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 requirements for fall protection when working at heights of 6 feet (1.8 meters) or more above a lower level 1, 5, 6, 8. It applies to all employees, contractors, and visitors who may be exposed to fall hazards during construction activities. This procedure covers the use of various fall protection systems, including guardrail systems, safety net systems, and personal fall arrest systems 1, 5, 6, 8.

This SWP applies to all areas where employees are exposed to fall hazards, including but not limited to: unprotected sides and edges, leading edges, hoist areas, holes, formwork and reinforcing steel, ramps, runways, walkways, excavations, dangerous equipment, overhand bricklaying, low-slope roofs, steep roofs, precast concrete erection, residential construction, wall openings, and scaffolds 5, 6, 8.

Related procedures and documents that should be consulted in conjunction with this SWP include: [List any related procedures or documents].

2. Definitions

Competent Person: One who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them [1].

Fall Arrest System: A system used to arrest an employee in a fall from a working level. It consists of an anchorage, connectors, body harness and may include a lanyard, deceleration device, lifeline, or suitable combinations of these [2].

Guardrail System: A barrier erected to prevent employees from falling to lower levels 1, 5, 6, 8.

Personal Fall Arrest System: A system used to arrest an employee in a fall from a working level. It consists of an anchorage, connectors, a body harness, and may include a lanyard, deceleration device, lifeline, or suitable combinations of these [2].

Safety Net System: A system designed to catch falling employees or objects 1, 5, 6, 8.

Unprotected Sides and Edges: Any side or edge (except at entrances to points of access) of a walking/working surface, e.g., floor, roof, ramp, or runway where there is no wall or guardrail system at least 39 inches (1.0 m) high [3].

Walking/Working Surface: Any surface, whether horizontal or vertical on which an employee walks or works, including, but not limited to, floors, roofs, ramps, bridges, runways, formwork and concrete reinforcing steel but not including ladders, vehicles, or trailers, on which employees must be located in order to perform their job duties [3].

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

• Ensure that all employees are properly trained in the use of fall protection equipment and procedures 2, 4.
• Conduct regular inspections of fall protection equipment to ensure it is in good working condition [4].
• Enforce the requirements of this SWP and take corrective action when violations occur.

3.2 Workers

• Use fall protection equipment and systems as required by this SWP 1, 5, 6, 8.
• Inspect fall protection equipment before each use and report any defects to the supervisor [4].
• Follow all instructions and procedures related to fall protection.

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

• Assist in the development and implementation of this SWP.
• Conduct periodic audits to ensure compliance with this SWP.
• Investigate incidents and near-misses related to fall protection.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Working at heights	Falls resulting in serious injury or death	Use guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems 1, 5, 6, 8
Unprotected sides and edges	Falls resulting in serious injury or death	Install guardrail systems or use personal fall arrest systems [3]
Holes in walking/working surfaces	Falls resulting in serious injury or death	Cover holes or install guardrail systems around them 5, 19
Falling objects	Head injuries, other injuries	Use toeboards, screens, or guardrail systems to prevent objects from falling; erect a canopy structure; or barricade the area 1, 18
Improper use of fall protection equipment	Failure of equipment, leading to falls	Provide training on proper use and inspection of equipment; ensure equipment is properly fitted and maintained [4]

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Proper PPE is essential for protecting workers from fall hazards. All PPE must be inspected before each use to ensure it is in good working condition [4].

• Hard hat - Protects the head from falling objects 1, 18.
• Safety glasses - Protects the eyes from dust and debris.
• Gloves - Protects the hands from cuts and abrasions.
• Fall Protection Harness - Full body harness that distributes force over thighs, shoulders, and pelvis [2].
• Appropriate footwear - Provides slip resistance and foot protection.

Inspect all PPE before each use for signs of wear, damage, or deterioration. Replace any defective items immediately [4].

6. Equipment and Tools

Using the correct equipment and tools is crucial for preventing falls and ensuring worker safety.

• Guardrail systems - Provide a physical barrier to prevent falls from edges 1, 5, 6, 8.
• Safety nets - Catch falling workers or objects 1, 5, 6, 8.
• Personal fall arrest systems (PFAS) - Arrest a fall and minimize the impact force on the worker 1, 5, 6, 8.
• Lanyards - Connect the harness to an anchorage point 2, 4.
• Lifelines - Provide a vertical or horizontal line for connecting lanyards 2, 4.

Inspect all equipment and tools before each use for defects or damage. Remove any defective items from service [4].

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

All employees who work at heights must complete a fall protection training program that covers the following topics:

• Hazard identification and assessment.
• Selection, inspection, and use of fall protection equipment [4].
• Proper anchorage techniques.
• Emergency procedures and rescue plans [4].

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Before starting any work at height, conduct a pre-job briefing to discuss the following:

• Specific fall hazards present at the work site.
• Fall protection measures to be used 1, 5, 6, 8.
• Proper use of fall protection equipment [4].
• Emergency procedures and communication protocols [4].

7.3 Work Area Preparation

• Inspect the walking/working surface to ensure it has the strength and structural integrity to support employees safely 6, 19.
• Clear the work area of any obstructions or slip hazards.
• Establish a controlled access zone (CAZ) if necessary 5, 6, 8.
• Ensure that all necessary equipment and tools are readily available.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Step 1: Hazard Assessment

Conduct a thorough hazard assessment of the work area to identify potential fall hazards.

• Identify all locations where workers may be exposed to falls of 6 feet (1.8 meters) or more 1, 5, 6, 8.
• Evaluate the severity of potential injuries from a fall.
• Determine the appropriate fall protection measures to be used 1, 5, 6, 8.

Safety considerations: Ensure that the hazard assessment is conducted by a competent person 2, 4.

Step 2: Fall Protection System Selection

Select the appropriate fall protection system based on the hazard assessment.

• Use guardrail systems to protect workers from falls from edges and openings 1, 5, 6, 8.
• Use safety net systems to catch falling workers or objects 1, 5, 6, 8.
• Use personal fall arrest systems (PFAS) when other fall protection measures are not feasible 1, 5, 6, 8.

Safety considerations: Ensure that the selected fall protection system is appropriate for the specific work being performed and meets all applicable safety standards [5].

Step 3: Equipment Inspection and Donning

Inspect all fall protection equipment before each use and ensure it is properly donned.

• Inspect harnesses, lanyards, and lifelines for signs of wear, damage, or deterioration [4].
• Ensure that harnesses are properly fitted and adjusted.
• Connect lanyards to appropriate anchorage points 2, 4.

Safety considerations: Remove any defective equipment from service immediately [4].

Step 4: Performing Work

Perform work in a safe manner, following all established procedures and guidelines.

• Maintain three points of contact when climbing ladders or scaffolds.
• Avoid distractions and stay focused on the task at hand.
• Use tools and equipment in a safe and proper manner.

Safety considerations: Be aware of changing weather conditions and adjust work practices accordingly.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

• Maintain a clear work area: Keep the work area free of clutter and obstructions to prevent trips and falls.
• Use proper ladder safety: Ensure ladders are placed on a stable surface and extend at least 3 feet above the landing 3, 9.
• Avoid overreaching: Keep your body centered and avoid reaching too far, which can cause a loss of balance [6].
• Use caution near edges: Be extra cautious when working near unprotected edges or openings [3].
• Report hazards: Immediately report any potential fall hazards to the supervisor.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of an emergency, follow these general procedures:

• Immediately assess the situation and ensure the safety of yourself and others.
• Activate the emergency alarm system.
• Contact emergency services (911) and provide them with the location and nature of the emergency.
• Provide first aid to injured persons, if trained to do so.
• Evacuate the area if necessary.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

• Fall from height: Immediately call for emergency medical assistance. Do not move the injured person unless there is an immediate danger. Ensure prompt rescue of employees in the event of a fall [4].
• Falling objects: Warn others in the area and move to a safe location. Secure the area to prevent further incidents 1, 18.
• Equipment failure: Stop work immediately and tag out the defective equipment. Report the failure to the supervisor.

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

• Emergency Services: 911
• [Company Safety Officer]: [PHONE NUMBER]
• [Project Manager]: [PHONE NUMBER]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

All incidents, near-misses, and hazards must be reported to the supervisor immediately. An investigation will be conducted to determine the root cause of the incident and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

12. References and Related Documents

• 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M - Fall Protection 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8
• [Company Safety Manual]
• [Manufacturer's Instructions for Fall Protection Equipment]

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

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