Fall Protection Training Bulletin January 2020
Start this new year off safe with Fall Protection and Training!
Employers are required to provide employees with an appropriate personal fall protection system and training if working in unprotected areas where someone is exposed to falls six feet or more and to be in compliance with Local Law 196.
Let's discuss personal fall arrest systems - also known as PFAS and ways to prevent fall hazards. When worn properly they are designed to protect you from falling. The entire PFAS needs to be capable of withstanding the tremendous impart forces resulting in a fall. For example, an employee without adequate fall protection will free-fall four feet in half a second and 16 feet in one second!
A PFAS includes a full-body harness, a shock-absorbing lanyard, self-retracting lifeline, rope grab, vertical lifeline, and an approved anchorage point able to support of up to 5,000 pounds. The PFAS must be rigged so that you cannot free-fall more than six feet or hit a lower level. A great way to remember what is needed are the ABC's of Fall Protection.
A is for Anchorage/Anchorage Connector
Anchorage connectors (tie-off points) secure a connecting device to an anchorage. Anchorage selection is critical because, should a fall occur, the worker will be suspended from that anchorage—with his or her life depending on its strength. The anchorage should be easily accessible, located a safe distance above any lower obstacles, and capable of supporting 5,000 pounds per worker.
B is for Body Wear
A full-body harness includes hardware, webbing, and pads, each with specific functions.
C is for Connecting Device
The critical link between harnesses and anchorage points is the connecting device.
You are not allowed to use body belts as part of your PFAS. Body Belts have been proven to cause even MORE hazards to body. For example, you could suffer serious internal injuries or even death from pressure on the internal organs while suspended from a fall or you could suffocate by a belt that shifted upward from the waist to the armpits.
FALL PROTECTION DO'S:
üEnsure the anchorage point you are going to tie off to will support 5,000 lbs. (or strong enough to support a pickup truck).
üIf you are not sure where to tie-off to, contact your supervisor or competent person as it is their responsibility to identify suitable anchor points.
üRig the PFAS so you can’t free-fall more than six feet (or contact any lower level).
üAlways tie off above your head when possible. A six-foot person who ties off at the feet could free-fall as much as 15 feet.
üPlace the anchorage directly above/ behind your work area to avoid potential swing fall hazards.
üUse the shortest lanyard possible. The shorter the tie-off, the shorter the fall.
üPFAS must be used in all elevated platforms, scissor lifts, articulating boom lifts, vertical lifts.
üEnsure 100% fall protection is maintained. Utilize double-lanyards, have multiple anchor point to tie-off to. Never expose employees to a fall hazard.
üWhen working around shafts establish a controlled access zone, always have PFAS in place, and install guardrail systems when finished - never leave unattended.
üUtilize tool tethers (hammers, drills, screwdrivers, materials, etc.) when working at height or on leading edges to prevent objects from falling.
FALL PROTECTION DON'T'S:
üDon't tie a knot in your lanyards. This will greatly reduce its strength.
üDon't use water pipes, electrical conduits, light fixtures, or guardrails as anchor points.
üDon’t use any lanyards together to reach an anchorage. Self-retracting lifelines connect directly to harness.
üDon't tie off to the same anchorage as another employee unless it is designed and approved by an engineer.
üDon't allow anyone else to rig your equipment unless you verify that it has been done correctly.
üDon't use an anchorage that is not independent of any anchorage used to support is suspend platforms.
Feel Free to Reach out to Safco for training and inquires
929-296-0303