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Write a toolbox talk on working at heights

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Toolbox Talk: Working at Heights

Date: [DATE] Duration: [DURATION] minutes Presenter: [PRESENTER NAME] Location: [LOCATION]

Objective

The objective of this toolbox talk is to educate participants on the hazards associated with working at heights and to provide practical guidance on how to prevent falls and ensure safety through proper use of fall protection systems.

Introduction

Working at heights is one of the leading causes of workplace injuries and fatalities. It is crucial to understand the risks and implement effective safety measures to protect workers. According to OSHA, falls are the leading cause of death in construction, accounting for 33.5% of all fatalities in the industry.

Presenter Note: Engage the audience by asking if anyone has personal experience related to working at heights.

Key Points

  • Fall Protection Systems: Always use appropriate fall protection systems such as guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems when working at heights of 6 feet or more above a lower level [1].
  • Equipment Inspection: Inspect all fall protection equipment before each use to ensure it is in good condition and free from defects [2].
  • Training: Workers must be trained in the safe use of fall protection systems and understand the risks associated with working at heights [3].
  • Anchor Points: Ensure that anchor points are capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds per person attached [4].
  • Emergency Procedures: Have a rescue plan in place in case of a fall, and ensure all workers are familiar with it [3].

Hazard Identification

Common hazards related to working at heights include:

  • Unprotected Edges: Risk of falling from unguarded edges or openings.
  • Improper Use of Equipment: Using damaged or inappropriate fall protection equipment.
  • Weather Conditions: Wind, rain, or ice can increase the risk of falls.

Presenter Note: Encourage participants to share any additional hazards they've encountered.

Control Measures

Discuss the hierarchy of controls:

  • Elimination: Avoid working at heights if possible.
  • Engineering Controls: Use guardrails or barriers to prevent falls.
  • Administrative Controls: Implement safe work procedures and training.
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Use harnesses and lanyards as part of a fall arrest system [5].

Safe Work Procedures

  1. Conduct a hazard assessment before starting work.
  2. Ensure all workers are trained and competent.
  3. Use appropriate fall protection systems.
  4. Inspect equipment before use.
  5. Follow the rescue plan in case of a fall.

Presenter Note: If possible, demonstrate the safe work procedure or use visual aids.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

  • Full Body Harness: Must be worn and properly fitted [5].
  • Lanyard with Shock Absorber: Use to connect the harness to an anchor point [6].
  • Helmet: Wear a helmet with a chin strap to protect against head injuries [7].

Emphasize the importance of proper PPE use and maintenance.

Real-World Example or Case Study

Discuss a recent incident where a worker fell from a height due to improper use of fall protection equipment. Highlight what went wrong and the lessons learned.

Presenter Note: Ask participants if they can relate this example to their own experiences.

Group Discussion

Discuss the following questions:

  1. What are some common challenges you face when working at heights?
  2. How do you ensure your fall protection equipment is in good condition?
  3. What steps do you take to prepare for working at heights?

Presenter Note: Encourage active participation and facilitate the discussion.

Emergency Procedures

Outline the steps to take in case of an emergency related to working at heights:

  1. Call for emergency assistance immediately.
  2. Follow the rescue plan to safely lower the fallen worker.
  3. Provide first aid if necessary.
  4. Report the incident to a supervisor.

Questions and Answers

Encourage participants to ask questions and provide answers to common questions related to working at heights.

  • Q: What should I do if my harness is damaged?

A: Do not use it. Tag it as defective and report it to your supervisor.

  • Q: How often should fall protection equipment be inspected?

A: Before each use and regularly as per the manufacturer's instructions.

  • Q: What is the minimum height at which fall protection is required?

A: 6 feet or more above a lower level [1].

Summary

Recap the main points covered in the toolbox talk:

  • Always use fall protection systems when working at heights.
  • Inspect equipment before use.
  • Ensure proper training and understanding of risks.
  • Have a rescue plan in place.

Action Items

List specific actions participants should take following this toolbox talk:

  1. Review and understand the fall protection plan.
  2. Inspect your fall protection equipment regularly.
  3. Participate in training sessions on working at heights.

Remember: Safety is everyone's responsibility. Always use fall protection when working at heights.

Report all hazards, near-misses, and incidents to your supervisor immediately.

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7 source record(s)

Sources used for this answer

[1] Occupational Health and Safety Code

Page 322

Open source document

Source excerpt

## Head protection 831 (1) Despite section 234, if there is a foreseeable danger of injury to a worker's head while the worker is performing industrial rope access work, and there is a significant possibility of lateral impact to the worker's head, an employer must ensure that the worker wears protective headwear that is appropriate to the hazards and meets the requirements of - (a) CSA Standard Z94.1-15, Industrial protective headwear - Performance, selection, care and use, - (b) ANSI Standard Z89.1-2003, American National Standard for Industrial Head Protection , for Type II helmets, - (c) CEN Standard EN [redacted postal code]: 2000, Mountaineering equipment - Helmets for mountaineers Safety requirements and test methods , if the manufacturer's specifications allow the helmet to be used for industrial work at height, or - (d) UIAA Standard 106: 2004, Mountaineering and Climbing Equipment - Helmets , if the manufacturer's specifications allow the helmet to be used for industrial work at height, if the protective headwear was manufactured on or after March 31, 2023. 831 (2) Despite section 234, if there is a foreseeable danger of injury to a worker's head while the worker is performing industrial rope access work, and the possibility of lateral impact to the worker's head is unlikely, an employer must ensure that the worker wears protective headwear that is appropriate to the hazards and meets the requirements of - (a) CSA Standard Z94.1-15, Industrial protective headwear - Performance, selection, care and use, - (b) ANSI Standard Z89.1-2003, American National Standard for Industrial Head Protection , for Type I or Type II helmets, - (c) CEN Standard EN 397: 2006, Specification for industrial safety helmets , - (d) CEN Standard EN [redacted postal code]: 2000, Mountaineering equipment - Helmets for mountaineers Safety requirements and test methods , if the manufacturer's specifications allow the helmet to be used for industrial work at height, or - (e) UIAA St…

[2] Occupational Health and Safety Code

Page 97

Open source document

Source excerpt

## Full body harness - 142 (1) An employer must ensure that - (a) a full body harness manufactured on or after March 31, 2023 is approved to - (i) CSA Standard Z259.10-18, Full body harnesses , - (ii) ANSI/ASSE Standard Z359.1-2007, Safety requirements for personal fall arrest systems, subsystems and components , or - (iii) CEN Standard EN 361:2007, Personal protective equipment against falls from a height - Full body harnesses , ## and - (b) a worker using a personal fall arrest system wears and uses a full body harness. - 142 (2) A worker using a personal fall arrest system must wear and use a full body harness. AR 191/2021 s142;242/2022 ## Body belt - 142.1 An employer must ensure that - (a) a body belt manufactured on or after July 1, 2009 is approved to - (i) CSA Standard Z259.1-05, Body belts and saddles for work positioning and travel restraint , - (ii) ANSI/ASSE Standard A10.32-2004, Fall Protection Systems - American National Standard for Construction and Demolition Operations , or - (iii) CEN Standard EN 358: 2000, Personal protective equipment for work positioning and prevention of falls from a height - Belts for work positioning and restraint and work positioning lanyards , and - (b) a worker uses a body belt only as part of a travel restraint system or as part of a fall restrict system. ## Lanyard 142.2 (1) An employer must ensure that a lanyard manufactured on or after March 31, 2023 is approved to - (a) CSA Standard Z259.11-17, Personal energy absorbers and lanyards , - (b) ANSI/ASSE Standard Z359.1-2007, Safety requirements for personal fall arrest systems, subsystems and components , or - (c) CEN Standard EN 354:2002, Personal protective equipment against falls from a height Lanyards . 142.2 (2) An employer must ensure that a lanyard used by a worker is made of wire rope or other material appropriate to the hazard if a tool or corrosive agent that could sever, abrade or burn a lanyard is used in the work area.

[3] Safety and Health Regulations for Construction (OSHA)

Page 85

Open source document

Source excerpt

## 29 CFR 1926 (OSHA) Toeboard means a low protective barrier that will prevent the fall of materials and equipment to lower levels and provide protection from falls for personnel. Unprotected sides and edges means any side or edge (except at entrances to points of access) of a walking/working surface, e.g., floor, roof, ramp, or runway where there is no wall or guardrail system at least 39 inches (1.0 m) high. Walking/working surface means any surface, whether horizontal or vertical on which an employee walks or works, including, but not limited to, floors, roofs, ramps, bridges, runways, formwork and concrete reinforcing steel but not including ladders, vehicles, or trailers, on which employees must be located in order to perform their job duties. Warning line system means a barrier erected on a roof to warn employees that they are approaching an unprotected roof side or edge, and which designates an area in which roofing work may take place without the use of guardrail, body belt, or safety net systems to protect employees in the area. Work area means that portion of a walking/working surface where job duties are being performed. [59 FR [redacted postal code], Aug. 9, 1994, as amended at 60 FR [redacted postal code], Aug. 2, 1995; 66 FR 5265, Jan. 18, 2001; 75 FR [redacted postal code], Aug. 9, 2010; 79 FR [redacted postal code], Apr. 11, 2014] ## §1926.501 Duty to have fall protection. - (a) General. (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. - (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. - (b)(1) Unprotected sides and edges. Each employee …

[4] Occupational Health and Safety Code

Page 98

Open source document

Source excerpt

142.2 (3) Despite subsection (2), if a worker works near an energized conductor or in a work area where a lanyard made of conductive material cannot be used safely, the employer must ensure that the worker uses another effective means of fall protection. AR 191/2021 s142.2;242/2022 ## Shock absorber 142.3 (1) An employer must ensure that if a shock absorber or shock absorbing lanyard is used as part of a personal fall arrest system, it is approved to one of the following standards if manufactured on or after March 31, 2023: - (a) CSA Standard Z259.11-17, Personal energy absorbers and lanyards ; - (b) ANSI/ASSE Standard Z359.1-2007, Safety requirements for personal fall arrest systems, subsystems and components ; - (c) CEN Standard EN 355:2002, Personal protective equipment against falls from a height Energy absorbers . - 142.3 (2) An employer must ensure that a personal fall arrest system consists of a full body harness and a lanyard equipped with a shock absorber or similar device. - 142.3 (3) Despite subsection (2), a shock absorber or similar device is not required if the personal fall arrest system is used in accordance with section 151. - 142.3 (4) Despite subsection (2), a shock absorber is required with a fixed ladder fall arrest system only if it is required by the manufacturer of the system. AR 191/2021 s142.3;242/2022 ## Connectors, carabiners and snap hooks - 143 (1) An employer must ensure that connecting components of a fall arrest system consisting of carabiners, D-rings, O-rings, oval rings, self-locking connectors and snap hooks manufactured on or after March 31, 2023 are approved, as applicable, to - (a) CSA Standard Z259.2.5-17, Fall arresters and vertical lifelines , - (b) ANSI/ASSE Standard Z359.1-2007, Safety requirements for personal fall arrest systems, subsystems and components , - (c) CEN Standard EN 362:2004, Personal protective equipment against falls from a height Connectors , or - (d) CEN Standard [redacted postal code]:1998, Moun…

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

Page 4

Open source document

Source excerpt

<!-- image --> - 13. WHEN A SECONDARY WIRE ROPE SYSTEM IS USED instead of a vertical lifeline, attach the lanyard to a horizontal lifeline or an approved platform anchor. ## E. DURING USE: - 1. USE ALL EQUIPMENT AND ALL DEVICES in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. - 2. DO NOT OVERLOAD OR MODIFY EQUIPMENT. - 3. INSPECT ALL EQUIPMENT INCLUDING HOISTS, PLATFORM, AND RIGGING before each use. - 4. INSPECT WIRE ROPE BEFORE AND DURING USE. - 5. USE CARE TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO EQUIPMENT. - 6. CLEAN AND SERVICE EQUIPMENT REGULARLY. Follow manufacturers' recommendations. - 7. ALWAYS MAINTAIN AT LEAST (4) FOUR WRAPS OF WIRE ROPE ON DRUM-TYPE HOISTS. - 8. DO NOT CONNECT PLATFORMS unless the installation was designed for that purpose. - 9. DO NOT MOVE ADJUSTABLE SUSPENDED SCAFFOLDS HORIZONTALLY unless safe work practices are followed. - 10. WHEN RIGGING FOR ANOTHER DROP assure sufficient wire rope is available before moving the suspended platform horizontally to the next location. ## F. WELDING FROM SUSPENDED SCAFFOLDS REQUIRES SPECIAL TRAINING: - 1. ASSURE PLATFORM IS GROUNDED TO THE STRUCTURE using a grounding conductor. - 2. INSULATE WIRE ROPE ABOVE AND BELOW THE PLATFORM. - 3. INSULATE WIRE ROPE AT THE SUSPENSION POINT AND ASSURE THE WIRE ROPE DOES NOT CONTACT THE STRUCTURE IS ALONG ITS ENTIRE LENGTH. - 4. PREVENT THE WIRE ROPE END FROM BECOMING GROUNDED. - 5. INSULATE EACH HOIST WITH A PROTECTIVE COVER. - 6. INSULATE TIE-BACK WIRE ROPES AT THE CONNECTION POINTS. Since field conditions vary and are beyond the control of the SSFI and the SAIA, the safe and proper use of adjustable suspended scaffolding is the sole responsibility of the user. - © 2014 by the Scaffold &amp;amp; Access Industry Association. All rights reserved. This document was prepared by members of the Scaffold &amp; Access Industry Association Suspended Scaffold Council. This document does not purport to be all-inclusive nor to supplant or replace other additional safety and precautiona…

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

Page 3

Open source document

Source excerpt

<!-- 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…

[7] Occupational Health and Safety Code

Page 96

Open source document

Source excerpt

- (d) that clearance distances below the work area, if applicable, have been confirmed as sufficient to prevent a worker from striking the ground or an object or level below the work area, - (e) the procedures used to assemble, maintain, inspect, use and disassemble the fall protection system, where applicable, and - (f) the rescue procedures to be used if a worker falls and is suspended by a personal fall arrest system or safety net and needs to be rescued. - 140 (3) The employer must ensure that the fall protection plan is available at the work site and is reviewed with workers before work with a risk of falling begins. - 140 (4) The employer must ensure that the plan is updated when conditions affecting fall protection change. ## Instruction of workers 141 (1) An employer must ensure that a worker is trained in the safe use of the fall protection system before allowing the worker to work in an area where a fall protection system must be used. - 141 (2) The training referred to in subsection (1) must include the following: - (a) a review of current Alberta legislation pertaining to fall protection; - (b) an understanding of what a fall protection plan is; - (c) fall protection methods a worker is required to use at a work site; - (d) identification of fall hazards; - (e) assessment and selection of specific anchors that the worker may use; - (f) instructions for the correct use of connecting hardware; - (g) information about the effect of a fall on the human body, including - (i) maximum arresting force, - (ii) the purpose of shock and energy absorbers, - (iii) swing fall, and - (iv) free fall; - (h) pre-use inspection; - (i) emergency response procedures to be used at the work site, if necessary; - (j) practice in - (i) inspecting, fitting, adjusting and connecting fall protection systems and components, and - (ii) emergency response procedures. 141 (3) In addition to the training described in subsection (2), an employer must ensure that a worker is made awar…

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