Basics of Fall Protection Rules
With falls being one of the most common causes of workplace injuries and deaths, workers who work at heights must understand the basics of fall protection. Being proactive by implementing compliant methods of fall protection and fall prevention can save lives and prevent injuries. Consequently, it is important to be aware of basic fall protection rules and facts. Here are some basic fall protection facts to consider. (1) Identify Fall Hazards Falls occur due to various reasons including losing balance, tripping, losing a grip on support, stepping backward, strong winds or dangerous weather, stepping into a hole, support moving or breaking, and irregular or damaged work surfaces. Employers can be proactive in reducing workplace injuries and deaths by identifying and eliminating fall hazards and installing fall protection systems. Further, employers can educate workers to follow safe practices, properly use equipment, and be proactive and aware of fall hazards. (2) Utilize Fall Protection Systems Three categories of fall protection systems include fall prevention, fall restraint, and Fall arrest. Fall Prevention A fall prevention system aims to prevent falls from occurring by using guardrails and barriers. Consider guardrail systems such as non-penetrating guardrail systems, permanent rail systems, and customized guardrail solutions. Barrier considerations include industrial safety gates, skylights, and warning lines. Fall Restraint A fall restraint system stops workers from falling by using a tether that restrains a worker’s range of motion. The worker is not allowed to move far enough to reach a leading edge. Fall Arrest A general fall arrest system is a net or cushion system beneath a working area. A personal fall arrest system is composed of an anchorage connector, body wear, and connecting device. Such a system allows a worker to fall a short distance before stopping their fall. (3) Comply with OSHA Guidelines OSHA provides information about how to protect workers from falls, such as using guardrails, safety gates, personal fall protection systems,mobile work platforms, Aluminum mobile scaffolds, adopting safe work practices, and providing appropriate training. In some situations, protection is provided by “limiting the number of workers exposed” to falls by using warning lines, designated areas, and control zones. Further, OSHA guidelines include the following fall safety practices: Protection is required for workers in construction sites when working above six feet above a lower level and for workers in the general industry when working above four feet above a lower level. Fall protection systems are required to prevent workers from falling into or onto hazardous machines or other equipment regardless of the fall distance. Providing workplace conditions free from known dangers and establishing fall protection systems before work begins. Providing personal protective equipment to workers at no cost to them. Training workers about workplace hazards in a language that they can understand. As you prepare for or review your fall protection program, keep these basic fall protection regulations in mind. While the employer is responsible for ensuring a safe work environment, every worker should make it a priority to become knowledgeable about general fall protection rules. Effective fall protection has two facets: human and equipment. Both make important contributions to worker safety. Fall Protection Equipment Every job site where workers are at heights exceeding six feet should have fall protection equipment in place to prevent falls of any kind. Guardrails must be 42” above walking level, while safety gates must be installed on all openings of approach ued for entry or exit of any working surface, Personal fall arrest systems are used to stop a worker who is falling from a working level. Some of the most important rules to note include: Worker must not free fall more than six feet and must not contact any lower level The system must bring worker to a complete stop The system must be inspected before every use for wear, damage, or deterioration Body belts (safety belts) are prohibited for use as part of a fall arrest system Every worker should have a solid understanding of how personal fall protection devices work. Devices like safety harnesses, lanyards, and lifelines can only work if they are used correctly. Human Role in Fall Protection In terms of the human aspect, workers must be vigilant when working at heights. Workers must be aware of their surroundings and immediately bring any concerns to the attention of a site supervisor. Potential hazards requiring fall protection include: Hoist areas Unguarded holes Ramps, runways, or walkways Excavations Dangerous equipment Wall openings Workers who communicate effectively about their work environment and collaborate to mitigate hazards will lower their risk for falls and height-related incidents.Employer and Employee Responsibilities for Fall Safety Employers must provide training to all employees who work at heights. Employees must take responsibility for participating fully in this training and be sure to ask questions to clarify rules and safety guidelines. Fall protection is a key part of workplace safety, and it’s a team effort. Don’t make the mistake of placing the responsibility solely on your employer—take your safety into your own hands by becoming knowledgeable about OSHA’s fall protection standards, understanding how to safely use fall protection devices, and maintaining awareness of your surroundings at all times.
Are Fall Protection and Fall Prevention Similar?
Fall prevention and Fall protection considerations are important in manufacturing industry and construction sites because falls, slips and trips are among the most common causes of work injuries and fatalities. We often use these phrases involving key words “protect” or “prevent” interchangeably. According to a dictionary, protect means “to defend or guard; to keep safe from harm or injury” while prevent means “to keep from occurring; avert, hinder.” What Does OSHA say? OSHA(Occupational Safety and Health Administration) says that 1) To prevent workers from being injured due to falls in general industry, employers must commit to No matter the height, if it is possible for any worker to fall into or onto dangerous areas, employers’ erect guardrails and toe boards to prevent falls and injuries Provide a guard rail and toe board surrounding elevated open sided platforms, floors or runways or a floor hole cover to guard floor holes into which workers could accidentally walk. 2) To protect workers: Employers have a responsibility to protect workers from exposure to serious injury or fatality while working at heights of four feet (general industry) and six feet (construction industry). Furthermore, OSHA requires that should a worker do work over dangerous equipment or machinery, the employer has a duty to provide fall protection. Providing other types of fall protection systems that may be necessary such as safety harness and line, safety gates, mobile work platforms, cross over platforms, stair railings and handrails. According to OSHA fall protection includes fall prevention, fall arrest systems, and measurements for assessing fall hazards and controls. Therefore, it is possible to think of fall protection as a global phrasing which includes fall prevention. What does fall prevention systems include? It includes systems such as (1) Guardrail Systems: Guardrail systems are passive fall protection systems used as a barrier to prevent workers from falling from a work edge to a lower level. Use these systems on various work surfaces such as rooftops, mezzanines, catwalks, etc. In addition, guardrails prevent workers from falling into holes or openings. (2) Safety Gates: Protecting the entrance of a ladderway is key to preventing falls in your facility. One way to do this is with metal swing gates that attach to the guardrail system used to protect the elevated surface the ladder leads to. Protecting personnel working above and working below a mezzanine must be protected without impeding the loading area. A mezzanine safety gate/pallet gate allows access to move materials and yet provide safe restriction to the loading area. Pallet gates open from the outside and allows pallets and other items to enter the mezzanine or platform with a forklift. (3) Barriers or Marking Systems: A hard or expandable barriers is also passive fall protection system. A warning line system includes a chain (rope or wire) and supporting stanchions is an alternative. Place the system around openings or edge of hazards to serve as a warning that workers are approaching a hazard. (4) Fall Restraint Systems: A fall restraint system is a form of active fall prevention system used to prevent falls. Fall restraint systems include using safety belts or full body harnesses which attach a worker to an anchor. Attach a line to an anchor and to the harness or safety belt so that the worker cannot fall off an edge. (5) Hole Covers: Another type of passive fall protection system is a hole cover. One type of hole cover is a skylight screen which provides a physical barrier to prevent workers or materials from falling through the skylight. Consequently, fall prevention includes steps taken to hinder an accidental fall. Employers need to eliminate or limit access to fall hazards and train workers. Fall prevention is an important element in fall protection. Fall Restraint A fall restraint system stops workers from falling by using a tether which restrains a worker’s range of motion. The worker is not allowed to move far enough to reach a leading edge. Fall Arrest Systems Another type of fall protection is fall arrest systems. Fall arrest systems protect a worker after a fall by stopping the fall before the worker hits the surface or hazard below. One type of fall arrest system is a full body harness connected by lanyards or lifelines to a secure anchor. Another type of fall arrest system is safety nets. Conclusion Finally, protecting workers from falls and preventing workers from falls go hand in hand. Whether the preference is to use fall prevention or fall protection, the overall important aspect is worker safety with fewer injuries and fatalities due to falls. We offer various fall protection products including guardrail systems, safety gates, skylights, Barriers, warning lines and keep workplaces safe during routine operation and maintenance.
