Quality Choice Construction, LLC.  receives the full series of employee training modules.  Each module is accompanied by a "Train The Trainer" module.  Using this method, 

The example below is the training module for basic fall protection.  The entire series of modules is much to large to totally display in this forum.

Fall Protection

Basic  Overview

Whenever you are working from an extension ladder, scaffold, roof, any elevated platform, or mechanical personnel lift over 6’ in height, it is a requirement to were Fall Protection, Fall Arrest personal protective equipment. 

The Illustration shows a full body harness.  This is the platform for lanyards, and other accessory items that greatly reduce body shock and injury in the event of a fall.

Lifelines that are properly secured to the building or structure are also secured by the carabiner to your

full body harness.

Short lanyards are 3’ - 5’ lines that do not allow you to reach the edge or fall point.  When it is necessary to work at the edge, a fall arrest device with a retardence system is required.

The Fall Arrest device pictured at right is designed to begin at free fall speed and rapidly slow you fall rate of descent.  This greatly decreases body shock trauma.

Waist belts with 10’ lanyards where once thought of as safe, however, severe spinal injury resulted from the sudden shock to the body once the end of the lanyard was reached.  “It’s The Sudden STOP!”

Many new products make using fall arrest and fall protection safer and more efficient.  Pictured Left, is a new product that allows a lifeline to be attached to an anchor point without first climbing unprotected to the location.  This is accomplished by means of an extendible tool that is designed to both install and retrieve the lifeline from a distance of 20’.

Other products, such as retracting lines, spring lines, etc.  allow freedom of movement while working.

Tools Of The Trade

Fall Arrest Equipment

Lanyard:  General purpose line intended to be used to refrain worker from reaching a fall point.

Fall Suspression Lines: Progressively retards the speed of a fall. Worn between lanyard and 

“D” Ring: Attached to the body harness in one or more locations.  Point of attachment for all  safety fall arrest accessories.

Carabiner: Positive attachment ring used on accessories.  Opens by means of a screw barrel.

Snap Hook: Somewhat temporary attachment used in applications where work location is 

Rebar Hook: Tempered attachment designed to be used for securing to reinforcing rebar.

Guide Line Hook: Secured around a line that has been attached between two different levels.  The line provides fall protection while climbing ladders.  A lanyard with a  retard or supression system is attached to the full body harness and the guide line hook.  It is designed to clamp down on the rope when weight is

Tools Of The Trade

Fall Arrest Systems

Perimeter roof Fall Protection System Shows The Vertical Supports, Top And Mid Rails.

Also Shown Is A Protected Floor Opening.

The Vertical Supports Are Clamped Into Position.  They Are Designed To Tighten Whenever Lateral Weight Or Force Is Applied.

When This System Is In Use, It Is Not Necessary For Workers To Wear Body Harnesses.

The Photos Above Show A Similar System Designed For Pitched Roofs.  The Vertical Supports Are Secured In Place On Both The Soffit Edge And Gable Ends Of The Structure.  Also Pictured Is A Peak System Installation.

Notice That The Installation Includes A Top, Middle And Bottam Rail.  The Bottom Or Toe Rail Protect Workers Below From Tools Or Materials That May Be Dropped And Would Otherwise Slide Down And Off Of The Roof To A Lower Level Or The Ground.

Basic Fall Protection Safety Guidelines

In this training session, we will discuss the basics guidelines for fall protection on the job-site.  It is required that you become familier with the specific system and manufacturer of the equpment your company has purchased.

As you will learn later in this session, there is a great difference between a compitent person and a qualified person.  This session is intended to make you a compitent person in Fall Protection as required by OSHA.

OSHA 1910.129(c)(3)(PROPOSED) states "Personal fall arrest systems shall be rigged such that an employee can neither free fall more than 6 feet nor contact any lower level".

*PLEASE NOTE : OSHA has ruled that any maintenance operation falls under the scope of 1926.500, Subpart M. This is applicable to General Industry.

OSHA 1926.501(b)(1) states "Each employee on a walking/working surface (horizontal and vertical surface) with an unprotected side or edge which is 6 feet (1.8M) or more above a lower level shall be protected from falling by the use of guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems".

The OSHA fall protection standard uses the terms "competent person" and "qualified person" when designating responsibility for different aspects of a safe, fall-protected working environment.

Is there a difference ?     ABSOLUTELY

Qualified Person - Definition

A "competent person" is defined by 29 CFR 1926.32(f) as someone "...who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them"

A "qualified person" is defined by 29 CFR 1926.32(m) as someone "...who , by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training, and experience, has successfully demonstrated his ability to solve or resolve problems relating to the subject matter, work, or the project".

REMEMBER : A Competent person may NOT be qualified !

*PLEASE NOTE : The regulations quoted above and throughout this section represent only a fraction of the regulations in place which govern fall protection. These references are meant to serve as a general guideline when choosing fall protection equipment. There may be more specific or more stringent regulations in effect beyond those quoted here that apply to your specific application. If you are unsure about the regulations which apply to your specific application, or want more information regarding fall protection and the regulations governing this type of work, contact Buntin & Associates Or The Manufacturer Of Your Fall Arrest / Protection System. In addition, this section is designed to give the user only a basic understanding of the components of the Personal Fall Arrest System, and an opportunity to familiarize him/herself with the requirements surrounding the selection and/or use of equipment of this type. Completion of this section does not convey to the the user the status of either a competent or a qualified person. "The ABCD's of Fall Protection" and all associated elements are Copyright© Protecta© International Inc. 1998. This material may not be reproduced or redistributed without the consent of Protecta International Inc..

Basic Fall Protection Safety Guidelines

ANCHORAGE is defined as a secure point of attachment for lifelines, lanyards or deceleration devices. "Anchorages use for attachment of personal fall arrest equipment shall be independent of any anchorage being used to support or suspend platforms and capable of supporting at least 5,000 lbs. (22 kN) per employee attached, or shall be designed, installed, and used as follows :

[OSHA 1926.502(d)(15)(i)] : As part of a complete personal fall arrest system which maintains a safety factor of at least two; and

[OSHA 1926.502(d)(15)(ii)] : Under the supervision of a qualified person.

BODY HARNESS is defined as straps which may be secured about the employee in a manner that will distribute the fall arrest forces over at least the thighs, pelvis, waist, chest and shoulders with means for attaching it to other components of a personal fall arrest system.

"Personal fall arrest systems , when stopping a fall, shall limit maximum arresting force on an employee to 1,800 lbs. when used with a body harness" [OSHA 1926.502(d)(16)(2)].

*Please Note : Effective January 1, 1998, Belts are illegal for use as fall protection

BODY HARNESS CONSIDERATIONS

Users should consider the following facts regarding Full Body Harnesses :

• A Full Body Harness is the only acceptable device for use in a fall arrest situation

• A Full Body Harness spreads impact load to minimize injuries

-OSHA allows 1,800 pound impact load

-ANSI Z359.1-1992 limits impact force to 900 pounds

• A Full Body Harness positions victim for rescue

Body Harnesses, or Full Body Harnesses as they are commonly referred to, are designed to protect a worker from falling while limiting the extent of potential injury resulting from a fall. In order for a Full Body Harness to accomplish this task, several factors must be considered. Perhaps most importantly, the harness should be adjusted to fit the wearer properly. A harness should be snug but comfortable, and should not bind the wearer. The sub-pelvic strap (standard on all PROTECTA harnesses) should be positioned under the buttocks-this strap and its proper placement is crucial; as it is the sub pelvic strap that dissipates much of the energy generated in a fall. All connectors must be fastened properly, the chest strap must be fastened securely, and the dorsal D-ring should rest between the wearer's shoulder blades.

Basic Fall Protection Safety Guidelines

CONNECTOR means a device which is used to couple (connect) parts of the personal fall arrest system and positioning device systems together. It may be an independent component of the system, such as a carabiner, or it may be an integral component of part of the system (such as a buckle or dee-ring sewn into a body belt or body harness, or a snap-hook spliced or sewn to a lanyard or self-retracting lanyard).

"Connectors shall be drop forged, pressed, or formed steel, or made of equivalent materials" [OSHA 1926.502(e)(3)].

"Connecting assemblies shall have a minimum tensile strength of 5,000 lbs. (22 kN)." [OSHA 1926.502(e)(5)].

CONNECTOR CONSIDERATIONS

Users should consider the following facts regarding Connectors :

• Connectors must be double locking

-Two separate actions required to open

• The strength of a connector is along its vertical axis

-Don't rig a job where the gate can be "cross loaded"

• Connectors made from aircraft aluminum (designed for sport climbing) are not designed for industrial use

• Connectors, like all other PFAS equipment, must be inspected prior to every use

• Connectors are the critical link in a PFAS-if misused or neglected, they can and will fail

Connectors come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and; as stated in the definition, may be an independent part of the PFAS, or an integral part of one of the PFAS components. Connectors should be selected with respect to their potential attachment point-i.e. : will the connectors allow the components to fit together properly, and is there a potential for accidental disconnection. NEVER CONNECT TWO SNAPHOOKS TO ONE ANOTHER, HOOK-TO-HOOK. Independent connectors used as attachments to anchorage points or anchorage devices should be considered along the same guidelines. The most important aspect of connectors is inspection before use. Damaged, abused, or worn out connectors will render the PFAS component useless, and it must be immediately withdrawn from service.

Connectors should :

·         Have a minimum tensile strength of 5,000 lbs.

·         Be inspected for signs of wear, cracking, burs, or deformation        before each use

·         Fit together properly

·         Not have the potential for accidental disconnection

Basic Fall Protection Safety Guidelines

DECELERATION DEVICE means any mechanism, such as a rope grab, rip-stitch lanyard, specially-woven lanyard, tearing or deforming lanyards, automatic self-retracting lifelines/lanyards, etc., which serves to dissipate a substantial amount of energy during a fall arrest, or otherwise limit the energy imposed on an employee during fall arrest.

"Personal fall arrest systems, when stopping fall, shall : limit maximum arresting force on an employee to 1,800 lbs. (8 kN) when used with a body harness; be rigged such that an employee can neither free-fall more than 6 feet (1.8 m), nor contact any lower level." [OSHA 1926.502(d)(16)(iii),(iv),(v)]

DECELERATION DEVICE CONSIDERATIONS

Users should consider the following regarding Deceleration Devices :

• There are several types of deceleration devices commonly used :

- Shock absorbing lanyards

- Guided-Type Fall Arrest Systems (rope, cable, rail grabs)

- Self retracting lanyards

- Self retracting lifelines

Choice of a deceleration device should be determined primarily by the amount of clear free fall space below the user. All users of fall protection equipment should be competently trained in how the equipment works and how to calculate free-fall, deceleration, elongation, total fall distance, and total clearance distance. Self retracting lifelines are recommended when there is a limited fall distance to the next level or the ground. Whether the deceleration device is a shock absorbing lanyard or a self retracting lifeline, it is important that the anchorage point for the deceleration device be located as close to directly above the user's head as possible. Travelling more than 15º in any direction from the anchorage point increases the possibility of a "pendulum" effect wherein the user falls, and the arc of travel after complete arrest allows contact with the lower level.

Each of the deceleration device types listed above require careful consideration before use.

Shock Absorbing Lanyards : Shock absorbing lanyards elongate when subject to an impact load. Careful calculation of total potential fall exposure is necessary in order to maintain a safe working environment.

Basic Fall Protection Safety Guidelines

Ask these questions before utilizing a shock absorbing lanyard :

1. Is my anchorage point rated for 5,000 lbs ?

Anchorage points for shock absorbing lanyards MUST be rated at at least 5,000 lbs. in order for the system to perform as designed.

2. Is the connecting device appropriate for the anchorage point ?

    A variety of hooks and anchors are available. Make sure they are compatible and appropriate     for the job.

3. How much clearance is necessary between where I am working and the next lower level ?

It is recommended that at least 20' of clear free-fall distance between a person and the next lower level when using a shock absorbing lanyard. Remember-a shock absorbing lanyard that is 6 feet long hook-to-hook has the potential to elongate to 9 feet or more if subject to an impact load. Add this distance to the height of the person working. Add that to the distance that a person travels before the system begins to react (the lower the tie-off point, the higher the free-fall distance). And finally, consider that a shock absorbing lanyard using rope as the lanyard element has the potential to stretch up to 40%. The answer is startling.

For example, a 6' person who is tied off at his feet (assume there is no overhead tie-off available) with a rope shock absorbing lanyard falls. He travels the 6' of his body height before the anchorage hook and the hook attached to his harness are on an even plane. He then travels the 6 additional feet of the unactivated shock absorbing lanyard. The lanyard reacts, opens, and elongates the full distance allowed by the shock absorber unit. The rope stretches 40% of its original length, and the person comes to a halt. The equation can be written as follows :

6' (initial fall) + 6' (unactivated SAL length) + 3' (elongation) + 2' (40% stretch) = 17'

REMEMBER : This is a worst-case scenario, where the individual is NOT tied off overhead, the shock absorber deploys completely, and the lanyard stretches to its maximum length. However, when planning fall protection, it is recommended that all potential fall hazards be evaluated from a worst case scenario.

Basic Fall Protection Safety Guidelines

Guided-Type Fall Arrest Systems : Guided-type fall arrest systems include rope grabs, and cable or rail grab systems. These systems provide a very effective form of fall protection, and the considerations for use are considerably less intense than those for other types of systems. Cable and rail systems are usually permanently installed systems, and will usually stop a fall within inches through an internal mechanical braking device if used properly. Rope grabs are more mobile forms of the same premise, and can therefore be used in a wider range of applications. Regardless of the system used, calculation of potential free-fall distance is still the most critical factor in determining how to safely use the equipment.

Self Retracting Lanyards : Self retracting lanyards offer a flexible, economical method of fall arrest. They allow for freedom of movement over longer distances than standard shock absorbing lanyards, and immediately lock into place when subject to an impact load. Self retracting lanyards are quick-acting, and require no annual certification, as once they have been loaded, they must be discarded. The same rules apply to these devices with regards to free-fall distance-there must be enough clearance above a lower level for the system to halt the fall before contact is made.

Self Retracting Lifelines : Arguably the most effective form of fall protection available. Self retracting lifelines utilize an internal friction device to limit free fall distance, and Protecta self retracting lifelines will completely arrest a fall within two feet or less. Self retracting lifelines require only a 3,000 lb. anchorage, as the reduction in free fall distance limits the potential impact load on the anchorage point. An important consideration with self retracting lifelines is swing-fall. The user must anchor the self retracting lifeline directly overhead, and must remain within a 15º window of that point in order to prevent potential contact with objects below the level he is working on in the event of a fall (also known as the "pendulum" effect).

1) Calculation of free fall distance is the most critical aspect of using a deceleration device

2) Positioning lanyards are NOT for fall arrest-they are for positioning ONLY

IN SUMMARY :

Users should :

·         Determine the best type of deceleration device to use in their work environment

·         Carefully calculate free fall distance to avoid contact with lower level

·         Choose an appropriate anchorage point

·         Avoid potential swing-fall (pendulum) effects

      ·         If you are uncertain about the safe working level in your environment, consult a qualified person. Do not use a shock absorbing lanyard if adequate free fall distance is not present.  

Employee Training Graphic # 130-2