Generate Fall Protection Plan

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# Fall Protection - Fall Protection Plan (General) (cont.) ## How do I know if my workplace should have a fall protection plan? Each workplace should seek the answers to the following questions: - How is working at heights defined in my jurisdiction? - Are workers working at heights? - Is a hazard assessment required (by law, other authority, or good practice)? - Are you required to have a fall protection plan? ## What are some areas to examine during a hazard assessment for fall protection? Look for all areas or situations where there is a risk of falling before any work begins. - Are there any areas where people may fall during tasks they are expected to do? Examples include: - from a height of 3 m (10 ft) or more - from heights less than 3 m (10 ft) where required (e.g., where there is an increased risk of injury) - into operating machinery - into water or other liquid - into or onto a hazardous substance or object - through an opening in a work surface - Are there controls in place to eliminate or reduce the likelihood of falls? - Are workers trained to recognize new or previously unrecognized fall hazards and report them immediately? - Do workers understand the protective measures taken to reduce falls (e.g., guardrails, safety nets, etc.)? - Is all equipment used by workers stable and in good repair, including guardrails, ladders and scaffolding? - Are floors in work areas in a clean and, so far as possible, dry condition? - Are workers educated and trained to understand how and when to use protective equipment safely? - Are the required personal protective equipment, available, maintained in good condition, and used as instructed? Fall Protection - Fall Protection Plan (General) CCOHS

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# APPENDIX E SAMPLE FALL PROTECTION PLAN NON-MANDATORY GUIDELINES FOR COMPLYING WITH 1926.502(K) (cont.) ## Safety Monitoring System A safety monitoring system means a fall protection system in which a competent person is responsible for recognizing and warning employees of fall hazards. The duties of the safety monitor are to: 1. Warn by voice when approaching the open edge in an unsafe manner. 2. Warn by voice if there is a dangerous situation developing which cannot be seen by another person involved with product placement, such as a member getting out of control. 3. Make the designated erectors aware they are in a dangerous area. 4. Be competent in recognizing fall hazards. 5. Warn employees when they appear to be unaware of a fall hazard or are acting in an unsafe manner. 6. Be on the same walking/working surface as the monitored employees and within visual sighting distance of the monitored employees. 7. Be close enough to communicate orally with the employees. 8. Not allow other responsibilities to encumber monitoring. If the safety monitor becomes too encumbered with other responsibilities, the monitor shall (1) stop the erection process; and (2) turn over other responsibilities to a designated erector; or (3) turn over the safety monitoring function to another designated, competent person. The safety monitoring system shall not be used when the wind is strong enough to cause loads with large surface areas to swing out of radius, or result in loss of control of the load, or when weather conditions cause the walking-working surfaces to become icy or slippery. ## Control Zone System A controlled access zone means an area designated and clearly marked, in which leading edge work may take place without the use of guardrail, safety net or personal fall arrest systems to protect the employees in the area. Control zone systems shall comply with the following provisions: 1. When used to control access to areas where leading edge and other operations are…

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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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# 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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CCOHS CCHST Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Centre canadien d'hygiène et de sécurité au travail Fall Protection # Fall Protection - Hierarchy of Control ## On this page What should be considered when work is done at heights? How can work at heights be eliminated? What engineering controls can be used to reduce work at heights? What administrative controls can be used? What are examples of personal protective equipment? What should be considered when work is done at heights? Workplaces that identify any risk of injury due to a fall from heights should implement a fall protection plan that outlines the management of work at heights. These policies and procedures may cover a wide range of elements, such as the use of any fall protection equipment, or the assembling, maintaining, inspecting, using, and dismantling of equipment such as ladders, scaffolds, or platforms used for working at heights. Employers must consider the hierarchy of control when selecting the safest method. Information about the hierarchy of control for fall protection is included in this document. Please see the OSH Answers "Hierarchy of Control' for general information. NOTE that other requirements may be needed that are not discussed in this document. Applying the hierarchy of control for work at heights can be complex. Always consult the legislation that applies in your situation, and with your jurisdiction for complete information. The following information is intended as guidance only. ## How can work at heights be eliminated? The most effective method of control is to eliminate the need to work at a height. Examples include: - Designing the work (structurally or mechanically) to eliminate the need to work at heights - Providing a stable platform or floor Fall Protection - Hierarchy of Control CCOHS

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# Fall Protection - Working at Heights Rescue Plan (cont.) ## How are hazards identified and risks assessed for a rescue at heights? (cont.) Before starting a task involving working at heights, all workers (including rescuers) should immediately report any concerns to the supervisor. If conditions or factors are a risk to workers or may impact a rescue, this concern needs to be addressed before the work begins. If rescuers have any concerns with their training or the rescue plan, they also need to report this to their supervisor so it can be addressed. Equipment used by workers and rescuers must be properly inspected and maintained, including before use. Any defective equipment must be replaced. Once all the hazards are identified and the risks are assessed, appropriate control measures need to be taken. The hierarchy of controls should be considered. It is important to continuously review and improve control measures to ensure their effectiveness. ## What methods and equipment can be used in a working at heights rescue? The rescue techniques and equipment must be specific for the working at heights task, including the hazards, where and how the rescue may occur, and other factors. When determining the appropriate rescue procedures, consult with experts on rescue at heights and ensure all rescuers have thorough training and experience with the selected methods. You can also reach out to your local fire department for guidance. Methods may include self-rescue, ladder rescue, elevating work platform rescue, using the lifeline to retrieve the worker, rescuers rappelling down to retrieve the worker, pulling a worker from an area below, using emergency equipment to reach the worker such as a crane basket or rope rescue. Methods must be suitable for the location. For example, planning on using a mechanical lift may not be appropriate when working where the ground is uneven (such as a forest) or where other materials may obstruct access to the worker's location. A…

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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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# Fall Protection - Working at Heights Rescue Plan (cont.) ## What are some important considerations for the anchor system? (cont.) The applicable legislation will include requirements for anchor points. The anchor system should be used and installed according to the manufacturer's specifications and may need to be certified by an engineer. ## How will the rescue team communicate during an emergency? During the rescue planning and risk assessment, identify the most effective means of communication. Consider how a worker requiring rescue will communicate with their supervisor and rescue team, and how the supervisor and rescue team will communicate with each other. Methods may include using radios, cell phones, headsets, or direct voice communication. Make sure all workers and rescuers know the communication protocols, including how a rescue will be initiated. The roles and responsibilities of each team member should be clearly defined and understood, including who is responsible for calling the rescue team and emergency services when a fall occurs. ## What kind of training does the rescue team need? Rescuers require a comprehensive set of skills and expertise which is gained through specialized training and experience. Frequent training, including drills and simulated rescues, is important to ensure the safety of workers and rescuers. They also need to be trained and familiar with the rescue plan and procedures, required equipment, and the hazards associated with the work and rescue. Training should occur multiple times a year and before a specific job requiring a rescue plan begins. Consult with fall rescue experts to develop a training regimen that is specific to the tasks, work environment, and the types of possible rescue procedures that will be used. Do your due diligence when selecting a training provider. Ask for references and the qualifications and experience of the trainers. Consult the local fire department and health and safety regulator for addit…

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# Fall Protection - Working at Heights Rescue Plan (cont.) ## What elements should a rescue plan include? (cont.) - Include procedures for: - rescue, including rope rescue, ladder rescue, retrieval lines, self-rescue, and location of anchor points - using any powered mobile equipment, mechanical hoisting systems or elevating devices that may be required during the rescue - first-aid and medical care for rescued or injured workers, including transport of the worker to the hospital - Identify the communication system that will be used. Make sure there is a backup system for the main method of communication - Identify all emergency exits and access routes within the worksite, including the roof and work area - Include procedures to clear and secure work areas that are unsafe or may interfere with a rescue - Provide contact information for local emergency medical and fire services, as appropriate (NOTE again: Relying only on calling local emergency services after an incident as a rescue plan is not appropriate.) - Review and update as needed (e.g., on a regular schedule, after changes to the worksite or tasks, and after a rescue or related incident) ## What should be included in a working at heights rescue plan? There are many factors to consider when developing a rescue plan. It is important to begin planning well before any work is done at heights to make sure the rescue plan is appropriate and that the rescue team is thoroughly trained. When developing the plan, involve qualified individuals competent in rescue at heights and those workers doing the work. Make sure the plan is specific for the job and considers the hazards, location, tasks being performed, environmental conditions, how and where a worker could fall and the type of rescue that would be needed, among other factors. Identify the hazards associated with the rescue. This information determines the rescue procedures, what equipment will be required, who will be on the rescue team, and w…

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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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# Fall Protection - Hierarchy of Control (cont.) ## How can work at heights be eliminated? (cont.) - Moving the item to a level that is not at a height (e.g., control panels) - Using robots, cameras, or drones for cleaning and inspection of equipment - Lowering the object to the ground (e.g., lights that can be lowered by a rope or chain) - Using a device that allows the material to be handled from a safe location (e.g, an extended pole to reach higher areas instead of using ladders when painting or changing light bulbs) ## What engineering controls can be used to reduce work at heights? Engineering controls are methods that are built into the design of a plant, equipment, materials, or other aspects of the physical work environment. For example, guardrails are stationary or fixed (permanent) systems used to protect workers. The system is an engineering control because it does not rely on the worker to be trained to use or wear a fall protection system. Other examples of engineering controls include: - Placing a cover over the hole - Fixed or suspended scaffolding - Mobile elevating work platforms ## What administrative controls can be used? Administrative controls can include workplace policies and rules that instruct workers in fall protection methods. Examples of administrative controls for fall protection include: - Workplace policies and procedures to manage work at heights, including safe work practices, emergency rescue procedures, weather monitoring, etc. - Warning lines - Train and supervise staff to not cross warning lines or enter unsafe zones. - Controlled access zones - Assembling components on the ground to minimize the time spent working at heights (e.g., assembling roof trusses on the ground before hoisting) What are examples of personal protective equipment? Fall Protection - Hierarchy of Control CCOHS

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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…