Fall Protection During Elevator Maintenance and Repair

Assessment Date: [DATE]

Assessor: [ASSESSOR NAME]

Department/Area: [DEPARTMENT/AREA]

Review Date: [REVIEW DATE]

1. Assessment Scope

This risk assessment covers fall protection safety measures for elevator mechanics during elevator maintenance and repair activities. It includes identifying potential fall hazards and implementing preventative controls to minimize the risk of falls.

2. Risk Assessment Methodology

This risk assessment uses a 5x5 risk matrix to determine risk ratings based on likelihood and severity. Control measures are implemented following the hierarchy of controls (Elimination, Substitution, Engineering, Administrative, PPE) to reduce risk to acceptable levels.

3. Risk Matrix Reference

The following matrix is used to evaluate risk levels based on likelihood and severity:

		Likelihood
Rare	Unlikely	Possible	Likely	Almost Certain
Severity	Catastrophic	Low	Low	Medium	Medium	High
Major	Low	Medium	Medium	High	Extreme
Moderate	Medium	Medium	High	Extreme	Extreme
Minor	Medium	High	Extreme	Extreme	Extreme
Negligible	High	High	Extreme	Extreme	Extreme

4. Hazard Identification and Risk Evaluation

1. Working at height without adequate fall protection

Potential Consequences: Serious injury or death from a fall

Affected Persons: Elevator mechanics

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Likely	Major	High

Control Measures

• Use a full-body harness with a self-retracting lifeline (SRL) when working at height.
• Ensure the anchor point is rated for the intended load and is properly installed.
• Inspect the SRL before each use for any signs of damage or wear.
• Provide training on the proper use and inspection of SRLs.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Major	Medium

2. Unstable work platforms

Potential Consequences: Falls due to platform collapse or instability

Affected Persons: Elevator mechanics

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Moderate	Medium

Control Measures

• Use scaffolding or aerial lifts to provide a stable work platform.
• Ensure the scaffolding or aerial lift is properly inspected and maintained.
• Follow manufacturer's instructions for the safe use of scaffolding and aerial lifts.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Rare	Moderate	Low

3. Open elevator shafts or platforms

Potential Consequences: Falls into the shaft or onto lower levels

Affected Persons: Elevator mechanics

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Major	Medium

Control Measures

• Install guardrails around open elevator shafts or platforms.
• Use safety nets to catch falling objects or workers.
• Ensure all openings are clearly marked and barricaded.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Rare	Major	Low

4. Falling objects

Potential Consequences: Injury from falling tools or materials

Affected Persons: Elevator mechanics

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Likely	Moderate	Medium

Control Measures

• Use tool lanyards to prevent tools from falling.
• Secure materials and equipment to prevent them from falling.
• Implement a housekeeping program to keep work areas clear of debris.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Moderate	Low

5. Improper ladder use

Potential Consequences: Falls from ladders due to improper use or ladder failure

Affected Persons: Elevator mechanics

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Moderate	Medium

Control Measures

• Provide training on ladder safety and proper climbing techniques.
• Use ladders that are in good condition and appropriate for the task.
• Secure ladders to prevent them from slipping or falling.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Rare	Moderate	Low

5. General Control Measures

• Conduct regular inspections of all fall protection equipment to ensure it is in good working condition.
• Ensure all workers are properly trained on the use of fall protection equipment and safe work practices.
• Implement a buddy system to provide additional oversight and support for workers at height.

6. Emergency Preparedness

• Ensure emergency contact information is readily available and accessible to all personnel.
• Establish a clear communication system for emergency situations, including procedures for alerting emergency services.
• Maintain a fully stocked first-aid kit on-site and ensure personnel are trained in first-aid procedures.

7. Training Requirements

• Fall Protection Equipment Training: Training should cover the proper selection, inspection, use, and maintenance of fall protection equipment.
• Safe Work Practices Training: Training should cover safe work practices for working at height, including ladder safety, scaffolding safety, and aerial lift safety.
• Emergency Response Training: Training should cover emergency procedures in case of a fall, including rescue techniques and first aid.

8. Monitoring and Review

Review Frequency: Annually, or after any incident

Monitoring Type	Frequency	Responsible Party	Description
Regular Inspection	Weekly	Safety Officer	Regularly inspect all fall protection equipment for damage or wear.
Audit	Monthly	Safety Manager	Conduct periodic audits of work practices to ensure compliance with fall protection procedures.
Performance Indicator	Quarterly	Safety Committee	Review incident reports to identify trends and areas for improvement in fall protection.

9. Special Circumstances

• Weather conditions such as rain, snow, or high winds can increase the risk of falls.
• Working at night or in poorly lit areas can make it difficult to identify hazards.
• Working alone can increase the risk of falls due to the lack of immediate assistance in case of an accident.

Approval and Sign-off

This risk assessment has been reviewed and approved by:

Assessor: _________________________ Date: __________

Manager/Supervisor: _________________________ Date: __________

Safety Representative: _________________________ Date: __________

This risk assessment must be reviewed annually, or after any incident or when significant changes occur.

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