S02 SF-21 Fall Protection.pdf

FALL PROTECTION

MCP SF-21

Coatesville VA Medical Center Coatesville, PA 19320

Signatory Authority:

Coatesville VA Medical Center Director

Responsible Owner:

QI

Rescinded Document:

SF-21, Fall Protection, April 2018

Effective Date:

January 2021

Recertification Date:

April 30, 2023

1. POLICY

This medical center policy SF-21 establishes, responsibility and procedures for minimizing hazards to prevent falls.

2. JUSTIFICATION

29 CFR 1926.501 and 1910.28

3. RESPONSIBILITIES

a. Service Chiefs. The Service Chiefs are responsible for employees who work on roofs, scaffolds, suspended platforms and fixed ladders or employees who work near floor and wall openings. They are responsible for ensuring that the proper safeguards and personal protective equipment are provided for fall protection.

b. Supervisors. The Supervisors are responsible of employees who work in areas where there is a fall hazard will train employees on the proper use of protective guards and personal protective equipment and will ensure that safe work procedures are used.

c. Safety Staff. Safety Staff is responsible for conducting requested "train the trainer" training of supervisors in fall protection, and for evaluating Services' fall protection programs during the annual and semi-annual inspections of the Medical Center. Inspections of fall arrests system will also be conducted once per week during construction safety rounds if applicable.

d. Employees. Employees are responsible for adhering to the requirements and responsibilities as noted in the attached Fall Protection Program.

4. PROCEDURE

a. Guards, climbing devices and personal protective equipment will be provided and safe work procedures will be practiced as required by the Fall Protection Plan established by this facility (Attachment A).

January 6, 2021 MCP SF-21

b. See Checklist Attachments: (Attachment B, Attachment C, Attachment D, Attachment E, Attachment F, Attachment G)

5. ATTACHMENTS

a. Attachment A - Fall Protection Program

b. Attachment B - Lanyards Inspection Checklist

c. Attachment C - Self-Retracking Inspection Checklist

d. Attachment D - Full Body Harness Inspection Checklist

e. Attachment E - Anchorage Plates Inspection Checklist

f. Attachment F - Hooks/Carbineers Inspection Checklist

g. Attachment G - Tie-Off Adaptors Inspection Checklist

6. DEFINITIONS

a. Floor Opening. A Floor Opening is an opening measuring 12 inches or more in its least dimension, in any floor, platform, pavement, or yard through which persons may fall. Examples are hatchways, stair or ladder openings, pits or large manholes.

b. Wall Opening. Wall Opening is an opening at least 30 inches high and 18 inches wide, in any wall or partition, through which a person may fall.

c. Standard Railing. Standard Railing consists of top rail, intermediate rail and posts. The intermediate rail must be approximately halfway between the top rail and the floor. Construction details are found in OSHA 29 CFR 1910.23 (e).

(OSHA Directives have clarified that existing guardrails may have a minimum vertical height of 36 inches to 44 inches from the upper surface of the top rail to the floor; the term nominal diameter for handrails refers to the outside diameter;

and that handrails and railings may have a clearance of at least 1-1/2 inches between the handrail or railing and any other object. NFPA requires guardrails to have intermediate rails or an ornamental pattern such that a sphere 4 inches in diameter cannot pass through any opening.)

d. Standard Toe Board. Standard Toe Board is a vertical barrier at platform level erected along the exposed sides and ends of a platform to prevent falls of materials. A standard toe board must be 4 inches nominal in vertical height from its top edge to the level of the floor, platform, runway, or ramp. It must be securely fastened in place and with not more than 1/4-inch clearance above floor level. It may be made of any substantial material either solid or with openings not over 1 inch in greatest dimension.

e. Platform. Platform is a term interpreted by OSHA to be any elevated surface designed or used primarily as a walking or working surface, and any other elevated surface upon which employees are required or allowed to walk or work while performing assigned tasks on a predictable and regular basis. The term predictable and regular basis means employees’ functions such as inspections, service, repair and maintenance which are performed at least once every 2 weeks, or for a total of 4 man-hours or more during any sequential 4-week period.

(In situations where an employee must engage in various tasks on tops of machinery and other structures not covered by the definition of platforms, the employee must be protected by personal protective equipment.)

f. Fixed Industrial Stairs. Fixed Industrial Stairs include interior and exterior stairs around machinery, tanks, and other equipment and stairs leading to or from floors, platforms, or pits. This term does not apply to stairs used for fire exit purposes.

g. Motion-Stopping Safety System (MSS). MMS is an all protection using the following equipment singly or in combination: standard railing (guardrails) as described in 1926.500(f); scaffolds or platforms with guardrails as described in 1926.451; safety nets as described in 1926.105; and safety belt systems as described in 1926.104.

h. Manufacturer Recommendations. Manufacturer Recommendations include all instructions set by the manufacturer for use of the equipment for its intended purpose. All safety recommendation in the set instructions shall be adhered to at Coatesville VAMC.

7. REFERENCES

a. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 29 CFR 1910.23, 1910.24, 1910.27, 1910.28, 1910.67 and 1926.500(g).

b. OSHA Instructions STD 1-1.1, STD 1-1.6, STD 1-1.10, STD 1-1.11 and STD 1- 1.13.

c. CEOSH Guidebook Chapter 6

d. OSHA 1910 General Industry Standard

e. OSHA 1926 Construction Standard

f. OSHA 1926 Subpart M Appendix E

g. HHC Services Inc. Train - the - Trainer 2011

8. RESCISSION

MCP NUMBER SF-21-18, Fall Protection, is rescinded.

9. REVIEW

This Medical Center Policy (MCP) SF-21 is to be recertified every five years at a minimum.

10. RECERTIFICATION

This MCP SF-21 is scheduled for recertification on or before the last working day of April 2023. This MCP SF-21 will continue to serve as local policy until it is recertified or rescinded. In the event of contradiction with national policy, the national policy supersedes and controls.

11. SIGNATORY AUTHORITY

Jeffery A Beiler II VA Medical Facility Director

NOTE: The signature remains valid until rescinded by an appropriate administrative action.

DISTRIBUTION: Medical Center Policies are available here. Medical Center Policy Attachments are available here.

https://dvagov.sharepoint.com/sites/VHACOAvamc/policies/default.aspx https://dvagov.sharepoint.com/sites/VHACOAvamc/policies/MCP%20Attachments/Forms/AllItems.aspx

Attachment A:

Fall Protection Program

This fall protection program consists of selection of the proper type of fall protection equipment, training of employees, accountability and/or supervision to ensure that employees employ safe work practices and maintenance of equipment. Also included in this fall protection program is the construction and maintenance of proper stairs, ladders, handrails, railings and physical barriers.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards contain requirements on providing physical barriers to protect openings at floors, walls and open-sided platforms through which a person may fall. OSHA has separate requirements addressing the proper installation, maintenance and use of ladders and industrial stairs. Falls from roofs are covered in OSHA standards and VHA Directive 10- 78-277.

a. Definitions

(1) Floor Opening. Floor Opening is an opening measuring 12 inches or more in its least dimension, in any floor, platform, pavement, or yard through which persons may fall. Examples are hatchways, stair or ladder openings, pits or large manholes.

(2) Wall Opening. -Wall Opening an opening at least 30 inches high and 18 inches wide, in any wall or partition, through which a person may fall.

(3) Standard Railing. Standard Railing consists of top rail, intermediate rail and posts. The intermediate rail must be approximately halfway between the top rail and the floor. Construction details are found in OSHA 29 CFR 1910.23 (e).

(OSHA Directives have clarified that existing guardrails may have a minimum vertical height of 36 inches to 44 inches from the upper surface of the top rail to the floor; the term nominal diameter for handrails refers to the outside diameter; and that handrails and railings may have a clearance of at least 1- 1/2 inches between the handrail or railing and any other object. NFPA requires guardrails to have intermediate rails or an ornamental pattern such that a sphere 4 inches in diameter cannot pass through any opening.)

(4) Standard Toe Board. Standard Toe Board is a vertical barrier at platform level erected along the exposed sides and ends of a platform to prevent falls of materials. A standard toe board must be 4 inches nominal in vertical height from its top edge to the level of the floor, platform, runway, or ramp. It must be securely fastened in place and with not more than 1/4-inch clearance above floor level. It may be made of any substantial material either solid or with openings not over 1 inch in greatest dimension.

(5) Platform. Platform is the term platform is interpreted by OSHA to be any elevated surface designed or used primarily as a walking or working surface, and any other elevated surface upon which employees are required or allowed to walk or work while performing assigned tasks on a predictable and regular basis. The term predictable and regular basis means employees’ functions such as inspections, service, repair and maintenance which are performed at least once every 2 weeks, or for a total of 4 man-hours or more during any sequential 4-week period. (In situations where an employee must engage in various tasks on tops of machinery and other structures not covered by the definition of platforms, the employee must be protected by personal protective equipment.)

(6) Fixed Industrial Stairs. Fixed Industrial Stairs include interior and exterior stairs around machinery, tanks, and other equipment and stairs leading to or from floors, platforms, or pits. This term does not apply to stairs used for fire exit purposes.

(7) Motion-Stopping Safety System (MSS). MMS is fall protection using the following equipment singly or in combination: standard railing (guardrails) as described in 1926.500(f); scaffolds or platforms with guardrails as described in 1926.451; safety nets as described in 1926.105; and safety belt systems as described in 1926.104.

(8) Manufacturer Recommendations. Manufacturer Recommendations include all instructions set by the manufacturer for use of the equipment for its intended purpose. All safety recommendation in the set instructions shall be adhered to at Coatesville VAMC.

b. Floor & Wall Openings

(1) Protection of Floor Openings:

(a) Every stairway floor opening must be guarded by a standard railing on all exposed sides except at the entrance to the stairway. For infrequently used stairways where traffic across the opening prevents the use of fixed standard railing, the guard must consist of a hinged floor opening cover and removable standard railing on all exposed sides (except at the entrance to the stairway).

(b) Every ladder-way floor opening or platform must be guarded by a standard railing with standard toe board on all exposed sides (except at the entrance to the opening) with the passage through the railing either provided with a swinging gate, or so offset that a person cannot walk directly into the opening.

(c) Every skylight floor opening, and hole shall be guarded by a standard skylight screen, or a fixed standard railing on all exposed sides.

(d) Every pit and trapdoor floor opening, infrequently used, shall be guarded by a floor opening cover. While the cover is not in place, the pit or trap opening must be constantly attended by someone or must be protected on all exposed sides by a removable standard railing.

(e) Every manhole floor opening must be guarded by a standard manhole cover which need not be hinged in place. While the cover is not in place, the manhole opening must be constantly attended, or must be protected by removable standard railings.

(f) Every temporary floor opening must have standard railings or must be constantly attended.

(2) Protection of Wall Openings:

(a) Every wall opening from which there is a drop of more than 4 feet must be guarded by a standard railing or equivalent barrier. Where there is exposure below to falling materials, a removable toe board or the equivalent must also be provided. [Equivalent construction is described in 29 CFR 1910.23(e)(3).] When the opening is not in use for handling materials, the guard must be kept in place.

(b) Every window wall opening at a stairway landing, floor, platform or balcony from which there is a drop of more than 4 feet. Also where the bottom of the opening is less than 3 feet above the platform or landing, must be protected with a standard railing or a wall opening screen capable of withstanding a load of at least 200 pounds applied horizontally at any point on the near side of the screen with openings not more than 8 inches long or slat work with openings not more than 4 inches wide.

Where the window opening is below the landing or platform, a standard toe board must be provided.

(c) Every temporary wall opening shall have adequate guards, but these need not be of standard construction.

(3) Protection of open-sided floors, platforms, and runways:

(a) Every open-sided floor or platform 4 feet or more above adjacent floor or ground level must be guarded by a standard railing [or the equivalent as specified in 1910.23 (e)(3)] on all open sides except where there is an entrance to a ramp, stairway, or fixed ladder. A toe board must be provided to protect people, equipment, and moving machinery traveling beneath the open sided floor where falling materials could create a hazard.

(b) Regardless of height, open-sided floors, walkways, platforms or runways above or adjacent to dangerous equipment must be guarded with a standard railing and toe board.

c. Stairways:

(1) Stairway Railings and Guards:

(a) Every flight of stairs having four or more risers must be equipped with standard stair railings or standard handrails. If the stair is 44 or more inches wide but less than 88 inches wide, one handrail on each enclosed side and one stair railing on each open side is required. [See 29CFR 1910.23(d) for specific requirements based on the following width dimensions: less than 44 inches wide more than 44 inches but less than 88 inches wide or 88 or more inches wide.] Stair width is to be measured clear of all obstructions except handrails.

(b) Winding stairs shall be equipped with a handrail offset to prevent walking on all portions of the treads having widths less than 6 inches.

(2) Fixed Industrial Stairs:

(a) Fixed industrial stairs shall be provided for access from one structure level to another where operations necessitate regular travel between levels and for access to operating platforms at any equipment which requires attention routinely during operations. Fixed stairs shall also be provided where access to elevations is daily, or at each shift for such purposes as gauging, inspections, regular maintenance, etc., where such work may expose employees to harmful substances, or for which purposes the carrying of tools or equipment by hand is normally required.

(b) Fixed stairs shall be installed at angles to the horizontal of between 30° and 50°. Any uniform combination of rise/tread dimensions may be used that will result in a stairway at an angle to the horizontal with permissible ranges. [See 29 CFR 1910.24 (e), Table D-1 for possible combinations of rise and tread run.]

(c) Stair treads shall be reasonably slip-resistant, and the nosing must be of non-slip finish. Riser height and tread run must be uniform throughout any flights of stairs.

(d) Stairway platforms shall be no less than the width of a stairway and a minimum of 30 inches in length measured in the direction of travel.

(e) Standard railings shall be provided on the open sides of all exposed stairways and stair platforms. Handrails shall be provided on at least one side of closed stairways, preferably of the right-side descending.

(f) Vertical clearance above any stair tread to an overhead obstruction must be at least 7 feet measured from the leading edge of the tread.

(3) Alternating Tread Type of Stair must be designed, installed, used, and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations and in accordance with the following requirements:

(a) The stair must be installed at a 70-degree angle or less.

(b) The stair must be capable of withstanding a minimum uniform load of 100 pounds per square foot with a design factor of 1.7, and the treads must be capable of carrying a minimum concentrated load of 300 pounds at the center of any tread span with a design factor of 1.7. If intended for greater loading, construction must allow for that loading.

(c) The stair must be equipped with a handrail or each side.

(4) Fixed Ladders: All ladders must be maintained in a safe condition. All ladders must be inspected regularly, with the intervals between inspections being determined by use and exposure.

(5) Rungs and Cleats:

(a) The distance between rungs, cleats, and steps must not exceed 12 inches and must be uniform throughout the length of the ladder.

(b) The minimum clear length of rungs or cleats is 16 inches.

(c) Rungs, cleats, and steps shall be free of splinters, sharp edges, burrs, or projections which may be a hazard.

(d) The rungs must be designed so that the foot may not slide off the end. A suggested design is shown in Figure D-1. (Below)

(e) If side rails are used, the rails must be of such cross sections to afford adequate gripping surface without sharp edges, splinters or burs.

(6) Protection from Deterioration:

(a) Adequate means must be employed to protect dissimilar metals from electrolytic action when such metals are joined.

(b) Metal ladders and appurtenances (accessories) must be painted, or otherwise treated to resist corrosion and rusting when location demands.

(7) Clearances:

(a) The perpendicular distance from the centerline of the rungs to the nearest permanent object on the climbing side of the ladder must be 36 inches for a pitch of 76 degrees and 30 inches for a pitch of 90 degrees. (Figure D- 2, Below)

(b) For ladders without cages or wells, a clear width of at least 15 inches must be provided each way from the centerline of the ladder in the climbing space. For ladders with cages or wells see the special requirements for in 29 CFR 1910.27(d).

(c) The distance from the centerline of rungs, cleats, or steps to the nearest permanent object behind the ladder must not be less than 7 inches.

[When unavoidable obstructions are encountered, see 29 CFR 1910.27

(c) (4) for possible solutions.]

(d) The step-across distance from the nearest edge of ladder to the nearest edge of equipment or structure must not be more than 12 inches, or less than 2-1/2 inches (Figure D-4, Below).

(e) Counterweighted hatch covers must open a minimum of 60 degrees from the horizontal. The distance from the centerline of the rungs or cleats to the edge of the hatch opening on the climbing side must be not less than 24 inches for offset wells or 30 inches for straight wells. There must not be protruding potential hazards within 24 inches of the centerline of rungs or cleats. Any such hazard within 30 inches of the centerline of the rungs or cleats must be fitted with deflector plates placed at an angle of 60 degrees from the horizontal. (Figure D-5)

(8) Cages:

(a) Cages or wells must be provided on ladders of more than 20 feet to a maximum unbroken length of 30 feet.

(b) Cages must extend a minimum of 42 inches above the top landing unless other acceptable protection is provided.

(c) Cages must extend down the ladder to a point not less than 7 feet or more than 8 feet above the base of the ladder, with bottom flared not less than 4 inches, or portion of cage opposite ladder must be carried to the base.

(d) Cages must not extend less than 27 inches nor more than 28 inches from the centerline of the rungs of the ladder. The cage must not be less than 27 inches in width. Ladder wells must have a clear width of at least 15 inches measured each way from the centerline of the ladder. Smooth-walled wells must be a minimum of 27 inches from the center line of the rungs to the well wall on the climbing side of the ladder.

(e) When ladders are used to ascend to heights exceeding 20 feet (except on chimneys), landing platforms must be provided for each 30 feet of height or fraction thereof; except where no cage, well, or ladder safety device is provided; landing platforms must be provided for each 20 feet of height or fraction thereof. Landing platforms must be constructed in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.27 (d) (2).

(f) Ladder safety devices may be used on tower, water tank, and chimney ladders over 20 feet in unbroken length in lieu of cage protection. No landing platform is required in these cases. All ladder safety devices shall meet the design requirements of the ladders which they serve.

(9) Pitch:

(a) The preferred pitch of fixed ladders is in the range of 75 degrees and 90 degrees with the horizontal. Substandard pitch is considered within the range of 60 and 75 degrees with the horizontal. Substandard pitch ladders are permitted only where it is found necessary to meet conditions of installation. Ladders having a pitch in excess of 90 degrees with the horizontal are prohibited.

(10) Scaffolds:

(a) Scaffolds should be:

i. Constructed, used, and maintained as required by 29 CFR 1910.28 1926.450-454. Operated only by individuals who are trained in their intended use.

ii. Included in a comprehensive maintenance and inspection program.

iii. Inspected by a designated competent person before every installation or use, with periodic inspections of scaffolds made while in use. Records of inspections shall be maintained.

(11) Procedures:

(a) Low-Pitched Roofs (Pitch less than 4 in 12).

(b) Unstable objects such as barrels, boxes, loose brick or concrete blocks must not be used to support scaffolds or planks.

(c) Any scaffold damaged or weakened from any cause shall be immediately repaired and shall not be used until repairs have been completed.

(d) Scaffolds must not be loaded in excess of the working load for which they are intended.

(e) All planking must be Scaffold Grade.

(f) All planking or platforms must be overlapped (minimum 12 inches) or secured from movement.

(g) An access ladder or equivalent safe access must be provided.

(h) Scaffold planks must extend over their end supports not less than 6 inches or more than 18 inches.

(i) The poles, legs, or uprights of scaffold must be plumb, and securely and rigidly braced to prevent swaying and displacement.

(j) Materials being hoisted onto a scaffold shall have a tag line.

(k) Overhead protection must be provided for employees on a scaffold exposed to overhead hazards.

(l) Scaffolds shall be provided with a screen between the toe board and the guardrail, extending along the entire opening, consisting of No. 18 gauge U.S. Standard Wire one-half inch mesh or the equivalent, where persons are required to work or pass under the scaffolds.

(m) Employees shall not work on scaffolds during storms or high winds.

(n) Employees shall not work on scaffolds which are covered with ice or snow, unless all ice or snow is removed, and planking sanded to prevent slipping.

(o) Tools, materials, and debris shall not be allowed to accumulate in quantities to cause a hazard.

(p) Only treated or protected fiber rope may be used for or near any work involving the use of corrosive substances or chemicals.

(q) When acid solutions are used for cleaning buildings over 50 feet in height, wire rope supported scaffold must be used.

(r) The use of shore scaffolds or lean-to scaffolds is prohibited.

(s) Scaffolds shall be secured to permanent structures, through use of anchor bolts, reveal bolts, or equivalent means. Window-cleaning anchor bolt shall not be used.

(t) Guardrails must be not less than 2 x 4 inches or the equivalent, and not less than 36 inches or more than 42 inches high, with a midrail of 1 x 4 lumber or equivalent. Toe boards shall be installed at all open sides on all scaffolds more than 10 feet above the ground or floor. Toe boards must be a minimum of 4 inches in height.

(u) On two-point suspension scaffolds (swinging scaffolds) employees must be protected by a safety harness attached to a lifeline. The lifeline must be securely attached to substantial members of the structure (not scaffold), or to securely rigged lines, which will safely suspend the employee in case of a fall.

(12) Roofs:

(a) Low-pitched roofs with a ground to leave height greater than 6 feet must be equipped with rails, warning lines, or other suitable markers located not less than six feet from the edge of the roof; or, employees engaged in activities on the roof must be protected with a motion-stopping safety system.

(b) Warning lines are to be erected as follows:

i. The warning line must consist of a rope, wire, or chain and supporting stanchions. The rope, wire, or chain must be rigged and supported in such a way that its lowest point (including sag) is no less than 34 inches from the walking/working surface, and its highest point is no more than 39 inches from the walking/working surface.

ii. The barrier must be capable of resisting, without tipping over, a force of at least 16 pounds applied horizontally against the stanchion, 30 inches above the roof surface, perpendicular to the warning line. The line must have a minimum tensile strength of 500 pounds.

iii. The line must be attached at each stanchion in such a way that pulling on one section of the line between stanchions will not result in slack being taken up in adjacent sections before the stanchion tips over.

iv. Workers engaged in activities between the warning line and the edge of the roof must be provided with appropriate fall protection equipment meeting the requirements of OSHA 29 CFR 1926.104, "Safety Belts, Lifelines and Lanyards" and/or Section 1926.105 "Safety Nets." Lifelines must be secured above the point of operation to an anchorage or structural member capable of supporting a minimum dead weight of 5,400 pounds. Life belts may be used only as positioning devices.

(c) Roofs Having a Pitch of 4 in 12 or Greater (Steep roofs) - Employees working on pitched roofs, with a pitch of 4 in 12 or greater and more than 6 feet above ground, shall be protected from falling by guardrail systems with toe boards, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems.

(d) Fall Hazard Analysis:

i. The work site will be evaluated by the supervisor and /or competent person in Fall Protection.

ii. Employees are responsible for adhering to the evaluation as performed by the supervisor or competent person and are also responsible for inspection of their fall protection arrest systems, using the attached inspection checklists. Inspections of fall arrest systems will be conducted prior to each use to ensure integrity.

iii. Departments of concern for fall protection evaluations are but not limited to: Facility Engineering Service: HVAC shop, Electrical shop, Carpentry shop, Paint shop, General Utility shop, Plumbing shop, Roads and Grounds, Environmental Management Service, others TBD.

iv. Contractors working on the facility grounds will also be required to adhere to this policy during construction, maintenance and repairs.

v. The following areas or conditions are identified as potential fall hazards at the medical center:

a. Unprotected sides and leading edges greater than 48” Floor holes

b. Open man ways

c. Wall openings and hoisting areas

d. Slippery surfaces

(e) Low-Pitched Roofs (Pitch less than 4 in 12)

i. Formwork or reinforcing steel

ii. Ramps, runways& other walkways

iii. Portable ladders and stairways

iv. Working above dangerous equipment

v. Obstructions (materials)

vi. Aerial lifts

vii. Scaffolds

viii. Evaluate the process to be completed and determine if an alternate method can be employed so that fall protection arrest systems are not required. If it is determined that a fall arrest system is required, then the supervisor will discuss options with the employee prior to initiating the work.

(f) The following methods of fall protection will be used for each hazard identified, per OSHA 1926.502(a) through (d):

i. Passive systems designed to provide fall protection without any action from the employee. Examples are: Guardrails, Nets, Covers, Arial lifts, and Scissor lifts.

ii. Active systems include components and systems that must be connected to or otherwise activated by the employee. Examples are: Personal fall arrest systems, personal fall restraint systems, work positioning devices. Anchorage / Tie-Off Consideration.

iii. One of the most important aspects of the personal fall protection systems; Anchorage points of the Fall Arrest system must be capable of supporting minimum load of 5000 lbs. (five thousand pounds) per worker.

iv. Anchorage / Tie –Off Points must be approved by a register professional engineer with experience in designing fall protection systems or another qualified person with appropriate education and experience should design an anchor point to be installed. See Anchorage point location Summary for Fall Arrest. (TBD) Inspection of anchor point will be completed by the employee prior to use.

v. All components of the fall arrest system shall have a minimum load rating of 5000 lbs. These items include double locking snap hooks, personal shock absorbers, Carabineers, anchors, eye bolts. These must have the manufacturer’s identity and load capacity clearly marked on it.

vi. Inform employee of the proper PPE to perform the job safely.

vii. Employees required to use fall protection per 1926.503, will be trained in the safe use of the personal fall protection equipment and devices.

viii. Inspection consideration as required by 1926.502(d) (21), for the personal fall arrest systems must be regularly inspected. All components to be inspected before each use. These components include Full Body Harness, Lanyards, Hooks, Carabineers, Tie-Off Adaptors, Anchorage Plates, and Self Retracting Lifelines. See Inspection check lists listed below.

ix. Rescue consideration as per 1926.502(d) (21).

x. Rescue plan for all fall protection activities must be in place and appropriate support personnel notified of such activities prior to work activities.

xi. Self-rescue devices with descent capability are also acceptable under certain circumstances.

Attachment B:

Lanyard Inspection Checklist

Attachment C: Self- Retracting Lifelines Inspection Checklist

Attachment D: Full Body Harness Inspection Checklist

Attachment E: Anchorage Plates Inspection Checklist

Attachment F: Hooks/Carabiners Inspection Checklist

Attachment G: Tie-Off Adaptors Inspection Checklist