By: Chou Lor, Safety Coordinator

1. Fall Protection UW-Eau Claire By: Chou Lor, Safety Coordinator FP&M

2. Fall Protection • Training Objectives: • Types of Falls • Fall Protection Systems • Guardrails Systems • Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS)

3. Types of Falls • Falls from same levels: • Cause of same level falls: • Slips – When oil, grease, water or any liquids on the floor. • Trips – Loose materials, welding leads, etc. lying across walkways, stairs or in congested areas. • Falls from an elevation • A fall in which you drop from one surface to a lower surface or elevation. • Work at elevated areas: Roofs, Scaffolds, Ladders • Openings: Floor Openings, Wall Openings, Ladderway Openings.

4. Fall Protection Systems • Fall Protection measures: • All walking and working surfaces must be strong enough to safely support employees. • All employees exposed to falls of 6 feet or more to lower levels must be protected by a: • Guardrail Systems • Safety Net System • Personal Fall Arrest Systems • Others Options Include: • Warning Line Systems • Safety Monitoring Systems

5. Guardrail Systems • The top edge height of top rails must be between 39 inches & 45 inches above the walking and working level.

6. Guardrail Systems • Mid rails, screens, mesh, or intermediate vertical members are needed when there is no wall or parapet wall at least 21-inches high

7. Guardrail Systems • Guardrail systems must be able to withstand the forces specified in OSHA’s standard • Steel or plastic banding cannot be used as top rails or mid rails

8. Guardrail Systems • Top rails and mid rails must have a diameter of at least 1/4-inch • If wire rope is used for top rails, it must be flagged with high-visibility material at least every 6 feet • Top rails or mid rails made from manila, plastic or synthetic rope must be inspected frequently • The guardrail’s surface must be smooth enough so it does not cause lacerations or other injuries, or snag clothing

9. Guardrail Systems • Ramps, runways, and other walkways have guardrails along each unprotected side or edge when employees could fall 6 feet or more

10. Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS) • Anchorage, connectors, body belt or body harness • Anchor at least 5000 lbs strength • May include a deceleration device • Maximum arresting force 1800 pounds (body harness) • No free fall over 6 feet • Bring employee to a complete stop • Maximum deceleration distance 3.5 feet • Inspect prior to each use, remove defective components from service • Body belts for fall arrest prohibited after Jan. 1, 1998 No

11. PFAS Cont. • Anchorage, connectors, body belt or body harness Cont. • Dee-rings and snap hooks • 5000 pounds minimum strength, proof tested to 3600 pounds • Only locking snaphooks after Jan 1, 1998 • Horizontal Lifelines • Designed, installed and used under the supervision of a qualified person • Vertical Lifelines

12. PFAS Cont. • Anchorage, connectors, body belt or body harness Cont. • Connecting Device • This connects the Body Harness to the Anchor Point. Example, Shock Absorbing Lanyards, or Self Retractable Lifelines

13. PFAS Cont. • Anchorage, connectors, body belt or body harness Cont. • Lanyard to attach on harness between employees shoulders • Do not tie back on same lanyard • Do not shorten with knots • Self retracting lifelines must stop a fall in 2’ max.

14. Any Questions ?? Please visit FP&M Website (www.uwec.edu/facmgt./index.htm) for additional information.