Safe Work Procedure: Work from Heights

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 precautions and procedures to be followed when working at heights of 6 feet (1.8 meters) or more in construction workplaces in California. It applies to all employees, contractors, and visitors who may be exposed to fall hazards. This SWP covers the use of various fall protection systems, including guardrail systems, safety net systems, and personal fall arrest systems. It also addresses protection from falling objects and other related hazards. This procedure does not apply to work on scaffolds (covered in Subpart L), cranes and derricks (Subpart CC), steel erection (Subpart R), tunneling operations (Subpart S), tanks and communication towers (§1926.105), aerial lifts and electrical transmission (Subpart V), or stairways and ladders (Subpart X) [1].

2. Definitions

Guardrail System: A barrier erected to prevent employees from falling to lower levels [2].

Personal Fall Arrest System: A system used to arrest an employee in a fall from a working level, consisting of an anchorage, connectors, a body belt or body harness, and may include a lanyard, deceleration device, or lifeline [3].

Safety Net System: A system designed to catch falling employees or objects [2].

Unprotected Sides and Edges: Any side or edge of a walking/working surface where there is no wall or guardrail system at least 39 inches (1.0 m) high [4].

Walking/Working Surface: Any surface on which an employee walks or works, including floors, roofs, ramps, bridges, and formwork [4].

Toeboard: A low protective barrier that will prevent the fall of materials and equipment to lower levels and provide protection from falls for personnel [4].

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

• Ensure that all workers are properly trained and competent to perform work at heights.
• Conduct regular inspections of fall protection equipment and work areas.
• Enforce the requirements of this SWP and take corrective action when necessary.
• Provide or ensure the proper use of required PPE [5].

3.2 Workers

• Follow all safety procedures and instructions provided by the supervisor.
• Use fall protection equipment properly and inspect it before each use.
• Report any hazards or unsafe conditions to the supervisor immediately.
• Participate in training programs and pre-job briefings.

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

• Assist in the development and implementation of safety procedures.
• Conduct workplace inspections and audits.
• Investigate incidents and recommend corrective actions.
• Provide guidance and support to supervisors and workers on health and safety matters.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Falls from heights	Serious injury or death	Use guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems when working 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above lower levels 1, 6, 8.
Falling objects	Injury to workers below	Erect toeboards, screens, or guardrail systems to prevent objects from falling [6]. Barricade the area below or use a canopy structure [6].
Unstable working surfaces	Slips, trips, and falls	Ensure walking/working surfaces have the strength and structural integrity to support employees safely [4].
Sharp edges	Cuts and lacerations	Ensure guardrails are surfaced to prevent injury [7].
Unguarded holes and openings	Falls through holes	Protect employees from falling through holes more than 6 feet (1.8 m) above lower levels by personal fall arrest systems, covers, or guardrail systems [2].
Equipment malfunction	Injury due to equipment failure	Regularly inspect and maintain equipment [5].
Contact with underground utilities	Electrocution, explosion	Identify and mark underground utilities before starting work [8].

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Always use proper PPE in good condition and inspect before each use [5].

• Hard Hat - Protects the head from falling objects [6].
• Safety Glasses - Protects the eyes from dust, debris, and other hazards.
• Gloves - Protects the hands from cuts, abrasions, and other hazards.
• Safety Boots - Provides foot protection and slip resistance.
• Full Body Harness - Used as part of a personal fall arrest system to protect from falls. Inspect before each use per manufacturer's instructions [9].

Inspect all PPE before each use for damage or wear. Replace damaged or worn PPE immediately. Clean and store PPE properly when not in use.

6. Equipment and Tools

Always use proper equipment and tools in good condition and inspect before each use [5].

• Ladders - Used for accessing elevated work areas. Ensure ladders are properly secured and inspected before use.
• Scaffolds - Provide a stable work platform at heights. Ensure scaffolds are erected and inspected by a competent person.
• Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS) - Includes a full body harness, lanyard, and anchorage connector. Inspect before each use.
• Guardrail Systems - Provide a physical barrier to prevent falls. Inspect regularly for damage or displacement.
• Safety Nets - Used to catch falling workers or objects. Inspect regularly for damage or wear.

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

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

• All workers must complete a fall protection training program that meets the requirements of 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M [1].
• Training must include the proper use, inspection, and maintenance of fall protection equipment.
• Workers must be able to recognize fall hazards and implement appropriate control measures.

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

• Conduct a pre-job briefing with all workers involved in the work at heights.
• Discuss the scope of the work, potential hazards, and control measures.
• Review the requirements of this SWP and any other relevant safety procedures.
• Ensure that all workers understand their roles and responsibilities.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

• Inspect the work area for potential hazards, such as unstable surfaces, holes, or obstructions.
• Ensure that the walking/working surface has the strength and structural integrity to support workers and equipment safely [4].
• Establish a controlled access zone to prevent unauthorized personnel from entering the work area.
• Barricade the area below to protect employees from falling objects [6].

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Step 1: Hazard Assessment

Detailed description of step 1: Before starting any work at heights, conduct a thorough hazard assessment to identify potential fall hazards and other risks.

• Sub-step 1.1: Inspect the work area for potential fall hazards, such as unprotected edges, holes, or openings [2].
• Sub-step 1.2: Identify any falling object hazards and assess the risk of objects falling from above [6].
• Sub-step 1.3: Evaluate the stability and structural integrity of the walking/working surface [4].

Safety considerations for this step: Ensure that the hazard assessment is conducted by a competent person and that all identified hazards are addressed before work begins.

Step 2: Fall Protection System Selection

Detailed description of step 2: Select the appropriate fall protection system based on the hazard assessment and the requirements of 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M [1].

• Sub-step 2.1: If possible, use a guardrail system to provide a physical barrier to prevent falls 6, 8.
• Sub-step 2.2: If a guardrail system is not feasible, use a personal fall arrest system (PFAS) 6, 8.
• Sub-step 2.3: Ensure that the PFAS is properly fitted and that the anchorage point is capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds (2267 kg) per worker [9].

Safety considerations for this step: Ensure that the selected fall protection system is appropriate for the specific work task and that all workers are properly trained in its use.

Step 3: Work Execution

Detailed description of step 3: Perform the work task following all safety procedures and using the selected fall protection system.

• Sub-step 3.1: Maintain three points of contact when climbing ladders or scaffolds [10].
• Sub-step 3.2: Avoid sudden movements or shifts in weight that could cause a loss of balance 2, 3, 5.
• Sub-step 3.3: Keep the work area clean and free of obstructions [10].

Safety considerations for this step: Continuously monitor the work area for potential hazards and adjust the fall protection system as needed. Use extreme caution to avoid slipping while walking [10].

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

• Weather Conditions: Do not work at heights during storms or high winds [5].
• Housekeeping: Keep the work area free of clutter, tools, materials, and debris 4, 15.
• Equipment Inspection: Inspect all equipment before use and remove any damaged or defective equipment from service [5].
• Safe Lifting: Use proper lifting techniques to avoid strains and sprains [11].
• Underground Utilities: Be aware of underground utilities and avoid digging or drilling in those areas without proper clearance [8].

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

• In the event of an emergency, immediately stop work and assess the situation.
• Evacuate the area if necessary.
• Provide first aid to any injured workers.
• Contact emergency services if needed.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

• Fall from Height: Immediately call for medical assistance. Do not move the injured worker unless there is a risk of further injury. Ensure the worker is suspended safely until rescue [5].
• Falling Objects: Warn workers below and clear the area. Secure the falling object if possible [6].
• Equipment Failure: Stop using the equipment immediately and tag it out of service. Report the failure to the supervisor [5].

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

• Emergency 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.
• Cooperate with the incident investigation team to determine the root cause of the incident.
• Implement corrective actions to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

12. References and Related Documents

• 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M - Fall Protection [1]
• 29 CFR 1926 Subpart L - Scaffolds [1]
• Company Fall Protection Program

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

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