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Create a detailed dropped object plan when working from heights and while doing elevated work.

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Safe Work Procedure: Dropped Object Prevention Plan for Elevated Work

Document Number: [SWP-NUMBER] Revision Date: [DATE] Next Review Date: [NEXT REVIEW DATE] Department: [DEPARTMENT NAME]

1. Scope

This procedure covers the prevention of dropped objects during work performed at heights or elevated positions. It applies to all personnel involved in tasks where there is a risk of objects falling from elevated work areas, including construction, maintenance, and inspection activities.

This procedure is applicable in environments where work is conducted at heights, such as scaffolding, platforms, and elevated machinery. It should be used in conjunction with the organization's fall protection and safety management systems.

2. Definitions

Dropped Object An object that falls from a height due to gravity, potentially causing injury or damage.

Fall Protection System A system designed to prevent workers from falling from heights, including guardrails, safety nets, and personal fall arrest systems.

Tool Lanyard A device used to secure tools to a worker or structure to prevent them from falling.

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

  • Ensure all workers are trained in dropped object prevention.
  • Conduct regular inspections of work areas for potential hazards.
  • Ensure compliance with this procedure and related safety regulations.

3.2 Workers

  • Use all required personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety devices.
  • Report any hazards or incidents involving dropped objects immediately.
  • Follow all safety procedures and instructions provided during training.

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

  • Monitor compliance with safety procedures.
  • Assist in the investigation of incidents involving dropped objects.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

HazardRiskControl Measures
Falling tools or equipmentInjury to personnel belowUse tool lanyards and secure all equipment [1]
Unsecured materialsDamage to property or injuryInstall toeboards and guardrails [1]
Poor housekeepingTrip hazards leading to fallsMaintain clean and organized work areas [2]

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Proper PPE is essential to protect workers from injuries due to dropped objects.

  • Hard Hat - Protects against head injuries from falling objects.
  • Safety Glasses - Shields eyes from debris.
  • Safety Harness - Used in conjunction with fall arrest systems.
  • Gloves - Provides grip and protection when handling tools.
  • Steel-Toed Boots - Protects feet from heavy falling objects.

Inspect PPE before use and replace any damaged equipment immediately.

6. Equipment and Tools

Ensure all equipment and tools are used correctly and maintained in good condition.

  • Tool Lanyards - Secure tools to prevent them from falling.
  • Guardrails - Installed around work areas to prevent falls.
  • Toeboards - Prevent objects from being kicked off platforms.
  • Safety Nets - Catch falling objects and debris.
  • Warning Signs - Alert personnel to potential hazards.

Regularly inspect and maintain all equipment to ensure safety and functionality.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

All workers must be trained in dropped object prevention and the use of fall protection systems [3].

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Conduct a briefing to discuss potential hazards, control measures, and emergency procedures.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Ensure the work area is free of unnecessary materials and that all tools and equipment are secured.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Step 1: Assess the Work Area

  • Identify potential hazards related to dropped objects.
  • Ensure all safety equipment is in place and functional.

Step 2: Secure Tools and Equipment

  • Use tool lanyards for all hand tools.
  • Secure larger equipment with appropriate restraints.

Step 3: Implement Safety Measures

  • Install guardrails and toeboards around the work area.
  • Use safety nets where necessary to catch falling objects.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

  • Use Tool Lanyards - Always secure tools to prevent them from falling.
  • Install Guardrails - Prevent personnel from falling off edges.
  • Maintain Clean Work Areas - Reduce the risk of tripping and falling.
  • Conduct Regular Inspections - Identify and mitigate potential hazards.
  • Use Warning Signs - Alert personnel to areas with potential falling object hazards.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

  • Evacuate the area if a significant object falls.
  • Administer first aid if necessary and contact emergency services.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

  • Falling Object Incident - Secure the area and report the incident immediately.
  • Injury from Falling Object - Provide first aid and seek medical attention.

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

[List of emergency contacts and their phone numbers]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

Report all incidents involving dropped objects to a supervisor immediately. Conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause and implement corrective actions.

12. References and Related Documents

  • [Reference 1]
  • [Reference 2]
  • [Reference 3]

Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION] Date: [APPROVAL DATE]

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3 source record(s)

Sources used for this answer

[1] Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (SOR/86-304)

Page 142

Open source document

Source excerpt

referred to in paragraphs ( 1 )(a) to (d), the equipment must be stored, maintained, inspected, tested, fitted, installed, used or dismantled in accordance with the fallprotection plan. SOR/2019-243, s. 4. ## Fall Protection ## Fall-protection Plan - 12.06 (1) If there is a risk of injury due to falling in any of the circumstances described in paragraphs 12.07 1 ( )(a), (b) or (c) in a work place, the employer must, before any work activities begin, - (a) develop a fall-protection plan in consultation with the work place committee or the health and safety representative; and - (b) ensure that a copy of the fall-protection plan is readily available at the work place for consultation. - (2) The fall-protection plan must specify - (a) the hazards that have been identified for each work area and each activity to be carried out at the work place; - (b) the fall-protection systems that have been chosen to protect against the identified hazards; - (c) if a personal fall-protection system is used, the anchorage to be used during the work; - (d) if a fall-arrest system is used, the clearance distance below each work area; - (e) if there are no manufacturer's instructions with respect to the storage, maintenance, inspection, testing, fitting, installation, use or dismantling of equipment that is used in a fall-protection system and that is provided by an employer, the procedures to be followed for the purposes of paragraphs 12.05 1 ( )(a) to (d); and - (f) the rescue procedures to be followed if a person falls. - (3) The fall-protection plan must include, in annex, a copy of any manufacturer's instructions with respect to the storage, maintenance, inspection, testing, fitting, d'installation, d'utilisation, de démontage et de maintien dans un état de propreté et de salubrité prévues aux alinéas ( 1 )a) à d) sont exécutées conformément au plan de protection contre les chutes. DORS/2019-243, a…

[2] Safety and Health Regulations for Construction (OSHA)

Page 88

Open source document

Source excerpt

## 29 CFR 1926 (OSHA) walking/working surface, shall be protected from falling by the use of a guardrail system, a safety net system, or a personal fall arrest system. - (15) Walking/working surfaces not otherwise addressed. Except as provided in §1926.500(a)(2) or in §1926.501 (b)(1) through (b)(14), each employee on a walking/working surface 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above lower levels shall be protected from falling by a guardrail system, safety net system, or personal fall arrest system. - (c) Protection from falling objects. When an employee is exposed to falling objects, the employer shall have each employee wear a hard hat and shall implement one of the following measures: - (1) Erect toeboards, screens, or guardrail systems to prevent objects from falling from higher levels; or, - (2) Erect a canopy structure and keep potential fall objects far enough from the edge of the higher level so that those objects would not go over the edge if they were accidentally displaced; or, - (3) Barricade the area to which objects could fall, prohibit employees from entering the barricaded area, and keep objects that may fall far enough away from the edge of a higher level so that those objects would not go over the edge if they were accidentally displaced.

[3] General Regulation (N.B. Reg. 91-191)

Page 71

Open source document

Source excerpt

- (a) possible hazardous situations, including a de -scription of the hazards and the possible effects on the health or safety of employees; - (b) the identification of employees at risk; - (c) the location where the code of practice might ap -ply; - (d) the methods and equipment to be used including inspections procedures; - (e) the procedures and equipment which might be required in the event of an emergency; - (f) the times, days, or events during which the code of practice might be applicable; - (g) the identification of training needs; - (h) the identification of the person responsible for implementing the code of practice; and - (i) the name of the safety monitor, if applicable, and the training the safety monitor has received. 2010-159; 2022-27; 2024-38 ## Training 50.3 (1) An employer shall ensure that a competent person trains an employee in the use, maintenance and inspection of a fall-protection system for the task being performed unless the fall-protection system is a guard -rail. - 50.3 (2) The employer shall ensure that the competent person referred to in subsection (1), who provides the training, prepares a written training record which shall include the following information: - (a) the name of the employee who received the training; - (b) the date on which the training took place; and - (c) the name of the competent person and the name of the agency if any. - 50.3 (3) The training record for each employee shall be made available to an officer upon request. - 50.3 (4) An employer shall, in consultation with the committee or health and safety representative, if any, re - - a) les situations dangereuses possibles, leur descrip -tion et leurs effets possibles sur la santé ou la sécurité des salariés; - b) une indication concernant les salariés à risque; - c) l'endroit où le code peut s'appliquer; - d) les méthodes et l'équipement à utiliser, y compris la procédure d'inspection; - e) la…

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