Fall Protection

Bureau of Workers’ Compensation

PA Training for Health & Safety
(PATHS)
OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M
(1926.500-503)

OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Subparts D, F, I

(1910.23, 66, 67, 132)

PPT-012-03 1
 Importance of Fall Protection

o Each year approximately 14%

of fatal workplace injuries are

caused by falls (source = U.S.

Dept. of Labor).

o In construction, approximately

150-200 workers are killed

annually due to falls (source
= OSHA).
PPT-012-03 2
Fall Protection Requirements

General Industry (OSHA 1910) – must have in

place if working at or above four (4) feet

Maritime (OSHA 1915) – must have in place if

working at or above five (5) feet

Construction (OSHA 1926) – must have in place

if working at or above six (6) feet

PPT-012-03 3
 Determination

Employer should determine

if walking/working surfaces
have structural strength and Is this safe?
Definitely not!
integrity to support
employees safely.

Should verify employees

are allowed to work only
on surfaces having
strength and integrity.

PPT-012-03 4
 Competent Person

“One who is capable of identifying existing and

predictable hazards in the surroundings or
working conditions, which are unsanitary,
hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and
who has authorization to take prompt corrective
measures to eliminate them.”

PPT-012-03 5
 Qualified Person

“One who, by possession

of a recognized degree,
certificate, or professional
standing, or who by
extensive knowledge,
training, and experience,
has successfully
demonstrated ability to
solve or resolve problems
relating to the subject
matter, the work, or the
project.”

PPT-012-03 6
Factors Affecting Total Fall Distance

o Length of connecting means (i.e. lanyard

length, use of carabineers, snap hooks, etc.).
o Position and height of anchorage relative to
work platform/area (always keep above head
whenever possible).
o Position of attachment and “D-ring” slide on full
body harness.
o Deployment of shock absorber (max. 42”).
o Movement in lifeline.
o Initial position of worker before free fall occurs.

PPT-012-03 7
 Types of Fall Protection Systems

o Articulating manlifts provided with restraint

systems and full body harness to anchor point
below waist.
o Guardrails with toeboards.
o Personal fall arrest systems:
 Anchor points (rated at 5,000 lbs.)
 Connectors (self-locking snap hooks)
 Retractable lanyard
 Full body harness
 Restraint line-lanyard
 Shock absorbing lanyard
 Rope grabs

PPT-012-03 8
Types of Fall Protection Systems

Connectors (self-locking snap hooks)

Retractable lanyard

Full body harness

Restraint line-lanyard

Shock absorbing lanyard

Rope grabs

PPT-012-03 9
Types of Fall Protection Systems

o Engineered life lines.

o Warning lines.
o Safety nets.
o Safety monitor systems.

PPT-012-03 10
Recommended Locations for Fall Protection

o All flat and low sloped roof locations when

within 6’ of roof edge or for
repair/maintenance.

o All exterior and interior platforms, catwalks,

towers/antennas, etc.

o All exterior and interior ladders above 20 feet.

o All mezzanine and balcony edges.

PPT-012-03 11
Recommended Locations for Fall Protection

o All open excavations/pits.

o All tasks requiring use of manlifts.

o Scaffolding erection 10’ in height or greater.

o Tuck-pointing/chimney repair.

o Gymnasium: catwalks.

PPT-012-03 12
Personal Fall Arrest Systems

o Full body harness used.

o Should be inspected before each use by user
employee, looking for:

▪ Deteriorated areas
▪ Excessive wear
▪ Bent hooks/rings
▪ Evidence of impact/damage

PPT-012-03 13
Personal Fall Arrest Systems

o Connectors should be inspected to ensure they

are drop forged, pressed, or formed steel or
equivalent material.
o Connectors should have corrosion resistant
finish, and surfaces/edges should be smooth.
o D-rings and snap hooks should have minimum
tensile strength of 5,000 lbs. and should have
been proof tested to 3,600 lbs.
o Only shock absorbing or retractable lanyards
should be used (keeps impact forces to the
body at a minimum).

PPT-012-03 14
Personal Fall Arrest Systems

o Nylon rope or nylon straps with locking snap

hooks used for restraints.

o Ensure unintentional disengagement of snap

hooks cannot happen by either:
- Checking to see if snap hooks are correct size
for place they are to be connected, or
- Snap hooks are of the locking type.

PPT-012-03 15
Personal Fall Arrest Systems

o Snap hooks should not be engaged as follows:

▫ Directly to webbing, rope, wire rope,
▫ To each other,
▫ To D-ring that has another snap hook
attached,
▫ To a horizontal lifeline.
o Maximum free fall distance not to exceed 6
feet.
o Consideration should be given to total fall
distance.

PPT-012-03 16
Calculating Total Fall Distance

o Total length of shock absorbing lanyard &

o Height of person &
o Location distance of D-ring from work surface
or platform

• Always allow minimum of 6 feet clearance

above ground, equipment, etc., at end of fall
from fall arrest point!

PPT-012-03 17
Inspection of Fall Protection Systems

Inspect body harness before each use:

o Closely examine all nylon webbing for burn

marks, tears, wear points, etc.
o Ensure no torn, frayed, broken fibers, pulled
stitches, frayed edges anywhere on harness.
o Examine D-ring to ensure no pits, deterioration,
cracks, excessive wear.
o Ensure buckles not deformed/cracked and
operate correctly.

PPT-012-03 18
Inspection of Fall Protection Systems

Body harness before each use:

o Ensure all grommets (if present) secure and not

deformed from fall/abuse.
o Ensure harness has no additional punched
holes.
o Ensure all rivets tight and not deformed.
o Check tongue straps for excessive wear from
repeated buckling.

PPT-012-03 19
Inspection of Fall Protection Systems

Body harness:

o Annual inspection of harnesses should be

completed by competent person.
o Annual inspection should be documented.
o Harnesses should be stored hanging in enclosed
cabinet to protect from damage.
o Harnesses involved in fall should be destroyed.

PPT-012-03 20
Inspection of Fall Protection Systems

Lanyards/shock absorbing lanyards before each

use:

o Check lanyard material for burns, cuts, rips,

abrasions, kinks, knots, broken stitches,
excessive wear.
o Ensure snaphooks are not distorted.
o Check carabineer for excessive wear, distortion,
lock operation.
o Ensure all locking mechanisms seat & lock
properly.

PPT-012-03 21
Inspection of Fall Protection Systems

Lanyards/shock absorbing lanyards before each

use:

o Once locked, locking mechanism should prevent

hook from opening.
o Visually inspect shock absorber for signs of
damage.
o Ensure points where lanyard attaches to
snaphooks are free of defects.

PPT-012-03 22
Inspection of Fall Protection Systems

Lanyards/shock absorbing lanyards:

o Should be inspected annually by competent

person.
o Annual inspection should be documented.
o Store lanyards/shock absorbing lanyards
hanging in enclosed cabinet to prevent
damage.
o Destroy all lanyards/shock absorbing lanyards
involved in a fall.

PPT-012-03 23
Inspection of Fall Protection Systems

Snaphooks before each use:

o Look for hook and eye distortions.
o Verify no cracks, eye distortions, pitted
surfaces.
o Ensure keeper latch not bent, distorted,
obstructed.
o Ensure keeper latch “seats” into “nose” without
binding.
o Ensure keeper spring securely closes keeper
latch.
o Test locking mechanism to verify working
properly.

PPT-012-03 24
Inspection of Fall Protection Systems

Self-retracting lanyards before each use:

o Visually inspect body to ensure no damage.

o Make sure all back nuts or rivets are tight.
o Make sure entire length of nylon strap free from
cuts, abrasions, burns, kinks, knots, etc.
o Test unit by pulling sharply on lanyard to verify
locking mechanism working properly.
o Return to manufacturer for annual inspection if
required by manufacturer.

PPT-012-03 25
Inspection of Fall Protection Systems

Self-retracting lanyards:

o Monthly inspection should be conducted by

competent person.

o Service per manufacturer’s recommendations.

o Inspect for proper function after every fall.

PPT-012-03 26
Inspection of Fall Protection Systems

Tie-off adapters/anchorages:

o Inspect for integrity and attachment to solid

surface.

o Annual inspection should be done by competent

person and documented.

o Destroy and replace after fall.

PPT-012-03 27
Inspection of Fall Protection Systems

Horizontal lifelines:

o Before each use for structural integrity of line

and anchors.

o Annual inspection by competent person and

documented.

PPT-012-03 28
Inspection of Fall Protection Systems

Guardrails:

o Temporary systems =
- Daily visual by competent person.
- Complete structural by competent person.
o Permanent systems =
- Annual inspection by competent person.
- Frequency of future inspections based on
conditions/controls present.

PPT-012-03 29
Storage and Maintenance

o Never store in bottom of tool box, on ground,

or outside exposed to elements.
o Hang equipment in cool, dry place in a way it
retains its shape.
o Always follow manufacturer’s recommendation
for inspection.
o Clean with mild, non-abrasive soap and hang
to dry.
o Never “force dry;” allow to air dry.
o Never use strong detergents for cleaning.

PPT-012-03 30
Storage and Maintenance

o Never store near excessive heat, chemicals,

moisture, or sunlight.
o Never store in area where exposure to fumes
or corrosive elements may exist.
o Avoid dirt and build-up on equipment.
o Never use equipment for any other purpose
other than personal fall arrest.
o Once exposed to fall, remove equipment from
service immediately.

PPT-012-03 31
 Engineered Lifeline

o Lifeline systems must be designed and approved

by an engineer or qualified person.
o Lifeline systems must be engineered to have:
― Appropriate anchorages
― Strength of line to hold X number of people
― Line strength to aid in arrest of fall
― Durability to hold fallen worker until
rescued

PPT-012-03 32
 Warning Line System
o Should be erected no less than 6 feet from edge of
roof.
o Use stationary posts made of wood, metal or
plastic.
o Should have wire or nylon rope and “caution flags”
strung from post to post; must withstand 16
pounds of force.
o Entire perimeter of roof where work being
performed must be guarded by warning line.

PPT-012-03 33
Floor & Wall Openings & Holes

Per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.23:

Stairway Opening:
o Must be guarded by standard railing containing
top rail, mid-rail, posts.
o Height 42” from upper surface of top rail to
floor/platform, etc.
o Top rail should be smooth-surfaced.
o Mid-rail should be halfway between top and
floor/platform, etc.
o Railing on all exposed sides except entrance to
stairway.

PPT-012-03 34
 Floor Openings & Holes

Ladder-way opening or platform:

o Must be guarded with standard railing and

toeboard.

o Guarded on all exposed sides except entrance

to opening.

o Entrance to have swinging gate or an offset to

prevent direct access.

PPT-012-03 35
 Floor Openings & Holes

Hatchway & chute opening guarded by one of the

following:
o Hinged floor opening cover of standard strength
with standard railings.
o Cover must be closed when not in use or
exposed side guarded with removable railings.
o Removable railing & toeboard on not more than
2 sides of opening.
o Fixed standard railings with toeboards on all
other exposed sides.

PPT-012-03 36
 Floor Openings & Holes

Skylight opening/hole:
o Must be guarded by standard skylight screen or
fixed standard railing on all exposed sides.

Pit and trapdoor opening (if infrequently used):

o Must be guarded by standard strength and
construction floor opening cover.
o When cover not in place: must be constantly
attended or protected on all exposed sides by
removable standard railings.

PPT-012-03 37
 Floor Openings & Holes

Manhole opening:
o Must be guarded by standard manhole cover.
o Cover does not need to be hinged in place.
o When cover not in place: manhole must be
constantly attended or must be protected by
removable standard railings.

Temporary floor opening:

o Must be guarded by standard railings or
constantly attended.

PPT-012-03 38
 Wall Openings & Holes

Wall opening with drop of more than 4 feet must

be guarded by one of the following:
→ Rail
→ Roller
→ Picket fence
→ Half door
→ Equivalent barrier
o If exposure below to falling materials must
have removable toeboard or equivalent.
o Grab handle must be provided on each side of
opening.

PPT-012-03 39
 Wall Openings & Holes

Chute openings with drop of 4 feet or more must

be guarded by one of the following:

→ Rail
→ Roller
→ Picket fence
→ Half door
→ Equivalent barrier

PPT-012-03 40
 Special Situations

Powered Platforms, Manlifts, Vehicle-

Mounted Work Platforms

o Employees on working platforms

shall be protected by a personal fall
arrest system.

o System must meet requirements of

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.66, Appendix C,
Section l.

PPT-012-03 41
 Special Situations

Vehicle Mounted Elevating & Rotating Work

Platforms

Body harness should be

worn and lanyard attached
to boom or basket when working
from an aerial lift.

PPT-012-03 42
Ramps, Runways, Other Walkways

o Employees must be protected from falling by

guardrail systems.

PPT-012-03 43
 Leading Edge

o Employees who are constructing leading edges,

working nearby, or working on a roof must be
protected against falls.

o Protection can be provided by:

- Guardrail systems
- Safety net systems
- Safety monitors
- Personal fall arrest system

PPT-012-03 44
 Flat Roof

o Flat roofs greater than 50 feet wide with work

performed 6 feet or greater from edge: warning
line & safety monitor system can be used.

o If roof flat and less than 50 feet wide:

competent person safety monitor may be used.

PPT-012-03 45
 Low Sloped Roof

o Employees engaged in roofing activities on low

sloped roof (i.e. slight pitch) with unprotected
sides must be protected from falling.
o Can be protected by any of the following:

• Guardrail systems, safety net systems, personal fall

arrest system,
• Combination warning line & guardrail system,
• Combination warning line & safety net system,
• Combination warning line & personal fall arrest,
• Combination warning line & safety monitor, or
• Safety monitor alone (roofs less than 50’ width only).

PPT-012-03 46
 Steep Roof

o Employees working on a steep roof must be

protected from falling.

o Can be protected by:

▫ Guardrail systems with toeboards,
▫ Safety net systems, or
▫ Personal fall arrest systems

PPT-012-03 47
Controlled Access Zones - Construction

o Work area designated and clearly marked in

which certain types of work (e.g. overhand
bricklaying) may take place without the use of
conventional fall protection systems.
o Used to keep out workers other than those
authorized to enter work areas from which
guardrails have been removed.
o Where there are no guardrails, masons are the
only workers allowed in controlled access
zones.

PPT-012-03 48
Controlled Access Zones - Construction

o Controlled access zones, when created to limit

entrance to areas where leading edge work and
other operations are taking place, must be
defined by a control line or any other means
that restrict access.
o Control lines shall consist of ropes, wires, tapes
or equivalent materials, and supporting
stanchions, and each must be:
o Flagged or otherwise clearly marked at not
more than 6-foot intervals with high-visibility
material.

PPT-012-03 49
Controlled Access Zones - Construction

Control lines also must also:

o Be rigged and supported so that the lowest

point (including sag) is not less than 39” from
the walking/working surface &
o Highest point not more than 45” from
walking/working surface (or more than 50”
when overhand bricklaying operations are being
performed).

PPT-012-03 50
Controlled Access Zones - Construction

Control lines must also:

o Be strong enough to sustain stress of not less

than 200 pounds.
o Extend along the entire length of the
unprotected or leading edge and
o Shall be approximately parallel to the
unprotected or leading edge.
o Be connected on each side to a guardrail
system or wall.

PPT-012-03 51
Controlled Access Zones - Construction

o When control lines are used, they shall be

erected not less than 6’ or more than 25’ from
the unprotected or leading edge (except when
precast concrete members are being erected).

o In the latter case, the control line is to be

erected not less than 6’ or more than 60’ (or ½
the length of the member being erected,
whichever is less) from the leading edge.

PPT-012-03 52
 Excavations

o Employees should be protected from falling into

by:
→ Guardrail systems or
→ Fences or
→ Barricades

CAUTION
This excavation may be unprotected!

PPT-012-03 53
 Training

o Employer must provide training to all affected

employees.
o Suggested topics:
 Overview of related OSHA regulations.
 Nature of fall hazards in workplace.
 Correct procedures for assembling, maintaining,
disassembling, and inspecting fall protection
equipment to be used.
 Use and operation of guardrail, personal fall
arrest, safety net, warning line, and safety
monitor systems as well as other protection used.

PPT-012-03 54
 Training

Suggested topics:
 Role of each employee in safety monitor
system when used.
 Limitations on use of mechanical equipment
during roof work on low sloped roofs.
 Correct procedures for handling and storing
materials and erection of overhead protection.
 Role of employees in fall protection plans
including rescue of a person who has fallen.
 Understanding and following all components
of the fall protection program.

PPT-012-03 55
 Training Record

o Employers should maintain written certification

training records for affected employees.
o Record should contain at least:

- Topic of training provided.

- Name or other identity of employee trained.
- Date(s) of training.
- Name (and signature recommended) of
instructor who provided training.

PPT-012-03 56
 Summary

o When employees
working above 4’ in
general industry, 5’ in
maritime, or 6’ in
construction: provide
fall protection.

o Fall protection should

be a priority: safe
actions save lives!

PPT-012-03 57
 Contact Information

Health & Safety Training Specialists

1171 South Cameron Street, Room 324
Harrisburg, PA 17104-2501
(717) 772-1635
[email protected]

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PPT-012-03 58
Questions

PPT-012-03 59