Safe Work Procedure: Fall Assessment Plan

Document Number: [SWP-NUMBER]
Revision Date: [DATE]
Next Review Date: [NEXT REVIEW DATE]
Department: [DEPARTMENT NAME]

1. Scope

This procedure covers the development and implementation of a fall assessment plan to ensure the safety of workers at risk of falling from heights. It applies to all work environments where there is a risk of injury due to falling, including construction sites, maintenance activities, and any other relevant work areas.

The procedure is applicable to all employees, contractors, and visitors who may be exposed to fall hazards. It should be used in conjunction with other safety procedures and documents, such as the fall protection plan and emergency response procedures.

2. Definitions

Fall Protection Plan
A documented plan that outlines the fall hazards, fall protection systems, and rescue procedures to be used at a worksite.

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

Anchorage
A secure point of attachment for lifelines, lanyards, or deceleration devices.

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

Ensure that a fall assessment plan is developed and implemented for all work areas with fall hazards.
Provide necessary training and resources for workers to safely use fall protection systems.
Conduct regular inspections and audits of fall protection systems and procedures.

3.2 Workers

Follow the fall assessment plan and use fall protection systems as instructed.
Attend all required training sessions on fall protection and emergency procedures.
Report any hazards or deficiencies in fall protection systems to supervisors immediately.

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

Assist in the development and review of the fall assessment plan.
Monitor compliance with the fall assessment plan and report any issues to management.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Working at heights	Fall from height leading to injury or death	Use of personal fall-arrest systems, guardrails, and safety nets
Inadequate training	Improper use of fall protection equipment	Comprehensive training programs and regular refresher courses
Equipment failure	Fall due to malfunctioning equipment	Regular inspection and maintenance of fall protection equipment

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Proper PPE is essential for ensuring safety when working at heights.

Full Body Harness - Must be worn at all times when working at heights and properly fitted to the user.
Lanyards and Lifelines - Used to connect the harness to an anchorage point.
Helmets - Protect against head injuries in the event of a fall.
Safety Footwear - Provides stability and protection when working on elevated surfaces.
Gloves - Protect hands when handling equipment and materials.

PPE must be inspected before each use and maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions.

6. Equipment and Tools

Proper equipment and tools are crucial for effective fall protection.

Anchorage Points - Must be capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds per employee attached [1].
Horizontal Lifelines - Must be designed and installed as part of a complete personal fall arrest system [2].
Self-Retracting Lifelines - Automatically limit free fall distance and must be capable of sustaining a minimum static tensile load [2].
Snap-hooks and Dee-rings - Must be proof-tested to a minimum tensile load [2].
Guardrails - Used to prevent falls from edges and must be installed where feasible.

Equipment must be inspected prior to each use and maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

Workers must receive training in the safe use of fall protection systems, including the identification of fall hazards and the correct use of equipment [3].

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Conduct a pre-job briefing to review the fall assessment plan, identify potential hazards, and discuss the use of fall protection systems.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Ensure that the work area is free of unnecessary hazards and that all fall protection systems are in place and functional before work begins.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Step 1: Hazard Identification

Identify all potential fall hazards in the work area.

Conduct a site survey.
Document all identified hazards.
Communicate hazards to all workers.

Ensure that all workers are aware of the hazards and the measures in place to control them.

Step 2: Selection of Fall Protection Systems

Select appropriate fall protection systems based on the identified hazards.

Choose systems that meet CSA Group standards [4].
Ensure compatibility of all components.
Verify that anchorage points are suitable and secure.

Ensure that all systems are properly installed and ready for use.

Step 3: Implementation and Monitoring

Implement the fall protection systems and monitor their use.

Ensure all workers use the systems as trained.
Conduct regular inspections of the systems.
Address any issues or deficiencies immediately.

Ensure continuous monitoring to maintain safety throughout the work process.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

Regular Inspections - Conduct regular inspections of all fall protection equipment and systems.
Training - Provide ongoing training and refresher courses for all workers.
Emergency Preparedness - Ensure that rescue procedures are in place and practiced regularly.
Communication - Maintain clear communication among all team members regarding fall hazards and safety measures.
Documentation - Keep detailed records of all inspections, training, and incidents.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

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

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

Fall Arrest - Implement rescue procedures to safely retrieve a worker suspended by a fall arrest system [5].
Equipment Failure - Secure the area and replace faulty equipment before resuming work.
Medical Emergency - Provide first aid and contact emergency services as needed.

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

12. References and Related Documents

Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (SOR/86-304)
Safety Standards for General Safety and Health Standards (Chapter 296-24 WAC)
Occupational Health and Safety Code

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