Make me a fall protection plan for a 3 story building

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# 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…

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# Fall Protection in Construction (cont.) ## Helpful Safety Information (cont.) Fall Protection in Construction ## Fall Protection Systems There are 2 basic fall protection systems: - Passive Systems - Fall Prevention - Guardrails, safety nets, floor covers, catch platforms, etc. • Active Systems - Personal Fall Protection - Safety belts and body harnesses. - Passive systems, such as guardrails, are the preferred system of fall protection. If passive systems cannot be utilized, then personal fall protection is required. ## Common Passive Systems Guardrails are required at 72' high on open: - Edges of floors and roofs - Scaffolds • Runways, ramps - Elevated platforms Major design specifications: - Constructed of wood or equivalent material. - Top rail at 42" to 45" and a midrail. - Wooden posts must be no more than 8' apart. • Top rail must withstand 200 lbs load in any direction. Safety nets are good for high entry ways and cathedral ceiling areas of residential homes. They must be installed according to manufacturer's instructions. Floor covers need to be provided for all floor openings, hatchways, floor holes, and skylight openings regardless of the fall heights. Floor openings can be alternatively guarded by guardrails. Wall openings that are greater than 30" high and 18" wide need to be protected with guardrails when the bottom of the opening is less than 36" above the working surface and the fall is more than 4'. Ladder openings need to be guarded with off-set guardrails or swinging gate must be provided. ## Contacting Cal/OSHA Consultation Services Publications: www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/PubOrder.asp Consultation Programs: www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/consultation.html Toll-free Number: 1-[redacted phone] Onsite Assistance Program Area Offices: Central Valley: [redacted phone] San Diego/Imperial: [redacted phone] No. California: [redacted phone] San Bernardino: [redacted phone] SF/Bay Area: [redacted phone] San Fernando Valley: [redacted…

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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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# Crane- and derrick-suspended personnel platforms (cont.) ## What is a fall protection system? (cont.) • Catch platforms. Though not covered in Subdivision 3/M, catch platforms, which consist of a stable platform and an attached standard guardrail, can protect workers when other systems or methods are not feasible. • Covers for holes. Simple and effective when they are capable of supporting, without failure, at least twice the weight of employees, equipment, materials that may be imposed on the cover at one time, and are properly installed. Rigid covers prevent workers from falling through temporary holes, openings, and skylights in walking/working surfaces. - Fences and barricades. Use a fence or similar barricade to keep people away from wells, pits, and shafts or other similar excavation. ## What to consider when selecting a fall protection system Appropriate fall protection systems have the following characteristics: • They are affordable. • They offer the least interference with workers' tasks or activities. • They prevent falls or protect workers who do fall from serious injury and death. Wherever possible, eliminate fall hazards. Identify hazards that you can't eliminate and evaluate each one. The evaluation will help you determine appropriate fall protection systems for your worksite. Consider the following: • What is the fall distance from the walking/working surface to the next lower level? - How many workers are exposed to the hazard? • What tasks and work areas are associated with the hazard? • How will the workers move - horizontally, vertically, or in both directions to do their tasks? • Are secure anchorages available or can they be easily installed near the hazard? - Are there other hazards near the work area, such as overhead power lines? • How will workers be promptly rescued if they are suspended in a personal fall-arrest system? ## Personal fall-arrest systems A personal fall-arrest system (PFAS) generally consists of an anc…

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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…

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# Crane- and derrick-suspended personnel platforms (cont.) ## Anchorage strength is critical, but is not the only factor to consider. (cont.) The full-body harness. The full-body harness has straps that distribute the fall arrest forces over the thighs, waist, chest, shoulders, and pelvis. Full-body harnesses come in different styles, many of which are light and comfortable. Before you purchase harnesses, make sure that they fit those who will use them, they're comfortable, and they are easy to adjust. A full-body harness should include a back D-ring for attaching lifelines or lanyards and a back pad for support. Never use a body belt as part of a personal fall-arrest system. Keep the following in mind when you buy a full-body harness: • The harness must be made from synthetic fibers. ●It must be appropriate for the user's body size and weight (including tools worn) - It must have an attachment point, usually a D-ring, in the center of the back at about shoulder level. • Use only industrial full-body harnesses (not recreational climbing harnesses). ●It should meet ANSI and CSA standards and the manufacturer should have ISO 9001 certification, which shows the manufacturer meets international standards for product design, development, production, installation, and service. Lanyards. A lanyard is a specially designed flexible line that has a snap hook at each end. One snap hook connects to the body harness and the other connects to an anchorage or a lifeline. Lanyards must have a minimum breaking strength of 5,000 pounds. They come in a variety of styles, including self-retracting types that make moving easier and energy-absorbing types that reduce fall-arrest forces. Don't combine lanyards to increase length or knot them to make them shorter. Deceleration devices. Deceleration devices protect workers from the impact of a fall and include energy- absorbing lanyards and self-retracting devices. How to estimate total fall distance with a energy-absorbing l…

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# Fall Protection Options Guide OSHA regulations require protection when workers are exposed to falls of 6 feet or more. The regulations define the specific hazards and outline acceptable ways of providing protection for these hazards. Some of the exposures discussed within this manual are listed below with a list of fall protection systems available to contractors. Employees Working Over Dangerous Equipment (regardless of fall distance) ➤Guardrail system - Safety net system ➤ Personal fall arrest system ## Excavations ➤ Guardrail system ➤ Fences ➤ Barricades - Formwork and Reinforcing Steel ➤ Safety net system ➤ Personal fall arrest system ➤ Positioning system ## Hoist Areas ➤ Guardrail system ➤ Safety net system ➤ Personal fall arrest system ➤Fall restraint system ## Holes ➤ Covers ➤ Guardrail system ➤ Safety net system ➤ Personal fall arrest system ➤ Fall restraint system ## Leading Edges ➤ Guardrail system ➤ Safety net system ➤ Personal fall arrest systems ➤ Fall restraint system ➤ Fall protection plan 24

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# Third Talk: Roofing Work Safety (cont.) ## What steps do we take to keep us working safely on roofs? (cont.) • Train workers in hazard recognition and the OSHA Fall Protection standard to properly identify and understand the severity of fall hazards and certify through written record. • Guard or secure covers over holes with materials of sufficient strength, and write "Hole" over the cover upon observing the fall hazard. • Provide and use safety monitor systems, warning line systems, or controlled access zones, in accord with the OSHA Fall Protection standard. ## Personal fall arrest systems When conducting roofing work, there are many ways to prevent fall hazards. If workers use a Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS), the employer must provide a full body harness, lanyard and/or lifeline, per each worker, and an anchorage point independent of supporting any other platforms, but capable of supporting 5,000 lbs (22.2kN), per each attached worker. Make sure the PFAS fits the worker, and regularly inspect all fall protection equipment to ensure that it's still in good condition. If workers do not routinely use their PFAS, they may neglect routine daily inspection of their equipment - and when required to use their PFAS, a component part may fail! Falls are the leading cause of death in the construction industry, and even experienced workers can be hurt and killed in falls. Regularly wear your PFAS, stay connected and tie-off to a proper anchorage point at the job site. ## Safety monitor Workers can use a safety monitor system in conjunction with a warning line system with a low slope roof (4:12 vertical to horizontal, or less), under 50 feet or less in width. The safety monitor must be a competent person and have no other duties that could interfere with their responsibility. They are required to work on the same level as the work being performed, and close enough to workers for direct monitoring (visual) and for verbal communication. ## Let's discuss fall pr…

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# Crane- and derrick-suspended personnel platforms (cont.) ## Personal fall-arrest systems (cont.) Anchorages that can't support 5,000 pounds must be designed and installed under the supervision of a qualified person and must be able to maintain a safety factor of at least two - twice the impact force of a worker free-falling 6 feet. If you don't know how much weight an anchorage will support, have a qualified person check it before you trust your life to it. ## Anchorage strength is critical, but is not the only factor to consider. Also important: • Anchorage connector. Unless an existing anchorage has been designed to accept a lanyard or lifeline, you need to attach an anchorage connector - a device that provides a secure attachment point. Examples include tie-off adapters, hook anchors, beam connectors, and beam trolleys. Be sure that the connector is compatible with the lanyard or lifeline and appropriate for the work task. • Attachment point. The anchorage can be used only as the attachment point for a personal fall- arrest system; it can't be used to support or suspend platforms. • Location. The anchorage should be located directly above the worker, whenever possible, to reduce the chance of a swing fall. - Fall distance. Because a personal fall-arrest system doesn't prevent a fall, the anchorage must be high enough above a worker so that the arrest system, rather than a lower level, stops the fall. Consider free-fall distance, lanyard length, energy- absorber elongation, and body-harness stretch in determining the minimum height of an anchorage from the lower level. Free-fall distance is the distance a worker falls before a personal fall-arrest system begins to stop the fall. Connectors. An anchorage, a lanyard, and a body harness are not useful until they are linked together. Connectors do the linking; they make the anchorage, the lanyard, and the harness a complete system. Connectors must be compatible with each other to prevent roll-out, and inc…

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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…