Safe Work Procedure for Personal Fall Protection Equipment (Safety Harnesses)

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 requirements for the correct use, inspection, and maintenance of personal fall protection equipment (PFPE), specifically safety harnesses. It applies to all workers who are required to use safety harnesses as part of their job duties to protect against fall hazards. This SWP aims to ensure compliance with safety regulations and prevent workplace injuries related to falls from heights. It covers the selection, inspection, donning, doffing, storage, and maintenance of safety harnesses. This procedure does not cover the use of safety belts in fall arrest situations.

2. Definitions

Anchorage A secure point of attachment for lifelines, lanyards, or deceleration devices. [5]

Body Harness Straps which may be secured about the employee in a manner that will distribute the fall arrest forces over at least the thighs, pelvis, waist, chest and shoulders with means for attaching it to other components of a personal fall arrest system. [5]

Lanyard A flexible line of rope, wire rope, or strap that generally has a connector at each end for connecting the body belt or body harness to a deceleration device, lifeline, or anchorage. [8]

Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS) A system used to arrest an employee in a fall from a working level. It consists of an anchorage, connectors, a body belt or body harness and may include a lanyard, deceleration device, lifeline, or suitable combinations of these. [4]

Competent Person A person who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in any personal fall protection system or any component of it, as well as in their application and uses with related equipment, and who has authorization to take prompt, corrective action to eliminate the identified hazards. [3]

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

• Ensure that all workers who are required to use safety harnesses have received adequate training on the proper use, inspection, and maintenance of the equipment.
• Enforce the correct use of safety harnesses and other fall protection equipment in accordance with this SWP and relevant safety regulations.
• Conduct regular inspections of safety harnesses and related equipment to ensure they are in good working condition.
• Ensure a written fall protection plan is in place prior to using a personal fall protection system for work with a potential fall hazard of 7.5 m (25 ft.) or more.

3.2 Workers

• Use safety harnesses and other fall protection equipment in accordance with this SWP and training provided.
• Inspect safety harnesses and related equipment before each use and report any defects or damage to the supervisor immediately.
• Participate in training programs on the proper use, inspection, and maintenance of safety harnesses.
• Follow all safety procedures and guidelines related to working at heights.

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

• Assist in the development and implementation of this SWP.
• Participate in regular safety inspections to identify potential fall hazards and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
• Provide guidance and support to workers on matters related to fall protection.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

The following personal protective equipment (PPE) is required when using safety harnesses:

• Full Body Harness: A full body harness that meets CSA Standard Z259.10 is required for all fall arrest applications. Ensure the harness fits snugly, but still allows freedom of movement. [2]
• Lanyard: A lanyard with a personal shock absorber that meets the requirements of CSA Z259.11 is required to connect the full body harness to an anchorage. Keep lanyards as short as possible to reduce the potential fall distance. [2] [2]
• Hard Hat: A hard hat that meets ANSI Z89.1 standards must be worn to protect against head injuries from falling objects.
• Safety Glasses: Safety glasses that meet ANSI Z87.1 standards must be worn to protect against eye injuries from dust, debris, or other hazards.

Inspect PPE before each use for any signs of damage or wear. Clean and store PPE according to manufacturer's instructions.

6. Equipment and Tools

The following equipment and tools are required for the safe use of personal fall protection equipment:

• Inspection Checklist: A checklist to record harness and lanyard inspections.
• Rescue Plan: A documented rescue plan for prompt retrieval of a suspended worker.

Inspect all equipment and tools before each use. Remove any damaged or defective equipment from service.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

Training and Competency: All workers who are required to use safety harnesses must receive adequate training on the following topics:

• Proper selection of safety harnesses
• Correct fitting and adjustment of safety harnesses
• Pre-use inspection procedures
• Safe use of safety harnesses, including connection to appropriate anchorages
• Maintenance and storage of safety harnesses
• Emergency procedures in the event of a fall
• Relevant safety regulations and standards

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Pre-Job Briefing: Before commencing any work at height, conduct a pre-job briefing to discuss the following:

• Specific fall hazards associated with the task
• Fall protection measures to be implemented
• Correct use of safety harnesses and other fall protection equipment
• Emergency procedures
• Communication methods

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Work Area Preparation: Before commencing work, ensure the work area is properly prepared by:

• Identifying and securing all fall hazards, such as openings and edges
• Ensuring adequate lighting is provided
• Providing a clear and unobstructed work area
• Inspecting anchor points to ensure they are capable of supporting the required load (5,000 lbs).

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

1. Pre-Use Inspection: Before each use, inspect the safety harness for any signs of damage, wear, or defects. [1]
   • Check the webbing for frayed, cracked, cut, burned, or damaged areas.
   • Check the D-rings for bent, cracked, nicked, or gouged rings.
   • Inspect the manufacturer's label for legibility and required information.
   • Ensure buckles and other hardware are in good working order.
2. Donning the Harness: Put on the full body harness according to the manufacturer's instructions. [2]
   • Ensure all straps are properly adjusted for a snug and secure fit.
   • Tuck in all loose straps to prevent snagging or tripping hazards.
3. Connecting the Lanyard: Connect the lanyard to the D-ring on the harness designed for fall arrest. [2]
   • Ensure the lanyard is compatible with the harness and anchorage point.
   • Use a locking snap hook to secure the lanyard to the anchorage point.
4. Anchorage Selection: Select an appropriate anchorage point that is capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds per attached worker. [6]
   • Ensure the anchorage point is free from obstructions and sharp edges.
   • The anchor point shall always be positioned, and the work carried out in such a way considering the maximum allowable deceleration distance.
5. Working at Height: Maintain three points of contact when climbing or working at height.
   • Avoid sudden movements or actions that could increase the risk of a fall.
   • Be aware of your surroundings and potential hazards.
6. Post-Use Inspection: After each use, inspect the safety harness and lanyard for any signs of damage or wear.
   • Clean the harness with a mild soap and water solution, if necessary.
   • Store the harness in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and chemicals.
7. Harness Removal: Remove the harness by unbuckling the straps in reverse order of donning.
   • Ensure you are in a safe location before removing the harness.
   • Store the harness properly to prevent damage or contamination.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

• Never alter or modify safety harnesses or lanyards. - Any alteration or modification to the harness or lanyard will void the manufacturer's warranty and may compromise its integrity.
• Do not use safety harnesses for purposes other than fall protection. - Safety harnesses are designed specifically for fall protection and should not be used for lifting or hoisting materials.
• Replace safety harnesses and lanyards after a fall, even if there is no visible damage. - The impact of a fall can weaken the harness and lanyard, making them unsafe for future use.
• Ensure compatibility of all components in the fall protection system. - All components, including the harness, lanyard, and anchorage connector, must be compatible and meet the relevant safety standards.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of a fall, immediately activate the emergency response plan.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

• Worker suspended after a fall: 1. Immediately call for emergency medical assistance. 2. If trained and authorized, initiate rescue procedures to retrieve the suspended worker as quickly as possible. 3. Provide first aid and monitor the worker's condition until medical assistance arrives.
• Harness or lanyard failure: 1. Immediately stop work and assess the situation. 2. Ensure all workers are safe and secure. 3. Remove the damaged equipment from service and replace it with a new one. 4. Investigate the cause of the equipment failure and take corrective action to prevent recurrence.

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

All incidents, including falls and near misses, must be reported to the supervisor immediately.

A thorough investigation must be conducted to determine the root cause of the incident and identify corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION]

Date: [APPROVAL DATE]

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