When is fall protection required?

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# Fall Protection - Legislation (cont.) ## What are the sources of legislation regarding fall protection? (cont.) <table><tr><th>Ontario</th><th>Construction Projects, O. Reg. 213/91 Sections 26 - 26.9 And Industrial Establishments, R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 851 Section 85</th><th>Construction Regulations: Section 26 26. Sections 26.1 to 26.9 apply where a worker may be exposed to any of the following hazards: 1. Falling more than 3 metres. 2. Falling more than 1.2 metres, if the work area is used as a path for a wheelbarrow or similar equipment. 3. Falling into operating machinery. 4. Falling into water or another liquid. 5. Falling into or onto a hazardous substance or object. 6. Falling through an opening on a work surface. Industrial Regulations Section 85 85. Where a worker is exposed to the hazard of falling and the surface to which he or she might fall is more than three metres below the position where he is situated</th></tr><tr><td>Prince Edward Island</td><td>Fall Protection Regulations, EC2004-633</td><td>Section 2 Employer required to provide means of fall protection 2. (1) Where a worker is exposed to the hazard of falling from a work area that is (a) 3 m or more above the nearest safe surface or water; (b) above a surface or thing that could cause injury to the worker if the worker were to fall on the surface or thing; or (c) above an open tank, pit or vat containing hazardous material,</td></tr><tr><td>Quebec</td><td>Regulation respecting occupational health and safety, O.C. 885-2001 Division XXX, Means and Equipment for Individual and Group Protection Sections 347 - 354.1 And Safety Code for the</td><td>Safety Code for the construction industry Section 2.9.1 Safety measures 2.9.1. Workers shall be protected against falls in the following cases: (1) if they are at risk of falling more than 3 metres from the place where he is working; (2) if they are at risk of falling: (a) into a dangerous liquid or substance; (b) on a moving component;</td></tr></table> …

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# Energize and proceed with the testing or positioning; and (cont.) ## 1910.269(g)(2)(iv)(A) (cont.) equipment and must meet the applicable requirements for the design and use of that equipment. 1910.269(g)(2)(iv)(C) The employer shall ensure that employees use fall protection systems as follows: ## 1910.269(g)(2)(iv)(C)(1). Each employee working from an aerial lift shall use a travel restraint system or a personal fall arrest system. ## 1910.269(g)(2)(iv)(C)(2). Except as provided in paragraph (g)(2)(iv)(C)(3) of this section, each employee in elevated locations more than 1.2 meters (4 feet) above the ground on poles, towers, or similar structures shall use a personal fall arrest system, work-positioning equipment, or fall restraint system, as appropriate, if the employer has not provided other fall protection meeting Subpart D of this part. ## 1910.269(g)(2)(iv)(C)(3) Until March 31, 2015, a qualified employee climbing or changing location on poles, towers, or similar structures need not use fall protection equipment, unless conditions, such as, but not limited to, ice, high winds, the design of the structure (for example, no provision for holding on with hands), or the presence of contaminants on the structure, could cause the employee to lose his or her grip or footing. On and after April 1, 2015, each qualified employee climbing or changing location on poles, towers, or similar structures must use fall protection equipment unless the employer can demonstrate that climbing or changing location with fall protection is infeasible or creates a greater hazard than climbing or changing location without it. Note 1 to paragraphs (g)(2)(iv)(C)(2) and (g)(2)(iv)(C)(3): These paragraphs apply to structures that support overhead electric power transmission and distribution lines and equipment. They do not apply to portions of buildings, such as loading docks, or to electric equipment, such as transformers and capacitors. Subpart D of this part contains the duty t…

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# Fall Protection - Legislation (cont.) ## What are the sources of legislation regarding fall protection? (cont.) <table><tr><th></th><th>construction industry R.R.Q. 1981, C. S-2.1, r. 6 Division II, General Provisions Sections 2.9.1 to 2.9.3, Safety measures</th><th>(c) on equipment or material that constitute a danger; (d) from a height of 1.2 metres or more where they use a wheelbarrow or a vehicle.</th></tr><tr><td>Saskatchewan</td><td>Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020 Sections 9-2 - 9-5</td><td>Fall protection plan 9-3(1) An employer or contractor shall develop a written fall protection plan if: (a) a worker may fall 3 metres or more; and (b) workers are not protected by a guardrail or similar barrier.</td></tr><tr><td>Yukon</td><td>Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, O.I.C. 2006/178 Protective Equipment and Clothing - Fall Arrest Sections 1.37 to 1.43</td><td>Section 1.37 Provision and use 1.37 Where it is not practical to protect a worker by guards, guardrails, safety nets or other devices, the worker shall be provided with and required to use the appropriate fall arrest protection (a) when working at a place from which a fall of i. 3 m (10 ft.) or more may occur, or ii. less than 3 m (10 ft.), if it involves an unusual risk of injury, (b) where there is a possibility of falling into a pit, shaft, machinery, water or bulk material that could shift, (c) when climbing or descending from utility poles, communication and transmission towers or single point suspension equipment, (d) when working on a swing stage or thrust out scaffold, elevating work platform or basket or suspended platform or cage, (e) when barring or scaling loose material from a wall in an open pit or an earth work, or (f) when working on a roof i. having a slope of 2 vertical to 3 horizontal or steeper, or ii. where the surface is slippery.</td></tr></table> Fall Protection Legislation CCOHS

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# OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE (cont.) ## Boom-supported work platforms and aerial devices (cont.) Section 157 # OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE Part 9 AR 191/2021 ## Water danger - 157 An employer must ensure that a worker uses an appropriate fall protection system in combination with a life jacket or personal flotation device if the worker (a) may fall into water that exposes the worker to the hazard of drowning, or (b) could drown from falling into the water, from other than a boat. ## Leading edge fall protection system - 158 An employer using a leading edge fall protection system consisting of fabric or netting panels must ensure that (a) the system is used only to provide leading edge fall protection, (b) the system is used and installed according to the manufacturer's specifications, (c) a copy of the manufacturer's specifications for the system is available to workers at the work site at which the system is being used, (d) the fabric or netting is (i) drop-tested at the work site in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR Section 1926.502(C)4(i) published by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or (ii) certified as safe for use by a professional engineer, - and (e) all workers using the system are trained in its use and limitations. ## Procedures in place of fall protection equipment 159(1) An employer may develop and use procedures in place of fall protection equipment in accordance with subsection (2), if (a) it is not reasonably practicable to use one of the fall protection systems described in this Part, and (b) use of procedures in place of fall protection equipment is restricted to the following situations: (i) the installation or removal of fall protection equipment; (ii) roof inspection; (iii) emergency repairs; (iv) at height transfers between equipment and structures if allowed by the manufacturer's specifications; and (v) situations in which a worker must work on top …

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# 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.…

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# 1926.502 FALL PROTECTION SYSTEMS CRITERIA AND PRACTICES (cont.) ## 1926.502(d) "Personal fall arrest systems." (cont.) 1926.502(d)(17) The attachment point of the body belt shall be located in the center of the wearer's back. The attachment point of the body harness shall be located in the center of the wearer's back near shoulder level, or above the wearer's head. 1926.502(d)(18)Body belts, harnesses, and components shall be used only for employee protection (as part of a personal fall arrest system or positioning device system) and not to hoist materials. 1926.502(d)(19)Personal fall arrest systems and components subjected to impact loading shall be immediately removed from service and shall not be used again for employee protection until inspected and determined by a competent person to be undamaged and suitable for reuse. 1926.502(d)(20) The employer shall provide for prompt rescue of employees in the event of a fall or shall assure that employees are able to rescue themselves. 1926.502(d)(21)P fall arrest systems shall be inspected prior to each use for wear, damage and other deterioration, and defective components shall be removed from service. 1926.502(d)(22)Body belts shall be at least one and five-eighths (1 5/8) inches (4.1 cm) wide. 1926.502(d)(23)Personal fall arrest systems shall not be attached to guardrail systems, nor shall they be attached to hoists except as specified in other subparts of this Part. 1926.502(d)(24)When a personal fall arrest system is used at hoist areas, it shall be rigged to allow the movement of the employee only as far as the edge of the walking/working surface. 1926.502(e) "Positioning device systems." Positioning device systems and their use shall conform to the following provisions: 1926.502(e)(1) Positioning devices shall be rigged such that an employee cannot free fall more than 2 feet (.6m). 1926.502(e)(2) Positioning devices shall be secured to an anchorage capable of supporting at least twice the potential impact lo…

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# 1926.501 DUTY TO HAVE FALL PROTECTION - 1926.501(a) "General." - 1926.501(a)(1) This section sets forth requirements for employers to provide fall protection systems. All fall protection required by this section shall conform to the criteria set forth in 1926.502 of this subpart. 1926.501(a)(2) The employer shall determine if the walking/working surfaces on which its employees are to work have the strength and structural integrity to support employees safely. Employees shall be allowed to work on those surfaces only when the surfaces have the requisite strength and structural integrity. - 1926.501(b) 1926.501(b)(1) "Unprotected sides and edges." Each employee on a walking/working surface (horizontal and vertical surface) with an unprotected side or edge which is 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above a lower level shall be protected from falling by the use of guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems. 1926.501(b)(2) "Leading edges." 1926.501(b)(2)(i) Each employee who is constructing a leading edge 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above lower levels shall be protected from falling by guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems. Exception: When the employer can demonstrate that it is infeasible or creates a greater hazard to use these systems, the employer shall develop and implement a fall protection plan which meets the requirements of paragraph (k) of 1926.502. - Note: There is a presumption that it is feasible and will not create a greater hazard to implement at least one of the above-listed fall protection systems. Accordingly, the employer has the burden of establishing that it is appropriate to implement a fall protection plan which complies with 1926.502(k) for a particular workplace situation, in lieu of implementing any of those systems. 1926.501(b)(2)(ii) Each employee on a walking/working surface 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above a lower level where leading edges are under construction, but who is not engaged in t…

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# 1926.501 DUTY TO HAVE FALL PROTECTION (cont.) 1926.501(b)(9) "Overhand bricklaying and related work." 1926.501(b)(9)(i) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b) of this section, each employee performing overhand bricklaying and related work 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above lower levels, shall be protected from falling by guardrail systems, safety net systems, personal fall arrest systems, or shall work in a controlled access zone. 1926.501(b)(9)(ii) Each employee reaching more than 10 inches (25 cm) below the level of the walking/working surface on which they are working, shall be protected from falling by a guardrail system, safety net system, or personal fall arrest system. Note: Bricklaying operations performed on scaffolds are regulated by subpart L - Scaffolds of this part. 1926.501(b)(10) "Roofing work on Low-slope roofs." Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b) of this section, each employee engaged in roofing activities on low-slope roofs, with unprotected sides and edges 6 feet (1.8 or more above lower levels shall be protected from falling by guardrail systems, safety net systems, personal fall arrest systems, or a combination of warning line system and guardrail system, warning line system and safety net system, or warning line system and personal fall arrest system, or warning line system and safety monitoring system. Or, on roofs 50-feet (15.25 m) or less in width (see Appendix A to subpart M of this part), the use of a safety monitoring system alone [i.e. without the warning line system] is permitted. 1926.501(b)(11) "Steep roofs." Each employee on a steep roof with unprotected sides and edges 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above lower levels shall be protected from falling by guardrail systems with toeboards, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems. 1926.501(b)(12) "Precast concrete erection." Each employee engaged in the erection of precast concrete members (including, but not limited to the erection of wall panels, columns, beams…

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# 1926.502 FALL PROTECTION SYSTEMS CRITERIA AND PRACTICES 1926.502(a) "General." 1926.502(a)(1) Fall protection systems required by this part shall comply with the applicable provisions of this section. 1926.502(a)(2) Employers shall provide and install all fall protection systems required by this subpart for an employee, and shall comply with all other pertinent requirements of this subpart before that employee begins the work that necessitates the fall protection. 1926.502(b) "Guardrail systems." Guardrail systems and their use shall comply with the following provisions: 1926.502(b)(1) Top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, shall be 42 inches (1.1 m) plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm) above the walking/working level. When conditions warrant, the height of the top edge may exceed the 45-inch height, provided the guardrail system meets all other criteria of this paragraph. Note: When employees are using stilts, the top edge height of the top rail, or equivalent member, shall be increased an amount equal to the height of the stilts. 1926.502(b)(2) Midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, or equivalent intermediate structural members shall be installed between the top edge of the guardrail system and the walking/working surface when there is no wall or parapet wall at least 21 inches (53 cm) high. 1926.502(b)(2)(i) Midrails, when used, shall be installed at a height midway between the top edge of the guardrail system and the walking/working level. 1926.502(b)(2)(ii) Screens and mesh, when used, shall extend from the top rail to the walking/working level and along the entire opening between top rail supports. 1926.502(b)(2)(iii) Intermediate members (such as balusters), when used between posts, shall be not more than 19 inches (48 cm) apart. 1926.502(b)(2)(iv) Other structural members (such as additional midrails and architectural panels) shall be installed such that there are no openings in the guardrail system that are mor…

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# 1926.953 ENCLOSED SPACES (cont.) ## 1926.954 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (cont.) 1926.954(b)(2)(xii) Body belts and positioning straps shall be capable of withstanding a drop test as follows: 1926.954(b)(2)(xii)(A) The test mass shall be rigidly constructed of steel or equivalent material with a mass of 100 kg (220.5 Ibm). For work-positioning equipment used by employees weighing more than 140 kg (310 Ibm) fully equipped, the test mass shall be increased proportionately (that is, the test mass must equal the mass of the equipped worker divided by 1.4). - 1926.954(b)(2)(xii)(B) For body belts, the body belt shall be fitted snugly around the test mass and shall be attached to the test-structure anchorage point by means of a wire rope. - 1926.954(b)(2)(xii)(C) For positioning straps, the strap shall be adjusted to its shortest length possible to accommodate the test and connected to the test-structure anchorage point at one end and to the test mass on the other end. 1926.954(b)(2)(xii)(D) The test mass shall be dropped an unobstructed distance of 1 meter (39.4 inches) from a supporting structure that will sustain minimal deflection during the test. 1926.954(b)(2)(xii)(E) Body belts shall successfully arrest the fall of the test mass and shall be capable of supporting the mass after the test. 1926.954(b)(2)(xii)(F) Positioning straps shall successfully arrest the fall of the test mass without breaking, and the arrest force may not exceed 17.8 kilo newtons (4,000 pounds-force). Additionally, snaphooks on positioning straps may not distort to such an extent that the keeper would release. Note to paragraph (b)(2): When used by employees weighing no more than 140 kg (310 Ibm) fully equipped, body belts and positioning straps that conform to American Society of Testing and Materials Standard Specifications for Personal Climbing Equipment, ASTM F887-12e1, are deemed to be in compliance with paragraph (b)(2) of this section. 1926.954(b)(3) Care and use of personal…

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# 1910.269 ELECTRIC POWER GENERATION, TRANSMISSION, AND DISTRIBUTION (cont.) ## 1910.269(g) Personal protective equipment. (cont.) (g)(2)(iv)(C)(3) of this section. These paragraphs require unqualified employees (including trainees) to use fall protection any time they are more than 1.2 meters (4 feet) above the ground. 1910.269(g)(2)(iv)(D) On and after April 1, 2015, work positioning systems shall be rigged so that an employee can free fall no more than 0.6 meters (2 feet). 1910.269(g)(2)(iv)(E) Anchorages for work-positioning equipment shall be capable of supporting at least twice the potential impact load of an employee's fall, or 13.3 kilo-newtons (3,000 pounds-force), whichever is greater. Note to paragraph (g)(2)(iv)(E): Wood-pole fall-restriction devices meeting American Society of Testing and Materials Standard Specifications for Personal Climbing Equipment, ASTM F887-12e1, are deemed to meet the anchorage-strength requirement when they are used in accordance with manufacturers' instructions. 1910.269(g)(2)(iv)(F) Unless the snap-hook is a locking type and designed specifically for the following connections, snap-hooks on work-positioning equipment may not be engaged: - 1910.269(g)(2)(iv)(F)(1) Directly to webbing, rope, or wire rope; 1910.269(g)(2)(iv)(F)(2) To each other; - 1910.269(g)(2)(iv)(F)(3) To a D ring to which another snap-hook or other connector is attached; - 1910.269(g)(2)(iv)(F)(4) To a horizontal lifeline; or 1910.269(g)(2)(iv)(F)(5) To any object that is incompatibly shaped or dimensioned in relation to the snap-hook such that accidental disengagement could occur should the connected object sufficiently depress the snap-hook keeper to allow release of the object. 1910.269(h) Portable ladders and platforms. 1910.269(h)(1) General. Requirements for portable ladders contained in Subpart D of this part apply in addition to the requirements of paragraph (h) of this section, except as specifically noted in paragraph (h)(2) of this sect…

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# 1910.269 ELECTRIC POWER GENERATION, TRANSMISSION, AND DISTRIBUTION (cont.) ## 1910.269(g) Personal protective equipment. (cont.) 1910.269(g)(2)(iii)(K) - 1910.269(g)(2)(iii)(k)(1) The locking mechanism shall first be released, or a destructive force shall be placed on the keeper, before the keeper will open. Snaphooks shall be of the locking type meeting the following requirements: 1910.269(g)(2)(iii)(k)(2) A force in the range of 6.7 N (1.5 lbf) to 17.8 N (4 lbf) shall be required to release the locking mechanism. - 1910.269(g)(2)(iii)(k)(3) With the locking mechanism released and with a force applied on the keeper against the face of the nose, the keeper may not begin to open with a force of 11.2 N (2.5 lbf) or less and shall begin to open with a maximum force of 17.8 N lbf). 1910.269(g)(2)(ii)(L) Body belts and positioning straps shall be capable of withstanding a drop test as follows: 1910.269(g)(2)(iii)iL)(1) The test mass shall be rigidly constructed of steel or equivalent material with a mass of 100 kg (220.5 lbm). For work-positioning equipment used by employees weighing more than 140 kg (310 lbm) fully equipped, the test mass shall be increased proportionately (that is, the test mass must equal the mass of the equipped worker divided by 1.4). For body belts, the body belt shall be fitted snugly around the test mass and shall be attached to the test structure anchorage point by means of a wire rope. - 1910.269(g)(2)(iii)(L)(3) For positioning straps, the strap shall be adjusted to its shortest length possible to accommodate the test and connected to the test-structure anchorage point at one end and to the test mass on the other end. - 1910.269(g)(2)(iii)iL)(4) The test mass shall be dropped an unobstructed distance of 1 meter (39.4 inches) from a supporting structure that will sustain minimal deflection during the test. 1910.269(g)(2)(iii)iL)(5) Body belts shall successfully arrest the fall of the test mass and shall be capable of supporting th…

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# 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