Fall Protection Orlando Huguet, Jr.
Fall Protection Orlando Huguet, Jr. This training will provide a basic overview and information about fall protection and the current OSHA standards. Items covered include the principals of fall protection, the different components of a fall arrest systems, limitations and general discussion of real and hazardous situations. Course Objectives Identify appropriate fall protection devices and systems Identify common fall hazards Identify possible abatement/correction methods for common fall hazards Briefly review and discuss applicable OSHA standards ANATOMY OF A FALL Least you think that falling is not a serious thing and that you probably can catch yourself before too much damage is done – read on, you might find the below information interesting: ELAPSED FREE FALL SPEED TIME (SEC) DISTANCE FT/SEC HUMAN RESPONSE 0.1 2” 3.3 Unaware 0.2 8” 7.0 Aware 0.3 18” (1.5’) 10.0 Aware 0.4 31” 13.0 Reflex 0.5 48” (4’) 16.0 Start to move 0.6 70” 19.3 Start to move 0.61 72” (6’) 19.6 Slight movement 0.7 95” 23.0 Slight movement 0.8 124” 26.0 Movement 0.9 156” 29.0 Movement 1.0 193” (16’) 32.0 Movement 2.0 773” (64’) 64.0 Movement Note: “Start to move” and “Slight movement” do NOT equate to reaching out and grabbing something. By the time you have conscience, controlled movement 8/10ths (or more) of a second have passed and you have already fallen roughly 10.3’ (124”)! OSHA requires fall protection to start at heights of 6’. Two Factors Influence Falls Body Weight ---(W) Free Fall Distance---(D) Forces= W x D So a 215lbs worker w/ 6 lbs of tools who falls 6’ can generate fall forces of 1,290lbs across a person’s body W/O adequate deceleration or shock absorbers this could cause serious injuries. Falls Falls are the leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry. In 2008 there was 700 fatal falls In 2009 there was 617 fatal falls Half of these falls were in construction Fall injuries cost millions each year Top 10 OSHA Violations 2010 2009 2008 Scaffolding Scaffolding Scaffolding Fall Protection Fall Protection Hazard Communications Hazard Communications Hazard Communications Fall Protection Respiratory Protection Respiratory Protection Respiratory Protection Ladders Control of Hazardous Energy (lockout/tagout) Control of Hazardous Energy (lockout/tagout) Control of Hazardous Energy (lockout/tagout) Electrical – Wiring Methods Electrical – Wiring Methods Electrical (wiring methods) Powered Industrial Trucks Powered Industrial Trucks Powered Industrial Trucks Machine Guarding Ladders Electrical (general) Ladders Machine Guarding Machine Guarding Electrical – General Electrical – General Fatal Falls From: Roofs 109 Scaffolds 53 Ladders 122 Falls from same level 83 Fall from to lower level 518 Top Fall Protection Violations 1926.451/Scaffolding…….9,093 1926.501/Fall Protection Scope….6771 1926.1053/Ladders……3072 (FY 2010) OSHA Cite Big $ March 16, 2011 at 3:56 p.m MARCO ISLAND — The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration is proposing $60,900 in penalties against Naples-based Morca Contracting Corp. for 14 serious safety violations found at a worksite on Marco Island. Violations include multiple failures to prepare and maintain adequate scaffolding, resulting in workers being exposed to fall hazards; a lack of fall protection for workers; and inadequate training for employees on recognition and prevention of fall hazards. “I have a small business, the fine (violation costs) is more than I make a year,” Morales said. Morca has 13 employees, down from 29 in good building times. Primary Causes of Fall Related Fatalities Unprotected sides, edges and holes Improperly constructed walking/working surfaces Improper use of access equipment (ladders and lifts) Failure to properly use PFAS Slips and Trips (housekeeping) Fatality and Stats 85% of all citations and 90% of dollars applied as fines are related to the Focus Four Hazards-Struck By, Caught In-Between, Falls and Electrocution 79% of all fatalities are related to the above What Is Fall Protection? Answer……..A series of reasonable steps taken to cause elimination or control of the injurious effects of an unintentional fall while accessing or working at height. Planning for Fall Protection Best practice dictates that fall protection becomes an integral part of the project planning process, from constructability, to systems installation, to use and maintenance A project cannot be truly safe unless fall protection is incorporated into every phase of the construction process Best if fall protection is planned and designed prior to construction….More…difficult-and costly-once project starts! Planning (DOING) will keep workers safe and minimize liability for all parties involved. Controlling Fall Exposures Select fall protection systems appropriate for given situations Use proper construction and installation of safety systems Supervise employees properly Make Supervisor both responsible and accountable for fall protection at workplaces Use safe work procedures Train Workers in the proper selection, use, and maintenance of fall protection systems Evaluate the effectiveness of all steps Fall Arrest System A personal fall arrest system is one option of protection that OSHA requires for workers on construction sites who are exposed to vertical drops of 6 feet or more Ensure that personal fall arrest systems will, when stopping a fall: Limit maximum arresting force to 1,800 pounds. Be rigged such that an employee can neither free fall more than 6 feet nor contact any lower level. Bring an employee to a complete stop and limit maximum deceleration distance to 3½ feet. Have sufficient strength to withstand twice the potential impact energy of a worker free falling a distance of 6 feet, or the free fall distance permitted by the system, whichever is less Other Things to Consider Remove systems and components from service immediately if they have been subjected to fall impact, until inspected by a competent person and deemed undamaged and suitable for use. Promptly rescue employees in the event of a fall, or assure that they are able to rescue themselves. Inspect systems before each use for wear, damage, and other deterioration, and remove defective components from service. Do not attach fall arrest systems to guardrail systems or hoists. Rig fall arrest systems to allow movement of the worker only as far as the edge of the walking/working surface, when used at hoist areas. Impact Force Minimize Fall Distance Use Shock Absorbers Choose appropriate harnesses, and wear them properly The ABC’s The A The Anchor Anchorages used for attachment of personal fall arrest equipment must be independent of any anchorage being used to support or suspend platforms, and capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds per employee attached, or . must be designed and used as follows: As part of a complete personal fall arrest system which maintains a safety factor of at least two. Under the supervision of a qualified person. Improper Anchor Points Standard Guardrails C-Clamps Staqndard Railings Cable Trays Ladder/Rungs Another lanyard Scaffolding Roofstacks, vents Light fixtures Joists, girders (unless Conduit or Plumbing Ductwork or Pipe Vents Pipe Hangers qualified person allows same) The B The Body Harness Body harnesses are designed to minimize stress forces on an employee's body in the event of a fall, while providing sufficient freedom of movement to allow work to be performed. Do not use body harnesses to hoist materials. As of January 1, 1998, body belts are not acceptable as part of a personal fall arrest system, because they impose a danger of internal injuries when stopping a fall. Body Harness Cont.. Need to be inspected frequently (daily before use by the worker 502(d)(21) Recommend monthly by Competent Person Should never be modified Should be taken out of service immediately if defective or exposed to an impact 502 (d)(9) Proper Adjustment is Key Be able to reach your D-Ring with your thumb Maximum four (flat) fingers of slack at the legs, straps as high as comfortably possible Ensure chest strap is across the chest/breastbone Have a buddy double check for twist..etc. ABC Proper/Adequate ABC’s make up the PFAS A failure in any of the ABC’s can be the difference between a fall arrest and fall related death Adequate Anchorages are Crucial 29CFR 1926 Subpart M Appendix C (h) OSHA’s stance on importance of anchorage points Planning by employer is VITAL No planning….employees tend to find their own anchorage or don’t use any Must support 5000lbs per employee attached What’s a Safety Factor of 2? Means that you multiply the maximum intended load on the anchorage by two. Engineers have come up w 3600lbs since the max arresting forces to a worker in a fall wearing a harness is 1,800lbs 1926.32(n) Safety factor: Means the ratio of the ultimate breaking strenght of a member of piece of equipment to the actual working stress of safe load Use of Eye Bolts Rated for loading parallel to the bolt axis If wall mounted the rating perpendicular to the axis must be good for 5,000lbs per employee. Safety Guys, Inc Safety Guys, Inc Horizontal Life Lines Provide maneuverability Must be designed , installed and used under the guidance of a qualified person with safety factor of at least 2 See Subpart M, Appendix C (h) (6) See ANSI A 10.14 1991-pp5 Vertical Lifelines 29CFR 1926.104 Min breaking strength 5,000lbs Separate lifelines per employee 502.(d)(10) Elevator erection 2 employees on VLL as long as its rated for 10,000lbs No knots in VLL, can redue strenght by 50% The Connectors Connectors, including D-rings and snaphooks, must be made from drop-forged, pressed or formed steel, or equivalent materials. They must have a corrosion-resistant finish, with smooth surfaces and edges to prevent damage to connecting parts of the system. Connector (Lanyards) Should be inspected before each use Should not be tied back to themselves Should be worn with timpact absorber/shock pack at the D-ring Should have the appropriate clip for the intended anchorage points Retractable Life lines Very effective for vertical applications Will normally lock up in 1 to 2 feet, minimizing total fall distance and impact forces on the employee’s body SRL and Deceleration Devices Self retracting lifelines which limit free fall to 2’ or < must capable of sustaining minimum tensile load of 3000lbs to device is fully extended position SRL which don’t limit fall to 2’ or < ripstich lanyards and tearing type lanyards must maintain min tensile load of 5,000lbs to lifeline/lanyard in fully extended position Do Not Hook Lanyards to Retractables This can cause hook failures and affect the locking capability of the retractable The retractable should be attached directly to the D-ring No plan for SWING factor in the event of a fall. Safety Guys, Inc PFAS Must limit Max Arresting Forces to the Worker Per 29CFR 1926 502(d)(16) Body Belt MAF to 900lbs Full body harness MAF 1,800lbs Locking snap lanyards w/built in shock absorbers reduce fall arrest forces by 65% to 85% Information Steel Lanyard: 3,970lbs of force Nylon rope lanyard: 2,395lbs of force Shock absorbing lanyard: 830lbs of force Snap Hooks Snaphooks must have a minimum tensile strength of 5,000 pounds, and be proof-tested to a minimum tensile load of 3,600 pounds without cracking, breaking, or becoming permanently deformed. They must also be locking-type, double-locking, designed and used to prevent the disengagement of the snaphook by the contact of the snaphook keeper with the connected member. Unless it is designed for the following connections, snaphooks must not be engaged: Directly to webbing, rope, or wire. To each other. To a D-ring to which another snaphook or other connector is attached. To a horizontal lifeline. To any object which is incompatibly shaped in relation to the snaphook such that the connected object could depress the snaphook keeper and release itself. 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M, Fall protection. OSHA Standard. 1926.502, Fall protection systems criteria and practices 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(1) Impacting Structures Below Consideration Anchor Lanyard Length Harness Elongation Shock Absorber D Ring position Free Fall Distance How far a worker falls before shock absorbing or deceleration equipment begins to take effect Affects both impact forces and total fall distance? Free Fall Cont… Anchorage point location in relation to D-ring height -Below the D-ring allows excessive falls -Above the D-ring minimizes free fall to less than 6’ Competent Person Means one who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surrounding, or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has the authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them. Qualified Person Means one who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training and experience, has successfully demonstrated their ability to solve or resolve problems related to the subject matter Guard Rail System Primary Issues Complete System Full Coverage Accessways/Ladders Material Handling Areas Proper Construction Strength 200lbs Deflection-Top rail not less than 42” from walking surface Maintenance Custody & Control Osha Standards 1) For wood railings: Wood components shall be minimum 1500 lb-ft/in(2) fiber (stress grade) construction grade lumber; the posts shall be at least 2-inch by 4-inch (5 cm x 10 cm) lumber spaced not more than 8 feet (2.4 m) apart on centers; the top rail shall be at least 2-inch by 4inch (5 cm x 10 cm) lumber, the intermediate rail shall be at least 1-inch by 6-inch (2.5 cm x 15 cm) lumber. All lumber dimensions are nominal sizes as provided by the American Softwood Lumber Standards, dated January 1970. Osha Stand Cont… For pipe railings: posts, top rails, and intermediate railings shall be at least one and one-half inches nominal diameter (schedule 40 pipe) with posts spaced not more than 8 feet (2.4 m) apart on centers. Osha Stand Cont For structural steel railings: posts, top rails, and intermediate rails shall be at least 2inch by 2-inch (5 cm x 10 cm) by 3/8-inch (1.1 cm) angles, with posts spaced not more than 8 feet (2.4 m) apart on centers Wood Guardrails Proper Height 42” (+ or – 3”) Adequate strength 200lbs outward or downward direction Midrails- In between the top and walking surface Adequate strenght 150lbs outward or downward direction Toeboard Adequate strenght 50lbs outward or downward direction Safety Guys, Inc Safety Guys, Inc Safety Guys, Inc Safety Guys, Inc Safety Guys, Inc Safety Guys, Inc Cable Guardrails Proper Height 42” Can not deflect below 39” Marked every 6’ High visiability material Termination and attachments must meet standards (per Appendix B Subpart M) Wire rope 1/4” nominal diameter Safety Guys, Inc Holes Must be covered By material that leaves no openings more than 1 inch wide. The cover shall be securely held in place to prevent tools or material from falling through. Guardrails May be used in accordance with applicable standards Safety Guys, Inc Safety Guys, Inc Safety Guys, Inc Safety Guys, Inc Safety Guys, Inc Where workers on a construction site are exposed to vertical drops of 6 feet or more, OSHA requires that employers provide fall protection in one of three ways before work begins: Placing guardrails around the hazard area, Install safety nets, or Providing personal fall arrest systems for each employee. Many times the nature and location of the work will dictate the form that fall protection takes. If the employer chooses to use a safety net system, he must comply with the following provisions: Safety nets must be installed as close as practicable under the surface on which employees are working, but in no case more than 30 feet below. When nets are used on bridges, the potential fall area must be unobstructed. Safety nets must extend outward from the outermost projection of the work surface as follows: Vertical distance from working level tohorizontal plane of net Minimum required horizontal distance of outer edge of net from the edge of the working surface Up to 5 feet 8 feet 5 to 10 feet 10 feet More than 10 feet 13 feet Safety nets must be installed with sufficient clearance to prevent contact with the surface or structures under them when subjected to an impact force equal to the drop test described below. Safety nets and their installations must be capable of absorbing an impact force equal to the drop test described below. Safety nets and safety net installations must be drop-tested at the jobsite: After initial installation and before being used. Whenever relocated. After major repair. At 6-month intervals if left in one place. The drop test consists of a 400 pound bag of sand 28-32 inches in diameter dropped into the net from the highest surface at which employees are exposed to fall hazards, but not from less than than 42 inches above that level. When the employer can demonstrate that it is unreasonable to perform the drop-test described above, the employer or a designated competent person shall certify that the net and net installation have sufficient clearance and impact absorption by preparing a certification record prior to the net being used as a fall protection system. The certification must include: Identification of the net and net installation. Date that it was determined that the net and net installation were in compliance. Signature of the person making the determination and certification. The most recent certification record for each net and net installation must be available at the jobsite for inspection. Safety nets must be inspected for wear, damage, and other deterioration at least once a week, and after any occurrence which could affect the integrity of the system. Defective nets shall not be used, and defective components must be removed from service. Objects which have fallen into the safety net, such as scrap pieces, equipment, and tools, must be removed as soon as possible from the net and at least before the next work shift. Maximum mesh size must not exceed 6 inches by 6 inches. All mesh crossings must be secured to prevent enlargement of the mesh opening, which must be no longer than 6 inches, measured center-to-center. Each safety net, or section thereof, must have a border rope for webbing with a minimum breaking strength of 5,000 pounds. Connections between safety net panels must be as strong as integral net components, and must not be spaced more than 6 inches apart. Safety Guys, Inc Installing the Nets Safety Guys, Inc Safety Guys, Inc Safety Guys, Inc Safety Guys, Inc Material Handling Platforms MHP must have guardrails When the guardrails are opened to receive material workers must be tied off Gates are preferred to removable rails 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(3) and 502 (b)(10) Safety Guys, Inc Safety Guys, Inc Climbing the structural cross-braces of a scaffold is unsafe, and specifically forbidden by federal standards. However, OSHA permits direct access from another scaffold, structure, or personnel hoist. If such access is not possible, portable ladders, hook-on ladders, attachable ladders, stair towers, stairway-type ladders, ramps, walkways, or built-in ladders must be used, under the following regulations Hook-on and Attachable Ladders Must have their lowest rung no more than 24 inches above the level on which the scaffold is supported. •When used on a supported scaffold more than 35 feet high, must have rest platforms at 35-foot maximum intervals. •Must have a maximum rung length of 11½ inches, and a maximum space between rungs of 16¾ inches. •Must be specifically designed for the type of scaffold with which they are used. Built-in Scaffold Ladders Must have a rung length of at least 8 inches. •Must be specifically designed and constructed for use as ladder rungs. •Must not be used as work platforms when rungs are less than 11½ inches, unless each employee uses fall protection or a positioning device [29 CFR 1926.502(e)]. •Must be uniformly spaced within each frame section. •Must have rest platforms at 35-foot maximum intervals on all supported scaffolds more than 35 feet high. •Must have a maximum space between rungs of 16¾ inches. Direct Access? •Direct access to or from another surface shall only be used when the scaffold is not more than 14 inches horizontally and 24 inches vertically from the other surface. Scaffold Types Supported Fabricated Frame Tube & Coupler Wall Brackets Form Brackets Ladder Jacks Pump Jacks Suspended Swings Multi-point Catenary Ladders and Stairs Ladders Extension Step Vertical Fixed Job built Extension Ladder You risk falling if portable ladders are not safely positioned each time they are used. While you are on a ladder, it may move and slip from its supports. You can also lose your balance while getting on or off an unsteady ladder. Falls from ladders can cause injuries ranging from sprains to death. Step Ladders This is improperly using the top rung of this step ladder to work from. How Do I Avoid Hazards? Position portable ladders so the side rails extend at least 3 feet above the landing. Secure side rails at the top to a rigid support and use a grab device when 3 foot extension is not possible. Make sure that the weight on the ladder will not cause it to slip off its support. Before each use inspect ladders for cracked or broken parts such as rungs, steps, side rails, feet and locking components. Do not apply more weight on the ladder than it is designed to support [For additional information, see Ladder Safety]. Use only ladders that comply with OSHA design standards [29 CFR 1926.1053(a)(1)]. Vertical Fixed Job Built Safety Guys, Inc Training Required Under the provisions of the standard, employers must provide a training program for each employee using ladders and stairways. The program must enable each employee to recognize hazards related to ladders and stairways and to use proper procedures to minimize these hazards. For example, employers must ensure that each employee is trained by a competent person in the following areas, as applicable: The nature of fall hazards in the work area; The correct procedures for erecting, maintaining, and disassembling the fall protection systems to be used; The proper construction, use, placement, and care in handling of all stairways and ladders; and The maximum intended load-carrying capacities of ladders used. In addition, retraining must be provided for each employee, as necessary, so that the employee maintains the understanding and knowledge acquired through compliance with the standard. Rescue Plan Needs to be considered by every employer who has fall exposures and is providing PFAS How are you going to get the guy down? How long have you got before the guy hanging is hurting. Maybe they are already hurt? Rescue Plan Cont.. Its not as easy as calling 911 29CFR 1926.502(d)(20) Insists employer provide for prompt rescue of fallen employees, IF the employee cant rescue themselves Worst case scenario? That’s what the employer should plan for. What are some options for rescue? During a Free Fall Forces generated to the body can be extreme When fall arrest occurs these forces are transferred all over the human body and the support device Study in 1968 found that particpants in body belt in a jack knife position could last only 1.38 min’s before injury Free Fall Cont… In the same study, those in full body harness the average time before injuries started was approximately 30 min’s According to Argonaut Insurance, the average tolerance time while suspended before numbness, tingling and nausea develop is 14.28 minutes in a harness, and 1.63 min in a belt! 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