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. It applies to all employees, contractors, and visitors who may be required to work at heights of 3 meters or more, or where there is an unusual possibility of injury from a fall of less than 3 meters. This procedure is applicable in all work environments where fall protection systems are necessary, including construction sites, maintenance operations, and any other relevant work areas.

Related procedures include the Fall Protection Plan and Emergency Rescue Procedures.

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.

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

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.

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 fall protection plans.
Conduct regular inspections of work areas to ensure compliance with safety standards.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Falling from height	Serious injury or death	Use of guardrails, safety nets, or PFAS
Slipping or tripping	Minor to severe injury	Keep work area clean and free of debris
Equipment failure	Injury due to fall	Regular inspection and maintenance of equipment

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 PFAS.
Lanyard - Must be appropriate for the task and inspected before use.
Hard Hat - To protect against falling objects.
Non-slip Footwear - To prevent slipping on surfaces.
Gloves - To provide grip and protect hands.

Inspect PPE before each use and maintain according to manufacturer specifications.

6. Equipment and Tools

Using the correct equipment and tools is crucial for safety.

Guardrails - Installed around edges where falls could occur.
Safety Nets - Used where guardrails are not feasible.
Anchorage Points - Must be capable of supporting the intended load.
Ladders - Must be stable and used according to safety guidelines.
Scaffolds - Must be erected and inspected by a competent person.

Inspect equipment before use and maintain according to manufacturer specifications.

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 [1].

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 clean, organized, and free of hazards. Verify that all fall protection systems are in place and functional.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Step 1: Assess the Work Area

Conduct a hazard assessment to identify potential fall risks and determine the appropriate fall protection system.

Identify unguarded edges and openings.
Determine the need for guardrails or safety nets.
Ensure all workers are aware of the fall protection plan.

Step 2: Set Up Fall Protection Systems

Install and verify the functionality of fall protection systems before beginning work.

Install guardrails or safety nets as needed.
Ensure PFAS are available and in good condition.
Verify anchorage points are secure and capable of supporting the load.

Step 3: Perform Work Safely

Follow all safety procedures and use fall protection systems as required.

Use ladders and scaffolds safely and according to guidelines.
Maintain three points of contact when climbing.
Avoid overreaching or leaning outside the guardrails.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

Use Guardrails - Install guardrails around all open edges.
Inspect Equipment - Regularly inspect all fall protection equipment.
Maintain Clean Work Area - Keep the area free of debris and tripping hazards.
Use Proper Ladders - Ensure ladders are stable and used correctly.
Follow Training - Adhere to all training and safety guidelines.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

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

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

Fall Arrest - Use rescue equipment to safely lower the worker.
Injury - Provide first aid and call emergency services if necessary.
Equipment Failure - Cease work and report the incident immediately.

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 a thorough investigation to determine the cause and implement corrective actions.

12. References and Related Documents

Occupational Health and Safety Code [2]
General Regulation (N.B. Reg. 91-191) [1]
Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (SOR/86-304) [3]

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