[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 29, Volume 8]
[Revised as of July 1, 2007]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 29CFR1926.503]
[Page 324-348]
TITLE 29--LABOR
CHAPTER XVII--OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT
OF LABOR
PART 1926_SAFETY AND HEALTH REGULATIONS FOR CONSTRUCTION--Table of Contents
Subpart M_Fall Protection
Sec. 1926.503 Training requirements.
The following training provisions supplement and clarify the
requirements of Sec. 1926.21 regarding the hazards addressed in subpart
M of this part.
(a) Training Program. (1) The employer shall provide a training
program for each employee who might be exposed to fall hazards. The
program shall enable each employee to recognize the hazards of falling
and shall train each employee in the procedures to be followed in order
to minimize these hazards.
(2) The employer shall assure that each employee has been trained,
as necessary, by a competent person qualified in the following areas:
(i) The nature of fall hazards in the work area;
(ii) The correct procedures for erecting, maintaining,
disassembling, and inspecting the fall protection systems to be used;
(iii) The use and operation of guardrail systems, personal fall
arrest systems, safety net systems, warning line systems, safety
monitoring systems, controlled access zones, and other protection to be
used;
(iv) The role of each employee in the safety monitoring system when
this system is used;
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(v) The limitations on the use of mechanical equipment during the
performance of roofing work on low-sloped roofs;
(vi) The correct procedures for the handling and storage of
equipment and materials and the erection of overhead protection; and
(vii) The role of employees in fall protection plans;
(viii) The standards contained in this subpart.
(b) Certification of training. (1) The employer shall verify
compliance with paragraph (a) of this section by preparing a written
certification record. The written certification record shall contain the
name or other identity of the employee trained, the date(s) of the
training, and the signature of the person who conducted the training or
the signature of the employer. If the employer relies on training
conducted by another employer or completed prior to the effective date
of this section, the certification record shall indicate the date the
employer determined the prior training was adequate rather than the date
of actual training.
(2) The latest training certification shall be maintained.
(c) Retraining. When the employer has reason to believe that any
affected employee who has already been trained does not have the
understanding and skill required by paragraph (a) of this section, the
employer shall retrain each such employee. Circumstances where
retraining is required include, but are not limited to, situations
where:
(1) Changes in the workplace render previous training obsolete; or
(2) Changes in the types of fall protection systems or equipment to
be used render previous training obsolete; or
(3) Inadequacies in an affected employee's knowledge or use of fall
protection systems or equipment indicate that the employee has not
retained the requisite understanding or skill.
Note: The following appendices to subpart M of this part serve as
non-mandatory guidelines to assist employers in complying with the
appropriate requirements of subpart M of this part.
Appendix A to Subpart M of Part 1926--Determining Roof Widths
Non-mandatory Guidelines for Complying With Sec. 1926.501(b)(10)
(1) This Appendix serves as a guideline to assist employers
complying with the requirements of Sec. 1926.501(b)(10). Section
1910.501(b)(10) allows the use of a safety monitoring system alone as a
means of providing fall protection during the performance of roofing
operations on low-sloped roofs 50 feet (15.25 m) or less in width. Each
example in the appendix shows a roof plan or plans and indicates where
each roof or roof area is to be measured to determine its width. Section
views or elevation views are shown where appropriate. Some examples show
``correct'' and ``incorrect'' subdivisions of irregularly shaped roofs
divided into smaller, regularly shaped areas. In all examples, the
dimension selected to be the width of an area is the lesser of the two
primary dimensions of the area, as viewed from above. Example A shows
that on a simple rectangular roof, width is the lesser of the two
primary overall dimensions. This is also the case with roofs which are
sloped toward or away from the roof center, as shown in Example B.
(2) Many roofs are not simple rectangles. Such roofs may be broken
down into subareas as shown in Example C. The process of dividing a roof
area can produce many different configurations. Example C gives the
general rule of using dividing lines of minimum length to minimize the
size and number of the areas which are potentially less than 50 feet
(15.25 m) wide. The intent is to minimize the number of roof areas where
safety monitoring systems alone are sufficient protection.
(3) Roofs which are comprised of several separate, non-contiguous
roof areas, as in Example D, may be considered as a series of individual
roofs. Some roofs have penthouses, additional floors, courtyard
openings, or similar architectural features; Example E shows how the
rule for dividing roofs into subareas is applied to such configurations.
Irregular, non-rectangular roofs must be considered on an individual
basis, as shown in Example F.
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Example A: Rectangular Shaped Roofs
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Example B: Sloped Rectangular Shaped Roofs
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR09AU94.001
Example C: Irregularly Shaped Roofs With Rectangular Shaped Sections
Such roofs are to be divided into sub-areas by using dividing lines
of minimum length to minimize the size and number of the areas which are
potentially less than or equal to 50 feet (15.25 meters) in width, in
order to limit the size of roof areas where the safety monitoring system
alone can be used [1926.502(b)(10)]. Dotted lines are used in the
examples to show the location of dividing lines. W denotes incorrect
measurements of width.
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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR09AU94.002
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Example D: Separate, Non-Contiguous Roof Areas
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR09AU94.003
Example E: Roofs With Penthouses, Open Courtyards, Additional Floors,
etc.
Such roofs are to be divided into sub-areas by using dividing lines
of minimum length to minimize the size and number of the areas which are
potentially less than or equal to 50 feet (15.25 meters) in width, in
order to limit the size of roof areas where the safety monitoring system
alone can be used [1926.502(b)(10)]. Dotted lines are used in the
examples to show the location of dividing
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lines. W denotes incorrect measurements of width.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR09AU94.004
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Example F: Irregular, Non-Rectangular Shaped Roofs
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR09AU94.005
Appendix B to Subpart M of Part 1926--Guardrail Systems
Non-Mandatory Guidelines for Complying with Sec. 1926.502(b)
The standard requires guardrail systems and components to be
designed and built to meet the requirements of Sec. 1926.502 (b) (3),
(4), and (5). This Appendix serves as a non-mandatory guideline to
assist employers in complying with these requirements. An employer may
use these guidelines as a starting point for designing guardrail
systems. However, the guidelines do not provide all the information
necessary to build a complete system, and the employer is still
responsible for designing and assembling these components in such a way
that the completed system will meet the requirements of Sec.
1926.502(b) (3), (4), and (5). Components for which no specific
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guidelines are given in this Appendix (e.g., joints, base connections,
components made with other materials, and components with other
dimensions) must also be designed and constructed in such a way that the
completed system meets the requirements of Sec. 1926.502.
(1) For wood railings: Wood components shall be minimum 1500 lb-ft/
in\2\ fiber (stress grade) construction grade lumber; the posts shall be
at least 2-inch by 4-inch (5 cmx10 cm) lumber spaced not more than 8
feet (2.4 m) apart on centers; the top rail shall be at least 2-inch by
4-inch (5 cmx10 cm) lumber, the intermediate rail shall be at least 1-
inch by 6-inch (2.5 cmx15 cm) lumber. All lumber dimensions are nominal
sizes as provided by the American Softwood Lumber Standards, dated
January 1970.
(2) For pipe railings: posts, top rails, and intermediate railings
shall be at least one and one-half inches nominal diameter (schedule 40
pipe) with posts spaced not more than 8 feet (2.4 m) apart on centers.
(3) For structural steel railings: posts, top rails, and
intermediate rails shall be at least 2-inch by 2-inch (5 cmx10 cm) by
\3/8\-inch (1.1 cm) angles, with posts spaced not more than 8 feet (2.4
m) apart on centers.
Appendix C to Subpart M of Part 1926--Personal Fall Arrest Systems
Non-Mandatory Guidelines for Complying With Sec. 1926.502(d)
I. Test methods for personal fall arrest systems and positioning
device systems--(a) General. This appendix serves as a non-mandatory
guideline to assist employers comply with the requirements in Sec.
1926.502(d). Paragraphs (b), (c), (d) and (e) of this Appendix describe
test procedures which may be used to determine compliance with the
requirements in Sec. 1926.502 (d)(16). As noted in Appendix D of this
subpart, the test methods listed here in Appendix C can also be used to
assist employers comply with the requirements in Sec. 1926.502(e) (3)
and (4) for positioning device systems.
(b) General conditions for all tests in the Appendix to Sec.
1926.502(d). (1) Lifelines, lanyards and deceleration devices should be
attached to an anchorage and connected to the body-belt or body harness
in the same manner as they would be when used to protect employees.
(2) The anchorage should be rigid, and should not have a deflection
greater than 0.04 inches (1 mm) when a force of 2,250 pounds (10 kN) is
applied.
(3) The frequency response of the load measuring instrumentation
should be 500 Hz.
(4) The test weight used in the strength and force tests should be a
rigid, metal, cylindrical or torso-shaped object with a girth of 38
inches plus or minus 4 inches (96 cm plus or minus 10 cm).
(5) The lanyard or lifeline used to create the free fall distance
should be supplied with the system, or in its absence, the least elastic
lanyard or lifeline available to be used with the system.
(6) The test weight for each test should be hoisted to the required
level and should be quickly released without having any appreciable
motion imparted to it.
(7) The system's performance should be evaluated taking into account
the range of environmental conditions for which it is designed to be
used.
(8) Following the test, the system need not be capable of further
operation.
(c) Strength test. (1) During the testing of all systems, a test
weight of 300 pounds plus or minus 5 pounds (135 kg plus or minus 2.5
kg) should be used. (See paragraph (b)(4) of this section.)
(2) The test consists of dropping the test weight once. A new unused
system should be used for each test.
(3) For lanyard systems, the lanyard length should be 6 feet plus or
minus 2 inches (1.83 m plus or minus 5 cm) as measured from the fixed
anchorage to the attachment on the body belt or body harness.
(4) For rope-grab-type deceleration systems, the length of the
lifeline above the centerline of the grabbing mechanism to the
lifeline's anchorage point should not exceed 2 feet (0.61 m).
(5) For lanyard systems, for systems with deceleration devices which
do not automatically limit free fall distance to 2 feet (0.61 m) or
less, and for systems with deceleration devices which have a connection
distance in excess of 1 foot (0.3 m) (measured between the centerline of
the lifeline and the attachment point to the body belt or harness), the
test weight should be rigged to free fall a distance of 7.5 feet (2.3 m)
from a point that is 1.5 feet (.46 m) above the anchorage point, to its
hanging location (6 feet below the anchorage). The test weight should
fall without interference, obstruction, or hitting the floor or ground
during the test. In some cases a non-elastic wire lanyard of sufficient
length may need to be added to the system (for test purposes) to create
the necessary free fall distance.
(6) For deceleration device systems with integral lifelines or
lanyards which automatically limit free fall distance to 2 feet (0.61 m)
or less, the test weight should be rigged to free fall a distance of 4
feet (1.22 m).
(7) Any weight which detaches from the belt or harness has failed
the strength test.
(d) Force test--(1) General. The test consists of dropping the
respective test weight once as specified in paragraph (d)(2)(i) or
(d)(3)(i) of this section. A new, unused system should be used for each
test.
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(2) For lanyard systems. (i) A test weight of 220 pounds plus or
minus 3 pounds (100 kg plus or minus 1.6 kg) should be used. (See
paragraph (b)(4) of this appendix).
(ii) Lanyard length should be 6 feet plus or minus two inches (1.83
m plus or minus 5 cm) as measured from the fixed anchorage to the
attachment on the body belt or body harness.
(iii) The test weight should fall free from the anchorage level to
its hanging location (a total of 6 feet (1.83 m) free fall distance)
without interference, obstruction, or hitting the floor or ground during
the test.
(3) For all other systems. (i) A test weight of 220 pounds plus or
minus 3 pounds (100 kg plus or minus 1.6 kg) should be used. (See
paragraph (b)(4) of this appendix)
(ii) The free fall distance to be used in the test should be the
maximum fall distance physically permitted by the system during normal
use conditions, up to a maximum free fall distance for the test weight
of 6 feet (1.83 m), except as follows:
(A) For deceleration systems which have a connection link or
lanyard, the test weight should free fall a distance equal to the
connection distance (measured between the centerline of the lifeline and
the attachment point to the body belt or harness).
(B) For deceleration device systems with integral lifelines or
lanyards which automatically limit free fall distance to 2 feet (0.61 m)
or less, the test weight should free fall a distance equal to that
permitted by the system in normal use. (For example, to test a system
with a self-retracting lifeline or lanyard, the test weight should be
supported and the system allowed to retract the lifeline or lanyard as
it would in normal use. The test weight would then be released and the
force and deceleration distance measured).
(4) A system fails the force test if the recorded maximum arresting
force exceeds 1,260 pounds (5.6 kN) when using a body belt, and/or
exceeds 2,520 pounds (11.2 kN) when using a body harness.
(5) The maximum elongation and deceleration distance should be
recorded during the force test.
(e) Deceleration device tests--(1) General. The device should be
evaluated or tested under the environmental conditions, (such as rain,
ice, grease, dirt, type of lifeline, etc.), for which the device is
designed.
(2) Rope-grab-type deceleration devices. (i) Devices should be moved
on a lifeline 1,000 times over the same length of line a distance of not
less than 1 foot (30.5 cm), and the mechanism should lock each time.
(ii) Unless the device is permanently marked to indicate the type(s)
of lifeline which must be used, several types (different diameters and
different materials), of lifelines should be used to test the device.
(3) Other self-activating-type deceleration devices. The locking
mechanisms of other self-activating-type deceleration devices designed
for more than one arrest should lock each of 1,000 times as they would
in normal service.
II. Additional non-mandatory guidelines for personal fall arrest
systems. The following information constitutes additional guidelines for
use in complying with requirements for a personal fall arrest system.
(a) Selection and use considerations. (1) The kind of personal fall
arrest system selected should match the particular work situation, and
any possible free fall distance should be kept to a minimum.
Consideration should be given to the particular work environment. For
example, the presence of acids, dirt, moisture, oil, grease, etc., and
their effect on the system, should be evaluated. Hot or cold
environments may also have an adverse effect on the system. Wire rope
should not be used where an electrical hazard is anticipated. As
required by the standard, the employer must plan to have means available
to promptly rescue an employee should a fall occur, since the suspended
employee may not be able to reach a work level independently.
(2) Where lanyards, connectors, and lifelines are subject to damage
by work operations such as welding, chemical cleaning, and sandblasting,
the component should be protected, or other securing systems should be
used. The employer should fully evaluate the work conditions and
environment (including seasonal weather changes) before selecting the
appropriate personal fall protection system. Once in use, the system's
effectiveness should be monitored. In some cases, a program for cleaning
and maintenance of the system may be necessary.
(b) Testing considerations. Before purchasing or putting into use a
personal fall arrest system, an employer should obtain from the supplier
information about the system based on its performance during testing so
that the employer can know if the system meets this standard. Testing
should be done using recognized test methods. This Appendix contains
test methods recognized for evaluating the performance of fall arrest
systems. Not all systems may need to be individually tested; the
performance of some systems may be based on data and calculations
derived from testing of similar systems, provided that enough
information is available to demonstrate similarity of function and
design.
(c) Component compatibility considerations. Ideally, a personal fall
arrest system is designed, tested, and supplied as a complete system.
However, it is common practice for lanyards, connectors, lifelines,
deceleration devices, body belts and body harnesses to be interchanged
since some components wear
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out before others. The employer and employee should realize that not all
components are interchangeable. For instance, a lanyard should not be
connected between a body belt (or harness) and a deceleration device of
the self-retracting type since this can result in additional free fall
for which the system was not designed. Any substitution or change to a
personal fall arrest system should be fully evaluated or tested by a
competent person to determine that it meets the standard, before the
modified system is put in use.
(d) Employee training considerations. Thorough employee training in
the selection and use of personal fall arrest systems is imperative.
Employees must be trained in the safe use of the system. This should
include the following: application limits; proper anchoring and tie-off
techniques; estimation of free fall distance, including determination of
deceleration distance, and total fall distance to prevent striking a
lower level; methods of use; and inspection and storage of the system.
Careless or improper use of the equipment can result in serious injury
or death. Employers and employees should become familiar with the
material in this Appendix, as well as manufacturer's recommendations,
before a system is used. Of uppermost importance is the reduction in
strength caused by certain tie-offs (such as using knots, tying around
sharp edges, etc.) and maximum permitted free fall distance. Also, to be
stressed are the importance of inspections prior to use, the limitations
of the equipment, and unique conditions at the worksite which may be
important in determining the type of system to use.
(e) Instruction considerations. Employers should obtain
comprehensive instructions from the supplier as to the system's proper
use and application, including, where applicable:
(1) The force measured during the sample force test;
(2) The maximum elongation measured for lanyards during the force
test;
(3) The deceleration distance measured for deceleration devices
during the force test;
(4) Caution statements on critical use limitations;
(5) Application limits;
(6) Proper hook-up, anchoring and tie-off techniques, including the
proper dee-ring or other attachment point to use on the body belt and
harness for fall arrest;
(7) Proper climbing techniques;
(8) Methods of inspection, use, cleaning, and storage; and
(9) Specific lifelines which may be used. This information should be
provided to employees during training.
(f) Rescue considerations. As required by Sec. 1926.502(d)(20),
when personal fall arrest systems are used, the employer must assure
that employees can be promptly rescued or can rescue themselves should a
fall occur. The availability of rescue personnel, ladders or other
rescue equipment should be evaluated. In some situations, equipment
which allows employees to rescue themselves after the fall has been
arrested may be desirable, such as devices which have descent
capability.
(g) Inspection considerations. As required by Sec. 1926.502(d)(21),
personal fall arrest systems must be regularly inspected. Any component
with any significant defect, such as cuts, tears, abrasions, mold, or
undue stretching; alterations or additions which might affect its
efficiency; damage due to deterioration; contact with fire, acids, or
other corrosives; distorted hooks or faulty hook springs; tongues
unfitted to the shoulder of buckles; loose or damaged mountings; non-
functioning parts; or wearing or internal deterioration in the ropes
must be withdrawn from service immediately, and should be tagged or
marked as unusable, or destroyed.
(h) Tie-off considerations. (1) One of the most important aspects of
personal fall protection systems is fully planning the system before it
is put into use. Probably the most overlooked component is planning for
suitable anchorage points. Such planning should ideally be done before
the structure or building is constructed so that anchorage points can be
incorporated during construction for use later for window cleaning or
other building maintenance. If properly planned, these anchorage points
may be used during construction, as well as afterwards.
(i) Properly planned anchorages should be used if they are
available. In some cases, anchorages must be installed immediately prior
to use. In such cases, a registered 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.
(ii) In other cases, the Agency recognizes that there will be a need
to devise an anchor point from existing structures. Examples of what
might be appropriate anchor points are steel members or I-beams if an
acceptable strap is available for the connection (do not use a lanyard
with a snaphook clipped onto itself); large eye-bolts made of an
appropriate grade steel; guardrails or railings if they have been
designed for use as an anchor point; or masonry or wood members only if
the attachment point is substantial and precautions have been taken to
assure that bolts or other connectors will not pull through. A qualified
person should be used to evaluate the suitable of these ``make shift''
anchorages with a focus on proper strength.
(2) Employers and employees should at all times be aware that the
strength of a personal fall arrest system is based on its being attached
to an anchoring system which does not reduce the strength of the system
(such
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as a properly dimensioned eye-bolt/snap-hook anchorage). Therefore, if a
means of attachment is used that will reduce the strength of the system,
that component should be replaced by a stronger one, but one that will
also maintain the appropriate maximum arrest force characteristics.
(3) Tie-off using a knot in a rope lanyard or lifeline (at any
location) can reduce the lifeline or lanyard strength by 50 percent or
more. Therefore, a stronger lanyard or lifeline should be used to
compensate for the weakening effect of the knot, or the lanyard length
should be reduced (or the tie-off location raised) to minimize free fall
distance, or the lanyard or lifeline should be replaced by one which has
an appropriately incorporated connector to eliminate the need for a
knot.
(4) Tie-off of a rope lanyard or lifeline around an ``H'' or ``I''
beam or similar support can reduce its strength as much as 70 percent
due to the cutting action of the beam edges. Therefore, use should be
made of a webbing lanyard or wire core lifeline around the beam; or the
lanyard or lifeline should be protected from the edge; or free fall
distance should be greatly minimized.
(5) Tie-off where the line passes over or around rough or sharp
surfaces reduces strength drastically. Such a tie-off should be avoided
or an alternative tie-off rigging should be used. Such alternatives may
include use of a snap-hook/dee ring connection, wire rope tie-off, an
effective padding of the surfaces, or an abrasion-resistance strap
around or over the problem surface.
(6) Horizontal lifelines may, depending on their geometry and angle
of sag, be subjected to greater loads than the impact load imposed by an
attached component. When the angle of horizontal lifeline sag is less
than 30 degrees, the impact force imparted to the lifeline by an
attached lanyard is greatly amplified. For example, with a sag angle of
15 degrees, the force amplification is about 2:1 and at 5 degrees sag,
it is about 6:1. Depending on the angle of sag, and the line's
elasticity, the strength of the horizontal lifeline and the anchorages
to which it is attached should be increased a number of times over that
of the lanyard. Extreme care should be taken in considering a horizontal
lifeline for multiple tie-offs. The reason for this is that in multiple
tie-offs to a horizontal lifeline, if one employee falls, the movement
of the falling employee and the horizontal lifeline during arrest of the
fall may cause other employees to fall also. Horizontal lifeline and
anchorage strength should be increased for each additional employee to
be tied off. For these and other reasons, the design of systems using
horizontal lifelines must only be done by qualified persons. Testing of
installed lifelines and anchors prior to use is recommended.
(7) The strength of an eye-bolt is rated along the axis of the bolt
and its strength is greatly reduced if the force is applied at an angle
to this axis (in the direction of shear). Also, care should be exercised
in selecting the proper diameter of the eye to avoid accidental
disengagement of snap-hooks not designed to be compatible for the
connection.
(8) Due to the significant reduction in the strength of the
lifeline/lanyard (in some cases, as much as a 70 percent reduction), the
sliding hitch knot (prusik) should not be used for lifeline/lanyard
connections except in emergency situations where no other available
system is practical. The ``one-and-one'' sliding hitch knot should never
be used because it is unreliable in stopping a fall. The ``two-and-
two,'' or ``three-and-three'' knot (preferable) may be used in emergency
situations; however, care should be taken to limit free fall distance to
a minimum because of reduced lifeline/lanyard strength.
(i) Vertical lifeline considerations. As required by the standard,
each employee must have a separate lifeline [except employees engaged in
constructing elevator shafts who are permitted to have two employees on
one lifeline] when the lifeline is vertical. The reason for this is that
in multiple tie-offs to a single lifeline, if one employee falls, the
movement of the lifeline during the arrest of the fall may pull other
employees' lanyards, causing them to fall as well.
(j) Snap-hook considerations. (1) Although not required by this
standard for all connections until January 1, 1998, locking snaphooks
designed for connection to suitable objects (of sufficient strength) are
highly recommended in lieu of the nonlocking type. Locking snaphooks
incorporate a positive locking mechanism in addition to the spring
loaded keeper, which will not allow the keeper to open under moderate
pressure without someone first releasing the mechanism. Such a feature,
properly designed, effectively prevents roll-out from occurring.
(2) As required by Sec. 1926.502(d)(6), the following connections
must be avoided (unless properly designed locking snaphooks are used)
because they are conditions which can result in roll-out when a
nonlocking snaphook is used:
(i) Direct connection of a snaphook to a horizontal lifeline.
(ii) Two (or more) snaphooks connected to one dee-ring.
(iii) Two snaphooks connected to each other.
(iv) A snaphook connected back on its integral lanyard.
(v) A snaphook connected to a webbing loop or webbing lanyard.
(vi) Improper dimensions of the dee-ring, rebar, or other connection
point in relation to the snaphook dimensions which would allow the
snaphook keeper to be depressed by a turning motion of the snaphook.
(k) Free fall considerations. The employer and employee should at
all times be aware
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that a system's maximum arresting force is evaluated under normal use
conditions established by the manufacturer, and in no case using a free
fall distance in excess of 6 feet (1.8 m). A few extra feet of free fall
can significantly increase the arresting force on the employee, possibly
to the point of causing injury. Because of this, the free fall distance
should be kept at a minimum, and, as required by the standard, in no
case greater than 6 feet (1.8 m). To help assure this, the tie-off
attachment point to the lifeline or anchor should be located at or above
the connection point of the fall arrest equipment to belt or harness.
(Since otherwise additional free fall distance is added to the length of
the connecting means (i.e. lanyard)). Attaching to the working surface
will often result in a free fall greater than 6 feet (1.8 m). For
instance, if a 6 foot (1.8 m) lanyard is used, the total free fall
distance will be the distance from the working level to the body belt
(or harness) attachment point plus the 6 feet (1.8 m) of lanyard length.
Another important consideration is that the arresting force which the
fall system must withstand also goes up with greater distances of free
fall, possibly exceeding the strength of the system.
(l) Elongation and deceleration distance considerations. Other
factors involved in a proper tie-off are elongation and deceleration
distance. During the arresting of a fall, a lanyard will experience a
length of stretching or elongation, whereas activation of a deceleration
device will result in a certain stopping distance. These distances
should be available with the lanyard or device's instructions and must
be added to the free fall distance to arrive at the total fall distance
before an employee is fully stopped. The additional stopping distance
may be very significant if the lanyard or deceleration device is
attached near or at the end of a long lifeline, which may itself add
considerable distance due to its own elongation. As required by the
standard, sufficient distance to allow for all of these factors must
also be maintained between the employee and obstructions below, to
prevent an injury due to impact before the system fully arrests the
fall. In addition, a minimum of 12 feet (3.7 m) of lifeline should be
allowed below the securing point of a rope grab type deceleration
device, and the end terminated to prevent the device from sliding off
the lifeline. Alternatively, the lifeline should extend to the ground or
the next working level below. These measures are suggested to prevent
the worker from inadvertently moving past the end of the lifeline and
having the rope grab become disengaged from the lifeline.
(m) Obstruction considerations. The location of the tie-off should
also consider the hazard of obstructions in the potential fall path of
the employee. Tie-offs which minimize the possibilities of exaggerated
swinging should be considered. In addition, when a body belt is used,
the employee's body will go through a horizontal position to a jack-
knifed position during the arrest of all falls. Thus, obstructions which
might interfere with this motion should be avoided or a severe injury
could occur.
(n) Other considerations. Because of the design of some personal
fall arrest systems, additional considerations may be required for
proper tie-off. For example, heavy deceleration devices of the self-
retracting type should be secured overhead in order to avoid the weight
of the device having to be supported by the employee. Also, if self-
retracting equipment is connected to a horizontal lifeline, the sag in
the lifeline should be minimized to prevent the device from sliding down
the lifeline to a position which creates a swing hazard during fall
arrest. In all cases, manufacturer's instructions should be followed.
Appendix D to Subpart M of Part 1926--Positioning Device Systems
Non-Mandatory Guidelines for Complying With Sec. 1926.502(e)
I. Testing Methods For Positioning Device Systems. This appendix
serves as a non-mandatory guideline to assist employers comply with the
requirements for positioning device systems in Sec. 1926.502(e).
Paragraphs (b), (c), (d) and (e) of Appendix C of subpart M relating to
Sec. 1926.502(d)--Personal Fall Arrest Systems--set forth test
procedures which may be used, along with the procedures listed below, to
determine compliance with the requirements for positioning device
systems in Sec. 1926.502(e) (3) and (4) of subpart M.
(a) General. (1) Single strap positioning devices shall have one end
attached to a fixed anchorage and the other end connected to a body belt
or harness in the same manner as they would be used to protect
employees. Double strap positioning devices, similar to window cleaner's
belts, shall have one end of the strap attached to a fixed anchorage and
the other end shall hang free. The body belt or harness shall be
attached to the strap in the same manner as it would be used to protect
employees. The two strap ends shall be adjusted to their maximum span.
(2) The fixed anchorage shall be rigid, and shall not have a
deflection greater than .04 inches (1 mm) when a force of 2,250 pounds
(10 kN) is applied.
(3) During the testing of all systems, a test weight of 250 pounds
plus or minus 3 pounds (113 kg plus or minus 1.6 kg) shall be used. The
weight shall be a rigid object with a girth of 38 inches plus or minus 4
inches (96 cm plus or minus 10 cm).
(4) Each test shall consist of dropping the specified weight one
time without failure of
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the system being tested. A new system shall be used for each test.
(5) The test weight for each test shall be hoisted exactly 4 feet
(1.2 m above its ``at rest'' position), and shall be dropped so as to
permit a vertical free fall of 4 feet (1.2 m).
(6) The test is failed whenever any breakage or slippage occurs
which permits the weight to fall free of the system.
(7) Following the test, the system need not be capable of further
operation; however, all such incapacities shall be readily apparent.
II. Inspection Considerations. As required in Sec. 1926.502 (e)(5),
positioning device systems must be regularly inspected. Any component
with any significant defect, such as cuts, tears, abrasions, mold, or
undue stretching; alterations or additions which might affect its
efficiency; damage due to deterioration; contact with fire, acids, or
other corrosives; distorted hooks or faulty hook springs; tongues
unfitted to the shoulder of buckles; loose or damaged mountings; non-
functioning parts; or wearing or internal deterioration in the ropes
must be withdrawn from service immediately, and should be tagged or
marked as unusable, or destroyed.
Appendix E to Subpart M of Part 1926--Sample Fall Protection Plan
Non-Mandatory Guidelines for Complying With Sec. 1926.502(k)
Employers engaged in leading edge work, precast concrete
construction work and residential construction work who can demonstrate
that it is infeasible or creates a greater hazard to use conventional
fall protection systems must develop and follow a fall protection plan.
Below are sample fall protection plans developed for precast concrete
construction and residential work that could be tailored to be site
specific for other precast concrete or residential jobsite. This sample
plan can be modified to be used for other work involving leading edge
work. The sample plan outlines the elements that must be addressed in
any fall protection plan. The reasons outlined in this sample fall
protection plan are for illustrative purposes only and are not
necessarily a valid, acceptable rationale (unless the conditions at the
job site are the same as those covered by these sample plans) for not
using conventional fall protection systems for a particular precast
concrete or residential construction worksite. However, the sample plans
provide guidance to employers on the type of information that is
required to be discussed in fall protection plans.
Sample Fall Protection Plans
Fall Protection Plan For Precast/Prestress Concrete Structures
This Fall Protection Plan is specific for the following project:
Location of Job_________________________________________________________
Erecting Company________________________________________________________
Date Plan Prepared or Modified__________________________________________
Plan Prepared By________________________________________________________
Plan Approved By________________________________________________________
Plan Supervised By______________________________________________________
The following Fall Protection Plan is a sample program prepared for
the prevention of injuries associated with falls. A Fall Protection Plan
must be developed and evaluated on a site by site basis. It is
recommended that erectors discuss the written Fall Protection Plan with
their OSHA Area Office prior to going on a jobsite.
I. Statement of Company Policy
(Company Name) is dedicated to the protection of its employees from
on-the-job injuries. All employees of (Company Name) have the
responsibility to work safely on the job. The purpose of this plan is:
(a) To supplement our standard safety policy by providing safety
standards specifically designed to cover fall protection on this job
and; (b) to ensure that each employee is trained and made aware of the
safety provisions which are to be implemented by this plan prior to the
start of erection.
This Fall Protection Plan addresses the use of other than
conventional fall protection at a number of areas on the project, as
well as identifying specific activities that require non-conventional
means of fall protection. These areas include:
a. Connecting activity (point of erection).
b. Leading edge work.
c. Unprotected sides or edge.
d. Grouting.
This plan is designed to enable employers and employees to recognize
the fall hazards on this job and to establish the procedures that are to
be followed in order to prevent falls to lower levels or through holes
and openings in walking/working surfaces. Each employee will be trained
in these procedures and strictly adhere to them except when doing so
would expose the employee to a greater hazard. If, in the employee's
opinion, this is the case, the employee is to notify the foreman of the
concern and the concern addressed before proceeding.
Safety policy and procedure on any one project cannot be
administered, implemented, monitored and enforced by any one individual.
The total objective of a safe, accident free work environment can only
be accomplished by a dedicated, concerted effort by every individual
involved with the project from management down to the last employee.
Each employee must understand
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their value to the company; the costs of accidents, both monetary,
physical, and emotional; the objective of the safety policy and
procedures; the safety rules that apply to the safety policy and
procedures; and what their individual role is in administering,
implementing, monitoring, and compliance of their safety policy and
procedures. This allows for a more personal approach to compliance
through planning, training, understanding and cooperative effort, rather
than by strict enforcement. If for any reason an unsafe act persists,
strict enforcement will be implemented.
It is the responsibility of (name of competent person) to implement
this Fall Protection Plan. (Name of Competent Person) is responsible for
continual observational safety checks of their work operations and to
enforce the safety policy and procedures. The foreman also is
responsible to correct any unsafe acts or conditions immediately. It is
the responsibility of the employee to understand and adhere to the
procedures of this plan and to follow the instructions of the foreman.
It is also the responsibility of the employee to bring to management's
attention any unsafe or hazardous conditions or acts that may cause
injury to either themselves or any other employees. Any changes to this
Fall Protection Plan must be approved by (name of Qualified Person).
II. Fall Protection Systems To Be Used on This Project
Where conventional fall protection is infeasible or creates a
greater hazard at the leading edge and during initial connecting
activity, we plan to do this work using a safety monitoring system and
expose only a minimum number of employees for the time necessary to
actually accomplish the job. The maximum number of workers to be
monitored by one safety monitor is six (6). We are designating the
following trained employees as designated erectors and they are
permitted to enter the controlled access zones and work without the use
of conventional fall protection.
Safety monitor:
Designated erector:
Designated erector:
Designated erector:
Designated erector:
Designated erector:
Designated erector:
The safety monitor shall be identified by wearing an orange hard
hat. The designated erectors will be identified by one of the following
methods:
1. They will wear a blue colored arm band, or
2. They will wear a blue colored hard hat, or
3. They will wear a blue colored vest.
Only individuals with the appropriate experience, skills, and training
will be authorized as designated erectors. All employees that will be
working as designated erectors under the safety monitoring system shall
have been trained and instructed in the following areas:
1. Recognition of the fall hazards in the work area (at the leading
edge and when making initial connections--point of erection).
2. Avoidance of fall hazards using established work practices which
have been made known to the employees.
3. Recognition of unsafe practices or working conditions that could
lead to a fall, such as windy conditions.
4. The function, use, and operation of safety monitoring systems,
guardrail systems, body belt/harness systems, control zones and other
protection to be used.
5. The correct procedure for erecting, maintaining, disassembling
and inspecting the system(s) to be used.
6. Knowledge of construction sequence or the erection plan.
A conference will take place prior to starting work involving all
members of the erection crew, crane crew and supervisors of any other
concerned contractors. This conference will be conducted by the precast
concrete erection supervisor in charge of the project. During the pre-
work conference, erection procedures and sequences pertinent to this job
will be thoroughly discussed and safety practices to be used throughout
the project will be specified. Further, all personnel will be informed
that the controlled access zones are off limits to all personnel other
than those designated erectors specifically trained to work in that
area.
Safety Monitoring System
A safety monitoring system means a fall protection system in which a
competent person is responsible for recognizing and warning employees of
fall hazards. The duties of the safety monitor are to:
1. Warn by voice when approaching the open edge in an unsafe manner.
2. Warn by voice if there is a dangerous situation developing which
cannot be seen by another person involved with product placement, such
as a member getting out of control.
3. Make the designated erectors aware they are in a dangerous area.
4. Be competent in recognizing fall hazards.
5. Warn employees when they appear to be unaware of a fall hazard or
are acting in an unsafe manner.
6. Be on the same walking/working surface as the monitored employees
and within visual sighting distance of the monitored employees.
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7. Be close enough to communicate orally with the employees.
8. Not allow other responsibilities to encumber monitoring. If the
safety monitor becomes too encumbered with other responsibilities, the
monitor shall (1) stop the erection process; and (2) turn over other
responsibilities to a designated erector; or (3) turn over the safety
monitoring function to another designated, competent person. The safety
monitoring system shall not be used when the wind is strong enough to
cause loads with large surface areas to swing out of radius, or result
in loss of control of the load, or when weather conditions cause the
walking-working surfaces to become icy or slippery.
Control Zone System
A controlled access zone means an area designated and clearly
marked, in which leading edge work may take place without the use of
guardrail, safety net or personal fall arrest systems to protect the
employees in the area. Control zone systems shall comply with the
following provisions:
1. When used to control access to areas where leading edge and other
operations are taking place the controlled access zone shall be defined
by a control line or by any other means that restricts access.
When control lines are used, they shall be erected not less than 6
feet (l.8 m) nor more than 60 feet (18 m) or half the length of the
member being erected, whichever is less, from the leading edge.
2. The control line shall extend along the entire length of the
unprotected or leading edge and shall be approximately parallel to the
unprotected or leading edge.
3. The control line shall be connected on each side to a guardrail
system or wall.
4. Control lines shall consist of ropes, wires, tapes, or equivalent
materials, and supporting stanchions as follows:
5. Each line shall be flagged or otherwise clearly marked at not
more than 6-foot (1.8 m) intervals with high- visibility material.
6. Each line shall be rigged and supported in such a way that its
lowest point (including sag) is not less than 39 inches (1 m) from the
walking/working surface and its highest point is not more than 45 inches
(1.3 m) from the walking/working surface.
7. Each line shall have a minimum breaking strength of 200 pounds
(.88 kN).
Holes
All openings greater than 12 in.x12 in. will have perimeter guarding
or covering. All predetermined holes will have the plywood covers made
in the precasters' yard and shipped with the member to the jobsite.
Prior to cutting holes on the job, proper protection for the hole must
be provided to protect the workers. Perimeter guarding or covers will
not be removed without the approval of the erection foreman.
Precast concrete column erection through the existing deck requires
that many holes be provided through this deck. These are to be covered
and protected. Except for the opening being currently used to erect a
column, all opening protection is to be left undisturbed. The opening
being uncovered to erect a column will become part of the point of
erection and will be addressed as part of this Fall Protection Plan.
This uncovering is to be done at the erection foreman's direction and
will only occur immediately prior to ``feeding'' the column through the
opening. Once the end of the column is through the slab opening, there
will no longer exist a fall hazard at this location.
III. Implementation of Fall Protection Plan
The structure being erected is a multistory total precast concrete
building consisting of columns, beams, wall panels and hollow core slabs
and double tee floor and roof members.
The following is a list of the products and erection situations on
this job:
Columns
For columns 10 ft to 36 ft long, employees disconnecting crane hooks
from columns will work from a ladder and wear a body belt/harness with
lanyard and be tied off when both hands are needed to disconnect. For
tying off, a vertical lifeline will be connected to the lifting eye at
the top of the column, prior to lifting, to be used with a manually
operated or mobile rope grab. For columns too high for the use of a
ladder, 36 ft and higher, an added cable will be used to reduce the
height of the disconnecting point so that a ladder can be used. This
cable will be left in place until a point in erection that it can be
removed safely. In some cases, columns will be unhooked from the crane
by using an erection tube or shackle with a pull pin which is released
from the ground after the column is stabilized.
The column will be adequately connected and/or braced to safely
support the weight of a ladder with an employee on it.
Inverted Tee Beams
Employees erecting inverted tee beams, at a height of 6 to 40 ft,
will erect the beam, make initial connections, and final alignment from
a ladder. If the employee needs to reach over the side of the beam to
bar or make an adjustment to the alignment of the beam, they will mount
the beam and be tied off to the lifting device in the beam after
ensuring the load has been stabilized on its bearing. To disconnect the
crane from the beam an employee will stand a ladder against the beam.
Because the use of ladders is not practical at heights above 40 ft,
beams
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will be initially placed with the use of tag lines and their final
alignment made by a person on a manlift or similar employee positioning
systems.
Spandrel Beams
Spandrel beams at the exterior of the building will be aligned as
closely as possible with the use of tag lines with the final placement
of the spandrel beam made from a ladder at the open end of the
structure. A ladder will be used to make the initial connections and a
ladder will be used to disconnect the crane. The other end of the beam
will be placed by the designated erector from the double tee deck under
the observation of the safety monitor.
The beams will be adequately connected and/or braced to safely
support the weight of a ladder with an employee on it.
Floor and Roof Members
During installation of the precast concrete floor and/or roof
members, the work deck continuously increases in area as more and more
units are being erected and positioned. Thus, the unprotected floor/roof
perimeter is constantly modified with the leading edge changing location
as each member is installed. The fall protection for workers at the
leading edge shall be assured by properly constructed and maintained
control zone lines not more than 60 ft away from the leading edge
supplemented by a safety monitoring system to ensure the safety of all
designated erectors working within the area defined by the control zone
lines.
The hollow core slabs erected on the masonry portion of the building
will be erected and grouted using the safety monitoring system. Grout
will be placed in the space between the end of the slab and face shell
of the concrete masonry by dumping from a wheelbarrow. The grout in the
keyways between the slabs will be dumped from a wheelbarrow and then
spread with long handled tools, allowing the worker to stand erect
facing toward the unprotected edge and back from any work deck edge.
Whenever possible, the designated erectors will approach the
incoming member at the leading edge only after it is below waist height
so that the member itself provides protection against falls.
Except for the situations described below, when the arriving floor
or roof member is within 2 to 3 inches of its final position, the
designated erectors can then proceed to their position of erection at
each end of the member under the control of the safety monitor. Crane
hooks will be unhooked from double tee members by designated erectors
under the direction and supervision of the safety monitor.
Designated erectors, while waiting for the next floor or roof
member, will be constantly under the control of the safety monitor for
fall protection and are directed to stay a minimum of six (6) ft from
the edge. In the event a designated erector must move from one end of a
member, which has just been placed at the leading edge, they must first
move away from the leading edge a minimum of six (6) ft and then
progress to the other end while maintaining the minimum distance of six
(6) ft at all times.
Erection of double tees, where conditions require bearing of one end
into a closed pocket and the other end on a beam ledge, restricting the
tee legs from going directly into the pockets, require special
considerations. The tee legs that are to bear in the closed pocket must
hang lower than those at the beam bearing. The double tee will be ``two-
lined'' in order to elevate one end higher than the other to allow for
the low end to be ducked into the closed pocket using the following
procedure.
The double tee will be rigged with a standard four-way spreader off
of the main load line. An additional choker will be attached to the
married point of the two-legged spreader at the end of the tee that is
to be elevated. The double tee will be hoisted with the main load line
and swung into a position as close as possible to the tee's final
bearing elevation. When the tee is in this position and stabilized, the
whip line load block will be lowered to just above the tee deck. At this
time, two erectors will walk out on the suspended tee deck at midspan of
the tee member and pull the load block to the end of the tee to be
elevated and attach the additional choker to the load block. The
possibility of entanglement with the crane lines and other obstacles
during this two lining process while raising and lowering the crane
block on that second line could be hazardous to an encumbered employee.
Therefore, the designated erectors will not tie off during any part of
this process. While the designated erectors are on the double tee, the
safety monitoring system will be used. After attaching the choker, the
two erectors then step back on the previously erected tee deck and
signal the crane operator to hoist the load with the whip line to the
elevation that will allow for enough clearance to let the low end tee
legs slide into the pockets when the main load line is lowered. The
erector, who is handling the lowered end of the tee at the closed pocket
bearing, will step out on the suspended tee. An erection bar will then
be placed between the end of the tee leg and the inside face of the
pocketed spandrel member. The tee is barred away from the pocketed
member to reduce the friction and lateral force against the pocketed
member. As the tee is being lowered, the other erector remains on the
tee which was previously erected to handle the other end. At this point
the tee is slowly lowered by the crane to a point where the tee legs can
freely slide into the
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pockets. The erector working the lowered end of the tee must keep
pressure on the bar between the tee and the face of the pocketed
spandrel member to very gradually let the tee legs slide into the pocket
to its proper bearing dimension. The tee is then slowly lowered into its
final erected position.
The designated erector should be allowed onto the suspended double
tee, otherwise there is no control over the horizontal movement of the
double tee and this movement could knock the spandrel off of its bearing
or the column out of plumb. The control necessary to prevent hitting the
spandrel can only be done safely from the top of the double tee being
erected.
Loadbearing Wall Panels: The erection of the loadbearing wall panels
on the elevated decks requires the use of a safety monitor and a
controlled access zone that is a minimum of 25 ft and a maximum of \1/2\
the length of the wall panels away from the unprotected edge, so that
designated erectors can move freely and unencumbered when receiving the
panels. Bracing, if required for stability, will be installed by ladder.
After the braces are secured, the crane will be disconnected from the
wall by using a ladder. The wall to wall connections will also be
performed from a ladder.
Non-Loadbearing Panels (Cladding): The locating of survey lines,
panel layout and other installation prerequisites (prewelding, etc.) for
non-loadbearing panels (cladding) will not commence until floor
perimeter and floor openings have been protected. In some areas, it is
necessary because of panel configuration to remove the perimeter
protection as the cladding is being installed. Removal of perimeter
protection will be performed on a bay to bay basis, just ahead of
cladding erection to minimize temporarily unprotected floor edges. Those
workers within 6 ft of the edge, receiving and positioning the cladding
when the perimeter protection is removed shall be tied off.
Detailing
Employees exposed to falls of six (6) feet or more to lower levels,
who are not actively engaged in leading edge work or connecting
activity, such as welding, bolting, cutting, bracing, guying, patching,
painting or other operations, and who are working less than six (6) ft
from an unprotected edge will be tied off at all times or guardrails
will be installed. Employees engaged in these activities but who are
more than six (6) ft from an unprotected edge as defined by the control
zone lines, do not require fall protection but a warning line or control
lines must be erected to remind employees they are approaching an area
where fall protection is required.
IV. Conventional Fall Protection Considered for the Point of Erection or
Leading Edge Erection Operations
A. Personal Fall Arrest Systems
In this particular erection sequence and procedure, personal fall
arrest systems requiring body belt/harness systems, lifelines and
lanyards will not reduce possible hazards to workers and will create
offsetting hazards during their usage at the leading edge of precast/
prestressed concrete construction.
Leading edge erection and initial connections are conducted by
employees who are specifically trained to do this type of work and are
trained to recognize the fall hazards. The nature of such work normally
exposes the employee to the fall hazard for a short period of time and
installation of fall protection systems for a short duration is not
feasible because it exposes the installers of the system to the same
fall hazard, but for a longer period of time.
1. It is necessary that the employee be able to move freely without
encumbrance in order to guide the sections of precast concrete into
their final position without having lifelines attached which will
restrict the employee's ability to move about at the point of erection.
2. A typical procedure requires 2 or more workers to maneuver around
each other as a concrete member is positioned to fit into the structure.
If they are each attached to a lifeline, part of their attention must be
diverted from their main task of positioning a member weighing several
tons to the task of avoiding entanglements of their lifelines or
avoiding tripping over lanyards. Therefore, if these workers are
attached to lanyards, more fall potential would result than from not
using such a device.
In this specific erection sequence and procedure, retractable
lifelines do not solve the problem of two workers becoming tangled. In
fact, such a tangle could prevent the lifeline from retracting as the
worker moved, thus potentially exposing the worker to a fall greater
than 6 ft. Also, a worker crossing over the lifeline of another worker
can create a hazard because the movement of one person can unbalance the
other. In the event of a fall by one person there is a likelihood that
the other person will be caused to fall as well. In addition, if
contamination such as grout (during hollow core grouting) enters the
retractable housing it can cause excessive wear and damage to the device
and could clog the retracting mechanism as the lanyard is dragged across
the deck. Obstructing the cable orifice can defeat the device's shock
absorbing function, produce cable slack and damage, and adversely affect
cable extraction and retraction.
3. Employees tied to a lifeline can be trapped and crushed by moving
structural members if the employee becomes restrained
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by the lanyard or retractable lifeline and cannot get out of the path of
the moving load.
The sudden movement of a precast concrete member being raised by a
crane can be caused by a number of factors. When this happens, a
connector may immediately have to move a considerable distance to avoid
injury. If a tied off body belt/harness is being used, the connector
could be trapped. Therefore, there is a greater risk of injury if the
connector is tied to the structure for this specific erection sequence
and procedure.
When necessary to move away from a retractable device, the worker
cannot move at a rate greater than the device locking speed typically
3.5 to 4.5 ft/sec. When moving toward the device it is necessary to move
at a rate which does not permit cable slack to build up. This slack may
cause cable retraction acceleration and cause a worker to lose their
balance by applying a higher than normal jerking force on the body when
the cable suddenly becomes taut after building up momentum. This slack
can also cause damage to the internal spring-loaded drum, uneven coiling
of cable on the drum, and possible cable damage.
The factors causing sudden movements for this location include:
(a) Cranes
(1) Operator error.
(2) Site conditions (soft or unstable ground).
(3) Mechanical failure.
(4) Structural failure.
(5) Rigging failure.
(6) Crane signal/radio communication failure.
(b) Weather Conditions
(1) Wind (strong wind/sudden gusting)--particularly a problem with
the large surface areas of precast concrete members.
(2) Snow/rain (visibility).
(3) Fog (visibility).
(4) Cold--causing slowed reactions or mechanical problems.
(c) Structure/Product Conditions.
(1) Lifting Eye failure.
(2) Bearing failure or slippage.
(3) Structure shifting.
(4) Bracing failure.
(5) Product failure.
(d) Human Error.
(1) Incorrect tag line procedure.
(2) Tag line hang-up.
(3) Incorrect or misunderstood crane signals.
(4) Misjudged elevation of member.
(5) Misjudged speed of member.
(6) Misjudged angle of member.
4. Anchorages or special attachment points could be cast into the
precast concrete members if sufficient preplanning and consideration of
erectors' position is done before the members are cast. Any hole or
other attachment must be approved by the engineer who designed the
member. It is possible that some design restrictions will not allow a
member to be weakened by an additional hole; however, it is anticipated
that such situations would be the exception, not the rule. Attachment
points, other than on the deck surface, will require removal and/or
patching. In order to remove and/or patch these points, requires the
employee to be exposed to an additional fall hazard at an unprotected
perimeter. The fact that attachment points could be available anywhere
on the structure does not eliminate the hazards of using these points
for tying off as discussed above. A logical point for tying off on
double tees would be using the lifting loops, except that they must be
cut off to eliminate a tripping hazard at an appropriate time.
5. Providing attachment at a point above the walking/working surface
would also create fall exposures for employees installing their devices.
Final positioning of a precast concrete member requires it to be moved
in such a way that it must pass through the area that would be occupied
by the lifeline and the lanyards attached to the point above. Resulting
entanglements of lifelines and lanyards on a moving member could pull
employees from the work surface. Also, the structure is being created
and, in most cases, there is no structure above the members being
placed.
(a) Temporary structural supports, installed to provide attaching
points for lifelines limit the space which is essential for orderly
positioning, alignment and placement of the precast concrete members. To
keep the lanyards a reasonable and manageable length, lifeline supports
would necessarily need to be in proximity to the positioning process. A
sudden shift of the precast concrete member being positioned because of
wind pressure or crane movement could make it strike the temporary
supporting structure, moving it suddenly and causing tied off employees
to fall.
(b) The time in manhours which would be expended in placing and
maintaining temporary structural supports for lifeline attaching points
could exceed the expended manhours involved in placing the precast
concrete members. No protection could be provided for the employees
erecting the temporary structural supports and these supports would have
to be moved for each successive step in the construction process, thus
greatly increasing the employee's exposure to the fall hazard.
(c) The use of a cable strung horizontally between two columns to
provide tie off lines for erecting or walking a beam for connecting work
is not feasible and creates a greater hazard on this multi-story
building for the following reasons:
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(1) If a connector is to use such a line, it must be installed
between the two columns. To perform this installation requires an
erector to have more fall exposure time attaching the cable to the
columns than would be spent to make the beam to column connection
itself.
(2) If such a line is to be installed so that an erector can walk
along a beam, it must be overhead or below him. For example, if a
connector must walk along a 24 in. wide beam, the presence of a line
next to the connector at waist level, attached directly to the columns,
would prevent the connector from centering their weight over the beam
and balancing themselves. Installing the line above the connector might
be possible on the first level of a two-story column; however, the
column may extend only a few feet above the floor level at the second
level or be flush with the floor level. Attaching the line to the side
of the beam could be a solution; however, it would require the connector
to attach the lanyard below foot level which would most likely extend a
fall farther than 6 ft.
(3) When lines are strung over every beam, it becomes more and more
difficult for the crane operator to lower a precast concrete member into
position without the member becoming fouled. Should the member become
entangled, it could easily dislodge the line from a column. If a worker
is tied to it at the time, a fall could be caused.
6. The ANSI A10.14-1991 American National Standard for Construction
and Demolition Operations--Requirements for Safety Belts, Harnesses,
Lanyards and Lifelines for Construction and Demolition Use, states that
the anchor point of a lanyard or deceleration device should, if
possible, be located above the wearer's belt or harness attachment. ANSI
A10.14 also states that a suitable anchorage point is one which is
located as high as possible to prevent contact with an obstruction below
should the worker fall. Most manufacturers also warn in the user's
handbook that the safety block/retractable lifeline must be positioned
above the D-ring (above the work space of the intended user) and OSHA
recommends that fall arrest and restraint equipment be used in
accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Attachment of a retractable device to a horizontal cable near floor
level or using the inserts in the floor or roof members may result in
increased free fall due to the dorsal D-ring of the full-body harness
riding higher than the attachment point of the snaphook to the cable or
insert (e.g., 6 foot tall worker with a dorsal D-ring at 5 feet above
the floor or surface, reduces the working length to only one foot, by
placing the anchorage five feet away from the fall hazard). In addition,
impact loads may exceed maximum fall arrest forces (MAF) because the
fall arrest D-ring would be 4 to 5 feet higher than the safety block/
retractable lifeline anchored to the walking-working surface; and the
potential for swing hazards is increased.
Manufacturers also require that workers not work at a level where
the point of snaphook attachment to the body harness is above the device
because this will increase the free fall distance and the deceleration
distance and will cause higher forces on the body in the event of an
accidental fall.
Manufacturers recommend an anchorage for the retractable lifeline
which is immovably fixed in space and is independent of the user's
support systems. A moveable anchorage is one which can be moved around
(such as equipment or wheeled vehicles) or which can deflect
substantially under shock loading (such as a horizontal cable or very
flexible beam). In the case of a very flexible anchorage, a shock load
applied to the anchorage during fall arrest can cause oscillation of the
flexible anchorage such that the retractable brake mechanism may undergo
one or more cycles of locking/unlocking/locking (ratchet effect) until
the anchorage deflection is dampened. Therefore, use of a moveable
anchorage involves critical engineering and safety factors and should
only be considered after fixed anchorage has been determined to be not
feasible.
Horizontal cables used as an anchorage present an additional hazard
due to amplification of the horizontal component of maximum arrest force
(of a fall) transmitted to the points where the horizontal cable is
attached to the structure. This amplification is due to the angle of sag
of a horizontal cable and is most severe for small angles of sag. For a
cable sag angle of 2 degrees the horizontal force on the points of cable
attachment can be amplified by a factor of 15.
It is also necessary to install the retractable device vertically
overhead to minimize swing falls. If an object is in the worker's swing
path (or that of the cable) hazardous situations exist: (1) due to the
swing, horizontal speed of the user may be high enough to cause injury
when an obstacle in the swing fall path is struck by either the user or
the cable; (2) the total vertical fall distance of the user may be much
greater than if the user had fallen only vertically without a swing fall
path.
With retractable lines, overconfidence may cause the worker to
engage in inappropriate behavior, such as approaching the perimeter of a
floor or roof at a distance appreciably greater than the shortest
distance between the anchorage point and the leading edge. Though the
retractable lifeline may arrest a worker's fall before he or she has
fallen a few feet, the lifeline may drag along the edge of the floor or
beam and swing the worker like a pendulum until the line has moved to a
position where the distance between the anchorage point and floor edge
is the shortest
[[Page 343]]
distance between those two points. Accompanying this pendulum swing is a
lowering of the worker, with the attendant danger that he or she may
violently impact the floor or some obstruction below.
The risk of a cable breaking is increased if a lifeline is dragged
sideways across the rough surface or edge of a concrete member at the
same moment that the lifeline is being subjected to a maximum impact
loading during a fall. The typical \3/16\ in. cable in a retractable
lifeline has a breaking strength of from 3000 to 3700 lbs.
7. The competent person, who can take into account the specialized
operations being performed on this project, should determine when and
where a designated erector cannot use a personal fall arrest system.
B. Safety Net Systems
The nature of this particular precast concrete erection worksite
precludes the safe use of safety nets where point of erection or leading
edge work must take place.
1. To install safety nets in the interior high bay of the single
story portion of the building poses rigging attachment problems.
Structural members do not exist to which supporting devices for nets can
be attached in the area where protection is required. As the erection
operation advances, the location of point of erection or leading edge
work changes constantly as each member is attached to the structure. Due
to this constant change it is not feasible to set net sections and build
separate structures to support the nets.
2. The nature of the erection process for the precast concrete
members is such that an installed net would protect workers as they
position and secure only one structural member. After each member is
stabilized the net would have to be moved to a new location (this could
mean a move of 8 to 10 ft or the possibility of a move to a different
level or area of the structure) to protect workers placing the next
piece in the construction sequence. The result would be the installation
and dismantling of safety nets repeatedly throughout the normal work
day. As the time necessary to install a net, test, and remove it is
significantly greater than the time necessary to position and secure a
precast concrete member, the exposure time for the worker installing the
safety net would be far longer than for the workers whom the net is
intended to protect. The time exposure repeats itself each time the nets
and supporting hardware must be moved laterally or upward to provide
protection at the point of erection or leading edge.
3. Strict interpretation of Sec. 1926.502(c) requires that
operations shall not be undertaken until the net is in place and has
been tested. With the point of erection constantly changing, the time
necessary to install and test a safety net significantly exceeds the
time necessary to position and secure the concrete member.
4. Use of safety nets on exposed perimeter wall openings and
opensided floors, causes attachment points to be left in architectural
concrete which must be patched and filled with matching material after
the net supporting hardware is removed. In order to patch these
openings, additional numbers of employees must be suspended by swing
stages, boatswain chairs or other devices, thereby increasing the amount
of fall exposure time to employees.
5. Installed safety nets pose an additional hazard at the perimeter
of the erected structure where limited space is available in which
members can be turned after being lifted from the ground by the crane.
There would be a high probability that the member being lifted could
become entangled in net hardware, cables, etc.
6. The use of safety nets where structural wall panels are being
erected would prevent movement of panels to point of installation. To be
effective, nets would necessarily have to provide protection across the
area where structural supporting wall panels would be set and plumbed
before roof units could be placed.
7. Use of a tower crane for the erection of the high rise portion of
the structure poses a particular hazard in that the crane operator
cannot see or judge the proximity of the load in relation to the
structure or nets. If the signaler is looking through nets and
supporting structural devices while giving instructions to the crane
operator, it is not possible to judge precise relationships between the
load and the structure itself or to nets and supporting structural
devices. This could cause the load to become entangled in the net or hit
the structure causing potential damage.
C. Guardrail Systems
On this particular worksite, guardrails, barricades, ropes, cables
or other perimeter guarding devices or methods on the erection floor
will pose problems to safe erection procedures. Typically, a floor or
roof is erected by placing 4 to 10 ft wide structural members next to
one another and welding or grouting them together. The perimeter of a
floor and roof changes each time a new member is placed into position.
It is unreasonable and virtually impossible to erect guardrails and toe
boards at the ever changing leading edge of a floor or roof.
1. To position a member safely it is necessary to remove all
obstructions extending above the floor level near the point of erection.
Such a procedure allows workers to swing a new member across the erected
surface as necessary to position it properly without worrying about
knocking material off of this surface.
[[Page 344]]
Hollow core slab erection on the masonry wall requires installation
of the perimeter protection where the masonry wall has to be
constructed. This means the guardrail is installed then subsequently
removed to continue the masonry construction. The erector will be
exposed to a fall hazard for a longer period of time while installing
and removing perimeter protection than while erecting the slabs.
In hollow core work, as in other precast concrete erection, others
are not typically on the work deck until the precast concrete erection
is complete. The deck is not complete until the leveling, aligning, and
grouting of the joints is done. It is normal practice to keep others off
the deck until at least the next day after the installation is complete
to allow the grout to harden.
2. There is no permanent boundary until all structural members have
been placed in the floor or roof. At the leading edge, workers are
operating at the temporary edge of the structure as they work to
position the next member in the sequence. Compliance with the standard
would require a guardrail and toe board be installed along this edge.
However, the presence of such a device would prevent a new member from
being swung over the erected surface low enough to allow workers to
control it safely during the positioning process. Further, these
employees would have to work through the guardrail to align the new
member and connect it to the structure. The guardrail would not protect
an employee who must lean through it to do the necessary work, rather it
would hinder the employee to such a degree that a greater hazard is
created than if the guardrail were absent.
3. Guardrail requirements pose a hazard at the leading edge of
installed floor or roof sections by creating the possibility of
employees being caught between guardrails and suspended loads. The lack
of a clear work area in which to guide the suspended load into position
for placement and welding of members into the existing structure creates
still further hazards.
4. Where erection processes require precast concrete stairways or
openings to be installed as an integral part of the overall erection
process, it must also be recognized that guardrails or handrails must
not project above the surface of the erection floor. Such guardrails
should be terminated at the level of the erection floor to avoid placing
hazardous obstacles in the path of a member being positioned.
V. Other Fall Protection Measures Considered for This Job
The following is a list and explanation of other fall protection
measures available and an explanation of limitations for use on this
particular jobsite. If during the course of erecting the building the
employee sees an area that could be erected more safely by the use of
these fall protection measures, the foreman should be notified.
A. Scaffolds are not used because:
1. The leading edge of the building is constantly changing and the
scaffolding would have to be moved at very frequent intervals. Employees
erecting and dismantling the scaffolding would be exposed to fall
hazards for a greater length of time than they would by merely erecting
the precast concrete member.
2. A scaffold tower could interfere with the safe swinging of a load
by the crane.
3. Power lines, terrain and site do not allow for the safe use of
scaffolding.
B. Vehicle mounted platforms are not used because:
1. A vehicle mounted platform will not reach areas on the deck that
are erected over other levels.
2. The leading edge of the building is usually over a lower level of
the building and this lower level will not support the weight of a
vehicle mounted platform.
3. A vehicle mounted platform could interfere with the safe swinging
of a load by the crane, either by the crane swinging the load over or
into the equipment.
4. Power lines and surrounding site work do not allow for the safe
use of a vehicle mounted platform.
C. Crane suspended personnel platforms are not used because:
1. A second crane close enough to suspend any employee in the
working and erecting area could interfere with the safe swinging of a
load by the crane hoisting the product to be erected.
2. Power lines and surrounding site work do not allow for the safe
use of a second crane on the job.
VI. Enforcement
Constant awareness of and respect for fall hazards, and compliance
with all safety rules are considered conditions of employment. The
jobsite Superintendent, as well as individuals in the Safety and
Personnel Department, reserve the right to issue disciplinary warnings
to employees, up to and including termination, for failure to follow the
guidelines of this program.
VII. Accident Investigations
All accidents that result in injury to workers, regardless of their
nature, shall be investigated and reported. It is an integral part of
any safety program that documentation take place as soon as possible so
that the cause and means of prevention can be identified to prevent a
reoccurrence.
In the event that an employee falls or there is some other related,
serious incident occurring, this plan shall be reviewed to determine if
additional practices, procedures,
[[Page 345]]
or training need to be implemented to prevent similar types of falls or
incidents from occurring.
VIII. Changes to Plan
Any changes to the plan will be approved by (name of the qualified
person). This plan shall be reviewed by a qualified person as the job
progresses to determine if additional practices, procedures or training
needs to be implemented by the competent person to improve or provide
additional fall protection. Workers shall be notified and trained, if
necessary, in the new procedures. A copy of this plan and all approved
changes shall be maintained at the jobsite.
Sample Fall Protection Plan for Residential Construction
(Insert Company Name)
This Fall Protection Plan Is Specific For The Following Project:
Location of Job_________________________________________________________
Date Plan Prepared or Modified__________________________________________
Plan Prepared By________________________________________________________
Plan Approved By________________________________________________________
Plan Supervised By______________________________________________________
The following Fall Protection Plan is a sample program prepared for
the prevention of injuries associated with falls. A Fall Protection Plan
must be developed and evaluated on a site by site basis. It is
recommended that builders discuss the written Fall Protection Plan with
their OSHA Area Office prior to going on a jobsite.
I. Statement of Company Policy
(Your company name here) is dedicated to the protection of its
employees from on-the-job injuries. All employees of (Your company name
here) have the responsibility to work safely on the job. The purpose of
the plan is to supplement our existing safety and health program and to
ensure that every employee who works for (Your company name here)
recognizes workplace fall hazards and takes the appropriate measures to
address those hazards.
This Fall Protection Plan addresses the use of conventional fall
protection at a number of areas on the project, as well as identifies
specific activities that require non-conventional means of fall
protection. During the construction of residential buildings under 48
feet in height, it is sometimes infeasible or it creates a greater
hazard to use conventional fall protection systems at specific areas or
for specific tasks. The areas or tasks may include, but are not limited
to:
a. Setting and bracing of roof trusses and rafters;
b. Installation of floor sheathing and joists;
c. Roof sheathing operations; and
d. Erecting exterior walls.
In these cases, conventional fall protection systems may not be the
safest choice for builders. This plan is designed to enable employers
and employees to recognize the fall hazards associated with this job and
to establish the safest procedures that are to be followed in order to
prevent falls to lower levels or through holes and openings in walking/
working surfaces.
Each employee will be trained in these procedures and will strictly
adhere to them except when doing so would expose the employee to a
greater hazard. If, in the employee's opinion, this is the case, the
employee is to notify the competent person of their concern and have the
concern addressed before proceeding.
It is the responsibility of (name of competent person) to implement
this Fall Protection Plan. Continual observational safety checks of work
operations and the enforcement of the safety policy and procedures shall
be regularly enforced. The crew supervisor or foreman (insert name) is
responsible for correcting any unsafe practices or conditions
immediately.
It is the responsibility of the employer to ensure that all
employees understand and adhere to the procedures of this plan and to
follow the instructions of the crew supervisor. It is also the
responsibility of the employee to bring to management's attention any
unsafe or hazardous conditions or practices that may cause injury to
either themselves or any other employees. Any changes to the Fall
Protection Plan must be approved by (name of qualified person).
II. Fall Protection Systems To Be Used on This Job
Installation of roof trusses/rafters, exterior wall erection, roof
sheathing, floor sheathing and joist/truss activities will be conducted
by employees who are specifically trained to do this type of work and
are trained to recognize the fall hazards. The nature of such work
normally exposes the employee to the fall hazard for a short period of
time. This Plan details how (Your company name here) will minimize these
hazards.
Controlled Access Zones
When using the Plan to implement the fall protection options
available, workers must be protected through limited access to high
hazard locations. Before any non-conventional fall protection systems
are used as part of the work plan, a controlled access zone (CAZ) shall
be clearly defined by the competent person as an area where a recognized
hazard exists. The demarcation of the CAZ shall be communicated by the
competent person in a recognized manner, either through signs, wires,
tapes, ropes or chains.
(Your company name here) shall take the following steps to ensure
that the CAZ is
[[Page 346]]
clearly marked or controlled by the competent person:
<bullet<ls-thn-eq> All access to the CAZ must be restricted to
authorized entrants;
<bullet<ls-thn-eq> All workers who are permitted in the CAZ shall be
listed in the appropriate sections of the Plan (or be visibly
identifiable by the competent person) prior to implementation;
<bullet<ls-thn-eq> The competent person shall ensure that all
protective elements of the CAZ be implemented prior to the beginning of
work.
Installation Procedures for Roof Truss and Rafter Erection
During the erection and bracing of roof trusses/rafters,
conventional fall protection may present a greater hazard to workers. On
this job, safety nets, guardrails and personal fall arrest systems will
not provide adequate fall protection because the nets will cause the
walls to collapse, while there are no suitable attachment or anchorage
points for guardrails or personal fall arrest systems.
On this job, requiring workers to use a ladder for the entire
installation process will cause a greater hazard because the worker must
stand on the ladder with his back or side to the front of the ladder.
While erecting the truss or rafter the worker will need both hands to
maneuver the truss and therefore cannot hold onto the ladder. In
addition, ladders cannot be adequately protected from movement while
trusses are being maneuvered into place. Many workers may experience
additional fatigue because of the increase in overhead work with heavy
materials, which can also lead to a greater hazard.
Exterior scaffolds cannot be utilized on this job because the
ground, after recent backfilling, cannot support the scaffolding. In
most cases, the erection and dismantling of the scaffold would expose
workers to a greater fall hazard than erection of the trusses/rafters.
On all walls eight feet or less, workers will install interior
scaffolds along the interior wall below the location where the trusses/
rafters will be erected. ``Sawhorse'' scaffolds constructed of 46 inch
sawhorses and 2x10 planks will often allow workers to be elevated high
enough to allow for the erection of trusses and rafters without working
on the top plate of the wall.
In structures that have walls higher than eight feet and where the
use of scaffolds and ladders would create a greater hazard, safe working
procedures will be utilized when working on the top plate and will be
monitored by the crew supervisor. During all stages of truss/rafter
erection the stability of the trusses/rafters will be ensured at all
times.
(Your company name here) shall take the following steps to protect
workers who are exposed to fall hazards while working from the top plate
installing trusses/rafters:
<bullet<ls-thn-eq> Only the following trained workers will be
allowed to work on the top plate during roof truss or rafter
installation:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
<bullet<ls-thn-eq> Workers shall have no other duties to perform
during truss/rafter erection procedures;
<bullet<ls-thn-eq> All trusses/rafters will be adequately braced
before any worker can use the truss/rafter as a support;
<bullet<ls-thn-eq> Workers will remain on the top plate using the
previously stabilized truss/rafter as a support while other trusses/
rafters are being erected;
<bullet<ls-thn-eq> Workers will leave the area of the secured
trusses only when it is necessary to secure another truss/rafter;
<bullet<ls-thn-eq> The first two trusses/rafters will be set from
ladders leaning on side walls at points where the walls can support the
weight of the ladder; and
<bullet<ls-thn-eq> A worker will climb onto the interior top plate
via a ladder to secure the peaks of the first two trusses/rafters being
set.
The workers responsible for detaching trusses from cranes and/or
securing trusses at the peaks traditionally are positioned at the peak
of the trusses/rafters. There are also situations where workers securing
rafters to ridge beams will be positioned on top of the ridge beam.
(Your company name here) shall take the following steps to protect
workers who are exposed to fall hazards while securing trusses/rafters
at the peak of the trusses/ridge beam:
<bullet<ls-thn-eq> Only the following trained workers will be
allowed to work at the peak during roof truss or rafter installation:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
<bullet<ls-thn-eq> Once truss or rafter installation begins, workers
not involved in that activity shall not stand or walk below or adjacent
to the roof opening or exterior walls in any area where they could be
struck by falling objects;
<bullet<ls-thn-eq> Workers shall have no other duties than securing/
bracing the trusses/ridge beam;
<bullet<ls-thn-eq> Workers positioned at the peaks or in the webs of
trusses or on top of the ridge beam shall work from a stable position,
either by sitting on a ``ridge seat'' or other equivalent surface that
provides additional stability or by positioning themselves in previously
stabilized trusses/rafters and leaning into and reaching through the
trusses/rafters;
<bullet<ls-thn-eq> Workers shall not remain on or in the peak/ridge
any longer than necessary to safely complete the task.
[[Page 347]]
Roof Sheathing Operations
Workers typically install roof sheathing after all trusses/rafters
and any permanent truss bracing is in place. Roof structures are
unstable until some sheathing is installed, so workers installing roof
sheathing cannot be protected from fall hazards by conventional fall
protection systems until it is determined that the roofing system can be
used as an anchorage point. At that point, employees shall be protected
by a personal fall arrest system.
Trusses/rafters are subject to collapse if a worker falls while
attached to a single truss with a belt/harness. Nets could also cause
collapse, and there is no place to attach guardrails.
All workers will ensure that they have secure footing before they
attempt to walk on the sheathing, including cleaning shoes/boots of mud
or other slip hazards.
To minimize the time workers must be exposed to a fall hazard,
materials will be staged to allow for the quickest installation of
sheathing.
(Your company name here) shall take the following steps to protect
workers who are exposed to fall hazards while installing roof sheathing:
<bullet<ls-thn-eq> Once roof sheathing installation begins, workers
not involved in that activity shall not stand or walk below or adjacent
to the roof opening or exterior walls in any area where they could be
struck by falling objects;
<bullet<ls-thn-eq> The competent person shall determine the limits
of this area, which shall be clearly communicated to workers prior to
placement of the first piece of roof sheathing;
<bullet<ls-thn-eq> The competent person may order work on the roof
to be suspended for brief periods as necessary to allow other workers to
pass through such areas when this would not create a greater hazard;
<bullet<ls-thn-eq> Only qualified workers shall install roof
sheathing;
<bullet<ls-thn-eq> The bottom row of roof sheathing may be installed
by workers standing in truss webs;
<bullet<ls-thn-eq> After the bottom row of roof sheathing is
installed, a slide guard extending the width of the roof shall be
securely attached to the roof. Slide guards are to be constructed of no
less than nominal 4'' height capable of limiting the uncontrolled slide
of workers. Workers should install the slide guard while standing in
truss webs and leaning over the sheathing;
<bullet<ls-thn-eq> Additional rows of roof sheathing may be
installed by workers positioned on previously installed rows of
sheathing. A slide guard can be used to assist workers in retaining
their footing during successive sheathing operations; and
<bullet<ls-thn-eq> Additional slide guards shall be securely
attached to the roof at intervals not to exceed 13 feet as successive
rows of sheathing are installed. For roofs with pitches in excess of 9-
in-12, slide guards will be installed at four-foot intervals.
<bullet<ls-thn-eq> When wet weather (rain, snow, or sleet) are
present, roof sheathing operations shall be suspended unless safe
footing can be assured for those workers installing sheathing.
<bullet<ls-thn-eq> When strong winds (above 40 miles per hour) are
present, roof sheathing operations are to be suspended unless wind
breakers are erected.
Installation of Floor Joists and Sheathing
During the installation of floor sheathing/joists (leading edge
construction), the following steps shall be taken to protect workers:
<bullet<ls-thn-eq> Only the following trained workers will be
allowed to install floor joists or sheathing:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
<bullet<ls-thn-eq> Materials for the operations shall be
conveniently staged to allow for easy access to workers;
<bullet<ls-thn-eq> The first floor joists or trusses will be rolled
into position and secured either from the ground, ladders or sawhorse
scaffolds;
<bullet<ls-thn-eq> Each successive floor joist or truss will be
rolled into place and secured from a platform created from a sheet of
plywood laid over the previously secured floor joists or trusses;
<bullet<ls-thn-eq> Except for the first row of sheathing which will
be installed from ladders or the ground, workers shall work from the
established deck; and
<bullet<ls-thn-eq> Any workers not assisting in the leading edge
construction while leading edges still exist (e.g. cutting the decking
for the installers) shall not be permitted within six feet of the
leading edge under construction.
Erection of Exterior Walls
During the construction and erection of exterior walls, employers
shall take the following steps to protect workers:
<bullet<ls-thn-eq> Only the following trained workers will be
allowed to erect exterior walls:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
<bullet<ls-thn-eq> A painted line six feet from the perimeter will
be clearly marked prior to any wall erection activities to warn of the
approaching unprotected edge;
<bullet<ls-thn-eq> Materials for operations shall be conveniently
staged to minimize fall hazards; and
<bullet<ls-thn-eq> Workers constructing exterior walls shall
complete as much cutting of materials and other preparation as possible
away from the edge of the deck.
[[Page 348]]
III. Enforcement
Constant awareness of and respect for fall hazards, and compliance
with all safety rules are considered conditions of employment. The crew
supervisor or foreman, as well as individuals in the Safety and
Personnel Department, reserve the right to issue disciplinary warnings
to employees, up to and including termination, for failure to follow the
guidelines of this program.
IV. Accident Investigations
All accidents that result in injury to workers, regardless of their
nature, shall be investigated and reported. It is an integral part of
any safety program that documentation take place as soon as possible so
that the cause and means of prevention can be identified to prevent a
reoccurrence.
In the event that an employee falls or there is some other related,
serious incident occurring, this plan shall be reviewed to determine if
additional practices, procedures, or training need to be implemented to
prevent similar types of falls or incidents from occurring.
V. Changes to Plan
Any changes to the plan will be approved by (name of the qualified
person). This plan shall be reviewed by a qualified person as the job
progresses to determine if additional practices, procedures or training
needs to be implemented by the competent person to improve or provide
additional fall protection. Workers shall be notified and trained, if
necessary, in the new procedures. A copy of this plan and all approved
changes shall be maintained at the jobsite.
[59 FR 40730, Aug. 9, 1994]