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Create a detailed Fall protection plan for working at heights on roofs a near leading edges.

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Safe Work Procedure: Fall Protection Plan for Working at Heights on Roofs Near Leading Edges

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

1. Scope

This procedure covers the fall protection requirements for employees working at heights on roofs near leading edges. It applies to all roofing activities where there is a risk of falling 6 feet (1.8 meters) or more to a lower level. This procedure is applicable to both low-slope and steep roofs and includes the use of guardrail systems, safety net systems, and personal fall arrest systems as primary fall protection measures.

This procedure should be used in conjunction with other safety documents such as the OSHA 29 CFR 1926 regulations and any site-specific safety plans.

2. Definitions

Leading Edge The edge of a floor, roof, or formwork for a floor or other walking/working surface which changes location as additional sections are placed, formed, or constructed. It is considered an 'unprotected side and edge' during periods when it is not actively and continuously under construction [1].

Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS) A system used to arrest an employee in a fall from a working level. It consists of an anchorage, connectors, and a body harness and may include a lanyard, deceleration device, lifeline, or suitable combinations of these [1].

Guardrail System A barrier erected to prevent employees from falling to lower levels [1].

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

  • Ensure that all employees are trained in fall protection procedures and the use of fall protection equipment.
  • Conduct regular inspections of the work area and equipment to ensure compliance with safety standards.
  • Implement corrective actions for any identified hazards or non-compliance issues.

3.2 Workers

  • Attend all required training sessions and follow all fall protection procedures.
  • Inspect personal fall protection equipment before each use.
  • Report any unsafe conditions or equipment to the supervisor immediately.

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

  • Assist in the development and review of the fall protection plan.
  • Conduct audits and inspections to ensure compliance with the fall protection plan.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

HazardRiskControl Measures
Unprotected edgesFalls from heightUse of guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems [2]
Leading edgesFalls during constructionImplement a fall protection plan when guardrails or nets are infeasible [2]
Weather conditionsSlips and fallsSchedule work during favorable weather conditions and use non-slip footwear

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Proper PPE is essential for ensuring safety when working at heights.

  • Full Body Harness - Must be worn at all times when working at heights and connected to a secure anchorage point.
  • Lanyard with Shock Absorber - Used to connect the harness to the anchorage point, reducing the impact force in the event of a fall.
  • Hard Hat - Protects against head injuries from falling objects.
  • Non-slip Footwear - Provides traction to prevent slips and falls.
  • Gloves - Protect hands from cuts and abrasions.

Inspect PPE before each use and maintain according to manufacturer instructions.

6. Equipment and Tools

Using the correct equipment and tools is crucial for safety.

  • Guardrail Systems - Installed around the perimeter of the roof to prevent falls.
  • Safety Net Systems - Installed below the work area to catch falling workers.
  • Anchorage Points - Secure points to which fall arrest systems are attached.
  • Warning Line Systems - Used to alert workers of unprotected edges [2].
  • Lifelines - Used in conjunction with personal fall arrest systems to provide mobility and safety.

Inspect and maintain all equipment regularly.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

All workers must complete fall protection training and demonstrate competency in using fall protection systems.

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Conduct a briefing to discuss the fall protection plan, identify potential hazards, and review emergency procedures.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Ensure the work area is free of debris and that all fall protection systems are in place and inspected before work begins.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Step 1: Assess the Work Area

  • Identify all potential fall hazards.
  • Ensure all workers are aware of the location of unprotected edges and leading edges.

Step 2: Install Fall Protection Systems

  • Set up guardrail systems around the perimeter of the roof.
  • Install safety nets where guardrails are not feasible.
  • Ensure all anchorage points are secure and meet strength requirements.

Step 3: Use Personal Fall Arrest Systems

  • Attach the lanyard to the harness and secure it to an anchorage point.
  • Ensure the lanyard is the correct length to prevent a fall from reaching a lower level.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

  • Use of Guardrails - Always install guardrails where feasible to prevent falls.
  • Weather Monitoring - Avoid working in adverse weather conditions.
  • Regular Inspections - Conduct regular inspections of all fall protection equipment.
  • Communication - Maintain clear communication among all workers on site.
  • Emergency Preparedness - Ensure all workers are familiar with emergency procedures.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

  • Stop all work immediately.
  • Alert all workers and supervisors.
  • Follow the site-specific emergency response plan.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

  • Fall Incident - Use rescue equipment to safely lower the worker to the ground.
  • Weather Emergency - Evacuate the roof and seek shelter.

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

[List of emergency contacts and their phone numbers]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

Report all incidents, near-misses, and hazards to the supervisor immediately. Conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause and implement corrective actions.

12. References and Related Documents

  • OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M - Fall Protection [2]
  • Manufacturer's instructions for fall protection equipment

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

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2 source record(s)

Sources used for this answer

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

Page 85

Open source document

Source excerpt

## 29 CFR 1926 (OSHA) Toeboard means a low protective barrier that will prevent the fall of materials and equipment to lower levels and provide protection from falls for personnel. Unprotected sides and edges means any side or edge (except at entrances to points of access) of a walking/working surface, e.g., floor, roof, ramp, or runway where there is no wall or guardrail system at least 39 inches (1.0 m) high. Walking/working surface means any surface, whether horizontal or vertical on which an employee walks or works, including, but not limited to, floors, roofs, ramps, bridges, runways, formwork and concrete reinforcing steel but not including ladders, vehicles, or trailers, on which employees must be located in order to perform their job duties. Warning line system means a barrier erected on a roof to warn employees that they are approaching an unprotected roof side or edge, and which designates an area in which roofing work may take place without the use of guardrail, body belt, or safety net systems to protect employees in the area. Work area means that portion of a walking/working surface where job duties are being performed. [59 FR [redacted postal code], Aug. 9, 1994, as amended at 60 FR [redacted postal code], Aug. 2, 1995; 66 FR 5265, Jan. 18, 2001; 75 FR [redacted postal code], Aug. 9, 2010; 79 FR [redacted postal code], Apr. 11, 2014] ## §1926.501 Duty to have fall protection. - (a) General. (1) This section sets forth requirements for employers to provide fall protection systems. All fall protection required by this section shall conform to the criteria set forth in §1926.502 of this subpart. - (2) The employer shall determine if the walking/working surfaces on which its employees are to work have the strength and structural integrity to support employees safely. Employees shall be allowed to work on those surfaces only when the surfaces have the requisite strength and structural integrity. - (b)(1) Unprotected sides and edges. Each employee

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

Page 83

Open source document

Source excerpt

## 29 CFR 1926 (OSHA) Deceleration distance means the additional vertical distance a falling employee travels, excluding lifeline elongation and free fall distance, before stopping, from the point at which the deceleration device begins to operate. It is measured as the distance between the location of an employee's body belt or body harness attachment point at the moment of activation (at the onset of fall arrest forces) of the deceleration device during a fall, and the location of that attachment point after the employee comes to a full stop. Equivalent means alternative designs, materials, or methods to protect against a hazard which the employer can demonstrate will provide an equal or greater degree of safety for employees than the methods, materials or designs specified in the standard. Failure means load refusal, breakage, or separation of component parts. Load refusal is the point where the ultimate strength is exceeded. Free fall means the act of falling before a personal fall arrest system begins to apply force to arrest the fall. Free fall distance means the vertical displacement of the fall arrest attachment point on the employee's body belt or body harness between onset of the fall and just before the system begins to apply force to arrest the fall. This distance excludes deceleration distance, and lifeline/lanyard elongation, but includes any deceleration device slide distance or self-retracting lifeline/lanyard extension before they operate and fall arrest forces occur. Guardrail system means a barrier erected to prevent employees from falling to lower levels. Hole means a gap or void 2 inches (5.1 cm) or more in its least dimension, in a floor, roof, or other walking/working surface. Infeasible means that it is impossible to perform the construction work using a conventional fall protection system (i.e., guardrail system, safety net system, or personal fall arrest system) or that it is technologically impossible to use any one of these system

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