Write a toolbox talk on Working at hight

Source excerpt

# SUPPORTED SCAFFOLDING Date Posted: 05/15/2024 According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), scaffold-related accidents result in roughly 60 deaths and 4,500 injuries yearly throughout the country. Falls from scaffolds account for approximately 25% of fatal falls from all working surfaces. In the BLS study, 72% of workers injured in scaffold accidents attributed the accident to the planking or support giving way or the employee slipping or being struck by a falling object. All of these can be controlled by compliance with regulatory standards. ## WHAT IS A SCAFFOLD? A scaffold is a temporary structure used in construction to support people and materials while work is being carried out on a building or other tall structure. Scaffolding is often used to allow workers to reach higher levels of a building or structure, and it must be used correctly to prevent accidents and injuries. A supported scaffold (typically a frame scaffold) is the most commonly used. It has one or more platforms supported by outrigger beams, brackets, poles, legs, uprights, posts, frames, or similar rigid support. In addition, supported scaffolds include system scaffolds (fixed connection points at predetermined levels) and mobile scaffolds. Unfortunately, workers fall daily when working on scaffolds, often resulting in either fatalities or permanent injuries. These tragedies are sometimes caused by faulty design or poor construction, but in most cases, the cause is preventable: poor scaffold maintenance or improper use are the most common causes. ## LET'S START WITH THE BASE-SOLID FOUNDATION Scaffolding is only as good as its foundation. Scaffolds are temporary platforms used in the construction industry, allowing workers to access higher levels. A supported scaffold is a scaffold system set on ground level with built-in levels to increase its height. However, no matter how high the scaffold is set, it must be a good foundation. According to the WA Division of Occup…

Source excerpt

# Walking-Working Surfaces and Personal Protective Equipment (Fall Protection Systems), Final Rule; and Other Related Provisions (cont.) ## Subpart D-Walking-Working Surfaces (cont.) [redacted postal code] Federal Register/Vol. 81, No. 223/Friday, November 18, 2016/Rules and Regulations. Low-slope roof means a roof that has a slope less than or equal to a ratio of 4 in 12 (vertical to horizontal). Lower level means a surface or area to which an employee could fall. Such surfaces or areas include, but are not limited to, ground levels, floors, roofs, ramps, runways, excavations, pits, tanks, materials, water, equipment, and similar surfaces and structures, or portions thereof. Manhole steps means steps that are individually attached to, or set into, the wall of a manhole structure. Maximum intended load means the total load (weight and force) of all employees, equipment, vehicles, tools, materials, and other loads the employer reasonably anticipates to be applied to a walking-working surface at any one time. Mobile means manually propelled or moveable. Mobile ladder stand (ladder stand) means a mobile, fixed-height, self- supporting ladder that usually consists of wheels or casters on a rigid base and steps leading to a top step. A mobile ladder stand also may have handrails and is designed for use by one employee at a time. ta Mobile ladder stand platform means a mobile, fixed-height, self-supporting unit having one or more standing platforms that are provided with means of access or egress. Open riser means the gap or space between treads of stairways that do not have upright or inclined members (risers). Opening means a gap or open space in a wall, partition, vertical walking- working surface, or similar surface that is at least 30 inches (76 cm) high and at least 18 inches (46 cm) wide, through which an employee can fall to a lower level. Personal fall arrest system means a system used to arrest an employee in a fall from a walking-working surface. I…

Source excerpt

# AERIAL LIFT SAFETY ## WHAT IS AN AERIAL LIFT? According to OSHA, an aerial lift is any vehicle-mounted device used to elevate personnel, including: • Extendable boom platforms • Aerial ladders • Articulating (jointed) boom platforms . Vertical towers • Any combination of the above. Work from or around aerial lifts presents many significant hazards. These include Power line contact or contact with other overhead obstructions, falls from elevation, tip-overs, being ejected from the lift basket, structural failure of the lift, objects falling from the and striking persons below, causing injury. Injuries from aerial lift accidents can be devastating and life-threatening, life-altering, or fatal. When broken down by trade, electricians had the most deaths (25%), followed construction laborers (15% ), electrical power installers and repairers (13%), painters (8%), and carpenters (5%). lift Additionally, most falls/collapses/tip-overs were within the height category of 10-29 feet. Tip-overs comprised 44-46% of boom-lift falls and 56-59% of scissor-lift falls. Constructing and repairing activities were associated with fall/collapse/tip-over incidents. ## HAZARDS AND HAZARD PREVENTION TIPS WHEN OPERATING AERIAL LIFTS Falls: This is the most common cause f aerial lift fatalities. Severe injuries or deaths can result from falls. Falls from aerial lifts often occur from improper lift operation and/or not using adequate fall protection equipment. To prevent falls from aerial lifts: • Ensure that access gates or openings are closed • Stand firmly on the floor of the lift platform or bucket • Do not climb on or lean over guardrails • Do not use planks, ladders, other devices to extend the working position • Use a body harness with a tether or lanyard attached to the boom bucket If Tip-overs can occur if proper safety precautions are not followed when using aerial lifts. Ensure the ground a lift is traveling or positioned on is free from bumps, holes, depres…

Source excerpt

# PLANNING AHEAD FOR FALL PROTECTION Date Posted: 02/17/2024 According to the Labor and Industries Department of Safety and Health (DOSH), Falls are the number one serious hazard for workers in most industries that can result in injuries or even death and accounted for 17 fatalities from 2017-2022 in Washington State. From a national perspective and according to statistics published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were 351 workplace fatalities in construction nationally due to falls to a lower level in 2020. ## HOW AND WHERE FALLS ARE OCCURRING According to a recent national survey conducted by the BLS: - 17% of the workers who fell were loading and unloading material when the fall occurred. • 13% of the workers who fell were involved in operating, repairing, cleaning, or installing equipment. • 10% of the workers were performing carpentry tasks. • The remaining activities that resulted in falls included painting, welding, roof work, sheet metal work, and bricklaying. The BLS study also asked participants to describe their specific movements during the fall. - 28% percent of the workers who fell said they were climbing up or down from an elevated position or location. • 13% of the workers were walking at the time they fell. • 11% of the workers were stepping from one surface to another. - 10% of the workers were moving backward. Adequate fall protection and equipment use could have prevented most of the fatalities and injuries reported in the BLS study. ## UNSAFE ACTS AND UNSAFE CONDITIONS The risk of falls is virtually present in every single workplace. However, the factors that can lead to a fall vary greatly. Many unsafe acts by employees as well as unsafe conditions, lead to fall incidents. Falls often result from series of contributing factors. They are often the result of multiple dangerous conditions and hazardous actions combined. Because of this, it is essential to look at unsafe conditions and unsafe acts to recognize dange…

Source excerpt

# FALL PROTECTION FULL BODY HARNESS Date Posted: 02/17/2024 Full-body harnesses are critical elements. f adequate fall protection systems. Workers must understand how to wear and use full-body harnesses when operating at height properly. When used correctly on the job, a properly fitted and properly worn full-body harness can help prevent serious injury or death. According to WAC 296-880-[redacted postal code], a full-body harness is required as part of a Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS). According to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), standard Z359.11 defines a full-body harness as "a body support designed to contain the torso and distribute the fall arrest forces over at least the upper thighs, pelvis, chest and shoulders." ## CHECKING THE FULL-BODY HARNESS BEFORE WEAR Before each use, you must inspect the safety harness. Check your harness for broken, burned, or pulled stitching and stitching or rivets where the hardware is attached. Also, carefully check the webbing, belt ends, and side and back D-rings. Spending a few minutes performing the following steps could save your life: buckles, • Pick up the harness by its back D-ring. - Gently shake the harness to let the straps fall into place. • Make sure the buckles are unfastened. • Look for damage, such as worn, frayed, or missing threads, cracked webbing, or foreign material on the fall harness. • Check the metal strap fasteners and side and back d-rings to ensure they aren't cracked or deformed. • If your fall harness uses grommets, ensure they are firmly attached and not deformed or otherwise damaged. • Make sure tongue buckles are firmly attached and not bent. ## FULL BODY HARNESS WEAR CHECK A poorly fitted harness doesn't just lower the protection level of the harness. It can do additional harm in the event of a fall. When a harness is poorly fitted for the worker or uncomfortable, they are more likely not to use it or use it incorrectly. The items below should be checked to…

Source excerpt

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR # Occupational Safety and Health Administration • Standard Number: 1910.28, 1910.28(b) (9) (i)(A), 1910.28(b) (9) (i) (B), 1910.28(b) (9) (i)(C), 1910.28(b)(9)(i)(D). OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov. May 17, 2019 Mr. Tyler Huckaby, P.E. Structural Engineer Quality Execution, Inc. [redacted street address] Mt. Vernon, Indiana [redacted postal code] Dear Mr. Huckaby: Thank you for your letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Directorate of Enforcement Programs requesting clarification on the new walking-working surface provisions within 29 CFR 1910.28 and the usage of fall protection for fixed ladders. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation only of the requirements discussed and may not be applicable to any questions not delineated within your original correspondence. The scenario and questions you provided, and OSHA's responses are below. Scenario: In an industrial setting, a ladder starts 100 feet above grade on the side of a tower. The base landing of the ladder is only there for ladder access, so it meets OSHA minimum dimensions and is equipped with standard guardrail. The length of climb above this base is no more than 24 feet. Question 1: What are the requirements for this elevated ladder with regard to falls? Does this scenario require a personal fall arrest or ladder safety system? Response: For fixed ladders that extend more than 24 feet (7.3 m) above a lower level, 29 CFR 1910.28(…

Source excerpt

# Walking-Working Surfaces and Personal Protective Equipment (Fall Protection Systems), Final Rule; and Other Related Provisions (cont.) ## Subpart F-[Amended] (cont.) Federal Register/Vol. 81, No. 223/Friday, November 18, 2016/Rules and Regulations [redacted postal code] the employees. A horizontal life line or a direct connection anchorage shall be provided as part of a personal fall arrest system that meets the requirements of subpart I of this part for each employee on the platform. (j) Personal fall protection. Employees on working platforms shall be protected by a personal fall arrest system meeting the requirements of subpart I of this part and as otherwise provided by this standard. Authority: 29 U.S.C. 653, 655, 657; Secretary of Labor's Order No. 12-71 (36 FR 8754), 8-76 (41 FR [redacted postal code]), 9-83 (48 FR [redacted postal code]), 1-90 (55 FR 9033), 6-96 (62 FR 111), 3-2000 (65 FR [redacted postal code]), 5-2002 (67 FR [redacted postal code]), 5-2007 (72 FR [redacted postal code]), 4-2010 (75 FR [redacted postal code]), or 1-2012 (77 FR 3912), as applicable; and 29 CFR part 1911. * ## Appendix C to § 1910.66 [Reserved] ## Appendix D to § 1910.66-Existing Installations (Mandatory) (c) * (4) Access to the roof car. Safe access to the roof car and from the roof car to the working platform shall be provided. If the access to the roof car at any point of its travel is not over the roof area or where otherwise necessary for safety, then self-closing, self- locking gates shall be provided. Access to and from roof cars must comply with the requirements of subpart D of this part. * ■6. In § 1910.67, revise paragraph (c)(2)(v) to read as follows: ## §1910.67 Vehicle-mounted elevating and rotating work platforms. * (c) $1910.132 General requirements. (v) A personal fall arrest or travel restraint system that meets the requirements in subpart I of this part shall be worn and attached to the boom or basket when working from an aerial lift. …

Source excerpt

# INSPECTION OF FALL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT Date Posted: 09/07/2016 It is vital to inspect your Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS), Personal Fall Restraint System (PFRS), or Positioning Device System (PDS) in order to ensure that it not defective. is All components of Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS), Personal Fall Restraint Systems (PFRS) and Positioning Device Systems (PDS) shall be inspected prior to each use according to manufacturer's specifications for mildew, wear, damage, and other deterioration. Defective components shall be removed from service if their function or strength has been adversely affected. Safety nets shall be inspected at least once a week according to manufacturer's specifications for wear, damage, and other deterioration. Safety nets shall also inspected after any occurrence which could affect the integrity of the safety net system. Defective components shall be removed from service. Defective nets shall not be used. be PFAS, PFRS, PDS, and their components shall be used only for employee protection and not to hoist materials. The following is a summary of what to look for when inspecting your gear: ## ANCHORAGES • Ensure that the proper number and correct size of nails or screws are used. • Installation: follow manufacturer's specifications • Make sure that the ring swing freely • Inspect for any unusual shape or wear ## LANYARDS AND ROPE GRABS • No cuts or tears in the fabric or stitching - Snap hooks spring back when released • No deformation or gouges in fittings • Shock pack intact and no evidence of deployment • Ensure that there is no damage to the wear, or other characteristics that will affect the product's performance ## HARNESS • No cuts or tears in the fabric or stitching • No abrasion, fraying, stretching, mold, or chemical damage to fabric or stitching - Back "D" ring should be between the shoulder blades • If you see red, take the equipment out of service. Red tags are seen in shock packs and in the…

Source excerpt

# SCISSOR LIFT SAFETY Date Posted: 05/15/2024 ## WHAT IS A SCISSOR LIFT? Scissor lifts are considered self-propelled elevating work platforms that move workers vertically to various locations to perform work. Scissor lifts are different from aerial lifts because the lifting mechanism moves the work platform straight up and down using crossed beams functioning in a scissor-like fashion. However, scissor lifts present hazards like scaffolding when extended and stationary. Therefore, using scissor lifts safely depends on considering equipment capabilities, limitations, and safe practices. Scissor lifts can be a great alternative to ladders on a job site. They can save time and provide a safer means to reach heights. However, they have risks and can cause serious injury if an employee is not trained or the equipment is misused. Scissor lifts come in various types, such as electric, rough terrain, pneumatic, diesel, or hydraulic. Finding the right scissor lift for the work location and task is essential to ensure it does what is needed and keeps the scissor lift operators safe. ## HAZARDS WHEN OPERATING SCISSOR LIFTS - Falls: This is the most common cause of scissor lift fatalities. Severe injuries or deaths can result from falls. Falls from scissor lifts often occur due to operator negligence, carelessness, and not using proper fall protection equipment. • - Tip-Overs: Tip-overs can occur if proper safety precautions are not followed when using scissor lifts. Ensure the ground a scissor lift is traveling or positioned on is free from bumps, holes, depressions, slick or wet surfaces, inclines, and slopes. Outriggers are used when stability is required. If work with a scissor lift must be completed while positioned on uneven ground, an incline, or a slope, ensure the scissor lift is equipped with outriggers. Avoid operating scissor lifts in high winds. Consider waiting until the winds calm down before proceeding with operations. When stationary, the scissor li…

Source excerpt

WORK SAFE KENTUCKY Free safety resources provided by KEMI HOME SAFETY RESOURCES SAFETY TRAINING SAFETY BLOG ABOUT KEMI CONTACT US O # Scaffolding Safety ## Print a Sign-In Sheet | Spanish Version Most of the construction projects in the United States have some sort of scaffolding on the jobsite at some point during the various phases of construction. There are three main types of scaffolds: suspension, supported, and aerial lifts. The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that scaffold accidents result in 4,500 injuries and over 60 deaths each year. Common hazards working off scaffolding include falls, falling objects, electrical hazards, scaffold collapse, scaffold access, bad planking, and weather conditions. of • Always use scaffolding according to the manufacturer's instructions. • If a worker is working 10 feet or higher off scaffolding, then the worker must be protected by guardrails or a personal fall arrest system (PFAS). • Guardrails must be installed along all sides and ends to protect from fall hazards. Top rails must be between 38 to 45 inches high, midrails should be halfway between the platform and top rail, and toe boards must be at least 3 1/2" high. • PFAS must include an anchorage point, lifeline, and full-body harness. A PFAS can be used instead of guardrails on some scaffolds. A PFAS and guardrails must be used on all suspension scaffolds. Scaffold erectors and dismantlers use a PFAS when feasible. • Wear hard hat, utilize the toeboard, and barricade the area beneath a scaffold to help with falling object hazards. • Barricade an area around a scaffold to keep equipment and vehicles from running into and striking the scaffold. • Working near overhead powerlines is a serious electrical hazard when working off the scaffolding. Stay back at least 10 feet or check the clearance distances in the standard. Contact Us | Privacy Policy ©2022 KEMI • Scaffolding must be on good support with mudsills and base plates. Be sure to use a…

Source excerpt

Construction Prevent Falls: Guardrails Toolbox Talk NIOSH CPWR [● Falls are a leading cause of construction injuries and fatalities. Workers can fall from ladders, scaffolds, vehicles, heavy equipment, aerial lifts, platforms, and roofs, and through holes or openings in floors or roofs. Guardrails can prevent a fall. ## Bill's Story Bill was repairing an air conditioning unit on the roof of a three-story building. He was about a foot from an unguarded edge. When he stood up, he lost his balance. Bill fell 23 feet to the cement floor below and died. *What caused this incident? - How could this have been prevented? * Have you ever fallen because of a missing guardrail, or do you know someone who has? If so, what happened? ## How can we stay safe today? What will we do at the worksite to prevent fall injuries? ## Remember This • Your employer must provide every employee with training on how to recognize a fall hazard and on fall protection. • Guardrails, safety nets, and/or personal fall-arrest systems must be in place if there is a risk for falls. • Guardrails are required on work surfaces where workers are at risk of falls greater than 6 feet. - Guardrails must be 42 inches high (+/- 3") and have a mid-rail. • Body harnesses with lanyards and secure attachment points provided by employers must be used if guardrails cannot be provided. OSHA Standards: 1926.501 and 1926.503 CD C National and Health NIOSH® CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION CPWR 【O THE CENTER FOR CONSTRUCTION RESEARCH AND TRAINING

Source excerpt

MIOSHA Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration # Tool Box Talk Personal Fall Arrest Systems ## Special points of interest: • 5000+lb anchor point • 6' free fall max • Calculate Total Fall Distance • Inspect PFAS prior to each use • Plan for Rescue • Must protect workers from all fall hazards of 6 feet or more. PFAS is one option. - Body belts can not be used. ## Anchorages Shall be capable of supporting at least 5,000 lbs. Shall be installed typically at shoulder height or above to limit the free fall distance to 6' or less. ## Connectors Snap hooks shall be a double locking type. Lanyard/Lifeline & Deceleration Devices PFAS deceleration devices shall limit maximum arresting force on an employee to 1,800 lbs. Be rigged such that an employee cannot free fall more than 6 feet. Lifelines shall be protected against chemicals, being cut or braded. Calculate the total fall distance to ensure that the employee to does not contact a lower level or object. Consider the free fall + the decelerated fall + the distance between the back "D-ring" to the wearer's feet. ## Body Harnesses Personal fall arrest systems and components subjected to impact loading shall be imme- diately removed from service. Personal fall arrest systems shall be inspected prior to each use for wear, damage and other deterioration. Should be adjusted to fit snug with the back "D-ring" in the center of the wearer's back between their shoulder blades. Provisions shall be made to provide for prompt rescue of employees in the event of a fall. Personal fall arrest systems shall not be attached to guardrail systems. LARA LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS CUSTOMER DRIVEN. BUSINESS MINDED. Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration Consultation, Education & Training Division [redacted street address], PO Box [redacted postal code] Lansing, MI [redacted postal code]