Basics of Fall Protection: Where And When Is Fall Protection Needful?
Fall protection anchors and other kinds of fall protection systems are needed at working areas where the workers will work at heights, whether on a construction site, shipyard, longshore operation or in other professions. Basically, protection for fall is needed when a person is working on surfaces as low as 4’ above the next lower level. However, the different minimum requirements vary depending on the type of work being performed and the various state and/or federal regulations.
Here are some basics for using fall protection anchors, fall arrest anchors and other fall protection systems:
1. Type of work: The requirements for fall protection vary from industry to another. For general industry (excluding construction), OSHA standards require a standard railing to be placed on all open sides when people are working on an open-sided floor or platform raised 4' or more above the next lower level. The exception is for entrance to a ramp, stairway, or fixed ladder.
For the construction industry, OSHA requires use of guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest system to guard employees or workers working on a surface that is 6' or more above the next lower level. These are used to protect the workers from falling.
These minimum requirements may also vary when working above dangerous equipment when work areas such as shipyards and long shore operations are involved.
2. State or federal regulations: OSHA, which also establishes the standards and guidelines for fall protection training, ensures the safety of people working at heights or dangerous situations where they might be exposed to danger. For states that have their own state OSHA standards, these standards supersede federal OSHA standards. There are some areas where voluntary consensus standards, such as ANSI, if the OSHA standards do not apply.
The OSHA standards are the best way of determining whether the area your workers or employees are working, require special equipment to protect them against falling or other accidents. These standards also establish guidelines for accessing these areas. Therefore, it is advisable to start with the guidelines.
In addition to implementing standards for fall protection, effective implementation requires usage of the correct type of equipment. Additionally, it is necessary to ensure that these equipment and systems are of good standing. Different types of fall protection systems also vary in cost.
Apart from that, effective fall protection of workers requires fall protection training and education for all workers in relation to using the equipment. This helps workers to familiarize with tools and equipment and to identify when and how to use them effectively. Installation of different types of fall protection system can be a tricky process without training.
Training all workers in relation to using of fall protection anchors and systems also ensures that they are able to select the right system for use on their own. Using the wrong equipment can also increase risk for accidents.
Training can either be done in-house, or by an OSHA-accredited institution and third party.
