Safe Work Procedure: Fall Protection

Document Number: [SWP-NUMBER] Revision Date: [DATE] Next Review Date: [NEXT REVIEW DATE] Department: [DEPARTMENT NAME]

1. Scope

This Safe Work Procedure (SWP) outlines the necessary safety measures and guidelines to protect workers from fall hazards in various work environments. It applies to all tasks and activities where there is a risk of falling [3] metres or more, or less than [3] metres if there is an unusual possibility of injury [1]. This SWP covers the use of various fall protection systems, including guardrails, travel restraint systems, and personal fall arrest systems [1].

2. Definitions

Fall Hazard: Any condition or situation that could lead to a worker falling from a height [2].

Fall Protection System: Equipment and procedures used to prevent workers from falling or to minimize the severity of a fall [1].

Guardrail: A barrier erected to prevent workers from falling to lower levels [1].

Travel Restraint System: A system that prevents a worker from reaching a fall hazard [1].

Personal Fall Arrest System: A system that stops a worker's fall after it has begun [1].

Control Zone: An area where specific procedures are followed in place of traditional fall protection equipment [3].

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

• Ensure workers are trained in the proper use of fall protection systems [2].
• Provide and maintain all necessary fall protection equipment [4].
• Conduct regular inspections of fall protection equipment and work areas [5].
• Develop and implement a fall protection plan where required 1, 7.
• Ensure the fall protection plan is available at the work site and reviewed with workers before work begins [2].

3.2 Workers

• Use fall protection equipment as required by the employer and this SWP [1].
• Inspect fall protection equipment before each use [5].
• Report any damaged or defective fall protection equipment to the supervisor immediately [5].
• Follow all safe work procedures and instructions related to fall protection [2].
• Participate in training programs related to fall protection [2].

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

• Assist in the development and implementation of fall protection procedures [6].
• Participate in regular inspections of fall protection equipment and work areas [5].
• Provide recommendations for improving fall protection measures [6].

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Working at heights	Serious injury or death from falls	Use appropriate fall protection systems (guardrails, travel restraint, personal fall arrest) [1]
Unprotected edges and openings	Falls to lower levels	Install guardrails or covers 7, 19
Slippery surfaces	Slips and falls	Use slip-resistant footwear, clear debris, and apply anti-slip coatings
Improper use of fall protection equipment	Failure of equipment, leading to injury	Provide training on proper use and inspection of equipment 1, 16
Falling objects	Injury to workers below	Use tool lanyards, secure materials, and establish exclusion zones [7]
Swing fall	Injury from striking objects during a fall	Calculate swing fall distance and minimize obstructions [2]
Inadequate anchor points	Failure of anchor point, leading to a fall	Ensure anchor points meet required strength and are properly inspected [8]

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Proper PPE must be worn at all times while performing work at heights to minimize the risk of injury [9].

• Hard Hat - Protects the head from falling objects and impact [10].
• Safety Glasses - Protects the eyes from dust, debris, and other hazards [10].
• Work Boots - Provides slip resistance and foot protection [10].
• Gloves - Protects hands from cuts, abrasions, and other hazards [10].
• Full Body Harness - Used as part of a personal fall arrest system to distribute fall forces 4, 15.

Inspect all PPE before each use for damage or wear. Replace any damaged or defective PPE immediately [5].

6. Equipment and Tools

Use the correct equipment and tools for the task to ensure safety and efficiency [9].

• Guardrails - Provide a physical barrier to prevent falls [1].
• Lanyards - Connect the harness to an anchor point [4].
• Self-Retracting Lifelines (SRL) - Provides a retractable lifeline for fall arrest [4].
• Anchor Points - Secure attachment points for fall protection systems [8].
• Safety Nets - Provides a safety net to catch workers in case of a fall [1].

Inspect all equipment and tools before each use for damage or defects. Remove any damaged or defective equipment from service [5].

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

Workers must be trained and competent in the use of fall protection systems before performing any work at heights 1, 17. Training must include:

• Review of Alberta legislation pertaining to fall protection [2].
• Understanding of what a fall protection plan is [2].
• Fall protection methods a worker is required to use at a work site [2].
• Identification of fall hazards [2].
• Assessment and selection of specific anchors that the worker may use [2].
• Instructions for the correct use of connecting hardware [2].
• Information about the effect of a fall on the human body, including maximum arresting force, the purpose of shock and energy absorbers, swing fall, and free fall [2].
• Pre-use inspection [2].
• Emergency response procedures to be used at the work site, if necessary [2].
• Practice in inspecting, fitting, adjusting and connecting fall protection systems and components, and emergency response procedures [2].

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

A pre-job briefing must be conducted before starting any work at heights. The briefing should cover:

• Identification of fall hazards [2].
• Review of the fall protection plan [2].
• Proper use of fall protection equipment [2].
• Emergency procedures [2].
• Any specific safety concerns related to the task [2].

7.3 Work Area Preparation

• Ensure the work area is clear of obstructions and debris [11].
• Inspect walking/working surfaces for integrity and strength [11].
• Establish control zones or warning lines where necessary 5, 12.
• Ensure adequate lighting is available [11].

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Step 1: Hazard Assessment

Conduct a thorough hazard assessment of the work area to identify all potential fall hazards 1, 2.

• Identify unprotected edges and openings [12].
• Assess the height of the work area [1].
• Evaluate surface conditions (slippery, uneven, etc.) [11].

Safety considerations: Ensure all workers are aware of the identified hazards [2].

Step 2: Selection of Fall Protection System

Select the appropriate fall protection system based on the hazard assessment 7, 13.

• Use guardrails where feasible [1].
• If guardrails are not feasible, use a travel restraint system [1].
• If a travel restraint system is not feasible, use a personal fall arrest system [1].

Safety considerations: Ensure the selected system meets all regulatory requirements and is appropriate for the task [4].

Step 3: Inspection of Equipment

Inspect all fall protection equipment before each use [5].

• Check harnesses for damage, wear, and proper fit [5].
• Inspect lanyards and self-retracting lifelines for cuts, abrasions, and proper function [5].
• Verify anchor points are secure and meet the required strength [8].

Safety considerations: Remove any damaged or defective equipment from service [5].

Step 4: Proper Use of Fall Protection

Use fall protection equipment according to the manufacturer's instructions and training 1, 15.

• Ensure the harness is properly fitted and adjusted [2].
• Connect the lanyard or SRL to a suitable anchor point [8].
• Maintain three points of contact when climbing ladders or structures [2].

Safety considerations: Avoid swing fall hazards and ensure adequate clearance distance below the work area [2].

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

• Maintain a clear work area: Keep the work area free of clutter and obstructions to prevent trips and falls [11].
• Use proper footwear: Wear slip-resistant footwear to improve traction [10].
• Avoid working in adverse weather conditions: Do not work at heights during high winds, storms, or other hazardous weather conditions [7].
• Secure tools and materials: Use tool lanyards and secure materials to prevent falling objects from striking workers below [7].
• Communicate effectively: Use clear communication signals and methods to coordinate work activities and warn others of potential hazards [2].

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of an emergency, follow these general procedures:

• Immediately assess the situation and ensure the safety of yourself and others [2].
• Activate the emergency alarm or notify the supervisor [2].
• Provide first aid if necessary [2].
• Evacuate the area if required [2].

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

• Worker Suspended After a Fall: Immediately initiate rescue procedures to retrieve the suspended worker. Ensure the worker receives prompt medical attention [2].
• Falling Object: Warn workers below and clear the area. Investigate the cause of the falling object and implement corrective actions [10].
• Equipment Failure: Stop work immediately and inspect the equipment. Remove the damaged equipment from service and replace it with a functioning alternative [5].

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

• Emergency Services: 911
• [Company Safety Department]: [PHONE NUMBER]
• [Project Supervisor]: [PHONE NUMBER]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

All incidents, near-misses, and hazards must be reported to the supervisor immediately [2].

• Conduct a thorough investigation to determine the root cause of the incident [2].
• Implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence [2].
• Document the incident and investigation findings [2].

12. References and Related Documents

• Occupational Health and Safety Code 1, 2, 3, 7, 12
• Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 4, 10, 13, 15
• General Regulation (N.B. Reg. 91-191) 5, 6, 16
• HIOSH Construction Standards: Occupational Safety and Health (12-8-3) 8, 17
• Rules for the Administration of the Oregon Safe Employment Act (General Occupational Safety and Health, Division 2, OSHA Oregon) [7]
• Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020 (Sask. Reg. 10/2020) 11, 14
• Safety and Health Regulations for Construction (OSHA) 18, 19, 20

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Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION] Date: [APPROVAL DATE]

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