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Fall arrest

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Toolbox Talk: Fall Arrest Systems

Date: [DATE] Duration: [DURATION] minutes Presenter: [PRESENTER NAME] Location: [LOCATION]

Objective

The objective of this toolbox talk is to ensure that all workers understand the proper use, inspection, and maintenance of personal fall arrest systems to prevent falls from heights and minimize injuries in the event of a fall. By the end of this talk, participants should be able to correctly identify fall hazards, select appropriate fall arrest equipment, and follow safe work procedures when working at heights.

Introduction

Falls are a leading cause of workplace injuries. Personal fall arrest systems are designed to protect workers from serious injury or death in the event of a fall. It is crucial to understand how these systems work, how to use them correctly, and how to maintain them to ensure their effectiveness. This toolbox talk will cover the key aspects of fall arrest systems, including hazard identification, control measures, safe work procedures, and PPE requirements.

Presenter Note: Engage the audience by asking if anyone has personal experience related to the topic.

Key Points

  • Proper Use: Fall arrest systems must be used correctly to provide adequate protection [1].
  • Regular Inspection: Inspect all components of the fall arrest system before each use [2].
  • Component Compatibility: Ensure all components of the fall arrest system are compatible and suitable for the task [3].
  • Prompt Rescue: Have a plan for prompt rescue in the event of a fall [2].
  • Proper Training: Workers must be trained in the safe use of fall arrest systems [2].

Hazard Identification

Working at heights presents several hazards that can lead to falls and serious injuries. Identifying these hazards is the first step in preventing falls.

  • Unprotected Edges: Working near unprotected edges or openings can result in a fall to a lower level, causing serious injury or death.
  • Slippery Surfaces: Slippery surfaces due to weather conditions, spills, or debris can cause a worker to lose their balance and fall.
  • Unstable Work Platforms: Using unstable or improperly constructed work platforms can lead to collapses and falls.

Presenter Note: Encourage participants to share any additional hazards they've encountered.

Control Measures

The hierarchy of controls should be followed to minimize fall hazards. This includes elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment.

  • Elimination: Whenever possible, eliminate the need to work at heights by performing tasks at ground level.
  • Engineering Controls: Install guardrails, safety nets, or other physical barriers to prevent falls [4].
  • Administrative Controls: Implement safe work procedures, provide training, and use warning signs to alert workers to fall hazards [3].
  • Personal Protective Equipment: Use personal fall arrest systems, including full body harnesses, lanyards, and anchor points, when other control measures are not sufficient [1].

Safe Work Procedures

  1. Inspect Equipment: Before each use, inspect the full body harness, lanyard, and other components for any signs of damage or wear [2].
  2. Proper Fit: Ensure the full body harness fits snugly and is properly adjusted according to the manufacturer's instructions [1].
  3. Anchor Point: Select an appropriate anchor point that is capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds (22.2 kN) per employee attached [5].
  4. Connect Properly: Connect the lanyard to the D-ring on the harness and the anchor point using self-locking snap hooks 4, 7.
  5. Minimize Free Fall: Rig the fall arrest system to minimize the free fall distance to no more than 6 feet (1.8 meters) 9, 14.

Presenter Note: If possible, demonstrate the safe work procedure or use visual aids.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

  • Full Body Harness: Must be worn and used as part of a personal fall arrest system [1]. Ensure it is approved to the appropriate safety standards [1].
  • Lanyard: Connects the harness to the anchor point. Must be approved to the appropriate safety standards [1].
  • Shock Absorber: Use a lanyard equipped with a shock absorber to reduce the impact force in the event of a fall [6].

Emphasize the importance of proper PPE use and maintenance.

Real-World Example or Case Study

[Provide a detailed description of a relevant real-world scenario or case study]

[Discuss what went wrong or right, and the lessons learned]

Presenter Note: Ask participants if they can relate this example to their own experiences.

Group Discussion

Discuss the following questions:

  1. What are the potential consequences of not using fall arrest systems properly?
  2. How can we improve our current fall protection measures?
  3. What are some common obstacles to using fall arrest systems, and how can we overcome them?

Presenter Note: Encourage active participation and facilitate the discussion.

Emergency Procedures

Outline the steps to take in case of an emergency related to the topic.

  1. Immediately call for help: Notify emergency services and supervisors.
  2. Assess the situation: Check for any immediate dangers and provide first aid if trained.
  3. Do not move the injured worker: Unless there is an immediate danger, wait for professional rescuers.
  4. Document the incident: Record all relevant information for investigation purposes.

Questions and Answers

Encourage participants to ask questions.

Provide answers to common questions related to the topic.

  • Q: How often should I inspect my fall arrest equipment?

A: Before each use, inspect your equipment for any signs of damage or wear [2].

  • Q: What do I do if my fall arrest equipment is damaged?

A: Remove it from service immediately and report it to your supervisor [3].

  • Q: How do I choose the right anchor point?

A: Select an anchor point that is capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds (22.2 kN) per employee attached [5].

Summary

Recap the main points covered in the toolbox talk.

  • Always use a full body harness as part of a personal fall arrest system [1].
  • Inspect your fall arrest equipment before each use [2].
  • Ensure the fall arrest system is properly rigged to minimize free fall distance 9, 14.
  • Know the emergency procedures in case of a fall.

Action Items

List specific actions participants should take following this toolbox talk.

  1. Review the company's fall protection policy.
  2. Inspect your personal fall arrest equipment before your next shift.
  3. Report any fall hazards or damaged equipment to your supervisor.

Remember: Safety First, Falls Last!

Report all hazards, near-misses, and incidents to your supervisor immediately.

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6 source record(s)

Sources used for this answer

[1] Occupational Health and Safety Code

Page 97

Open source document

Source excerpt

## Full body harness - 142 (1) An employer must ensure that - (a) a full body harness manufactured on or after March 31, 2023 is approved to - (i) CSA Standard Z259.10-18, Full body harnesses , - (ii) ANSI/ASSE Standard Z359.1-2007, Safety requirements for personal fall arrest systems, subsystems and components , or - (iii) CEN Standard EN 361:2007, Personal protective equipment against falls from a height - Full body harnesses , ## and - (b) a worker using a personal fall arrest system wears and uses a full body harness. - 142 (2) A worker using a personal fall arrest system must wear and use a full body harness. AR 191/2021 s142;242/2022 ## Body belt - 142.1 An employer must ensure that - (a) a body belt manufactured on or after July 1, 2009 is approved to - (i) CSA Standard Z259.1-05, Body belts and saddles for work positioning and travel restraint , - (ii) ANSI/ASSE Standard A10.32-2004, Fall Protection Systems - American National Standard for Construction and Demolition Operations , or - (iii) CEN Standard EN 358: 2000, Personal protective equipment for work positioning and prevention of falls from a height - Belts for work positioning and restraint and work positioning lanyards , and - (b) a worker uses a body belt only as part of a travel restraint system or as part of a fall restrict system. ## Lanyard 142.2 (1) An employer must ensure that a lanyard manufactured on or after March 31, 2023 is approved to - (a) CSA Standard Z259.11-17, Personal energy absorbers and lanyards , - (b) ANSI/ASSE Standard Z359.1-2007, Safety requirements for personal fall arrest systems, subsystems and components , or - (c) CEN Standard EN 354:2002, Personal protective equipment against falls from a height Lanyards . 142.2 (2) An employer must ensure that a lanyard used by a worker is made of wire rope or other material appropriate to the hazard if a tool or corrosive agent that could sever, abrade or burn a lanyard is used in the work area.

[2] Safety Standards for General Safety and Health Standards (Chaper 296-24 WAC)

Page 391

Open source document

Source excerpt

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ and protocols contained in subsections (2), (3), and (4) of Part II may be considered as complying with the provisions of (a) of this subsection provided that the criteria and protocols are modified appropriately to provide proper protection for such heavier weights. ## (5) Care and use . - (a) Snap-hooks, unless of a locking type designed and used to prevent disengagement from the following connections, must not be engaged: - (i) Directly to webbing, rope or wire rope; - (ii) To each other; - (iii) To a dee-ring to which another snap-hook or other connector is attached; - (iv) To a horizontal lifeline; or - (v) To any object which is incompatibly shaped or dimensioned in relation to the snap-hook such that the connected object could depress the snap-hook keeper a sufficient amount to release itself. - (b) Devices used to connect to a horizontal lifeline which may become a vertical lifeline must be capable of locking in either direction on the lifeline. - (c) Personal fall arrest systems must be rigged such that an employee can neither free fall more than 6 feet (1.8 m), nor contact any lower level. - (d) The attachment point of the body harness must be located in the center of the wearer's back near shoulder level, or above the wearer's head. - (e) When vertical lifelines are used, each employee must be provided with a separate lifeline. - (f) Personal fall arrest systems or components must be used only for employee fall protection. - (g) Personal fall arrest systems or components subjected to impact loading must be immediately removed from service and must not be used again for employee protection unless inspected and determined by a competent person to be undamaged and suitable for reuse. - (h) The employer must provide for prompt rescue of employees in…

[3] Rules for the Administration of the Oregon Safe Employment Act (Construction, Division 3, OSHA Oregon)

Page 606

Open source document

Source excerpt

Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division Oregon Administrative Rules Division 3 - (14) Ropes and straps (webbing) used in lanyards, lifelines, and strength components of body belts and body harnesses shall be made from synthetic fibers. - (15) Anchorages used for attachment of personal fall arrest equipment shall be independent of any anchorage being used to support or suspend platforms and capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds (22.2 kN) per employee attached, or shall be designed, installed, and used as follows: - (i) as part of a complete personal fall arrest system which maintains a safety factor of at least two; and - (ii) under the supervision of a qualified person. - (16) Personal fall arrest systems, when stopping a fall, shall: - (i) limit maximum arresting force on an employee to 900 pounds (4 kN) when used with a body belt; (Note: body belts not allowed after January 1, 1998.) - (ii) limit maximum arresting force on an employee to 1,800 pounds (8 kN) when used with a body harness; - (iii) be rigged such that an employee can neither free fall more than 6 feet (1.8 m), nor contact any lower level; - (iv) bring an employee to a complete stop and limit maximum deceleration distance an employee travels to 3.5 feet (1.07 m); and, - (v) have sufficient strength to withstand twice the potential impact energy of an employee free falling a distance of 6 feet (1.8 m), or the free fall distance permitted by the system, whichever is less. Note: If the personal fall arrest system meets the criteria and protocols contained in Appendix C to subpart M, and if the system is being used by an employee having a combined person and tool weight of less than 310 pounds (140 kg), the system will be considered to be in compliance with the provisions of paragraph (d)(16) of this section. If the system is used by an employee having a combined tool and body weight of 310 pounds (140 kg) or more, then the employer must appropriately modify the criteria and protocols…

[4] Safety Standards for General Safety and Health Standards (Chaper 296-24 WAC)

Page 395

Open source document

Source excerpt

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ lanyards, connectors, lifelines, deceleration devices, and body harnesses to be interchanged since some components wear out before others. The employer and employee should realize that not all components are interchangeable. For instance, a lanyard should not be connected between a body harness and a deceleration device of the self-retracting type since this can result in additional free fall for which the system was not designed. Any substitution or change to a personal fall arrest system should be fully evaluated or tested by a competent person to determine that it meets the standard, before the modified system is put in use. - (4) Employee training considerations. Thorough employee training in the selection and use of personal fall arrest systems is imperative. As stated in the standard, before the equipment is used, employees must be trained in the safe use of the system. This should include the following: Application limits; proper anchoring and tie-off techniques; estimation of free fall distance, including determination of deceleration distance, and total fall distance to prevent striking a lower level; methods of use; and inspection and storage of the system. Careless or improper use of the equipment can result in serious injury or death. Employers and employees should become familiar with the material in this Appendix, as well as manufacturer's recommendations, before a system is used. Of uppermost importance is the reduction in strength caused by certain tie-offs (such as using knots, tying around sharp edges, etc.) and maximum permitted free fall distance. Also, to be stressed are the importance of inspections prior to use, the limitations of the equipment, and unique conditions at the worksite which may be important in determining the t…

[5] Rules for the Administration of the Oregon Safe Employment Act (General Occupational Safety and Health, Division 2, OSHA Oregon)

Page 1827

Open source document

Source excerpt

Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division Oregon Administrative Rules AO 2-2017 Division 2 - (iii) Climbers must not be worn except when required. Workers must not continue to wear their climbers while working on the ground except for brief periods when a worker is necessarily off the pole. - (iv) While climbers are not being worn, the gaffs must be properly guarded. - (G) Safety lines must be readily available while working aloft to be used for emergency rescue such as lowering a worker to the ground. Such safety lines must be a minimum of one-half-inch diameter and three or four strand first-grade manila or its equivalent in strength (2,650 lb.) and durability. - (H) For employers engaged in general industry activities, personal fall arrest systems must be used in accordance with Division 2/I. For employers engaged in construction activities, personal fall arrest systems must be used in accordance with Division 3/M. - Note to paragraph (2)(d)(H): Fall protection equipment rigged to arrest falls is considered a fall arrest system and must meet the applicable requirements for the design and use of those systems. Fall protection equipment rigged for work positioning is considered work-positioning equipment and must meet the applicable requirements for the design and use of that equipment. - (I) The employer must ensure that employees use fall protection systems as follows: - (i) Each employee working from an aerial lift must use a travel restraint system or a personal fall arrest system. Paragraph (c)(2)(v) of 1910.67 and paragraph (b)(2)(v) of 1926.453 do not apply. - (ii) Except as provided in paragraph (2)(d)(I)(iii) of this rule, each employee in elevated locations more than 1.2 meters (4 feet) above the ground on poles, towers, or similar structures must use a personal fall arrest system, work-positioning equipment, or fall restraint system, as appropriate, if the employer has not provided other fall protection meeting Division 2/D, Walking-Working Surf…

[6] Occupational Health and Safety Code

Page 98

Open source document

Source excerpt

142.2 (3) Despite subsection (2), if a worker works near an energized conductor or in a work area where a lanyard made of conductive material cannot be used safely, the employer must ensure that the worker uses another effective means of fall protection. AR 191/2021 s142.2;242/2022 ## Shock absorber 142.3 (1) An employer must ensure that if a shock absorber or shock absorbing lanyard is used as part of a personal fall arrest system, it is approved to one of the following standards if manufactured on or after March 31, 2023: - (a) CSA Standard Z259.11-17, Personal energy absorbers and lanyards ; - (b) ANSI/ASSE Standard Z359.1-2007, Safety requirements for personal fall arrest systems, subsystems and components ; - (c) CEN Standard EN 355:2002, Personal protective equipment against falls from a height Energy absorbers . - 142.3 (2) An employer must ensure that a personal fall arrest system consists of a full body harness and a lanyard equipped with a shock absorber or similar device. - 142.3 (3) Despite subsection (2), a shock absorber or similar device is not required if the personal fall arrest system is used in accordance with section 151. - 142.3 (4) Despite subsection (2), a shock absorber is required with a fixed ladder fall arrest system only if it is required by the manufacturer of the system. AR 191/2021 s142.3;242/2022 ## Connectors, carabiners and snap hooks - 143 (1) An employer must ensure that connecting components of a fall arrest system consisting of carabiners, D-rings, O-rings, oval rings, self-locking connectors and snap hooks manufactured on or after March 31, 2023 are approved, as applicable, to - (a) CSA Standard Z259.2.5-17, Fall arresters and vertical lifelines , - (b) ANSI/ASSE Standard Z359.1-2007, Safety requirements for personal fall arrest systems, subsystems and components , - (c) CEN Standard EN 362:2004, Personal protective equipment against falls from a height Connectors , or - (d) CEN Standard [redacted postal code]:1998, Moun…

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