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MODULE 2: Fall Protection Work Platforms

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”18289″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]A walking-working surface is any horizontal or vertical surface on or through which an employee walks, works, or gains access to a work area.

Scaffolding and (mobile) elevated work platforms are versatile and are often used when erecting or maintaining structures. Both have their own risks. Scaffolding, if not erected properly, poses the risk of collapsing or a worker falling.  Working from a mobile elevated work platform, such as a cherry picker, could have a worker ejected from the basket when the system moves around while a person is at height. But a worker can also fall if they overreach.

While most scaffolding and elevated work platforms are equipped with guardrails it may be necessary for workers to wear fall protection Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Workers exposed to fall hazards must be protected from falling to a lower level by the use of standard guardrails, work platforms, temporary floors, safety nets, engineered fall protection systems, personal fall arrest systems, or the equivalent, in the following situations when workers are exposed to falls from:

  • Unprotected sides or edges
  • Access ways
  • Fixed ladders over 20 feet high
  • Unprotected roof edge or floor openings
  • Holes and skylights
  • Unstable surfaces
  • Leading edge work
  • Scaffolds
  • Formwork
  • Work platforms
  • Re-bar assembly
  • Steel erection, and
  • Engineered metal buildings
  • If the project requires access ways or work platforms over water, machinery, or dangerous operations, and
  • When installing or removing sheet piles, h-piles, cofferdams, or other interlocking materials from which workers may fall 6 ft (1.8 m) or more. And while we’re on the subject of sheet pile, stirrups as a fall protection method is strictly prohibited on Government owned construction projects.

[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Order of Control” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:20|text_align:left|color:%231e73be” google_fonts=”font_family:Roboto%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:500%20bold%20regular%3A500%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]The order of control measures to decrease fall hazards or to select and use a fall protection method to protect workers performing work at heights must be:

Elimination: Remove the hazard from work areas or change task, process, controls, or other means to eliminate the need to work at heights with its subsequent exposure to fall hazards. An example of this would be to build roof trusses on the ground and lift into place.

Prevention: Isolate and separate fall hazards from work areas by erecting same level barriers such as guardrails, walls, covers or parapets

Use scaffolds, scissor lifts, work stands or aerial lift equipment to facilitate access to work location and to protect workers from falling when performing work at high locations.

Personal Protective Systems and Equipment. The use of fall protection systems, including, and in order of preference is restraint, positioning, or personal fall arrest.

All systems require the use of full body harness, connecting means and safe anchorage system.

Administrative Controls: Introduce new work practices that reduce the risk of falling from heights, or to warn a person to avoid approaching a fall hazard (such as warning lines, audible alarms, and signs)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]