WORKING AT HEIGHTS

The OSHA Standards - 29 CFR 1910 & 29 CFR 1926, and the JGSPC Standard What we need to know: Main difference: Fall protection is required when an employee is working at a height greater than or equal to 6 ft for 29 CFR 1926 (or 4 ft for 29 CFR 1910). JGSPC standard: Workmen carrying out jobs 1meter or 39 inches above ground not supported by a fixed platform must be provided with scaffoldings. For scaffolding 1.8m or 5.92 ft or above ground, guard rails must be installed around the working platform. Basic Requirements or Provisions: Guardrails: 42 above working level with mesh or midrails that can withstand 200 pounds (91 kg). No openings > 19 wide. Safety nets: as close as practicable (not below 30 feet), with sufficient clearance to prevent contact with surface, Mesh < 6, width of net > 13. Can withstand 400 pounds.

When exposed to falling (6 feet or more), one or more of the three primary fall prevention systems must be installed guardrail, safety net, or personal fall arrest system Special cases: ramps (guard rails), excavation (guardrails when not readily seen), dangerous equipment (guardrails when <6ft, all when >6ft), wall opening (all when barrier is <1m high)

Personal Fall Arrest System: max arresting force of 1800 pounds, no free fall more than 6 feet (1.8 m), deceleration distance of 3.5 feet (1.07m), can withstand twice potential impact energy. Scaffolding (in consideration with JGSPC standard): can withstand 4 times intended load, walkway be > 18.

Fall Clearance Requirement Calculation Lanyard Length (2m) + Shock Absorber Length + Worker Height (6) + safety factor (3) Others: Positioning device systems: cannot free fall more than 2 feet Warning line systems: erected not less than 6 feet from the edge Controlled access zones: not less than 6 feet (1.8 m) nor more than 25 feet (7.7 m) from the unprotected or leading edge, minimum breaking strength of 200 pounds Safety monitoring systems: a competent person, mechanical equipment shall not be used, comply promptly with fall hazard warnings from safety monitors o to recognize fall hazards, warn unaware employees, on the same walking/working surface and within visual sighting distance from worker, close enough to communicate orally, shall not have other responsibilities Covers: at least twice the maximum axle load of the largest vehicle expected to cross over Protection from falling objects: o Toeboards: can withstand 50 pounds, a minimum of 3 (9 cm) from edge o Guardrail system

Safety Talk: Work at Heights

July 12, 2013

Roni Creticio

Safety Talk: Work at Heights

July 12, 2013

Roni Creticio