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perform a risk assessment on fall protection over unenergized electrical gear

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A risk assessment for fall protection over unenergized electrical gear must consider several factors to ensure worker safety. Here's a breakdown of potential hazards, risks, and control measures:

Hazards:

  • Falls from height: Working at height near electrical gear always presents a fall hazard, whether from a platform, ladder, or other elevated surface [1].
  • Falling objects: Tools or equipment dropped from above can injure workers below [2].
  • Sharp edges and obstructions: Electrical equipment may have sharp edges or other protrusions that can cause cuts or puncture wounds during a fall.
  • Swing fall: If the anchorage point is not directly overhead, a fall can result in a swing, potentially causing the worker to collide with nearby objects [3].
  • Incorrect or damaged fall protection equipment: Using equipment that is not properly inspected, maintained, or suited for the task can increase the risk of injury 4, 14.

Risks:

  • Severity: Falls can result in serious injuries, including fractures, head trauma, or even death.
  • Likelihood: The likelihood of a fall depends on factors such as the height of the work, the stability of the working surface, weather conditions, and the worker's experience and training.

Control Measures:

  1. Elimination/Substitution:
  • If possible, perform the work at ground level to eliminate the fall hazard altogether.
  • Use remote tools or extendable equipment to minimize the need to work at height.
  1. Engineering Controls:
  • Install guardrail systems around the perimeter of elevated work surfaces [1].
  • Use scaffolding or aerial lifts to provide a stable and secure working platform.
  • Ensure that ladders are properly secured and extend at least 3 feet above the landing [1].
  1. Administrative Controls:
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive fall protection plan that includes hazard identification, risk assessment, and control measures [4].
  • Provide thorough training to all workers on fall hazards, fall protection equipment, and safe work practices [1].
  • Implement a permit system for work at height to ensure that all necessary precautions are taken.
  • Conduct regular safety meetings to discuss fall hazards and reinforce safe work practices.
  • Establish a designated drop zone and use handlines or containers to raise and lower tools and materials [5].
  1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
  • Provide and require the use of appropriate fall arrest systems, including full-body harnesses, lanyards, and self-retracting lifelines 7, 4.
  • Ensure that all fall protection equipment is properly inspected before each use [6].
  • Use tool lanyards to prevent dropped objects from striking workers below [2].
  • Workers must wear nonconductive head protection wherever there is a danger of head injury [7].

Monitoring and Review:

  • Regularly inspect all fall protection equipment and systems to ensure they are in good working order [6].
  • Conduct periodic audits of work practices to ensure compliance with the fall protection plan.
  • Review the fall protection plan after any incident or near miss to identify areas for improvement.

Specific Recommendations:

  • Verify De-energization: Even if the electrical gear is believed to be unenergized, follow lockout/tagout procedures to ensure it is completely de-energized before starting work [8].
  • Clearance: Ensure sufficient clearance around the electrical gear to allow for safe movement and prevent accidental contact with other objects.
  • Rescue Plan: Develop a rescue plan in case of a fall, including the availability of trained rescue personnel and appropriate rescue equipment 10, 14.
  • Weather Conditions: Do not perform work at height in adverse weather conditions such as high winds, rain, or snow.

By implementing these control measures and following safe work practices, employers can significantly reduce the risk of falls and protect workers from injury when working near unenergized electrical gear.

8 source record(s)

Sources used for this answer

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

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Division 2 Oregon Administrative Rules Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division - (vi) To telecommunications work covered by § 1910.268(n)(7) and (8); and - (vii) To electric power generation, transmission, and distribution work covered by OAR [redacted phone](2) within Subdivision 2/RR. - (b) Protection from fall hazards. - (1) Unprotected sides and edges. - (i) Except as provided elsewhere in this section, the employer must ensure that each employee on a walking-working surface with an unprotected side or edge that is 4 feet (1.2 m) or more above a lower level is protected from falling by one or more of the following: - (A) Guardrail systems; - (B) Safety net systems; or - (C) Personal fall protection systems, such as personal fall arrest, travel restraint, or positioning systems. Note: Oregon OSHA did not adopt paragraph 1910.28(b)(1)(ii) or the corresponding note to paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section. - (iii) When the employer can demonstrate that the use of fall protection systems is not feasible on the working side of a platform used at a loading rack, loading dock, or teeming platform, the work may be done without a fall protection system, provided: - (A) The work operation for which fall protection is infeasible is in process; - (B) Access to the platform is limited to authorized employees; and, - (C) The authorized employees are trained in accordance with § 1910.30. - (2) Hoist areas. The employer must ensure: - (i) Each employee in a hoist area is protected from falling 4 feet (1.2 m) or more to a lower level by: - (A) A guardrail system; - (B) A personal fall arrest system; or

[2] Occupational Health and Safety Code

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See also asbestos; coal dust; lead and lead body belt, 1 control zone, 1 fall arresting device, 1 fall protection system, 1 fall restrict system, 1 leading edge, 1 swing drop distance, 1 certification horizontal lifeline system, 153-153.1 control zone, 161 duty to use, 139 equipment compatibility, 150 inspection and maintenance, 150.1 removal from service, 150.2 fall protection plans, 140-141 competent person to prepare plans, 2.2 contents of plan, 140(2) when needed, 140(1) when to prepare, 140(3)-(4) worker training, 141 horizontal lifeline systems, 153-153.1 leading edge fall protection systems, 158 life safety rope, 147 personal protective equipment (PPE) duty to use, 228 harnesses, 142 inspection and maintenance, 150.1 removal from service, 150.2 rescue personnel, 138 standards, 142-144, 146-149 procedures in place of, 159 Prusik and similar knots, 150.3 standards body belts, 142.1(a) connecting components, 143(1) lanyards, 142.2(1) shock absorbers, 142.3(1) training, fall protection plan, 141 tree care operations, 793(1)(d), 794 on vehicles and loads, 155 water dangers, 157 when required, 139, 141 work positioning system, 160.1 See also anchors; personal fall arrest system (PFAS); safety nets; travel restraint system Fall Protection Systems - American National Standard for Construction and Demolition Operations (ANSI/ASSE), 142.1(a) Fall Restrict Equipment for Wood Pole Climbing (CSA), 149

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

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Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division Oregon Administrative Rules Division 2 - (K) Equipment, such as tools are secured by a tool lanyard or similar method to prevent it from falling where employees below are exposed to falling objects; - (L) A pre-work briefing is conducted with each employee involved in rope access to include, but is not limited to: - (i) The objective(s) of the work to be performed. - (ii) Site-specific hazards. - (iii) Environmental conditions that could affect the safety of the employee using the system. - (iv) Emergency procedures to be followed (e.g., employee rescue). Stat. Auth.: ORS 654.025(2) and 656.726(4). Stats. Implemented: ORS 654.001 through 654.295. Hist: OR-OSHA Admin. Order 2-2017, f. 5/16/17, ef. 11/1/17. ## 1910.28 Duty to have fall protection and falling object protection - (a) General. - (1) This section requires employers to provide protection for each employee exposed to fall and falling object hazards. Unless stated otherwise, the employer must ensure that all fall protection and falling object protection required by this section meet the criteria in § 1910.29, except that personal fall protection systems required by this section meet the criteria of § 1910.140. - (2) This section does not apply: - (i) To portable ladders; - (ii) When employers are inspecting, investigating, or assessing workplace conditions or work to be performed prior to the start of work or after all work has been completed. This exemption does not apply when fall protection systems or equipment meeting the requirements of § 1910.29 have been installed and are available for workers to use for pre-work and post-work inspections, investigations, or assessments; - (iii) To fall hazards presented by the exposed perimeters of entertainment stages and the exposed perimeters of rail-station platforms; - (iv) To powered platforms covered by § 1910.66(j); - (v) To aerial lifts covered by § 1910.67(c)(2)(v);

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

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Division 2 AO 2-2017 Oregon Administrative Rules Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division Note to paragraph (1)(a): Appendix D to Division 2/RR contains test methods that employers can use to determine whether a wood pole is capable of sustaining the forces imposed by an employee climbing the pole. This paragraph also requires the employer to determine that the pole can sustain all other forces imposed by the work employees will perform. - (b) When a pole is set, moved, or removed near an exposed energized overhead conductor, the pole may not contact the conductor. - (c) Raising poles, towers, or fixtures close to high voltage conductors must be done under the supervision of a worker qualified for this work. - (d) Conductive rigging (wire rope) may not be used to raise poles, transformers, and other equipment except when such rigging is below, protected, or at a sufficient distance from energized high voltage conductors to prevent hazardous contact. - (e) When a pole is set, moved, or removed near an exposed energized overhead conductor, the employer must ensure that each employee wears electrical protective equipment or uses insulated devices when handling the pole and that no employee contacts the pole with uninsulated parts of their body. - (f) To protect employees from falling into holes used for placing poles, the employer must physically guard the holes, or ensure that employees attend the holes, whenever anyone is working nearby. - (g) Suitable guards and barriers must be erected so that workers or tools and equipment will not fall into or accidentally contact energized conductors or equipment. - (h) Materials and tools other than belt tools for which the body belt is designed: - (A) Must be raised or lowered by means of a suitable container or handline. - (B) May not be thrown to or from employees working on poles or structures. When field conditions prevent the use of a handline or alternative method from being done safely, a designated drop zone…

[5] SAIA: Code of Safe Practices for Adjustable Suspended Scaffolds

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<!-- image --> - 4. ASSURE THAT THE WIRE ROPE IS LONG ENOUGH to reach to the lowest possible landing. - 5. CLEAN AND LUBRICATE WIRE ROPE in accordance with the wire rope manufacturer's instru ctions. - 6. INSPECT WIRE ROPE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MANUFACTURER'S INSTRUCTIONS. DO NOT USE WIRE ROPE THAT IS KINKED, BIRDCAGED, CORRODED, UNDERSIZED, OR DAMAGED IN ANY WAY. Do not expose wire rope to fire, undue heat, corrosive atmosphere, electricity, chemicals, or damage. - 7. WIRE ROPES USED WITH TRACTION HOISTS MUST HAVE PREPARED ENDS. Follow hoist manufacturer's recommendations. - 8. USE THIMBLES AT ALL WIRE ROPE SUSPENSION TERMINATIONS. - 9. USE J-BOLT WIRE ROPE CLAMPS OR SWEDGE FITTINGS. DO NOT USE U-BOLT CLAMPS. - 10. TIGHTEN THE JBOLT WIRE ROPE CLAMPS in accordance with the manufacturer's instruct ions. ## C. POWER SUPPLY FOR MOTORIZED EQUIPMENT: - 1. USE PROPERLY GROUNDED ELECTRICAL POWER CORDS. Protect them with circuit breakers. - 2. USE POWER CORDS AND AIR HOSES OF THE PROPER SIZE THAT ARE LONG ENOUGH for the application. - 3. POWER CORD and AIR HOSE CONNECTIONS MUST BE RESTRAINED to prevent separation. - 4. USE STRAIN RELIEF DEVICES TO ATTACH POWER CORDS AND AIR SUPPLY HOSES TO THE - PLATFORM, to prevent them from separation. - 5. PROTECT POWER CORDS AND AIR HOSES FROM SHARP EDGES. - 6. USE GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER (GFCI) WITH POWER TOOLS. ## D. FALL ARREST EQUIPMENT: - 1. EACH PERSON ON AN ADJUSTABLE SUSPENDED SCAFFOLD must be attached to an independent fall arrest system. - 2. EACH VERTICAL LIFELINE SHALL BE ATTACHED IN ACCORDANCE WITH MANUFACTURER'S INSTRUCTIONS to a separate anchorage capable of supporting a minimum of 5000 pounds (2267 - kg) or an anchorage designed by a qualified person. - 3. DO NOT WRAP LIFELINES AROUND STRUCTURAL MEMBERS unless lifelines are protected and a suitable anchorage connection is used. - 4. PROTECT LIFELINES AT SHARP CORNERS AND EDGES to prevent chafing. - 5. RIG FALL ARREST SYSTEMS to minimize free fall. - 6. INS…

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

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\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ - (B) Each tag must contain a statement prohibiting unauthorized operation of the disconnecting means and removal of the tag. - (C) If a lock cannot be applied, or if the employer can demonstrate that tagging procedures will provide a level of safety equivalent to that obtained by the use of a lock, a tag may be used without a lock. - (D) You must supplement a tag used without a lock, as permitted by subitem (C) of this item, by at least one additional safety measure that provides a level of safety equivalent to that obtained by the use of a lock. Examples of additional safety measures include the removal of an isolating circuit element, blocking of a controlling switch, or opening of an extra disconnecting device. - (E) A lock may be placed without a tag only under the following conditions: - (I) Only one circuit or piece of equipment is deenergized; and - (II) The lockout period does not extend beyond the work shift; and - (III) Employees exposed to the hazards associated with reenergizing the circuit or equipment are familiar with this procedure. - (iv) Verification of deenergized condition. You must meet the requirements of this subsection before any circuits or equipment can be considered and worked as deenergized. - (A) A qualified person must operate the equipment operating controls or otherwise verify that the equipment cannot be restarted. - (B) A qualified person must use test equipment to test the circuit elements and electrical parts of equipment to which employees will be exposed and must verify that the circuit elements and equipment parts are deenergized. The test must also determine if any energized condition exists as a result of inadvertently induced voltage or unrelated voltage backfeed even though specific parts of the circuit have been…

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

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\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ - (I) The employer ensures that the employee who applied the lock or tag is not available at the workplace; and - (II) The employer ensures that the employee is aware that the lock or tag has been removed before he or she resumes work at that workplace. - (D) You must provide a visual determination that all employees are clear of the circuits and equipment. [Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 15-24-100 (Order 15-04), § 296-24-975, filed 12/01/2015, effective 01/05/2016 Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 04-15-105 (Order 03-12), § 296-24-975, filed 07/20/04, effective 11/01/04. [Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. 94-15-096 (Order 94-07), 296-24-975, filed 7/20/94, effective 9/20/94; 91-24-017 (Order 91-07), 296-24-975, filed 11/22/91, effective 12/24/91.] ## WAC 296-24-980 Safeguards for personnel protection. ## (1) Use of protective equipment . - (a) Personal protective equipment . - (i) You must provide employees working in areas where there are potential electrical hazards with electrical protective equipment that is appropriate for the specific parts of the body to be protected and for the work to be performed, and you must ensure that they use such protective equipment. - Note: Personal protective equipment requirements are contained in chapter 296-24 WAC Part L, and WAC [redacted identifier]. - (ii) You must maintain protective equipment in a safe, reliable condition and you must periodically inspect or test it, as required by chapter 296-24 WAC Part L, and WAC [redacted identifier]. - (iii) If the insulating capability of protective equipment may be subject to damage during use, you must protect the insulating material. (For example, an outer covering of leather is sometimes used for the p…

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

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\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ - (7) Rescue considerations. As required by WAC 296-24-[redacted postal code] (5)(h) when personal fall arrest systems are used, the employer must assure that employees can be promptly rescued or can rescue themselves should a fall occur. The availability of rescue personnel, ladders or other rescue equipment should be evaluated. In some situations, equipment which allows employees to rescue themselves after the fall has been arrested may be desirable, such as devices which have descent capability. ## (8) Tie-off considerations. - (a) One of the most important aspects of personal fall protection systems is fully planning the system before it is put into use. Probably the most overlooked component is planning for suitable anchorage points. Such planning should ideally be done before the structure or building is constructed so that anchorage points can be incorporated during construction for use later for window cleaning or other building maintenance. If properly planned, these anchorage points may be used during construction, as well as afterwards. - (b) Employers and employees should at all times be aware that the strength of a personal fall arrest system is based on its being attached to an anchoring system which does not significantly reduce the strength of the system (such as a properly dimensioned eye-bolt/snap-hook anchorage). Therefore, if a means of attachment is used that will reduce the strength of the system, that component should be replaced by a stronger one, but one that will also maintain the appropriate maximum arrest force characteristics. - (c) Tie-off using a knot in a rope lanyard or lifeline (at any location) can reduce the lifeline or lanyard strength by 50% or more. Therefore, a stronger lanyard or lifeline should be used to com…

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