Safe work practice for working at heights

Source excerpt

# Fall Protection - Working at Heights Rescue Plan (cont.) ## How are hazards identified and risks assessed for a rescue at heights? (cont.) Before starting a task involving working at heights, all workers (including rescuers) should immediately report any concerns to the supervisor. If conditions or factors are a risk to workers or may impact a rescue, this concern needs to be addressed before the work begins. If rescuers have any concerns with their training or the rescue plan, they also need to report this to their supervisor so it can be addressed. Equipment used by workers and rescuers must be properly inspected and maintained, including before use. Any defective equipment must be replaced. Once all the hazards are identified and the risks are assessed, appropriate control measures need to be taken. The hierarchy of controls should be considered. It is important to continuously review and improve control measures to ensure their effectiveness. ## What methods and equipment can be used in a working at heights rescue? The rescue techniques and equipment must be specific for the working at heights task, including the hazards, where and how the rescue may occur, and other factors. When determining the appropriate rescue procedures, consult with experts on rescue at heights and ensure all rescuers have thorough training and experience with the selected methods. You can also reach out to your local fire department for guidance. Methods may include self-rescue, ladder rescue, elevating work platform rescue, using the lifeline to retrieve the worker, rescuers rappelling down to retrieve the worker, pulling a worker from an area below, using emergency equipment to reach the worker such as a crane basket or rope rescue. Methods must be suitable for the location. For example, planning on using a mechanical lift may not be appropriate when working where the ground is uneven (such as a forest) or where other materials may obstruct access to the worker's location. A…

Source excerpt

# 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…

Source excerpt

Washington State Department of Labor & Industries Division of Occupational Safety and Health # Fall Protection Work Plan WAC 296-880-[redacted postal code]: You must develop and implement a written fall protection work plan including each area of the work place where the employees are assigned and where fall hazards of 10 feet or more exist and be available on the job site for inspection by the department. Company Name Date Company Name:<empty> Date:<empty> Site Address:<empty> (If additional space is needed, use the back of the sheet.) Identify all fall hazards 10 feet or more above the ground or lower level. Check all that apply. [ ] Open-sided floors [ ] Openings [ ] Leading edge work [ ] Decks/Balconies [ ] Roof [ ] Mobile lift work [ ] Hole [ ] Skylights Methods of fall protection to be used: (LSO = Low Slopes Only. Low Slope = 4 x 12 or less) [ ] Personal fall arrest system [ ] Safety watch system (LSO) [ ] Warning line system (LSO) [ ] Catch platform [ ] Positioning device system [ ] Safety net [ ] Covers [ ] Horizontal life lines [ ] Vertical life lines & rope grab [ ] Personal fall restraint system [ ] Warning line with safety monitor (LSO) Name of safety watch or monitor (if used):<empty> Overhead Hazard Protection Methods [ ] Hard Hats [ ] Toe boards on guardrails [ ] Other:<empty> [ ] Overhead Hazard Signs [ ] Screens on guardrails [ ] Other:<empty> [ ] Debris Nets [ ] Barricade to control access to area Describe procedures for assembly, maintenance, inspection, disassembly of fall protection system to be used.:<empty> Describe procedures for handling, storage, and securing tools, equipment, and materials.:<empty> Describe methods of overhead protection for workers who may be in, or pass through work area.:<empty> Describe method for prompt rescue of employees in the event of a fall.:<empty> Employees who received fall protection training on the above site specific fall protection work plan. Name(s):<empty> Date:<empty> <empty> <empty> <e…

Source excerpt

# Contents (cont.) ## Fall restraint or fall arrest? Fall restraint systems prevent you from falling. Examples include: • Work-positioning systems using either safety belts or full body harnesses that attach you to an anchor and leave both your hands free to work • Travel-restriction systems of guardrails or personal fall protection equipment used to prevent you from travelling to an edge from where you may fall Fall arrest systems protect you after you fall by stopping the fall before you hit the surface below. Examples include: • Full body harnesses connected by lanyards or lifelines to secure anchors • Safety nets In choosing a fall protection system, you should first consider installing guardrails or barriers. They provide a high degree of protection once installed properly. However, installing guardrails or barriers at a work site is not always practical- that is when you may need personal fall protection equipment. ## Written fall protection plan A written fall protection plan is required prior to using a personal fall protection system for work with a potential fall hazard of 7.5 m (25 ft.) or more. The written plan should identify: • Potential fall hazards on the job • Types of fall protection systems to be used • Instructions to workers on how to safely use the equipment, and • Instructions on how to rescue a worker who has fallen and can't initiate self-rescue ## Safety belts ## When to use a safety belt You must never wear a safety belt in a fall arrest situation. If you fall into a safety belt, you could still suffer severe back and abdominal injuries. Restrict the use of safety belts to fall restraint systems only. If there's a chance you could fall, install guardrails or wear a full body harness in a properly configured personal fall protection system. ## Inspecting your safety belt Inspect your belt before each use. Check the buckle, the webbing, the D-rings, and the manufacturer's label for additional user information. If the…

Source excerpt

# PLANNING AHEAD FOR FALL PROTECTION Date Posted: 02/17/2024 According to the Labor and Industries Department of Safety and Health (DOSH), Falls are the number one serious hazard for workers in most industries that can result in injuries or even death and accounted for 17 fatalities from 2017-2022 in Washington State. From a national perspective and according to statistics published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were 351 workplace fatalities in construction nationally due to falls to a lower level in 2020. ## HOW AND WHERE FALLS ARE OCCURRING According to a recent national survey conducted by the BLS: - 17% of the workers who fell were loading and unloading material when the fall occurred. • 13% of the workers who fell were involved in operating, repairing, cleaning, or installing equipment. • 10% of the workers were performing carpentry tasks. • The remaining activities that resulted in falls included painting, welding, roof work, sheet metal work, and bricklaying. The BLS study also asked participants to describe their specific movements during the fall. - 28% percent of the workers who fell said they were climbing up or down from an elevated position or location. • 13% of the workers were walking at the time they fell. • 11% of the workers were stepping from one surface to another. - 10% of the workers were moving backward. Adequate fall protection and equipment use could have prevented most of the fatalities and injuries reported in the BLS study. ## UNSAFE ACTS AND UNSAFE CONDITIONS The risk of falls is virtually present in every single workplace. However, the factors that can lead to a fall vary greatly. Many unsafe acts by employees as well as unsafe conditions, lead to fall incidents. Falls often result from series of contributing factors. They are often the result of multiple dangerous conditions and hazardous actions combined. Because of this, it is essential to look at unsafe conditions and unsafe acts to recognize dange…

Source excerpt

# Fall Protection - Fall Protection Plan (General) (cont.) ## What is working at heights? (cont.) - elevated work platforms, - fixed suspended work platforms, - swing staging, - boatswain's chairs, - aerial devices, - suspended equipment, or - personnel carrying equipment (e.g., personnel lifting units raised by cranes or hoists) Occupational health and safety laws generally require action when a worker has the potential to fall about 3 metres (10 feet). Check with your jurisdiction as exact requirements do vary. Note that most jurisdictions require the use of specific fall protection measures before, or in addition to, personal protective equipment (PPE). These measures generally include the use of some of the following: - fixed barriers (e.g., handrails, guardrails) - surface opening protection (e.g., covers, guardrails, etc.) - warning barriers or control zones - fall or travel restraint systems (i.e., a system to prevent a worker from falling from a work position, or from travelling to an unguarded edge from which the worker could fall) - fall containment system (e.g., safety nets) - fall arrest systems (ie., a system that will stop a worker's fall before the worker hits the surface below) There may also be specific legal requirements around use of equipment like ladders and scaffolding. ## What are fall protection plans and why are they important? A fall protection plan is a general term for the policy and procedures used to identify fall hazards, and the measures taken to prevent injury. Included in this plan is selecting, assembling, maintaining, inspecting, using, and dismantling equipment such as ladders, scaffolds, or platforms used for working at heights as well as any fall protection equipment. Emergency procedures for rescuing fallen workers (including those who are hanging in midair by their harness) are also needed. Fall protection plans must be specific to each site where workers are at heights. There is "no one size fits all" plan.…

Source excerpt

# What is a sample risk assessment form? (cont.) ## Sample Risk Assessment Form (cont.) <table><tr><th>Step or task</th><th>Hazard</th><th>Consequences or harm</th><th>Risk</th><th>Priority</th><th>Hazard Controls</th></tr><tr><td>EXAMPLE: Working at heights while on a ladder</td><td>Safety hazard: falling from heights</td><td>Serious injury due to a fall</td><td>High risk</td><td>1</td><td>Follow the hierarchy of controls for working at heights Elimination: when possible, perform work from the ground. Engineering controls: use an elevating work platform when appropriate. Administrative controls:</td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>development of fall protection plans, safe work procedures, emergency response plans for working at heights, and adequate training (including working heights and fall protection training, elevating work platform training, ladder safety, training on safe work procedures and emergency response, etc.). Personal protective equipment: fall arrest system and equipment, head protection, high-visibility. clothing, protective footwear, face and eye protection, emergency response equipment, and other appropriate equipment for the job.</td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr></table> Hazard and Risk - Sample Risk Assessment Form CCOHS

Source excerpt

# Option 1 BODY/WHOLE ¹ Work activities such as: [ ] building maintenance [ ] construction [ ] logging [ ] utility work [ ] other: <empty> Work-related exposure to: [ ] working from heights of 10 feet or more [ ] working near water [ ] other: <empty> Can hazard be eliminated without the use of PPE? Yes [ ] No [ ] If no, use: [ ] Fall Arrest/Restraint: Type: <empty> [ ] PFD: Type: <empty> [ ] Other: <empty> *(See Footnote 1) LUNGS/RESPIRATORY ¹ Work activities such as: [ ] cleaning [ ] pouring [ ] mixing [ ] sawing [ ] painting [ ] fiberglass installation [ ] compressed air or gas operations [ ] other: <empty> Work-related exposure to: [ ] irritating dust or particulate [ ] irritating or toxic gas/vapor [ ] other: <empty> Can hazard be eliminated without the use of PPE? Yes [ ] No [ ] *(See Footnote 1) EARS/HEARING ¹ Work activities such as: [ ] generator [ ] grinding [ ] ventilation fans [ ] machining [ ] motors [ ] routers [ ] sanding [ ] sawing [ ] pneumatic equipment [ ] punch or brake presses [ ] use of conveyors [ ] other: <empty> Work-related exposure to: [ ] loud noises [ ] loud work environment [ ] noisy machines/tools [ ] punch or brake presses [ ] other: <empty> Can hazard be eliminated without the use of PPE? Yes [ ] No [ ] *(See Footnote 1) (1) NOTE: There are other hazards requiring PPE (such as respiratory, noise, fall, etc. hazards), that are not included in this volume of the PPE Guide but will be covered in future volumes (see WAC 296-62 for respiratory and hearing protection and WAC 296-155 for fall protection for further assessment). However, you should consider all hazards when you conduct your hazard assessment. See a list of other WISHA rules (in "How to use this guide" p. 4) for information regarding PPE for specific work places. 20

Source excerpt

# OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE Index contents, 827(3) currency, 827(4) inspection of, 827(4) requirement, 827(1) signatures, 827(2) personal protective equipment (PPE) alternative equipment, 805-806 maintenance, 811(b) removal from service, 820 rescue if failure of, 821-822 safe work practices, 825 self rescue, 822 training, 811(b), 811(d), 822 removal from service, 820 ropes cow's tail, 819 high stretch or dynamic ropes, 816, 818 low stretch or static ropes, 816-817 safe work plan availability, 810 competent person to prepare plan, 2.2 conditions for, 808 specifications, 809 safe work practices hazard assessment, 811(a) personal protective equipment, 811(b), 811(d) rescue procedures, 811(d) training, 811(b) work positioning and fall protection systems, 811(c) safety, secondary, belay, or backup lines, 830 specifications removal from service, 820 standards ascenders, 837 back-up devices, 838 carabiners, 836 connecting components, 835 cow's tail, 819 full body harness, 142(1), 834 head protection, 831 high stretch or dynamic ropes, 818, 819(1) low stretch or static ropes, 817 safe work practices, 823-824 worker competency, 826 trained workers present, requirement, 825 training of workers, 811-812, 822, 826 worker's personal logbook, 827 See also full body harness; personal fall arrest system (PFAS) rope access work, industrial, 828-829 rope access work, non-industrial (mountaineering, caving, canyoning, sport climbing), 840-849 defined, 1 anchorage strength, 843 Director safe work practices, approval, 840 fall factor, 842 head protection, 844-846 standards connecting components, 849 full body harness, 848 head protection, 844-846 sit harness, 795(1)(b), 847 worker competency, 841 training of workers, 841 See also rope access work rope adjustment device for work positioning, 148.1 See also personal fall arrest system (PFAS) ropes boatswain's chairs, 351(3)-(4) in horizontal lifeline systems, 153-153.1 in needle-beam scaffolds, 337(3)-(4) on sawmill log carri…

Source excerpt

# Fall Protection - Working at Heights Rescue Plan (cont.) ## What are some important considerations for the anchor system? (cont.) The applicable legislation will include requirements for anchor points. The anchor system should be used and installed according to the manufacturer's specifications and may need to be certified by an engineer. ## How will the rescue team communicate during an emergency? During the rescue planning and risk assessment, identify the most effective means of communication. Consider how a worker requiring rescue will communicate with their supervisor and rescue team, and how the supervisor and rescue team will communicate with each other. Methods may include using radios, cell phones, headsets, or direct voice communication. Make sure all workers and rescuers know the communication protocols, including how a rescue will be initiated. The roles and responsibilities of each team member should be clearly defined and understood, including who is responsible for calling the rescue team and emergency services when a fall occurs. ## What kind of training does the rescue team need? Rescuers require a comprehensive set of skills and expertise which is gained through specialized training and experience. Frequent training, including drills and simulated rescues, is important to ensure the safety of workers and rescuers. They also need to be trained and familiar with the rescue plan and procedures, required equipment, and the hazards associated with the work and rescue. Training should occur multiple times a year and before a specific job requiring a rescue plan begins. Consult with fall rescue experts to develop a training regimen that is specific to the tasks, work environment, and the types of possible rescue procedures that will be used. Do your due diligence when selecting a training provider. Ask for references and the qualifications and experience of the trainers. Consult the local fire department and health and safety regulator for addit…

Source excerpt

# Walking-Working Surfaces and Personal Protective Equipment (Fall Protection Systems), Final Rule; and Other Related Provisions (cont.) ## $1910.26 Dockboards. (cont.) Federal Register/Vol. 81, No. 223/Friday, November 18, 2016/Rules and Regulations [redacted postal code] (2) Use of rope descent systems. The employer must ensure: (i) No rope descent system is used for heights greater than 300 feet (91 m) above grade unless the employer demonstrates that it is not feasible to access such heights by any other means or that those means pose a greater hazard than using a rope descent system; (ii) The rope descent system is used in accordance with instructions, warnings, and design limitations set by the manufacturer or under the direction of a qualified person; (iii) Each employee who uses the rope descent system is trained in accordance with § 1910.30; (iv) The rope descent system is inspected at the start of each workshift that it is to be used. The employer must ensure damaged or defective equipment is removed from service immediately and replaced; (v) The rope descent system has proper rigging, including anchorages and tiebacks, with particular emphasis on providing tiebacks when counterweights, cornice hooks, or similar non-permanent anchorages are used; (vi) Each employee uses a separate, independent personal fall arrest system that meets the requirements of subpart I of this part; (vii) All components of each rope descent system, except seat boards, are capable of sustaining a minimum rated load of 5,000 pounds (22.2 kN). Seat boards must be capable of supporting a live load of 300 pounds (136 kg); (viii) Prompt rescue of each employee is provided in the event of a fall; (ix) The ropes of each rope descent system are effectively padded or otherwise protected, where they can contact edges of the building, anchorage, obstructions, or other surfaces, to prevent them from being cut or weakened; (x) Stabilization is provided at the specific work locatio…

Source excerpt

# Appendix A Eight OSHA standards that protect workers at elevated heights. • General requirements for all types of scaffolding. 29 CFR 1926.451. This standard has eight subsections governing: (a) scaffold capacity; (b) scaffold platform construction; (c) criteria for supported scaffolds (e.g. guys, braces, and poles and frames); (d) criteria for suspension scaffolds (e.g. outrigger beams, cornice hooks, parapet clamps, counterweights and tiebacks), (e) access requirements (e.g. "hook-on ladders shall be position so as not to tip the scaffold,"); (f) scaffold use (e.g. specifications for clearance between scaffolds and power lines, scaffolds must be inspected before each work shift); (g) fall protection requirements (e.g. requirements for personal fall arrest systems and guardrails; and (h) falling object protection (e.g. toe board requirements and criteria). • Fall protection scope/applications/definitions. 29 CFR 1926.501. Prohibits unprotected sides and edges with guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest system. Protects workers in hoist areas, workers near wall openings and holes including skylights, workers near excavation edges, workers toiling near dangerous equipment, workers on the face of formwork or reinforcing steel, workers on roofs, engaged in pre-cast concrete erection. Requires the use of guardrails, fences, barricades and/or personal fall arrest systems in these areas and sets criteria for such equipment. - Fall protection systems criteria and practices. CFR 1926.502. Contains provisions governing guardrail systems, such as required height of guardrails above the working surface; requirements for mid-rails and mesh and screens; requirements for safety nets; requirements for lifelines and lanyards; requirements for personal fall arrest systems; provisions governing warning line systems; control line requirements; requirements for covers for holes in floors, roofs, and other walking/working surfaces; requirements for protection against fa…

Source excerpt

CCOHS CCHST Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Centre canadien d'hygiène et de sécurité au travail Fall Protection # Fall Protection - Safety Net Systems ## On this page When should a safety net be used ? What does your jurisdiction require? What should be done before using a safety net system? What should be done when using a safety net system? What should be done when safety nets catch debris? What are tips for maintaining a safety net system? ## When should a safety net be used ? Safety nets are one option that can be used as part of a fall protection plan. Workplaces that have the risk of falling should have a fall protection plan that outlines the policy and procedures involved in assembling, maintaining, inspecting, using, and dismantling equipment such as ladders, scaffolds, or platforms used for working at heights as well as any fall protection equipment. Safety nets are classified as a passive fall protection system which can be installed as either a barrier to prevent a fall, or beneath the work to catch a falling worker. Safety nets are designed to decrease the fall distance, to absorb the energy of a fall, and to reduce the likelihood or seriousness of an injury. However, safety nets do not stop the worker from falling. Installing a fixed barrier such as guardrails, opening covers, or walls are always the preferred method to prevent a worker from falling. Safety nets are most often used when it is impossible or impractical to install fixed barriers or to use an anchored and lifeline system (fall arrest system). ## What does your jurisdiction require? Occupational health and safety laws generally require action when a worker has the potential to fall about 3 metres (10 feet). Check with your jurisdiction as exact requirements do vary. Note that most jurisdictions require the use of specific fall protection measures before, or in addition to, personal protective equpment (PPE). Fall Protection - Safety Net Systems CCOHS

Source excerpt

# Fall Protection - Working at Heights Rescue Plan (cont.) ## What elements should a rescue plan include? (cont.) - Include procedures for: - rescue, including rope rescue, ladder rescue, retrieval lines, self-rescue, and location of anchor points - using any powered mobile equipment, mechanical hoisting systems or elevating devices that may be required during the rescue - first-aid and medical care for rescued or injured workers, including transport of the worker to the hospital - Identify the communication system that will be used. Make sure there is a backup system for the main method of communication - Identify all emergency exits and access routes within the worksite, including the roof and work area - Include procedures to clear and secure work areas that are unsafe or may interfere with a rescue - Provide contact information for local emergency medical and fire services, as appropriate (NOTE again: Relying only on calling local emergency services after an incident as a rescue plan is not appropriate.) - Review and update as needed (e.g., on a regular schedule, after changes to the worksite or tasks, and after a rescue or related incident) ## What should be included in a working at heights rescue plan? There are many factors to consider when developing a rescue plan. It is important to begin planning well before any work is done at heights to make sure the rescue plan is appropriate and that the rescue team is thoroughly trained. When developing the plan, involve qualified individuals competent in rescue at heights and those workers doing the work. Make sure the plan is specific for the job and considers the hazards, location, tasks being performed, environmental conditions, how and where a worker could fall and the type of rescue that would be needed, among other factors. Identify the hazards associated with the rescue. This information determines the rescue procedures, what equipment will be required, who will be on the rescue team, and w…

Source excerpt

# Fall Protection - Fall Protection Plan (General) (cont.) ## How do I know if my workplace should have a fall protection plan? Each workplace should seek the answers to the following questions: - How is working at heights defined in my jurisdiction? - Are workers working at heights? - Is a hazard assessment required (by law, other authority, or good practice)? - Are you required to have a fall protection plan? ## What are some areas to examine during a hazard assessment for fall protection? Look for all areas or situations where there is a risk of falling before any work begins. - Are there any areas where people may fall during tasks they are expected to do? Examples include: - from a height of 3 m (10 ft) or more - from heights less than 3 m (10 ft) where required (e.g., where there is an increased risk of injury) - into operating machinery - into water or other liquid - into or onto a hazardous substance or object - through an opening in a work surface - Are there controls in place to eliminate or reduce the likelihood of falls? - Are workers trained to recognize new or previously unrecognized fall hazards and report them immediately? - Do workers understand the protective measures taken to reduce falls (e.g., guardrails, safety nets, etc.)? - Is all equipment used by workers stable and in good repair, including guardrails, ladders and scaffolding? - Are floors in work areas in a clean and, so far as possible, dry condition? - Are workers educated and trained to understand how and when to use protective equipment safely? - Are the required personal protective equipment, available, maintained in good condition, and used as instructed? Fall Protection - Fall Protection Plan (General) CCOHS

Source excerpt

# Fall Protection - Working at Heights Rescue Plan (cont.) ## What is a working at heights rescue plan? (cont.) Relying only on calling for local emergency services after an incident as a rescue plan is not appropriate. Workers who fall and become suspended in their fall arrest harness need to be rescued immediately. Suspension trauma (also referred to as orthostatic intolerance) involves blood pooling in the lower body, reducing the amount of oxygen available to the brain and other vital organs. It occurs when a worker hangs in the harness for too long. The harness may create pressure, preventing the blood from circulating, or the worker may be in shock, unconscious, or otherwise not able to move their legs, causing blood to pool in their lower limbs. This trauma can occur in minutes and can cause serious health effects such as damage to the brain, kidneys or other organs. Death may occur in less than 30 minutes. The worker may have sustained an injury from the fall or be unconscious and be unable to rescue themselves or assist the rescuers. A rescue may be needed if a worker experiences a medical emergency while working at heights, such as heat stroke, fainting, and cardiovascular or respiratory distress, and is unable to get down on their own or requires immediate medical assistance. The plan must also consider that the conditions or hazards that caused the fall may also be a risk to other workers, including the rescuers. ## What elements should a rescue plan include? Before a specific task begins, make sure that the plan covers any possible scenarios experienced at the specific worksite. Adjust and modify the rescue plan as needed. A rescue plan should include the following details: - Be written, reviewed and posted before work begins - Identify who will conduct the rescue and their roles and responsibilities - Include procedures for identifying, assessing, and controlling hazards - Outline training requirements for both rescue personnel and work…

Source excerpt

• Rope descent systems (RDS) and certification of anchorages (§1910.27(b) - defines RDS as a suspension system that allows a worker to descend in a controlled manner and, as needed, stop at any point doing the descent to perform work. An RDS usually consists of a roof anchorage, support rope, descent device, carabiners or shackles, and a chair (seat board). The revised final rule codifies OSHA's memorandum for employers who use RDS to perform elevated work. It prohibits employers from using RDS at heights greater than 300 feet above lower level unless they demonstrate it is not feasible or creates a greater hazard to use any other system above that height. • Phase-in of ladder safety systems or personal fall arrest systems on fixed ladders (§1910.28(b)(9) - phases-in over 20 years a requirement to equip fixed ladders that extend over 24 feet with ladder safety or personal fall arrest systems and prohibits the use of cages and wells as a means of fall protection after the phase-in deadline. There is wide recognition that cages and wells do not prevent workers from falling from fixed ladders or protect them from injury if a fall occurs. • Fall protection flexibility (§1910.28(b)) - allows employers to protect workers from falls by choosing from a range of accepted fall protection systems, including personal fall protection systems. It eliminates the existing mandate to use guardrails as the primary fall protection method and gives employers the flexibility to determine what method they believe will work best in their particular workplace situation. This is deemed the most significant update. • Phase-out of the “qualified climber" exception in outdoor advertising (§1910.28(b)(10)) - phases out OSHA's directive allowing qualified climbers in outdoor advertising to climb fixed ladders on billboards without fall protection and phases in the requirements to equip fixed ladders over 24 feet with ladder safety or personal fall arrest systems. Outdoor advertising employers…

Source excerpt

# Fall Protection - Working at Heights Rescue Plan (cont.) ## What should be included in a working at heights rescue plan? (cont.) Other key considerations include determining how a rescue will be initiated and making sure the appropriate equipment is available and maintained. The ability to respond very quickly and retrieve the worker is essential. Plan for situations where the worker is injured, including procedures for first-aid, medical treatment, and getting the injured worker to the hospital. The quickest route to the hospital should be determined. In locations far from a hospital, additional measures may be needed to make sure a worker can receive appropriate medical attention, as required. Immediately before work begins, another assessment should be done to ensure that the rescue plan is still appropriate and that no additional hazards or factors have been overlooked. Check and follow any legislative requirements regarding rescue at heights in your jurisdiction. ## What personal protective equipment (PPE) do rescuers need to use? The required personal protective equipment will depend on the hazards and risks present and should be specified in the fall rescue plan. Common personal protective equipment includes fall protection equipment, head protection, eye protection, high-visibility apparel, gloves, safety footwear, and other equipment. A first-aid kit and rescue equipment and accessories will also be required. ## How are hazards identified and risks assessed for a rescue at heights? Developing a systematic and comprehensive method for identifying hazards and assessing risk is essential. Risk assessments should be done well in advance and again immediately before and during the work as conditions can change. The team responsible for developing the rescue plan needs to identify all hazards that may cause harm to workers during the work and a potential rescue. Hazards may include: - sources that may damage equipment or infrastructure, such as the pr…