perform a risk assessment on fall protection over unenergized electrical gear

A risk assessment for fall protection over unenergized electrical gear must consider several factors to ensure worker safety. Here's a breakdown of potential hazards, risks, and control measures:

Hazards:

• Falls from height: Working at height near electrical gear always presents a fall hazard, whether from a platform, ladder, or other elevated surface [1].
• Falling objects: Tools or equipment dropped from above can injure workers below [2].
• Sharp edges and obstructions: Electrical equipment may have sharp edges or other protrusions that can cause cuts or puncture wounds during a fall.
• Swing fall: If the anchorage point is not directly overhead, a fall can result in a swing, potentially causing the worker to collide with nearby objects [3].
• Incorrect or damaged fall protection equipment: Using equipment that is not properly inspected, maintained, or suited for the task can increase the risk of injury 4, 14.

Risks:

• Severity: Falls can result in serious injuries, including fractures, head trauma, or even death.
• Likelihood: The likelihood of a fall depends on factors such as the height of the work, the stability of the working surface, weather conditions, and the worker's experience and training.

Control Measures:

1. Elimination/Substitution:

   • If possible, perform the work at ground level to eliminate the fall hazard altogether.
   • Use remote tools or extendable equipment to minimize the need to work at height.

2. Engineering Controls:

   • Install guardrail systems around the perimeter of elevated work surfaces [1].
   • Use scaffolding or aerial lifts to provide a stable and secure working platform.
   • Ensure that ladders are properly secured and extend at least 3 feet above the landing [1].

3. Administrative Controls:

   • Develop and implement a comprehensive fall protection plan that includes hazard identification, risk assessment, and control measures [4].
   • Provide thorough training to all workers on fall hazards, fall protection equipment, and safe work practices [1].
   • Implement a permit system for work at height to ensure that all necessary precautions are taken.
   • Conduct regular safety meetings to discuss fall hazards and reinforce safe work practices.
   • Establish a designated drop zone and use handlines or containers to raise and lower tools and materials [5].

4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

   • Provide and require the use of appropriate fall arrest systems, including full-body harnesses, lanyards, and self-retracting lifelines 7, 4.
   • Ensure that all fall protection equipment is properly inspected before each use [6].
   • Use tool lanyards to prevent dropped objects from striking workers below [2].
   • Workers must wear nonconductive head protection wherever there is a danger of head injury [7].

Monitoring and Review:

• Regularly inspect all fall protection equipment and systems to ensure they are in good working order [6].
• Conduct periodic audits of work practices to ensure compliance with the fall protection plan.
• Review the fall protection plan after any incident or near miss to identify areas for improvement.

Specific Recommendations:

• Verify De-energization: Even if the electrical gear is believed to be unenergized, follow lockout/tagout procedures to ensure it is completely de-energized before starting work [8].
• Clearance: Ensure sufficient clearance around the electrical gear to allow for safe movement and prevent accidental contact with other objects.
• Rescue Plan: Develop a rescue plan in case of a fall, including the availability of trained rescue personnel and appropriate rescue equipment 10, 14.
• Weather Conditions: Do not perform work at height in adverse weather conditions such as high winds, rain, or snow.

By implementing these control measures and following safe work practices, employers can significantly reduce the risk of falls and protect workers from injury when working near unenergized electrical gear.