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 for working at heights where there is a risk of falling. It applies to all personnel involved in tasks performed at elevated locations, including but not limited to roofs, platforms, and other elevated work surfaces. This procedure aims to minimize the risk of falls through the use of appropriate fall protection equipment, safe work practices, and hazard identification.

This SWP is applicable in various work environments where there is a potential for falls from height, including construction sites, maintenance operations, and any other areas where elevated work is performed.

This SWP should be used in conjunction with all relevant federal, state, and local regulations, as well as any site-specific safety plans or procedures.

2. Definitions

Fall Protection: A system designed to prevent workers from falling from an elevated position. This includes personal fall arrest systems, safety nets, guardrails, and other approved methods.

Fall Hazard: Any condition or situation that could lead to a worker falling from an elevated position.

Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS): An assembly of components connected together to arrest (stop) a fall. This typically includes an anchorage, connectors, a body harness, and a deceleration device.

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

Ensure that all workers are properly trained and competent in the use of fall protection equipment.
Conduct regular inspections of fall protection equipment to ensure it is in good working condition.
Enforce the use of fall protection equipment whenever workers are exposed to fall hazards.

3.2 Workers

Use fall protection equipment as required and in accordance with training and manufacturer's instructions.
Inspect fall protection equipment before each use and report any defects to the supervisor.
Participate in all required training programs and follow safe work practices.

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

Assist in the development and implementation of fall protection policies and procedures.
Conduct regular audits of fall protection practices to ensure compliance.
Investigate incidents involving falls or near-misses and recommend corrective actions.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Working at Heights	Serious injury or death from falls	Use personal fall arrest systems (PFAS), guardrails, or safety nets. [1]
Improper Use of Equipment	Equipment failure, leading to falls	Ensure proper training and inspection of all fall protection equipment. [1]
Unsecured Work Areas	Slips, trips, and falls from unprotected edges	Use barricades, warning lines, or other methods to secure work areas.
Environmental Conditions	Increased risk of slips and falls due to weather	Monitor weather conditions and postpone work if necessary. Provide slip-resistant surfaces.
Falling Objects	Injury to workers below	Use toe boards, screens, or debris nets to prevent objects from falling.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Proper PPE is essential to minimize the risk of injury when working at heights.

Hard Hat - Protects the head from falling objects and impacts.
Safety Glasses - Protects the eyes from dust, debris, and other hazards. Wear approved safety goggles [2].
Gloves - Protects hands from cuts, abrasions, and chemical exposure. Wear appropriate chemical resistant gloves [2].
Safety Boots - Provides slip resistance and protects feet from impacts and punctures.
Full Body Harness - Distributes fall arrest forces safely across the body. Ensure the harness fits properly and is in good condition.

Inspect all PPE before each use for signs of damage or wear. Replace any damaged or defective items immediately. Clean and store PPE properly after use.

6. Equipment and Tools

Using the right equipment and tools is crucial for safe work at heights.

Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS) - Includes a full body harness, lanyard, and anchorage connector. Ensure the system is properly rated for the job.
Guardrails - Provides a physical barrier to prevent falls from edges. Ensure guardrails are properly installed and meet height requirements.
Safety Nets - Used to catch workers in the event of a fall. Ensure nets are properly installed and inspected regularly.
Ladders - Used for accessing elevated work areas. Ensure ladders are in good condition and used properly.
Scaffolding - Provides a stable work platform at heights. Ensure scaffolding is erected by competent personnel and inspected regularly.

Inspect all equipment and tools before each use for signs of damage or wear. Remove any damaged or defective items from service. Follow manufacturer's instructions for proper use and maintenance.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

All workers must be trained and competent in the following areas:

Fall hazard recognition
Use and inspection of fall protection equipment
Proper ladder and scaffolding safety
Emergency procedures

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Before starting any work at heights, conduct a pre-job briefing to discuss:

Specific hazards associated with the task
Fall protection requirements
Safe work procedures
Emergency procedures
Roles and responsibilities

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Inspect the work area for potential hazards, such as slippery surfaces, unstable structures, or overhead obstructions.
Ensure adequate lighting is provided.
Establish a clear work zone and barricade the area to prevent unauthorized access.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Step 1: Hazard Assessment

Conduct a thorough hazard assessment of the work area to identify all potential fall hazards.
- Identify all elevated work surfaces.
- Assess the stability and integrity of the work surface.
- Evaluate environmental conditions, such as wind, rain, or ice.
Document the hazard assessment and implement appropriate control measures.

Safety considerations for this step: Ensure all hazards are identified and properly controlled before proceeding with the work.

Step 2: Equipment Inspection

Inspect all fall protection equipment before each use to ensure it is in good working condition.
- Check harnesses for tears, cuts, or other damage.
- Inspect lanyards and lifelines for fraying, kinks, or corrosion.
- Verify that all connectors and hardware are in good condition.
Remove any damaged or defective equipment from service.

Safety considerations for this step: Defective equipment can fail and lead to serious injury or death.

Step 3: Fall Protection Implementation

Implement the appropriate fall protection measures based on the hazard assessment.
- Use guardrails or safety nets whenever feasible.
- When guardrails or safety nets are not feasible, use a personal fall arrest system (PFAS).
- Ensure the PFAS is properly anchored to a suitable anchorage point.
Adjust the PFAS to ensure a proper fit and minimize free fall distance.

Safety considerations for this step: Improperly installed or adjusted fall protection can be ineffective in preventing falls.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

Weather Conditions: Do not work at heights during high winds, heavy rain, or icy conditions.
Housekeeping: Keep work areas clean and free of debris to prevent slips, trips, and falls.
Ladder Safety: Use ladders properly, maintaining three points of contact at all times.
Scaffolding Safety: Ensure scaffolding is erected by competent personnel and inspected regularly.
Communication: Maintain clear communication between workers at heights and those on the ground.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of a fall, immediately call for emergency medical assistance.
Do not move the injured worker unless there is an immediate danger.
Provide first aid as needed until medical personnel arrive.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

Suspension Trauma: If a worker is suspended in a harness after a fall, implement suspension trauma rescue procedures.
Equipment Failure: If fall protection equipment fails, immediately evacuate the area and report the incident.
Environmental Emergency: In the event of a sudden weather change, immediately secure the work area and seek shelter.

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

Emergency Medical Services: 911
[Company Safety Officer]: [PHONE NUMBER]
[Local Hospital]: [PHONE NUMBER]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

Report all incidents, near-misses, and hazards to the supervisor immediately.

Conduct a thorough investigation of all reported incidents to determine the root cause and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

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