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pre shift fall protection inspection form

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Use a documented pre-shift inspection for every personal fall arrest system before any employee works at height. A compliant PFAS consists of a body harness, anchorage, and connector, with the means of connection including a lanyard, deceleration device, lifeline, or a suitable combination. For residential construction and similar work, fall protection is required when employees are exposed to a drop of 6 feet or more and cannot be protected by other means. Inspect equipment prior to each use, remove damaged components from service immediately, and ensure the system is used under the oversight of a competent person. [5] [7] [1]

Pre-shift inspection form / checklist:

  1. Date, shift, work area, task, employee name, competent person/supervisor name
  2. Equipment identification for each item: harness ID, lanyard/SRL ID, lifeline ID, anchor/anchor connector ID, connector/carabiner ID, manufacturer, model, serial number, date placed in service
  3. Verification that manufacturer instructions are available and the components are approved to work together; do not interchange components unless specifically approved
  4. Confirmation that a rescue plan is in place and reviewed before work starts
  5. Confirmation that the selected system matches the task: fall arrest, restraint, or positioning, and that workers are trained for the specific setup
  6. Inspection result for each component: acceptable / defective / remove from service
  7. Corrective action taken for any defect and tag-out documentation
  8. Worker signoff and supervisor/competent person verification before exposure to fall hazards

[1] [1] [1] Harness inspection and serviceability criteria:

  • Verify a full-body harness is being used; body belts are not acceptable as part of a PFAS
  • Inspect webbing for cuts, frays, burns, cracks, pulled fibers, abrasion, chemical contamination, paint, hardened areas, UV damage, or foreign material
  • Inspect all stitching for broken, burned, loose, pulled, or missing threads, especially at load-bearing points and hardware attachments
  • Inspect buckles, grommets, strap fasteners, and adjusters for cracks, bends, corrosion, deformation, sharp edges, or improper function
  • Inspect dorsal and other D-rings for cracks, bends, nicks, gouges, corrosion, discoloration, deformation, or looseness
  • Verify labels and markings are present and legible, including manufacturer, model, size, and date/manufacture information
  • Check impact indicators if provided by the manufacturer; if deployed or activated, remove from service
  • Verify fit before work: chest strap across mid-chest, leg straps snug with about two fingers of space, shoulder straps taut, and dorsal D-ring centered between the shoulder blades
  • Remove from service if any load-bearing webbing, stitching, hardware, labels, or impact indicators are damaged, missing, illegible, deformed, or show evidence of prior fall loading

[1] [3] [3] Lanyards, SRLs, rope grabs, and lifelines:

  • Inspect lanyards and vertical lifelines for cuts, frays, broken wires, abrasion, burns, knots not approved for use, chemical damage, crushed sections, heat damage, or damaged terminations
  • Verify lanyards and vertical lifelines have at least 5,000-pound minimum breaking strength unless using an SRL/lanyard that automatically limits free fall to 2 feet or less, in which case components must sustain the required lower rating specified by OSHA
  • Inspect shock absorber packs and energy absorbers for deployment, tearing, elongation, broken covers, or signs of prior loading; if deployed, remove from service
  • Inspect SRLs for housing damage, loose fasteners, corrosion, damaged cable/web line, proper retraction, and positive locking under a sharp pull; remove from service if lockup or retraction is abnormal
  • When vertical lifelines are used, attach only one employee per lifeline
  • Ensure each knot in a lanyard or vertical lifeline has been inspected by a competent person or qualified person before use if knots are part of the system
  • For rope grabs, verify compatibility with the lifeline, correct orientation, smooth travel, and positive locking; keep the rope grab high and the connecting lanyard short
  • Protect lifelines and lanyards from cuts and abrasion, especially at metal or concrete edges; use edge protection and only equipment designed for edge exposure when applicable
  • Do not connect shock-absorbing lanyards to retractable lifelines unless manufacturer approved, and never hook lanyards together unless manufacturer approved

[2] [2] [6] Anchors and anchorage connectors:

  • Verify the anchor point was planned before work and is attached to a substantial structural member such as a beam, girder, roof truss, or rafter
  • Confirm the anchorage is independent of any anchorage used to suspend employees or platforms
  • For personal fall protection, verify the anchorage is capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds per attached employee, or is designed, installed, and used under qualified supervision to meet the alternative criteria allowed by OSHA
  • Inspect anchor devices and anchorage connectors for deformation, cracks, corrosion, wear, damaged welds, bent plates, elongated holes, damaged straps, cut webbing, missing fasteners, or unauthorized field modifications
  • Never use pipes, vents, sheetrock screws, or other non-rated improvised points as anchors
  • Verify compatibility between the anchorage connector and the lanyard/lifeline and that the connector is appropriate for the task
  • Locate the anchorage as high and directly above the worker as practical to reduce free fall and swing fall hazards
  • For horizontal lifelines, verify they are designed, installed, and used under the supervision of a qualified person and are part of a complete system with a safety factor of at least two

[1] [2] [1] Connectors, snap hooks, carabiners, and D-rings:

  • Inspect connectors for cracks, bends, deformation, corrosion, sharp edges, excessive wear, gate damage, or evidence of side loading
  • Verify connectors are drop forged, pressed or formed steel, or equivalent, with corrosion-resistant finish and smooth edges
  • Verify D-rings, snap hooks, and carabiners are rated to at least 5,000 pounds tensile strength and proof tested to 3,600 pounds without cracking, breaking, or permanent deformation
  • Use only automatic-locking snap hooks and carabiners that require at least two separate consecutive movements to open
  • Ensure connectors are compatible and cannot roll out or unintentionally disengage
  • Do not connect snap hooks or carabiners directly to webbing, rope, or wire rope, to each other, to a D-ring already occupied by another connector, to a horizontal lifeline, or to any incompatible object unless specifically designed for that connection
  • Verify the harness D-ring is the correct attachment point for fall arrest and is larger than the snap hook where applicable

[2] [2] [2] Worker safety verification before working at height:

  • Worker has current fall protection training and understands the specific system being used
  • Harness is donned correctly, adjusted snugly, and all loose straps are secured
  • Correct attachment point is used and the worker is connected before exposure to the edge or opening
  • Fall clearance has been verified, including free fall distance, deceleration distance, lanyard/SRL length, harness stretch, worker height, and clearance to lower levels or obstructions
  • Swing fall hazards have been assessed and the worker will remain as directly below the anchorage as practical
  • Weather and surface conditions are acceptable; postpone work in wet, icy, or slippery conditions if footing or rescue would be compromised
  • Tools and materials are managed so they do not damage the system or create trip hazards
  • A prompt rescue plan, rescue equipment, and communication method are in place
  • The worker confirms no component has been subjected to a prior fall unless recertified by the manufacturer or authorized service entity

[3] [6] [1] Suggested pass/fail serviceability rules:

  • PASS: Equipment is the correct type for the task, compatible, within manufacturer limits, properly fitted, fully functional, and shows no damage, deformation, corrosion, missing parts, illegible labels, or evidence of prior fall arrest
  • FAIL / REMOVE FROM SERVICE: Any cut, tear, fray, burn, broken stitching, cracked or bent hardware, deployed shock absorber, failed SRL lock or retraction, damaged rope grab, missing label, unauthorized modification, chemical contamination, severe abrasion, or uncertain history
  • FAIL / DO NOT USE: Anchor point not rated or not verified, incompatible connectors, non-locking snap hook, shared vertical lifeline, horizontal lifeline lacking qualified design, or no rescue plan / no competent oversight

[1] [2] [2] A practical pre-shift form can use three signoff columns for each item: Inspect, Accept/Reject, and Corrected/Tagged Out, followed by a final authorization line stating: "I verified the fall protection system is appropriate for the task, all components passed inspection, the anchorage and clearance are adequate, the worker is trained, and rescue arrangements are in place before work at height begins." This approach supports OSHA-aligned verification of equipment condition, compatibility, anchorage strength, and worker readiness before exposure. [4] [1]

7 source record(s)

Sources used for this answer

[1] Program Directive: Personal Protective Equipment, Parts 1910, 1915, 1917, and 1926

Page 8

Open source document

Source excerpt

# Personal Protective Equipment; Amendments (cont.) ## Subpart I-Personal Protective Equipment (cont.) Federal Register/Vol. 81, No. 223/Friday, November 18, 2016/Rules and Regulations [redacted postal code] ■■9. In § 1910.132, revise paragraph (g) to read as follows: ## $1910.132 General requirements. * (g) Paragraphs (d) and (f) of this section apply only to §§ 1910.133, 1910.135, 1910.136, 1910.138, and 1910.140. Paragraphs (d) and (f) of this section do not apply to §§ 1910.134 and 1910.137. * $1910.139 [Added and Reserved] ■10. Add reserved § 1910.139. ■11. Add § 1910.140 to read as follows: $1910.140 Personal fall protection systems. (a) Scope and application. This section establishes performance, care, and use criteria for all personal fall protection systems. The employer must ensure that each personal fall protection system used to comply with this part must meet the requirements of this section. (b) Definitions. The following definitions apply to this section: - Anchorage means a secure point of attachment for equipment such as lifelines, lanyards, or deceleration devices. - Belt terminal means an end attachment of a window cleaner's positioning system used for securing the belt or harness to a window cleaner's belt anchor. - Body belt means a strap with means both for securing about the waist and for attaching to other components such as a lanyard used with positioning systems, travel restraint systems, or ladder safety systems. - Body harness means straps that secure about the employee in a manner to distribute the fall arrest forces over at least the thighs, pelvis, waist, chest, and shoulders, with a means for attaching the harness to other components of a personal fall protection system. - Carabiner means a connector generally comprised of a trapezoidal or oval shaped body with a closed gate or similar arrangement that may be opened to attach another object and, when released, automatically closes to retain the object. - Competent …

[2] Fall protection for construction activities

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# Crane- and derrick-suspended personnel platforms (cont.) ## Anchorage strength is critical, but is not the only factor to consider. (cont.) After onset of a fall, the device automatically locks the drum and arrests the fall. Self-retracting devices include self-retracting lanyards (SRLs), self-retracting lanyards with integral rescue capability (SRL-Rs), and self-retracting lanyards, personal (SRL-Ps) and hybrid combinations of these. ## Self-Retracting Device Classes: • Class 1. Self-retracting devices which shall be used only on overhead anchorages and shall be subjected to a maximum free fall of 2 feet or less, in practical application. • Class 2. Self-retracting devices intended for applications wherein overhead anchorages may not be available or feasible and which may, in practical application, be subjected to a free fall of no more than 6 feet over an edge type used in its testing. • Beware of swing falls! If you use a self-retracting lanyard or lifeline, work below the anchorage to avoid a swing fall. The farther you move away from the anchorage, the farther you will fall and the greater your risk of swinging back into a hard object. Swing falls are hazardous because you can hit an object or a lower level during the pendulum motion. WARNING: Lifelines anchored horizontally (i.e., at a level below the harness D-ring), including Class 2 self-retracting lanyards, need additional safety precautions when working near metal or concrete edges along decking, floors, roofs, platforms, formwork, and other surfaces. Since a fall from such hazardous edges may cause the lanyard to be cut, select and provide lifelines designed specifically for the application and follow the manufacturer's instructions for use. Protect lifelines against being cut or abraded by covering the edge with a protective material. | Swing falls can actually increase fall distance. Rope grab. A rope grab allows a worker to move up a vertical lifeline but automatically engages and locks o…

[3] Program Directive: Walking-Working Surfaces and Personal Protective Equipment (Fall Protection Systems), Final Rule; and Other Related Provisions

Page 29

Open source document

Source excerpt

# Walking-Working Surfaces and Personal Protective Equipment (Fall Protection Systems), Final Rule; and Other Related Provisions (cont.) ## Subpart -[Amended] (cont.) [redacted postal code] Federal Register/Vol. 81, No. 223/Friday, November 18, 2016/Rules and Regulations lifeline), or for connection to anchorages at both ends so as to stretch horizontally (horizontal lifeline), and serves as a means for connecting other components of the system to the anchorage. Personal fall arrest system means a system used to arrest an employee in a fall from a walking-working surface. It consists of a body harness, anchorage, and connector. The means of connection may include a lanyard, deceleration device, lifeline, or a suitable combination of these. Personal fall protection system means a system (including all components) an employer uses to provide protection from falling or to safely arrest an employee's fall if one occurs. Examples of personal fall protection systems include personal fall arrest systems, positioning systems, and travel restraint systems. Positioning system (work-positioning system) means a system of equipment and connectors that, when used with a body harness or body belt, allows an employee to be supported on an elevated vertical surface, such as a wall or window sill, and work with both hands free. Positioning systems also are called "positioning system devices" and "work-positioning equipment." Qualified describes a person who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training, and experience has successfully demonstrated the ability to solve or resolve problems relating to the subject matter, the work, or the project. Rope grab means a deceleration device that travels on a lifeline and automatically, by friction, engages the lifeline and locks so as to arrest the fall of an employee. A rope grab usually employs the principle of inertial locking, cam/lever locking, or both. Safety …

[4] PFAS Safety: Personal Fall Arrest Systems for Residential Construction Contractors

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Source excerpt

# Additional Information On-site Consultation Program Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards (508) 616-0461 www.mass.gov/dols OSHA Regional Office JFK Federal Building- Room E340 Boston, MA [redacted postal code] (617) 565-9860 www.osha.gov The Center for Construction Research and Training Fall prevention safety materials and resources: www.cpwr.com ## MA FACE Project Occupational Health Surveillance Program Massachusetts Department of Public Health [redacted street address] Boston, MA [redacted postal code] (617) 624-5627 www.mass.gov/dph/FACE FACE is an occupational injury prevention project conducted by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. FACE is not responsible for the enforcement of safety standards. FACE investigates workplace fatalities to identify risk factors that lead to fatal injury in order to prevent future deaths. The FACE Project is funded by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Many thanks to the contractors and others who helped develop this brochure. Special thanks to the Arizona Construction Training Alliance for use of interior photos. # PFAS SAFETY: Personal Fall Arrest Systems For Residential Construction Contractors Last updated 11/2012 Massachusetts Department of Public Health Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Project PARTMENT # Keep Your Workers Safe Any Fall Can Be Fatal or Debilitating! ## When is fall protection required for residential construction workers? Fall protection must be provided to any employee working at a height of 6 feet or more above a lower level. The best fall protection is a passive system because it does not require active participation from the worker: these include guard rail systems and safety nets. But sometimes active fall protection is needed, such as a personal fall arrest system (PFAS). ## What is a PFAS? A PFAS (personal fall arrest system) consists of three major components: • a full-body harness; • a shock-absorbing lan…

[5] Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHA 29 CFR 1910) - 1910.140 - Personal fall protection systems

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Source excerpt

# Occupational Safety and Health Administration (cont.) ## 1910.140(b) (cont.) Lifeline means a component of a personal fall protection system consisting of a flexible line for connection to an anchorage at one end so as to hang vertically (vertical lifeline), or for connection to anchorages at both ends so as to stretch horizontally (horizontal lifeline), and serves as a means for connecting other components of the system to the anchorage. Personal fall arrest system means a system used to arrest an employee in a fall from a walking- working surface. It consists of a body harness, anchorage, and connector. The means of connection may include a lanyard, deceleration device, lifeline, or a suitable combination of these. Personal fall protection system means a system (including all components) an employer uses to provide protection from falling or to safely arrest an employee's fall if one occurs. Examples of personal fall protection systems include personal fall arrest systems, positioning systems, and travel restraint systems. Positioning system (work-positioning system) means a system of equipment and connectors that, when used with a body harness or body belt, allows an employee to be supported on an elevated vertical surface, such as a wall or window sill, and work with both hands free. Positioning systems also are called "positioning system devices" and "work-positioning equipment." Qualified describes a person who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training, and experience has successfully demonstrated the ability to solve or resolve problems relating to the subject matter, the work, or the project. Rope grab means a deceleration device that travels on a lifeline and automatically, by friction, engages the lifeline and locks so as to arrest the fall of an employee. A rope grab usually employs the principle of inertial locking, cam/lever locking, or both. Safety factor means the ra…

[6] PFAS Safety: Personal Fall Arrest Systems for Residential Construction Contractors

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Open source document

Source excerpt

# Keep Your Workers Safe Any Fall Can Be Fatal or Debilitating! (cont.) ## The ABC's of PFAS A PFAS must meet specific requirements. Some of these are described below. *** ## A - Anchor Point The anchor point (tie-off point) is a secure point of attachment for the fall arrest system's lanyard or lifeline. • Anchor point locations should be planned out before work begins. • The anchor point should be attached to a substantial structural member, such as a beam, girder, roof truss or rafter. • The anchor point must support either 5,000 pounds per worker (the weight of two small cars) or twice the intended load. • When installing anchor points, follow the manufacturer's instructions. A Never use a pipe or vent as an anchor point. Never use sheetrock screws to install an anchor point. ## B - Body Harness A full-body harness is required for a PFAS. The body harness distributes the force of a fall to reduce the chance of bodily injury. It includes shoulder and thigh straps, and a D-ring. A Body belts should never be part of a PFAS. A Make sure that D-rings are larger than the snap hook. Note: The connecting D-ring in a properly fitted harness should be located in the center of the upper back. Locking snap hook Harness Rope D-ring grab Lanyard with shock absorber Lifeline Not all PFAS components are interchangeable. ## C - Connecting Device A retractable lifeline or shock-absorbing lanyard and its connectors are used to link a full-body harness to the anchor system. Never hook lanyards together unless manufacturer approved. ! Shock-absorbing lanyards and retractable lifelines are rarely compatible-do not connect. Different types of connectors include carabiners, snap hooks, D-rings, and rope grabs. Connectors must have a minimum tensile strength of 5,000 pounds. ## D - Descent & Rescue You must have a plan for rescuing a worker whose fall has been arrested. • The plan should be designed to raise or lower a worker to safety without any p…

[7] Toolbox Talk: Fall Protection Full Body Harness

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Source excerpt

# 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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