Safe Work Procedure: Working at Heights

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

1. Scope

This procedure covers all activities involving working at heights where there is a risk of falling 3 meters or more, or where there is an unusual possibility of injury from a fall. It applies to all employees, contractors, and visitors who may be required to work at heights in any work environment.

This procedure should be used in conjunction with the Fall Protection Plan and any other relevant safety procedures and regulations.

2. Definitions

Fall Protection System
A system designed to protect workers from falling from a height, including guardrails, safety nets, and personal fall arrest systems.

Work Positioning System
A system that allows a worker to be supported on an elevated vertical surface, such as a wall, and work with both hands free.

Personal Fall Arrest System
A system used to arrest a worker in a fall from a working level, consisting of an anchorage, connectors, and a body harness.

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

Ensure all workers are trained and competent in working at heights.
Conduct hazard assessments and ensure appropriate fall protection systems are in place.
Monitor compliance with this procedure and take corrective actions as necessary.

3.2 Workers

Attend all required training sessions and follow safe work procedures.
Use fall protection systems as required and inspect them before use.
Report any hazards or incidents to the supervisor immediately.

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

Participate in the development and review of the fall protection plan.
Conduct regular inspections of work areas where work at heights is performed.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Falling from height	Serious injury or death	Use of guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems
Equipment failure	Injury due to fall	Regular inspection and maintenance of fall protection equipment
Weather conditions	Slips, trips, and falls	Suspend work during adverse weather conditions

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Proper PPE is essential for safety when working at heights.

Full Body Harness - Must meet CSA Standard Z259.10-18 and be used with a personal fall arrest system .
Lanyard - Must be approved to CSA Standard Z259.11-17 and inspected before use .
Hard Hat - To protect against falling objects.
Non-slip Footwear - To prevent slips and falls.

Inspect PPE before each use and maintain according to manufacturer’s instructions.

6. Equipment and Tools

Use appropriate equipment and tools for working at heights.

Guardrails - Installed at the edge of work areas to prevent falls .
Safety Nets - Used where guardrails are not feasible .
Anchorage Points - Must be capable of supporting the intended load .

Inspect equipment before use and maintain according to manufacturer’s instructions.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

Workers must be trained in the use, maintenance, and inspection of fall protection systems by a competent person .

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Conduct a briefing to discuss the work plan, potential hazards, and emergency procedures.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Ensure the work area is free of hazards and that all fall protection systems are in place and functional.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Step 1: Hazard Assessment

Conduct a thorough hazard assessment of the work area.

Identify potential fall hazards.
Determine the appropriate fall protection system.
Document findings and communicate to all workers.

Step 2: Equipment Setup

Set up fall protection equipment according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Install guardrails or safety nets as needed.
Ensure all anchorage points are secure.
Inspect all equipment before use.

Step 3: Work Execution

Perform work at heights safely.

Use fall protection systems at all times.
Maintain three points of contact when climbing.
Avoid working alone; ensure a safety monitor is present if required.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

Use of PPE - Always wear appropriate PPE when working at heights.
Weather Conditions - Do not work at heights during adverse weather conditions.
Equipment Inspection - Inspect all fall protection equipment before use.
Communication - Maintain clear communication with team members.
Emergency Preparedness - Be prepared to execute emergency procedures if necessary.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of a fall, initiate emergency response procedures immediately.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

Fall Arrest - If a fall is arrested, initiate rescue procedures immediately.
Injury - Provide first aid and call emergency services if necessary.

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

[List of emergency contacts and their phone numbers]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

Report all incidents, near-misses, and hazards to the supervisor immediately. Conduct an investigation to determine the cause and implement corrective actions.

12. References and Related Documents

Occupational Health and Safety Code
General Regulation (N.B. Reg. 91-191)
Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations

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