Fall Protection in Construction

Fall Protection in Construction. For training please visit pasafety.com or call Tommy Watkins at 513-372-6232

1. 1 Fall Protection

2. 2 This presentation will discuss : Types of Fall protection and prevention. Key areas where Fall protection/prevention are commonly used. How to assess the Fall Hazard in order to utilize the proper Fall protection/ prevention methods. Fall Protection

3. 3 Falls are the leading cause of deaths in the construction industry. Most fatalities occur when employees fall from open-sided floors and through floor openings. Falls from as little as 4 to 6 feet can cause serious lost-time accidents and sometimes death. Open-sided floors and platforms 6 feet or more in height must be guarded. Falls in Construction

4. 4 At the end of this topic, you will be able to: List at least four methods of fall protection available for protecting workers. Understand how to assess a Fall hazard and whether or not to use Fall prevention or protection measures. State the main criteria that prompts use of fall protection for construction workers. Fall Protection

5. 5 Personal Fall Arrest System ( PFAS ) Guardrails Safety Net Fall Protection Options

6. 6 Fall protection systems and work practices must be in place before you start work. Lanyards and PFAS in use Fall Protection Planning and Assessment Improper use and assessment of Fall Prevention!!!

7. 7 Personal Fall Arrest Systems You must be trained how to properly use PFAS, through classroom and hands-on training. A Personal Fall Arrest System includes the following components: anchorage , lanyard/ retractable and body harness .

8. 8 Must be independent of any platform anchorage and capable of supporting at least 5,000 lbs. per worker. Safety Line Anchorages

9. 9 Top rail is set at 42” +/- 3”, allowable range of 39” to 45” Toeboards at least 3 1/2 inches high Top Rail Mid- Rail Toeboard Guardrails

10. 10 Place as close as possible, but no more than 30 feet below where employees work. Safety Nets

11. Work Positioning Device A Work Positioning Device is utilized as a means of Fall Prevention versus Fall Protection. The components of a Work Positioning Device are similar to using a PFAS; generally consisting of an anchorage point, lifeline and body harness. A Work Positioning Device is utilized horizontally versus vertically as a PFAS. OSHA Office of Training & Education 11

12. When Fall Protection is Needed Walkways & ramps Open sides & edges Holes Concrete forms & rebar Excavations Roofs Wall openings Bricklaying Residential Construction 12

13. 13 Guard ramps, runways, and other walkways, e.g. (Stairways, walk boards and access platforms.) Walkways and Ramps

14. 14 In residential construction, you must be protected if you can fall more than 6 feet. Fall Protection - Residential Construction

15. 15 Unprotected edge Unprotected Sides & Edges Unprotected sides and edges must have guardrails or equivalent.

16. 16 Sides & Edges - Improper Guarding This 1/4" nylon rope alone is NOT a proper way to guard this open floor

17. 17 Where a fall hazard of 6’ or more exists, Fall Protection and/or prevention methods MUST be used. This opening could be made safe by utilizing a Guardrail system, PFAS or construction grade OSHA compliant cover. Sky Lights and Other Openings

18. 18 Any hole 2” or larger must be covered, secured and marked with high visibility material. Larger holes that may also represent a fall hazard can be guarded with Guardrails or the equivalent thereof. Floor Holes Improperly Covered

19. 19 Use PFAS/Guardrail system when working on formwork or rebar Cover or cap protruding rebar to eliminate Impalement hazards. Concrete Forms and Rebar

20. 20 If you work on roofs and can fall more than 6 feet, you must be protected. Roofs

21. 21 If you work near wall openings 6 feet or more above lower levels you must be protected from falling. Wall opening Wall Openings

22. Good Work Practices Perform work at ground level if possible Example: building prefab roofs on the ground and lifting into place with a crane Tether or restrain workers so they can't reach the edge Designate and use safety monitors (This is less desirable of all the systems) Use conventional fall protection 22

23. 23 The training is to teach you: How to recognize hazards How to minimize hazards The training must cover: Fall hazards Fall protection systems Use of fall protection devices Training Employers must provide fall protection training

24. Summary If you can fall more than 6 feet, you must be protected and/or prevented from falling. Use fall protection on: walkways & ramps, open sides & edges, holes, concrete forms & rebar, excavations, roofs, wall openings, bricklaying, residential construction Protective measures include guardrails, covers, safety nets, work positioning device and Personal Fall Arrest Systems. 24