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ES&H Manual
Chapter 6131 Fall Protection Systems
Purpose
Jefferson Lab requires some type of fall protection when work is performed at elevations of four feet or more. Fall protection includes passive or active systems. A Task Hazard Analysis (THA) is developed using ES&H Manual Chapter 3210 Work Planning, Control, and Authorization Process to determine the proper fall protection system for the type of work to be performed (See ES&H Manual Chapter 3210 Appendix T3 Task Hazard Analysis Worksheet). The following are considered in the THA:
  • Height at which the task will be performed
  • Type of movement required to perform the task (i.e., stationary, lateral, etc.)
  • Weight of the worker(s)
  • Location of anchor or tie-off points
  • Rescue methods
  • Length of time at the work station
  • Number of workers needed
  • Worksite conditions
  • Other equipment/activities in the area that may pose a hazard
  • Environmental conditions

NOTE: As the THA is developed, look for opportunities to eliminate the fall hazard through the use of engineering controls such as moving the work to floor level or adding platforms, railings, etc.

This program satisfies the requirements of DOE Order 151.1C, and applicable Federal, state, and local requirements as outlined in ES&H Manual Chapter 2410 Appendix T1 Hazard Issues List.


Scope
This document describes the passive and active fall protection systems used at Jefferson Lab. See ES&H Manual Chapter 3110 ES&H Assessments of New Facility Plans for guidance for installation or modification of a fall protection system.

Note: Subcontractors' fall protection equipment is approved by Jefferson Lab's Material Handling Safety Representative prior to use.

Technical Appendices:

T1 Passive Fall Protection Systems
Passive fall protection systems do not require any action by the worker and are preferred whenever possible. ES&H Manual Chapters 6131 Appendix T1 Passive Fall Protection describes the types and use of passive fall protection systems at Jefferson Lab.
T2 Active Fall Protection Systems
Active fall protection systems limits falls to a specified distance as well as the amount of force. Active protection is used when passive protection systems do not provide sufficient protection or cannot be used. ES&H Manual Chapter 6131 Appendix T2 Active Fall Protection describes the types, components, and maintenance requirements of active fall protection systems used at Jefferson Lab.
Responsibilities:

Note: Management authority may be delegated at the discretion of the responsible manager.

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:
    • For defects and wear;
    • 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 MHSR.
  • If required read and sign the Operational Safety Procedure (OSP) for the job.
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 MHSR.
  • 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 MHSR.
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:
    • The nature of fall hazards in the work area
    • Proper use of active and passive fall protection systems
    • Limitations of each type of system
    • Correct procedures for erecting, maintaining, disassembling, and inspecting fall protection systems
    • Proper storage of components
    • A fall rescue plan
    • Maintenance of employee certification records
References:
Document Control:
  • ISSUING AUTHORITY:   ESH&Q Division
    TECHNICAL POINT-OF-CONTACT:  Ned Walker
    APPROVAL DATE:   12/23/09
    EXPIRATION DATE:  12/04/15
    REVISION HISTORY
    Revision 1.2 - 12/04/12: Qualifying Periodic Review. No substantive changes required.
    Revision 1.1 - 10/18/12: Clarification to content format.
    Revision 1 - 12/23/09: Updated to reflect current laboratory operations.

This document is controlled as an on-line file. It may be printed but the print copy is not a controlled document. It is the user's responsibility to ensure that the document is the same revision as the current on line file. .