[PRE TASK PLAN TITLE]

Project: [PROJECT NAME]

Date: 2026-06-25

Location: [LOCATION]

Supervisor: [SUPERVISOR NAME]

Task Overview

This pre-task plan covers planning, hazard identification, risk assessment, permit-to-work controls, equipment selection, supervision, rescue readiness, and safe execution of work at heights. The scope includes use of ladders, scaffolds, elevated work platforms, anchor points, personal fall protection systems, and dropped object prevention measures. The plan is intended to support compliance with applicable OSHA requirements and work-at-height regulations, and it emphasizes site-specific controls, trained personnel, and immediate rescue capability.

Expected Duration: Duration to be determined by site conditions and task complexity.

Number of Workers: Number of workers to be determined by the site supervisor based on the specific work scope and rescue requirements.

Required PPE and Equipment

Personal Protective Equipment

• Full Body Harness: Use a properly fitted full body harness that meets applicable fall protection requirements and is compatible with the selected lanyard, lifeline, or self-retracting device. Inspect before each use for cuts, fraying, broken stitching, damaged hardware, or signs of impact loading. The harness must be worn correctly and adjusted to maintain secure body support during fall arrest or restraint. [12]
  • Verify correct size and fit before work begins.
  • Remove from service after any fall arrest event or visible damage.
  • Ensure compatibility with anchor and connector hardware.
• Shock-Absorbing Lanyard or Self-Retracting Lifeline: Use a lanyard or self-retracting lifeline appropriate for the work position, fall distance, and anchor location. The device must limit arrest forces and prevent contact with lower levels or obstructions. Protect the line from sharp edges, heat, flame, and corrosive substances, and inspect all connectors and energy absorbers before use. [8]
  • Select the shortest practical connection to reduce free-fall distance.
  • Keep the device clear of sharp edges and moving equipment.
  • Replace any component that shows wear, deformation, or activation.
• Hard Hat with Chin Strap Where Required: Wear head protection suitable for overhead work and dropped object exposure. A chin strap should be used where there is a risk of the helmet dislodging during climbing, rescue, or windy conditions. The helmet must be in good condition and worn at all times in the work area. [2]
  • Select a helmet rated for the site hazards.
  • Inspect shell, suspension, and retention system before use.
  • Replace damaged or impact-absorbed helmets immediately.
• High-Visibility Apparel: Wear high-visibility clothing to improve worker visibility to equipment operators, rescuers, and other personnel. This is especially important where mobile equipment, hoisting operations, or multiple work groups are present. [2]
  • Use apparel that remains visible in the prevailing lighting conditions.
  • Keep garments clean and free of damage that reduces visibility.
  • Ensure visibility is maintained during rescue operations.
• Gloves and Safety Footwear: Wear gloves suitable for grip, abrasion resistance, and handling of fall protection hardware, ladders, scaffold components, and rescue equipment. Safety footwear should provide slip resistance, toe protection where required, and stable footing on ladders, scaffold platforms, and uneven access routes. [2]
  • Choose gloves that do not interfere with connector operation.
  • Use footwear with clean, slip-resistant soles.
  • Replace worn or damaged footwear that reduces traction.
• Eye Protection: Use eye protection when there is exposure to dust, debris, drilling, cutting, grinding, or falling particles. Eye protection should remain compatible with the hard hat and any other required PPE. [2]
  • Select lenses appropriate to the task and lighting.
  • Keep spare eye protection available for rescue or changing conditions.
  • Ensure a secure fit that does not interfere with other PPE.

Tools and Equipment

• Portable Ladder: Use only ladders that are suitable for the task, properly rated, and in good condition. Ladders must be inspected before use, set on stable footing, secured against movement, and used at the correct angle. Do not use damaged, improvised, or makeshift ladders, and do not overreach or carry loads that prevent three points of contact. [7] [13]
  • Confirm ladder type and duty rating are appropriate for the task.
  • Inspect feet, rungs, side rails, and locking devices before use.
  • Maintain three points of contact during ascent and descent.
• Scaffold System: Use scaffold systems erected, altered, and dismantled by competent personnel and inspected before use. Ensure the scaffold is stable, plumb, properly braced, and equipped with guardrails and toeboards where required. Do not overload platforms, and keep materials organized to prevent falling objects. [13] [13]
  • Verify footing, bracing, planking, and access before use.
  • Install guardrails and toeboards on open sides and ends.
  • Tag out and remove defective components immediately.
• Personal Fall Arrest System Components: Use a complete PFAS consisting of a harness, connector, and suitable anchor or lifeline. The system must be selected for the specific work location and configured to prevent contact with lower levels. All components must be inspected before each use and removed from service if damaged or defective. [12] [3]
  • Verify compatibility of all connectors and anchor hardware.
  • Ensure the system is installed by a qualified person where required.
  • Keep inspection records available on site.
• Tool Lanyards and Dropped Object Controls: Use tool lanyards, secured containers, toe boards, debris nets, or other suitable controls to prevent tools and materials from falling onto workers below. Small items should be tethered or stored in closed pouches, and work areas below should be barricaded where exposure exists. [11] [14]
  • Secure hand tools, fasteners, and small parts.
  • Do not carry loose items in a way that could cause dropping.
  • Establish exclusion zones below overhead work.
• Communication Devices: Provide radios, cell phones, headsets, or other reliable communication devices for routine coordination and emergency notification. A backup communication method must be available in case the primary system fails, and all workers must understand the communication protocol for initiating rescue. [4] [6]
  • Test devices before work begins.
  • Confirm coverage and battery life for the full shift.
  • Assign clear call-out and escalation responsibilities.

Hazard Analysis

Identified Hazards

Control Measures

• The permit should define the task, access method, fall protection system, rescue arrangements, exclusion zones, and authorization requirements. Review the plan with all workers before work begins and update it when conditions change.: Implement a site-specific permit-to-work and fall protection work plan before starting work at heights. [14] [8]
• Whenever practical, perform work from the ground, use guardrails or covers, and select engineering controls before personal fall arrest systems. Administrative controls and PPE should supplement, not replace, higher-level controls.: Use the hierarchy of controls to eliminate or reduce fall exposure before relying on PPE. [3] [10]
• Assign a competent person to verify condition, stability, and correct assembly. Do not use damaged equipment, and maintain inspection records where required.: Inspect ladders, scaffolds, fall protection equipment, and rescue gear before each use and remove defective items from service immediately. [3] [15]
• Use only anchor systems installed and used according to manufacturer instructions and applicable legislation. Where required, have the anchor system certified by an engineer or qualified person.: Evaluate and certify anchor points, lifelines, and connectors for strength, stability, and suitability for both work and rescue. [3] [6]
• Use toe boards, debris nets, tool lanyards, secured containers, and barricades to keep people out of the drop zone. Keep materials organized and do not stage loose items at edges.: Establish dropped object prevention controls and exclusion zones below overhead work. [14] [11]
• Do not rely solely on calling emergency services. Identify rescue roles, first aid support, access routes, backup communications, and the quickest route to medical care. Conduct drills and simulated rescues before the job starts.: Provide a written rescue plan with trained rescuers, rescue equipment, communication protocols, and rapid retrieval capability. [1] [6]
• Stop work during high winds, ice, storms, or other conditions that affect stability or rescue. Maintain clean, dry access routes and ensure uneven ground or obstructions are addressed before equipment is positioned.: Control weather, surface, and access conditions before and during work. [15] [2]

Emergency Procedures

Emergency Contact Information

• Site Emergency: Site emergency response channel or alarm system to be used immediately upon a fall, near miss, or other life-threatening event.
• First Aid: On-site first aid personnel or designated first aider available for immediate response and post-rescue care. [1]
• Supervisor: Immediate supervisor or designated competent person responsible for stopping work, initiating rescue, and coordinating the response. [6]

Emergency Response Steps

1. Stop work immediately, alert the supervisor, and initiate the site rescue protocol using the primary communication method and backup system if needed. [6]
2. Assess the scene for ongoing hazards such as energized lines, unstable structures, weather, falling objects, or conditions that could endanger rescuers. [1]
3. Deploy the trained rescue team and use the preplanned rescue method appropriate to the location, equipment, and condition of the worker. [3]
4. Provide first aid immediately after retrieval and arrange transport to the nearest hospital without delay if the worker is injured or requires medical evaluation. [9]
5. Secure the area, account for all personnel, preserve the scene for investigation, and remove defective equipment from service pending inspection. [9]

Evacuation Routes

Use the designated emergency exits and access routes identified for the roof, scaffold, platform, and ground-level work areas. Keep routes clear of materials, tools, and obstructions so rescuers and injured workers can move quickly to a safe area and transport point.

Move all non-essential personnel to the designated safe area or assembly point away from the drop zone, rescue path, and any unstable structure. Maintain accountability until the supervisor gives further instructions. [4] [9]

Required Permits and Certifications

• Site-specific permit to work / written fall protection work plan approved before work begins. [14]
• Competent-person or qualified-person authorization for scaffold erection, inspection, and use where applicable. [13]
• Working-at-heights and fall protection training for all exposed workers and designated rescuers. [6] [12]
• Rescue training, including drills and simulated rescues, first aid, and CPR for designated rescuers. [6] [6]

Additional Safety Considerations

• Conduct a final pre-job review immediately before work begins to confirm that conditions, hazards, and rescue arrangements remain valid. [2]
• Ensure all workers understand their right and responsibility to stop work and report unsafe conditions, defective equipment, or concerns about the rescue plan. [3] [12]
• Review and update the plan after changes to the worksite, task sequence, equipment, or after any fall, near miss, or rescue event. [4] [9]
• Ensure rescue equipment is immediately accessible, maintained, and suitable for the specific rescue method and site conditions. [3]

Pre-Task Plan Verification

By signing below, you acknowledge that you have reviewed and understand this pre-task safety plan:

Supervisor: _________________________ Date: __________

Safety Representative: _________________________ Date: __________

Workers:

1. Name: _________________________ Signature: _________________________ Date: __________
2. Name: _________________________ Signature: _________________________ Date: __________
3. Name: _________________________ Signature: _________________________ Date: __________

This pre-task plan must be reviewed and updated if conditions or scope of work changes.

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