all hazards that may cause harm to workers during the work and a potential rescue. Hazards may include: - sources that may damage equipment or infrastructure, such as the pr…

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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 - Fall Protection Plan (General) ## On this page Why is fall protection planning important? What is working at heights? What are fall protection plans and why are they important? How do I know if my workplace should have a fall protection plan? What are some areas to examine during a hazard assessment for fall protection? What are elements to consider when writing a fall protection plan? Who has responsibilities for fall hazards? Does the fall protection plan include training for those working at heights? Does the fall protection plan include a rescue plan? ## Why is fall protection planning important? Falls are common causes of serious work related injuries and deaths. Fall protection planning can help to eliminate the hazards or control the risks associated with working near openings or at heights. This document will focus on working at heights. For information about falls on the same level, please see the OSH Answers document on the prevention of slips, trips and falls. ## What is working at heights? Working at heights is any work where a person could fall a distance and be injured. This event might include, for example, falling from a step ladder, off of a roof, or through an unguarded hole in the ground or floor. Fall protection may also be required when working above an open top tank, bin, hopper, or vat. Other situations that may require fall protection include the use of: forklift platforms, Fall Protection - Fall Protection Plan (General) CCOHS

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# What are elements to consider when writing a fall protection plan? (cont.) ## Does the fall protection plan include a rescue plan? (cont.) - Designate, educate, and train those who will conduct the rescue. - Identify on-site first aid personnel and include all contact information. - List the first aid equipment thatmust be on site. - Provide contact information for local emergency medical and fire services, if needed. - Identify all emergency exits and access routes within the worksite. - Identify all available systems of communications. Make sure there is a backup system for the primary mode of communication. - Include procedures for rescue, including rope rescue, retrieval lines, location of anchor points, etc. - Include procedures for using any powered mobile equipment, mechanical hoisting systems or elevating devices that may be required during the rescue. - Detail procedures necessary to clear and secure work areas while they remain unsafe or if any ongoing work would obstruct a rescue. - Educate and train workers performing work at height so they understand what they must do after a fall and during a rescue operation. - Be reviewed and amended on a regular schedule, after relevant changes to the worksite, and after all rescues or related incidents. Fact sheet last revised: 2023-01-25 ## Disclaimer Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy, currency and completeness of the information, CCOHS does not guarantee, warrant, represent or undertake that the information provided is correct, accurate or current. CCOHS is not liable for any loss, claim, or demand arising directly or indirectly from any use or reliance upon the information. Fall Protection - Fall Protection Plan (General) CCOHS