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6131
Appendix T2 Active[1] Fall
Protection Systems |
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Active
fall protection systems limit falls to a specified
distance as well as the amount of force the worker is subjected to in the event
of a fall. They are used when passive
protection systems do not provide sufficient protection against fall hazards or
cannot be used. This document describes the types, components,
and care of active fall protection systems.
The appendix
includes the following active fall protection systems commonly used at
Jefferson Lab:
· positioning systems,
· fall restraint systems, and
· personal fall
arrest systems.
Each system
supports only a single individual and requires
some worker manipulation.
This
appendix is written in coordination with to ES&H Manual Chapter 6131
Fall Protection Systems.
NOTE: Management authority may be delegated at the discretion of the responsible manager.
3.1
Employees
Using Fall Protection
·
Maintain
current training (SAF202
Personal Fall Protection).
·
Collect
fall protection components from the Material Handling Safety Representative.
·
Wear
the appropriate personal
protective equipment (PPE) for the job.
·
Inspect
components prior to use, check:
o
For
defects and wear;
o
Last
inspection date to ensure that it is within one year.
·
Report
any defective, suspect, or expired components to your supervisor.
·
Transfer
any components that fail inspection, or
have arrested a fall, to the Material
Handling Safety Representative.
·
If
required read and sign the Operational Safety
Procedure (OSP) for the job.
3.2
Supervisor/Subcontracting
Officer’s Technical Representative (SOTR)/Sponsor
·
Ensure
that a Task
Hazard Analysis (THA) is completed to determine the proper fall protection
system for the job.
·
Provide
an OSP for each job as required.
·
Ensure
that workers performing elevated work have completed the required training and
signed the OSP.
·
Ensure
all fall protection components are stored, inspected and approved for use by
the Material Handling Safety Representative.
·
Ensure
that the proper fall protection system is being used by workers.
·
Ensure
that any equipment that fails inspection, or has arrested a fall, is transferred to the Material Handling Safety Representative.
3.3
Material Handling Safety
Representative (MHSR)
·
Inspect
all protection components in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations or
annually, whichever is more frequent.
·
Purchase,
issue, and approve all employee fall protection components. Inspected and approved subcontract’s fall
protection components prior to use.
·
Maintain
inspection records of fall protection components.
·
Dispose
of defective or expired fall protection components.
·
Ensure
department storage is appropriate and well maintained.
·
Establish
and maintain a training program recognizing and minimizing fall hazards that
includes:
o
The
nature of fall hazards in the work area
o
Proper
use of active and passive fall protection systems
o
Limitations
of each type of system
o
Correct
procedures for erecting, maintaining, disassembling, and inspecting fall protection
systems
o
Proper
storage of components
o
A
fall rescue plan
o
Maintenance
of employee certification records
4.0
Types of Active Fall Protection Systems
Positioning systems restrain elevated workers and prevent them from getting into hazardous positions where falls can occur. Positioning systems also have the added advantage of allowing the worker to work with both hands. Full body harness systems are used in positioning systems.
Fall restraint systems eliminate
fall hazards by keeping the worker within the passive restraint area. The worker wears a full body harness attached
to an anchor(s) point by a lanyard/lifeline to prevent the worker from falling. nk
4.3
Personal Fall Arrest Systems
Personal fall arrest systems are used when a worker is at risk of
falling from an elevated (4-feet+) position.
They stop a fall in progress and protect
falling workers by distributing the force of impact
throughout the trunk of the body.
Personal fall arrest systems are capable of supporting a minimum of
5,000 pounds. The components of an active fall protection
system are the body harness and connecting device, which are reviewed by the Material
Handling Safety Representative (MHSR) for condition and suitability.
5.0
Component of Active Fall Protection Systems
An anchor point is the position on a structure, independent of any
anchorage used to support or suspend a work platform, to which a lanyard is
securely attached. Anchor points have very
specific criteria. A Task Hazard Analysis
determines if an anchor point is needed.
Installation of anchor points is considered a facility modification (see
ES&H Manual Chapter
3110 Facility Design and Modification Review).
5.2
Body Harness
Straps
that are secured about the worker in a manner that distributes the fall arrest
forces over the upper body; with means for attachment to other components of a
personal fall arrest system. See the MHSR for fit.
A connecting device attaches the body harness to an anchor point
or lifeline. A connecting device (e.g.:
lanyard) with a minimum breaking strength of 5,000 pounds. Lanyards used in fall arrest, fall restraint,
and positioning systems may have a shock-absorbing feature built in to reduce
the force of an arrested fall.
6.0
Inspection,
Care, and Maintenance
Fall protection components are
inspected by workers prior to and after use and annual by the MHSR. Any component showing evidence of an
unacceptable condition, has expired, or is defective components is immediately transferred
to the MHSR.
Perform both visual and physical
review. Unacceptable conditions include,
but or not limited to:
·
Cuts,
tears, broken or pulled stitching, frayed fibers, abrasion, chemical, heat
damage, or other deterioration
·
Mold,
·
Alterations
or additions that might affect efficiency,
·
Distorted,
corroded, or damaged snaphooks, buckles, or D-rings,
·
Wear,
and
·
Improper
fit.
Perform both visual and physical
review. Unacceptable conditions include,
but are not limited to:
·
Cuts,
tears, frayed fibers, abrasion, chemical, or heat damage,
·
Fall
arrest or stretching, and
·
Distorted,
corroded, or damaged snaphooks, buckles, or D-rings,
All
active fall protection components are stored in isolated areas, such as lockers
or closets, where they are not subject to moisture or sunlight. The MHSR initially approves and annually
inspects storage areas
to ensure they are appropriate and maintained in accordance with the
manufacturer’s recommendations.
7.0
Revision
Summary
Revision
1.1 – 12/04/12 – Qualifying
periodic review. No substantive changes
required.
Revision
1 – 12/23/09 – Content
updated to reflect current laboratory operations.
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ISSUING
AUTHORITY |
TECHNICAL POINT-OF-CONTACT |
APPROVAL
DATE |
EXPIRATION
DATE |
REV. |
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ESH&Q Division |
12/23/09 |
12/04/15 |
1.1 |
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