FALL PROTECTION

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 INTRODUCTION

 Working at random elevations and

exposure to slip and trip hazards are
common situations when working in
construction.

 Between 1980 and 1992, over 50 people

were killed by falling from heights.

 Falls are generally the result of poor

work practices, poor conditions, or a
combination of both.

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 SAME LEVEL FALLS

Definition:
A slip or trip that occurs at the same level where you are
working, standing, etc., that does not result in falling to a
lower level.

Cause of same level falls:

 Poor housekeeping

 Trip hazards - loose materials, welding leads, etc. lying

across walkways, stairs or in congested areas
 Oil, grease, water or any liquids on the floor

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 LOWER LEVEL FALLS

Definition:
A fall in which you drop from one surface to a lower
surface or elevation.

Working at elevated areas:

 Roofs, Scaffolds, Ladders

Openings
 Floor Openings, Wall Openings, Ladderway Openings

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 FALL PREVENTION

Definition:
The installation of barriers to prevent a person from falling
to a lower level.

Types of Fall Prevention

 Guard Rails, Hole Covers, Perimeter Guards

Use of Fall Prevention

 Fall prevention should always be the first choice when
confronted with a fall exposure.

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 FALL PROTECTION
 Guard Rails
 Top rail
 Mid rail
 Toe boards

 Hole Covers
 Clearly marked
 Fastened down
 Able to support intended load

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 FALL PROTECTION

Definition:
A method of protecting a person should they
fall.

 When employees are working from an unprotected

elevation of 2m or more above the ground, fall
protection must be used.

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 FALL PROTECTION DEVICES

 Components
 Harness - the device which attaches to the person.
 Lanyard - the device which connects the harness to the
anchorage point.
 Lifeline or Retractable Device - the intermediate
attachment point which is used in some applications to
allow for greater range of vertical or horizontal movement.
 Lanyards must incorporate shock absorbers.
 Anchorage point must be designed to support load.

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 USE OF FALL PROTECTION

 Always secure above your head

 Attach lanyard to secure fixing point
 Inspect before use
 Use two lanyards when necessary

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 SUMMARY

 Falls are one of the most common causes of serious injuries and
fatalities.

 Poor housekeeping is the most common cause of same level falls.

 Fall prevention devices such as guard rails should always be the first
choice when confronted with a fall exposure. Only in situations
where it is not possible to use fall prevention devices, should fall
protection devices be relied upon as to sole means of fall prevention.

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 SUMMARY
 Lower level falls result from working in elevated area.

 Fall protection is a method of protecting a person should they fall, and is

required any time employees work from an unprotected elevation 2m or
more above the ground.

 Components of a fall protection system include the harness, the lanyard,

the anchorage point, and in some cases the intermediate attachment point.

 Fall protection devices should be inspected before each use. Damaged or

worn equipment, or equipment which has been exposed to a fall must be
taken out of service.

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