Standard / Guidelines / SOP for Work at Height

Revision-0 (R0), Dated 28th Jun 2022

Note: This standard is a reference for the safety precautions to be taken for work at height,
however a detailed method statement and job safety analysis submitted by the Contractor
performing the job to be reviewed in line to the project specific requirements considering
the associated hazards & risks before starting the activity at the project.

Contents
1. Scope and field of application
2. References
3. General definitions related to Height Work activities
4. Definitions used globally related to the persons involved in Height Work activities
5. Standards / Guidelines
5.1. Principles of Working at Heights
5.2. Identification of hazards and risk assessment
5.3. Planning and preparation
5.4. Working At Heights Protection Equipment
5.5. Special requirements
5.6. Execution
5.7. Inspection requirements:
5.8. Training
5.9. Other Situations
5.10.Fall protection Equipment
6. Management Systems
7. Fall arrest system checklist

1. Scope and field of application

1.1. This standard describes the principles used to protect employees and workers from
the hazards of working at heights. It provides helpful information to contractors as
they implement procedures to control the hazards associated with working at
heights.
1.2. This standard primarily addresses heights as defined in Section 4 and working at
heights for which Company specifies that a permit is warranted.
1.3. Sites should be aware that local statuary regulations might impose conditions not
reflected in this standard. Additional information on regulations comes from several
sources, including local documentation and other Company sites within the same
country.

2. References
2.1. OHSE manual – J001
2.2. OHSE Service Delivery Guidelines – J002
a. Scaffoldings
b. Confined Space Entry
c. Electrical safety
d. Façade activity
2.3. HIRA Master Document – K001
2.4. Relevant IS codes

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3. General definitions related to Height Work activities
3.1. Working at heights - Elevated working positions where the hazard of a fall from
height exists and where there is no physical protection such as standard platform
and handrails.
3.2. Types of work covered include working from all types of ladders, scaffolds,
chimney, mechanical lifts, mobile cranes, heavy earth moving equipment, inside
confined spaces, sloped roofs including fragile roofs, side sheeting, areas where
there are no overhead tie-off points, when working within 1.8 meters of the edge of
a flat roof, erecting steel or installing/replacing roofing and in pipe racks.
This does not include normal work on low stepladders, loading platforms with fixed
handrails, or similar locations.
3.3. Work permit - the written or printed document that is issued to administratively
control and authorize working at height tasks/ activities
3.4. Full Body Harness - A full body harness is the body wear with 6 points contact,
heavy duty, which can be attached to the anchor point with double lanyard/fall
arrestor.
3.5. Lanyard - A flexible line to secure the wearer (chest, waist, and thighs) of a safety
harness to a lifeline or fixed anchorage point. Maximum length of lanyard is 1.8
meter.
3.6. Double Lanyard - A system utilizing two lanyards connected in a "Y" configuration,
which allows one lanyard to be attached to an anchor point while the second
lanyard is being moved to a new anchor point, thus always providing protection
from falls.
3.7. Shock Absorber – A device used in combination with lanyards that is designed to
reduce the force when fall is occurred.
3.8. Double Action Locking Snap Hook - A device for securing lanyards that requires
two separate locking pins be depressed before the snap will open.
3.9. Anchor Point - A secure point of attachment for lifelines, lanyards, or retractable
lifelines. Steel structures may be used as an anchor point with proper risk
assessment. Sprinkler piping, instrument tubing, or conduit should not be used as
an anchor point.
3.10.Lifeline - A flexible cable, either horizontal or vertical, which is anchored at both
ends and to which other personal fall protection devices can be attached. Lifeline
for anchorage of lanyard should be minimum 19 mm dia. Manila rope or 12 mm dia.
steel rope for taking impact load of 23 KN (As per OSHA) (one person only). It
should be free from abrasion, distortion, and damage. As per IS code lifeline
integrity requires to withstand 2000Kg. of force per man.
3.11.Retractable Lifeline - A retracting lifeline which allows free travel without slack
rope but locks instantly when a fall begins. These devices must limit the force of
deceleration to no more than 365 Kg. and are only recommended for vertical
descent.
3.12.Rope Grab - These are automatic lifeline devices which act by inertia to grab the
vertical lifeline should a fall occur. Rope Grab shall be ¾” synthetic rope or ½” wire
cable.
3.13.Continuous tie-off / anchorage - The requirement that a person be always tied
off when working in an elevated areas where the potential for falls exists. This is
most accomplished by using double lanyards, a vertical lifeline, or a retractable
lifeline.
3.14.Working from a Ladder - Any work from a ladder requiring employee’s feet to be
above 6 feet and use of both hands.

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 3.15.Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment - A process used to assess the risk
associated with any activity by identifying the hazards and evaluating the control
measures, before starting the job. Risk assessment shall be done as per the
Methodology, Hazard Identification Risk Analysis or Assessment (HIRA) / Job Safety
Analysis (JSA) submitted by the Contractor.
3.16.Safety Net - A device used as a fall-protection device for people working at height.
Safety nets alone shall not be the means of fall protection and shall be used only as
a secondary fall-protection. Safety nets are also used to protect people working
below from falling personnel and materials. All nets must meet IS: 11057- 1984
standard.

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4. Definitions used globally to the persons involved in Height Work activities (few
are not used in India)
4.1. Work supervisor—a person who is authorized to verify that all conditions for
working at heights have been met, to define ongoing precautions to maintain safe
working conditions during the work, to authorize the work to occur, and to cancel
the permit to disallowing the work; also known as Area owner, work group
supervisor, or authorizing person.
4.2. Permit Initiator – The person who applies for a Permit and completes the work
description in the work permit for approval by the Permit Authorizer. He is
responsible for ensuring that a Permit Holder is appointed at all times when the
work is under way.
4.3. Permit Co-Permittee —a person at the perimeter of the work area who is
assigned the role of monitoring and communicating with the authorized workers,
controlling access to the area, maintaining designated conditions as specified on
the permit, and initiating the rescue plan.
4.4. Permit Custodian —a person who is authorized to sign work permit on the behalf
of Client Project Head and is authorized by Client project head or in-charge to verify
that all conditions for working at height have been met, to define ongoing
precautions to maintain safe working conditions during the work, to authorize the
work to occur, and to cancel the permit.
4.5. Permit Issuer: Authorized person who ensures extra safety requirement from
custodian, ensures from authorized isolator that all requested isolation from
initiator is done and checked in field and of work permit and give clearance to start
job.
4.6. Attendant — A person (Client engineer or employee or contractor supervisor or
employee.) at the perimeter of the work area who is assigned the role of monitoring
and communicating with the authorized workers, controlling access to the area,
maintaining designated conditions as specified on the permit, and initiating the
rescue plan.
4.7. Certification—a verification process, which documents that a person has the
necessary training, skill, competency, experience, and the ability to perform
designated roles and tasks.
4.8. Qualified Installer - Professional, experienced Fall Protection Systems person who
has been specifically trained in the installation of lifelines and fall protection
systems.
4.9. Qualified Inspector - Person who has been specifically trained to inspect and
evaluate the condition of harnesses, lanyards, etc.

5. Standards / Guidelines

5.1. Principles of Working at Heights

a. When working on elevated surfaces or height more than 1.8 meter.
b. Wherever there is a possibility of a fall that could result in injury. Good judgment
is necessary to ensure that adequate and proper protection is worn when
required. The following are some typical examples, illustrating where a safety
full body harness should be used.
i) Elevated working positions where the hazard of a fall exists and where there
is no physical protection such as handrails. This does not include normal
work on low stepladders, loading platforms, or similar locations.
ii) Working near unprotected roof edges or on sloping roofs.
iii) Working on open steel, form work, piping, or equipment.

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 iv) Working from straight ladders when both hands are needed for work.
v) Working on incomplete scaffolds, suspended stage, or other type of
suspended scaffolding.

c. The following hierarchy of control should be applied (in the order of preference)
when there is a need to work at height:
i) Eliminate the ‘Work at Height’ hazards.
ii) Reduce the risks to an acceptable level (through use of well designed and
engineered fixed platforms, ladders etc. or alternatively, through use of a
well-designed scaffold, as necessary)
iii) Use other required personal protective equipment (PPE) like a full body
safety harness

d. Requirements for working at height

i) Identification of hazards and risk assessment
ii) Planning and preparation
iii) Protective equipment
iv) Special requirements
v) Execution
vi) Training and certification
vii) Inspections

5.2. Identification of hazards and risk assessment

a. Contractor shall carry out inspection of location where the work must be carried
out to identify hazard including specific location constraints and any other
specific requirements associated with working at height. The risk assessment
(HIRA, JSA etc.) report must be prepared and documented.
b. Responsibility of Permit Applicant / Initiator - Contractor shall list down the
activities, equipment’s required for specific job. Based on these inputs,
resources shall be allocated and assign responsibilities for safety during work at
height. Persons involved in the job should be properly trained and screened for
any height phobia.

5.3. Planning and Preparation

a. Based on the Risk Assessment, the applicable project sites / area shall mobilize
the fall arrest systems, other equipment’s, and manpower.
b. The project sites / area shall ensure that appropriate rescue equipment, along
with a trained rescue team and rescue plan is available.
c. Personal Fall Arrest System components must be visually inspected before each
use.
d. Proper scaffolds and / or temporary work platforms shall be provided for working
at height at elevations 1.8 meters or more where no permanent work platform is
available to work safely. The elevated work platforms shall have guardrails
(Refer IS 4912 -1978)
e. Working from ladders shall be discouraged. Rope ladders shall not be used for
working at height. Makeshift arrangements viz., drums, barrels; chairs, etc. shall
not be used as work platform to work at height.
f. Proper area barricading to prevent people walking across and below the working
area shall be done before commencing any work at height. If such barricading is
not possible, safety net shall be provided, and “Work in Progress” boards shall
be displayed.
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 5.4. Working At Heights Protection Equipment

a. Guardrail System:
i) Installation of appropriate Guardrail System around the work area is
required for fall protection. Guardrail Systems must meet the following
minimum requirements:
ii) Top rail (handrail) must be minimum 1050 mm from the working surface.
Mid rails must be located at 525 mm (midway) between the top rail and the
working surface. Toe boards will be provided to prevent persons falling off
the working surface. Toe boards must be a minimum of 150 mm in vertical
height.
iii) Screens or paneling from the toe board to the mid or top rail will be required
when equipment or material is piled higher than the toe board and is
capable of being ejected from the working surface to the level below.
iv) Where gates or openings are required in the guardrail system to facilitate
material movement, personal fall arrest or restraint systems must be used.
v) Every floor opening including opening for temporary maintenance work, into
which any person can fall must be guarded by a standard guardrail system
or by a metallic grating duly fixed in position

b. Fall arrest systems

i) Fall arrestor system is full body harness with double lanyard of 1.8-meter
length each, out of which, one must go to the fixed anchorage and another
one for movement. So, at any given point of time, one of the lanyards is
always tied-off providing anchorage 100% of the time (refer figure).

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 Figure: 100 percent tie off allows the person fall protection throughout the
transfer of anchorage.

ii) Shock absorbers are preferred to reduce the body injury by absorbing the
shock/impact arising in case of sudden fall. Anchor points for fall arresting
systems (including lifelines) must be capable of withstanding 2300 kg load
per person attached
iii) Safety nets are to be provided for protecting people below from human fall
and material fall. Hand tools used while working at height should be secured
to avoid free fall in case of accidental slippage.

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 Figure -Full Body Harness with work positioning Device

iv) In general, a complete personal fall arrest system consists of three vital
components:
a) Anchorages
b) Body support
c) Connections

Figure: “ABC” of a personal fall arrest system – “A”: Anchorage, “B”: Body
Support, “C”: Connection.

c. Safety nets
Safety nets alone shall not be used as a fall protection system
i) All safety net systems shall meet the requirements of Indian Standard
(IS:11057- 1984)
ii) Safety net mesh openings shall have a maximum size of 10 cm x 10 cm and
be secured at each crossing to prevent elongation of the opening.

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 iii) When in use, the safety net shall have sag at the center not less than 1/5th
of the length and preferably not more than 1/4th of the length of the shorter
side. (IS:11057- 1984)
iv) Safety nets shall be installed as close as possible to the working level but in
no case more than 6 meters below the working level.
v) The safety nets shall extend out at least 2 meters from the side of the open
edge.
vi) Material, equipment, and other items that fall into the net are to be promptly
removed.
vii) Safety nets are to be inspected before use and then daily for wear or
damage caused by falling materials.
viii) Safety is to be inspected by the concerned work supervisor.

d. Barricading/ Warning line systems

i) Based on the hazard, type of barricading shall be provided:

e. Cautionary Barricades
i) The barricades must be minimum 1.8 meter away from the edge of the
falling hazard (plastic tape & sign board). Barricading tape must be 750 mm
above the working surface

f. Protective Barricades
i) The barricades installed closer than 1.8 meter from the edge of the falling
hazard, must be hard barricade which can withstand 100 kg load / thrust
and free from sharp edges. Hard barricade shall have horizontal members at
525 mm and minimum 1050 mm respectively from the working floor with
adequate vertical supports. This provision can be considered by work
supervisor even for more than 1.8-meter distance if the situation so
demands.
ii) Barricades constructed with rope, chain or wire shall be provided with
warning sign.

g. Provision of ladder ways (underground)

i) Every working place shall be provided with platforms or other means of
keeping a foothold, and where necessary, with ladders from climbing.
ii) Except in respect of the lowest 10 meters no ladder shall be placed at an
inclination of more than 75 degrees from the horizontal.

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 iii) Every ladderway below any place or travelling roadway where persons are
stationed or pass, shall be provided with a suitable cover of substantial
fence or guard.
iv) Carrying of materials on ladderways. – No person shall carry or be permitted
to carry a drill, tool, or any loose material on a ladderway in a shaft having
an inclination of more than 45 degrees from the horizontal except so far as
may be necessary for carrying out repairs

h. Step Ladders
i) If working from a step ladder, with your feet less than 1.8 meter. above the
floor, use of fall protection equipment is not required, unless working
backwards, then fall protection is required.
ii) If working on a step ladder with your feet 1.8 meter or higher above the
floor, fall protection equipment shall be used. If no tie-off point is available,
the ladder shall be held by a second person to provide added stability.
Note: Fall protection (harness and lanyard) should always be attached to an
anchor point before tying off the ladder. It should be detached after untying
the ladder. If no tie off point is available, the ladder shall be continuously
held by a second person to provide added stability.
iii) When working from a ladder where harnesses are not being used, the
person on the ladder should avoid stretching to reach objects. A rule of
thumb is to not stretch so far that your belt buckle is outside the rails of the
ladder.
iv) Ladder shall not be used for jobs where leaning over ladder is required
v) 3- point of contact should be maintained i.e., 2 feet and 1 hand possible

i. Electrical Hazard
i) Insulated ladders to be used for working on electrical equipment
ii) Portable metal ladders and wooden ladders with metal reinforcements shall
be used only during de-energized conditions. Effective supervision shall be
provided if there is any proximate hazard of touching live electrical wire or
equipment is present.
iii) No metal ladders or wooden ladders with metal reinforcements should be
stored inside the electrical switchyards

j. Maintenance
i) Provision shall be made for routine inspection and maintenance of all
ladders. Broken or damaged ladders shall be promptly repaired or removed
and destroyed. Ladders ready for use should be tagged “Safe to use” on
green background while unsuitable ladders should be tagged “Not for use”
in red background.

Not for Use Safe to use

k. Securing ladders
i) All ladders shall be placed on firm ground, secured at top and intermediate
positions (in case length is more than 4 meters) to maintain them rigidly in
place and to support the loads imposed upon them. Ladder should be so
rigid designed that it can withstand impact load of 8 KN in case of fall of a
person using rope grab.
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 l. Restrictions
i) Ladders shall not be used as work platforms or as structural members of
scaffolds or as walkways. Ladders shall not be used in horizontal position.

CAUTION - Do not carry anything in hand while climbing up or down on a

ladder. Not more than one person will be allowed to ascend / descend at a
time Always ensure three-point contact

Figure illustrating three-point contact

m. Straight Ladders, Extension Ladders

i) Rung spacing shall not be more than 300 mm and minimum width should be
400 mm.
ii) Ladder rungs shall be preferably flat type to prevent slipping/rolling. All the
ladders shall meet IS:3696 (Part-2)-2002 specification and be of industrial
type Class-A.
iii) Landing platforms shall be provided at every 6 meters on vertical ladders.
iv) Monkey ladder to cage strip clear distance shall not be less than 680 mm
and not more than 760 mm.
v) Cage guard will be provided from 2.1 meter onwards. Provision of vertical
lifeline with rope-grab / retractable lanyards need to be evaluated in the
absence of the cage.
vi) Ladder shall extend minimum 1 meter above stepping point. The topmost 3
rungs of the ladder shall not be used for working.
vii) Snap chains/gate shall be provided at the end of landing platform and the
ladder.
viii) When a straight ladder or extension ladder is being used for access to a
work area (as opposed to working from the ladder) where frequent trips up
the ladder will be made, consideration shall be given to providing fall
protection such as a retractable lifeline or a vertical lifeline with rope grab
for those climbing the ladder.
ix) Ladder shall be placed as shown in figure below i.e., the distance of the
ladder bottom should not be more than ¼ th of the working height (at least
75 deg angle to the floor). (Refer photograph)

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 Figure: The ratio of the height to the base for a correctly positioned ladder is
4:1

n. Fixed Ladders
Permanently mounted ladder such as those on the side of buildings or
structures.
i) If working from a fixed ladder with your feet 1.8 meter or more above the
floor, tie-off is required. The fixed ladder may be used as a tie-off point.
ii) When a fixed ladder is being used by many people to access a work area (an
example would be for equipment / structure / vessel repairs during
maintenance or shutdown), consideration should be given to providing fall
protection equipment for the duration of that job.
iii) Fall protection is not required for normal day-to-day climbing of fixed
ladders.

o. Scaffolds
i) Fall protection is required whenever working from scaffolds 1.8 meter or
higher above the ground or floor level that have incomplete standard
handrails (1.1 meter) or standard mid-rails (0.6 meter) or is not completely
decked.
ii) Fall protection is required whenever working outside the plane of the
handrails or if working against the handrails with awkward body position.
Personnel shall not climb on, or work from, any scaffold handrail, mid-rail, or
bracing member and shall use ladders to get into the scaffold.
iii) On scaffolds of 3.6 meter (12 feet) or higher, fall protection shall be
considered for those climbing the scaffold ladder (based on number of
people on scaffold, number of climbs per day, etc.). Consideration should be
given to the amount of risk associated with installing the equipment versus
the risk involved in climbing the ladder without fall protection.

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 iv) Fall protection may be required when climbing scaffolds of less than 3.6
meter (12 feet) if there is an unusual hazard, such as a scaffold next to the
edge of an elevated work area.
v) Fall protection shall be used while building scaffolds. Where practical, a
retractable lifeline should be used to protect those building scaffolds but is
not permitted to be attached to the scaffolding due to the side force thrust
hazard. Double lanyards should be used in this case so that the person may
maintain continuous tie-off / anchorage.
vi) If tying off to scaffolds, the stability of the scaffold must be considered. If the
scaffold does not have adequate stability, it should be tied off to a
permanent structure or fitted with outriggers to increase stability.

p. Full Body Harness

i) A full body harness shall be used for fall arrest purposes. Safety belts are
prohibited for use as a fall arrest device.
ii) All contractors and workers shall meet the project regulation when working
at heights, fall protection is required. Employees must use project approved
harness only.

q. Lanyards
i) Lanyards shall be "Dacron" polyester rope or web material, or wire rope, and
shall be fitted with locking snap hooks. Use of other materials requires
approval from the Client.

r. Lifelines
i) Lifelines, if used, must be of sufficient strength to withstand the large forces
involved in falls. Lifelines are to be installed or modified only by Qualified
Installers. Lifelines shall be designed and installed so that they can support
2000Kg. per person. (This weight requirement refers to the thrust that
occurs in a fall. This must be load tested as required by IS code.) When more
than one person will be utilizing a lifeline simultaneously, the load allowance
requirement shall be qualified by a professional engineer with fall protection
systems expertise.

s. Self-retractable Lifelines
i) Self-Retractable lifelines can be used as a method of providing vertical
lifelines for ladders, scaffolds, etc.

ii) Self-retracting lifelines and lanyards that automatically limit free fall
distance to 600 mm or less shall be capable of sustaining a minimum tensile
load of 1350 Kg. applied to the device with the lifeline or lanyard in the fully
extended position.

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 5.5. Special requirements
a. Man basket / Man lift / Scissor lift etc. operations
i) When performing man lift operations, all personnel in the personnel basket
(platform) must wear a full body harness with the double lanyard tied-off to
an approved anchor point (refer photograph

Figure: Correct method of working in an elevated work platform (left) and

unsafe practices (right)

ii) The anchorage points provided by the manufacturer of the equipment

should be used. Use of this equipment on the barge will require risk
assessment to be done.
iii) When using Man basket, the crane, basket, and associated tools / tackles
etc., risk shall be evaluated for suitability before use by the Area Supervisor.
The crane, basket and tools / tackles used in the Man basket operations shall
follow Client laid down specifications that shall meet or exceed the local
regulations, if any.

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 Figure: Examples of Elevated Work Platforms, scissor lift (left) boom lift
(middle) and vertical personnel platform (right)

b. Fragile, Sloping roofs

i) Fragile roofs
a) Crawling ladders/boards must be used while working on the fragile
roofs. Proper fall arrest system must be ensured.

ii) Sloping roofs

a) Before working on a sloping roof ensure anchor points are available for
fixing of lifeline, if not provided already at the design stage. (Refer
photograph)

Figure: An example of personal fall arrest system for roof works Structure
erection/ working on structures

c. Structure erection / working on structures

i) Fall protection is required whenever working in an elevated work area 1.8
meter higher above the floor, where handrails do not exist.

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 ii) Double lanyards should be used to provide continuous anchorage while
moving along pipe racks, cable trays, etc.
iii) Lanyard length should be kept as short as practical to limit the potential fall
distance. This is accomplished by utilizing an anchorage point overhead and
not below the waistline
iv) When working on roofs, fall protection equipment shall be used when
working less than1.8 meter from roof edges, unless roof edges are protected
by a Protective Barricade. Additionally, any work on a sloped roof requires
fall protection.

Figure: Inadequate demarcation and worker protection during temporary

removal of edge protection

Figure: Example of proper demarcation and travel restraint for worker during
temporary removal of edge protection

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 Figure: Example of incorrect use (left) and correct application (right) of a
travel restraint system.

d. Pipe racks and cable trays, tank roofs

i) Pipe racks and cable trays:
a) While working in pipe racks, etc., if no overhead anchorage point is
available, the lanyard should be tied off at foot level and all movement
must be done by crawling.
b) "Walking the pipes" is not permitted if no overhead anchorage point/
tie-off point exists. If "Walking the pipes" is utilized, the material of
construction, diameter, wall thickness and integrity must be evaluated
physically to assure pipes will support the load.
c) Cable tray shall not be used for taking anchor support for safety
harness.

ii) Tank Roofs:

a) All tank roofs shall be provided with independently supported
walkways / platform wherever there is requirement to work on it.
b) Permanent independent structures will be preferred in following cases:
 Where regular inspection / work is required i.e., minimum once a
month.
 Where corrosion chances are high due to nature of storage or work
environment e.g., Acid, Caustic, other corrosive & chemical storage
tanks.

c) Only in remote instances, when all above not possible, alternative

means is to be used such as:
 The tank / vessel inspection and documentation are maintained &
reviewed.
 Proper prior risk assessment of the work environment
 Proper PPEs as specified for the job to be performed including full
body harness and fall arrestors.
 Make sure tank / vessel must be capable of supporting the
intended load (personnel, tools, etc.).

e. Insulation and painting jobs at height

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 i) For work involving painting jobs on equipment, pipelines, structures,
buildings, roofs, and insulation jobs on equipment / pipelines requiring
persons to work from elevations 1.8 meter or more from ground, proper
scaffolds or portable elevated work platforms shall be provided and used, if
there is no permanent provision is available to work safely. Ladders and
other makeshift devices shall not be used for painting and insulation jobs.

f. Confined Spaces
i) While working in confined space at height use of rescue harness and self-
retractable full body harness is a must.

g. Working at height above 10 meters

i) An additional assistant shall be provided for such jobs. Means of
communication between additional assistant and people working at height
shall be established before start of work. Work and rescue plan shall be
prepared before start of work. Rescue plan is to be made as a part of JSA for
work at height activities which may require rescue team.

h. Inspection, Loading and unloading of materials

i) Man lift / ladders shall be used with Safety Harness for fall protection while
working on height more than 1.8 meter while inspection, loading/ unloading
material from trailers/ dump trucks.

i. Special hazards: Honeybees, birds etc.

i) In case of hazard of Honeybees, appropriate risk assessment needs to be
done. Person who will work at height to remove the Honeybees must wear
appropriate PPE (example PVC apron with hood, including full face mask).

j. Working at Height over water

i) In addition to fall protection, where potential to fall into water exists, all
persons shall wear Personal Flotation Device (PFD). Life Saving Apparatus
(like lifebuoy etc.) shall be made available at location before the start of
work. Ensure additional supervision during execution of the job.

k. Adverse Weather conditions

i) Permit Applicant shall advice Permit Holder to suspend working at height
under adverse weather conditions such as heavy rains, high winds,
lightening etc.

l. Working at Height during night

i) Generally, all the work at height is to be planned during daytime only.
However, for working at height during night, risk assessment should focus
on proper illumination of the area, including access and back-up
arrangement.

m. Radiography work at height

i) Proper communication should be ensured for protecting people working at
height from radiation hazard. Adequate precaution shall be taken for
ensuring that the radiography source is handled safely during shifting and
kept securely when at height.

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 5.6. Execution
a. Obtaining a Work permit for working at height:
Working at height must be authorized through a Work permit for all activities
above 1.8 meter and for the activities listed below:
i) Working at height over water.
ii) Working on Man basket/ boatswain’s chair (only when no other alternative is
available duly authorized accordingly to standards)
iii) Working on man lift/scissor lift near Overhead lines/barges
iv) Working on Fragile roof/Side sheeting /Super structures
v) Working on EOT/ Gantry Crane Maintenance
vi) It will also be required for special situations if deemed necessary by the
Work Supervisor.

b. Authorization and signatures

i) Permit Initiator shall be responsible for raising the Work permit and shall do
so only after verifying that the site is safe for work. Permit Issuer will release
the permit after getting authorization from Custodian. The Co-permittee
(Work group member) shall accept the permit for execution of the work and
comply with the permit requirement.
ii) Prior to authorization, it must be verified that person(s) involved is free from
abnormal health issues, height phobia or another illness which makes
person unsuitable for working at height.
iii) The Work permit to be closed and returned to Permit Issuer

Duration
Each permit shall identify the length of time for which it is valid. The permit shall
not last longer than the duration of the job. However, the permit must be
validated on shift basis.

5.7. Inspection Requirements:

a. Each project shall have a procedure for inspection of in-coming materials
pertaining to work at height (e.g., fall arresters, ladders, full body harness with
double lanyards, OEM equipment’s, scaffold materials, etc.)

b. Inspection of full body harness with double lanyard

Type of Inspection Periodicity By Remarks
Self-Inspection Before every User No record
use
Internal Inspection Fortnightly Contractor Record
External Inspection Six monthly Competent Record
person

c. Inspections of fall arresting devices

Type of Inspection Periodicity By Remarks
Self-Inspection Before every Supervisor No record
use
Internal Inspection Fortnightly Contractor Record

d. Inspections of safety net

Type of Inspection Periodicity By Remarks

Project Management, India Rev No. 0 Page 19 of 25

 Self-Inspection Before Supervisor No record
installation and
daily before
starting the job
Internal Inspection Fortnightly Contractor Record

e. Inspections of Man basket

Type of Periodicity By Remarks
Inspection
Internal Inspection Before every use Supervisor/ Record
Foreman PTW
External Inspection Six monthly Competent Record
person

Project Management, India Rev No. 0 Page 20 of 25

 f. Man lift, scissor lift, goods cum passenger lift, Single / Twin Mast working
Platform (OEM)
Type of Periodicity By Remarks
Inspection
Internal Inspection Before use Operator Daily
checklist
External Inspection Six monthly or Competent Record
OEM person
recommendati
on (whichever
earlier)

g. Inspection of ladders
Type of Inspection Periodicity By Remarks

Self-Inspection Before every User No record

use
Internal Inspection Fortnightly Contractor Record

h. Inspection of Scaffolds
Type of Inspection Periodicity By Remarks

Self-Inspection Before every User No record

use
Internal Inspection Weekly Contractor Record

5.8. Training
a. All personnel who work at height must be initially given practical training on the
use of fall protection devices. Client / Contractor should work with the suppliers /
vendors of fall protection equipment’s to set up practical training sessions,
including demonstration on the proper use and storage.
b. Each project must also identify members for a rescue team and ensure that
appropriate practical training is provided to the rescue team members on a pre-
determined frequency decided by the project.

5.9. All Other Situations

a. The objective is to provide fall protection for individuals whenever there is the
potential for an injury from falls. Situations not covered by the above guidelines
should be evaluated before issuing the work permit, for their fall potential and
fall protection procedures used where that risk or potential exists.

Note: Special consideration shall be made when there is a possibility of the

safety harness / lanyard becoming entangled with the rotating equipment (e.g.,
rotating shafts of pumps, moving equipment or vehicles).

5.10.Fall Protection Equipment

a. The following fall protection equipment are recommended for use at the project
site. Before using any other fall protection equipment, it must be approved by
the Client.
b. Requirements of, IS 3521:1999 Industrial Safety belts and Harnesses-
Specification
Project Management, India Rev No. 0 Page 21 of 25
 c. Lanyards - 1.2 meter, & 1.5 meter. "Y" Lanyard with Shock Absorber, Adjustable
"Y" Lanyard with Shock Absorber, Wire Rope "Y" Lanyard with Shock Absorber
d. Retractable Lanyards - 10 meter.
e. Additional protection such as high temperature or acid resistant fabric covering
should be placed over harnesses and lanyards that will be exposed to hazards
such as weld slag or acid which may have an effect on the integrity of the
equipment. If this protection is not available and the harness has evidence of
damage, then the harness must be taken out of service and destroyed. As with
any PPE the first measure of defense is to eliminate the hazard.

6. Management Systems
6.1. Management Records
a. Site Work permits and audit checklists records shall be retained for two years or
till the completion of the project, whichever is later.
b. Records to be maintained are as follows:
i) Periodic Inspections of full body harness with double lanyard for 6 months.
ii) Periodic Inspections of fall arresting devices for 6 months.
iii) Periodic Inspections of safety net for 6 months.
iv) Periodic Inspections of Man basket, Man lift, scissor lift’, Goods cum
passenger lift, Single/Twin Mast working Platform for 3 years.
v) Inspection records of various types of ladders for 6 months.
vi) Training of persons for working at height for two years

6.2. Audit Requirements

a. Each project site or region should audit compliance with this standard as part of
its HSE audit program.

6.3. Deviation Process

a. Deviations from this standard must be authorized by the Client Project Head /
Design Consultant for suitability and stability. Deviations must be documented.

6.4. Training and Communications Requirements

a. Each project site should provide training as appropriate to comply with this
standard.

Project Management, India Rev No. 0 Page 22 of 25

7. Fall Arrest System Checklist

S. Check Point Yes /

No. No
Anchorage Points
Do workers know appropriate anchorage points for each task that requires a
1
fall-arrest or restraint system?
Are all anchorage points capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds (2, 268
2
kilograms) per person attached?
Is the complete fall-arrest system rated at a safety factor of at least two and
3
supervised by a qualified person?
Are all anchorage points for body harnesses located at shoulder height and
4
are anchorage points for self-retracting lifeline systems located overhead?
5 Are anchorage points independent of the working surface?
Can a worker move from one station to another or climb up and down
6
without exposure to a fall?
If the lifeline, lanyard, or self-retracting lifeline is not permanently attached
to an anchorage point at the elevated work area, is the first worker up or
7
the last worker down protected while climbing and traversing?
Vertical Lifelines
Does the lifeline have a minimum breaking strength of 5,000 pounds (2,268
1
kilograms)?
2 Is the lifeline protected from abrasive or cutting edges?
Does the system provide fall protection as the worker connects to and
3
releases from the lifeline?
Is the lifeline arranged so workers never have to hold it for balance? (A
4
lifeline should never be used for balance.
Is the vertical segment integrated with the horizontal segment to provide
5
continuous fall protection?
Horizontal Lifelines
Has the entire horizontal lifeline system been designed and approved by a
1
qualified person?
Have the anchorages to which the lifeline is attached been designed and
2
evaluated specifically for a horizontal lifeline?
Has the designer of the system approved the number of workers who will be
3
using it?
4 Is the rope or cable free from signs of wear or abrasion?
5 Does the rope or cable have the required initial sag?
6 Have the workers been warned about potential falls?
7 Have the clearances been checked?
Is the hardware riding on the horizontal lifeline made of steel? (Aluminum is
8
not permitted because it wears excessively.)
Fall Arresters (Rope Grabs)
Is the fall arrester compatible with the lifeline on which it is to be installed or
1
operated?
2 Is the fall arrester in operational condition?
Is the fall arrester equipped with a changeover lever that allows it to
3
become a stationary anchor on the lifeline?
4 Is the fall arrester equipped with a locking mechanism that prevents
unintentional opening of the device and subsequent disengagement from

Project Management, India Rev No. 0 Page 23 of 25

 S. Check Point Yes /
No. No
the lifeline?
Is the fall arrester's “up” direction marked properly so the equipment can
5 be attached
to the line correctly?
6 Is the fall arrester included in a regular maintenance program?
Lanyards
Is the lanyard length as short as necessary and in no cases greater than 6
1
feet (1.8 meters)?
Are manually adjustable lanyards used when it is desirable to be able to
2
take slack out of the lanyard?
Does the lanyard have a shock-absorbing feature to limit the arresting
3
forces to 500 - 600 pounds (227-272 kilograms)?
If the lanyard has a shock absorber, is it obvious to the user that the shock
4
absorber has been deployed? (Is there a warning label, broken pouch, etc.?)
Have you prohibited tying of knots from the lanyard to the lifeline?
5
(Mechanical rope grabs or fall arresters must be used.)
6 Are double lanyards provided?
Retractable Lifeline (RL)
1 Are workers properly trained to use an RL?
2 Is the RL under a regular maintenance and inspection program?
Is the end of the cable properly spliced? (Thimble eye, Flemish eye-spliced,
3
and swaged fitting / ferrule?)
Snap Hooks
1 Have double-locking snap hooks been used?
Is the snap hook attached to the D-ring, eyebolt, or other hardware in a
2
manner approved by the manufacturer of the snap hook?
Are snap hooks inspected regularly for stress, wear, distortion, and spring
3
failure?
Are snap hooks arranged so they are never connected to each other? (They
4
should NOT be connected to each other.)
Body Harnesses
Are full-body harnesses selected for a particular job equipped with all
necessary attachment points (for fall arresting, work positioning, descent
1
control, rescue, or ladder fall-protection systems)?
Are body harnesses inspected regularly for wear, abrasion, broken
2
stitching, and missing hardware?
Are the hook and loop fasteners (Velcro® type of closure) prohibited from
3
all load-bearing connections?
Have workers been instructed in the use and care of body harnesses/body
4
belts?
Other Considerations
Has the free-fall distance been considered so that a worker will not strike a
1
lower surface or object before the fall is arrested?
2 Have pendulum-swing fall hazards been eliminated?
3 Have safe methods to retrieve fallen workers been planned?
Is all the fall-arrest equipment free of potential damage from welding,
4
chemical corrosion, or sandblasts?
5 Are all components of the system compatible according to the
Project Management, India Rev No. 0 Page 24 of 25
 S. Check Point Yes /
No. No
manufacturer's instructions?
Have employees been properly trained in the following issues?
– Manufacturer's recommendations, restrictions, instructions, and warnings
– Location of appropriate anchorage points and attachment 6 techniques
6 – Problems associated with elongation, deceleration distance, method of
use, inspection, and storage
7 Are all regular inspections performed by trained inspectors?
8 Are written reports maintained?

Project Management, India Rev No. 0 Page 25 of 25