UCAR Safety Manual
 Fall Protection
ISSUED: 7-2010
EFFECTIVE DATE: 8-2010
LATEST CHANGE DATE: 7-2010
Scope
Provides safe practices, procedures and policies for elevated work (six feet or more above lower working level). Assures compliance with OSHA requirements found at 29CFR1926.500.
1.0 Exceptions
These policies and procedures do not cover the following activities.
1.1 Ladders
Work off of ladders is exempted provided the work is conducted no higher that 6’ above the next working level.
1.2 Inspections
Activities involving inspections, investigations or assessments of conditions prior to or after all construction work is completed are exempted from these policies.
1.3 Flat Roofs
Activities that are at least 15 horizontal feet from the edge of a flat roof are exempt from fall protection requirements.
1.4 Travel
Travel across flat rooftops, using established paths, is exempt from these policies.
2.0 Definitions
2.1 Body Harness
Support straps secured around an employee’s thighs, pelvis, waist, chest and shoulders.
2.2 Competent Person
Individual receiving specialized training in fall protection, who evaluates elevated work and establishes safety requirements. Enforces safety rules when using “safety monitoring systems.”
2.3 Guard Rail Systems
A sturdy barrier that prevents employees from falling to lower levels. Consists of a top rail, mid-rail, and toe-board.
2.4 Anchorage
A secure point of attachment for lifelines, lanyards or deceleration devices. Anchorage must be able to withstand a force of 5,000 pounds per person attached, or maintain a safety factor of 2 when used with a personal fall arrest system.
2.5 Connectors
A device that is used to connect parts of the personal fall arrest system, such as a carabiner or snap-hook.
2.6 Personal Fall Arrest System
A system composed of an anchor, locking snaphook connectors, shock absorbing lanyard, and body harness.
2.7 Lanyard
Flexible line of rope, wire rope, or strap which generally has a connector at each end for connecting the body belt or body harness to a deceleration device, lifeline, or anchorage.
2.8 Unprotected sides and edges
Any side or edge (except entrances to points of access) of a walking/working surface, e.g., floor, ramp, or runway where there is no wall or guardrail system at least 39 inches (1.0 m) high.
3.0 Responsibilities
3.1 Management/Supervisors
Recognize that work above 6’ from a lower surface requires review by a competent person; assures employees are properly trained in the potential hazards and safe conduct of their work; provides resources for safe conduct of work; supports implementation of the fall protection program.
3.2 Health Environment and Safety Services (HESS)
Serves as a resource to assist managers and supervisors in implementing the fall protection program; provides basic training in fall protection and maintains training records; audits workplace compliance and reports findings to management.
3.3 Competent Person
Performs work site evaluations, when notified by management/supervisor; develops applicable safety procedures, specifies safety equipment for fall protection; develops rescue plans and has authority to shut down unsafe or non-compliant work. Contact HESS for competent person assistance.
3.4 Employee
Attend fall protection training arranged by HESS prior to any work above 6’ that requires a fall arrest system.
4.0 Work Procedures
4.1 Selection of Fall Protection Methods
The Competent Person evaluates the work site and consults with employees who will perform the work to develop protective measures that will provide the least interference with the work. Guardrail systems must have a top, and mid rail as well as a toe board. Minimum design and fabrication standards are specified in 29CFR1926.502. Personal Fall Arrest Systems consist of an anchor, locking snaphook connectors, shock absorbing lanyard, and body harness. The system must be able to withstand a fall force of 5000 pounds or be designed to have a safety factor of two. Minimum details for the design of personal fall arrest systems are also found in 29CFR1926.502. Climbing assist devices may be used in conjunction with fall arrest systems. Whenever possible, anchors should be designed for and installed on new structures.
4.2 Use of Fall Protection
Fall protection is used whenever working 6’feet or more above a lower surface and when engineering controls cannot prevent a fall. They must be inspected prior to each use and used in accordance with manufacturer instructions.
4.2.1 Inspection: Inspect harness and lanyard materials for defects including cuts, abrasion, loose threads, tears, stretching, discoloration caused by exposure to chemicals, loss of normal elasticity. Inspect hardware for cracks, pitting, or distortion. Snaphooks must lock and close tightly.
4.2.2 Wearing the equipment: Adjust harness according to manufacturer instructions. The D-ring will be in the center back, between the shoulder blades. Occasionally, a front D-ring or side D-rings may be used, but this is the exception and must be specified by the Competent Person if necessary. All straps must be buckled appropriately.
4.2.3
Connecting to anchor: Connect to the secure anchor point at shoulder level or above so that falls are limited to 6’ or less. Only one person may use an anchor point at a time, unless it is specifically designed for greater loads. Remain connected for the duration of the operation.
4.2.4 Equipment used in a fall: 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 use.
4.3 Rescue Operations
A rescue plan must be developed for each job involving use of a personal fall protection system. The plan must address how other employees will be notified of the need for rescue, methods for reaching and retrieving the fallen worker, and access to medical services. Rescue should be able to be accomplished within 20 minutes of a fall.
5.0 Training
All employees working at heights above 6 feet must be trained to recognize hazards and use of protective equipment. Training is conducted or authorized by the Competent Person. Training occurs initially and when changes to the type of work or fall protection system changes.
6.0 Miscellaneous
6.1 Recordkeeping
Training records, equipment choice and escape plans are kept by the Competent Person in the HESS files.
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