DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY (DON)

FALL-PROTECTION GUIDE

May 2015
 DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY FALL PROTECTION GUIDE
May 2015

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION # PAGE #

TABLE OF CONTENTS------------------------------------------ 2

1.0 INTRODUCTION ---------------------------------------------- 7

1.1 PURPOSE --------------------------------------------------- 7
1.2 BACKGROUND ------------------------------------------------- 7
1.3 APPLICATION --------------------------------------------------- 8
1.4 SCOPE ------------------------------------------------------------- 8
1.5 NAVY/MARNIE CORPS FALL PROTECTION POLICY9 9
1.6 ACTIVITY FALL PROTECTION POLICY ------------------ 10
1.7 BASIC PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS ---------------------- 10
1.8 COMPLIANCE ----------------------------------------------------- 11
1.9 COMPARISON BETWEEN OSHA STANDARDS,
NAVY/MARINE CORPS AND USACE EM 385 FP
REQUIREMENTS------------------------------------------------- 12
1.10 REGULATIONS/STANDARDS AND INSTRUCTIONS-- 12

2.0 DEFINITIONS ------------------------------------------------------ 14

3.0 FALL PROTECTION PROGRAM ---------------------------- 27

3.1 COMPONENTS OF A FALL PROTECTION
PROGRAM --------------------------------------------------------- 27
3.2 SAMPLE WRITTEN FP PROGRAM ------------------------ 28
3.3 FP PROGRAM COMPLIANCE AUDIT CHECKLIST---- 33
3.4 STEP BY STEP HOW TO ESTABLISH, MANAGE
AND IMPLEMENT A FP PROGRAM ----------------------- 40

4.0 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ------------------------- 41

4.1 QUALIFIED PERSON FOR FP-------------------------------- 41
4.2 COMPETENT PERSON FOR FP----------------------------- 41
4.3 FP PROGRAM MANAGER ------------------------------------ 42

5.0 WORKPLACE SURVEYS AND ASSESSMENT OF --- 43

FALL HAZARDS
5.1 FALL HAZARD SURVEY -------------------------------------- 43
5.2 FALL HAZARD ASSESSMENT ----------------------------- 44
5.3 REQUIREMENTS FOR FALL HAZARD SURVEY
REPORT------------------------------------------------------------ 44
5.4 SAMPLE FALL HAZARD SURVEY REPORT ----------- 46
5.5 SITE SPECIFIC FALL HAZED SURVEY CHECKLIST- 49

6.0 TRAINING ---------------------------------------------------------- 50

6.1 TRAINING REQUIREMENTS --------------------------------- 50
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6.2 TRAINING MATRIX ---------------------------------------------- 52
6.3 REFRESHERS/UPDATE TRAINING-------------------------- 56
6.4 RETRAINING ------------------------------------------------------ 56
6.5 AVAILABLE WEB-BASED FP TRAINING COURSES-- 56
6.6 FALL PROTECTION TRAINING ROSTER ----------------- 57
6.7 FALL PROTECTION TRAINING ROSTER FORM ------- 59

7.0 FALL HAZARD PREVENTION AND CONTROLS ------ 60

7.1 PREFERRED ORDER OF CONTROL MEASURES ---- 60
7.2 FALL PROTECTION AND PREVENTION PLANS ------- 61
7.2.1 FALL PROTECTION AND PREVENTION
PLAN REQUIREMENTS ---------------------------------------- 61
7.2.2 INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARING THE PLAN---------- 62
7.2.3 SAMPLE FALL PROTECTION AND PREVENTION ---- 64
PLAN (FORM)
7.2.4 SITE SPECIFIC FALL PROTECTION AND ---------------- 66
PREVENTION PLAN CHECKLIST
7.2.5 WHEN A COMPETENT OR QUALIFIED PERSON
ARE REQUIRED TO DEVELOP FP&PP ------------------ 67

8.0 FALL PROTECTION SYSTEMS, CRITERIA AND -------- 70

DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
8.1 FALL PROTECTION SYSTEMS ------------------------------- 70
8.2 FALL PROTECTION SYSTEM, CRITERIA AND --------- 71
REQUIREMENTS
8.2.1 PREVENTION SYSTEMS --------------------------------------- 71
8.2.1.1 GUARDRAIL SYSTEM -------------------------------- 71
8.2.1.2 PARAPETS ---------------------------------------------- 75
8.2.1.3 COVERS -------------------------------------------------- 76
8.2.1.4 WORK-STANDS, STATIONARY WORK -------- 78
PLATFORMS & CATWALKS
8.2.2 SAFETY NETS ----------------------------------------------------- 79
8.2.3 FALL ARREST SYSTEM --------------------------------------- 80
8.2.3.1 FALL ARREST SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS---- 82
8.2.3.2 FALL ARREST SYSTEM, SUBSYSTEMS
AND COMPONENTS --------------------------------- 83
8.2.4 OTHER FALL PROTECTION SYSTEMS -------------------- 101
8.2.4.1 FELXIBLE HORIZONTAL LIFELINE ------------- 101
8.2.4.2 RIGID HORIZONTAL RAIL SYSTEM------------- 104
8.2.4.3 SINGLE ANCHOR VERTICAL LIFELINE ------- 105
8.2.4.4 POSITIONING SYSTEM ----------------------------- 107
8.2.4.5 RESTRAINT SYSTEM -------------------------------- 108
8.2.4.6 SUSPENDED ROPE ACCESS --------------------- 110
8.2.4.7 CLIMBING LADDER FA SYSTEM ----------------- 110
8.2.4.8 WARNING LINE SYSTEM --------------------------- 111
8.2.4.9 DESIGNATED AREA METHOD -------------------- 113
8.2.4.10 SAFETY MONITORING SYSTEM ----------------- 113
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8.2.4.11 CONTROLLED ACCESS ZONE ------------------- 113
8.2.4.12 OTHER ENGINEERED FP SYSTEMS------------ 113
8.2.4.13 LADDER CAGES --------------------------------------- 114

9.0 FALL PROTECTION FOR SPECIFIC WORK ------------- 115

APPLICATIONS
9.1 COMMUNICATION TOWERS --------------------------------- 115
9.2 TOWER ERECTION ---------------------------------------------- 115
9.3 ROOF WORK ------------------------------------------------------- 116
9.4 LEADING EDGE WORK ----------------------------------------- 117
9.5 SCAFFOLD WORK ----------------------------------------------- 117
9.6 SUSPENDED SCAFFOLDS ------------------------------------ 117
9.7 AERIAL LIFTING EQUIPMENT ------------------------------- 118
9.8 CONFINED SPACE ENTRY ------------------------------------ 123
9.9 EXCAVATED TRENCHES OR HOLES MORE ----------- 123
THAN SIX FEET DEEP
9.10 SAFE WORK PRACTICES ON LADDERS AND --------- 123
STAIRWAYS
9.11 WORKING NEAR WALL OPENINGS ------------------------ 126
9.12 CLIMBING AND WORKING ON WOOD POLES---------- 126
9.13 WORKING OVER WATER ------------------------------------- 127
9.14 AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE ----------------------------------- 129
9.15 ELEVATED WORK AREA NEAR GUARDRAIL ---------- 129

10.0 GUIDANCE FOR RESCUE PROCEDURES --------------- 130

10.1 INTRODUCTION --------------------------------------------------- 130
10.2 BACKGROUND ----------------------------------------------------- 130
10.3 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS ----------------------------------- 131
10.4 INITIATION OF RESCUE ---------------------------------------- 131
10.5 FALL ARREST RESCUE PLANS AND PROCEDURES-- 132
10.6 RESCUE EQUIPMENT INSPECTION ------------------------ 133
10.7 TRAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR RESCUE -------------- 133
10.8 PROCEDURES FOR REQUESTING RESCUE AND
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE ----------------------------------------- 134
10.9 TRANSPORTATION ROUTES TO A MEDICAL
FACILITY-------------------------------------------------------------- 134
10.10 ANCHORAGES USED FOR RESCUE ----------------------- 134
10.11 SELECTIVE RESCUE EQUIPMENT AND SYSTEMS --- 135
10.12 REFERENCES RELATED TO RESCUE -------------------- 137
10.13 FALL ARREST RESCUE PLANS ------------------------------ 138
10.14 SAMPLE FALL-ARREST RESCUE PLAN (FORM) ------ 139
10.15 SITE SPECIFIC FALL ARREST RESCUE PLAN
(CHECKLIST) ------------------------------------------------------- 141

11.0 INSPECTION, STORAGE, MAINTENANCE AND

CARE PROCEDURES FOR FALL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT --- 142
11.1 SPECIFIC EQUIPMENT INSPECTION ----------------------- 143
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11.2 ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR ASSEMBLY,
DISASSEMBLY, STORAGE AND INSPECTION----------- 148
11.3 FALL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT INSPECTION
CHECKLIST --------------------------------------------------------- 150
11.4 FALL-ARREST SYSTEM AND EQUIPMENT
CHECKLIST --------------------------------------------------------- 152

12.0 TIE-OFF CONSIDERATIONS AND SELECTION

OF SAFE ANCHORAGES --------------------------------------- 157

13.0 RESPONSIBILITY FOR DESIGN, INSPECTION,

CERTIFICATION AND RE-CERTIFICATION OF
ANCHORAGES ---------------------------------------------------- 161
13.1 RESPONSIBILITY OF ANCHORAGE
IDENTIFICATION, DESIGN AND CERTIFICATION ----- 161
13.2 INSPECTION, CERTIFICATION,
RE-CERTIFICATION OF ANCHORAGES ------------------ 162

14.0 FALL PREVENTION CONSIDERATIONS

DURING PLANNING AND DESIGN PHASE ---------------- 164
14.1 INTRODUCTION --------------------------------------------------- 164
14.2 PLANNING AND DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS ------------ 165
14.3 FALL HAZARD IDENTIFICATION------------------------------- 166
14.4 RISK ASSESSMENT ----------------------------------------------- 167
14.5 RISK CONTROL ----------------------------------------------------- 167
14.6 HIERARCHY OF CONTROL MEASURES FOR
PLANNING AND DESIGN ---------------------------------------- 168

15.0 GUIDANCE FALL PROTECTION FOR AIRCRAFT

MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION WORK ----------------- 169
15.1 INTRODUCTION ----------------------------------------------------- 169
15.2 APPLICABILITY ------------------------------------------------------ 169
15.3 PURPOSE ------------------------------------------------------------- 169
15.4 APPLICABLE STANDARDS, REGULATIONS/SOP
AND INSTRUCTIONS ---------------------------------------------- 169
15.5 WRITTEN FALL PROTECTION PROGRAM ---------------- 170
15.6 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ----------------------------- 170
15.7 WORKPLACE SURVEYS AND ASSESSMENT OF
FALL HAZARDS ----------------------------------------------------- 172
15.8 TRAINING ------------------------------------------------------------- 172
15.9 AIRCRAFT FALL HAZARD PREVENTION AND
CONTROL ------------------------------------------------------------- 173

15.10 FALL PROTECTION SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT

USED FOR AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE AND
INSPECTION WORK ---------------------------------------------- 174
15.11 INSPECTION, STORAGE, CARE AND MAINTENANCE
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OF FALL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT ---------------------- 183
15.12 RESCUE PROCEDURES --------------------------------------- 183
15.13 AUDUTS AND EVALUATIONS -------------------------------- 184
15.14 FUNDING AND PROCUREMENT OF FP EQUIPMENT-- 184
15.15 EXAMPLES OF FALL PROGRAM DOCUMENTS
(TEMPLATES) ------------------------------------------------------ 184
15.16 FALL PROTECTION FORMS/CHECKLISTS---------------- 205

16.0 FALL PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS FOR A/Es

AND OTHER INSPECTORS CONDNDUCTING ROOF
INVESTIGATION, ASSESSMENTS AND INSPECTION
WORK ----------------------------------------------------------------- 209

17.0 OTHER FALL PROTECTION MEASURES ----------------- 221

18.0 ANSI Z359 FALL PROTECTION CODE/STANDARDS-- 224

19.0 REFERENCES/HOW TO ACQUIRE INFORMATION ---- 226

APPENDIX A FALL PROTECTION COMPARISON

AMONG VARIOUS OSHA STANDARDS,
EM 385-1-1 AND NAVY/Marine Corps ------------------------ 228
REQUIREMENTS

APPENDIX B TOTAL FALL DISTANCE ----------------------------------------- 247

B.1 MATHEMATICAL PROBLEM, CALCULATING
TOTAL FALL DISTANCE ----------------------------------- 247
B.2 CALCULATING THE CLEARANCE --------------------- 247
B.3 TOTAL FALL DISTANCE SCHEMATICS -------------- 248

APPENDIX C DISCUSSION OF EXAMPLES/PROBLEMS

AND SOLUTIONS TO FALL HAZARDS --------------------- 252

APPENDIX D MAN OVERBOARD PLAN --------------------------------------- 256

APPENDIX E GUIDANCE DOCUMENT - DESIGN

CONSIDERATIONS FOR MANAGEMENT OF
FALL HAZARDS --------------------------------------------------- 260

APPENDIX F COURSE SYLLABUS FOR COMPETENT

PERSON FOR FALL PROTECTION TRAINING ---------- 284

APPENDIX G HUMAN SYSTEM INTERFACE WITH PERSONAL

FALL ARREST SYSTEM ---------------------------------------- 294

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 DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY FALL PROTECTION GUIDE
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DON FALL PROTECTION GUIDE

FOR
NAVY AND MARINE CORPS FACILITIES

1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 PURPOSE
This Guide provides criteria and best practices in accordance with (IAW) requirements
prescribed in OPNAVINT5100.23 for developing and managing Fall Protection programs to
protect all personnel (military and DON civilians) at Navy and Marine Corps Activities.

1.2 BACKGROUND
Falls from heights are a leading cause of work-related injuries and fatalities. They are the
leading cause in construction and the fourth most common cause in general industry. The
DON continues to experience serious fall related mishaps, which lead to reduced readiness
and productivity, as well as high medical and compensation costs resulting from these mishaps
and suffering to victims and their families.

According to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were 699 fatalities due to slips, trips and
falls in 2013, accounting for more than 16 % of total work fatalities. Falls to lower level totaled
574 fatalities and falls on the same level accounted for 106 fatalities. In the United States, two
to three fatalities from falls occur each working day. Furthermore, thousands of workers suffer
injuries due to falls with lost time from work. Half of fall fatalities occurred in the construction
industry.

BLS data shows that fall fatalities from roofs are the most common, followed by falls from
ladders, scaffolds, staging, and other surfaces. Aside from tragic loss of life and suffering to
victims and their families, workers are very expensive to train to perform work efficiently. On
the average, a single fall fatality costs approximately $800,000 to $2,400,000 (in 2012 dollars,
from the latest data available). The average cost of a single injury due to a fall is over
$30,000. Additionally, falls is the most cited violation by Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA). The intent of this guide is to establish criteria, requirements and best
practices for developing and managing Fall Protection programs in order to heighten
awareness and protect all DON personnel exposed to Fall-Hazards in the workplace. Falls are
preventable. Careful planning and preparation lay the necessary groundwork for an accident-
free workplace.

In the Department of the Navy there were 6 fall fatalities between 2009 and 2014. Between
2005 and 2014 there were 235 DON personnel who experienced falls while working on aircraft
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and sustained injury. Falls represented 19% of Marine Aviation Maintainer Injuries and 17% of
Navy Aviation Maintainer Injuries.

1.3 APPLICATION
This guide applies to all Navy and Marine Corps Activities (where there is a need for a Fall
Protection program to ensure the safety of all personnel (military and DON Civilians)
worldwide. When the word personnel is used in this guide it refers to Navy and Marine Corps
military and civilian personnel. It provides information on standards, regulations, formal criteria,
requirements and best practices, for the protection of personnel and workers working at
heights and exposed to Fall-Hazards.

NOTE:
Fall Protection Program requirements for Afloat Units are prescribed in OPNAVINST 5100.19
Series

1.4 SCOPE
The scope of this guide is to develop a managed Fall Protection program and to provide the
requirements and criteria for Fall Protection for potentially affected workers exposed to Fall-
Hazards while conducting work at heights at US Navy and Marine Corps Activities.

This guide provides:

a. Definitions applicable to Fall Protection and rescue.

b. Criteria and requirements for developing a managed Fall Protection program, a sample of
a written program, and program compliance audit checklist.
c. The duties, responsibilities, and qualifications of personnel involved in the managed Fall
Protection program.
d. The requirements for Fall-Hazard survey and the assessment process including the
preparation of Fall-Hazard survey report and instructions for conducting the surveys.
e. The training requirements for all personnel involved in the Fall Protection program
including methods of training.
f. Fall-Hazard prevention and controls including the preferred order of control measures or
the hierarchy of controls, Fall Protection and prevention plan criteria and requirements,
sample of the plan, and site specific plan checklist.
g. Various Fall Protection systems, criteria and requirements.
h. The Fall Protection guidelines for specific common working conditions and applications
(Working on roofs, communication towers, scaffolds, aircraft, etc.).
i. Guidelines for fall rescue procedures, a sample rescue plan for Fall-Hazard control and a
site specific fall arrest rescue plan checklist.
j. Requirements for Fall Protection equipment inspection, maintenance, storage, and care
procedures including equipment inspection checklist.
k. Tie-off considerations and identification, use, selection of non-certified anchorages,
certification and re-certification of certified anchorages.

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l. Considerations for management of fall hazards and responsibilities of architects and
engineers during planning, design, construction, operations and maintenance activities.
m. Fall Protection guidelines for aircraft maintenance and inspection work.
n. Fall Protection requirements for architects/engineers and other inspectors conducting
inspection, investigation and assessment work on roofs.
o. Other protection requirements including falling object protection, hard hats, lock-out tag-
out, etc.
p. Information regarding American National Standards Institute (ANSI), ANSI Z359 series Fall
Protection Code and Standards.

1.5 NAVY AND MARINE CORPS FALL PROTECTION POLICY

According to OPNAVINST 5100.23 Series, Navy Safety and Occupational Health
Program Manual Chapter 13 and MCO 5100.29B Marine Corps Safety Program and NAVMC
DIR 5100.8, Marine Corps OSH Manual, every Navy and Marine Corps Command/Activity
having personnel working at height, exposed to Fall-Hazards and using Fall Protection
equipment is responsible for establishing, implementing and managing a Fall Protection
program, which includes identification and elimination or control of Fall-Hazards. Navy and
Marine Corps activities are responsible for: assigning responsibilities; surveying and assessing fall
hazards; providing prevention and control measures; training of personnel; inspecting the
equipment; auditing and evaluation; proper installation and use of fall protection systems; and the
availability of rescue equipment with accompanying rescue procedures. Fall protection must be
provided to Navy civilians and military personnel exposed to fall hazards on any elevated walking
working surface with unprotected sides, edges, roofs, or floor openings, from which there is a
possibility of falling four feet or more (5 feet for Shipyard Operations) to a lower level; or where
there is a possibility of a fall from any height onto dangerous equipment, into a hazardous
environment, or onto an impalement hazard.

a. The Regional Commander, Commanding Officer/Director, Officer-In-Charge of the Navy

Activity as well as Marine Corps Major Commands and Subordinate Commands are
responsible for establishing and implementing a Fall Protection program.

b. The DON Fall Protection Working Group shall serve as the fall protection technical and
policy advisor regarding the prevention of falls when working at heights and on the same
level. The FPWG shall provide tools, criteria and safe work practices to ensure Naval
activities establish and manage viable fall protection programs. The Fall Protection
Working Group shall meet semiannually.

c. Naval Facilities Engineering Command is the designated Technical Warrant Holder for fall
protection

d. Naval Sea Systems Command SEA 05 is designated the Technical Warrant Holder for
shipboard fall protection systems.

e. For Aviation, Technical Warrant Holders are spread across various PMAs under NAVAIR,
based on equipment and type/model/series of aircraft.
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1.6 ACTIVITY FALL PROTECTION POLICY

Each activity may prescribe supplementary requirements for special conditions above and
beyond the Navy and Marine Corps policy stated in paragraph 1.5 above. Development of an
activity policy statement will provide general guidance and requirements and delineate
responsibilities at the Command. The activity policy shall emphasize management
commitment to provide a safe work environment for all personnel working at heights and that
safety of personnel during performance of their work is of the utmost importance.

1.7 BASIC REQUIREMENT FOR FALL PROTECTION

The threshold limit for providing Fall Protection is mandated by OPNAVINST 5100.23 Series,
Marine Corps 5100.29 Series and the US Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).

The standard Fall Protection threshold height for DON personnel (worldwide) is 4 feet
as per OPNAVINST 5100.23 Series, MCO 5100.29 Series and the General Industry
Standards, 29 CFR 1910, Subpart D.

At construction sites, workers (contractors only) shall adhere to the threshold height no
greater than 6 feet, as per US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Safety and Health
Requirements Manual EM 385-1-1, and 29 CFR 1926.500, Subpart M, Fall Protection in
Construction Industry. When Navy and Marine Corps personnel visit construction sites to
inspect contractors work, they may comply with the 6 foot threshold height because it would
be infeasible to install guardrails at 4 foot height just for Navy and Marine Corps Personnel,
when the OSHA Standards require a 6 foot threshold height for construction workers.

For information only, the following is a table indicating the threshold limit
for various industries, standards, regulations and instructions:

Industry Feet Standard, Regulation Source

Contractors 6 EM 385-1-1
Construction 29 CFR 1926.500
General Industry 4 29 CFR 1910.23

Shipyard (Non- 5 29 CFR 1915.159

Ashore work)
Marine Terminals/ 4 29 CFR 1917.112
Long-Shoring 8 29 CFR 1918

DON activities may prescribe more stringent threshold requirements for federal employees as
required, due to the site-specific facility needs.

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1.8 COMPLIANCE
29 CFR 1960.16 and Section 19 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) of 1970
and Executive Order 12196 prescribe requirements for federal employment occupational
safety and health programs and contains provisions to assure safe and healthful working
conditions for federal employees.

Under Section 19 of OSHA Act and 29 CFR 1960.16, (for Federal Agencies), Occupational
Safety and Health (OSH) programs shall be consistent and in compliance with the standards
promulgated under Section 6 of the OSH Act of 1970. Section 6 of OSH Act directed by rule
the Secretary of Labor to promulgate the Occupational Health and Safety Standard 29 CFR
1910.

Navy and Marine Corps personnel shall comply with the 29 CFR 1910 requirement of four feet
as stated under Subpart D, Walking-Working Surfaces and OPNAVINST 5100.23, unless there
are other alternate promulgated standards that are more specific to an Activity, Command or
industry, such as the six-foot requirement for DON contractors performing construction and
demolition work. Any deviation from the 4-foot threshold height shall be approved by the
Command.

Note 1.There is no safe distance from an unprotected side or edge of a roof or floor. The distance
alone is ineffective to protect personnel from unprotected sides and edges.

Note 2.There is no minimum time duration that allows exclusion of Fall Protection requirements.
(e.g., if a 2 minute job requires 15 minutes to establish Fall Protection).

Therefore, Fall Protection must be provided to DON civilians and military personnel exposed to
Fall-Hazards on any elevated walking/working surface with unprotected sides, edges, or floor
openings from which there is a possibility of falling 4 FEET or more to lower level including
working from fixed ladders; or where there is a possibility of a fall from any height, onto
dangerous equipment, into hazardous environment or onto an impalement hazard.

NOTE:
Exceptions: (1) When climbing OSHA compliant ladders, or (2) when erecting or
dismantling supported scaffolds when it is determined by a Competent Person
after conducting an evaluation, that providing Fall Protection is not feasible or
creates a greater hazard (for example: When it is necessary to erect scaffolding
before erection of the structure, and requiring the scaffold structure to be erected
or put in place.)

All regulations and standards for Fall Protection and health and safety contain minimum
requirements. DoD Instruction 6055.1 does not preclude DoD Authorities from prescribing
supplementary requirements for special conditions, over which the DoD itself or in coordination
with other Federal Agencies, exercises statutory authority for safety and health matters.
Generally, DoD Instruction 6055.1 does not apply to DoD contractors, except for provisions
covering inspection requirements.
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1.9 COMPARISON AMONG OSHA FALL PROTECTION STANDARDS, DON

REQUIREMENTS AND USACE EM 385-1-1

Appendix A of this guide provides comparison among various OSHA Fall Protection standards
(Construction and General Industry), OPNAVINST 5100.23 Series, MCO 5100.29 Series,
NAVMC DIR 5100.8 and the USACE EM 385-1-1 Series, Fall Protection Requirements. When
all the Fall Protection standards and regulations (specifically OPNAVINST 5100.23 Series FP
program chapter 13, and the USACE EM 385-1-1 Section 21 requirements) are compared,
they are similar in the application and use of Fall Protection systems and equipment. The only
difference is the threshold limit where Fall Protection is required (4, or 6 ft. height) and few
minor applications. These threshold heights only affect the level at which temporary guardrails
and work platforms are installed or used. According to the Building Codes, if there is a break
of 30 inches (2 feet) or more between levels, the edges must be guarded by permanent
guardrails. Fall-arrest equipment cannot be used at these low elevations (i.e., 4 or 6 feet). The
minimum clearance required for safely using fall-arrest systems is approximately 11 feet
(depending on the length and type of the energy absorbing lanyard used, [e.g., Self-retracting
Devices], the height of anchorage point, and available clearance. Other fall-arrest systems will
require more clearance. Work platforms, with minor modifications, can be adjusted to the
required threshold height. A positioning system will require a minimum of 8 feet or more below
the tie-off point. Additionally, restraint, travel restraint, warning line systems or designated
area method that may be used at any elevation and will not be affected by the prescribed
threshold limits of 4 or 6 feet, because when using those systems personnel will not be
exposed to a Fall-Hazard. The only effect the threshold height limitations will have on safe
walking working surfaces is the installation of temporary guardrails, existing loading docks, and
parts of ramps above 4 feet.

1.10 INSTRUCTIONS, REGULATIONS and STANDARDS

1.10.1 OPNAVINST. 5100.23 Series, Navy Safety and Occupational Health Program Manual;
Chapter 13, Fall Protection Program;

1.10.2 MCO 5100.29B Marine Corps Safety Program

1.10.3 NAVMC DIR 5100.8 Marine Corps Occupational Safety and Health (OSH)
Program Manual: Chapter 18 Fall Protection Program

1.10.4 US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Safety and Health Requirements Manual, EM
385-1-1, current edition; shall be included and enforced on all DOD contracts involving
construction, dismantling, demolition or removal work. Contractors performing such work shall
comply with all pertinent provisions of the latest version of the manual (FAR 52.236-13
Accident Prevention);

1.10.5 29 CFR, PART 1926.500, Subpart M, Fall Protection Requirements in the Construction
Industry;

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1.10.6 29 CFR, PART 1910, Occupational Safety and Health Standards;

1.10.6.1 Notices of Proposed Rulemaking, 29 CFR 1910 (May 2010) Walking and
Working Surfaces and Personal Protective Equipment (FP Systems);

1.10.7 29 CFR PART 1915, Occupational Safety and Health Standards for Shipyard
Employment;

1.10.8 29 CFR 1917, Marine Terminals;

1.10.9 29 CFR PART 1918, Safety and Health Regulations for Long-shoring;

1.10.10 29 CFR PART 1960, Basic Program Elements for Federal Employee Occupational
Safety and Health Programs;

1.10.11 Department of Defense Directive 6055.1, Occupational Safety and Health Program;

1.10.12 American National Standards Institute (ANSI):

1.10.12.1 ANSI/ASSE Z359 Series Fall Protection Code/Standards,

(See Chapter 18 for description of these standards);

1.10.12.2 ANSI/ASSE A1264.1 (R2007): Safety Requirements for Workplace

Walking/Working Surfaces and Their Access, Workplace Floor and Wall Openings, Stairs
and Railing Systems;

1.10.12.3 ANSI/ASSE A14.3 (R2008) Safety Requirements for Fixed Ladders;

1.10.12.4 ANSI/ASSE A10.32 (2012) Personal Fall Protection Used in Construction and
Demolition Operations

End of Section

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2.0 DEFINITIONS
Activation Distance: The distance traveled by fall-arrester or the amount of line paid out by
self-retracting lanyard from the onset of a fall to the point where the fall arrester of self-
retracting lifeline begins to apply a braking or stopping force.

Active Fall Protection system: A Fall Protection system that requires end-users to wear or
use Fall Protection equipment and that requires fall protection training.

Adjuster: A component that provides a means to vary the length of strap, webbing or rope.

Administrative Controls: Policies and procedures for safe work practices.

Anchorage: A secured structure that can safely withstand forces exerted by the activation of
Fall Protection and rescue equipment. The structure can be in the form of a beam, girder,
column, or floor. Anchorage is either engineered or improvised.

Anchorage Connector: A component or subsystem by which Fall Protection or rescue

equipment is secured or attached to the anchorage. This can include a steel cable sling, tie-off
adapter (anchor strap), load-rated hoist ring designed for construction applications, tripod,
davit arm, or any other device designed to suspend human loads and capable of withstanding
forces generated by a fall.

Anchorage System: A combination of anchorage and anchorage connector.

Arresting Distance: The total vertical distance required to arrest a fall. Includes activation
and deceleration distance. Arresting distance does not include free-fall distance.

Arresting Force: The force exerted on a worker, when a fall protection System stops the fall.
The magnitude usually expresses the peak force experienced during a fall.

Assigned Safety Person (Spotter): An employee assigned to check periodically (at least
every 5 minutes) visually or verbally to assure that an end-user has not fallen and is
suspended in his/her harness. This assigned safety person shall have the ability to make
quick contact with the jurisdictional public/Government-emergency response agency. This is
also known as the Buddy System.

Assisted Rescue: A planned means of rescue, requiring the assistance of others.

Attachment Element Extender: Often also called a D-ring extender; a small lanyard
temporarily or permanently attached to a harness intended to extend the attachment element
away from the users body to facilitate ease of attachment.

Authorized Person: See the definition of End-user.

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Authorized Rescuer: A person who is trained on rescue procedures and assigned by the
Command/Activity to rescue end-user who may require rescue.

Automatic Descent Control Device: A load lowering device or mechanism that once
engaged will automatically control pay-out speed of line or descent speed under load. Some
automatic controlled descent devices have self-retracting lanyard capability.

Available Clearance: The distance from the walking working surface or platform to the
nearest obstruction that the end-user might contact during a fall.

Back-Strap: A strap located on the back of a FBH that connects between the straps below
the dorsal location and above the waist, which is intended to keep the body from exiting the
rear of the harness.

Body Belt: A body support comprised of a strap with means for securing it about the waist.
(Use in a personal fall-arrest system is prohibited).

Body Harness: Means of configuration of connected straps secured about the employee in a
manner that will distribute the arresting forces over at least the upper thighs, waist, shoulders,
chest and pelvis, with means for attaching a lanyard to other components of the personnel fall-
arrest system. Full-body harness is the only body support device allowed by OSHA or ANSI
when a free-fall distance exceeds two feet.

Boatswains (Bosons) Chair: A single-point adjustable suspension scaffold consisting of a

seat or strap designed to support one employee in a sitting position. The seat is made of a
plywood or strap independently suspended from an anchorage, and the employee, using full-
body harness attached to a separate lanyard or lifeline attached to an independent anchorage,
may sit to help alleviate the pooling of blood in the legs.

Brake Bar Rack: A series of smooth bars connected together in parallel in which a synthetic
rope is intertwined so that the friction of the rope against the bars controls the descent of a
lowering device (often used in a rope rescue system).

Buckle: A connector used for attaching the strap or webbing segments together or to
themselves.

Capacity: The maximum weight that a component, system, or subsystem is designed to hold.
This includes combined weight of the user, clothing, tools and other objects carried by the end
user.

Cable Grab: See fall-arrester.

Carabiner: A connector component generally consisting of an oval- or trapezoidal-shaped

body with a closed gate or similar arrangement. Only self-locking carabiners are
acceptable for use.
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Certification: The act of attesting in writing that the established criteria have been met.

Certified: An act or process resulting in documentation that determines and attests to criteria
that meet the requirement of ANSI Standard. Such act or process may be carried out by
testing or applying proven analytical methods, or both, under the supervision of a qualified
person for fall protection or other entity (i.e. Professional Engineer).

Certified Anchorage: An anchorage for fall arrest, positioning, restraint or rescue system that
a Qualified Person for Fall Protection certifies to be capable of supporting the potential fall
forces that could be encountered during a fall.

Clearance: The distance from a specified reference point, such as the working platform or
anchorage of a fall-arrest system, to the lower level that a worker might encounter during a fall.

Clearance Requirement: The distance below the end use that must be clear of obstructions
in order to ensure that the end user does not encounter any object or obstruction during a fall.

Climbing Ladder Fall Arrest System: See Ladder Climbing (Safety) Device.

Competent Person (CP) for Fall Protection: A person designated by the Command to be
responsible for the immediate supervision, implementation and monitoring of the Fall Protection
program, who through training knowledge and expertise is capable of identifying, evaluating and
addressing existing and potential Fall-Hazards and in the application and use of personal fall-
arrest and rescue system, or any component thereof, AND who has the authority to take prompt
corrective measures to eliminate or control the hazards of falling.

Competent Rescuer: An individual designated by the employer who by training, knowledge

and experience is capable of the implementation, supervision and monitoring of the employers
fall protection rescue program.

Connector: A device used to couple (connect) parts of the personal fall-arrest system
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 D-ring sewn into a body
belt or body harness, or a snap-hook spliced or sewn to a lanyard or self-retracting lanyard).

Connecting Means: The method to connect body support to an anchorage, such as a

lanyard, snaphook or a carabiner for the purpose of providing protected mobility for an
elevated work task.

Connecting Subsystem: An assembly, including the necessary connectors, comprised of

components, subsystems or both, between the anchorage connector and the D-ring of body
harness.

Continuous Fall Protection: One or more fall protection systems that provide fall protection
without interruption.

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Controlled Access Zone (CAZ): A zone to restrict access to unprotected edge work. The
CAZ is bounded by a control line and should run the full length of the unprotected edge and
connect on each side to a guard or wall. The control line can be made of rope, wire, tape, or
equivalent material and shall be supported by stanchions and marked with a highly visible
material. (The use of controlled access zone is prohibited as a fall protection system).

Deceleration Device: Any mechanism, such as a fall-arrester (rope grab), rip-stitch lanyard,
specially-woven lanyard, tearing or deforming lanyards, automatic self-retracting devices, 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.

Deceleration Distance: The vertical distance, measured between the location of the users
fall-arrest attachment point (dorsal D ring) at the onset of fall-arrest forces during a fall (and
after the fall-arrest attachment point comes to a complete stop), is the additional vertical
distance a falling employee travels (excluding dynamic elongation and free-fall distance) before
stopping, from the point at which the deceleration device begins to operate or deploy.

Descent Controller: A device designed to be used by one worker for personal descent to
lower another person from an elevation. Descent control may be used for egress, positioning
or both.

Designated Area: A distinct area of a walking-working surface, delineated by a perimeter

warning line, in which temporary work may be performed without additional Fall Protection.
The designated area is used only for general industry work.

D-ring: An integral D shaped connector typically used in harnesses, lanyards, energy

absorbers, lifelines, and anchorage connectors as an attachment point.

Dorsal: A location on a full body harness that falls approximately between the users shoulder
blades

End-user of Fall Protection (Authorized Person): A person who has been trained in the use
of assigned Fall Protection equipment, including hands-on training and practical
demonstrations in a typical Fall-Hazard situation, and uses personal fall-arrest or
restraint/positioning equipment while performing work assignments at heights.

Energy (Shock) Absorber: A component whose primary function is to dissipate energy and
limit deceleration forces that the system imposes on the body and the anchorage system
during fall-arrest.

Energy Absorber, Horizontal Lifeline. An energy absorber that is attached to one of the end
anchorages or anchorage connectors of a horizontal lifeline subsystem.

Energy Absorber, Personal. An energy absorber that is attached to a harness.

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Energy Absorber, Single Anchor Vertical Lifeline. An energy absorber that is attached to
the top anchorage or anchorage connector of a single anchor vertical lifeline subsystem.

Engineered Anchor: An anchorage designed and approved by a Qualified Person.

Equipment: A general term referring to components, subsystems or systems, in any

combination, singular or plural.

Evacuation harness: A component for rescue purposes consisting of elements designed and
constructed so that the rescue subject is securely held during the rescue process. Evacuation
harness is a special harness.

Failure: Load refusal, breakage, or separation of component parts. Load refusal is the
point at which the ultimate strength is exceeded.

Fall-arrest System: A combination of equipment and components such as full-body

harnesses, lanyards, deceleration devices, anchorages, horizontal or vertical lifelines
connected together, designed to stop a person from striking a lower level or an obstruction
during a fall.

Fall arrester: A device that travels on a lifeline and will automatically engage or lock onto the
lifeline in the event of a fall. A rope grab is one example of fall arrester. .

Fall Hazard: Any location where a person is exposed to a potential free fall.

Fall Prevention: The elimination and minimization of potential Fall-Hazards, lessening the
chance of employee exposure to falls. Any same-level means used reasonably to prevent
exposure to a Fall-Hazard; examples of fall prevention are guardrails, walls, floors, and area
isolation. Also called passive fall protect ion system.

Fall Protection: .Action and procedures to protect a worker effectively from Fall-Hazards.
Any equipment, device or system that prevents an accidental fall from elevation or that
mitigates the effect of such a fall.

Fall Restraint: See Restraint System.

Fall Protection Program Manager: A person assigned by the command to be responsible for
developing and managing the Fall Protection program at a Navy Command.

Force Factor: The ratio of peak arresting force of a rigid mass to a human body having the
same weight, both falling under identical conditions.

Forced Roll-out: An action by which the gate of a locking snap-hook or carabiner is loaded
beyond its design strength, forcing it to fail and disengage from the component to which it was
attached.
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Free-fall: The act of falling before a personal fall-arrest system begins to apply force to arrest
a fall.

Free-Fall Distance: The vertical distance from the onset of a fall to a point where a fall-arrest
system is activated or engaged. (This is the vertical distance measured from the fall-arrest
attachment point on the employees body harness at the onset of the fall to the point just
before the system begins to apply force to arrest the fall. This distance excludes deceleration
distance, and lifeline/lanyard elongation which are exerting deceleration forces, but includes
any deceleration device slide distance or self-retracting lifeline/lanyard extension before they
operate and fall-arrest forces occur.)

Frontal D-Ring Attachment: An attachment element affixed to the full body harness within
the vertical seven-inch sternum (breastbone) area that is designed to withstand dynamic fall
arrest, restraint, and post-fall suspension forces.

Full-body harness: See the definition of Body Harness.

Full Body Harness Stretch: The difference between the lowest point on the torso post-fall
and the lowest point on the torso pre-fall in relation to the attachment element. This accounts
for a component of the system stretch out and total fall distance.

Guardrail System: A passive fall protection system of horizontal rails and vertical posts that
prevent a person from reaching a fall edge. Guardrail systems typically have a top rail, a mid
rail and posts and toeboard.

Horizontal Lifeline: A component of a horizontal lifeline subsystem, consisting of a flexible

line with connectors or other coupling means at both ends for securing it horizontally between
two anchorages or anchorage connectors.

Horizontal Lifeline Subsystem: An assembly, including the necessary connectors,

comprised of a horizontal lifeline component and, optionally, of: a) An energy absorber
component or, b), a lifeline tensioner component, or both. This subsystem is normally attached
at each end to an anchorage or anchorage connector and may also contain one or more
intermediate anchorages. The end anchorages have the same elevation.

Horizontal Track System: A form of rigid rail system that typically encloses a trolley inside a
formed channel or track.

Hybrid Component: An integral assembly of elements or components, or both, intended to

perform more than one function in the system.

Ladder Climbing (Safety) Device: A device or climbing sleeve, connected to the front D-ring
on the climbers full-body harness, which slides up or down a rigid rail or cable used as a fall
arrest system. Should a fall occur; the device is designed to lock by inertia or cam action to
arrest the fall.
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Lanyard: A flexible line of rope, wire rope, or strap that usually has a connector at each end
for connecting the body support and to a fall arrester, energy absorber, anchorage connector,
or anchorage.

Lanyard Parking Attachment Element: A loop device to facilitate the temporary storage of
an unused leg of the lanyard.

Leading Edge: The unprotected side and edge that exposes a worker to a Fall-Hazard. It
can be the edge of a floor, roof, or formwork for a floor or other walking/working surface where
the edge changes location as additional floor, roof, decking or formwork sections that are
placed, formed, or constructed.

Lifeline: A component consisting of a flexible line which is connected either to an anchorage

at one end, and hangs vertically (single anchor vertical Lifeline), or is connected to anchorage
at both ends and stretches horizontally (Horizontal Lifeline); both of which serve as means for
connecting other components of a personal fall-arrest system.

Lifeline Tensioner: A device, such as a turnbuckle, to tauten a horizontal lifeline or a weight

to tension a vertical lifeline.

Load-bearing Straps: Straps as part of the full body harness through which load is
transmitted during a fall or under normal use.

Man Overboard Plan: A man overboard plan is an emergency plan for rescuing personnel if
they accidentally fall into the water.

Manual Descent Controlled Device: A load-lowering device or mechanism that, once

engaged, requires manual attention to control pay-out speed of line, or descent speed under
load.

Manual Fall Arrester (Manual Rope Grab): A fall arrester that will remain locked where it has
been positioned on a VLL until deliberately repositioned by a worker.

Marking: Any sign, label, stencil, plate or the like containing information or guidance.

Maximum Arrest Force (MAF): The peak force exerted on the body when a Fall Protection
system arrests or stops a fall.

Maximum Arrest Load (MAL): The peak force applied to an anchorage by an active fall
protection system when arresting a fall.

Non-Certified Fall Protection Anchorages: An unquestionably strong anchorage that a

Competent Person judges to be capable of supporting the predetermined anchorage strength
as prescribed by OSHA Standards and ANSI/ASSE Z359 Fall Protection Code. Non-Certified
anchorages are used for fall-arrest, work positioning, travel restraint, or rescue.
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Orthostatic Intolerance (suspension Trauma): The development of symptoms as a result of

suspension in a full-body harness, such as light-headedness, palpitations, tremulousness, poor
concentration, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, headache, sweating, weakness, and occasionally
fainting and unconsciousness.

Passive Fall Protection System: A system that does not require a worker to use or wear
personal fall-arrest equipment. Examples include safety nets, guardrails, parapet walls, etc.

Personnel: all military and DON civilians.

Personal Energy Absorber: See Energy Absorber.

Personal fall-arrest System: Assembly of components and subsystems used to arrest an

end-user falling from height. It consists of an anchorage system, connecting means, and full
body harness, and may include a lanyard, deceleration device, lifeline, or suitable combination
of these. Use of a body belt in a personal fall-arrest system is prohibited.

Positioning Lanyard: A lanyard used to transfer forces from a body support to an anchorage
or anchorage connector in a positioning system.

Positioning System: A combination of equipment including a full-body harness rigged to

allow the end-user to work with both hands free while being supported on an elevated vertical
or inclined work surfaces.

Pre-Incident Plan: A formal written plan, prepared jointly by the host DON activity and the fire
emergency responders, containing factors that need to be evaluated when assessing the
potential situations that could affect a facility during emergency conditions.

Primary System: In fall protection terminology, the main mechanism that allows a worker to
maintain his or her desired position.

Qualified Person (QP) for Fall Protection: A person with a recognized engineering degree
or professional certificate and with extensive knowledge, training, and experience in the Fall
Protection and rescue field, who is capable designing, analyzing, evaluating, and
specifying fall protection and rescue systems and equipment.

Rescue: Process of evacuating a person or persons to a safe location where they also may
receive medical attention.

Rescue Ladder: A flexible ladder with rigid rungs and either synthetic webbing or wire rope
side rails which can be temporally hung next to the end-user working at heights, or can be
lowered to an end-user suspended in a harness, to allow him to climb back up to the working
surface (or at least stand on the ladder while awaiting rescue, allowing the necessary
circulation of the blood to the entire body while an assisted rescue is being commenced).

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Rescue Lanyard: A component consisting of flexible line of rope or strap, which usually has a
connector at each end for connecting the body support to components of a rescue system. A
rescue lanyard is a special lanyard.

Rescue Plan (Fall-arrest): A written plan that describes the rescue method and procedures
to be used to rescue an end-user of Fall Protection, who may have fallen from a height and be
suspended in a full-body harness. The suspended worker may have been injured or
incapacitated prior to, or as the result of, the fall (See section 10.13 for a sample fall-arrest
rescue plan).

Restraint System: A combination of devices designed to restrain an end-user from reaching

an exposed Fall-Hazard. The system consists of a full-body harness that can be secured
around a worker and attached to a load-bearing anchorage in order to restrict travel and limit
Fall-Hazards. The strap can be single or multiple.

Rigid anchorage subsystem: An anchorage system, such as a rigid rail or trolley system or
a single point of attachment, which does not appreciably deflect, deform, or stretch when a fall-
arrest impact occurs.

Rigid Rail System: A fall protection system that uses one or more trolleys on a horizontal
track (often an I-beam or slotted tube).

Rigging: The process of building a system to move or stabilize a load or the system itself.

Roll-out: An action by which a snap-hook or carabiner unintentionally disengages from

another connector or object to which it is attached.

Rope Access: A system consisting of two lifelines independently anchored at the top to
protect the authorized person from falling. The ropes directly suspend the person. The
technique is used on buildings, bridges, and other structures for conducting inspection,
cleaning, and painting.

Rope (or Strap) Adjuster: A mechanical means of readily moving a vertical line attachment
or changing the position of an intermediate anchorage device between an anchorage
(connector) and a body support while loaded with the authorized persons weight or partial
weight while leaning.

Rope Grab: See Fall-arrester.

Rope, Synthetic: A construction of bundled manmade yarns, fibers, or filaments forming a

strong flexible line.

Rope, Wire: A plurality of drawn wires forming strands laid helically over an axis or core.

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Runway: 1. a passageway for a person, elevated above the surrounding floor or ground level,
such as a foot-walk along shafting or a walkway between buildings.
2. Elevated crane rails upon which an overhead electric crane travels.

Safety Margin: A clearance factor of safety defined as the distance between the lowest
extremity of the workers body at fall arrest and the highest obstruction the worker might
otherwise make contact with during a fall.

Safety Strap/Relief Step Strap: A coiled strap (in a pouch) attached to the lanyard which is
manually deployed after a fall, and allows the end-user to insert one foot (or two feet,
depending on the style) into the loop step and stand allowing the necessary circulation of blood
to the entire body, while an assisted rescue is being commenced.

Safety Net System: A horizontal or semi horizontal cantilever-style barrier that uses netting
system to stop falling workers before they make contact with a lower level or obstruction.

Sag: The distance the wire rope or synthetic cable of a horizontal lifeline deviates from the
horizontal plane established by the end anchorage. This is defined by the line between two
anchorages, measured downward at the mid-point of the wire rope or cable.

Secondary Fall Protection System. One or more means of fall protection, as defined by
these standards, configured as a supplement or as backup to protect a worker from a potential
fall if the primary system fails.

Self-Retracting Device (SRD): A device that contains a drum wound line that automatically
locks at the onset of a fall to arrest the user, but that pays out from and automatically retracts
onto the drum during normal movement of the person to whom the line is attached. After onset
of a fall, the device automatically locks the drum and arrests the fall. Self-retracting devices
include self-retracting lanyards (SRLs), self-retracting lanyards with integral rescue capability
(SRL-Rs), and self-retracting lanyards with leading edge capability (SRL-LEs) and, hybrid
combinations of these.

Self-Retracting Lanyard (SRL): A device suitable for applications where during use, the
device is mounted or anchored such that possible free fall is limited to 2 ft. or less.

Self-Retracting Lanyard with Integral Rescue Capability: A SRL that includes integral
means for assisted-rescue via raising or lowering the rescue subject.

Self-Retracting Lanyard with Leading Edge Capability (SRL-LE): A self-retracting device,

used for horizontal applications, which is mounted or anchored at foot level and where there
is the possibility of free-fall. The device includes integral means to withstand impact loading of
the line contiguous with a sharp or abrasive edge during fall-arrest and for controlling fall-arrest
forces on the user. The device can also be used for vertical applications where it is mounted
overhead.

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Seat Sling: A seat sling designed for attachment to a full-body harness, designed so that a
worker may sit for a short period of time without pooling of blood in the legs.

Self/Manual Deploying Rescue Ladder: A coiled webbing rescue ladder (in a pouch)
connected to the lanyard or anchorage which either self-deploys during a fall, or is manually
released by the end-user after a fall, and is left dangling next to the suspended end-user. This
allows the end-user to climb back up to the anchorage (or at least simply stand in the ladder,
allowing the necessary circulation of blood to the entire body while an assisted rescue is being
commenced).

Shall: The word shall is to be understood as denoting a mandatory requirement.

Shock Absorber: See Energy Absorber

Should: The word should denote a recommendation.

Single Anchor Vertical lifeline (VLL): A vertically suspended flexible line connected at the
upper end for fastening to an overhead anchorage and along which a fall-arrester travels

Snaphook: A connector comprised of a hook-shaped body with a normally closed gate or

similar arrangement, which may be opened to permit the hook to receive an object, and when
released, automatically close to retain the object. Only self-locking (single- or double-
locking) snaphooks are acceptable for use.

Soft Loop Attachment Element: A non-metallic attachment element of a FBH constructed of

synthetic fiber webbing.

Strap: A length of webbing that may be incorporated in a harness, lanyard or other

component or subsystem.

Sternal: A location on a FBH that falls approximately between the users chest area.

Suspension: The act of supporting 100% of a users body weight, including equipment, for
the purpose of accessing a work location with one or two points of contact.

Strap, Chest: A harness strap passing generally horizontally across the chest or around the
body at chest level with adjustable means for fastening.

Strap, Shoulder: A harness strap that passes from the waist, up the chest, over the shoulder
and down the back to the waist. It is connected to the waist strap or thigh straps or sub-pelvic
strap or combinations thereof.

Strap, Sub-Pelvic: A full body harness strap, which passes under the buttocks without
passing through the crotch and is designed to transmit, to the sub-pelvic part of the body,
forces applied during fall arrest and post-fall suspension.
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Suspension Trauma (Harness-induced Pathology): Where the body is at rest in a vertical

state with the lower body motionless, and blood begins to pool in the lower extremities
because the muscles in the legs are not contracting on the veins and helping the blood back to
the heart (against gravity). Blood is not properly circulated, the individuals blood pressure
drops, the brain does not receive adequate blood flow and unconsciousness follows.

Suspension Trauma Safety Steps/Relief Step Strap: A coiled strap (in a pouch) attached to
the harness which is manually deployed after a fall to help prevent the effects of suspension
trauma by allowing the end-user to insert one foot (or two feet, depending on the style) into the
loop step and stand up allowing the necessary circulation of blood to the entire body, while an
assisted rescue is being commenced.

Suspension Seat: An arrangement of straps in a harness used to provide a body support and
permit leaning or sitting while working...

Swing fall: A pendulum-like motion that can result from moving horizontally away from, or
toward, a fixed anchorage, and falling. Swing falls generate the same amount of force when
falling the same distance vertically. Swing fall has the hazards in both the horizontal direction
(swinging into obstruction) and vertical direction (falling onto obstructions or ground).

Synthetic Rope Tackle Block: A load lifting and/or lowering device that does not include a
winding or traction drum but uses pulleys to achieve a mechanical lifting advantage (often used
in a rope rescue system).

Testing, Qualification: The controlled application of test conditions to a product specimen

randomly selected from the initial production lot, and the recording of observed effects, for the
purpose of determining the product's compliance with the requirements of these standards.
When the terms testing or tests are used in the Z359 standards, those terms shall denote
qualification testing or qualification test(s), not developmental or verification testing or test(s)
unless otherwise specified.

Testing, Verification: The controlled application of test conditions to a product specimen

sampled from ongoing production lots (after qualification testing), and the recording of
observed effects, for the purpose of confirming the product's continuing compliance with the
requirements of these standards. Proof load testing is a type of verification testing.

Toeboard: A low protective barrier to prevent the fall of materials and equipment to lower
levels and provide protection from falls for personnel.

Total Fall Distance: The total vertical distance fallen by the worker using a fall-arrest system
between the onset of a fall and the instant when the worker first achieves zero vertical velocity;
or the vertical distance fallen by an end-user connected by a fall-arrest system to an
anchorage measured from the walking/working surface and extending downward to a position
after the fall is arrested. The total fall distance includes the sum of the free-fall, elongation, and
deceleration distances of the system.

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Travel Restraint: See restraint system.

Travel Restraint Lanyard: A lanyard used to transfer forces from a body support to an
anchorage or anchorage connector in a travel restraint system.

Trolley: A mobile anchorage device that travels along a track (horizontal track system),
structural beam (rigid rail system), or cable (HLL system).

Waist: A location on a FBH corresponding to the area on the body falls typically between the
thorax and hips.

Warning Line System: A barrier erected on roof to warn workers that they are approaching
an unprotected side or roof edge, and which designates an area where roof work may take
place without the use of guard, fall-arrest, or safety net systems to protect workers in the area.
Work performed outside barriers will require Fall Protection. A warning line system is used
during construction work.

Walking/Working Surface: Any surface, whether horizontal or vertical, on which an

employee walks or works, including, but not limited to, floors, roofs, ramps, bridges, runways,
form work, and concrete reinforcing steel (but not including ladders, vehicles, or trailers), on
which employees must be located in order to perform their job duties.

Webbing: A narrow woven fabric with selvedge edges and continuous filament yarns made
from light and heat resistant fibers.

Winch/hoist: A load lifting and/or lowering device that incorporates a winding drum and
means for controlling pay-out and take-up of the line from the drum.

Winch/hoist capstan: A load lifting and/or lowering device that incorporates a traction drum
and a means for controlling pay-out and take-up of the line from the drum. The device relies
on reduction gearing and/or lever principles to achieve a mechanical lifting advantage.

Wire: A single, continuous length of metal with a circular cross-section that is cold-drawn from
rod.

End of Section

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 DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY FALL PROTECTION GUIDE
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3. FALL PROTECTION PROGRAM

According to OPNAVINST 5100.23 Series, MCO 5100.29 and NAVMC DIR 5100.8 FP
Program Chapters, each Navy and Marine Corps Activity, which has personnel working at
heights and exposed to Fall-Hazards, is required to establish and implement a managed Fall
Protection program. The managed Fall Protection program shall be in writing, reviewed and
approved by the Regional Commander, Command Officer/Director, Officer-in-Charge of the
Naval activity.

As an alternative to this requirement, a Navy and Marine Corps activity, in lieu of a separate
written program with safety office review and approval, may state in writing that it is using this
Guide as its Fall Protection program.

NOTE:
DON Activities using the Guide as their program shall include site-specific Fall
Protection requirements.

Navy or Marine Corps Commands/Units being supported by a Regional/Installation Safety Office

can be included as part of the Region/Installation Fall Protection program. Coordinate with the
Regional/Installation Safety Office to determine the level of support that will be provided.

3.1 COMPONENTS OF A FALL PROTECTION PROGRAM

a. Activity Policy; (invoked by CO signed letter)

b. Duties and Responsibilities;
c. Workplace surveys and Assessment of Fall-Hazards;
d. Fall-Hazard Prevention and Control, Including the preparation of Site-specific Fall
Protection and Prevention Plans;
e. Training Requirements;
f. Inspection, Storage, Care, and Maintenance of personal Fall Protection equipment;
g. Rescue Plan and Procedures;
h. Fall Mishap Reporting;
i. Audits and Evaluation.
Note
All documentation of the fall protection program shall be maintained and updated
periodically as long as the Command or Activity has personnel working at heights
and exposed to fall hazards.

The following is a Sample Activity Fall Protection Program to assist various Navy and Marine
Corps Commands in preparing and establishing site-specific Fall Protection programs and also
an Audit Checklist is included for compliance w/OPNAVINST 5100.23 Series, Chapter 13 Fall
Protection Program, MCO 5100.29 Series and NAVMC DIR 5100.8 Chapter 18.

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3.2 SAMPLE WRITTEN FALL PROTECTION PROGRAM

From: Commanding Officer [NAVY/MARINE CORPS Activity]
To: All [NAVY/MARINE CORPS Activity] Employees

Subj: [NAVY/MARINE CORPS Activity] FALL PROTECTION PROGRAM MEMORANDUM

References:

(a) OPNAVINST 5100.23 Series, [or MCO 5100.29] Navy [or Marine Corps NAVMC DIR
5100.8] Occupational Safety and Health Program Manual,
(b) Department of the Navy Fall Protection Guide;
(c) American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z359 Fall Protection Code/Standards;
(d) OPNAVINST 5102.1 D/MCO P5102, Navy and Marine Corps Mishap and Safety
Investigation, Reporting and Record Keeping;
(e) USACE EM 385-1-1 Safety and Health Requirements Manual;
(f) 29 CFR 1926.500, Fall Protection in Construction;
(g) 29 CFR 1910, Subpart D, Walking/Working Surfaces;
(h) NPRM 29 CFR 1910 dated 24 May 2010;
(i) Any other applicable instructions or manuals.

Enclosures:
(1) Fall-Hazard survey and assessment report (See section 5.3)
(2) Fall Protection and prevention plan (See section 7.2)
(3) Fall-arrest rescue plan (See section 10.13)

3.2.1 Purpose
The purpose of this memorandum is to establish a Fall Protection program and provide
policy and requirements for the implementation of the program and to establish
procedures on Fall Protection and fall prevention for [NAVY or MARINE CORPS Activity]
personnel working at heights and exposed to Fall-Hazards while conducting
maintenance and inspection work.

3.2.2 Applicability

This memorandum applies to [NAVY or MARINE CORPS Activity] personnel who are
working at heights and exposed to Fall-Hazards while conducting construction,
maintenance, or inspection work, and other personnel involved in the Fall Protection
program.

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3.2.3 Background

Falls from elevation are the leading cause of injuries and fatalities in the work place.
Thousands of workers suffer injuries due to falls, resulting in lost time from work. References
(a) and (b) direct all Navy and Marine Corps activities to establish a managed Fall Protection
program. Additionally, reference (d) directs all NAVFAC Commands to establish Fall
Protection programs which include identification and elimination of Fall-Hazards, wherever
practical, through engineering controls, training of personnel, proper installation and use of Fall
Protection systems, and required rescue equipment and procedures.

The nature of our work requires that [NAVY or MARINE CORPS Activity] personnel work at
heights and to possibly be exposed to potential Fall-Hazards, or be exposed to falling onto
dangerous equipment from any height. Not all [cranes, buildings, roofs, structures or access to
cranes or equipment] have fully guarded working platforms, guardrails, walkways, or OSHA
compliant ladders. Additionally, workers are frequently required to access areas that have
unprotected walking working surfaces. Therefore; alternate Fall Protection methods, including
fall-arrest gear, alternate access methods, and/or restrictions on access are required.

3.2.4 Command Fall Protection Policy

a. The [NAVY or MARINE CORPS Activity] is committed to provide a safe work

environment for its personnel exposed to Fall-Hazards, and that the safety of all
personnel including military and civilian personnel during performance of their work is
of the utmost importance.

b. [NAVY or MARINE CORPS Activity] personnel shall take every reasonable

precaution to protect themselves and others during performance of their work.

[c. As permitted in paragraph 1304, Chapter 13 of reference (a), the [NAVY or MARINE
CORPS Activity] will use the Department of the Navy Fall Protection Guide, reference
(b), as its Fall Protection program.]

3.2.5 Requirements

a. [NAVY or MARINE CORPS Activity] personnel who might be exposed to Fall-

Hazards and using Fall Protection equipment shall read and understand the
requirements of this memorandum; Chapter 13 of reference (a); and the Department of
the Navy Fall Protection Guide, reference (b).

b. [NAVY or MARINE CORPS Activity] personnel exposed to Fall-Hazards shall comply

with the requirements of reference (b), including being protected from Fall-Hazards
when on any elevated walking working surface with unprotected sides, edges, or floor
openings, from which there is a possibility of falling four feet or more to a lower level;
or where there is a possibility of a fall from any height onto dangerous equipment, into
a hazardous environment, or onto an impalement hazard.

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c. [NAVY or MARINE CORPS Activity] shall have an assigned Fall Protection Program
Manager. Per paragraph 1306.a. of reference (a), a Fall Protection Program Manager is a
person assigned by the command who is responsible for the development and
implementation of the Fall Protection program. The [NAVY or MARINE CORPS
Activitys] Fall Protection Program Manager shall ensure that all personnel exposed to
Fall-Hazards, and using fall-arrest equipment and other personnel involved in the
program, receive adequate training.

d. Fall-arrest equipment used by [NAVY or MARINE CORPS Activity] personnel shall

comply with the requirements in paragraph 1309 and appendix 13-B of reference (a), the
requirements in reference (b), and ANSI Z359 Fall Protection Code/Standards
requirements, reference (c).

e. [NAVY or MARINE CORPS Activity] personnel exposed to Fall-Hazards shall be

trained in fall prevention and Fall Protection in accordance to the requirements in
paragraph 1310 and appendix 13-A of reference (a), and the training requirements in
reference (b). Other personnel involved in Fall Protection program also shall receive Fall
Protection training in accordance to the requirements in appendix 13-A of reference (a)
and the requirements in references (b) and (c).

f. Anchorages identified and used by [NAVY or MARINE CORPS Activity] personnel

for fall-arrest equipment shall comply with the requirements in paragraph 1311 of
reference (a) and the requirements in reference (b).

g. Inspection, storage, care, and maintenance of [NAVY or MARINE CORPS Activity]

Fall Protection equipment shall comply with the requirements of paragraph 1312 of
reference (a); the requirements in reference (b); and the inspection, storage, care and
maintenance instructions by the Fall Protection equipment manufacturers.

h. Falls-from-heights mishaps experienced by [NAVY or MARINE CORPS Activity]

personnel shall be reported if they meet the reporting criteria of reference (e). When
fall-arrest equipment used by [NAVY or MARINE CORPS Activity] personnel is deployed
or activated during a fall, it shall be reported as a fall-mishap using the Hazard Report in
reference (e).

i. Paragraph 1304.d. of reference (a) requires a Fall Protection and Prevention Plan
prepared as part of a managed Fall Protection program when fall-arrest/restraint or
positioning systems are used to provide Fall Protection. For routine and predictable
tasks a site-specific Fall Protection and Prevention Plan shall be prepared and used.
For non-routine and emergency tasks, where fall-arrest systems are used, [NAVY or
MARINE CORPS Activity] personnel may use a generic Fall Protection and Prevention
Plan for the type of [NAVY or MARINE CORPS Activity] work [unprotected side or edge
of a building, structure, crane or equipment] being climbed or accessed at heights (e.g.
equipment on roofs, towers, poles, portal crane, floating crane, overhead traveling
crane, mobile crane, etc.). The site-specific and generic plan shall be prepared in
advance either by a Competent Person (CP) for Fall Protection or a Qualified Person
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(QP) for Fall Protection as defined in chapter 1306 of reference (a). For a sample Fall
Protection and prevention plan, see section 7.2.3 of reference (b) and include it as
enclosure (1) of the written Fall Protection program. Paragraph 1307 of reference (a)
requires each Navy activity to survey the workplace to identify potential Fall-Hazards
and prepare Fall-Hazard survey report. For sample Fall-Hazard survey report see
section 5.4 of reference (b) and include it as enclosure (2) of the written Fall Protection
program. Prior to visiting a site at another Navy Activity, [NAVFAC Activity] employees
who will be climbing or accessing equipment to conduct inspection, maintenance or
repair work at heights shall review the Navy Activitys Fall-Hazard Survey for the
[crane/equipment being climbed or roofs and other work areas at heights]. [NAVY or
MARINE CORPS Activity] pre-visit letters sent to the activity in advance of scheduled
visits is a method that can be used to obtain a copy of the Navy Activitys Fall-Hazard
Survey. If the Fall-Hazard Survey or knowledge from previous site visits indicates
that there are Fall-Hazards unique to the particular [crane, equipment, roof, tower etc.]
being climbed or accessed (e.g. walkways or platforms without OSHA compliant
guardrails, missing swinging gates or chains, OSHA noncompliant step-across
opening, etc.); then the generic Fall Protection and Prevention Plan shall be modified
by the employee or other team leader in consultation with the Competent Person for
Fall Protection addressing, eliminating or controlling these specific Fall-Hazards, thus
becoming a site-specific Fall Protection and Prevention Plan.

j. Following a fall from a height, the end-user of Fall Protection, who is wearing a full-
body harness that is properly secured to an anchorage, may be suspended in the
harness for a length of time, if self-rescue or rescue by co-workers cannot be performed
quickly. Sustained immobility in a body harness may lead to suspension trauma also
known as harness-induced pathology as described in reference (b). Suspension trauma
results from the accumulation of blood in the veins commonly called venous pooling.
The symptoms (known as orthostatic intolerance) of suspension trauma include light-
headedness, dizziness, weakness, and occasionally, fainting. The reduction in quantity
and/or quality (oxygen content) of blood flowing to the brain leads to unconsciousness
and harmful effects to other vital organs. If these conditions continue, they potentially
may be fatal. [NAVY or MARINE CORPS Activity] end-users of Fall Protection shall be
trained in the methods for minimizing the effect of delaying suspension trauma if an
end-user is suspended in a body harness and unable to perform a self-rescue, and
needs to wait to be rescued (e.g., keep legs moving and raise knees into the body to
help prevent the pooling of blood in the legs). [NAVY or MARINE CORPS Activity]
employees shall carry, attached to their full-body harness, two deployable suspension
trauma step-in safety straps furnished to them as part of their Fall Protection gear.
These safety straps allow employees suspended in a body harness after a fall to insert
their feet and stand up to relieve the pressure of harness straps on their thighs, and
helps blood circulation until rescued. Note: These straps are safety devices that will
help under ideal conditions. They cannot be solely relied upon - there might be a
situation where an injury or medical condition occurs before or during the fall,
incapacitating the employee suspended in the full body harness, thus not allowing the
use of the suspension trauma step-in safety strap.

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k. Paragraph 1312 of reference (a) states that When personal fall-arrest systems are
used, the Navy activity must ensure that the mishap victim can self-rescue or can be
rescued promptly should a fall occur. [NAVY or MARINE CORPS Activity] personnel
perform work at different Navy activities where the capabilities of the jurisdictional
public or Government-emergency response agencies to rescue an employee suspended
in a full body harness after a fall vary greatly; therefore prior to visiting a site at a Navy
Activity, [NAVY or MARINE CORPS Activity] employees who will be using fall-arrest
equipment shall review the Navy Activitys Fall-arrest Rescue Plan for the site
location of the [crane equipment, tower and other structures] being climbed. A [NAVY
or MARINE CORPS Activity] pre-visit letter sent to the activity in advance of a scheduled
visit is a method that can be used to obtain a copy of the Navy Activitys Fall-arrest
Rescue Plan. If the Navy Activitys Rescue Plan does not show that the jurisdictional
public or Government-emergency response agencies, or an alternative/supplemental
rescue method (e.g., a man-lift with a readily available operator) can rescue an
employee suspended in a body harness after a fall within 1015 minutes; then [NAVY or
MARINE CORPS Activity] employee(s) shall not climb or access that
[crane/equipment/tower/pole] if climbing or accessing that [crane/equipment/etc.]
requires the use of fall-arrest equipment. For a sample Fall-arrest Rescue Plan, see
section 10.14, and include it as enclosure (3) to the written Fall Protection program.

[NAVY or MARINE CORPS Activity] Assigned Personnel for the Fall Protection program:

Assigned Fall Protection Program Manager: ______________________

Designated Competent Person for Fall Protection: _______________

(Signature______________________)
Commanding Officer

Copy to:

End of Section

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3.3 FALL PROTECTION PROGRAM COMPLIANCE

CHECKLIST

Date of Audit:
OPNAVINST 5100.23 Series, CHAPTER 13, or NAVMC DIR 5100.8, Chapter 18
FALL PROTECTION PROGRAM
COMPLIANCE CHECK LIST
For
COMMANDS HAVING PERSONNEL PERFORMING WORK AT HEIGHTS, EXPOSED
TO FALL-HAZARDS AND USING FP EQUIPMENT
Unit Command
Prepared/Audited by (Signature) Location
FALL PROTECTION PROGRAM Policy (Par. 1303/18000) Yes No N/A
1 Does the Command have personnel working at heights, exposed to Fall-Hazards
above 4 feet, and using Fall Protection (FP) Equipment?
Is there a possibility of a fall from any height onto dangerous equipment, into a
hazardous environment, or onto an impalement hazard?
Is there any need to deviate from the 4-foot threshold requirement (5 foot for
Shipyard Operations)? Is this deviation approved by the Command? If Yes, a
Fall Protection program is required to be established and implemented.

BASIC PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS (Par. 1304/18003)

2 Is the Fall Protection program written and approved by the activity safety office?
3 As an alternate to the written Fall Protection program, is the Activity using the
Fall Protection guide as their program with Safety Office review and approval?
If using the guide as the Activity Fall Protection program, is the site specific fall
protection requirements and information included?
ACTIVITY POLICY (ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS) (Par.1305)
4 Is there a need for the activity to have additional supplementary requirements
above and beyond the requirements stated in OPNAVINST 5100.23 Series,
Chapter 13?
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Par.1306/18002)

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5 Did the Command delineate duties and assigned responsibilities of personnel
involved in the Fall Protection program, including Program Manager, Competent
and Qualified Persons for Fall Protection, in the implementation of a managed
Fall Protection program?
6 Are the assigned personnel trained IAW OPNAVINST 5100.23 Series and have
the necessary skills, knowledge and expertise OPNAVINST 5100.23 Series to
manage, administer and implement the Fall Protection program safely?
WORKPLACE SURVEYS AND ASSESSMENT OF FALL-HAZARDS
(Par.1307/18002.b)
7 Has a survey been conducted for each Fall-Hazard at existing buildings, facilities
or structures, and a Fall-Hazard Survey Report prepared?
8 Was Fall-Hazard analysis performed to determine the risk assessment, hazard
severity, and fall mishap probability in accordance w/OPNAVINST 5100.23,
Series, Chapter 12?
9 Is one or more Fall Protection methods identified in the survey report to eliminate
or control each Fall-Hazard?
10 Do the surveyed walking/working surfaces have the structural integrity to support
the workers safely (e.g., working on roofs)?
11 For personnel conducting roof inspections and investigations, have they received
proper training to conduct the work safely, prior to accessing the roof?
Did the Safety Office approve accessing the roof?
12 Has the Fall-Hazard survey/assessment been validated annually for comparison
purposes?
FALL PROTECTION AND PREVENTION PLAN (Par. 1304 /18002)
13 For personnel exposed to Fall-Hazards and using fall-arrest equipment (not
otherwise protected by passive Fall Protection system such as guardrails), has a
Site-specific Fall Protection and Prevention Plan been prepared and submitted to
the Safety Office for review and approval?
(It is recommended to prepare a generic Fall Protection and prevention plan for
non-routine tasks [e.g., emergency tasks]).
The plan shall be updated as conditions change, once every six months.
14 Is the Fall Protection and prevention plan prepared either by the designated
competent or Qualified Person for Fall Protection?
If the plan includes Fall Protection components or systems requiring direction,
supervision, design calculations, or drawings by the Qualified Person for Fall
Protection, the name, qualifications and responsibilities of the Qualified Person
shall be addressed in the plan.

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15 Does the plan describe in detail the specific practices, equipment, methods and
procedures to be used for the protection of workers from falling to a lower level,
and the inspection requirements?
FALL-HAZARD PREVENTION AND CONTROL (Par.1308/18003)
PREFERRED ORDER OF CONTROL MEASURES (Par. 1308.a/18003)
16 Have the Fall-Hazards been evaluated to determine the preferred order of control
measures for selecting the appropriate Fall Protection method (i.e. elimination or
prevention)?
17 Can Fall-Hazards be eliminated by alternate work methods or changing task(s) or
process(s)?
SELECTION OF FALL PROTECTION MEASURE (Par. 1308.b/18003)
18 Is the most appropriate Fall Protection method selected, compatible with the type
of work being performed?
STANDARD TEMPORARY GUARDRAIL SYSTEMS (Par. 1308.b.(1)/18003)
19 When guardrails are used, do they comply with the specified requirements for
height, strength and minimum material of construction?
20 When perimeter cables are used at unprotected sides or edges, as a method of
attaching a lanyard to the cables, do they meet the design requirements for
horizontal lifelines?
Did the Qualified Person for Fall Protection design the system including
anchorages as a horizontal lifeline system?
COVERS (Par.1308.b.(8)/18003)
21 When covers are used to cover a hole 2 inches in its least dimension, are they
capable of withstanding without failure, at least twice the combined weight of the
worker, equipment and material that will pass over it?
When covers are used, are they secured in place and clearly marked or color
coded?
WORK PLATFORMS (Par. 1308.b.(2)/18003)
22 When working from elevated work platform, is the platform equipped with
guardrail or other Fall Protection system? Is the work platform maintained
properly?
SAFETY NET SYSTEM (Par 1308.b.(3)/18003)
23 Does the safety net installation meet the specified criteria and requirements,
including the size of the mesh openings and the strength of the outer rope or

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webbing?
24 Has the safety net been tested in a suspended position with 400 pounds test
weight immediately after installation and under the supervision of a Qualified
Person?
25 If a safety net was relocated, repaired or left in place for more than 6 months,
was it retested in suspension under the supervision of Qualified Person?
26 Was the inspection of the safety net performed by a Competent Person and in
accordance with manufacturers instructions and recommendations?
27 Inspection of safely nets shall be performed immediately after installation, weekly
thereafter, and following any alteration or repair. Has the inspection been
documented?
PERSONAL FALL PROTECTION SYSTEMS [Par. 1308.b.(4) thru (7)/18003]
28 Do all the fall-arrest systems and equipment used meet ANSI/ASSE Z359 Fall
Protection Code/Product Standards?
29 When selecting personal Fall Protection system, are the free-fall distance, total
fall distance, and available clearance taken into consideration?
30 Do the snaphooks and carabiners used meet ANSI Z359 Fall Protection
Code/Standards?
(Snaphooks and carabiners meeting ANSI Z359.1-1992(R1999) shall not be
used.)
31 For workers having body weight outside the capacity range of 130-310 lbs. and
using Fall Protection equipment, is it permitted in writing by the manufacturer?
32 If it is necessary to increase the free-fall distances beyond 6 feet (i.e. tying at the
feet level) and limiting the maximum arresting force on the body under 1,800 lbs.,
is the Qualified Person for Fall Protection making this determination?
There are two types of energy absorbing lanyards, the 6 ft. free fall and 12 ft. free
fall. When the tie off point is located above the dorsal D-ring use the 6 ft. free fall
energy absorbing lanyard. When the tie-off point is located below the dorsal D-
ring, use the 12 ft. free-fall energy absorbing single or Y lanyards. A Qualified
Person for Fall Protection is required to make this determination.
33 If the sternal D-ring attachment point of the body harness (located at the sternum)
is used for fall-arrest, is the worker exposed to a free-fall distance of less than
two feet, and the average arrest force on the body less than 900 lbs.?
34 Is the proper Self Retracting Device (SRD) selected and used, taking into
consideration the horizontal or vertical application?
There are four types of manufactured SRDs, self-retracting lanyard (SRL) used
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only in vertical applications, SRL with leading edge Capability used in vertical and
horizontal applications, SRL for rescue and a hybrid component of any two of the
above SRDs.
35 When using Y lanyard for 100% tie-off, does the joint between the two legs of
the lanyard withstand a force of 5,000 lbs.?
36 The unused leg of the Y lanyard shall not be attached to any part of the
harness, except to attachment points specifically designated by the manufacturer.
Has the manufacturer of the equipment designate such attachment points
(Lanyard parking location)?
37 When using a positioning system, is the worker using a separate system
(secondary system) that provides back-up protection from a fall?
When using a restraint system, is the lanyard length short enough (or adjustable)
to prevent a worker from being exposed to a Fall-Hazard?
38 When using climbing-ladder FA System for ascending or descending on fixed
ladders, is the distance between the connection point of the body harness and
the rail or cable 9-12 inches?
Will the system stop the fall within two feet from the onset of a fall?
Prior to installation, has the ladder (to which the climbing device will be attached),
been designed to withstand the forces generated by the fall of the climber?
FALL-ARREST EQUIPMENT SELECTION CRITERIA (Par. 1309/1802)
39 Does the selected fall-arrest equipment meet the latest ANSI Z359 Fall Protection
Code/Standards?
(Any equipment meeting ANSI A10.14 and ANSI Z359.1 1992(R1999) shall
not be used)
Electrically rated harnesses shall meet ASTM F887 Standard.
40 Can the manufacturer of the selected equipment substantiate thru Third-Party
Testing Laboratories, Witness Testing, or Manufacturer Self-Certification Testing,
that the equipment meets ANSI Z359 Fall Protection Code/Standards and/or
designed, selected and approved by the Qualified Person for Fall Protection?
TRAINING (Par. 1310/18004)
41 Is all Fall Protection training for all personnel involved in the Fall Protection
program in accordance with the Appendix 13-A and ANSI Z359.2 Standard?
42 Are workers trained by a Competent Person for Fall Protection who is qualified to
deliver the training on the safe use of Fall Protection and rescue equipment,
including hands-on and practical demonstrations and in accordance with the
requirements in Appendix 13-A of OPNAVINST 5100.23?

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43 Did the assigned Competent and Qualified Persons for Fall Protection receive
adequate training IAW Appendix 13-A of OPNAVINST 5100.23?
44 Did other personnel involved in the Fall Protection program receive adequate
training?
45 Has the above training been documented and verified with a certificate of
training?
46 Did end-users receive refresher/update training on the safe use of Fall Protection
equipment once every two years?
Did the Competent Person for Fall Protection receive refresher/update training to
stay current with the Fall Protection and educational requirements once every two
years?
Did other personnel involved in the Fall Protection program receive
recommended or required refresher/update training as specified in Appendix 13-A
and ANSI Z359.2 standard?
ANCHORAGES FOR FALL-ARREST, POSITIONING, RESTRAINT AND
RESCUE EQUIPMENT (Par. 1311/18003)
47 For certified fall arrest anchorages selected/identified and designed by a Qualified
Person for Fall Protection, are they capable of supporting at least twice the
maximum arresting force?
For non-certified fall-arrest anchorages selected by a Competent Person for Fall
Protection, are they capable of supporting a minimum force of 5,000 pounds per
person attached?
48 For non-certified positioning, climbing ladder fall-arrest system and rescue
anchorages selected by a Competent Person for Fall Protection, are they capable
of supporting 3,000 pounds per employee attached?

For non-certified restraint anchorages selected by a Competent Person for Fall

Protection, are they capable of supporting 1,000 pounds per employee attached?

For Certified anchorages for positioning, restraint, climbing ladder fall-arrest

system, are they selected, identified and designed by a Qualified Person for Fall
Protection, meeting the requirement of two times the foreseeable force on the
worker?

If needed, are certified anchorages for assisted rescue and self-rescue designed
for 5 times the intended loading by a qualified person?
49 Are the certified horizontal lifeline anchorages designed by a registered
professional engineer with experience in designing HLL systems; or designed by
a Qualified Person for Fall Protection who has appropriate training and
experience?

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Non certified anchorages are not permitted for HLL

RESCUE PLAN AND PROCEDURES (Par. 1312/18002)

50 For personnel working at heights and using fall-arrest equipment, has a site-
specific Fall-hazard rescue plan and procedures been prepared and maintained
at the work location?
51 If self-rescue or assisted-rescue are the planned methods to be used during
rescue, did the personnel conducting rescue receive adequate training?
52 If required, are independent anchorages for rescue identified and selected?
53 If the method of rescue is by the jurisdictional public and Government-emergency
response agencies, has a pre-incident plan been developed?
INSPECTION OF PERSONAL FALL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT (Par.
1313/18002)
54 Have procedures been established for the end user to inspect, store care and
maintain the equipment and in accordance with manufacturers instructions and
recommendations or 3-M maintenance system, whichever is more stringent?
55 Does the Competent Person for Fall Protection inspect the Fall Protection
equipment annually and w/documentation?
It is recommended the CP inspect the equipment semi-annually.
56 Does the end-user inspect the equipment prior to each use?
FALLS FROM HEIGHTS MISHAP REPORTING (Par. 1314/MCO P5102.series)
57 Are falls-from-heights mishaps reported in accordance with the reporting criteria
of OPNAVINST 5102.1D/MCO P5102 (series)?
EVALUATION OF PROGRAM EFFECTIVENESS (Par. 1315)
58 Are procedures in place to audit and evaluate the Fall Protection program, at
least once every two years?

End of Section

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3.4 Step By Step How to Establish, Manage and Implement a Fall

Protection Program
The following is a step by step for establishing managing and implementing a fall protection
program arranged in a chronological order:

1. Assign Fall Protection Program Manager and designate Competent Person for Fall
Protection;

2. Train Fall Protection Program Manager and Competent person for Fall Protection;

3. Program manager develop written FP program;

4. Conduct fall hazard surveys and assessment and develop survey report;

5. Select type of FP system(s) and FP method(s) to be used;

6. Develop site specific Fall Protection and Prevention Plan (If Personal fall protection
system is the planned method). The plan shall be developed either by the
Competent Person or Qualified Person for Fall Protection;

7. FP equipment programming and purchases;

8. Identify and train End Users on the use of FP equipment. Training shall be
conducted by a competent person;

9. Establish FP equipment storage area and develop requirements for care,

maintenance and inspection procedures in accordance with manufacturers
instructions and recommendations;

10. Competent person select/identify use of non-certified anchorages. A Qualified

Person will design the certified anchorages. A Competent person can install, use
and inspect certified anchorages under the direction of the qualified person;

11. Develop rescue plan and procedures;

12. Conduct refresher/update training as required;

13. Audit the program.

End of Section

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4.0 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Navy and Marine Corps Commands shall delineate duties and assign responsibilities to the
qualified and trained personnel involved in the development management and
implementation of the Fall Protection program. Navy and Marine Corps activities shall ensure
that assigned personnel have the necessary skills, knowledge, training and expertise to
manage, administer, and implement the Fall Protection program.

4.1 QUALIFIED PERSON (QP) FOR FALL PROTECTION

The duties and responsibilities of the Qualified Person for fall protection include the following:

Responsible of supporting the Fall Protection program

Prepare, review, approve, and modify:
Fall Protection and Prevention Plans;
Fall-Arrest Rescue Plans and procedures;
Design, select, certify, evaluate, and analyze Fall Protection Systems and Equipment;
Supervise the design, selection, installation and inspection of certified and non-certified
anchorages, horizontal lifelines and other engineered systems;
Involve in the evaluation and determination of fall-arrest system usage when the free-fall
distance exceeds 6 feet;
Calculate actual personal energy absorber deployment distance, the actual arrest distance
of the self-retracting device and required clearance;
Review, prepare, and approve Fall Protection Project Specifications;
Prepare contract documents for Fall Protection systems.
Knowledgeable with all the Fall Protection standards and regulations;
The Qualified Person shall also meet the qualification of a Competent Person.

4.2 COMPETENT PERSON FOR FALL PROTECTION

The duties and responsibilities of the Competent Person for fall protection shall include the
following:

Immediate supervision, implementation and monitoring of the Fall Protection program;

Preparation and Implementation of:
o Fall Protection and Prevention Plans;
o Fall-Arrest Rescue plans and procedures;
Identify Hazardous and Dangerous Conditions in the workplace and to take prompt
corrective measures to correct them;
Conduct Fall-Hazard survey and prepare survey and assessment report;
Inspection and installation of approved fall-protection systems;
Compliance with Fall Protection and Prevention Plans and Fall-Arrest Rescue Plans;

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Ensures end-users working at heights and using Fall Protection equipment are
adequately trained;
Supervise the selection, installation and inspection of non-certified anchorages;
Supervise the installation, use and inspection of certified anchorages, under the direction
of the qualified person for fall protection;
Have knowledge and understanding of Fall Protection systems and equipment;
Conduct inspection and accident investigations;
Have full responsibility and authority to implement the Fall Protection and Prevention
Plans and Fall-Arrest Rescue Plans and Procedures;
Knowledgeable with all the Fall Protection regulations and standards;
Monitor employee compliance with Fall Protection and Prevention Plan and Fall-Arrest Rescue
Plan requirements.

4.3 FALL PROTECTION PROGRAM MANAGER

The duties and responsibilities of the Program Manager include but not limited to the
following:

Developing and managing the Fall Protection program at the activity;

Ensures all personnel exposed to Fall-Hazards and using Fall Protection equipment are
adequately trained before using the equipment
Ensures other personnel involved in the Fall Protection program are adequately trained;
Develop overall Fall Protection training programs;
Develop and approve equipment purchase list;
Evaluate Fall Protection program effectiveness.

The Fall Protection Program Manager through training, knowledge and expertise should be
able to identify, evaluate and address existing and potential Fall-Hazards.

End of Section

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5.0 WORKPLACE SURVEYS AND ASSESSMENT

OF FALL-HAZARDS
5.1 FALL-HAZARD SURVEY
Each Navy and Marine Corps activity shall ensure that a survey of the workplace is conducted to
identify potential Fall-Hazards in accordance with Chapter 5 of OPNAVINST 5100.23 Series or
Chapter 1 MCO 5100.29 Series. Navy and Marine Corps activities shall determine whether the
walking or working surfaces on which employees are to work have the strength and structural
integrity to support the workers safely. Employees shall not be permitted to work on those
surfaces until it has been determined that the surfaces have the requisite strength and structural
integrity to support the workers and equipment related to their task(s). Once it has been
determined that the surface is safe for employees to work on, then it should be determined if a
Fall-Hazard exists at the work location.

A Fall-Hazard Survey will help identify potential Fall-Hazards at the workplace. The gathered
information will provide documentation to assist in the development of viable solutions to
protect personnel exposed to Fall-Hazards. Understanding work procedures and how a
person conducts the required task is very important in the selection and development of the
most appropriate Fall Protection method. A Fall-hazard survey will help to identify options for
fall-hazard elimination and/or selection of other control measures. The Fall-Hazard survey
shall be validated annually for comparison purposes.

The command or activity to which personnel exposed to fall hazards belong to is responsible
for the survey of those activities which expose those personnel to the fall hazard. At location
that multiple commands may be exposed to the same fall hazard, the installation shall
coordinate the survey efforts in order to save resources.

The survey information, required for identification of Fall-Hazards at existing buildings

or facilities should include:

a. Interview of workers and their supervisors;

b. Work-paths and movement of the workers;
c. Range of mobility in each fall-hazard zone;
d. Location and Distances to Obstructions;
e. Potential anchorage Location, if a Fall-Hazard cannot be eliminated or prevented;
f. Available clearance and total fall distance.
g. Number of personnel exposed to Fall-Hazards.
h. Frequency and duration of exposure.
i. Lock-Out/Tag-Out hazards.
j. Potential severity of the fall.
h. Access or egress to fall-hazard area.
k. Condition of floors and other surfaces.
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l. Review of any fall mishap reports at the facility.
m. Identify the presence of any:
Hot objects, sparks, flames, and heat-producing objects
Electrical and chemical hazards
Sharp objects
Abrasive surfaces
Moving equipment and materials
Impact of weather factors
Any other maintenance or work environment issues or conditions

If employees from another activity visit and perform work at the Navy activity where
the worksite is located (e.g. Navy or Marine Corps I.G., Audit Teams, Naval Facilities
Engineering Command, Navy Crane Center, Inspection Teams, etc.) and encounter
Fall-Hazards or potential Fall-Hazards, the visiting team/employee shall be responsible
for conducting the subject workplace survey for the specific hazard(s) encountered
and provide a report to the Navy or Marine Corps activity Safety Office for the location
being visited. The visiting employees shall not perform work at the worksite where
there is a fall hazard, unless the hazard has been mitigated, or a Fall Protection
solution and/or solution to other encountered hazards, be provided.

In conducting inspection, assessment and investigation work on existing roofs systems or

conducting Fall-Hazard surveys, Navy personnel shall perform their work in a safe manner.
Navy personnel shall receive the proper training prior to accessing the roof and understand
all the required safety precautions and requirements for conducting their work safely. For
roof inspection and investigation work, see Chapter 16 of this Guide.

5.2 FALL-HAZARD ASSESSMENT

After a Fall-Hazard survey is conducted at a workplace, a hazard analysis can be performed
to assess the risk, hazard severity, and fall mishap probability in accordance with the
requirements in OPNAVINST.5100.23 series and MCO 5100.29 series or NAVMC DIR
5100.8. This will help in prioritizing of hazard ranking and selection of the most viable Fall
Protection solutions.

The primary consideration is to eliminate/remove potential Fall-Hazards from the work

place.

5.3 REQUIREMENTS FOR FALL-HAZARD SURVEY REPORT

Instructions for conducting a survey and preparing survey report

1. The Survey shall be conducted for each Fall-Hazard to which a person may be exposed.
2. Identify one or more methods to eliminate or control Fall-Hazards.
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3. A person who is familiar with building operations and work procedures, and with access to
information regarding work processes, environment, policy and best practices should
accompany the individual conducting the survey.
4. The survey should include pertinent information as to the type of Fall-Hazard showing
basic configuration (graphic/drawings/photos).
5. The report shall identify environmental factors that may affect the building/facility.
6. Establish risk factors to assist in the hazard ranking.

7. Revise the report whenever there is a change in work procedure/task equipment or

requirements that will render the previous report obsolete.

8. Interview personnel that will be working at heights and exposed to Fall-Hazards.

Note: The survey can be conducted by the Program Manager or the

Competent Person for Fall Protection. The Competent Person can train and
delegate another person to conduct the survey.

For a Sample Survey Report, see paragraph 5.4 or for survey checklist see paragraph 5.5

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5.4 SAMPLE FALL-HAZARD SURVEY REPORT

For Specific Work Location
General information
Activity/Command: ________________________________Page #____
Building/Facility # _________________________________ Date: _____
Department: ______________________________________
Work Area: _______________________________________
Survey Conducted by: _____________________________

Accompanied by: _______________________________

Survey Data

Fall-Hazard Zone and Type (Description):_______________________

Work Location: _________________________________________

Personnel interviewed: ___________________________________

Applicable regulations/Standards: _________________________

Type of work performed: _________________________________

How close is the person to the Fall-Hazard? _________________

Location and distance to obstructions: ______________________

Suggested anchorage location, if Fall-Hazard cannot be eliminated or prevented:

_____________________________________________

Available clearance and total fall distance: __________________

Number of personnel exposed to Fall-Hazard: ________________

Frequency and duration of exposure: ______________________

Exposure rating: High ______ Medium ________ Low _______

Potential severity of a fall: _______________________________

Any obstructions in the potential fall path: _________________

Access or egress to Fall-Hazard area: _______________________

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Condition of floor or other surfaces: _______________________

Review any mishap reports at the facility: __________________

Any chance of slips trips and same level falls: Yes ____ No ____

Lock-Out/Tag-Out hazard: _______________________________

Floor/surface condition: __________________________________

Identify the presence of:

Hot objects: _____________________________________

Sparks: _________________________________________
Flames: _________________________________________
Heat producing objects: ___________________________
Any electrical/Chemical/RF Transmitter hazards: _______
Sharp objects: ___________________________________
Abrasive surfaces: ________________________________
Any moving equipment in the area: __________________
Impact of weather factors: _________________________
Other maintenance work environment/issues: _________

Suggested Fall Protection Solutions:

Select two of the following probable solutions

Guardrails ___________
Safety nets ___________
Fall-arrest system ______________
Travel Restraint system ____________
Work positioning system ____________
Horizontal lifeline system/Single anchor vertical lifeline _____________
Aerial lift equipment/work platforms _____________
Warning line system/Designated Area Method ______________
Climbing Ladder Fall-Arrest System ____________
Raising/lowering devices ____________
Covers ______________

If fall-arrest/restraint/work positioning/Horizontal lifeline/Single Anchor Vertical Lifeline system

is selected:
Anchorage(s) location (if any): ___________________
Can rescue be performed if required: ___________
Type of rescue: ______________________________
Any potential swing Fall-Hazards: __________________
Is the end-user properly trained: Yes ____ No ____
Other factors: _______________________________

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Fall-Hazard assessment per OPNAVINST 5100.23 Series, chapter 13, or NAVMC DIR
5100.8.

Any additional information:

_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________

Drawings/Sketches/Photos

Prepared by: _________________________________________

Approved by: ________________________________________

Note: The above sample survey report is for a single Fall-Hazard

location. For a complete survey report at a building, facility, or activity,
develop a summary table for all Fall-Hazards and attach the specific
survey reports to it.

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5.5 Site-Specific Fall Survey Report Checklist

GENERAL INFORMATION
Activity/Command: Date:
Building/Facility #: Work Area:
Survey Conducted By: Approved By:
Fall-Hazard # (1, 2, 3, etc.) 1 FP Program Manager or
Competent Person:

SURVEY INFORMATION
Major Fall-Hazard Zone or Work Location:
Type:
Personnel Interviewed: 1. Guiding Regs: H
2. Work Type:
3.
Distance of Personnel from Fall-Hazard (Ft): Location or Distance to Obstructions
(Ft)?
Suggested Anchorage(s) (if fall-arrest system utilized):
Distance to Ground Number of Personnel Exposed to Fall-Hazard:
Below (Ft):
Frequency/Duration of Fall Exposure: / Exposure Risk: High
Potential Severity of Fall: Severe Injury Obstructions in Fall Path:
Access or Egress to Fall-Hazard Area Ladder Condition of Floor/Other Good
(i.e. ladder, AWP, Stairs, etc.) Surfaces:
Historical Fall Mishaps at the Facility? Unknown Lock Out/Tag Out Hazard? No
Is There a Risk of the Following? Suggested Fall Protection Solutions
Hot Objects: Guardrails
Sparks: Horizontal Life-Line
FA Portable System
Type: Overhead Beam Strap
Flames: Self-Retracting Lanyard
Energy Absorbing Lanyard
Chemical Hazards: Maintenance Stand or work platforms
Electrical Hazards: Restraint System
Sharp Objects: Positioning System
Abrasive Surfaces: Aerial Lift/Work Platforms
Weather Factor: Horizontal or Single Anchor Vertical Lifeline System
Other risk Factors: Other FP methods
Anchorage(s) Locations (if Applicable)
Can Rescue Be Performed if Required? Type of Rescue: Self or Assisted Rescue
Is there a rescue plan prepared? Unknown Explain Other:

Are End-users Trained on Fall-arrest Unknown Do Swing Fall-Hazards Unknown

Systems? Exist?
Additional Information Yes
Note: For complete Fall-Hazard survey of the facility, tabulate and develop summary of findings for all locations.

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6.0 TRAINING
6.1 TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

6.1.1 All Navy and Marine Corps personnel working at heights at Ashore Facilities, exposed
to Fall-Hazards and using Fall Protection equipment, or other personnel involved in the
Fall Protection program, shall be trained to recognize the hazards of falling in the
workplace and how to minimize such hazards in accordance with the training matrix in
paragraph 6.2.

6.1.2 Before using Fall Protection equipment, the employee (end-user) must be trained on
the safe use of the equipment. It is recommended that all employees (end-users)
exposed to Fall-Hazards shall receive a minimum of 16 hours, or as appropriate, Fall
Protection training including hands-on training and practical demonstrations. The end-
user shall be trained by a person who has the knowledge, expertise and education to
deliver the training. Hands-on training and practical demonstrations for the end-user
shall be conducted by the Competent Person for Fall Protection.

6.1.3 Retraining shall be provided as necessary for employees to maintain an understanding

of these subjects.

6.1.4 A written certification of training is required and shall be maintained at the job-site for
the duration of the work. For those employees visiting from another Navy activity, they
(end-users) shall carry the certificates (or pocket cards) with them. The certificate shall
identify the name of the employee trained, date of training, and the signature(s) of the
trainer(s). Additionally, a determination shall be made as to whether the training has
resulted in personnel acquiring the required skills and knowledge.

6.1.5 It is highly recommended that a daily Tool Box meeting be conducted before work is
begun to discuss Fall-Hazards for that day and to remind workers to comply with the
established Fall Protection procedures.

6.1.6 For Navy or Marine Corps personnel who may be in a situation that requires climbing
involving the use of fall-arrest systems, the End-user Training also shall include practice
climbing in a controlled situation in the presence of a Competent Person. Additionally,
end-users shall be trained in rescue and self-rescue equipment and procedures. A
Competent Person who has the knowledge, expertise, qualification and education to
deliver the training shall train end-users.

6.1.7 All Navy or Marine Corps architects, engineers, and in-house designers involved in
planning and designing buildings, facilities, and structures, shall be trained to incorporate
Fall Protection and prevention control measures into their designs to help contractors
during the construction phase and to provide protection to DON personnel performing
their work during normal operation and maintenance phase. The training should
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emphasize that Fall-Hazards should be eliminated, and if this not be possible or practical,
there must be a mechanism or a control measure in place for preventing or protecting
workers from such hazards.

6.1.8 All DON Architects, engineers, and other inspectors conducting inspection,
investigation and assessment work on existing roof systems shall be trained prior to
gaining access to the roof, and to take precautionary measures to protect themselves
and other members of the inspection team from Fall-Hazards.

6.1.9 In addition to the training requirements in this guide, the training for all personnel
involved in the Fall Protection program Program Manager, Qualified Person,
Competent Person, End-user (Authorized Person), Authorized Rescuers, as well as any
associated Fall Protection trainers, shall be as prescribed in ANSI/ASSE Z359.2
Standard. All Fall Protection training, including refresher/update training, also shall
conform to the requirements of ANSI/ASSE Z490.1-2009 titled Criteria for Accepted
Practices in Safety, Health and Environmental Training.

6.1.10 The following training matrix requirements and methods identify the degree and extent
of training for various Navy personnel including refresher/update training:

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6.2 TRAINING MATRIX

FALL PROTECTION TRAINING REQUIREMENTS AND METHODS

Trainee GROUP Desired Training Objectives Training Mechanism

and Type
End-user/Authorized - Selection and safe use of equipment Hands-on training and
Person - Application limits practical
- Proper anchoring and tie-off demonstrations (a
techniques must) for using local
- Estimation of fall distances equipment or on-site
- Determination of deceleration training as applicable
distance to the activity
- Total fall distance
- Methods of inspection
- Storage, care, and maintenance of (16 hours or as
equipment appropriate)
- Applicable regulations
- Limitations of equipment
- Specific lifelines
- Rescue and self-rescue techniques
- Recognize fall-hazard deficiencies
- Recognize fall risks at worksite
- Recognize fall-hazard deficiencies
Construction - Recognize fall risks at worksite Fall Protection, part
Management - Basic Fall Protection systems and of the 40 hours
Personnel equipment Construction Safety
- Methods of use Training.
- Proper anchoring and tie-off
techniques (Minimum 4 hours)
- Methods of inspection and record
keeping
- Storage of the equipment
- Applicable regulations
- Rescue equipment and procedures
Contracting Officer - Recognize fall-hazard deficiencies
Technical - Recognize fall risks at a worksite (Awareness Training)
Representative and - Basic systems identification and
Contract Assurance proper use of equipment.
Personnel
Competent Person - In addition to the end-user training, As approved by
for Fall Protection the Competent Person for Fall ECHELON II in
(As Designated in Protection training shall include accordance with
writing by the Activity hands-on and practical OPNAVINST 5100.23
as the Command demonstrations, and the following: Series and Appendix
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Competent Person) - Implementation of various Fall F of this Guide
Protection systems
- Proper donning of the equipment
- Proper inspection and record
keeping (Minimum 40 hours)
- Recognition and identification of Fall-
Hazards at work-site
- Verification of proper equipment
installation techniques
- Confirmation of proper anchoring
and tie-off techniques
- Assessment of risk and hazard
ranking
- Preparation, updating, review and
approval of Fall Protection and
prevention plans, and rescue and
evacuation plans
- Assurance of understanding of Fall
Protection regulations and standards
by personnel to be exposed to fall
hazards
- Review and approval of plans and
specifications
Qualified Person for - Design, select, analyze, and certify
Fall Protection Fall Protection systems and (40 hours or as
equipment appropriate)
- Prepare, update, review, and As approved by
approve Fall Protection and ECHELON II in
prevention plans, and rescue and accordance with
evacuation plans OPNAVINST 5100.23
- Assure understanding of Fall Series
Protection regulations and standards
by personnel to be exposed to fall
hazards
- Review and approve plans and
specifications
Architects and - Understand various Fall Protection
Engineers and prevention planning and design
(Designers) involved considerations for management of fall- (Awareness Training)
in planning and hazards during construction and
design of buildings, maintenance phases
facilities and - Recognize fall-hazard deficiencies
structures - Recognize fall risks assessment and
control measures (Fall protection
systems and equipment) at worksites
- Identify basic systems and proper
use
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- Identify and select certified/non
certified anchorages
- Applicable regulations and standards
-
Fall Protection - Recognize and identify Fall-Hazards
Program Managers at workplaces
- Understand best practices, criteria Course Number CIN
(Assigned by the and requirements for development A 4930084 or as
Command) and managing Fall Protection program approved by
- Risk assessment and hazard ranking ECHELON II
- Understand and identify selection,
safe use, and limitation of Fall Minimum 16 hours or
Protection systems and equipment as appropriate
- Understand proper storage, care,
and maintenance of the equipment
- Identify applicable Fall Protection
regulations
- Audit and evaluate program criteria
- Understand duties, responsibilities
and training requirements for
personnel involved in the Fall
Protection program
Authorized Rescuer Use of applicable rescue systems Hands-on training and
and equipment; practical
Before use inspection of rescue demonstrations (a
equipment, must) for using local
The use of belay devices, pulleys equipment or on-site
and winch systems training as applicable
Descent control devices to the activity
Other applicable rescue systems
and equipment.

Architects, - Receive Fall Protection awareness

Engineers and other training
Inspectors - Understand and utilize applicable
conducting regulations and standards (Awareness Training)
Investigation and - Emphasize responsibilities and basic
inspection work on duties of the inspection team
roofs - Emphasize safe work practices
- Provide for and emphasize safe
access
- Use protective methods while
conducting inspection and
investigation work
- Implement pre-climbing safety
verification checks
- Understand and implement
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procedures for conducting inspections
and investigations
- Apply training requirements
End-user/Authorized Select and use equipment safely (Competent Person
Person - Understand and apply application determines if Hands-
Refresher/Update limits On training and
Training - Employ proper anchor and tie-off practical
techniques demonstrations will be
(every 2 years) - Carefully estimate potential fall required)
distances
(Competent Person - Determine deceleration distance
for FP will determine - Calculate total fall distance
the extent of the - Understand and apply proper
refresher training) methods of inspection
- Apply proper storage, care, and
maintenance of the equipment
- Implement applicable regulations
- Recognize limitations of equipment
- Understand the use and limits of
specific lifelines
- Reinforce understanding of rescue
and self-rescue techniques
- Recognize fall-hazard deficiencies-
Refresher Training -Stay current with the Fall Protection
for the Competent and rescue educational requirements Applicable technical
Person for Fall -Acquire knowledge and seminars or web
Protection understanding of the best Fall based Training
Protection practices and application of
(Every 2 years) fall protection and rescue equipment
and systems,

Refresher Training Stay current with the Fall Protection Applicable technical
for the Qualified and rescue educational requirements seminars, conferences
Person and Program or web based training
Manager

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6.3 REFRESHER/UPDATE TRAINING

Personnel exposed to Fall-Hazards shall receive refresher/update training on the safe use of
Fall Protection equipment and rescue as follows:

End-user, Competent Person for Fall Protection and authorized rescuer (Person who
conducts rescue) Refresher/Update training is required, and shall be conducted at least
every two years, to stay current with the Fall Protection and rescue educational
requirements in accordance with paragraph 6.2.

The FPPM will evaluate and determine if the above personnel require refresher
training annually.

FPPM and Qualified Person shall receive refresher/update training annually to stay
current with the fall protection and rescue and educational requirements IAW Section 6.2
of this guide. ANSI Z359.2 recommends a minimum of 8 hours of continued education
annually for the FPPM and QP refresher/update training. .

6.4 RETRAINING
Retraining in relevant topics shall be provided to the end-user when:

(1) The End-User has been observed using Fall Protection equipment in an unsafe
manner;

(2) The end-user has been involved in a mishap or a near-miss incident;

(3) The end-user has received an evaluation that reveals that he or she is not using the
Fall Protection equipment properly;

(4) The end-user is assigned a different type of Fall Protection equipment; and/or

(5) A condition in the workplace changes in a manner that could affect the safe use of
the Fall Protection equipment that the end-user is to utilize.

6.5 AVAILABLE WEB-BASED FALL PROTECTION TRAINING COURSES

The following are the Fall Protection Web-Based training Courses posted on the Navy
Enterprise Safety Management System (ESAMS). (Marine Corps activities must contact
installation safety offices for available training).

Initial Fall Protection Training:

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(1) End user and Supervisors of End Users Training;
a. ESAMS Course #2018.
b. ESAMS Course #3024: Outline for Hands-On Training and
Practical Demonstrations requirements for End Users. This
course complements course #2018. The training includes
hands-on and practical demonstrations and shall be delivered
by the Competent Person who is qualified to provide the
training. The Competent Person for Fall Protection will
determine the extent of the hands-on and practical
demonstration for the end user which depends on the fall
protection equipment and systems used and the work
environment.

(2) All personnel

a. ESAMS Course #1259 titled Slips Trips and Same Level Falls
(awareness training).

(3) Architects/Engineers and other Inspectors conducting roof inspection

investigation and assessment work:
a. ESAMS Course #3639,

(4) Fall Protection Program Managers:

a. Part 1: ESAMS Course # 4437 titled Fall Protection Program
Management;
b. Part 2: ESAMS Course # 4438 titled Fall Protection system and
Equipment.

Web-Based Refresher/Update Fall Protection Training:

(5) Competent Person for Fall Protection: ESAMS Course # 4438 again.
(6) End users: take ESAMS Course # 2018 again as refresher/update
training. Hands-on training and practical demonstrations per ESAMS
course #3024 may be delivered to the end user, per discretion of the
Competent Person.
(7) Program manager: Take ESAMS Course # 4437 again.
(8) Qualified Person for Fall Protection: Take ESAMS Course # 4438.

6.6 FALL PROTECTION TRAINING ROSTER

(1) All employees (workers) newly assigned to a job must review and understand the Fall
Protection and Prevention Plan. If the Fall-Hazards, Fall Protection equipment, or methods
change during the course of the job, the Fall Protection and Prevention Plan must be
reviewed again by all employees working at the job-site. Employees shall be trained in job
hazard recognition and shall be trained in the proper use of Fall Protection equipment.
Procedures may be developed at the local level to ensure compliance.
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(2) All contractor and subcontractor workers exposed to Fall-Hazards shall be trained
accordingly by non-Governmental trainers.

(3) If additional requirements arise or change at the job-site as work progresses, the Fall
Protection and Prevention Plan and Rescue Plan shall be reviewed and updated by a
qualified or Competent Person and signed by all workers exposed to Fall-Hazards.

(4) For those employees visiting from another activity, to perform work at heights and
exposed to Fall-Hazards at the Navy activity being visited and before starting work at that
site, they shall be trained on the proper use of Fall Protection and rescue equipment.

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6.7 FALL PROTECTION TRAINING ROSTER (FORM)

All personnel signing this form affirm that they understand the Fall-Hazards on the job-
site, and that they have been trained in the proper use of, and will use, the selected
Fall Protection equipment and methods. Review and sign again, if hazards or
methods or work change.

NAME: ____________________________________________________
ORGANIZATION/CODE/SHOP: ________________________________
TRAINING DATE(s): _________________________________________
DURATION OF TRAINING (Hours): _______________________________
COURSE TITLE: ____________________________________________
DESCRIPTION OF THE COURSE: ______________________________

NAME: ____________________________________________________
ORGANIZATION/CODE/SHOP: ________________________________
TRAINING DATE(s): _________________________________________
DURATION OF TRAINING (Hours): _______________________________
COURSE TITLE: ____________________________________________
DESCRIPTION OF THE COURSE: ______________________________

NAME: ____________________________________________________
ORGANIZATION/CODE/SHOP: ________________________________
TRAINING DATE(s): _________________________________________
DURATION OF TRAINING (Hours): _______________________________
COURSE TITLE: ____________________________________________
DESCRIPTION OF THE COURSE: ______________________________

NAME: ____________________________________________________
ORGANIZATION/CODE/SHOP: ________________________________
TRAINING DATE(s): _________________________________________
DURATION OF TRAINING (Hours):_______________________________
COURSE TITLE: ____________________________________________
DESCRIPTION OF THE COURSE: _____________________________

INSTRUCTORS NAME: ______________________________________

INSTRUCTURES SIGNATURE: ________________________________

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7.0 FALL-HAZARD PREVENTION AND

CONTROLS
7.1 PREFERRED ORDER OF CONTROL MEASURES

The preferred order of control measures for Fall-Hazards is:

(1) Elimination Removal of the hazard from a workplace. This is the most effective control
measure (e.g., lowering various devices or instruments installed at high locations, such as
meters or valves, to the height level of the individual; instead of servicing such devices or
instruments at heights).

(2) Prevention (traditional) - The isolation or separation of the hazards from the general work
areas (e.g., same level barriers such as guardrails, walls, covers or parapets.)

(3) Engineering Controls Where the hazard cannot be eliminated, isolated, or separated,
engineering control is the next-preferred measure to control the risk (e.g., design change or
use of various equipment or techniques, such as aerial lift equipment or movable or
stationary work platforms).

(4) Administrative Controls This includes introducing new work practices that reduce the
risk of a persons falling (e.g., erecting warning lines or designated areas, restricting
access to certain areas, posting of warning signs or training).

(5) Personal Protective Systems and Equipment These shall be used after other control
measures (such as eliminating or isolating Fall-Hazards) are determined not to be practical,
or when secondary systems are needed (e.g., when it is necessary to increase protection by
employing a backup system).

NOTE:

Control measures are not mutually exclusive. There may be situations wherein more than one
control measure should be used to reduce the risk of a fall.

Navy or Marine Corps activities shall select Fall Protection measures compatible with the type
of work being performed. If Fall-Hazards cannot be eliminated, Fall Protection can be provided
through the use of Fall Protection systems and equipment and in accordance with chapters 8
or 9 of this guide.

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7.2 FALL PROTECTION AND PREVENTION PLANS

The Fall Protection and Prevention Plans as required by OPNAVINST 5100.23 Series, MCO
5100.29 Series and NAVMC SIR 5100.8 are documents prepared by Navy or Marine Corps
activities for the purpose of planning, designing, installing, monitoring, and rescuing workers
exposed to Fall-Hazards; and to prevent fall accidents from occurring in the workplace. The
Fall Protection and Prevention Plan is a living document that will require modification due to
changes during different phases of work, procedures, methods of construction, or
maintenance work. A Qualified or Competent Person for Fall Protection shall be responsible
for preparing the Fall Protection and Prevention Plans, as well as making any required
changes, designs, updates, or approvals relating to various methods and requirements
pertaining to Fall Protection systems and equipment. If the plan includes Fall Protection
components or systems requiring direction, supervision, design calculations or drawings by a
Qualified Person for Fall Protection, the name, qualifications, and responsibilities of the
Qualified Person shall be recorded in the plan. Paragraph 7.2.5 is a checklist that addresses
the requirements for occasions where a Competent Person or a Qualified Person for Fall
Protection is required to develop Fall Protection and prevention plan.

A Fall Protection and Prevention Plan is equivalent to a permit to work at height;

therefore, it is of the utmost importance that a Fall Protection and Prevention Plan be
prepared and approved prior to the start of work. The plan shall be kept at the work site at all
times, with any changes noted. For those employees visiting from another activity, each of
them shall obtain and sign a copy of the Fall Protection and Prevention Plan from the activity
being visited. If no Fall Protection and Prevention Plan addressing Fall-Hazards exist at the
worksite being visited, then the employee or other team leader in consultation with the CP
shall prepare and sign an addendum to the Navy or Marine Corps activity Fall Protection and
Prevention Plan of the persons home activity, which addresses the use of Fall Protection and
rescue equipment.

Note: The American National Standards Institute, ANSI Z359.2 Standard,

titled Minimum Requirements for a Comprehensive Managed Fall
Protection Program identifies the Fall Protection and Prevention Plan as
Written Fall Protection Procedures. According to OPNAVINST 5100.23
Series, preparation of the Fall Protection and Prevention Plan is a
requirement as part of the Fall Protection program.

7.2.1 FALL PROTECTION AND PREVENTION PLAN REQUIREMENTS

The Fall Protection and Prevention Plan is different from the Fall Protection Plan required per
29 CFR 1926.502(k). A Fall Protection Plan as required by OSHA is available only to
employees, performing construction work, who can demonstrate that it is infeasible, or it
creates greater hazard, to use conventional Fall Protection systems: (i.e., guardrails, safety
nets, or personal fall-arrest systems). The Fall Protection and Prevention Plan is a document
that includes written procedures for performing a specific work, task, or project, indicating the
proper way of using safe Fall Protection systems and equipment, and including any other
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relevant information; however, it is a requirement to develop a Fall Protection and prevention
plan for routine and non-routine tasks. The site-specific and generic plan shall be prepared in
advance.

For routine and predictable tasks a site-specific Fall Protection and Prevention Plan shall be
prepared and used. For non-routine and emergency tasks, where fall-arrest/restraint or
positioning system(s) are used, personnel may use a generic Fall Protection and Prevention
Plan. The generic fall protection and prevention plan shall include additional information on
how to proceed with work safely, when unidentified fall hazard is encountered and what is the
procedure to make the generic plan site specific.

The Fall Protection and Prevention Plan shall include the following:

a. Description of Fall-Hazards that will be encountered at the workplace by end users during
performance of their work.
b. Type of Fall Protection/fall prevention methods or systems used for every phase of work.
c. Training requirements for every employee exposed to Fall-Hazards.
d. Type of Fall Protection equipment and systems provided to the employees that might be
exposed to Fall-Hazards.
e. The names of qualified and Competent Persons included in the plan.
f. The Fall Protection equipment and instructions for assembly, disassembly, storage
maintenance, and care.
g. A Fall Protection and Prevention Plan is prepared either by a Competent or Qualified
Person for fall protection. A Competent Person will implement the plan. All employees
working at heights and using personal fall protection equipment at a job-site shall
understand and agree to use the Fall Protection and Prevention Plan.
h. The rescue plan and procedures shall be included as an enclosure.

Note: for sample written FP and Prevention Plan, see paragraph 7.2.3 or the checklist
in paragraph 7.2.4.

7.2.2 INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARING THE PLAN

a. The plan shall be prepared specifically for the workplace and the specific task (site
specific).
b. The plan shall provide for 100% continuous Fall Protection.
c. The plan shall include training requirements and qualifications of the end-user permitted to
use the system.
d. The plan shall include the following:

Identification of acceptable anchorages;

Anchorages selected or designed by Qualified Person for Fall Protection or Competent

Person for Fall Protection (Certified or Non-Certified anchorages);
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Complete setup procedure(s) for access;

Clearance requirements for free-fall distances and for total fall distances including
available clearance;

Detailed instructions for assembling, use and dismantling of the system(s), including
descriptions of all the components

Number of personnel using the system;

Any limitations of the system;

Applicable manufacturers standards and drawings;

Detailed instructions for inspecting each component of the system, and intervals of
inspection;

Any other pertinent information.

End of Section

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7.2.3 SAMPLE FALL PROTECTION AND PREVENTION

PLAN (FORM)
Activity/Command:
________________________________________________Building/Facility # _____
Department: __________________________________________________________
Work Area/Location: ___________________________________________________
Plan Prepared by: _____________________________________________________
Date Prepared on: _____________________________________________________
Date Modified: ________________________________________________________
Plan implemented by: __________________________________________________

Task/Work Description:
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
_____

Name of personnel exposed to Fall-Hazards: __________________________

Description of the Fall Protection system to be used: ___________________
Training Requirements: ____________________________________________
Anchorage Location and type: ______________________________________
Anchorage Strength: ______________________________________________
Certified/Non-Certified Anchorage(s): ________________________________
Describe the rest of the system used: ________________________________
Describe the set up procedure for access to work location:
________________________________________________________________

Instructions for:

Assembly: ____________________________________________________
Use: _________________________________________________________
Disassembly: _________________________________________________
Inspection Care and Maintenance: ________________________________

Available clearance: _______________________________________________

Free-fall Distance: ________________________________________________
Total Fall Distance: _______________________________________________
Number of personnel using the system: ______________________________
System Limitation: ________________________________________________
Equipment Inspection Procedure and Intervals: _______________________

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Design of the system (if required):
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

Manufacturers standards/drawings including instructions and recommendations:

___________________________________________________________________
Any other info: __________________________________________________
Include rescue plan and procedures________________________________

Prepared by: ____________________________________________

Approved by: ____________________________________________

End of Section

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7.2.4 Site-specific Fall Protection and Prevention Plan Checklist
GENERAL INFORMATION
Activity/Command: Date
:
Facility/Building #: Phone:
Detailed Location: Plan
Prepare
d By:
Dates(s) Plan was 1. This Revision of Plan 1.
Modified: Implemented on (Date):
2. 2.

3. 3.

Task/Work
Description:
Name(s) of Personnel 1. 6.
Exposed to Fall- 2. 7.
Hazards and using 3. 8.
Personal Fall 4. 9.
Protection 5. 10.
Equipment:
Personal Fall Protection System
Description of the Fall Identification or
Protection System to Selection of
Be Used: Anchorage(s) and
Types:
Anchorage Location: Anchorage Strength:
Certified Anchorages Required Strength
designed by QP
Free-fall distance Total fall Distance
Required Clearance Available Clearance
Design of FA System (If Personal Fall
required) Protection System
Limitations
TRAINING
Competent Person End-user(s) Training
and/or Qualified Completed:
Person training
Completed:
Program Manager
Training Completed

OTHER INFORMATION
Include Manufacturers
Instructions and
Recommendations for
Use, Assembly,
Disassembly and
Inspection Criteria
Additional Instructions:

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7.2.5 WHEN A COMPETENT OR QUALIFIED PERSON IS REQUIRED TO

DEVELOP FALL PROTECTION AND PREVENTION PLAN

COMPETENT OR QUALIFIED PERSON CHECKLIST

Navy or Marine Corps Command: Location

FP Program Manager: Date:
COMPETENT PERSON INFORMATION

Competent Persons Name: ____________________________

Length of experience in this occupation: _________________

TRAINING KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE Yes No N/A

Does the designated individual have training knowledge and
experience in:
Applicable Fall Protection regulations, standards and
requirements?
Fall-Hazard recognition (How to recognize and identify
Fall-Hazards)?
Duties and responsibilities of other designated personnel
under the FP Program (e.g. Qualified Person, end-user,
authorized rescuer, etc.)?
Conducting Fall-Hazard surveys and preparing survey
report?
The requirements and criteria for guardrails, safety nets,
scaffolds, aerial lifts and movable and stationary work
platforms, warning line system/designated area method,
and safety monitoring system?

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Developing Fall Protection and prevention plans (written
Fall Protection procedures)?

Notes:
1. If the Fall Protection and Prevention plan includes Fall
Protection components or systems requiring direction,
supervision, design calculations or drawings by a
Qualified Person for Fall Protection or a professional
engineer, the name, qualifications, responsibilities,
training knowledge, experience and signature of the
Qualified Person for Fall Protection or professional
engineer shall also be addressed in the plan.
2. At a minimum, the Qualified Person/professional
engineer information is required when using Horizontal
Lifelines, Other Engineered Systems, the anchorages
or tie-off points are located below the dorsal Dring
and designing certified anchorages that require being
twice the maximum arrest or potential force.

Fall-arrest, positioning, restraint and climbing ladder fall

arrest systems
Fall-Hazard elimination and control methods including
hands-on how to assemble, disassemble and use Fall
Protection systems and equipment (Donning of the
equipment, equipment installation techniques and proper
anchoring and tie-off techniques)?
Fall Protection system and equipment assessments (e.g.
component compatibility, estimating free-fall distances,
total fall distance and required clearance, and common
hazards of each system and component used) and
determining when a system is unsafe?
How to conduct detailed inspection storage care and
maintenance of equipment, components and systems with
documentation?
Fall Protection rescue equipment and procedures and
prepare Fall-Hazard rescue plan?
The selection and use of non-certified anchorages (e.g.
5,000 lbs. anchorage for FA)?
Requirements for working over or near water or working
from/in machinery over water
List training/experience including certificate of training:

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AUTHORITY Yes No N/A

Does the designated individual have authority from the
Command to:
Take prompt corrective action to eliminate existing and
predictable fall hazards?
Stop work?

Use of this checklist is optional.

End of Section

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8.0 FALL PROTECTION SYSTEMS, CRITERIA,

AND DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
System Selection

It is very important for a Qualified or Competent Person for Fall Protection to plan, evaluate,
design, and select the most appropriate, safe, and efficient Fall Protection system. There are
many Fall Protection systems available which can be used. It is of the utmost importance to
select the right system for a specific work application. A complete understanding of work
procedures will enable the Qualified Person for Fall Protection or Competent Person for Fall
Protection to select the most appropriate Fall Protection system.

Redundant (Secondary) System

In every fall-hazard situation, it is always advisable to have two protective systems:

primary, and secondary as back-up. If the primary system fails, the secondary system
shall protect the employee from falling. For example, when approaching an
unprotected side or edge of a roof, the employees primary protective system is his/her
feet. A secondary protective system is required as backup, such as a fall-
arrest/restraint system, or guardrails. When climbing a fixed ladder or a pole, the
employees primary fall protective system is his/her hands and feet. A climbing ladder
FA system or a self-retracting lanyard is required as a secondary backup system.
Always plan to have two Fall Protection systems; primary, and secondary.

8.1 FALL PROTECTION SYSTEMS

Every employee on a walking working surface exposed to a Fall-Hazard shall be protected
from falling to a lower level by the use of a Fall Protection system. The common Fall
Protection systems are:

Prevention Systems
Guardrail Systems
Covers
Work-stands/Stationary Work Platforms and Catwalks

Safety Nets
Fall-arrest System
Other Fall Protection Systems include:

Flexible Horizontal Lifeline System

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Rigid Horizontal Rail System
Single Anchor Vertical Lifeline
Climbing Ladder Fall Arrest System (Ladder climbing device)
Positioning System
Restraint Systems
Rope Access
Aerial Lifting Equipment,
Movable Working Platforms, or Scaffolds (e.g. AWP, work stands or
Scissor Lifts)
Warning Systems
Designated area
Monitoring System (Prohibited for use)
Controlled Access Zone (Prohibited for use)
Other Engineered Fall Protection Systems

8.2 FALL PROTECTION SYSTEMS CRITERIA & REQUIREMENTS

8.2.1 PREVENTION SYSTEMS (Passive Fall Protection Systems)

8.2.1.1 GUARDRAIL SYSTEM

Guardrail System is a conventional method for the prevention of falls from heights which
is installed at all open sided floors, openings and platforms where a person is required to
walk or work. Guardrails can be temporary or permanent.

Open sided floor or edge mean any side or edge (except at entrances to points of
access of floors, roofs, working platforms, stairs, catwalks, scaffolds, and ramps or
runways) where there is no wall or guardrail system.

Guardrail consists of top-rail, mid-rail, posts (stanchions) and toe-board.

Note 1:
Requirements for permanent guardrail systems installed in
buildings are prescribed in the International Building Code (IBC)
using the term Guards instead of guardrails. Permanent Guard
requirements for height and strength are identical to guardrails
prescribed by OSHA.

Note 2:
Guardrails shall be so surfaced as to prevent injury from
punctures or lacerations, and to prevent snagging of clothing.

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8.2.1.1.1 Criteria:

Top-rail shall be 42 inches high, plus or minus 3 inches above walking/working level. (39-
45 inches high).
Mid-rail shall be located half way between the top edge of the guardrail system and the
walking working surface, but never more than a 19 inch gap between the mid-rail and the top
of the rail, or between mid-rail and the walking working surface. Screens, mesh,
intermediate vertical members or equivalent intermediate structural members can replace
the mid-rail. The vertical opening shall not be greater than 19 inches.
Posts shall be spaced no more than 8 feet apart on centers.
Toeboard shall be minimum 3 inches high. Per 29 CFR 1910, the toe-board height is 4
inches.

8.2.1.1.2 Material of Construction.

(a) Wood Construction:

Wood components shall be of construction grade lumber or better (minimum 1,500 lbs.-
ft./square inch fiber stress);

Top rail and Posts shall be minimum nominal 2X4 lumber;

Mid rail shall be made a minimum nominal 1X6 lumber;
Toe-board shall be made a minimum nominal 1X4 lumber.

Temporary Guardrail

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(b) Structural Steel:

Posts, top-rail and mid-rail shall be at least 2-inches X 2-inches X 3/8 inch structural steel
angles.

(c) Pipe Railing

Posts, top rail and mid rail shall be at least 1-1/2 inches nominal diameter (schedule 40 pipe).

Removable Railing Collapsible Railing

(d) Steel Cable

Top-rail and mid-rail shall be at least inch steel cable flagged every 6 feet with high
visibility material. There shall not be more than a 3 inches sag in the steel cable.

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(e) Chains

Steel chains for top-rail and mid-rail, all components shall have the same criteria for guardrail
system above. There shall not be more than a 3 inches of sag in the chain.

Guardrails or stair-rails shall be so surfaced as to prevent injury from punctures or

lacerations, and to prevent snagging of clothing.

Note:
During hoisting operations If a segment or side of the railing
system is required to be left open for easy access at an
unprotected side, edge, hatch, etc., use self-closing swing gates,
chain, removable guardrail section or fall arrest/restraint system
will be required to protect personnel from falling. When guardrails
are used at hoisting areas, a minimum 6 feet of guardrail shall be
erected on each side of the access point through which materials
are hoisted.

Removable guardrail at second Loading platform with removable

floor loading area chain at point of access
however, a midrail is also required.

8.2.1.1.3 Strength Requirements.

The following are the minimum forces the temporary guardrail system members shall
withstand without failure when applied within 2 inches from the top edge in any outward or
downward direction:

Top-rails ------------ 200 pounds

Mid-rail -------------- 150 pounds
Toe-board ---------- 50 pounds

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Any screen, mesh. Intermediate vertical member, solid panel and any equivalent structural
member shall withstand a force of 150 pounds.

When a 200-pound force is applied at the top edge of the top-rail in a downward direction, it
shall not deflect more than 3 inches.

8.2.1.1.4 Stair-Rails and Handrails:

(a) Permanent handrails shall be mounted 34 to 38 inches high to the top of the rail.
(b) For temporary handrails (during construction) the height may be 30 inches to 37
inches.
(c)Permanent Stair Rails shall be 42 inches high. (During construction, temporary stair-
rails may be 36 to 37 inches high.

8.2.1.2 Parapets:

For existing parapet walls with heights of less than 42 inches, the parapet wall may be used as
a Fall Protection system if the vertical height is a minimum of 30 inches and the width a
minimum of 18 inches at the top of the wall for a total of 48 inches combined. The effective
height of a parapet wall is the sum of the height of the wall plus the wall width at the top of the
wall. New parapet walls shall be designed to a height of 42 inches ( 3 inches), to be
considered adequate Fall Protection systems.

The critical reason for requiring the height of compliant guardrails to be 42 +/-3 inches is to
ensure that the top rail comes into contact with the workers above their centers of gravity
(approximately the mid-section), thus preventing them from pivoting (leaning) over the
guardrail and falling. The same benchmark also applies to the combined height and width of
the parapet (30 inches + 18 inches = 48 inches), so the workers' center of gravity including the
pivoting (leaning) portion of the body is over the top of parapet keeping it a safe distance
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(approx. 1 foot) from the exterior edge. This same concept applies also to a 34 foot height vs.
a 14 inch width of parapet.

The height of the existing 30-inch high parapets shall not be increased to comply with the
guardrail height requirement of 42 inches 3 inches, without involving a structural engineer.
Increasing the height of the parapet increases the exposure to wind stresses. Since the
parapet resists wind by acting as a cantilever, the stresses at the base of the parapet (The
level of the roof structure) is proportional to the square of the parapet height. For example,
adding an extra foot to the existing 2 foot high parapet roughly doubles the wind stresses at
the base. Recommend using either steel cable or railing to make the parapet 42 inches high (
3 inches).

8.2.1.3 COVERS

Hole is defined as a gap or void one inch (per 29 CFR 1910.23) or more in its least
dimension in a floor, roof, or walking/working surface (According to 29 CFR 1926.500, a hole 2
inches in its least dimension requires a cover); or a gap or opening in flooring, stairway, ramp,
or roofing two inches or greater through which material or tools can fall through; or, in the case
of larger holes, a person can step or fall through. In either case, FP in the form of a secured
and marked covering or barricade is required. Examples include manholes, pits, tanks,
skylights, open shafts, chutes, and hatches. Consideration also should be given to guarding
holes which may present a trip or entrapment hazard.

Requirements for covers:

Install a cover on any hole, 2 inches or more in its least dimension.
All covers shall be capable of supporting, without failure, at least twice the weight of the
employees, equipment and materials that may be imposed on the cover at any time.
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Covers shall be secured in place when installed.
If scissor/aerial lifts are on the same level, the potential for them to run over the hole-cover is
high. This must be considered in the cover design

.
OSHA Compliant Cover
Skylights

Skylight openings must also be covered. Most of older skylights will not support the weight
of the worker.
If there should be a danger of falling through a skylight opening, a standard screen/mesh
cover or temporary or permanent guardrail system must be installed on all sides of the skylight.

Skylight Solutions

Trenches, utility covers, and other similar features when located in a roadway or
vehicular aisle shall be designed to carry twice the maximum axle load of the largest vehicle
expected to cross over.

Hatches

Hatches shall always be protected when opened.

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If ladder is used to access thru a hatch, it shall extend 3 3 feet above the walking
working surface.

Hatch Cover Solutions

8.2.1.4 WORK-STANDS, STATIONARY WORK PLATFORMS AND

CATWALKS

Work-stands, stationary work platforms, and catwalks shall be equipped with guardrails or
other Fall Protection system(s). For safer work-stands, provide a swing gate at the platform
level near the stairs to prevent a worker from unintentionally moving backward and falling
down the stairs.

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Work Stand

8.2.2 SAFETY NETS

Safety nets are installed as close as practical below the leading edge for employee protection
or when working over water, on bridges, or high-rise buildings or structures.

(1) The minimum breaking strength of border rope or webbing shall be 5,000 pounds.

(2) The mesh opening shall not be larger than 36 square inches or longer than 6 inches on
any side.

(3) In any case, the net shall be installed not lower than 25 feet from the working surface.

(4) Safety nets shall extend out from the working surface as follows:

Distance from working level to the Distance the net shall extend
net from working surface
Up to 5 feet 8 feet
Over 5 feet up to 10 feet 10 feet
Over 10 feet 13 feet

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(5) Safety nets shall be tested in suspension position in the field and certified by a Qualified
Person immediately after installation and at six month intervals using a drop test of 400
pounds, dropped from the same elevation a worker might fall.

(6) Inspect safety nets immediately after installation, weekly thereafter, and following any
alteration or repairs. Inspection must be documented.

(7) Shackles and hooks used for safety net installations shall be made of forged steel.

(8) Immediately remove any debris that falls into the net.

8.2.3 FALL-ARREST SYSTEM (ACTIVE FP SYSTEM)

Fall arrest system is an assembly of components and subsystems used to arrest a fall. Fall-
arrest System consists of the following subsystems and components:

Anchorage System Consists of anchorage and anchorage connector.

Connecting Means Includes energy absorbing lanyard with snaphook or carabiner at
each end or self-retracting device. The subsystem may also include fall-arrester.
Body Support Consists of full-body harness with integral dorsal D-ring.
Rescue procedures Consist of self-rescue or assisted rescue.

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Note

Fall-arrest is considered an active Fall Protection system. The

system will become activated when a fall is initiated. Fall-
arrest system is also considered a secondary or backup
system.

Note

Whenever possible, employees should work in pairs (buddy

system). At the minimum, there must be an assigned safety
person (spotter) when there is an employee or employees
climbing and performing work at heights and using fall-arrest
equipment.

WARNING
Personal fall arrest systems (PFAS) are typically certified and
labeled only within the capacity range of 130 to 310 pounds (59 to
140.6 kg) including the weight of the worker, equipment, clothing
and tools. Workers shall not be permitted to exceed the 310-pound
weight limit, unless the harness and the lanyard are specified in
writing by the manufacturer. The concern for end users with body
weight more than 310 pounds is the potential to fully deploy the
energy absorber and the exposure to arrest forces greater than 1,800
pounds prescribed by OSHA and ANSI Z359 Standards.

WARNING
For workers with body weight less than 130 pounds, a specially
designed harness and a specially designed energy absorbing
lanyard which will properly deploy if this person were to fall, shall be
utilized. The concern for end users with body weight less than 130
pounds is the arrest force (G force) that they may experience.

It is very important that health consideration be taken into account for workers
weighing more than 310 pounds. Therefore it is highly recommended for overweight
workers, weighing over 310 pounds, to consult a physician prior to use of the
equipment to determine that he or she has no medical conditions (e.g., hypertension,
diabetes, coronary heart condition, etc.). Heavy workers are usually in a high-risk
category for health and occupational injuries. While personal protective equipment may
have the strength to stop the worker from contacting a lower level or object during a
fall, typically the fall forces imposed on the body of heavy workers will be higher than
those of the average-weight worker; requiring the need to review and evaluate the fall-

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arrest system used, as well as the workers medical condition(s). The following are
some questions for consideration by the Qualified Person or the Competent Person for
Fall Protection before selection and use of the equipment by overweight workers:

Can the structure or the anchorage support the potential fall forces?

Can the free-fall distance be minimized during a fall? (The ability to adjust the
energy absorbing lanyards length or raising the anchorage location will minimize
the free-fall distance.)

Is the lanyard or lifeline rated for higher capacity?

Is the full-body harness rated for higher capacity?

Is the rescue plan and procedures adequate to accommodate heavy-weight

workers? The rescue equipment for heavy workers may need to be more robust,
or other methods for rescue may need to be planned.

Fall Arrest System

8.2.3.1 FALL-ARREST SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

OSHA Requirements

(1) The system must limit the maximum arrest force on the workers body to 1,800
pounds, when wearing a full-body harness.

(2) Maximum free-fall distance shall not to exceed 6 feet.

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(3) The system shall stop the fall within a deceleration distance of not more than 42
inches.

(4) The system shall prevent the worker from contacting a lower level or object.

Note 1
ANSI/ASSE Z359 Fall Protection Code/Standards, permits the use of a sternal D-
ring attachment point (located in the front at the sternum), to be used for limited
fall-arrest (e.g. used with climbing-ladder FA system), as long as the free-fall
distance shall not exceed 2 feet, and the maximum arrest force on the body does
not exceed 900 pounds.
Note 2
OSHA Standards and the New ANSI Z359 FP Code/Standards permit the
free-fall distance to exceed 6 feet and up to 12 feet, provided the maximum arrest
force on the body does not exceed 1,800 pounds and the proper energy
absorbing lanyard is used. Only the Qualified Person for Fall Protection can
make this determination (increasing the free-fall distances to more than 6 feet and
using 12 foot free-fall energy absorbing lanyard.

8.2.3.2 FALL-ARREST SUBSYSTEM AND COMPONENTS

All personal fall-arrest equipment used shall meet the requirements of ANSI Z359
Fall Protection Code/Standards. Any equipment meeting ANSI A10.14 or ANSI
Z359.1 (1992 Revised 1999) shall not be used and shall be removed from service.

(I) Anchorage System for Fall-arrest:

(a) Anchorage is. the rigid part of a building or structure such as a beam, column, floor or
equipment and shall withstand a minimum force (breaking strength) of 5,000 pounds, or
engineered for twice the maximum arresting force by the Qualified Person for Fall
Protection(a secure point for attaching fall arrest system).

Anchorages used for personal fall arrest shall be independent of any anchorage
used to support or suspend platforms

(b) Anchorage Connector is intended for attaching personal fall-arrest system to the
anchorage, shall meet the requirements of the anchorage and shall withstand a force of
5,000 pounds.

Note 1: Some manufacturers require 5,400 pounds minimum anchorage connector

strength for their equipment.

Note 2: Always consider the compatibility between the anchorage and anchorage
connector to prevent unintentional disengagement.

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Various anchorage Connectors

Various Anchorage Connectors

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Various Anchorage Connectors

Various Anchorage Connectors

Anchorage connector for wood construction

Eye Bolts

A large eye-bolt made of the appropriate grade steel (forged steel) may serve as an
acceptable anchorage connector

The strength of an eye-bolt is rated along the axis of the bolt

The strength of the eyebolt is greatly reduced if the force is applied at an angle less
than 45 degrees to this axis

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(II) Connecting Means

(a) Snaphooks and Carabiners:

(1) Shall have a minimum strength of 5,000 pounds.

(2) The gate must withstand a minimum force of 3,600 pounds when applied in any
direction, and shall meet the requirement of ANSI Z359.13 standard. Few snap-hooks
or carabiners have gate strength of 5,000 pounds (end-users shall be trained to
recognize this type of equipment).

Snaphooks and carabiners having side loading gate strength of 350 pounds,
(Manufactured per ANSI Z359.1 (1992, R1999)) shall not be used.

(3) Snaphooks and carabiners shall be sized to be compatible with the connectors to
which they are connected. Compatible connections will prevent unintentional
disengagement.
(4) Snaphooks and carabiners shall be self-closing and self-locking, capable of being
opened by at least two consecutive deliberate actions. The non-locking types are
prohibited.

Compliant snaphooks and carabiners shall be engraved with the words 3,600
pounds, denoting the gate strength.

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Locking Snaphooks Carabiner

Correct Connection Wrong Connection

Wrong Connection

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b) Energy Absorbing Lanyards:

(1) Energy Absorbing Lanyards used in fall-arrest systems vary in length from 2 to 6
feet, depending upon the application. The length of the lanyard used in fall-arrest
shall not exceed 6 feet.
(2) The strength of the lanyard and the energy absorber shall be 5,000 pounds,
minimum.
(3) The minimum diameter of a synthetic rope lanyard is 1/2 inch.
(4) Provide energy absorbers (shock absorbers) with lanyards (integral in-line is
preferred).
(5) There are two types of single and Y energy absorbing lanyards:

(i) Six foot Free-fall Energy Absorbing Lanyard:

The 6-foot Free-fall (FF) energy absorbing lanyard shall be used only when the tie-
off point is located above the dorsal D-ring, creating a FF distance of less than 6
feet. The average arresting force on the body shall be no greater than 900 lbs. (4
kN) under ambient dry conditions, and 1,125 pounds under ambient wet conditions
without exceeding the maximum arrest force of 1,800 pounds (8 kN). The
maximum deployment distance of the energy absorber shall be 4 feet, which is
greater than the OSHA requirement of 3 feet.

Six foot free fall energy absorbing lanyard

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Do not tie the lanyard back to itself; a knot reduces the strength by 50-70%

(ii) 12-foot Free-Fall Energy Absorbing Lanyard:

When an anchor point is below the dorsal D-ring, a free-fall (FF) distance greater
than 6 feet is created. For these situations, a 12-foot FF energy- absorbing lanyard
shall be used in accordance with manufacturers instructions and
recommendations. The average arresting force on the body shall be no greater
than 1,350 pounds (6 kN) under ambient dry conditions, and 1,575 pounds under
wet conditions without exceeding the maximum arrest force of 1,800 pounds. The
maximum deployment distance of the energy absorber shall be 5 feet. The 12-foot
FF energy absorbing lanyard shall be used when the tie-off point is located below
the dorsal D-ring.

Note (1):
A 12-foot FF energy-absorbing lanyard does not refer to the lanyard length.
Instead it refers to a free-fall distance that is greater than 6 feet (up to 12
feet), which is created by the anchor points being located below the dorsal
D-ring (at the foot level). The maximum lanyard length shall not exceed 6
feet. (Personnel whose body weight and equipment exceed 310 lbs. shall not
be permitted to use the 12-foot FF energy absorbing lanyard; always refer to
equipment labels and manufacturers instructions, restrictions and
recommendations).

Note (2):
The deployment distance for the 6-foot FF and 12-foot FF energy absorbers
is very critical when calculating the required clearance for the fall-arrest
system.

(6) When using the 6-foot or 12-foot FF Energy Absorbing Y lanyards. The joint
between the two legs shall be designed for 5,000 pounds. It is highly recommended to
use a Y lanyard having legs that expand and contract (Retractable).
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(7) A lanyard strap shall not be wrapped around a tie-off point and then attached back
to it-self; unless it is a tieback lanyard where the lanyard strap has been designed
accordingly.

(8) The snap-hook shall only be attached to an integral D-ring (incorporated into the
full body harness by the manufacturer).

(9) All energy absorbers shall have permanently attached labels indicating the
manufacturers name, serial number or lot number, date of manufacture, capacity,
and that applicable OSHA and ANSI Z359 Fall Protection Code/Standards have
been met. The label of 6 ft. FF EA lanyard shall have white background with black
lettering and the 12 ft. FF EA lanyard shall have black background with white
lettering.

(10) It shall be recognized that synthetic rope and nylon strap lanyards are more
elastic than Kevlar or wire rope lanyards.

(11) The 12 ft. FF energy absorbing lanyard may also be used when the FF distance is
less than 6 feet (When the anchorage is located above the dorsal D-ring).

(12) The activation force required to deploy the energy absorber shall be less
than 450 pounds.

Note
All newly purchased single and Y energy absorbing lanyards shall be
equipped with deployment indicators.

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Y Lanyard

Warnings when using Y Lanyards

Do not attach the unused leg of the Y lanyard to any part of the harness except to
attachment points specifically designated by the manufacturer; especially the Y
lanyard having a single common energy absorber.

Do not allow the legs of the lanyard to pass under arms, between the legs, or around
the neck of the end-user.
Do not connect the energy absorber of the Y lanyard to the anchorage; connect only to
the dorsal D-ring.
Do not use a 6-foot FF energy-absorbing Y lanyard if the free-fall (FF) distance is
greater than 6 feet.
When traversing, do not connect to anchorages that are farther apart than the lanyard
length,

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(c) Self-retracting Devices (SRDs)

SRDs are deceleration devices made of synthetic rope, webbing or wire rope. There
are four types of SRDs:

(1) Self-retracting Lanyard (SRL);

(2) Self-retracting lanyard with Leading Edge Capability (SRL-LE);
(3) Self-retracting Lanyard with Rescue Capability (SRL-R)
(4) A hybrid combination of any two of the above.

Note: Newly purchased Self-retracting Devices shall be equipped with a visual

indicator, which shall be readily visible.

(c.1) Self-Retracting Lanyards (SRL):

Requirements

The maximum arrest distance shall not exceed 2 feet.

(1) The average arrest force on the body shall not exceed 1,350 pounds.
(2) The maximum peak force shall not exceed 1,800 pounds.

(3) SRLs shall be used only in vertical applications (Use for fall-arrest and where the
tie-off point is located above the dorsal D-ring).

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Self-Retracting Lanyard

(4) SRL shall be equipped with deployment indicator

(c.2) Self-retracting Lanyards with Leading Edge Capability (SRL-LE)

Requirements:

(1) Maximum arrest distance of 4.5 feet;

(2) Free-fall distance of 5 feet;
(3) Average arrest force on the body of 900 pounds;
(4) Equipped with energy absorber which is a pouch made of stitched fabric;
(5) Used in vertical and horizontal applications (may be used in fall-arrest and
restraint systems).
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Self-Retracting Lanyard W/Leading Edge Capability

(c.3) Self-retracting Lanyards with Rescue Capability (SRL-R)

(1) Minimum static strength of 3000 pounds

(2) Minimum mechanical advantage of 3:1

(c.4) Hybrid Self-retracting Devices:

(1) Combination of two types of the above Self-retracting Devices.

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(c.5) Line Characteristics of Self-retracting Lanyards:

(1) Synthetic Rope or Webbing: shall have a minimum breaking strength of 4,500
pounds (20kN)
(2) Wire Rope: shall have a minimum breaking strength of 3,400 pounds (15 kN).
(3) Minimum diameter of the line constituent shall be 3/16 inches.

(d) Fall-arrestors (FA):

A fall-arrestor is a device that travels on a lifeline and will automatically engage the
rope or cable and designed to lock off by inertia to arrest a fall. The device is also
called rope or cable grab. Automatic Fall-arrestors shall be used on single anchor
vertical lifeline and climbing -ladder fall arrest systems.

(1) Automatic Rope Grab is best for hands free operation, used only in vertical
climbing and descending. The device uses inertia locking mechanisms
which rely on the rate of acceleration to lock (simply follows the workers as
they climb or descend without holding on the device.

Note
Requirements for Automatic Fall-arrestor are included in paragraph 8.2.4.3.

(2) Manual Rope Grab, also called rope adjuster is used in work positioning and
travel restraint applications.

Fall Arrestors
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(III) Body Support

(a) Full-Body Harness:

Straps connected together to contain the torso and distribute the arresting fall forces
over the upper thighs, waist, shoulders, chest and pelvis.

Types of Harnesses

Vest Style Harnesses (three Types):

(1) Equipped with Chest Strap, Sub- (2) Equipped with Chest Strap,
Pelvic Strap and Back Strap Sub-Pelvic Strap and without Back Strap

(3) Equipped with Chest Strap, Sub-Pelvic Strap and Waist Belt

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Cross Over Style Harness (X Harness):

Equipped with Sub=Pelvic Strap

Y Style Harness (Used for Rope Access):

Equipped with both Frontal and Sternal D-rings, with Integral Waist Belt and
Leg loop suspension straps attached to waist belt (2 at the front and 2 at the
back) and without Pelvic Strap

Harness Requirements:

(1) Maximum arresting force on the body shall not exceed 1,800 pounds
(2) Shall be equipped with a dorsal D-ring integrally attached at the upper back
between the shoulder blades, or a D-strap incorporated into the full-body harness
(3) Shall have permanently attached labels stating the manufacturers name, serial
number or lot number, date of manufacture, capacity, annual Competent Person
inspection, and that it meets OSHA & ANSI Z359 FP Code/Product Standards
requirements.
(4) The capacity range, including weight of the user, clothing, and tools, shall be from
130 to 310 pounds.
(5) All Straps must be connected together properly. Load bearing straps shall be
minimum 1 5/8 inch wide.

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(6) Conduct a buddy check to make sure the harness is properly donned and
connected.
(7) All newly purchased harnesses shall be equipped with fall-arrest indicator for the
Dorsal D-ring and a lanyard parking location (Required for attaching the unused leg of
the Y lanyard to the harness) and may include a back strap.

(8) Harness Test Weight:

Manufacturers used to test the harness with a rigid weight of 220 pounds. This was
based on the conversion factor of rigid weight to the human body is 1.4. A 220-pound
rigid weight is equivalent to 310 pounds of human body weight.

Latest studies indicated that the conversion factor is closer to 1.1, not 1.4. The
new conversion factor of 1.1 was accepted by the ANSI Z359 Accredited
Standards Committee. Converting 310 pounds using the new conversion factor
is equivalent to 282 pounds of rigid mass. Exceeding the 310-pound weight
becomes more critical with a 1.1 conversion factor. All harnesses shall be
tested to 282 pounds.

(9) Linemans Equipment:

(Use electrically rated harnesses meeting ASTM F887 and ANSI Z359 FP
Code/Standards). The full-body harness used around high voltage equipment or
structures shall be an industry-designed lineman's FP harness" that will resist arc
flashing and either shall have straps or plastic coated D-Rings and positioning side-
rings in lieu of exposed metal D-Rings and exposed metal positioning side-rings. All
other exposed metal parts of the linemen's harnesses shall also be plastic coated
(e.g., buckles and adjusters). There shall be no metal above the waist or equipped
with insulated metal components.

or equipped with insulated Metal Components

(10) Criteria for donning of the full-body harness:

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(a) It is very important and critical the harness shall snugly fit the body;
(b) The user shall be able to reach the Dorsal D-ring with his or her thumb;
(c) There shall be a maximum four flat fingers of slack between the legs and the leg-
straps;
(d) Ensure that the chest strap is across the chest/breast bone.

(11) D-rings and Connectors

Requirements:

(a) Shall have a minimum tensile strength of 5,000 pounds.

(b) Shall be drop forged, pressed, or formed steel.
(c) Connectors and D-rings shall have corrosion resistant finish.
(d) Connectors, adjusters and any buckles used as adjusters shall be capable of
withstanding a minimum load of 3,372 lbs. (15 kN) and shall be made of drop forged,
pressed or formed steel, or made of equivalent materials.

(12) D-ring locations on the body harness and uses:

(a) Dorsal: Fall-arrest, Restrain, and Rescue;

(b) Sternal: Limited fall-arrest, climbing-ladder FA system, and positioning and rope
access;
(c) Frontal: Climbing-ladder FA system;
(d) Rear Waist: restraint;
(e) Hip (Pairs): positioning;
(f) Shoulder (Pairs): rescue, entry and retrieval;
(g) Saddle (pairs): positioning.

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(13) Integrated Equipment Used with the Harness: include Vest, Suspension Seat,
Extender, Dorsal or other specialized attachment elements.

Extenders:

Extenders are short extension designed to be attached to D-Ring on harness (No

longer than 24 inches)
Makes it easier for end user to grab extension and snap on retractable

(IV) Hardware Compatibility

Hardware compatibility is the relationship between components (i.e. snaphook and D-

ring). The snaphook shall be sized so that the gate is protected and should not be
opened by the D-ring itself.
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Using locking snaphook or carabiner does not assure compatibility
Compatibility is achieved when dimension A is less than B below. The snap hook
will self-correct in the event of a fall.

(V) Ropes:

Requirements

(1) Synthetic rope lifelines: minimum strength of 5,600 pounds.

(2) Wire rope lifeline: minimum strength of 6,000 pounds.
(3) Vertical lifelines: minimum strength of 5,000 pounds.

8.2.4 OTHER FALL PROTECTION SYSTEMS

8.2.4.1 FLEXIBLE HORIZONTAL LIFELINE (HLL) SYSTEM

A horizontal lifeline (also called catenary line or static line) is a fall-arrest system, consists
of a flexible rope, wire, or synthetic cable that is installed on a horizontal plane (or
minimally sloped up to 5%) between two end anchorages and used for attachment of a
workers lanyard or lifeline device which moves horizontally on the horizontal lifeline. A
horizontal lifeline is used to control dangerous pendulum-like swing falls. A Qualified
Person for Fall Protection must design the system. The Competent Person for Fall
Protection may supervise the assembly, disassembly, use and inspection of the HLL
systems, under the direction of the QP.

The HLL shall be designed, installed, certified, and used under the supervision of a
Qualified Person for Fall Protection, as part of a complete fall-arrest system, which
maintains a safety factor of 2. Horizontal lifelines can be either permanent or temporary
systems.

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8.2.4.1.1 DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS FOR FLEXIBLE HORIZONTAL
LIFELINES:

a. Certain parameters should be taken into consideration when designing

horizontal lifelines, such as:

(1) Initial and maximum deflection or sag of the line.

(2) Clear span between supports or anchorages.
(3) Design of anchor points and anchorage connectors.
(4) Number of workers attached to the system.
(5) Free-fall distance and total fall distance.
(6) Minimum clearance below horizontal lifeline system.
(7) Unit weight of the cable and the line.
(8) Total weight of all workers attached to horizontal lifeline.

HLL

b. The components of typical Horizontal lifeline sub-system may include the

following:

(1) Anchorages and anchorage connectors.

(2) Lifeline tensioner.
(3) Cable or rope.
(4) In-line energy absorber
(5) Mobile attachment device

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c. There are two types of HLL systems:

Type 1: Flexible HLL system is designed by the manufacturer of the system

and installed and used by the purchaser (or purchasers representatives)
in accordance with manufacturers requirements.

Type 2: Flexible HLL system is designed and installed by the manufacturer

and used by the purchaser of the system (or their representatives) in
accordance with manufacturers requirements.

d. ANSI is developing a new horizontal lifeline standard. Verification testing

requirements may include the following tests:

(1) Line fittings static test

(2) Corrosion Inspection

Unfortunately, with a factor of safety of two, many tests have the potential
to activate the lifeline system. Careful consideration is required in
determining testing requirements.

e. Additional Requirements

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(1) Locally manufactured HLLs are not acceptable unless they are custom
designed for limited or site-specific applications by a registered professional
engineer who is also qualified in designing HLL systems.
(2) Commercially manufactured HLLs shall be designed, installed, certified and
used under the supervision of QP for FP only, as part of a complete fall-arrest
system. The CP for FP may (if deemed appropriate by QP for FP), supervise
the assembly, disassembly, use and inspection of the HLL systems, under the
direction of the QP for FP.
(3) The design of the HLL shall include drawings, required clearance, instructions
on proper installation, and use procedures, proof testing reports and
inspection requirements.

(4) All HLL anchorages shall be designed by a Registered Professional

Engineer who is also qualified in designing HLL systems.
(5) The factors that should be taken into consideration for calculating the minimum
required clearance for HLL systems include free-fall distance, initial sag of the
line, maximum dynamic deflection, length of the lanyard or lifeline, activation
distance, of self-retracting lanyards, deployment of energy absorbing lanyards,
harness stretch and a safety margin.

Note: Depending on the angle of sag and the lines elasticity, the forces
generated by a fall are greatly amplified at the anchorages.

8.2.4.2 RIGID HORIZONTAL RAIL SYSTM (RHRS)

RHRS is a fall protection system that utilizes one or more mobile attachment
devices on a horizontal track system and can be either single or multi span
supported at intermediate points along the length.

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Pre-engineered and manufactured System;
Shall only be designed under the supervision of a QP;
Installation, use and inspection of RHRL may be performed by CP under QP
supervision;
Examples of the RHRs included monorails, bridge and runways swing arms,
and folding monorails supported by existing roofs, ceilings, walls, columns,
building facades or freestanding, movable free standing or ballasted free
standing;
The system may consist of horizontal track system, anchorage connectors,
intermediate anchorages and mobile attachments.
The mobile attachment device may also travel on the outside or the rail such as
an I-beam or other structural shaped slotted tube.

Two type of RHRS:

Type 1: System is designed by the manufacturer of the system and

installed and used by the purchaser (or purchasers representatives)
in accordance with manufacturers instructions and requirements.
Type 2: System is designed and installed by the manufacturer and
used by the purchaser of the system (or their representatives) in
accordance with manufacturers instructions and requirements.

Rigid Horizontal Rail Systems

8.2.4.3 SINGLE ANCHOR VERTICAL LIFELINE SYSTEM

A single anchor vertical lifeline is a vertically suspended line attached to a fixed

overhead anchorage independent of the walking/working surface to which a
lanyard or device is attached. When single anchor vertical lifelines are used,
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each employee shall be attached to a separate lifeline. There shall not be more
than one worker attached to a vertical lifeline. Each worker requires his/her
independent vertical lifeline.
Single Anchor Vertical Lifelines shall be protected from sharp edges, and
against being cut or abraded by using chafing material.
The system consists of a fall-arrester attached to a lanyard which is connected
to a harness, and designed to move up or down a lifeline (synthetic or wire
rope).
Single anchor vertical lifeline can be used in vertical, sloped or horizontal
applications.

Single Anchor VLL

System Requirements:

(1) Shall have a minimum breaking strength of 5,000 pounds

(2) Connected to an overhead anchorage that can withstand a force of 5,000
pounds.

Types of Ropes used in Single Anchor Vertical Lifeline Systems:

Synthetic Rope:

o Made of Polyester, Polypropylene or Nylon;

o Man-made yarns, fibers or filaments
o Minimum breaking strength of 5,600 pounds

Wire Rope:

o Drawn wires forming strands laid helically over a core or axis;

o Minimum breaking strength of 6,000 pounds;
o Minimum diameter of 5/16 inch.

Automatic Fall Arrestors used in Single Anchor VLL and Descending

Applications:

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Requirements:

Average arrest force on the body shall not be greater than 900
pounds;
Maximum arrest force shall not exceed 1,800 pounds;
Maximum arrest distance shall not exceed 54 inches;
Shall be automatic in their locking;
The total fall distance shall not be greater than 11 feet;
The FA shall not creep more than 4 inches on the rope during a fall.

Proper Usage:

If the FA has directional arrow on it, make sure it is pointing along the
lifeline to the anchorage. The gravity feed latches prevent the worker
from accidentally placing the FA incorrectly on the lifeline.
After mounting on the lifeline, check to ensure the fall arrestor is
working properly by pulling down sharply.
During a fall, the user may grab on the FA and inadvertently hold it
open, the new fall arrestors will be equipped with panic grab; even
when the user holds the FA open, it will self-lock and arrest the
person automatically.
Fall arrestors are designed to work with certain types and diameter of
ropes or cable.
Use only automatic travel fall arrestors in vertical or descending
applications.
Fall arrestor and the rope/cable must be compatible.
Make sure the appropriate size and type of lifeline is used. The
required size is marked on the fall arrestor.

8.2.4.4 POSITIONING SYSTEM

The system consists of body harness and a short lanyard attached to a vertical work
surface. Although allowed by OSHA, ANSI Z359 FP Code/Standards do not permit
the use of a body belts by itself; at a minimum, the body belt shall be incorporated in a
harness.

System Requirements:

(1) The system consists of anchorage, one or two short lanyards, and body
support, usually a full-body harness and another system as backup.
(2) The system shall be rigged so that a person cannot free-fall more than 2
feet.

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(3) The system shall be attached to an anchorage capable of supporting
3,000 pounds, or twice the potential impact load of the worker, whichever is
greater.

Note:
The positioning system (if used alone) is not considered Fall Protection. A
positioning system shall not be used as a primary Fall Protection system. A
positioning system will require an additional, separate system used as back-up to
protect the person from falling.

Positioning System

8.2.4.5 RESTRAINT SYSTEM

Restraint system can be used on horizontal, or mildly sloped, surfaces between 0 and
18.4 degrees (Up to 4 vertical into 12 horizontal).

The system consists of

a) A safety harness (full-body harness) attached to securely rigged restraint
lines;
(b) According to OSHA, anchorages used for restraint shall withstand a
minimum force of 3,000 pounds unless engineered. According to
ANSI Z359.2, the selected restraint anchorages shall be capable of
sustaining a 1,000-pounds static load (non-certified anchorages) or
twice the foreseeable force for certified anchorages. Keep in mind
that OSHA is the law. For temporary certified restraint anchorages
may be designed by a qualified person to withstand 400 pounds.
(c) The restraint system shall be rigged to allow the movement of employees
only so far as the sides and edges of the walking/working surfaces. The
person shall not be exposed to a fall hazard;
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(d) Fall-arresters and self-retracting lanyards are prohibited for use as part of
a restraint system, or in horizontal applications unless permitted for such
use by the manufacturer (using self-retracting lanyard with leading edge
capability).
(e) Lanyard with energy absorbers may be used in a restraint system
provided the engineer who is a Qualified Person, has determined whether
or not the restraint force could cause the personal energy absorber to
deploy, and if so, that such deployment will not permit the worker to reach
the Fall-Hazard.
(f) When using flexible anchorage system such as a horizontal lifeline system
as part of a restraint system, pay special attention on how short the
lanyard or lifeline needs to be in order that the worker will not reach a Fall-
Hazard condition.
(g) The lanyard length used in restraint system can be longer than 6 feet.
(h) There are two types of restraint lanyards:
Type A - Non Adjustable;
Type B Adjustable.

Note 1
The terms: Restraint System, Travel Restraint, Fall Restraint, Work Restraint
and Travel Restriction, used and referenced in the ANSI Z359 Fall
Protection Code/Standards are the same.

Note 2:
It is highly recommended to design or select anchorages for the restraint
system as if they were fall-arrest anchorages. It is also recommended that
energy-absorbing lanyard be considered and used as part of the restraint
system. These precautions would provide some level of protection, in the
case of system misuse.

Restraint System

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8.2.4.6 SUSPENDED ROPE ACCESS

Requirements:

(1) Two independent anchorages.

(2) Two lifelines or ropes attached to the anchorages, a working line, and a
back-up safety line. Each one is to be independently anchored.
(3) Ropes should be of low-stretch kernmantle and arranged so that any
abrasion will be avoided.
(4) Use full-body harness.

8.2.4.7 CLIMBING-LADDER FALL ARREST SYSTEM (LADDER

CLIMBING DEVICE SYSTEM)

Climbing Ladder FA system is installed on fixed ladders over 20 feet in length.

The 20 feet is the length of the climb (does not include side rail extension of 3-
31/2 ft.).
Made of rigid rail, cable, or rope;
(1) Anchorage strength requirement is 3,000 pounds;
(2) Free-fall distance shall not exceed 2 feet;
(3) The connector from the frontal Dring to the tie-off point on the ladder
(rope or cable grab) shall be between 9 to 12 inches long;
(4) Do not attach or install climbing-ladder fall arrest system to off-the-shelf
ladders. Per OSHA standard, fixed industrial ladders (off the shelf) having
inch rungs are designed to withstand a static load of 500 pounds (Weight of 2
persons). Make sure the ladder is adequate for attaching the Climbing-ladder
fall arrest system to it due to the high forces generated by a fall. If a fall
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occurs, the inch rungs will not sustain the forces imposed on the ladder;
specifically when a cable is used as part of the climbing system;
(5) Attachment point to the body harness shall be either to the sternal (frontal)
D-rings. Consult the manufacturer for the proper connection point;
(6) There shall be 100% transition at the top of the ladder.

8.2.4.8 WARNING LINE SYSTEM

A warning-line system used during construction work is a barrier erected on a

walking and working surface or a low-pitched roof having a slope less than or
equal to 4 in 12 (vertical to horizontal), or less than 18.4 degrees, to warn
workers that they are approaching a Fall-Hazard.

A warning line system must be erected around all sides of the work area during
construction work. Where mechanical equipment is not being used, the warning
line shall be erected not less than six (6) feet from the edge of the roof. When
mechanical equipment is being used, the warning line shall be erected not less
than six feet from the roof edge which is parallel to the direction of mechanical
equipment operation. The warning line shall be not less than 10 feet from the
roof edge perpendicular to the direction of mechanical equipment operation.
OSHA considers the use of a warning line system as a De-Minimis violation of
the guardrail criteria.

Warning lines shall have the appropriate OSHA compliant flag attached to them.
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Warning Line System

(a) For roofing work:

(1) The line is installed six to ten feet away from a leading edge, and flagged
every 6 feet; provide signage stating warning line.
(2) Shall consist of a rope, wire, or chain, and supporting stanchions.
(3) A safety person, whose sole job is observation and ensuring a safe working
environment, shall be present;
(4) On minimum sloped surfaces, the line shall be erected 15 feet from the
unprotected roof edge.

(b) For other trades working on roofs:

The line shall be Installed 15 feet away from the edge of the roof. Other
requirements for warning line system are the same as for roofing work.

8.2.4.8.1 WARNING LINE SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

(a) The line consists of rope, wires or chains, 34 to 39 inches high, flagged every
6 feet.
(b) Supporting stanchions shall be capable of resisting a 16-pound force applied
horizontally 30 inches from the base of the stanchion.
(c) The wire, rope or chain shall have a minimum tensile stress of 500 pounds.

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8.2.4.9 DESIGNATED AREA

Designated area is a system used during general industry work on flat or minimum
sloped roofs for conducting inspection of mechanical equipment (other than roof
inspections), or conducting other general industry work (e.g., HVAC repairs). The
requirements for Designated Area are identical to the warning line system, see
paragraph 8.2.4.8 above. In addition to the requirements of the warning line system,
a 100% transition is required from the access point to the designated area.

Designated Area

8.2.4.10 SAFETY MONITORING SYSTEM (COMPETENT

PERSON)
The safety monitoring system shall not be used as a Fall Protection method. Unified
Facilities Guide Specification UFGS 01 35 26 titled Governmental Safety
Requirements and USACE EM 385-1-1 latest edition prohibits the use of the safety
monitor as a Fall Protection method.

8.2.4.11 CONTROLLED ACCESS ZONE

Controlled access zone shall not be used as a Fall Protection system.

8.2.4.12 OTHER ENGINEERED FALL PROTECTION SYSTEMS

Commercially available engineered systems are recognized as effective Fall Protection
and may be used. Commercially available engineered systems shall be designed,
installed, certified and used under the supervision of a QP for FP only. They shall be
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used per manufacturers instructions and recommendations. The CP for FP may (if
deemed appropriate by the QP for FP), supervise the assembly, disassembly, use,
and inspection of the engineered system, under the direction of the QP for FP. The
design shall include drawings, required clearance, and instructions on proper
installation, use, and inspection requirements.

8.2.4.13 LADDER CAGES

Ladder cages may be required per varying standards and regulations, but it must
be clearly understood that the installation and or use of cages does not provide
adequate protection or mitigation of Fall-Hazard.

Note: Although allowed by OSHA, Ladder cages or wells do not provide

safe Fall Protection. They cannot stop a fall. The purpose of the ladder cage
is to afford the worker the ability to lean back and support him-self or her-self
if necessary to rest during climbing.

End of Section

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9.0 FALL PROTECTION GUIDELINES FOR SPECIFIC

WORK APPLICATIONS

Note: for additional discussion, examples, problems, solutions and

applications to specific Fall-Hazards, see Appendix C

9.1 COMMUNICATION TOWERS

MAINTENANCE WORK

The preferred method for access to existing towers for the performance of
maintenance work is by the use of fixed ladders with attached climbing devices
because it provides conventional Fall Protection during ascent and descent of the
structure.
To secure permanent anchorage on the tower, the first worker to ascend is the one
who installs the self-retracting lanyard for the next workers use. Work on the tower
requires a portable anchor, full-body harness, use of a self-retracting lanyard
(SRL),ladder-climbing device, or fall arrestor;
After permanent anchorage is secured in place, workers who follow the first person
up shall require full-body harness, a SRL, single anchor vertical lifeline, climbing fall
arrest system , and/or rope grab;
When working on towers, workers are required to wear fall-arrest equipment at all
times.
All climbing facilities shall be visually inspected daily for rust, corrosion, deterioration,
or other hazards on the climbing facilities that could lead to death or injury of an
employee in the performance of their duties, at the base of the structure by a
Competent Person. Additionally, the climbing facilities shall be visually inspected for
these items by the employees as they ascend to the elevation point where work is
being performed. If any such hazard is identified during inspection, employees shall
not use the climbing facility until such hazards are abated.

9.2 TOWER ERECTION

Personnel Lifting

Before an employee may perform any job related to the hoisting of personnel aloft for
work, the employees shall receive training on safe access. The operator of the hoist
shall have thorough understanding and comply with sub-rules (1) through (7) of hoisting
personnel on hoist lines, as well as following all applicable requirements of P307,
USACE EM 385-1-1 and 29 CFR 1926.

(1) An anti-two-block device shall be used on all hoist lines, except where ambient
radiation frequency (RF) precludes that use. In such case, a site-specific site rigging site
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plan shall be established and maintained on site to ensure that two-blocking cannot
occur, and that effective communication between the hoist operator and personnel
being lifted is maintained at all times.

(2) A trial lift of the maximum intended personnel load shall be made from ground
level to the location to which personnel are to be hoisted.

(3) A pre-lift meeting shall be held before the trial lift at each location and each time a
new employee is assigned to the operation.

(4) The Safety Office shall ensure that all trial lifts, inspections, and proof tests shall
be performed and documented, and the documentation shall remain on site during the
entire length of the project or task.

(5) Employees shall be hoisted to their work stations by using a personnel platform,
boatswains chair and/or boatswains seat type and full-body harness.

(6) Employees being hoisted shall remain in continuous sight of, and/or in direct
communication with, the operator or signal person.

(7) Employees shall not be hoisted during adverse weather conditions (high winds,
electrical storms, snow, ice or sleet) or other impending danger, except in the case of
emergency employee rescue.

9.3 ROOF WORK

Working within six feet of an unguarded roof edge having a slope less than
4/12:

During performance of work on low-pitched roofs with a potential Fall-Hazard greater

than 4 feet, ensure that employees engaged in such work are protected from falling
from all unprotected edges of the roof as follows:

a. Use restraint or fall-arrest systems or

b. Use warning-line system or designated area method for other personnel
working more than six feet away from the edge.
c. Mechanical equipment shall be used or stored only in areas where employees
are protected by a warning-line system/designated area method, restraint, or
fall-arrest systems.
d. On flat roofs with no parapet or guardrails: When working 6 feet from the edge,
use a full-body harness and lanyard for restraint system. Establish a warning
line system or designated area six to ten feet away from the unprotected edge
or temporary guardrails for roofing work without fall-arrest system. Personnel
working within the warning line system or designated area method do not
require Fall Protection. For other trades (i.e. mechanical work) the warning the
line shall be installed 15 feet away from the edge.

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Steep roof (greater than a 4/12 pitch):

A fall-arrest or temporary guardrail system shall be used when working on steep

roofs. Warning line and safety monitor system are prohibited on surfaces
exceeding a 4 in 12 pitch, and on any surface whose dimensions are less than
45 inches in all directions. Use a full-body harness, self-retracting device, roof
brackets/anchors for anchorage points (single or multiple connections designed
for 5000 pounds per person). Also use slide guards.

Note:
For additional information and clarification for accessing, inspecting and
working on roofs, see Chapter 16 and Appendix C, Paragraph C.6.

9.4 LEADING EDGE WORK

Use horizontal lifelines with full-body harness, and lanyard/self-retracting device,

roof anchors, temporary guardrail system, and a restraint system.

9.5 SCAFFOLD WORK

Use guardrails, cross bracing or full-body harness, and lifelines. During erection and
dismantling operations it is highly recommended to have a Fall Protection system.
During erection and dismantling of scaffolds an evaluation shall be conducted by the
Competent Person to determine the feasibility and safety of providing Fall
Protection.
On supported scaffolds over 20 feet high, use stairs instead of ladders to access the
scaffold.

9.6 SUSPENDED SCAFFOLDS INCLUDING SINGLE AND TWO

POINT SUSPENDED SCAFFOLDS

In addition to railing, use an independent single anchor vertical lifeline connected to

a full-body harness for every worker in suspended scaffolds.
Full-body harness is to be connected to the fall-arrester (rope grab) on the single
vertical lifeline with a lanyard no longer than 3 feet;
The rope of the vertical lifeline shall be of the material and diameter compatible with
requirements as marked on the fall-arrester;
The suspended scaffold shall be maintained in accordance with manufacturers
instructions and specifications.

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9.7 AERIAL WORK PLATFORMS

APPLICABLE EQUIPMENT:
1. Vehicle mounted Rotating and Elevating Aerial Devices -ANSI A92.2 (Figure 1)
2. Manually Propelled Elevating Work Platforms - ANSI A92.3 (Figure 2)
3. Boom Supported elevating Work Platforms - ANSI A92.5 (Figure - 3)
4. Self-Supported Elevating Work Platforms/Scissor Lifts - ANSI A 92.6 (Figure 4)

Note: Platform means a portion of aerial work platform (AWP) such as bucket,
basket, stand or equivalent that is designed to be occupied by personnel.

9.7.1 AERIAL LIFT EQUIPMENT

Aerial Lifting Equipment including Vehicle mounted Rotating and Elevating Aerial
Devices (ANSI A92.2 equipment) and Boom Supported elevating Work Platforms
(ANSI A92.5 equipment) usually have either a platform surrounded by guardrails
(e.g., JLG) or a basket (i.e., cherry picker) used to raise and lower employees.

Aerial lifting equipment that has a boom (articulating or non-articulating) sometimes

is subjected to hanging up on a protruding object while being raised, and jolting
the man-platform or basket when releasing from the caught projection. This
upward jolt can propel (eject) an employee from the man-platform or man-basket.
Employees in an aerial lift must be connected with a restraint system. Occupants
always shall stand firmly on the floor of the basket, and shall not sit or climb on the
edge of the basket or use planks, ladders, or other devices for a work positioning.

Occupants in aerial lifts shall always be tied off using a restraint system to protect
an employee from being ejected from the man-platform or man-basket. It is
important that the restraint system keep the employee from being ejected over the
guardrail or out of the basket. If an employee were to be ejected over the
guardrail, the resulting momentum force could be sufficient to tip over the aerial lift,
if the boom were raised high enough and the resulting momentum forces great

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enough. The best connecting device option is an adjustable energy absorbing
lanyard.

Always use a full-body harness in a restraint system. Aerial lifts often have
designed anchorages at the platform level, knee level, or waist level. Depending
on the level of the anchorage point and the tie-off point on the full-body harness (at
the dorsal D-ring), the lanyard selected must be short enough to prevent ejection
from the man-platform or man-basket. For example, if an employee were wearing
a full-body harness with a six-foot lanyard connected to the dorsal D-ring, the
lanyard necessarily would be connected at the foot level in order to prevent
ejection over the guardrail or out of the basket. Exception: A six-foot lanyard could
be used connected to an anchorage higher than foot level, if it were a tie-back or
adjustable style in which the lanyard could be shortened. A lanyard with a shock-
absorber can be used in a restraint system since the employee will not
experience forces great enough to deploy the shock-absorber.
Before elevating the work platform of a boom-supported articulating lift, the
operator shall verify that all occupants full-body harnesses are on, and donned
properly.
The use of self-retracting devices is not permitted in aerial lifts.

9.7.2 SCISSOR LIFTS

Self-Supported Elevating Work Platforms/Scissor Lifts (ANSI A92.6

Equipment) four feet or higher shall be equipped with standard guardrails. In
addition to the guardrail provided, the equipment shall be equipped with anchorages
meeting ANSI Z359, Fall Protection Code/Standards.
A restraint system shall be used in addition to guardrails. Lanyards used with the
restraint system shall be sufficiently short to prohibit workers from climbing out of, or
being ejected from, the platform. It is highly recommended to use adjustable energy
absorbing lanyards. Scissor lifts equipped with anchorages that do not meet ANSI
Z359, Fall Protection Code/standards shall not be used or shall be removed from
service. Should the workers feet leave the floor of platform of the elevated scissor
lift, or the worker is required to exit the lift at height, continuous Fall Protection must
be provided. The worker must be connected to an anchorage point outside of the
scissor lift or mobile scaffold before opening the swing gate and stepping out of the
work-platform. The worker must not be simultaneously connected to the work-
platform and to an anchorage point outside of the work-platform, in case the scissor
lifts were to travel.

9.7.3 MOBILE SCAFFOLDS

Manually Propelled Elevating Work Platforms (per ANSI/SIA A92.3). The
platform of the mobile scaffolds shall be equipped with standard guardrail. In
addition to the guardrail provided, if the platform is equipped with a manufactured
anchorages meeting ANSI Z359 Fall Protection Code, a restraint system shall be
used in addition to the guardrails. Lanyards used with the restraint system shall be
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sufficiently short to prohibit workers from climbing out of, or being ejected from the
platform. Lanyards with built-in shock absorbers are acceptable. The use of a self-
retracting device is not acceptable.
The platform shall not be occupied when moved and at no time will workers be
allowed to climb on or over the guardrails. In case the wheels of mobile scaffold are
chocked and brakes locked; then the workers should be connected to a restraint
system. The purpose of a restraint system is to prevent the worker from being
ejected over the guardrail if the mobile scaffold was to hit a pot-hole or other sudden
change in elevation while moving.

9.7.4 SAFETY OPERATING PROCEDURES FOR PREVENTING

AERIAL WORK PLATFORMS FROM TIPPING OVER AND CAUSING FALL
MISHAPS

9.7.3.1 Safe Use:

There are hazards associated with using AWPs that can be minimized if the work is
accomplished using the appropriate equipment for the specific task and job site.
The equipment should only be used for the intended application. Never attempt to
use the equipment as a crane and never load the platform beyond its maximum
rated capacity.
Operators should park the equipment on level and stable ground and operate it
within the design specifications and instruction of the manufacturer.
Before the equipment is used and during use, the operator should check the work
area for possible hazards such as, but not limited to:
Trenches, holes or openings, including those concealed by water, ice, mud, etc.
Sloping or uneven ground or floor
Debris, bump and floor obstructions
Wind and weather conditions
Inadequate surface and support to withstand all load forces imposed by the
machine in all directions
Overhead obstructions and electrical conductors
Presence of personnel below or in the immediate vicinity
Hazardous location and atmospheres

During use, the operator should maintain:

Clear view of the path of travel
Safe distance from trenches, obstacles, debris, drop-offs, holes, and depressions,
ramps, and other hazards to ensure safe travel
Safe distance from overhead obstacles
Never move the AWP with occupants in and elevated platform, basket or bucket
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Manually propelled platforms shall not be occupied when moved

Prior to elevating the platform, the operator should verify the access gate or opening
is closed per manufacturers instructions.
Tying off to an adjacent structure or pole is not permitted unless a safe device for
100% tie-off is used for the transfer.

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Scissor Lifts

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9.8 CONFINED SPACE ENTRY

In a confined space, if there should be a hazard of exposure to vertical fall, before

entering such a space the person entering shall be tied to a lifeline, SRL, and
rescue and retrieval equipment. A co-worker, who is able to retrieve the victim by
utilizing the retrieval mechanism from outside the confined space without difficulty,
must be present.

Tripod used for safe entry

9.9 EXCAVATED TRENCHES OR HOLES DEEPER THAN SIX FEET

Provide temporary guardrails on both sides of the trench, or around holes, or

establish a warning line system. Any person crossing this line or guardrails is
required to have Fall Protection.

9.10 SAFE WORK PRACTICES ON LADDERS AND STAIRWAYS

9.10.1 FIXED LADDERS

An employee shall not perform work from a fixed ladder unless he/she is wearing
Fall Protection; such as a full-body harness attached to a climbing-ladder fall-arrest
system or self-retracting Device which in turn is attached to a properly designed and
installed anchorage. If light work is performed from a ladder, use one hand for
gripping stability on a rung and the other hand for performing light duty work and by
maintaining three points contact at all times (two feet, one hand, or two hands and
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one foot). When climbing the ladder maintain a three point control by holding on the
horizontal rungs with both hands instead of holding on the vertical side rails.

If the total length of the climb on a fixed ladder equals or exceeds 20 feet, the
following requirements must be met: fixed ladders must be equipped with either (a)
climbing ladder fall arrest system, or (b) self-retracting device.

All climbing-ladder fall arrest systems shall use automatic fall arrestor permitting the
worker to ascend or descend without continually having to hold, push, or pull any
part of the device, leaving both hands free for climbing. These climbing ladder fall
arrest systems must be activated within 2 feet after fall initiation. Climbing-ladder fall
arrest system shall be attached to a frontal (sternal) centered D-ring or other
specifically designed centered frontal attachment point on a full-body harness.

The side rails of the ladder extensions must extend 42 inches above the top level or
landing platform or working surface served by the ladder, and must afford a power
grip (hand must be able to encircle or almost encircle the side rail).

9.10.2 PORTABLE AND EXTENSION LADDERS

(NON-SELF- SUPPORTING)

The ladder shall be placed so as to prevent slipping, or it shall be lashed, or held in

position (tied);
An employee may perform work from a non-self-supporting portable ladder placed at
the correct angle and properly secured (e.g., lashed top and bottom), if the
employee is facing the ladder and his or her body is between the side rails, and
he/she uses one hand to grasp the ladder, with both feet on the ladder rungs.

Non-self-supporting ladders must be used at an angle where the horizontal distance

from the top support to the foot of the ladder is approximately one-quarter of the
working length of the ladder.

An employee must use at least one hand to grasp the ladder when climbing and
when ascending or descending the climber must face the ladder.

An employee shall not stand or work from the top three rungs of a non-self-
supporting portable ladder.

The spacing of rungs or steps of a portable ladder shall be at 12-inch centers, and
the minimum clear width between side rails of a straight ladder or any section of an
extension ladder shall be 11.5 inches.
The length of single ladders or individual sections of ladders shall not exceed 30
feet. Two-section ladders shall not exceed 48 feet in length, and ladders with more
than two sections shall not exceed 60 feet in length.

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Where a portable ladder is used for access to an upper landing surface, the side
rails must extend at least 3 feet above the upper landing surface. Where such an
extension is not possible, the ladder must be secured, and a grasping device such
as a grab rail must be provided to assist workers in mounting and dismounting the
ladder. In no case shall the extension be such that ladder deflection under load
would, by itself, cause the ladder to slip off its support.
The top of a non-self-supporting ladder must be placed with two rails supported
equally, unless it is equipped with a single support attachment.

Do not paint wooden ladders paint hides defects, and can create a slippery
climbing surface.
Single-rail ladders shall not be used.
An employee shall not carry any object or load that could cause the employee to
lose balance and fall.

9.10.3 PORTABLE LADDERS SELF-SUPPORTING

(STEP-LADDERS)
Neither the top of a step-ladder nor the step below the top of the ladder (top step)
shall be used as a step, nor used to stand on while performing work.

Do not use a closed step-ladder as a straight ladder it may slip out.

Stepladders shall not exceed 20 feet in length.

The steps of a step-ladder must be corrugated, knurled, dimpled, coated with skid-
resistant material, or treated to minimize slipping.

9.10.4 STAIRWAYS
Stairways having four or more risers, or rising more than 30 inches in height, must
have at least one handrail; however, where stairs serve as means of egress, they
shall have two handrails. A stair-rail also must be installed along each unprotected
side or edge. The top rail of a stair-rail is required to be 42 inches above the walking
surface; and stair handrails must be no more than 38 inches or less than 34 inches
from the upper surface of the stair-rail to the surface of the tread. The reason for the
maximum height of 38 inches is that it is found that people of average height dont
grasp handrails higher than 38 inches, because it is not comfortable on their
shoulders. The international Building Code (IBC), the International Fire Code
(IFC), and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 101) Life Safety
Code require the height of new permanent handrails to be 34-38 inches, and 42
inches for permanent stair-rails. . Existing handrails may be no less than 30
inches above the nose of stair treads.

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Mid-rails, screens, mesh, or intermediate horizontal members must be provided

between the handrail and stairway nosing. In these applications, Intermediate
horizontal members, when used, must not be more than 19 inches apart.

Unprotected sides and edges of stairway landings must be provided with a top-rail
42-inches in height (+/- 3 inches) and horizontal midrail or mid-rails spaced no more
than 19 inches apart. A toeboard also is required. .

9.11 WORKING NEAR WALL OPENINGS

Wall opening: An opening at least 30 inches high and 18 inches wide, in any wall or
partition, through which persons may fall.

Any time work is performed near a wall or window opening where there is a Fall-
Hazard to a lower level; Fall Protection must be provided (e.g., guardrail or fall arrest
system).

9.12 CLIMBING AND WORKING ON WOOD POLES

According to OSHA and ASTM F887 standards the requirement for climbing and
working on wood poles is to use a body-belt with Wood Pole Fall Restricting Device
(WPFRD) which is basically a belt that rapes around the pole. The WPFRD is
attached to the two side D-rings of the body belt to facilitate climbing and working on
the pole as a positioning system. This is not in compliance with ANSI Z359 FP Code
or this Guide because of the use of body belt only and without using a back-up
system when working on top of the pole.

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Use a full body harness to facilitate rescue equipped with multiple D-rings (two side
D-rings, sternal and dorsal) and a body bet. The two side D-rings are used for
attaching the WPFRD to climb the pole.
When transitioning over the cross arm during climbing and working on the pole, the
person can use an adjustable work positioning lanyard for 100% tie off.
If it is feasible, utilize aerial Work Platforms.
Personnel shall be trained on rescue

Wood Pole Fall Restriction Body Belts equipped with either 2 or 4 Side
D-rings

Adjustable Rope Lanyard Adjustable lanyard FBH with

Body Belt

Wood Pole Climbing Equipment

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9.13 WORKING OVER WATER

Employees working 4 feet or more above the water or liquids must be protected from
falling by providing Fall Protection (e.g. guardrails, fall-arrest equipment, etc.).
Additionally, employees working over or near water, where the danger of drowning
exists, also shall wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved lifejackets or buoyant work vests.
At least one lifesaving skiff with an available operator shall be present at locations
where employees are working over, near, or adjacent to, water that they might fall
into. Ring-buoys and a skiff must be provided, irrespective of the Fall Protection
provided. Ring-buoys and skiffs address the hazard of falls that may occur in the
event of a lapse in use of fall-arrest equipment. Where work over water is
performed, a Man Overboard plan shall be prepared and used:

Additional Requirements:
When continuous Fall Protection is used without exception to prevent personnel
from falling into the water, in this situation, the risk of drowning has been effectively
removed and PFDs are not required.
Where water directly abuts the structure and the distance from walking/working
surface to the water is 25 feet or more, personnel shall be protected from falling by
the use of Fall Protection system, and PFDs are not required.
Where the distance from the walking /working surface to the water surface is less
than 25 feet and the water depth is less than 10 feet, or hazards from machinery,
barges, camels, or other structures fastened to and directly abutting piers, quay
walls or wharves, FP is required. Where fall-arrest equipment is used, anchorages
must be identified;
Working from/in machinery (aerial lift equipment, cranes, or other mechanically
operated equipment) directly over water, and the depth of water is at least 10 feet,
Fall Protection is not required, however, personal floatation devices are required
do not use FP equipment.
Where certain locations or situations make FP infeasible or impractical, this does not
justify such exceptions as the norm throughout.
If utilizing both PFD and full body harness, the full body harness shall be worn under
the PFD. The type of PFD used shall not interfere with proper use of the full body
harness and lanyard.

The following is a flow chart explaining when PFD or fall protection is required:

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(For Sample Man Overboard Plan, see Appendix D).

9.14 AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE WORK

(SEE CHAPTER 15)

9.15 ELEVATED WORK AREA NEAR GUARDRAILS

Wherever an employee climbs above the flooring (e.g., climbs a step

ladder placed on a platform) of a lift, catwalk, platform, scaffold,
elevated work platform, or stairway above 4 feet (5 feet in shipyard
operations and 6 feet performing construction) or working on stilts,
thereby reducing the height of the top rail in relation to the employee
to less than 42 inches (plus or minus 3 inches), the height of the
guardrail must be raised accordingly to maintain a protective height of
42 above the stilt or raised platform/work-stand height. If this is not
possible, use another Fall Protection system.

End of Section

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10.0 GUIDANCE FOR FALL RESCUE PROCEDURES

10.1 INTRODUCTION

A person is working at heights, using Fall Protection equipment, may require rescue if that
person falls and is suspended in a harness. Prompt rescue is very important. Studies show
that a person suspended in a harness may have blood circulation problems within a few
minutes. Accordingly, a site-specific Rescue Plan must be prepared in writing and
maintained for all instances where personnel work at heights and are exposed to Fall-Hazards.
The Rescue Plan shall contain detailed procedures on the methods of rescue; methods of
self-rescue; equipment used; training requirements; specialized training for rescuer(s);
procedures for requesting rescue; and available medical assistance. Where the rescue may
not be, or cannot be, solely performed by a jurisdictional public (e.g., city fire department)
and/or government-emergency response agency (e.g., government fire department), then the
Rescue Plan must contain detailed procedures for planned rescue methods.

The Rescue Plan is a part of the written Fall Protection and Prevention Plan and contains
provisions for potential self-rescue or assisted rescue of an end-user of Fall Protection. The
Fall Protection and Prevention Plan covers every Fall-Hazard to which end users are
exposed.

Another important document is the Pre-Incident Plan. A Pre-Incident Plan is a formal

written plan, prepared jointly by the host Navy or Marine Corps activity and the fire emergency
responders, containing factors to be evaluated when assessing the potential situations (e.g.,
fuel storage tanks, energized power cables, hazardous material, Fall-Hazards) that could affect
a facility during emergency conditions. The Pre-Incident Plan is prepared, reviewed,
updated, and approved by a Competent Person for Fall Protection. The Fall Protection
Program Manager from the activity reviews and concurs with that portion of the Pre-Incident
Plan which addresses rescue of a person who has fallen and is suspended in a harness, and
incorporates this information into the Rescue Plan.

10.2 BACKGROUND

Following a fall from a height, the end-user of Fall Protection who is wearing a full body
harness properly secured to an anchorage may be suspended in the harness for a length of
time if self-rescue or assisted rescue by co-workers cannot be performed quickly. Sustained
immobility in a full body harness may lead to suspension trauma also known as harness-
induced pathology as described in reference (a). Suspension trauma resulting from the
accumulation of blood in the veins is commonly called venous pooling. The symptoms (known
as orthostatic intolerance) of suspension trauma include light-headedness, dizziness,
weakness, and occasionally, fainting.

Normally, when an individual faints and collapses onto a flat surface, the pooled blood now no
longer is being held down by gravity, and returns to the heart, where it is once again distributed

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to the body. Assuming no injuries are caused during the collapse, the individual will quickly
regain consciousness, and recovery is likely to be rapid.

When an individual hangs in a harness in a vertical or near-vertical position without leg motion,
the same thing can happen; however, in this case when consciousness is lost, the person
remains vertically suspended. An accumulation of blood in the legs reduces the amount of
blood in circulation. After an initial speeding up of the heart-beat, the heart rate then slows, and
blood pressure will diminish in the arteries. The reduction in quantity and/or quality (oxygen
content) of blood flowing to the brain leads to unconsciousness and harmful effects on other
vital organs. If these conditions continue, they potentially may be fatal.

The importance of a timely rescue of a worker suspended in a harness, or who has become
incapacitated due to an injury and/or heart attack, mandates the need for a written rescue plan.

10.3 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Before an end-user of Fall Protection is exposed to a Fall-Hazard, and before starting work
activities, the Competent Person for Fall Protection and the end-user shall ensure that there
are pre-incident plans and rescue plans in place that address the rescue of a person who has
fallen and becomes suspended in a harness. If a pre-incident plan is not available, the
Competent Person for Fall Protection may work with the base safety office/officer, to obtain
information from the jurisdictional public/Government-emergency response agency, including
emergency contact phone numbers and rescue capability. They then shall include this
information in the rescue plan, along with alternative/supplemental rescue methods required to
perform a timely rescue of an end-user suspended in a body harness, or one who is
incapacitated at heights for other reasons. End-users of Fall Protection shall be trained in the
methods for minimizing the effect or delaying suspension trauma if an end-user is suspended
in a body harness and unable to perform a self-rescue and needs to wait to be rescued (e.g.,
keep legs moving and raise knees to the body, to help prevent the pooling of blood in the legs).

Suspension straps attached to the harness can be used to minimize the effect of suspension
trauma while the user is waiting for rescue. A strap for each leg is recommended. All end-
users should be trained in the safe use of the straps.

10.4 INITIATION OF RESCUE

End-user using Fall Protection equipment shall have an assigned safety person (spotter), also
known as the buddy system, who is within visual and aural range of the end-user. The duty
of the assigned safety person is to check periodically (at least every 5 minutes) to assure that
the end-user has not fallen and become suspended in the harness. The assigned safety
person shall have the capability to make quick contact with the jurisdictional public- or
government-emergency response agency; or the end-user (or the team leader of a group of
end-users) shall have this capability, in the case of the end-user or team visiting another Navy
or Marine Corps activity.

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10.5 FALL-ARREST RESCUE PLAN AND PROCEDURES

A site-specific rescue plan (for an employee suspended in a full body harness after a fall) shall
be prepared in writing by the Navy or Marine Corps activitys Competent Person for Fall
Protection. In the case of the end-user or team visiting another Navy or Marine Corps activity,
the rescue plan shall include the following:

a. Pre-incident Planning. Per reference (c) (the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code), a written
pre-incident plan is prepared by the jurisdictional public (e.g., city fire department) and/or
government-emergency response agency (e.g., government fire department). As per
reference (c): Pre-incident planning is ensuring that responding emergency personnel know
as much as they can about a facilitys construction, occupancy, and fire protection systems
before an incident occurs. With this knowledge, the fire department can compare a potential
incident at the facility with its available resources and plan the departments response
accordingly. Pre-incident planning is not restricted to building components. It includes other
factors and conditions that may be relevant to an emergency at a particular site. The end-
user (or team leader of a group of end-users, in the case of the end-user or team visiting from
another activity) in consultation and coordination with the competent Person for Fall Protection
shall verify that rescue procedures are in place for any workplace where the authorized
rescuer will perform a rescue. The types of Fall Protection systems being used and the work
environment shall be reviewed with the jurisdictional public and Government-emergency
response agency. The pre-incident plan shall be reviewed and updated by the Navy or Marine
Corps activitys Competent Person for Fall Protection annually, or whenever there is a change
to the job-site that will affect items in the plan.

b. Methods of Rescue.

(1) Jurisdictional Public Emergency-Response Agency.

(2) Government Emergency-Response Agency.

(3) Assisted Rescue: The written rescue plan shall include instructions for contacting
rescue personnel, plus a description and verified location of all equipment to be used by the
rescue team (e.g., scissor lift or aerial lift), and complete instructions and procedures for
performing rescue safely and promptly.

(4) Self-rescue. An end-user who has fallen and is suspended in a fully body harness
and not incapacitated (e.g. an injury, stroke or heart attack), can usually perform a self-rescue,
where the following conditions exist:

(a) The end-user can reach an adjoining structure, and has the strength and mobility to
pull up and onto the structure.

(b) The end-user has a self-deploying or manual-deploying coiled webbing rescue ladder
attached to lanyard anchorage, which after a fall allows climbing up to the anchorage point

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(or at least simply standing on the ladder, allowing the necessary circulation of blood to the
entire body while an assisted rescue is being commenced).

(c) An automatic or manual controlled descent device can be used as a self-rescue

device if it is attached to a separate anchorage point (minimum 3,000 -pounds strength)
and a vertical tag-line is attached to the controlled descent devices safety snaphook which
can be reached by the employee suspended in the full-body harness. The tag-line is
pulled, bringing down the self-retracting lanyard from the controlled descent device, and
the descent device safety snap is attached either to the back D ring or front rescue D
ring of the fully body harness, and the deployed shock absorber lanyard detached (this
method is only viable if there is a quick release device which will allow the disconnecting
of the shock absorber lanyard under tension). Once the deployed energy absorbing
lanyard is disconnected from the fully body harness, the controlled descent device will
allow the end-user to descend at a controlled rate to a lower level. This method requires
hands-on training.

10.6 RESCUE EQUIPMENT INSPECTION

Inspection of equipment used by the jurisdictional public- and government-emergency

response agencies is the responsibility of these agencies. Prior to use, the end-user shall
inspect the self-rescue and assisted-rescue equipment to ensure that it is in safe working
condition, and has been protected against damage from the weather (e.g., UV, water) and
from workplace conditions (e.g., chemical, physical). Annually, a Competent Person for Fall
Protection shall verify that the rescue equipment markings and instructions are consistent with
ANSI and OSHA Standards, and that the rescue equipment has been maintained in
accordance with manufacturers instructions.

10.7 TRAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR RESCUE

Training is required for self-rescue techniques. All personnel who will work at height utilizing
fall protection equipment shall be trained in self-rescue techniques. They shall be trained in
these techniques before utilizing Fall Protection equipment and every two years thereafter.

(a) Specialized Training for the Rescuers. Training of rescue personnel at

jurisdictional public- and government-emergency response agencies are the responsibility of
those agencies. For assisted-rescue the authorized rescuers shall be properly trained and
shall be proficient at performing a rescue of a person suspended in a harness or who has
become incapacitated at heights. The authorized rescuer shall be knowledgeable in the
selection, use, storage, and care of all equipment necessary to perform rescue on end-users
from all types of Fall Protection equipment. Carefully evaluate hazards associated with rescue
and determine whether or not it is safe to perform rescue. The authorized rescuer shall
conduct a site-visit to the work location prior to writing a post-fall-arrest rescue plan. The
authorized rescuer shall assign and delineate various responsibilities in the rescue and
evacuation of an employee who has become incapacitated at heights and/or who is suspended
in a body harness after a fall. Authorized rescuer training shall be conducted once every two
years and evaluated at least annually by a Competent rescuer and shall include the following:
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(1) Fall-Hazard recognition, elimination and control methods.

(2) Applicable Fall Protection and rescue regulations and standards.

(3) Understanding and using the Fall Protection and Prevention Plan, and the
Rescue Plan.

(4) Inspection and maintenance of the equipment including manufacturers instructions.

(5) Proper uses of various rescue equipment.

(6) Practical applications and drilling scenarios for rescue (Hands-on Training).

10.8 PROCEDURES FOR REQUESTING RESCUE AND MEDICAL

ASSISTANCE
The telephone number for jurisdictional public- and government-emergency response
agencies is usually 911, or 9-911, depending upon the Navy or Marine Corps activity. If the
emergency response number is different, it must be posted and publicized throughout the
Navy or Marine Corps activity.

10.9 TRANSPORTATION ROUTES TO A MEDICAL FACILITY

A sketch indicating the route to the nearest medical facility/hospital (a good practice is to
highlight the route with a yellow marker) should be included in the fall-arrest rescue plan) and
should be posted at the job-site.

10.10 ANCHORAGES USED FOR RESCUE

a. Anchorages selected for rescue systems including control descent devices shall be
capable of sustaining static loads applied in the direction permitted by the rescue system of at
least 3,000 pounds when designed as a rescue system only. If the anchorage for fall-arrest
system is selected as a rescue anchorage, it shall be capable of sustaining 5 times the
foreseeable loads (certified rescue anchorages), applied in the directions permitted by the
personnel fall-arrest system per attached person.

b. Anchorage connectors used for rescue shall not be attached to anchorages where
such attachment would reduce the allowable capacity of the anchorage itself.

c. Anchorage connections shall be stabilized to prevent unwanted movement or

disengagement of the rescue systems from the anchorage. The rescue system shall be load-
tested before a live load is placed on the system.

d. The anchorage should be located at a point above the rescuer to prevent swing fall.

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10.11 SELECTIVE RESCUE EQUIPMENT AND SYSTEMS

The following are some of the selective equipment that activities can use to rescue a person
incapacitated at heights or has fallen and is suspended in a harness, or can be used to permit
a person suspended in a harness to stand and allow the necessary circulation of blood while
an assisted rescue is being commenced:

Self-Rescue and Assisted-Rescue Equipment:

a. Evacuation Harness. Evacuation harness is used only for rescue and shall be
designed to fit properly and securely to hold the rescue subject during rescue. The
harness shall, at a minimum, provide support for the body around the shoulders and
thighs.

b. Rescue Lanyard and Rescue Anchorage Connector Components shall meet ANSI
/ASSE Z359.4 Standard.

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c. Self-Retracting Device with Integral Rescue Capability. Self-retracting devices with
integral rescue capability shall meet the requirements of ANSI Z359.4 and ANSI Z359.14,
and shall be capable of engaging into the rescue mode of operation at any time. It shall
not be possible to stop automatically and hold the load if the rescuer intentionally or
unintentionally relinquishes control. The intent of this mode of operation is that the device
will not inadvertently change to or from rescue mode. The minimum mechanical
advantage offered by the equipment in rescue mode shall be 3:1, neglecting frictional
losses.

d. Synthetic Rope Tackle Block. The rope tackle block shall have a minimum theoretical
mechanical advantage of 3:1; and shall have a secondary means to prevent uncontrolled
lowering of the worker. The rope used shall be made of synthetic material and shall have
strength aging and abrasion resistance characteristics equivalent to or superior to
polyamides.

e. Descent Devices. Descent devices designed for single use shall have a minimum
descent energy rating of 30,000 foot-pounds. Descent devices designed for repeated or
multiple uses shall have a descent energy rating of not less than 300 foot-pounds. The
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descent speed for automatic descent control devices shall be not greater than 6.6
feet/second or less than 1.6 feet/second. For manual control devices and or hand
operated the descent speed shall not exceed 6.6 feet/second.

f. Other Rescue Equipment.

10.12 REFERENCES RELATED TO RESCUE

(a) OSHA Safety and Health Information Bulletin, SHIB 03-24-2004, updated 2011

(b) OPNAVINST 5100.23 Series, Section 1312, Rescue Procedures

(c) NFPA 1670 Standard on Operations and Training for Technical Search and Rescue
Incidents, 2009 Edition

(d) ANSI Z359: Fall Protection Code/Standards

(e) NAVMC DIR 5100.8, Marine Corps Occupational Safety and Health Program Manual

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10.13 FALL-ARREST RESCUE PLANS

The Fall-arrest Rescue Plan should include the following Information as part of the Fall
Protection and Prevention Plan:

a. Provide a detailed location of the work site, with any information that will help find the
location, building number, floor number; etc. Post written directions that can be read over
the telephone to an ambulance driver/police/fire department, or their dispatchers, on how
to get to the site from the main gate of a facility. Give complete, accurate information to
the rescue responder. Post a map at the job-site, and highlight with a yellow marker, the
route one should take from the site to the nearest hospital where someone with minor
injuries can be treated expeditiously.

b. Indicate the location of the lift or other equipment that will be used in case of
emergency, and the location of the key.

c. Provide the detailed location of the closest first aid kit. To assure that no time be lost
looking for first aid kits during an emergency, post a site map marking the location of the
first aid kits.

d. List emergency telephone numbers. If an emergency rescue is required, call the

telephone numbers in the order listed; i.e., 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. Post written directions that
can be read over the telephone to an ambulance driver/police/fire department or their
dispatchers on how to get to the site from the main gate of the facility. Give complete,
accurate information to the rescue responder.

e. Send an escort to meet the fire department upon arrival at the scene, and help them or
the rescuer find the location of the accident.

f. Give the name of the person (the escort designated to meet the fire department upon
arrival at the scene) and the back-up person (in case the designated person is injured)
responsible to make the phone call in case of emergency.

g. Indicate names of personnel that may require rescue during the course of performing
their jobs.

h. If self-rescue is used, indicate the type of self-rescue equipment available at the job-
site, or which will be utilized during rescue operations.

i. Indicate the training the rescuer should receive in order to become a qualified rescuer.

j. Initiate a buddy system when personnel are working at heights and may require
rescue. If the buddy system is not feasible, contact the activity to set up a visual or aural
contact with the person exposed to Fall-Hazards every 15 minutes.

End of section
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10.14 SAMPLE FALL-ARREST RESCUE PLAN FORM

FOR FALL-HAZARD CONTROL
(Note: Local commands should use the following form format, making sure that they
adhere to appropriate local regulations which may apply)

Date:
Site & Location Identification:

Detailed Location:

Primary Emergency Phone Number:

Type of Phone/Location:
Local Phone Line/Outside Line:
Secondary Emergency Phone Number:

Backup Rescue Lift is Available/Located at:

First Aid kit Location(s):

Fire Extinguishers locations(s):

Nearest Hospital Route and Location:

Procedure for requesting rescue and medical assistance:

Describe Rescue Operation and method:

________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________

Type of equipment used (PPE, Ladder, Hoist, etc.)

Training requirements:

Specialized Training for the rescuers:

Name of Personnel Requiring Rescue:

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Self-Rescue Method and Equipment used:

For a person climbing alone, the name of the other person at the activity who will
make visual or verbal contact with the end-user at least once every 15 minutes to
assure that the user has not fallen.

Anchorages for rescue:

Pre-incident planning with jurisdictional public and Government emergency

response agency:

Where work over water is planned, prepare a Man Overboard plan and attach as
part of the rescue plan. (See Appendix D for a Sample Man Overboard Plan).

Additional Comments and Requirements:

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Prepared by: _________________________________________________

Approved by: _________________________________________________

End of Section

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10.15 Site-Specific Fall-arrest Rescue Plan (Checklist)

GENERAL INFORMATION
Activity/Command: Date:
Building/Facility #: Primary and
secondary Phone
Numbers:

Detailed Location: Ladder/Lift Location:

First Aid Kit Location(s) 1. Fire Extinguisher 1.
2. Locations: 2.
3. 3.
Nearest Medical Facility
and Directions:
Applicable Local
Regulations or
Requirements
Procedure for Requesting 1.
Rescue 2.
3.
4.
Describe Rescue Operation
and Method:
Types of Equipment Used
(Ladder, Hoist, Aerial Lift,
etc.):
If Self-Rescue or Assisted
Rescue is Planned,
Describe Equipment to be
used
Specialized Training for
the Rescue Team:
Describe if Additional
Anchorages for Rescue are
Required:
Has Rescue Plan Been
developed in coordination
with Local Emergency
Services (essential if
relying on them to provide
rescue)?
Is a pre-Incident Plan
prepared when the
planned Method of Rescue
is the Fire Department
Additional Comments:

Prepared By:
Approved By (FPPM):

End of Section

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11.0 INSPECTION, STORAGE, MAINTENANCE AND

CARE PROCEDURES FOR PERSONAL FALL
PROTECTION EQUIPMENT
As stated in 29 CFR 1910.66 Appendix C, Section I, Paragraph (f), personal fall arrest
systems must be regularly inspected. Any component of the system with significant
defects must be removed from service immediately and shall be tagged or
marked as unusable or destroyed. All Fall Protection equipment shall be inspected
before each use by the user in accordance with manufacturers instructions or 3M card
whichever is more stringent. Prior to each use inspection means that the fall protection
equipment shall be inspected by the end user at least once at the beginning of each
eight hour shift in which it is used to verify that it has not sustained any wear or damage
that would require its removal from service. The Competent Person shall inspect the
equipment at intervals of no more than one year or as prescribed by the manufacturer of
the equipment. Most manufacturers recommend inspection of the equipment to be
conducted twice annually by the Competent Person. Inspection of the equipment
by the Competent Person shall be documented and the tag on the equipment shall be
checked and dated by the Competent Person on the date of inspection. All components
and sub-components of the selected fall-arrest, positioning, and restraint systems shall
be compatible.

As a general rule, always consult equipment manufacturers instructions and

recommendations for use, inspection, care and maintenance procedures.

Inspect personal FP equipment for the following defects:

(1) Webbing and ropes (Harnesses, Lanyards, straps, etc.):

Look for cuts, wear, tears, damaged threads, broken fibers, undue
stretching, torn or pulled stitches, frayed edges, mold, alterations, or
additions which will affect its efficiency, damage due to
deterioration, chemical damage (contact with fire, acids, or
corrosives), abrasions, ultraviolet deterioration and missing
markings and labels, and any wearing or internal deterioration of the
ropes.

(2) Hardware (Snap-hooks, Carabiners, Connectors and D-rings):

Look for distorted hooks or faulty springs, tongues unfitted to the
shoulder buckles, loose or damaged mountings, nonfunctional parts;
check for signs of excessive wear, crack, corrosion and deformation.

Note
For Fall Protection Equipment Inspection Checklist see Paragraph 11.3.
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11.1 SPECIFIC EQUIPMENT INSPECTION

11.1.1 ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS (anchorages and anchorage connectors):

a. Inspect all components of the anchorage systems.
b. Observe any abrasions, wear points, damaged threads, or sags in the sling material
before use.
c. For synthetic slings and anchor straps inspect all sewing and loops for wear, chemical
damage, burn damage, and/or ultraviolet deterioration.
d. Refer to the anchorage-attached tags to determine when the sling should be retired.
e. Inspect cable slings for excessive damage to the steel fibers.
f. Re-certify the anchorage system exposed to weather or corrosive conditions.
g. Inspect anchorage connectors for integrity and attachment to solid surfaces.

11.1.2 SNAPHOOKS AND CARABINERS

a.Inspect on a regular basis and before each use.
b.Inspect snaphooks and carabiners for any hook, locks and eye distortion.
c.Verify that there are no cracks, pitted surfaces and eye distortions.
d.The keeper latch must not be bent, distorted, or obstructed.
e.Verify that the keeper latch seats into the nose without binding.
f.Verify that the keeper spring securely closes the keeper latch.
g.Test the locking mechanism to verify that the keeper latch locks properly.
h.Verify that the points where the lanyard attaches to the snaphooks are free of defects
i.Retire snaphooks, carabiners, and all integral components if any discoloration,
deformation, cracks, or abrasions are detected.
j. Retire immediately if the item has sustained any fall, or if the spring is broken and gate
is bent, or if the gatekeeper no longer engages the slot cleanly.
k. Damaged snaphook and carabiners shall be tagged and removed from service and
from the inventory list.
l. Dirty snaphooks and carabiners shall be cleaned with kerosene, WD-40 (or
equivalent), or similar solvents, and immersed in boiling water for 30 seconds to
remove the cleaning agent. Dry with a soft cloth to ensure that the gate and
gatekeeper operate properly.
m. Ensure that only double-locking-type gates are used.

11.1.3 LANYARDS AND ENERGY ABSORBERS

a. Inspect lanyards put under a slight tension on a regular basis.
b. Check all components for abrasion, cuts, discoloration, cracks, burns, knots, torn
stitching and excessive wear.
c. Visually inspect the energy absorber for any signs of damage, paying close attention
to where the energy absorber attaches to the lanyard.
d. Wash lanyards and energy absorbers on a regular basis to remove dirt and grit, which
can abrade the fibers.
e. Lanyards and energy absorbers shall have a permanently attached labels indicating
the manufacturers name, serial number or lot number, date of manufacture, maximum
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elongation (deployment distance), maximum and average arresting force, maximum
free-fall distance (6 or 12 foot free fall), and capacity. The lanyards and energy
absorbers must also have permanently attached labels that indicate they meet OSHA
& ANSI Z359.13 Standard and requirements. Lanyards bearing the markings of ANSI
A10.14, ANSI Z359.1 (1992, R199) or ANSI Z359.1 (2007) are not acceptable and
they shall be taken out of service.
f. Use and review manufacturers logbook provided with the equipment to determine the
age of the lanyard and energy absorber.
g. Lanyards and energy absorbers shall be inspected by the user prior to each use and
by a Competent Person other than the user at least once a year.
h. Check for missing marking and labels.
i. Maximum usage of a lanyard shall not be more than 5 years, unless the Competent
Person for Fall Protection carefully inspects it, review its history of use and storage,
and recommends its continued use, once put in service (assuming the new unused
lanyard is stored in a climate-controlled location, [i.e., in a plastic bag not exposed to
fumes, and in a cool location out of direct sunlight]).

Retire the lanyard:

(1) After a hard fall.
(2) When the shock absorber (even if slightly) is impacted or deployed.
(3) If the lanyard has been used for any other purpose other than Fall Protection.
(4) If the equipment show excessive wear, chemical damage, burn damage, and/or
ultraviolet deterioration.

11.1.4 FALL-ARRESTOR (ROPE GRAB)

a. Inspect regularly.
b. Check for signs of wear, corrosion, rust, and other anomalies.
c. If any sign of wear or malfunction is observed, remove the device from service
immediately.

11.1.5 SELF-RETRACTING DEVICES

a. Inspect before each use for any physical damage.
b. Inspection by a Competent Person shall be in accordance with the manufacturers
instructions and recommendations. Inspection shall be documented. c. If the Self-
retracting Device housing becomes yellow, gathers condensation, or the indicator has
been engaged, remove it from service immediately, and return it to the manufacturer
for repair and re-certification.
c. SRDs shall have permanently attached labels indicating that they meet ANSI Z359.14
and OSHA Standards and requirements.
d. Make sure that all back nuts or rivets are tight
e. Make sure that the entire length of the nylon strap is free of any cuts, burns, abrasions,
kinks, knots, broken stitches, and excessive wear, and retracts freely.
f. Test the unit by pulling sharply on the lanyard to verify that the locking mechanism is
operating correctly.

ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION

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SRDs should be briefly inspected prior to each use, and more thoroughly inspected by
a CP regularly. With specialized training it is possible that a CP can become certified
to conduct re-certification and general services. Usually, SRDs are returned to the
manufacturer for service and recertification. Any equipment with many movable
mechanical components or parts requires specialized inspection. Usually the CP does
not have the tools, equipment and/or qualification to conduct such inspection.

In order to determine if the SRD is in good and safe working condition, specialized
testing and inspection must be conducted on the SRD. This includes opening the
casing, inspecting the inner components of the SRL and the drum containing excess
spooled line, inspecting the locking mechanism, spring, connecting means, and fall
indicator, and corrosion inspection in special environments. This is the why only the
manufacturer can inspect and certify the SRD.

SRDs are designated as Repairable or Non-repairable:

Repairable Self-retracting Devices shall be returned to the manufacturer for
servicing and re-certification (Factory authorized inspection) depending on the
type, usage and the environment, in accordance with the following Inspection
Requirements table:

TYPE OF APPLICATION CONDITION INSPECTION FACTORY

USE EXAMPLES OF USE FREQUENCY AUTHORIZED
BY INSPECTION
COMPETENT
PERSON
Infrequent Used in rescue, Good Storage Annually At least every
to light use confined space, conditions, 2-5 years, but
industrial (factory) indoor or no longer than
maintenance infrequent interval
outdoor use, required by the
room manufacturer
temperature,
clean
environments
Moderate to Transportation Fair storage Semi Annually At least every
Heavy Use Facilities, Conditions, To annually 1-2 years, but
Residential/wood indoor and no longer than
Construction, Utilities extended interval
and outdoor use, required by the
Warehouses/Hangars all manufacturer
temperature,
clean or
dusty
environments
Severe Commercial, Harsh storage Quarterly to At least
conditions Construction and conditions, semi annually annually, but
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Continuous industrial use, prolonged or no longer than
usage to Shipyard environment continuous intervals
outdoor use, required by the
all manufacturer
temperatures,
dirty
environment

All Factory Authorized Inspections of all Self-retracting Devices shall not be

longer than the intervals required by the manufacturer.

SRDS can either be repaired by the manufacturer or cannot be repaired. For

repairable SRDs, not requiring factory authorized inspections by a manufacturer
would be considered non-compliant with ANSI Z359 standards.

Non Repairable SRDs are designed and designated as Non-Repairable (not

designed for disassembly). They are very basic in design and limited in length
and use, made of synthetic webbing. Complete internal inspection is not possible
without destroying or damaging the device. The competent person for fall
protection shall work with written manufacturers inspection requirements to
determine whether the device can be used or not. If the inspection is not
possible, the device shall be taken out of service. The contrast of the device
being used inside or outside would affect the term of its use dramatically.

11.1.6 BODY SUPPORT (FULL-BODY HARNESS)

a. Inspect daily or before each use.
b. Inspect thoroughly and verify that there are no torn, frayed, broken fibers, pulled
stitches, or frayed edges, anywhere on the harness
c. Closely examine all of the nylon webbing to ensure there are no burn marks from
welding or heat sources, which could weaken the material
d Examine D-ring for excessive wear, deterioration, or cracks.
e. Verify that buckles are not deformed, cracked, and will operate correctly.
f. Check to see that all grommets (if present) are secure and not deformed from abuse
or a fall.
g. Check tongue/straps for excessive wear from repeated buckling.
h. All rivets must be tight, not deformed.
i. Inspect for missing markings and labels.
j. Ensure that harnesses are not painted or marked.
k. Examine the harness for discoloration, abrasions and ultraviolet deterioration.
l. Store harnesses in a cool, dry, and safe environment; ideally in a locked storage are
m. A Competent Person other than the user shall inspect the harness periodically, or at
least once a year.
n. Wash the harness in a mild soap and rinse multiple times to remove any soap residue,
and hang to dry out of direct sunlight in a cool, dry environment.

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o. Maintain a logbook indicating the date of entry into service, the nature of the work
performed, washing of the harness, or other relevant details.
p. Retire harnesses from service after five years from the date put into service (assuming
the new unused harness is stored in a climate-controlled environment [i.e., in a plastic
bag not exposed to fumes, and in a cool location out of direct sunlight]) unless the
Competent Person for Fall Protection carefully inspects it, reviews its history of use
and storage, and recommends its continued use.
q. The body support harness shall have a permanently attached label indicating
manufacturers name, serial number or lot number, date of manufacture, capacity, and
that it meets OSHA & ANSI Z359 Fall Protection Code/Standards requirements.

11.1.7 ROPES (SYNTHETIC FIBERS)

a. Inspect rope periodically for broken fibers, severely worn areas, or change in the
consistency of the core; inspect under slight tension and check for soft areas, bulges,
or excessive stiffness.
b. Avoid exposing rope to hazardous chemicals, moisture, acids, or oils.
c. Do not use the rope after it is impacted or damaged.
d. Wash the rope on a regular basis with lukewarm water and mild detergent to remove
dirt or grit, rinse several times to remove soap residue, and hang in a dry, cool, dark
area.
e. Store rope in a strong weatherproof bag. Rope always must be dry before being
placed in storage.
f. Rope shall have a permanently attached label indicating manufacturers name, serial
number or lot number, date of manufacture, capacity, and that it meets OSHA & ANSI
Z359 Fall Protection Code/Standards requirements.
g. Retire rope after five years of service unless the Competent Person for Fall Protection
carefully inspects it, reviews its history of use and storage, and recommends its
continued use. If it is damaged, impacted, or exposed to chemicals, remove from
service immediately.
h. Avoid the use of Kern-mantle ropes.

11.1.8 SINGLE ANCHOR VERTICAL LIFELINES (FLEXIBLE)

Refer to section 11.1.7 above and manufacturers recommendations regarding inspection,
care, and maintenance.

11.1.9 CLIMBING LADDER FALL ARREST SYSTEM

a. Inspect on a regular basis per equipment manufacturers requirements.
b. The sleeve must run freely without hand operations or guidance.
c. Check cable and rails for abrasions, wear, looseness, and cracks.
d. Before climbing, check integrity of cable, system, and ground level.

11.1.10 RAISING/LOWERING DEVICES (RESCUE)

a. Inspect before each use.
b. Check for wear and corrosion.

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11.1.11 HORIZONTAL LIFELINE
a. Inspect the system including anchorages, anchorage connectors, cable and other
hardware for defects or loose or components similar to inspection of other fall-arrest
system components.

The end-user shall inspect the components of the system prior to each use. Type 1
HLL system, the Competent Person for Fall Protection shall inspect the system at an
interval of no more than one year under the direction of a Qualified Person for Fall
Protection. Type 2 HLL System shall be inspected once a year by the Competent
Person for Fall Protection who is trained by the manufacturer of the system to perform
such inspections and under the direction of the Qualified Person for Fall Protection.

11.2 ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR ASSEMBLY, DISASSEMBLY,

STORAGE, INSPECTION, CARE AND MAINTENANCE

(a) Protect against cuts and abrasions:

All safety lines and lanyards shall be protected against cuts or abrasions. Padding must be
used wherever sharp edges exist.

(b) All safety lines and lanyards shall be stored in an approved location, as follows:

All Personal Fall Protection equipment shall be stored in a weatherproof container or

locker when not in use. Equipment should not be allowed to lie in water or direct sunlight,
since this will affect equipment strength. Never store personal fall-arrest equipment in the
bottom of a tool box, on the ground, or outside exposed to the elements (i.e., sun, rain,
snow, etc.).

(c) The fall-arrest system components shall be compatible, as follows:

Contact the qualified or Competent Persons for Fall Protection or manufacturers

representative for assistance. In the use of fall-arrest systems, all components shall be
designed for use with each other, or approval must be obtained from the manufacturer or
Qualified Person to use the configuration that uses different components. All system
components shall be compatible.

(d) Follow the manufacturers and the Qualified Persons instructions for installation,
assembly/disassembly, and use, as follows:

All systems must be installed, assembled, and disassembled per the manufacturers
direction. Failure to follow these instructions could lead to the possible failure of a system.

(e) In the event of a fall, secure all equipment involved and contact the Safety Officer for
disposition. Do not reuse safety equipment that has experienced a fall:

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In the event of a fall, the first response is to ensure the safety of the employees. After
rescue and, if required, medical aid is provided, all equipment involved must be removed
from service. The Navy or Marine Corps activity Safety Office must be contacted.

For Fall Protection equipment inspection check list and system check list, see Paragraph
11.3.

(f) During inspection of the equipment by the competent person for fall protection, only mark
on the labels. Some manufacturers permit marking on straps using certain types of
permanent markers which are water resistant and quick- drying such as Sanford Sharpi
Permanent Markers. Always consult the manufacturer for marking on the equipment

(g) Care and Maintenance of the Equipment:

Snaphooks and Carabiners: Clean dirty gates of snaphooks and carabiners by applying
WD-40 (or equivalent), other solvents, oil, or kerosene, until the gates work smoothly, than
immerse in boiling water for 20-30 seconds to remove cleaning agent; dry with a soft cloth
to ensure that the gate and gatekeeper operate properly.

Harnesses, Lanyards and Ropes: Wash on regular basis with mild soap and rinse multiple
times to remove the soap residue, store in a cool dry and safe environment to dry. Ensure
harnesses and lanyards are not painted or marked. Mark only on labels.

Note
Always consult manufacturers instructions and recommendations for care and
maintenance of the equipment.

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11.3 FALL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT INSPECTION CHECKLIST

Activity/Command: Page 1
Inspected Date:
by:_________________________
(Competent Persons
Name)

Work Area: Department/Code:

1. Instructions:

2. All parts of the Fall Protection system and components are to be

checked for excessive wear and damage.

3. Use the symbol "Y" for yes or OK.

4. Use the symbol "N" for no or replace.

5. All equipment must be inspected visually before each use by the end-
user and by the Competent Person at least annually with
documentation.

Name
or Self- Lanyards Full-body harnesses Horizontal Lifeline System
Equip retracting
# Devices
D Rings Anchorage
Energy
Cable Mechanism Webbing Webbing and Labeling Connection/ Cable Hardware
Absorber
Connectors Stanchions

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11.3 FALL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT INSPECTION CHECKLIST

(continued)
Activity/Command: Page 2
Inspected Date:
by:______________________
(Competent Persons
Name)
Work Area: Department:
Name or Anchorages/
Equip. # Single Anchor Vertical Anchorage Connectors Climbing Ladder Fall Arrest Systems
Lifelines Snaphooks/Carabiners
Anchor
Strap,
Beam Cable/
Rope Structural Rope Gate Locking Any
Rope/cable Wall and Rope/ Connections Deformation
Grabs Integrity Grab Mechanism Cracks
Roof Rail
Anchors

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11.4 FALL-ARREST SYSTEM AND EQUIPMENT

CHECKLIST
(Must answer yes to all applicable questions)

This checklist shall be prepared either by the Competent Person or a person trained and
designated by the Competent Person for Fall Protection.

11.4.1 ANCHORAGES

1. Do workers know appropriate anchorage points for each task that requires a fall-
arrest/positioning or restraint system? __________

2. Are all anchorage points stable, substantial, and have sufficient strength to withstand twice
the potential impact energy of the free-fall? __________

3. Is the D ring of the full-body harness located at the upper back between the shoulder
blades? __________

4. Are anchorage points for self-retracting lanyards located overhead? __________

5. Can the employee move from one station to another or climb up and down without
exposure to a fall? __________

6. If the lifeline, lanyard, or self-retracting device is not permanently attached to an anchorage

point at the elevated work area, is the first worker up or the last worker down protected while
climbing and traversing? __________

11.4.2 LANYARDS

1. Is the lanyard length used in fall arrest as short as necessary and in no case greater than 6
ft.?

2. Are manually adjustable lanyards used when it is desirable to be able to take slack out of
the lanyard? __________

3. Does the lanyard used in fall arrest have a shock-absorbing feature to limit the arresting
forces? ___________

4. If the lanyard has a shock absorber, is it obvious to the user that the shock absorber has
been deployed? (Is there a warning label, broken pouch, deployment indicator, etc.)
__________

5. Are knots from the lanyard to the lifeline clearly prohibited? (Mechanical rope grabs or fall-
arresters must be used) ___________
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11.4.3 SELF-RETRACTING DEVICES (SRDs)

1. Are employees properly trained to the use of SRD? ___________

2. Is the SRD under a regular maintenance and inspection program? ___________

3. Is the end of the cable properly spliced ___________ (Thimble eye, Flemish eye-spliced,
and swaged fitting/ferrule)?

11.4.4 SNAPHOOKS

1. Have double-locking snaphooks been used? ___________

2. Is the snaphook attached to the D-ring, designed for the applications, or other hardware in
a manner approved by the manufacturer of the snaphook? ___________

3. Are snaphooks inspected regularly for stress, wear, distortion, and spring failure?
__________

4. Are snaphooks arranged so they are never connected to each other? __________ (They
should NOT be connected to each other).

5. Is the strength of the snaphooks gate stamped with the number 3,600 lbs.?

11.4.5 FULL-BODY HARNESSES

1. Are full-body harnesses selected for a particular job equipped with all necessary
attachment points? (For harnesses used in fall-arrest, positioning, restraint, descent control,
rescue, or climbing ladder fall-protection systems) __________

2. Are full body harnesses inspected regularly for wear, abrasion, broken stitching, and
missing hardware? ___________

3. Is the Velcro type of closure prohibited from all load-bearing connections? __________

4. Have workers been instructed in the use and care of full body harnesses? __________

5. Is the full body harness equipped with at least one lanyard parking location for attaching
the unused leg of the Y lanyard? _______

6. Is the harness used equipped with fall arrest indicator at the dorsal D-ring?

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11.4.6 FALL-ARRESTERS

1. Is the fall-arrester compatible with the lifeline on which it is to be installed or operated?

_________
2. Is the fall-arrester in operational condition? __________

3. Is the fall-arrester equipped with a changeover lever that allows it to become a stationary
anchor on the lifeline? __________

4. Is the fall-arrester equipped with a locking mechanism that prevents unintentional opening
of the device and subsequent disengagement from the lifeline? __________

5. Is the fall-arresters up direction marked properly so that the equipment can be attached
to the line correctly? __________

6. Is the fall arrester used with single anchor vertical lifeline or climbing ladder fall arrest
system the automatic type? ________

7. Is the fall arrester used in positioning or restraint system the manual type (Rope adjuster)?
_________

11.4.7 SINGLE ANCHOR VERTICAL LIFELINES

1. Does the lifeline have a minimum breaking strength of 5,000 pounds? _________

2. Is the lifeline protected from abrasive or cutting edges by using chaffing material?
__________

3. Does the system provide Fall Protection as the worker connects to and releases from the
lifeline? _________

4. Is the lifeline arranged so workers never have to hold it for balance? (A lifeline should
never be used for balance) __________

5. Is the vertical segment integrated with the horizontal segment to provide continuous Fall
Protection? __________

6. Is the fall arrestor used with single anchor vertical lifeline equipped with energy absorber
and lanyard? _________

7. Is the fall arrestor used with single anchor lifeline automatic? ______

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11.4.8 HORIZONTAL LIFELINES

1. Has the entire horizontal lifeline system been designed, approved and certified by a
Qualified Person for Fall Protection? _________

2. Have the anchorages to which the lifeline is attached been designed by a professional
engineer and evaluated specifically for a horizontal lifeline system? __________

3. Has the designer of the system approved the number of employees who will be using it?
_________

4. Is the rope or cable free from signs of wear or abrasion? __________

5. Does the rope or cable have the required initial sag? __________

6. Have the workers been warned about potential falls? __________

Have the clearances been checked? _________

7. Is the hardware riding on the horizontal lifeline made of steel? (Aluminum is not permitted
because it wears excessively) __________

8. Is the energy absorber, tensioner, turnbuckles and mobile attachment Device included in a
regular maintenance and inspection program? __________

11.4.9 OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

1. Has the free-fall distance been considered, so that a worker will not strike a lower surface
or object before the fall is arrested? _____________
2. Have pendulum-swing Fall-Hazards been eliminated or minimized? _____________
3. Have safe methods to retrieve fallen workers been planned? _________
4. Is all fall-arrest equipment free of potential damage from welding, chemical corrosion, or
sandblasts? __________
5. Are all components of the system compatible according to the manufactures instruction?
__________
6. Have employees been properly trained in the following issues?
Manufacturers recommendations, restrictions, instructions, and warnings
_____________,
Location of appropriate anchorage points and attachment techniques __

______
Are there any problems associated with elongation, deceleration distance, and
method of use, inspection, and storage? __________

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7. Are all regular inspections performed by trained inspectors? _________
8. Are the written fall protection and prevention plans and rescue plans maintained and
updated? __________
9. Has the total fall distance and required clearance been considered? __________
10. Has rescue of the worker been considered? __________

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12.0 TIE-OFF CONSIDERATIONS AND SELECTION

OF SAFE ANCHORAGES

12.1 One of the most important aspects of personal fall-arrest is fully planning the
system before it is put in use. Probably the most overlooked component of the fall-arrest
system is planning for suitable anchorages. Such planning should ideally be done during
the design stage and before a structure or a building is constructed so that anchorages can
be incorporated and identified during construction for maximum use later for maintenance
work. If needed, properly planned and designed anchorages used during construction work
may also be used afterward during maintenance provided they are installed and properly
located for performing the maintenance task.

12.1.1 The strength of a personal fall-arrest system depends on its subsystems and
components, as well as the anchorages and how strongly such a system is attached to the
anchorage. Such attachment shall not significantly reduce the strength of the system,
including the structural members (e.g., the beams or columns to which it is attached). If a
method of attachment is used that will reduce the strength of the system, such component
(e.g., beam or column) shall be replaced with a stronger one in order to maintain the
appropriate maximum characteristics in compliance with IBC and design criteria
documents.

12.1.2 Lanyards shall not be connected to themselves or to other lanyards unless

permitted by the manufacturer.

12.1.3 Knots shall not be tied in lanyards, lifelines, or anchorage connectors (i.e.,
anchor straps). Tie-off using a knot in a lanyard, lifelines, or anchorage connectors can
reduce the strength by 50% or more.

12.1.4 Tying a rope lanyard or lifeline around rough or sharp edges such as beams,
columns or other surfaces may reduce the strength of the line due to cutting action of the
sharp edge. If a line is cut or damaged, it will drastically affect the design reaction of the
system during a fall. Such tie-off should be avoided or alternate rigging method should be
used. As an alternate, use beam clamp, wire rope, effective padding, or abrasion-
resistance strap (chaffing protection) around or over the sharp or rough surfaces.

12.1.5 The anchorage location should be as high as possible to minimize the free-fall
distance and prevent any contact with an obstruction or the ground below if a worker falls.
Free-fall distance shall not exceed six feet unless a specially designed lanyard is used that
will allow the 12 foot free-fall provided the maximum arresting force does not exceed 1,800
pounds. The anchorage point height shall reflect this restriction.

12.1.6 Tie-off point(s) shall be located in such a way to minimize the swinging of the
worker (pendulum-like motion) that can occur during a fall. The farther away in a
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horizontal direction a worker moves from a fixed anchorage (tie-off point), the greater the
swing angle if a fall occurs. If any obstruction exists in the path of the swing fall, the force
generated can be significant. The maximum angle of swing away from the tie-off point
should not be more than 15 degrees in either direction.

12.1.7 The strength of an eyebolt is rated along the axis of the bolt and its strength is
greatly reduced if the force is applied at an angle to this axis (out-of- the-plane of the eye).
Also, the diameter of the eyebolt should be compatible to snaphook or carabiner
attachment. Non-rotating rings should be avoided, since falls rarely occur directly along the
axis of the eyebolt. Where possible, rotating rings (swivel rings) with full motion in the
three axes should be used to increase the angle with the axis to more than 45 degrees.
The ring will then be able to automatically align along the direction of force. Swivel rings
used as anchorages in a fall arrest system shall be properly sized. The eyebolt used in the
fall protection system shall be forged steel. Effort shall be made to minimize the angle
between the axis of the eyebolt and the direction of the pull.

12.1.8 Attaching two snaphooks to the same anchorage:

a. Where two employees are planning to use the same anchorage simultaneously by
using two snaphooks, the anchorage must be certified and rated for use by two
people. Connecting both snaphooks to the anchorage will require the use of additional
connector.

12.1.9 Horizontal lifelines, depending on their geometry and angle of sag, may be
subjected to greater loads than the impact load imposed by an attached component.
When the angle of sag for the horizontal lifeline is less than 30 degrees, the impact force
generated is greatly amplified. For example, with a sag angle of 15 degrees, the force
amplification is about 2:1 and at 5 degrees sag, it is about 6:1. Depending on the angle of
sag, and the lines elasticity, the strength of the horizontal lifeline and the anchorages to
which it is attached should be increased a number of times over that of the lanyard.
Extreme care should be taken in considering a horizontal lifeline for multiple tie-off. The
reason for this is that in a multiple tie-off to a horizontal lifeline, if one employee falls, the
movement of the falling worker may cause other employees to also fall. Horizontal lifeline
and anchorage strength should be calculated for each additional employee to be tied-off.
For these and other reasons, horizontal lifelines shall only be designed, selected, and
certified by Qualified Person for fall protections. Inspection of installed horizontal lifelines
and anchors before use is recommended.

The following are some considerations when evaluating horizontal lifeline systems:

a. Review the design calculations of the system;

b. Review manufacturers test data of similar systems

12.1.10 The anchorage and anchorage connector shall be compatible.

12.1.11 When tying off to a beam or column, do not attach the anchorage connection to a
hole in the beam unless evaluated by a Qualified Person for Fall Protection, because the
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forces generated by a fall will weaken the beam structure. Do not drill a hole for tying off.
This attachment will weaken the beam. The most favorable way to tie-off is to use an
anchorage connection to wrap around the beam or column, such as an anchor strap, or
use a designed beam clamp.

12.1.12 Do not tie a knot in the anchorage connection.

12.1.13 The most favorable location to tie-off to a beam is in the center of the span. This
action will distribute the forces evenly at the supports. The closer the tie-off point is to the
beam support, the shear-force of a fall on the structure will increase accordingly.
However, when tying-off to the beam always consider the hazard of swing fall effect.

12.1.14 Take into consideration the impact of shear forces at the supports and the
bending moment distribution of forces beyond the supports into other structural members.

12.1.15 In the selection of a point of anchor in a column, take into consideration the
effect of all forces due to axial loading and bending stresses.

12.1.16 Refrain from welding the anchorage connection to the anchorage, unless the
welding is performed and certificated annually by a certified welder.

12.1.17 Where nails are used to install roof anchors, the number, type, and size of nails
used to attach the component to a wood structure shall be in accordance with the building
code requirements. Verify that the roof anchors are attached to structural members, rather
than decking only.

12.1.18 Always specify the number of end-users that are allowed to attach to a specific
anchorage.

12.1.19 In selection of anchorage location, take into consideration the accessibility and
ease of securing or attaching to it (ease of tying off).

12.1.20 When attaching of the fall-arrest system to a concrete slab, make sure the
concrete is strong and thick enough to sustain the static and dynamic loads of the fall
forces. The bottom steel reinforcement in the concrete slab is usually under tension.
Concrete alone is very weak under tension.

12.2 Fall-Arrest System Considerations:

Prior to selecting a fall arrest system, the following information should be verified and
considered:
Movement of the worker;
Existing obstructions in the workers path;
Location and availability of safe anchorages;
Total fall distance, free fall distance and available clearance;
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Possibility of swing fall hazards;
Compatibility of all components of the system;
Impact forces;
Availability of rescue/self-rescue.

End of Section

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13.0 RESPONSIBILITY FOR DESIGN, INSPECTION,

CERTIFICATION, and RE-CERTIFICATION of
ANCHORAGES
Anchorages can be either engineered or improvised. An anchorage system is a combination of
anchorage point and anchorage connector(s). Improvised fall-arrest anchorages and
anchorage connectors shall withstand a force of 5,000 pounds for every person attached to the
system. Positioning anchorages shall withstand a force of 3,000 pounds and restraint
anchorages shall withstand a force of 1,000 pounds (Per ANSI Z359.2 standard). Anchorage
connectors are usually designed and prefabricated by a manufacturer under the supervision of
a Qualified Person, and meet OSHA and ANSI standards. The certification and re-certification
of anchorage connectors can be performed by the manufacturer or Qualified Person.

13.1 RESPONSIBILITY OF ANCHORAGE IDENTIFICATION, DESIGN, AND

CERTIFICATION

a. Anchorages should be designed before use by a registered professional engineer

with experience in designing fall-protection systems, and installed by person(s); or
another Qualified Person with appropriate education and experience should design the
anchor point to be installed. If an anchor point from existing structures such as beams,
or hoist ring designed for construction applications, is needed, a Qualified Person for
Fall Protection should be used to evaluate these anchorages.

b. Fall-arrest system anchorages shall be capable of supporting 5,000 pounds per

employee attached; or the anchorages shall be designed, installed, and used under the
supervision of a Qualified Person for Fall Protection for twice the maximum arrest force
as part of a complete fall-arrest system.

c. A Qualified Person for Fall Protection should be able to calculate the forces generated by
arresting a fall; total loading; impact on the structural members the line is attached to; and
determine the optimal and safe location where and how to tie-off. The Qualified Person should
have the knowledge and be capable of designing, certifying, supervising, approving, and rating
the anchor points and tie-off points.

Contact a Qualified Person for Fall Protection for anchorages loading, selection and
approval:

Due to the variability in the structural strength of different materials, before using an anchorage
point, a Qualified Person for Fall Protection must be contacted to ensure that the anchorage
meets/exceeds regulatory requirements.

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d. For recertification of active Fall Protection systems, the Qualified Person or the
engineer of record shall specify the frequency of re-certification, but not to exceed five
years.

13.2 INSPECTION, CERTIFICATION AND RE-CERTIFICATION OF

ANCHORAGES

a. Inspection: Fall-arrest, positioning, and restraint equipment shall be inspected by the

user before each use, and by a Competent Person annually, and in accordance with the
manufacturers instructions. Workers are not qualified to inspect anchor points; however, they
should be trained to pay special attention to any cracks developing around the anchor points,
or if the anchor points are unstable or loose. End-users shall not tie-off to unsafe anchorages
and they should bring it to the attention of the Competent Person for Fall Protection if such a
situation exists. The manufacturers of the Fall Protection equipment/systems shall indicate in
the supplied manufacturers instructions the methods of inspection and durations. Any
components of the system not addressed by the manufacturers inspection requirements (e.g.,
anchorages), shall be visually inspected in a manner and frequency specified by the design
engineer.

b. Certification and Re-Certification of Anchorages: Anchorages should be field-verified

by a Qualified Person for Fall Protection. ANSI Z359 Fall Protection Code/Standards
addresses certification of anchorage connections. It does not address certification of anchor
points. A registered professional engineer or a Qualified Person for Fall Protection can certify
the structural integrity of the anchor points. Depending on the design, type, location, and the
size of the structural member to which the anchorage is connected, the environment and
weather conditions dictate how often such anchorages shall be inspected and re-certified by a
Professional Engineer or a Qualified Person for Fall Protection.

c. Recertification of Active Fall Protection System: The design of FP system shall be

thoroughly reviewed by an engineer who is qualified in designing FP systems. The original
design of the system should have indicated the frequency of the recertification criteria. The
period of recertification shall not exceed five years. Recertification process shall include:
(1) Review of the original design;
(2) Any changes in the hazards or tasks performed;
(3) Changes in regulations or standards;
(4) Any other factors affecting the system.

d. Qualification and Verification Testing of Fall Protection Equipment: Navy or Marine

Corps activities shall use personal Fall Protection equipment where manufacturers can
substantiate through Third Party Testing laboratories, Witnessed Testing by a
Professional Engineer, or Manufacturer Self-Certification testing, and that the
equipment meets the requirements addressed in ANSI Z359 Fall Protection
Code/Standards.

To ensure conformity of the equipment with Z359 Fall Protection Code/Standards,

testing laboratories performing compliance testing on fall protection
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equipment/products shall be accredited by an outside accreditation bodies, accredited
to ISO 17011 standard titled General Requirements for Accreditation Bodies
Accrediting Conformity Assessment Bodies, and ISO 17025 General Requirements for
the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories.

End of Section

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14.0 FALL PREVENTION CONSIDERATIONS

DURING PLANNING AND DESIGN PHASE
14.1 INTRODUCTION: When planning and designing new buildings or facilities, DON
planners and designers, including owners/managers of such facilities, are responsible for
providing safe design for the protection of all workers and users exposed to the hazards of
fall from heights during performance of their work. DON architects and engineers or any
other entity planning or designing a building, structure, or facility, including integral
assemblies such as weight-handling equipment (cranes, hoists, etc.), have the general duty
and responsibility to have a safe design for preventing falls throughout the facility. This
duty extends to any person who may be involved in the construction, demolition,
modification, renovation, maintenance, or normal work operation of the building, structure,
or facility.

a. DON architects and engineers need to be aware that any part of a building, facility,
structure, equipment, and integral assemblies such as weight-handling equipment
(cranes, hoists, etc.), will require maintenance work. If such work is required,
prevention and control measures should be incorporated into the design phase to
eliminate and prevent the need to work at height with its subsequent exposure to Fall-
Hazards.

b. Architects, engineers, designers, construction managers, superintendents,

contractors/subcontractors, and owners of buildings and facilities have a major
role and are responsible for creating a safe work environment and being aware of
Fall-Hazards. They shall have the proper knowledge and awareness of Fall-
Hazards that will be encountered at the workplaces they are designing,
constructing, occupying, and operating.

c. Fall prevention philosophy for designing new buildings and facilities:

Fall-Hazards should be designed out of new buildings, facilities or structures. When
Fall-Hazards cannot be eliminated or prevented, designers should provide alternative
remedies such as identification and installation of anchorages (hard points).

Any location or part of a building, structure, facility or equipment will one day require,
either, maintenance, remodeling, modification or replacement work. Engineers and
architects should design new buildings and facilities with this idea in mind.

d. Fall Prevention during Design for Engineers and Architects

Falls from height are a major cause of work related injuries and fatalities. Engineers,
architects, designers and planners are responsible for designing safe buildings,
facilities, structures and equipment. They should strive to eliminate, minimize or
prevent the hazards of falling at work places. During construction, potential hazards
should be identified and preventive measures should be incorporated in the design to
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assist contractors building the project in a safe manner. Post construction, the facility
should protect personnel during normal work operations and help maintenance
personnel conduct their work safely and without exposing them to Fall-Hazards.

e. Applicability of Fall Protection Requirements to Architects and Engineers:

OPNAVINST 5100.23 Series, Paragraph 1311.b states: Fall-arrest anchorages in new

facilities, buildings and structures. During the design of new facilities, buildings, and
structures, Fall-Hazards should be considered and eliminated whenever possible. When
elimination of Fall-Hazards is not feasible, the design should include certified and labeled
anchorages. Additionally, the new ANSI Z359.2 Standard, require architects and
engineers to include Fall Protection systems in the design of new facilities.

f. Architects and engineers are required to be trained in fall prevention in accordance

with OPNAVINST 5100.23 Series, Appendix 13-A, and Section 6.1.9 of this guide.

14.2 PLANNING AND DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS: It is very important at the design and
planning phase to give consideration to the prevention of falls, not only during construction, but
subsequent use, or maintenance of the building, structure, or facility. Consideration during
various phases includes the following:

a. Construction Phase:

(1) Reducing the risk when working at heights (e.g., installation of guardrails
to the perimeter structural members prior to erection).
(2) Reducing the need to work at heights as much as possible by
prefabricating modules on the ground before lifting them into position.
(3) The placement and condition of the access road leading to the building or
facility during construction, for example, which would enable a crane to place
building material in the most appropriate and accessible location.
(4) Preparation and/or clearing debris on the ground or floor below the work
area. The ground should be compacted and leveled in order to prevent tilting,
unstable equipment (e.g., cranes or scissor lifts). All trenches or holes at the
work site shall be guarded adequately to prevent aerial work platforms or other
equipment from falling into such hazards.
(5) Provision of temporary safety mesh as much as possible to prevent
objects from falling down to lower levels.

b. Maintenance and Occupancy Phase:

(1) Safe access to or egress from any work area.

(2) Provision of permanent guardrails or edge protection such as parapets.
(3) Selection of material that can withstand a harsh environment. (e.g.,
special wood planks such as particleboard can weaken due to moisture
absorption, thereby not supporting the weight of a worker during a future roofing
inspection or maintenance work).
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(4) Use of temporary work platforms whenever possible, such as scaffold, and
elevating work platforms.
(5) Identification and location of services (e.g., location of power lines, water,
etc.).
(6) Location and operations of type of equipment selected and devices used
(e.g., using adjustable light fixtures that can be lowered to the ground for
replacement).
(7) Use of fall-arrest systems and devices, including the provision of suitably
located temporary or permanent anchor points and field identification of all
required anchorage points.
(8) Provision of safety nets, when required.
(9) Location of and access to equipment.
(10) Location of amenities, such as plants, security cameras and flood lights at
high locations.
(11) First aid facilities and trained personnel.

For complete detailed Design Considerations for Management of Fall-

Hazards during design phase, see Appendix E

14.3 FALL-HAZARD IDENTIFICATION: DON planners, designers and system safety

engineers should identify any Fall-Hazards that will be encountered by an employee working
at heights or using means of access to or egress from a building or facility. In order to assist in
identifying Fall-Hazards, special considerations should be given to:

a. Consultation, communication, and coordination with safety and health

professionals.

b. Knowledge of injuries arising from falls that have occurred at a workplace or at

similar workplaces.

c. Communication with various A/Es and contractors to find out if at risk workers
are having or are likely to have problems while performing their jobs.

d. Accidents or near-miss incidents related to falls at the workplace or similar

workplaces; review safety web pages for various accidents that occurred at similar
workplaces.

e. Review of relevant fall-protection standards, instructions, regulations, and

guidance documents.

f. Communications with employees of similar facilities to determine what type of risks

an employee would face during the performance of their duties.

g. Conducting a walk through inspection of the facility or similar facilities to become

familiar with various risk situations.

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h. Compiling statistical records indicating potentially unsafe work practices.

14.4 RISK ASSESSMENT: It is the responsibility of the planner or the designer to assess
risk of injury to employeeswhile the employees are at the workplace during performance of
their work resulting from each hazard that involves falling.

a. Risk in relation to any injury or harm means the probability of that injury or
harm occurring is increased. If a hazard is identified, the risks associated with such
hazard can be assessed. Assessment of risks will help planners, designers, and
system safety engineers determine the potential injury and thus help identify methods to
reduce risks. The necessary steps in a risk assessment process may include the
following:
(1) Identify the specific hazardous/situation that might occur in a workplace.
(2) Identify the nature of the decisions to be made about hazards and who is
responsible for making these decisions.
(3) Define and decide how such information needs to be presented to the
decision makers.

b. The required information may include the determination and assessment of

the following:
(1) Size, height, and layout of a workplace.
(2) Material handling methods or accessing all material or equipment at
different locations of the facility.
(3) Location and condition of all equipment and/or material used in a
workplace.
(4) The number, type of work, and movement of all employees in a workplace,
planned facility, or building.

14.5 RISK CONTROL: Planners and designers should consider the means by which risk
may be eliminated or reduced. Once risks have been assessed, measures should be taken to
control the hazards of falling in accordance with the hierarchy or preferred order of control
measures. These range from eliminating the worst hazards to the use of other methods that
reduce risks. Specific control measures may include the following:

a. Plans or designs of new or modifications to existing buildings, structures, or

facilities should take fall prevention into consideration.

b. Evaluate methods or the way jobs can be performed safely to eliminate or reduce
the likelihood of a fall.

c. Organize and schedule work so that employees do not interfere in safety

measures taken or increase the risk of a fall for themselves or others

d. Identify the information and knowledge required by contractors to enable them to

work safely at heights.

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e. Collect, assemble, and present the information required to eliminate or reduce
hazards.

f. Identify the training or knowledge requirement to work safely if there is a risk of

falling.

14.6 HIERARCHY OF CONTROL MEASURES

Elimination of Fall-Hazards is the preferred control measure. For other control

measures See Chapter 7.

End of Section

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15.0 GUIDANCE - FALL PROTECTION FOR AIRCRAFT

MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION WORK

15.1 INTRODUCTION

Falls from aircraft are potential sources of injuries and fatalities to aircraft maintenance
personnel, aircrew, and inspectors. This document is designed to provide guidance to mitigate
these risks and help to ensure the safety of all personnel who perform aviation maintenance
and inspection work at the organizational, intermediate, and depot levels.

15.2 APPLICABILITY

This guidance document applies to all Navy and Marine Corps Military and Civilian personnel
worldwide involved in aircraft maintenance and inspection work where personnel are exposed
to the hazard of falling from heights and/or there is a need for fall protection.

15.3 PURPOSE

The purpose of this Chapter is to provide administrative tools, criteria, and safe work practices
to mitigate fall hazards when conducting aircraft maintenance or inspections. The Naval
Aviation, maintenance, inspection and aircraft wash-downs are considered maintenance tasks
under the Naval Aviation Maintenance Program (NAMP).

15.4 APPLICABLE STANDARDS, REGULATIONS, SOPS, AND INSTRUCTIONS

OPNAVINST 5100.23 (series) requires fall protection when working 4 feet or more above lower
levels to be mitigated by one or more of five hierarchies of control measures. In addition,
federal OSHA fall protection regulations apply to civilian personnel at all times. Federal OSHA
regulations 29 CFR 1910 also apply to military personnel conducting intermediate level and
depot level maintenance at all times, and organizational level maintenance when conducting
maintenance or inspections not directly involved in military flight operations. The use of fall
protection shall be used to the maximum extent feasible, and the use of deliberate risk
management is required for all aviation maintenance and/or inspection evolutions.

Commander Naval Air Forces Pacific and Atlantic issued coordinated naval message DTG
290027Z Sep 10, 2010 to issue program requirements and ensure program compliance as part
of a Navy wide effort to achieve the DON Safety Vision for 2009 and Beyond and Secretary of
Defenses (SECDEF) 2012 mishap reduction goals. The CNAF requirements for developing a
fall protection program are taken directly from requirements put forth by Chapter 13 of
OPNAVINST 5100.23 Series for a comprehensive fall protection program

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Note
For additional references refer to OPNAVINST 5100.23 Chapter 13

15.5 WRITTEN FALL PROTECTION PROGRAM

OPNAVINST 5100.23 Series, Chapter 13, and Chapter 3 of the DON Fall Protection Guide,
require all commands to develop a written Fall Protection program. This written program must
be site specific and tailored to the individual commands equipment and requirements based
on the hazard assessment. For example, if the unit does not utilize harness type fall protection
equipment, the associated items such as rescue procedures may be omitted. Alternate
type/model/series specific templates may have been developed for your particular aircraft.
Contact your wing Safety Department to determine if a template for your type/model/series
(T/M/S) has been generated. The command policy should contain two appendices. Appendix
one should be the Fall Hazard Survey and appendix two should be the Fall Protection and
Prevention Plan. Although the FP guide has a sample written FP program, paragraph 15.9 of
this chapter includes a template more specific to aviation that the commands can tailor to their
needs.

15.6 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The command Fall Protection Program Manager (FPPM) shall ensure that assigned personnel
have the necessary skills, knowledge, training, and expertise to manage, administer, and
implement the fall protection program. At a minimum, the command shall have a designated
Fall Protection Program Manager, and End-Users of Fall Protection. Chapter 4 of the fall
protection guide provides additional guidance for positions within the program, including the
duties and responsibilities of personnel involved in the fall protection program. The following
positions shall be included in the command fall protection program with their required
qualifications and responsibilities:

a) Aviation Squadron Fall Protection Program Manager (Aviation FPPM). A person

designated in writing by the Commanding Officer who is responsible for the development
and implementation of the Fall Protection Program. The Aviation FPPM shall ensure that
personnel exposed to fall hazards and other personnel involved in the program receive
adequate training as outlined in appendix A of reference (a). Aviation FPPMs may contact
their TYPE WING Safety Offices for information on possible Aviation FPPM training
options.

Designation of Aviation (FPPM) to oversee the administrative requirements, equipment

selection, and inspection aspects of the program- this responsibility should be assigned to
the command Safety Officer, however this position may be assigned to an E-6 or above
(Preferably Quality Assurance Representative with appropriate training per the
requirements stated below in Paragraph 15.8.

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b) Qualified Person for Fall Protection (optional). A person with a recognized engineering
degree or professional certificate and with extensive knowledge, training, and experience
in fall protection and rescue field; who is capable of performing design, analysis, and
evaluation of fall protection systems and equipment. Qualified personnel from Naval
Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) personnel can fulfill this role as required.

c) Competent Person for Fall Protection. A person designated in writing by the

Commanding Officer to be responsible for the immediate supervision, implementation and
monitoring of the fall protection program., who is capable of identifying, evaluating and
addressing existing and potential fall hazards, and in the application and use of personal
fall protection and rescue system or any component thereof, and has the authority to take
prompt corrective measures to eliminate or control the hazards of falling. To be trained to
the Competent Person level, personnel must attend a Competent Person training course
as approved by ECHELON II (USFF, CPF or NAVAIR); the training shall be in accordance
with reference (a) requirements.

Note
Competent Person is only required at the unit if personnel are using Personal Fall Arrest
Systems (i.e. Harnesses and Lanyards)

Note
Installation safety offices maintain personnel trained to the Competent Person level and
who are available to support aviation units by request.

Note
With adequate education, training, and experience, the AVFPPM may also function as a
Qualified Person or Competent Person

d) End User for Fall Protection Equipment (Authorized Person) Shall be trained in the
use of Personal Fall protection Equipment

e) Competent Person for Inspection of Fall Protection Equipment (as required) - A person
who has been trained by the Competent Person or Qualified Person for fall protection to
perform and document inspections of personal fall protection equipment. Personnel
trained as an Aviation Squadron Fall Protection Program Manager can also perform these
inspections.

f) Exposed Personnel. Any person exposed to a fall hazard while performing aircraft
maintenance and inspections. Exposed personnel shall receive unit level fall protection
training from the Aviation FPPM. At a minimum training shall include: stands, ladders,
over-wing maintenance and climbing aircraft.

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15.7 WORKPLACE SURVEY AND ASSESSMENT OF FALL HAZARDS

a) Workplace Survey A Competent Person for Fall Protection or an Aviation Fall

Protection Program Manager shall conduct the workplace survey. Paragraphs 15.9.2 and
15.10.1 of this chapter provide a template and a checklist for conducting workplace
surveys. The workplace survey shall encompass the aircraft and all maintenance areas
(i.e. hangars, wash racks, flight line) and different access equipment that may be available
in each area. The fall hazard survey shall be validated annually for comparison purposes.

Note
As multiple squadrons may use the same support equipment it is efficient to coordinate
surveys with other tenant squadrons/units as not to reinvent the wheel.

b) Hazard Assessment Once fall hazards are identified in the workplace survey, the
hazards must be assessed. OPNAVINST 3500.39 (series) RM provides matrices to
assess hazards based on mishap probability and severity. Considerations such as
potential environmental conditions should be included in each hazard assessment.

c) Workplace Survey Report Identification and assessment of fall hazards in addition to

comprehension of the tasks to be performed by personnel working at heights which will
allow the Competent Person for Fall Protection or Program Manager to develop
alternatives to mitigate fall hazards. Chapter 5, Section 5.3 of the Fall Protection Guide for
Ashore Facilities provides guidance for preparing workplace survey reports. The
Workplace Survey Report should list all fall hazards (height and hazards for each elevated
working platform or area), provide a list of maintenance tasks that may be executed for
each elevated working area, and provide a risk assessment for each task. Tasks may be
grouped for assessment purposes for each elevated working area if they pose the same
risk. Caution must be applied to grouping tasks that have different risk assessments. For
example, applying torque to a main rotor head bolt may present a much greater hazard
severity and probability than inspection of the main rotor head servicing despite both tasks
being conducted on the same elevated working platform. A Workplace Survey Report is
site specific, but reports for a particular T/M/S may have already been completed and can
serve as a template for alternate sites. Contact your wing Safety Officer for potential
templates.

15.8 TRAINING

Training of Fall Protection Program Managers and End-users Training requirements for all
personnel involved in the fall protection program, including personnel who may be exposed to
fall hazards when performing aircraft maintenance or inspection work, are addressed in the
OPNAVINST 5100.23 (series), Appendix 13-A and paragraph 6.2 of DON Fall Protection
Guide. In addition, ESAMS Course #4463 titled CNAL and CNAP Wing/Squadron Fall
Protection Program Managers Training is also available. Contact your Administrative
Chain of Command for possible training alternatives.

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15.9 AIRCRAFT FALL HAZARD PREVENTION AND CONTROLS

Each task identified in the workplace survey report must be mitigated with one of the five
control methods listed in Chapter 13 of OPNAVINST 5100.23 Series according to the hierarchy
or preferred order of control measures for fall hazards. Each maintenance task (or tasks as
grouped in the workplace hazard assessment) to be executed and its corresponding control
method(s) must be delineated as part of the site specific Fall Protection and Prevention Plan.
This plan is to be included as enclosure two in the squadron fall protection program instruction.
Chapter 7 of the DON Fall Protection Guide, paragraphs 15.15.3 and 15.16.2 of this chapter
provides general guidance, plan requirements, instructions for completing the plan, and a
sample plan. Contact your wing Safety Officer to determine if a fall protection and prevention
plan has already been developed for your airframe. Additional general guidance to be included
in fall protection and prevention plans, as applicable, follows:

a) Maintenance and Inspection Work

1. Personnel shall be trained to recognize the hazards of falling, fall risks at the
worksite, recognition of fall-hazard deficiencies, and safe use of the equipment
they are operating on including integrated features such as steps and hold points,
and the selection and safe use of fall protection equipment.

2. Designated walkways shall be identified and used wherever possible. Walkways

are pre-identified paths that a person is permitted or allowed to walk on without the
use of fall protection equipment.

3. Personnel working on aircraft surfaces should wear slip-resistant soled shoes,

cranials, and other appropriate PPE.

4. Good housekeeping practice is paramount, and shall be enforced or implemented.

Clean all aircraft surfaces immediately when hydraulic fluids, oils, and other fluids
contaminate the worksite.

5. Winds or other environmental variables such as rain, snow, frost, or ice that may
preclude the safe performance of maintenance or inspection work shall be
considered in the RM executed for that evolution.

6. Where the use of fall protection equipment is not feasible (e.g., active flight line,
preflight inspections); commands shall utilize RM, at a minimum, to analyze and
determine alternate methods (administrative controls) to mitigate risk.

b) Cleaning, Washing or deicing Aircraft

1. To protect against falls while cleaning, washing, or deicing aircraft, personnel

should not be allowed to climb or walk on wet, frost-covered, or icy surfaces.

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2. For washing or cleaning aircraft, separate elevated work platforms or work stands
and long-handle brushes shall be used to the maximum extent possible. This
does not preclude the additional use of other fall protection systems.

3. Where it is necessary to walk on aircraft wings or other surfaces during washing,

extreme care shall be exercised and other control measures, as appropriate, shall
be utilized, such as horizontal life-lines or self-retracting-lanyards (SRLs), to which
a full body harness can be attached.

15.10 FALL PROTECTION SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT USED FOR AIRCRAFT

MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION WORK

Fall protection and fall protection methodologies are pieces of the overall hazard analysis and
prevention plan for an aviation maintenance and/or inspection evolution. Location of the
aircraft or potential fall exposure, nature of the task, environmental conditions, work area of the
aircraft or working platform, and consideration for other potential hazards that may be
introduced with the use of fall protection methodologies, shall be considered for each task.
Consideration must be given to all hazards encountered with the execution of a particular
maintenance or inspection task, to determine the best and safest course of action. For
example, moving aircraft in order to make space for fall protection equipment, especially in
confined and/or areas with high density of other aircraft and equipment, adds additional
hazards that may outweigh those of the fall hazard.

Special consideration must be given to the use of fall protection equipment and systems on
active flight lines due to the risk of foreign object damage (FOD) and the potential effects of
rotor, jet, or propeller wash. If maintenance or inspection work is required on the flight line,
consideration should be given to utilizing a designated maintenance area that is free from the
additional hazards that may be caused by propeller, jet, or rotor wash. Where these hazards
cannot be controlled effectively, then administrative controls may provide the best fall
protection methods on active flight lines. In this case, personnel shall use deliberate ORM and
other administrative controls to mitigate fall hazards.

If the Competent Person for Fall Protection determines that the use of fall protection equipment
is not feasible or practicable based on the overall hazard analysis, personnel shall use
deliberate RM and other administrative controls to mitigate fall hazards in accordance with
guidance of the Competent Person for Fall Protection. A primary objective of the Fall
Protection and Prevention Plan, discussed in Section 15.7, item (4) of this Chapter, is to
provide site specific, standard methods to mitigate fall hazards associated with routine tasks
and to provide guidance, should deviation to standard methods be required.

The following paragraphs list types of fall protection systems that can be used for aircraft
maintenance and inspection, in cases where fall hazards cannot be eliminated. They are listed
in accordance with the hierarchy of controls, stated in Chapter 13 of OPNAVINST 5100.23
(series), and Chapter 7 of this guide. For more details on fall protection equipment and
systems, see Chapter 8 and 9 of this guide. Navy and Marine Corps activities must determine

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those fall protection measures which must be taken, based on risk analysis of the work or
inspection to be performed:

(1) Mobile Work Platforms and Mobile Man Lifts

Where work is performed from elevated work platforms four feet or higher, the work platforms
shall be equipped with a standard guardrail and safe method of access, or other fall protection
system that mitigates potential fall hazards. Mobile servicing platforms are authorized, but
shall be required to provide additional fall protection equipment per the manufacturers
specifications. Work platforms shall comply with OPNAVINST 5100.23 (series), OSHA 29
CFR 1910 and COMNAVAIRFORINST 4790.2B CH-1, dated 15 June 2013.

Mobile Work Platform (MWP) and Mobile Man Lift (MML) provide powered access from self-
propelled elevating platforms which are approved as Ground Support Equipment. The MML
was specifically procured for support to MV-22 but its operating range lends itself to support
several aircraft of that size.

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(2) Other Aerial Work Platforms

B-Stands

B-Stands

Fully Guarded B-Stand

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Phase Stands

Phase Stand

Warehouse Stands

Warehouse Stand

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Ladders

Ladders

15.10.2 Restraint System.

A system consisting of equipment and components connected together designed to restrain a

person from reaching an exposed fall hazard.

Integrated Restraint Systems

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Integrated Restraint System

15.10.3 Personal Fall-Arrest System.

A system used to arrest a person during a fall from a working level. It consists of an anchorage
system, connecting means, and full body harness and may include a lanyard, self-retracting
device, lifeline, or suitable combination of these. A personal fall arrest system shall be rigged
so that employee arrested fall will not come in contact with a lower level or object. Safety belts
(body belts) shall not be used. Suitable anchor points for personal fall arrest systems include
horizontal lifeline systems, moveable and/or fixed anchorages attached to a rigid rail or beam,
and vacuum type anchors. Vacuum anchors shall not be used on composite or thin shelled
aircrafts. They shall only be used on thick shelled airframes.

(1) Integrated Fall Arrest Systems Overhead Anchor System

Portable Overhead Anchor Systems (Single Point)

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Portable Overhead Anchor Systems (rails)

Overhead Beam Strap with Self Retracting Lanyard

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(2) Horizontal Lifeline

(3) Vacuum Anchor

Note
Before using the vacuum system, approval by the cognizant technical authority over the
subject airframe is required.

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15.10.4 Administrative controls.

These are controls that reduce risks through specific administrative actions. Methods for
implementing administrative controls include:

a) Fall Hazard Awareness Training for personnel performing elevated work.

b) Providing suitable warnings, markings, placards, signs and notices.
c) Establishing written policies, programs, instructions, and SOPs.
d) Conducting a deliberate RM with consideration of the following as a minimum.
1. Maintenance or inspection work duration,
2. Environmental factors such as wind, rain, snow, or ice,
3. Probability of fall,
4. Hazards of fall (obstacles, height, etc.)
5. Slippery materials or substances on aircraft surfaces
6. Actual requirement for work to be completed
e) Limiting the exposure to a hazard (by reducing the number of personnel, and/or the
length of time personnel are exposed).

Direct Climbing on Airframe

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Direct Climbing on Airframe

15.11 INSPECTION, CARE, MAINTENACE AND STORAGE OF FALL PROTECTION

EQUIPMENT

Chapter 11 of the DON Fall Protection Guide for Ashore Facilities provides guidance,
checklists, and specific requirements for this topic. The fall protection program instruction
must address specific inspection, maintenance, storage, and care procedures for the fall
protection equipment possessed and/or utilized by the command. Manufacturers instructions
and recommendations may provide a good starting point for these requirements. Checklists,
maintenance requirement cards, and pre-operational inspection cards should be developed for
each piece of fall protection equipment by a competent person for fall protection or fall
protection program manager and approved by the responsible authority.

15.12 RESCUE PROCEDURES

Chapter 10 of the DON Fall Protection Guide for Ashore Facilities provides guidance and
templates for this requirement. A site specific rescue plan shall be prepared in writing and
maintained for all instances where personnel work at heights while utilizing harness-type fall
protection systems. If the rescue will be performed by the Fire Department or other
Governmental Jurisdictional Agency, a written Pre-Incident Plan is required. The rescue plan
shall contain detailed procedures on the methods of rescue to include methods of self-
rescue/assisted rescue, equipment used in the rescue procedure, training requirements
including specialized training for rescuers, procedures for requesting rescue, and a pre-mishap
medical plan should medical assistance be required. The rescue plan should be included as
part of the written Fall Protection and Prevention Plan.

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15.13 AUDITS AND EVALUATIONS

Chapter 3 of DON the Fall Protection Guide for Ashore Facilities provides compliance checklist
for the Fall Protection Program which can be used for auditing the program. Program audits
should be conducted semiannually, but shall be conducted annually as part of the command
safety self-assessment described in OPNAVINST 5100.23 (series) and MCO 5100.29 Series.

15.14 FUNDING AND PROCUREMENT OF FALL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT

Fall protection equipment required but not provided through support equipment (S/E) avenues
should be procured by the squadron or type wing. If squadron or type wing funding is
unavailable, funding may be available for fall protection methods and solutions through the
Navy Hazard Abatement Program. The Hazard Abatement (HA) Program is a part of the Navy
and Marine Corps Mishap Prevention and Hazard Abatement (MPHA) Program managed by
NAVFAC. In order to apply for this funding, the FPPM must establish an account with the
NAVFAC Single Sign-on (SSO) website https://portal.navfac.navy.mil/private). Once
registration is complete and a login established, the FPPM must establish an account with the
Hazard Abatement Database. The link to this database can be found under the Safety
message Boards link under the NAVFAC governance boards Section on the left hand
portion of the screen once signed in to the NAVFAC portal. Once in the safety message board
Section, the Hazard Abatement link is displayed under NAVFAC Safety within the Home
tab. Once within the Hazard Abatement Section, select Hazard Abatement Database and
follow the steps to submit your request for Hazard Abatement funding.

The Navy and Marine Corps Hazard Abatement program evaluates all submitted hazard
abatement funding requests from all hazard areas before determining what projects shall be
selected for funding. The program has funded several aircraft fall protection projects and
helped determine appropriate solutions; but each submitted Hazard Abatement project is
evaluated on its merits before being selected for completion. Furthermore, this is no guarantee
of selection for a submitted project. The project screening and selection process normally
takes place annually, with projects selected for completion in the following fiscal year.

Several hazard assessments already have been executed for various T/M/S aircraft. Though
hazard assessments are site specific, previously executed assessments provide insight into
fall protection hazards and solutions and may be used to request funding. The point of contact
for the Hazard Abatement Program can be reached at (619) 532-2025.

15.15: EXAMPLES OF FALL PROTECTION PROGRAM DOCUMENT TEMPLATES

The following are templates to assist DON Aviation Commands establish, implement and
manage viable fall protection programs. These templates include the following:

(1) Written Fall Protection Program Template;

(2) Fall Hazard Survey Report Template;
(3) Fall Protection and Prevention Plan Template.

End of Section

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15.15.1 WRITTEN FALL PROTECTION PRGRAM TEMPLATE

(Specific to Aviation Commands)

COMMAND NAME INSTRUCTION XXXX.XX

From: Commanding Officer, COMMAND NAME

Subj: FALL PROTECTION PROGRAM MEMORANDUM

Ref: (a) OPNAVINST 5100.23(series); MCO 5100.29 (series) or NAVMC DIR 5100.8
(b) DON Fall Protection Guide for Ashore Facilities
(c) CNICINST 5100.3
(d) OPNAVINST 5102.1(series)
(e) OPNAVINST 3500.39 (series)

Encl: (1) Fall Hazard Survey Report

(2) Fall Protection and Prevention Plan

1. Purpose. The purpose of this instruction is to establish a command Fall Protection

Program, provide policy and requirements for the implementation of the program, and establish
procedures on fall protection and fall prevention for COMMAND NAME personnel working at
heights and/or exposed to fall hazards while conducting aircraft maintenance and inspection
work.

2. Applicability. This program applies to all COMMAND NAME military and DON civilian
personnel who are exposed to fall hazards when performing maintenance or inspection work
on an elevated, walking, or working surface with unprotected sides, edges, or openings, from
which there is a possibility of falling four feet or more to a lower level; or where there is a
possibility of a fall from any height onto dangerous equipment, into a hazardous environment,
or onto an impalement hazard.

3. Cancellation. Instruction XXXX.XX

4. Background. Falls from heights are a major cause of injuries and fatalities in the work
place. Reference (a) directs all Navy and Marine Corps ashore activities to establish a
managed fall protection program. The nature of aviation maintenance and inspection requires
that COMMAND NAME personnel work at heights, thereby exposing them to fall hazards.

5. Command Fall Protection Policy. COMMAND NAME is committed to provide a safe

working environment for its personnel exposed to fall hazards and eliminating
preventable mishaps. Mission accomplishment is our number one task, but we cannot
accomplish this task if we do not do our utmost to ensure the safety of our personnel.
This program is part of an overall command safety program designed to enhance

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operational readiness by preventing injury or death of personnel through careful
management of material resources.

a. COMMAND NAME personnel shall take every reasonable precaution to protect

themselves and others while working at heights.

b. In accordance with reference (a), COMMAND NAME may use the Department of
the DON Fall Protection Guide for Ashore Facilities [reference (b)], as a guide when
creating their own site specific program, plans, and policies.

6. Duties and Responsibilities. COMMAND NAME leadership shall ensure that all personnel
assigned to the fall protection program have the necessary skills, knowledge, training, and
expertise to manage, administer, and implement the fall protection program.

a. Command Safety Officer: Shall provide oversight of the command Fall Protection
Program.

b. The Command Fall Protection Program Manager shall:

(1) Develop and implement the command fall protection program.

(2) Manage and coordinate the commands core Fall Protection program.

(3) Perform and document reviews, and evaluations of operations, facilities, materials,
and equipment.

(4) Conduct fall hazard survey and prepare survey report.

(5) Coordinate workplace and fall-arrest system inspections with the supporting
Competent Person for Fall Protection.

(a) The Competent Person support services can be requested from the supporting
Regional/local installation safety office.

(b) The Competent Person services may be provided by command personnel if

they have completed the required training course as described in Appendix 13-A of
reference (a) and paragraph 6.2 of reference (b) .

(6) Correct or abate identified fall hazards.

(7) Obtain consulting services from the supporting Regional/local installation safety
office on technical aspects of the program.

(8) Coordinate with the supporting Regional/local installation safety office to analyze
core effectiveness through the annual safety self-assessment process.

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(9) Coordinate core fall protection training for all personnel who are exposed to fall
hazards and End-users of fall-arrest systems, when applicable.

(10) Coordinate with the supporting Regional/local installation safety office any other
support described in Table 1 of reference (c) required to ensure the proper
management of this program.

7. Fall-hazard Prevention and Control. Reference (a) requires each DON activity to survey
the workplace to identify potential fall hazards and prepare a Fall Hazard Survey Report.
Reference (a) requires a Fall Protection and Prevention Plan, prepared by a Competent
Person for Fall Protection, or by a Qualified Person for Fall Protection, as part of a managed
fall protection program. The trained FPPM may also prepare the fall protection and prevention
plan

a. The Fall Protection and Prevention Plan shall provide site specific guidance for tasks
executed at COMMAND NAME.

b. Prior to visiting a site at another Navy Activity, COMMAND NAME employees who will
be climbing or using ascending equipment different from the equipment addressed in the
COMMAND NAME Fall Hazard Survey Report should review that the host Activitys Fall
Hazard Survey.

8. Fall Protection Training. COMMAND NAME personnel who have the potential for
exposure to fall hazards and/or those involved in the Fall Protection Program shall be trained
in fall prevention and fall protection in accordance with the requirements in reference (a), and
the training requirements in reference (b). A Competent Person or a vendor who has the
knowledge, expertise, and education to deliver the training shall train end-users.

a. Initial Training. Command personnel exposed to fall hazards shall complete the
following training:

(1) Fall hazard awareness training: general fall hazard awareness training shall be
provided by either a Competent Person for Fall Protection or by completion of a Navy-
approved general fall hazard awareness training, such as the Enterprise Safety
Applications Management Systems (ESAMS) course #1259.

(2) Personnel required to climb aircraft shall be qualified climbers.

(a) Qualified climbers shall be trained and knowledgeable regarding those surfaces
which are, and are not, able to support a climber; and shall observe airframe
restrictions. Training shall include:

- Requirement for cranial protection

- Areas on airframe authorized for use as a step
- Checking to ensure that steps are cleaned of slippery substances
- Instruction to maintain three points of control on aircraft at all times

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(b) Qualified climbers shall rely on experience, proper training, and the use of time-
critical RM as described in reference (e) to minimize the risk of a fall.

(3) End-users of Fall-Protection shall also undergo Hands-On training on the specific
personal fall-protection system and equipment used at the command. This training
must be performed by a Competent Person for Fall Protection. End-user training shall
include training on:

- Safe use of equipment

- Proper application of equipment
- Equipment limits
- Estimation of fall distances and clearance requirements
- Methods of inspection, storage, care, and maintenance
- Applicable regulations
- Proper anchoring and tie-off techniques
- Recognition of fall-hazard deficiencies
- Site specific procedures.

b. Retraining. Retraining in relevant topics shall be provided to the end-user and/or qualified
climbers when:

(1) Personnel have been observed using maintenance stands or fall protection equipment
in an unsafe manner.

(2) Personnel have been involved in a mishap or a near-miss incident.

(3) Personnel have received an evaluation that reveals that he or she is not using the fall
protection equipment properly.

(4) An End-user is assigned a different type of fall protection equipment.

(5) A condition in the workplace changes in a manner that could affect the safe use of the
fall protection equipment that the end-user is to utilize.

c. Refresher training. Personnel exposed to fall hazards shall receive periodic awareness
and hands-on equipment (when applicable) refresher training as required by reference (a) and
(b).

9. Inspection, Storage, Care, and Maintenance of Fall Protection Equipment. Command fall
protection equipment shall comply with the requirements of reference (a); applicable
requirements in reference (b); and the manufacturers requirements for the inspection, storage,
care and maintenance of fall protection equipment.

a. A Competent Person for Fall Protection or a Competent Person for Equipment

Inspection shall perform a documented inspection on each piece of fall protection equipment
annually using criteria found in reference (b) or appropriate Maintenance Required Card
(MRC).
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b. End-users of Fall Protection shall inspect fall protection equipment prior to each use
using criteria in reference (b) or appropriate MRC whichever is more stringent.

10. Mishap Reporting.

a. Any fall-from-height experienced by command personnel shall be reported to the
FPPM or Safety Officer.

b. If a fall results in fall-arrest equipment activation, the event shall be reported as a near-
miss using the Hazard Report in reference (c).

11. Program Audits and Evaluation. The FPPM shall audit the program annually (at a
minimum) per Chapter 3 of reference (a).

12. Rescue Plan. When fall-arrest systems are utilized the FPPM shall coordinate with the
supporting Competent Person for Fall Protection to create a rescue plan which meets the
requirements in reference (b). The rescue plan shall then be incorporated into the command
Fall Protection Program.

(Signed) C. O. COMMAND

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15.15.2 MH-60 FALL HAZARD SURVEY REPORT (Template)

1. Purpose. The purpose of this survey report is to provide a baseline assessment of fall
protection and associated hazards on the MH-60S aircraft, and points for consideration when
executing tasks required for aircraft maintenance and inspection. This analysis designates
three distinct locations for aircraft maintenance, three distinct working areas on the aircraft
itself, and designates tasks to be performed in these areas as high risk or low risk.

a. Any fall, even a fall on the same level, can result in disability or death; but for the
purpose of this analysis, fall severity shall be generalized, based on potential fall distance.

(1) Falls of four feet or less are considered relatively minor.

(2) Falls from 4-10 feet are considered moderate falls that likely would result in bone
fractures, severe contusions, and a lost-time injury.

(3) Falls of greater than 10 feet are considered severe and may result in severe injury
including partial disability or death.

(4) Falls from any height where there is potential of falling onto hazardous conditions (e.g.
machinery) are considered severe.

2. Mitigation Method. Fall protection and fall protection methods are parts of the overall
hazard analysis and prevention plan for an aviation maintenance and/or inspection evolution.
Location of the aircraft or potential fall exposure, nature of the task, work area of the aircraft or
working platform, and consideration for other hazard potentials that may be introduced with the
use of fall protection methods, shall be considered for each task.

a. For example, moving aircraft in order to make space for fall protection equipment,
especially in confined and/or areas with high density of other aircraft and equipment, may
create additional hazards that outweigh those of the fall hazard.

(1) The use of fall protection systems and equipment on an active flight line may introduce
foreign object damage (FOD) hazards and hazards associated with jet, propeller, and rotor
wash.

(2) Consideration must be given to all hazards involved with the execution of a particular
maintenance or inspection task to determine the best and safest course of action to protect
personnel as well as equipment.

3. Hazard Analysis. Exposures to fall hazards are considered as the product of frequency of
exposure, proximity to fall hazard, duration of exposure, security of area, and the
environmental impact. These factors provide the overall probability of the fall.

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a. Though the hazard assessments provided in this document are displayed using the
tables in reference (d) which quantify fall hazards based on severity and probability of a hazard
becoming a mishap

b. Where multiple fall hazards exist during a particular work task, the one with the highest
associated risk (worst-case) shall be utilized to determine the proper fall hazard controls to use
during the entire work task. A hazard assessment has been included for aircraft moves as a
point for consideration in the overall hazard analysis of an aircraft maintenance or inspection.

c. This assessment is not all-inclusive of all hazards or conditions that may arise, but is a
guideline for supervisors and workers to execute operational risk management, to protect
personnel and materiel.

4. Fall Hazard Areas:

a. Tasks and RM hazard assessments

(1) Tail Pylon

(a) Fall Hazard: Height of Total Exposure is approximately 12 feet from the top of tail
gearbox cowling to the ground. The top step is approximately 10 feet depending on
aircraft weight and servicing of the tail strut.

(b) High-Risk Tasks include:

1. Removal, installation, and/or maintenance on the tail gear box input seal and
input flange.

2. Removal, installation, and/or maintenance on the tail rotor paddles.

3. Removal, installation, and/or maintenance on inboard and outboard retention

plates.

4. Removal, installation, and/or maintenance of #6 driveshaft.

5. Removal, installation, and/or maintenance on tail rotor quadrant.

(c) Low-Risk Tasks include:

1. Preflight inspections to include daily and turnaround maintenance preflight

inspections.

2. Servicing of tail rotor gearbox.

3. Resetting cam-locks on tail cowlings.

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(d) Risk: Steps integrated into airframe provide access to tail and associated
components. Steps may be inadequate to maintain balance and mitigate risk of
falling while attempting to perform aircraft maintenance and inspection. The risk of
falling increases significantly with less than three points of contact between the
aircraft and the person performing aircraft maintenance or inspection.
(e) Hazard assessment:

HIGH-RISK TASK RAC MATRIX

Probability
Hazard
Severity A B C D
I 1 1 2 3
II 1 2 3 4
III 2 3 4 5
IV 3 4 5 5

LOW-RISK TASK RAC MATRIX

Probability
Hazard
Severity A B C D
I 1 1 2 3
II 1 2 3 4
III 2 3 4 5
IV 3 4 5 5

(f) Mitigations:

1. Fall protection stand with appropriate PPE.

2. Use of integrated aircraft steps with appropriate PPE.

3. Deliberate RM/Administrative controls. Some examples can include:

- Consider specific part of aircraft used to climb onto aircraft and determine
whether or not a safer alternate exists.
- Check weather conditions and postpone aircraft climb if necessary.
- Ensure aircraft surfaces are free of slippery substances.
- Assure that boot soles are in good condition
- Assure the climbing personnel maintain a minimum of three points of contact at
all times.
- Don cranial protection

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(2) Hydraulics Bay Area

(a) Fall Hazard: Height of Total Fall Exposure is approximately seven feet from the top of
the decking of the hydraulics bay to the ground. This height is dependent on aircraft weight
and the servicing of the struts.

(b) High-Risk Tasks to be performed:

1. Torque verifications or adjustments on main rotor damper mount bolts.

2. Torque verifications or adjustments on bifilar assembly and weights.

3. Torque verifications or adjustments on the Main Gear Box mount feet.

4. Torque verifications or adjustments of the main rotor blades.

5. Removal and/or installation of forward bridge.

6. Removal and/or installation of main rotor blades.

7. Removal, installation, and/or maintenance on primary servos.

(c) Low-Risk Tasks include:

1. Preflight inspections, to include Daily and Turnaround maintenance preflight

inspections.

2. Servicing of hydraulic reservoirs.

(d) Risk: Steps integrated into airframes provide access to the hydraulics bay,
transmission, main rotor, and associated components. Steps and working surfaces may be
inadequate to maintain balance and mitigate risk of falling while attempting to perform aircraft
maintenance and inspection in these areas. The risk of falling increases significantly with less
than three points of contact between the aircraft and the person performing aircraft
maintenance or inspection.

(e) Hazard assessment:

HIGH-RISK TASK RAC MATRIX

Probability
Hazard
Severity A B C D
I 1 1 2 3
II 1 2 3 4
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III 2 3 4 5
IV 3 4 5 5

LOW-RISK TASK RAC MATRIX

Probability
Hazard
Severity A B C D
I 1 1 2 3
II 1 2 3 4
III 2 3 4 5
IV 3 4 5 5

(f) Mitigations:

1. Fall protection stand with appropriate PPE.

2. Use of integrated aircraft steps with appropriate PPE.

3. Deliberate RM/Administrative controls. Some examples can include:

- Consider specific part of aircraft used to climb onto aircraft and determine
whether or not a safer alternate exists.
- Check weather conditions and during inclement weather postpone aircraft climb
if necessary.
- Ensure aircraft surfaces are free of slippery substances.
- Assure boot soles are in good condition
- Assure that climbing personnel maintain minimum three points of contact at all
times.
- Don cranial protection.

(3) Area above Cabin

(a) Fall Hazard: The height of area above the cabin is approximately nine feet from the
top of the decking above the oil cooler compartment to the ground. This height is dependent
on aircraft weight and the servicing of the struts.

(b) High-Risk Tasks to be performed:

1. Removal and/or installation of the Rescue hoist.

2. Torque verifications or adjustments on main rotor damper mount bolts.

3. Torque verifications or adjustments on bifilar assembly and weights.

4. Torque verifications or adjustments on the Main gear box mount feet.

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5. Torque verifications or adjustments of the main rotor blades.

6. Removal and/or installation of aft bridge.

7. Removal and/or installation of main rotor blades.

8. Removal and/or installation of the APU.

9. Removal, installation, and/or maintenance on primary servos.

(c) Low-Risk Tasks to be performed:

1. Preflight inspections to include Daily and Turnaround maintenance preflight

inspections.

2. Servicing of utility hydraulic pump.

3. Servicing of the APU.

(d) Risk: Steps integrated into airframe provide access to an area above the cabin to
include the oil cooler compartment, main engines, main rotor, ECS compartment, fire bottle
compartment, APU compartment, and associated components. Steps may be inadequate to
maintain balance and mitigate risk of falling while attempting to perform aircraft maintenance
and inspection. The risk of falling increases significantly with less than three points of contact
between the aircraft and the person performing aircraft maintenance or inspection.

(e) Hazard assessment:

HIGH-RISK TASK RAC MATRIX

Probability
Hazard
Severity A B C D
I 1 1 2 3
II 1 2 3 4
III 2 3 4 5
IV 3 4 5 5

LOW-RISK TASK RAC MATRIX

Probability
Hazard
Severity A B C D
I 1 1 2 3
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II 1 2 3 4
III 2 3 4 5
IV 3 4 5 5

(f) Mitigations:

1. Fall protection work stand with appropriate PPE.

2. Use of integrated aircraft steps with appropriate PPE.

3. Deliberate RM/Administrative controls. Some examples can include:

- Consider the specific part of aircraft used to climb onto the aircraft, and
determine if a safer alternate exists.
- Check weather conditions, and during inclement weather postpone aircraft
climb if necessary.
- Ensure that aircraft surfaces are free of slippery substances.
- Assure that boot soles are in good condition.
- Assure that the person maintains a minimum of three points of contact at all
times.
- Don cranial protection.

b. Additional Hazard analysis for consideration:

(1) Aircraft move

(a) Hazard: Aircraft Move - MH-60S aircraft weigh between 15,000 and
22,500pounds. Moving aircraft can be accomplished with tow tractors or manually.
Aircraft moves can be highly dynamic evolutions that put personnel at risk of being fatally
run over or injured. Aircraft moves also have high incidences of causing aircraft damage
which can be quite costly and adversely affect mission readiness.

1. Where aircraft are parked in close quarters, the hazards associated are increased.
Close quarters also make the aircraft movement much more technically demanding for
personnel steering the aircraft being moved.

2. Chock walker personnel may be unable to remain safely out of the path of the
aircraft.

(b) Hazard assessment:

Probability
Hazard
Severity A B C D
I 1 1 2 3
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II 1 2 3 4
III 2 3 4 5
IV 3 4 5 5

(c) Mitigations:

1. Use of appropriate, properly trained personnel.

2. Use of deliberate RM prior to moving aircraft.

(2) Movement of fall protection equipment.

(a) Hazard: MH-60S aircraft have a main rotor diameter of over 53 feet 8 inches with
blades that can droop to less than four feet under certain circumstances. Movement of fall
protection stands could result in aircraft damage.

(b) Hazard assessment:

Probability
Hazard
Severity A B C D
I 1 1 2 3
II 1 2 3 4
III 2 3 4 5
IV 3 4 5 5

(c) Mitigations:

1. Use of appropriate, properly trained personnel to include spotters to mitigate

contact between fall protection stands and rotor blades.

2. Use of deliberate ORM prior to moving equipment.

The elements contained in this Fall Hazard Survey Report have been reviewed and approved.

__LT I. B. Fallin___(sign)_____________ _______________

(Squadron) Fall Protection Program Manager Date

__Mr. No U. Knott___(sign) ____________ _______________

Competent Person for Fall Protection

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15.15.3 FALL PROTECTION AND PREVENTION PLAN

1. Description of fall hazards that may be encountered at the workplace by end-users during
performance of their work. The MH-60S has three primary work areas that may expose
personnel to fall hazards, as the working surfaces are greater than four feet above ground
level. The working area forward of the main rotor mast shall be generalized and referred to as
the hydraulics bay area. This area potentially exposes personnel to a fall hazard of seven feet.
The working area aft of the main rotor head to the end of the fire bottle compartment shall be
generalized as the oil cooler area and potentially exposes personnel to a nine foot fall hazard.
Though the tail rotor area is not a work platform per OSHA definition, work may be executed
on the integrated steps, exposing personnel to a potential 10 foot fall hazard as measured from
the top step.

2. Type of fall protection/fall prevention methods or systems used for every phase of work.
Military aviation maintenance and inspection is inherently dynamic and fraught with potential
hazards. Reference (a) requires fall protection when working four feet or more above lower
levels to be mitigated by one or more of five control measures. Additionally, Federal regulation
mandates this requirement, except where employers can demonstrate that such fall protection
systems are infeasible or would create a greater hazard.

a. Fall protection control measures are parts of the overall hazard analysis and fall
protection and prevention plan for aviation maintenance and/or inspection. Location of the
aircraft or potential fall exposure, nature of the task, work area of the aircraft or working
platform, and consideration for other hazard potentials that may be introduced with the use of
fall protection control measures, shall be considered for each task.

(1) For example, moving aircraft in order to make space for fall protection equipment to
execute a low risk task, especially in confined and/or areas with high density of other
aircraft and equipment, adds additional hazards that may outweigh those of the
unprotected fall hazard.

(2) Consideration must be given to all hazards involved with the execution of a particular
maintenance or inspection task to determine the best and safest course of action.

(3) Fall Hazards shall be mitigated according to the hierarchy of controls as identified in
reference (a).

b. The overall approach to fall prevention at COMMAND NAME shall be in the forms of
prevention, engineering controls, and administrative procedures. As there are no anchor
points or sufficient height above ground for proper employment of a fall-arrest system on the
MH-60S airframe without the use of external equipment or an engineering change to the
hangar, the use of fall-arrest system is not practicable at this time for COMMAND NAME.

(1) Feasibility of a fall-arrest system for applications within the hangar shall be explored in
the future at COMMAND NAME.

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(2) COMMAND NAME has fall protection stands that provide both fall prevention, on the
backside of stands with handrails, and engineering controls, on the aircraft side of the stands,
to minimize the potential for falls. The squadron also has B-1 and B-4 work stands, phase
stands, and ladders that provide some degree of fall prevention and engineering controls.

(3) There are some locations where the use of stands is not practicable, due to overall
hazard analysis, or mission requirements. In these situations or areas, administrative controls
shall be utilized. The primary administrative controls utilized at COMMAND NAME are the use
of qualified climbers, and deliberate and time critical RM. Three primary aircraft locations shall
be addressed in this plan: flight line, hangar bay, and wash rack.

c. Flight line: Fall protection equipment and systems generally are not authorized on
active flight lines, due to the risk of foreign object damage (FOD), and the potential effects of
rotor, jet, or propeller wash. Use of fall protection equipment in this environment may cause
potential for greater hazards than the fall hazard itself.

(1) Fall protection equipment normally should not be utilized on an active flight line at
COMMAND NAME unless an RM assessment indicates that the presence of the equipment
does not create a larger overall hazard to personnel than the risk of a fall.

(a) Maintenance should be performed in a hangar whenever feasible.

(2) Aircraft inspection and maintenance on active flight lines shall require the use of
deliberate and time critical Risk Management (RM) and restricting access to qualified climbers
in order to minimize the risk of a fall.

(a) In the consideration of using maintenance stands and/or Fall-arrest Systems where fall
potential might be increased by moving aircraft into a hangar, RM also should be applied.

(b) Consideration should be given to moving aircraft requiring high risk maintenance
actions into the hangar in order to utilize maintenance stands and/or fall-arrest systems to
prevent a fall.

d. Wash rack: Maintenance stands with guards or arrest systems shall be used for all
aircraft washing procedures where maintenance personnel are on the aircraft greater than four
feet above ground level.

(1) Other maintenance and inspection tasks executed at the wash rack not associated with
aircraft washing shall be executed using the same fall protection measures as normally would
be used in the hangar.

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e. Hangar Bay:

(1) Tail. Due to the nature of the tail steps and increased potential for falls from greater
heights, fall protection maintenance stands (with guardrails at the entire periphery) shall be
used to the maximum extent practicable on all maintenance actions to the tail where the
potential for a fall of four feet or more exists. B-1, B-4, phase, and/or fall protection stands
shall be configured and positioned properly to mitigate the fall hazard.

(a) Should the use of a stand be deemed impracticable; a Competent Person for Fall
Protection, as defined by OPNAVINST 5100.23 Series, Chapter 13, and Maintenance Control
shall approve deviations and determine alternative fall protection methods, case-by-case.
Nonetheless, railed maintenance stands, arrest systems, or other fall protection measures
should be used, except in rare exceptions.

(b) Ladders also may be used for tasks determined low-risk by the fall hazard
assessment, as long as they are used and set up properly. Personnel utilizing the ladder shall
maintain three points of contact with the ladder at all times, and the ladder itself shall be
positioned with four points of contact at all times.

(2) Hydraulics bay area. The hydraulics bay area has a maximum fall exposure of seven
feet. Risk assessment for the specific task to be executed can be found in the hazard
assessment (see Fall Hazard Survey).

(a) Fall protection stands shall be used to the maximum extent practicable on all
maintenance actions in the hydraulics bay area, where the potential for falling four feet or
greater exists.

(b) Where B-1, B-4, phase, and/or fall protection stands are used, they shall be configured
and positioned properly to mitigate the fall hazard, and to prevent the creation of additional fall
hazards which may be caused by improperly configured stands.

(c) Should the use of a stand be deemed impracticable for a high-risk task as defined in
the hazard assessment (enclosure (1); a Competent Person for Fall Protection and a
Maintenance Control representative shall approve deviations; and they shall determine
alternative fall protection methods, case-by-case.

(d) Should the use of a stand be deemed infeasible for a low-risk task as defined in the
hazard assessment (Fall Hazard Survey); the end-user, under the direction of a Competent
Person for Fall Protection, may utilize administrative controls, which shall include deliberate
ORM prior to execution of the task.

1. The use of administrative controls as the sole fall protection methodology is

authorized only during the rare occasions when the movement of, setup, and use of a fall
protection stand or arrest system creates a greater hazard than the hazards associated with
the low-risk maintenance action to be performed. For example, the hazard of moving
maintenance or fall-arrest system stands onto an active flight line may outweigh a low risk fall
hazard.
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2. Normally, engineering controls (maintenance stands) or other controls to prevent a

fall from occurring (fall-arrest system) always should be used.

(3) Oil cooler area. The oil cooler area has a maximum fall exposure of nine feet. Risk
assessment for the specific task to be executed can be found in the hazard assessment (Fall
Hazard Survey).

(a) Work Stands shall be used to the maximum extent practicable on all maintenance
actions in the oil cooler area, where the potential for falling from a height of four feet or
greater exists.

(b) If B-1, B-4, phase, and/or fall protection work stands are used, they shall be
configured and positioned properly to mitigate the fall hazard and prevent the creation of
additional fall hazards which may be caused by improperly configured stands.

(c) Should the use of a stand be deemed impracticable for a high-risk task as defined
in the hazard assessment (enclosure (1); a Competent Person for Fall Protection, and a
Maintenance Control member, must approve deviations and determine alternative fall
protection methods, case-by-case.

(d) Should the use of a stand be deemed infeasible for a low-risk task as defined in
the hazard assessment (Fall Hazard Survey) the end-user, under the direction of a
Competent Person for Fall Protection, may utilize administrative controls which shall
include deliberate ORM at a minimum, and execute the task.

1. The use of administrative controls as the sole fall protection method is authorized
only during the rare occasions when the movement of, setup, and use of a fall
protection stand or arrest system creates a greater hazard than the hazards
associated with the low-risk maintenance action to be performed. For example, the
hazard of moving maintenance- or fall-arrest system stands onto an active flight line
may outweigh a low risk fall hazard.

2. Normally, engineering controls (maintenance stands) or a fall-arrest system

should be used.

3. Training requirements for personnel exposed to fall hazards.

COMMAND NAME civilians and military personnel who use fall protection equipment (stands);
and other Navy personnel involved in the fall protection program; shall be trained in
accordance with reference (a), in order to recognize, evaluate, and control fall hazards.

a. Initial Training. Command personnel exposed to fall hazards shall complete the
following training:

(1) Fall hazard awareness training: general fall hazard awareness training shall be
provided by either a Competent Person for Fall Protection or by completion of a Navy-

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approved general fall hazard awareness training, such as the Enterprise Safety
Applications Management Systems (ESAMS) course #1259.

(2) Personnel required to climb aircraft shall be qualified climbers.

(a) Qualified climbers shall be trained and knowledgeable regarding what
surfaces are and are not able to support a climber and shall observe airframe
restrictions. Training shall include:
- Requirement for cranial protection
- Identification of areas on airframe authorized for use as a step
- Checking to ensure that steps are cleaned of slippery substances
- Methods to maintain three points of contact on aircraft at all times

(b) Qualified climbers shall rely on experience, proper training, and the use of
time-critical RM as described in reference (e), to minimize their risks of a fall.

(3) End-users of Fall-arrest Systems also shall undergo Hands-On training on the
specific fall-arrest system equipment used at the command. This training must be
performed by a Competent Person for Fall Protection. End-user training shall include
training on:
- Safe use of equipment
- Proper application of equipment
- Equipment limits
- Estimation of fall distances and clearance
- Proper anchoring and tie off techniques
- Methods of inspection, storage, care, and maintenance
- Applicable regulations
- Recognition of fall-hazard deficiencies
- Site specific procedures

b. Retraining. Retraining in relevant topics shall be provided to the end-user and/or

qualified climbers where:

(1) The end-user or qualified climber has been observed using fall protection
equipment in an unsafe manner.

(2) The end-user or qualified climber has been involved in a mishap or a near-miss
incident.

(3) The end-user or qualified climber has received an evaluation that reveals that he
or she is not using the fall protection equipment properly.

(4) The end-user or qualified climber is assigned a different type of fall protection
equipment.

(5) A condition in the workplace changes in a manner that could affect the safe use of
the fall protection equipment that the end-user is to utilize.

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c. Refresher training. Personnel exposed to fall hazards shall receive refresher training
on the safe use of fall protection equipment at a minimum of every two years.

4. Type of fall protection equipment and systems provided to the employees that might be
exposed to fall hazards.

a. Fall Protection Stands:

(1) Aircraft Maintenance Platform Type B-1

(2) Aircraft Maintenance Platform Type B-4

(3) West Coast Weld Tech H-60 Helicopter Maintenance Platform

(4) Metallic Ladder Mobile Work Platform SCS 8460 and SCS 9636-44

b. Ladders: Ladders are not technically fall protection equipment though they may be
used to ascend working or inspection areas at heights when the use of fall protection
equipment is not feasible or not available.

5. Fall-arrest Systems

a. When used as part of the fall protection program, fall-arrest systems (harnesses,
lanyards, and associated hardware) shall be inspected per the DON Fall Protection Guide for
Ashore Facilities or appropriate Maintenance Required Card (MRC) whichever is more
stringent.

b. Fall-arrest systems shall be inspected annually by a Competent Person for Fall

Protection.

(1) Inspection documentation shall be maintained by the Fall Protection Program

Manager for a period of at least 5 years.

6. Current Competent Persons

a. Competent Person for Fall Protection: As designated by the CO and trained in

accordance with Chapter 13 of OPNAVINST 5100.23 Series and the DON Fall Protection
Guide, Paragraph 6.2.

b. Competent Person for Equipment Inspection: As designated by the CO.

7. Fall protection equipment and instructions for assembly, disassembly, storage,

maintenance, and care. B-1 and B-4 maintenance railed platforms are considered support
equipment and shall be assembled, disassembled, and maintained by the support equipment
division at Fleet Readiness Center.

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a. Pre-operational inspections shall be conducted prior to each use by the end-user in
accordance with the applicable NAVAIR technical manual.

(1) Phase and other maintenance stands not under the purview of the support
equipment division shall be assembled, disassembled, and maintained per manufacturer
instructions at a maximum one year interval by a Competent Person for Fall Protection or a
Competent Person for Equipment Inspection.

(2) Maintenance stands shall be inspected by the end-user using the COMMAND
NAME (local) pre-operational checklist. Fall protection maintenance stands shall be stored
in accordance with manufacturers instructions.

b. Ladders: Little Giant (or equivalent) ladders shall be inspected by the end-user prior
to each use, and inspected at maximum one year intervals by a Competent Person for Fall
Protection or a Competent Person for Equipment Inspection.

7. Rescue plan and procedures. COMMAND NAME does not currently employ the use
of fall-arrest systems or equipment. Should this type of equipment be utilized in the
future by COMMAND NAME personnel, the FPPM shall coordinate Competent Person for
Fall Protection support to create a rescue plan which meets the requirements in
referenced (b). The rescue plan shall then be incorporated into the command Fall
Protection Program.

The elements contained in this Fall Prevention and Protection Plan have been reviewed and
approved.

__LT I. B. Fallin___(sign)_____________ _______________

(Squadron) Fall Protection Program Manager Date

__Mr. No U. Knott___(sign) ____________ _______________

Competent Person for Fall Protection Date

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15.16 FALL PROTECTION FORMS/CHECKLISTS

The following are Site Specific Checklists to assist Aviation Commands develop fall
protection program documentation. The checklists include:

15.16.1 Fall Hazard Survey Report;

15.16.2 Fall Protection and prevention plan;
15.16.3 Rescue Plan.

The fall hazard forms above have been loaded to Naval Forms On-Line.

SECNAV 5100/2T Site-Specific Fall Hazard Survey:

https://navalforms.documentservices.dla.mil/formsDir/_SECNAV_5100_2T_1
1021.pdf

SECNAV 5100/3T Fall Protection and Prevention Plan:

https://navalforms.documentservices.dla.mil/formsDir/_OPNAV_5100_3T_11
022.pdf

SECNAV 5100/4T Site-Specific Fall Arrest Rescue Plan:

https://navalforms.documentservices.dla.mil/formsDir/_SECNAV_5100_4T_1
1023.pdf

(Continued on next page)

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15.16.1 Sample Site-Specific Aviation Maintenance Fall Hazard Survey

Report (Form)

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5.16.2 Sample Aviation Fall Protection and Prevention Plan (Form)

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15.16.3 Sample Site-Specific Fall-arrest Rescue Plan

End of Section
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16.0 FALL PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS FOR

ARCHITECTS, ENGINEERS AND OTHER
INSPECTORS CONDUCTING ROOF INVESTIGATION,
ASSESSMENT AND INSPECTION WORK
16.1 BACKGROUND

Roof systems can deteriorate from normal wear; severe weather conditions (e.g., wind and
snow loads); building movement (e.g., settlement, material contraction and expansion);
improper design, construction, and maintenance. Any roof repairs not dealt with after the first
signs of failure can result in increased damage to the building envelope and interior finishes,
and loss of occupant productivity, if damage causes interruption in services and program
delivery. Failure of structural integrity can endanger the safety of building occupants.
Investigation, assessment and inspection are required to determine the condition of the roof.

16.2 PURPOSE

The purpose of this chapter is to provide instructions, requirements, and guidance for roofing
investigation, assessment, or inspections in a safe manner. This instruction does not apply to
safety procedures for performing work on roofs by Public works personnel and or roofing
contractors. It only applies to inspecting, investigating, or assessing existing roof systems or
conducting fall hazard surveys where there is no construction work in progress. For safety
requirements regarding roof construction see EM 385-1-1, Section 21 Fall Protection, Unified
Facilities Guide Specifications(UFGS) Section 01 35 29.05 20 Safety and Occupational
Health Requirements for Design Build, and UFGS 01 35 29 Governmental Safety
Requirements for Design Bid Contracts. For safety requirements for conducting maintenance
work on roofs see OPNAVINST 5100.23 Series, 29 CFR 1910 Subpart D and 29 CFR 1910,
Notices of Proposed Rulemaking dated 24 May 2010. This checklist in paragraph 16.13 is
provided as a guide for safety procedures during roof inspection, assessment, and
investigation, to protect DON personnel from unexpected fall hazards from heights (or on the
same level). This checklist may be modified as required by the qualified DON Engineer,
Architect or other inspector responsible for each specific project, after consultation with the
Command Safety Office.

Regular inspection of building roof systems can lead to early detection of roof problems,
protection of Government capital assets, and maintenance of safe working environments for
building occupants.

16.3 OBJECTIVES

Protection of DON architects/engineers and other inspectors when accessing roofs to conduct
investigation, assessment and inspection tasks to determine whether or not the roof system is

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performing according to its intended function, and to identify signs of weakness or,
deterioration, for the purpose of scheduling needed repairs or replacement of roofing material.

16.4 RESPONSIBILITIES

It is the responsibility of each individual performing roofing investigation, assessment, and

inspection, to insure that he or she understands and fully complies with all required safety
instructions, and has the proper safety equipment specified by this guidance, or by the project
manager. The inspection and investigation work shall be conducted by more than one
individual. The head of the inspection team is responsible for verifying with the Command
safety office at each activity to determine whether or not there are additional relevant local
safety instructions and/or requirements, and for relaying that information to all team members.
The cooperation of each individual is vital to the success of the safety program. Inspectors are
responsible for their own safety, and always should be alert to hazards caused by others. If
work cannot be performed safely, the inspection and investigation work shall not proceed until
provisions have been made to conduct the work in a safe manner. Each inspector should keep
in mind these basic duties and responsibilities for being safe during inspection and
investigation work:

a. Observe all safety rules.

b. Work in accordance with established safety procedures.
c. Report unsafe conditions and practices to the appropriate supervisor.
d. Conduct work activities in a manner that will not endanger oneself or others.
e. Assist new employees in safely carrying out their job duties.
f. Report injuries immediately to the supervisor.
g. Undertake only those jobs or tasks that you understand.

16.5 SAFE WORK PRACTICES

16.5.1 General/Minimum Requirements

a. Do not access or work on a roof unless trained appropriately.

b. Review the Fall Hazard Survey Report for the roof which has been developed by the
building owner or other personnel to ensure that a proper risk assessment has been
completed before accessing and/or commencing any work on roofs.
c. Ensure that an additional roof risk assessment has been completed when accessing
and working on roof during adverse weather conditions (i.e. wind, rain, excessive heat,
etc.).
d. Ensure that you wear the following personal protective equipment at all times: roof
shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses.
e. Ensure that Public Works personnel and the Command Safety Office are aware of
your presence/work on the roof and the expected time frame.
f. Do not work on a roof alone always work in pairs.
g. Ensure that you have a form of communication link with safety office.

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h. Roof areas should be tidy and clean; where rubbish or stacked material interferes with
ascending and performing inspection work of the roof, do not proceed until it is safe to
perform the work.
i. Ensure that there is a safe method of access to the roof and that this method is used.
Ensure that all ladders are safe and any erected scaffolding is certified and safe.
j. Ensure that there is a safe method of transporting any needed equipment to the roof
work area.
k. Make sure of the structural soundness of the roof and frame before a person walks on
a roof.
l. Be familiar with the Emergency Rescue Response Procedure and the Command fall
hazard rescue plan.
m. Flat Roofs: Personnel conducting inspection on roofs shall not proceed to within 6 feet
of the edge. If work is to be done within 6 feet of the edge, appropriate safety precautions
shall be taken to minimize the risk of falling (e.g., elevating work platforms, scaffolding,
temporary guardrails, Fall-arrest System, positioning, or restraint).
n. Pitched Roofs: Where a roof has a pitch of more than 4 in 12, where if someone fell
they would roll off the roof, or the roof is deemed to be too slippery, or too fragile, then
work must be carried out only by use of one or more of the following: Elevating Work
Platform, Scaffolding, Guardrails (not appropriate for pitches exceeding 45 degrees), or
Roof Ladder (in conjunction with other devices, e.g., fall-arrest system).

16.6 SAFE ACCESS

16.6.1 Portable Ladder Safety

a. Use only OSHA compliant ladders.

b. Only one person may be on the ladder at any time. One person should secure the
ladder while another is climbing.
c. Ladder must extend a minimum of 3 3 feet above roof edge.
d. Ladder must be properly secured to roof edge immediately after initial ascent.
e. Maintain appropriate ladder slope as outlined by OSHA (One foot of run for every four
feet of rise).

16.6.2. Portable Ladder Work Practices.

a. Do not exceed the weight limit of the ladder.

b. When ascending or descending, the climber must face the ladder.
c. Portable rung and cleat ladders shall be used at such a pitch that the horizontal
distance from the top support to the foot of the ladder is one-quarter of the working
length of the ladder (the length along the ladder between the foot and the top support).
d. The ladder shall be so placed as to prevent slipping, or it shall be lashed, or held in
position. The ladder base section must be placed with a secure footing.
e. Employees shall equip all portable rung ladders with non-slip bases when there is a
hazard of slipping. However, non-slip bases are not intended as a substitute for care in
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safely placing, lashing, or holding a ladder used on oily, metal, concrete, or slippery
surfaces. These non-slip bases can be obtained from the Project Supervisor.
f. The top of the ladder must be placed with the two rails supported, unless equipped with
a single-support attachment.
g. On two-section extension ladders, the minimum overlap for the two sections in use shall
be according to OSHA specifications.
h. Portable rung ladders with reinforced rails shall be used only with the metal
reinforcement on the underside of the rails.
i. The bracing on the back legs of step-ladders is designed solely for increasing stability,
and not for climbing.
j. Ladders shall not be:
1) Used in a horizontal position as platforms, runways, or scaffolds.
2) Placed in front of doors opening toward the ladder, unless the door is blocked open,
locked, or guarded.
3) Placed on boxes, barrels, or other unstable bases to obtain additional height.
4) Tied or fastened together to provide longer sections. They must be equipped with
the hardware fittings necessary if the manufacturer endorses extended uses.
5) Used to gain access to a roof, unless the top of the ladder extends at least 3 feet
above the point of support at eave, gutter, or roofline.
6) Used as a brace, skid, guy, gin pole, gangway, or for other uses than that for which
they were intended, unless specifically recommended for use by the manufacturer.
k. No more than one person at a time shall use a ladder.
l. Ladder jacks and scaffold planks, where use by more than one person is anticipated,
shall utilize specially-designed ladders with larger dimensions of the parts procured from
the Project Supervisor. Ladders with broken or missing steps, rungs, or cleats, broken
side rails, or other faulty equipment, shall not be used. Employees finding ladders with
any of these conditions shall report them to the Project Supervisor. Improvised repairs
shall not be made.
m. Ladders made by fastening cleats across a single rail shall not be used.
n. Tops of ordinary step-ladders shall not be used as steps.
o. Middle and top sections of sectional or window cleaners ladders shall not be used for
bottom sections, unless the user equips them with safety shoes.

Note: For additional portable ladder work practices and requirements, see
paragraph 9.12.2

16.6.3 Fixed Ladder Safety Practices

See Paragraph 9.12.1

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16.6.4 CONTROL ZONES ON ROOFS

6 FEET CONTROL ZONE

SAFE ZONE FOR CONDUCTING INVESTIGATION, ACCESS TO SAFE ZONE

ASSESSMENT AND INSPECTION WORK ON THE FROM STAIR OR HATCH
ROOF

CONTROL ZONE

UNPROTECTED ROOF EDGE

SAFE ACCESS

When conducting investigation, assessment or investigation work within the 6 feet from the
unprotected edge of the roof, a fall protection method is required. See reference 1.1, DON FP
Guide for Ashore Facilities.

16.7 ADDITIONAL PROTECTIVE MEASURES

a. All inspectors shall wear proper clothing. Hard hats shall be worn at the site for all
roofing construction projects and OSHA roof construction safety requirements shall be
followed.

b. Check ladders before use to insure they are safe, in good working order, extend at least
3 rungs above the roof edge, are properly secured, and are installed at proper slope.

c. Drinking alcoholic beverages on the job, reporting to work intoxicated or being under the
influence of drugs is strictly forbidden and not allowed on any construction site.

d. During hot weather, be particularly aware of heat exhaustion and heat stroke symptoms.
Employees should drink water frequently and get out of the sun if they become dizzy.
During cold weather, be aware of hypothermia and frostbite symptoms. Employees
should dress warmly (in layers), warm up frequently, and stay dry.

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16.8 PRE-WORK CHECK

Prior to beginning the investigation, assessment and inspection work in any area or on any
equipment where fall hazards exist, a pre-work check must be completed that includes the
following items:
a. Ladders:
1) Gripping safety feet in place and secure on ladders.
2) Wooden ladders are sound and in good working order.
3) All parts and fittings on ladders are secure.
a) Non-slip surfaces are in place on ladder rungs.
b) When setting ladder up, footing of ladder is secure on a firm, level, and non-skid
surface and top of ladder is placed against a solid, stationary object.
c) All ladders meet OSHA specifications for design and safety.
d) Check for unsafe ladder condition.

b. Floor & Wall Openings: All floor and wall openings (such as open roof access hatches
or opening including skylights due to ongoing construction or repair work) are safely
covered or blocked from access. If not safely covered and blocked from access, the
opening shall have someone assigned for constant attendance to it.

c. Roof Condition:

1) Verity that the slope does not exceed 4 inches per foot. If the slope is more than 4
inches per foot, the use of fall protection equipment is required

2) Conduct interviews with local personnel familiar with the roof construction and
visual inspection of roof structural deck underside to identify potential safety issues
with the deck.
3) Ensure that the roof surface is not slippery due to water, algae, dirt, and debris
that would preclude firm footing.

d. Weather:

1) Check the current weather to insure that none of the conditions listed above
exist.

e. Work Procedures: If any one of the conditions described in Pre-Work Check list is not
met for the area or piece of equipment to be inspected and posing a potential fall
hazard, then employees may not perform that work until the condition is corrected. If the
condition cannot be remedied immediately, a supervisor or Project Manager must be
notified of the problem. If the situation calls for use of fall protection equipment such as
harnesses or lanyards because the fall hazard cannot be reduced to a safe level for roof
inspection, then the employee shall utilize the normal safety procedures as per the local
safety officer.

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16.9 INSPECTION PROCEDURES

An inspection team shall typically consist of a minimum of two individuals. One individual shall
be designated as a safety monitor/recorder and assist the inspector by maintaining visual and
verbal contact at all times during the inspection. The other shall conduct the actual inspection
as per the specifics of the job. Inspection personnel shall conduct themselves in a manner that
does not endanger themselves and members of the inspection team.

16.10 FALL PROTECTION and PREVENTION

All team members shall maintain a safe distance from all roof edges at all times (6 feet
minimum) unless being observed and assisted by the designated safety monitor and the
proper fall protection is provided at the control zone.

When equipment used to conduct the roof inspection presents a hazard while ascending and
accessing the roof, the inspector shall not carry the equipment. Instead, the equipment shall be
transferred to the roof by rope or other means.

16.11 TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

Architects/Engineers and other inspectors shall be trained prior to ascending roofs of existing
buildings and facilities for the purpose of conducting inspection, investigation and assessment
of roofing system. This training is available on Enterprise Safety Application Management
System (ESAMS) Web based training course #3639.

At a minimum, all personnel conducting investigation, assessment and inspection work shall
receive ESAMS training course #1259 titled Slips Trips and Same Level Falls. If inspection
work is required in the control zone (within 6 feet from the edge of the roof), and personal
protective equipment is used additional training is required on the safe use of the equipment.
Personnel using personal fall protective equipment are required to be trained by the Command
Competent Person for Fall Protection or shall receive ESAMS Course # 2018 titled End-user
training and also the Hands-On Training (ESAMS Course #3042. This training is also available
at E-Learning (Course # xxx) and Navy Knowledge Online (NKO), Course # xxx.

16.12 REFERENCES:
16.12.1. OPNAVINST 5100.23 Series: Navy Safety and Occupational Health Program manual

16.12.2. DON `all Protection Guide for Ashore Facilities (latest edition)...

16.12.3. 29 CFR 1926.500: Fall Protection in Construction.

16.12.4. 29 CFR 1910: Occupational Safety and Health Standards for General Industry
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16.12.5. 29 CFR 1910: Notices of Proposed Rulemaking dated 24 May 2010.

16.12.6 MCO 5100.29 Series: Marine Corps Safety Program.

16.12.7. NAVMC DIR 5100.8: Marine Corps OSH Program Manual.

End of Section

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16.13: CHECK-LIST FOR ARCHITECTS, ENGINEERS AND OTHER INSPECTORS

INVOLVED IN ROOF INSPECTION AND INVESTIGATION WORK
(Must be completed prior to accessing the roof )

COMMAND/ACTIVITY
Building Number:

COMMENTS
[If 'No',
provide an
CATEGORY ITEM YES NO N/A explanation]
GENERAL
TEAM MEMBERSHIP The team shall consist of more than
one person. Does the inspection team
consist of more than one person?
PURPOSE OF ROOF Is the purpose of the investigation and
INVESTIGATION AND INSPECTION inspection to determine problems with
the roof itself?

TYPE OF ROOF Is the roof flat or minimally sloped? If

the roof is steep or has a slope of more
than 4/12, Fall protection
equipment/system is required to
perform the inspection/investigation
work. A complete fall protection
program shall be in place.
COMMAND SAFETY OFFICE Has the inspection team contacted the
safety office for permission to ascend
the roof and perform
inspection/investigation work? (Is there
any work currently being conducted on
the roof?)

RESPONSIBILITIES AND BASIC DUTIES OF THE INSPECTION AND

INVESTIGATION TEAM
AWARENESS OF FALL HAZARDS Does the roof have an unprotected
ENCOUNTERED ON THE ROOF edge (The edge protection is less than
39 inches high)? If so, all team
members shall be aware of fall hazards
encountered on the roof.

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FALL HAZARDS ENCOUNTERED Do all team members have the proper
ON THE ROOF knowledge and awareness of all
hazards encountered on the roof? Fall
hazards may include falls from
unprotected edges, holes/hatches,
openings, skylights, trips and slips on
the same level, etc.
COMPLIANCE WITH SAFETY Do all team members understand the
INSTRUCTIONS AND compliance requirements of all safety
REQUIREMENTS rules? Team members shall observe
all safety rules and work w/established
safety procedures.
UNSAFE CONDITIONS AND Are there any existing unsafe
PRACTICES conditions or practices being
conducted on the roof? Report any
unsafe conditions or practices to your
supervisor and the Command safety
office.

SAFE WORK PRACTICES

FP TRAINING Did all team members receive the
appropriate FP training for performing
roof inspections/investigation work?
SITE SPECIFIC ROOF HAZARD Was the roof hazard survey report
SURVEY REPORT developed by the building owner and/or
others, reviewed by the inspection
team prior to ascending and/or
commencing any work on the roof?
ASCENDING THE ROOF DURING Was any additional risk assessment
ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS performed due to adverse weather
conditions?

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE Are all team members wearing the

EQUIPMENT proper PPE for conducting roof
inspection (i.e. proper footwear)?

ROOF CONDITION Is the roof area tidy and clean with no

rubbish or stacked material that may
interfere with the access and/or
performance of
inspection/investigation?
LADDERS AND SCAFFOLDS USED Is the ladder/scaffold used for access
FOR ACCESS safe and certified?

TRANSPORTING EQUIPMENT OR Is there a safe method for transporting

TOOLS TO THE ROOF AREA equipment or tools to the roof that may
be needed for the performance of the
roof inspection/investigation?

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STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE Is the roof surface structurally sound
ROOF for the team members to walk on and
perform inspection work safely?
EMERGENCY RESCUE RESPONSE Is the team familiar with the rescue
PROCEDURE AND COMMAND procedures?
FALL HAZARD RESCUE PLAN

WORKING ON FLAT ROOF OR The inspection team shall stay at least

MINIMULLY SLOPED ROOFS 6 feet away from the unprotected edge
of the roof. Is there a need to perform
work within the 6 feet of the
unprotected edge? If the answer is
yes, the team must use other fall
protection alternatives (i.e. fall
protection equipment).
WORKING ON PITCHED ROOF For a roof with a slope of more than
WITH MORE THAN 4/12 SLOPE 4/12, are other fall protection
alternatives provided to perform the
inspection/investigation work safely?

SAFE ACCESS
PORTABLE LADDER SAFETY Are the team members familiar with the
safety requirements for ascending and
descending the ladder? This may
include how to secure the ladder,
proper slope and how to safely ascend
the roof.
ASCENDING PITCHED ROOF When the roof has a pitch of more than
USING PORTABLE LADDER 4/12 or is too slippery or fragile, the
inspection/investigation work
performed may require the use of an
elevated work platform, scaffolding or
other alternative. Is the slope of the
roof more than 4/12, or is the roof too
slippery or fragile?
ASCENDING THE ROOF USING Is the fixed ladder longer than 20 feet?
FIXED LADDERS If ladder is longer than 20 feet, ladder-
climbing device or self- retracting
lanyard is required for access.
FIXED LADDERS LONGER THAN 20 If ladder is equipped w/ladder climbing
FEET device, are all team members trained
on the safe use of a ladder-climbing
device?
ACCESS TO ROOF THRU A HATCH After ascending the roof, is there a
method for protecting the hatch when it
is left open? If not, then close the hatch
immediately after access.

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PROTECTIVE METHODS FOR CONDUCTING INPECTION AND

INVESTIGATION WORK SAFELY
SAFE ZONE After gaining access to the roof, is the
inspection/investigation work required
to be performed on a roof more than 6
feet away from unprotected roof edge?
If so, inspection/investigation work can
be performed in the safe zone without
the use of fall protection equipment.
CONTROL ZONE Is the inspection/investigation work
required to be performed within 6 feet
of unprotected roof edge? If so, a fall
protection method is required.
DESIGNATED AREA Is there a need to inspect mechanical
equipment on roofs? For inspection of
mechanical equipment on roofs, a
designated area is required to be
established on the roof to be located at
a minimum 6 feet away from the
unprotected roof edge including a
100% transition from the fixed ladder to
the designated area.
ADDITIONAL PROTECTIVE Are all the team members
MEASURES knowledgeable on the safe use of
portable ladders? A portable ladder
shall be in good working condition,
have enough length to extend more
than 3 feet above the roof edge and
secured properly.

PRE-WORK SAFET VERIFICATION CHECK

SAFETY VERIFICATION Has safety verifications been
performed on ladders, floor or wall
openings, work practices and roof?
Have weather conditions been
considered and verified?

ADDITIONAL TRAINING
SLIPS TRIPS AND SAME LEVEL In addition to the A/E's training for
FALLS TRAINING conducting inspection work on roofs,
have all team members received Slips,
Trips and Same Level Falls training?

End of Section
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17.0 OTHER FALL PROTECTION MEASURES

17.1 BARRICADE AREA

All areas must be barricaded to safeguard employees. When working overhead,

barricade the area below to prevent entry by unauthorized employees. A
distance of six feet shall be barricaded around the worker.

17.2 WARNING TAPES/SIGNS

Construction warning tape and signs shall be posted so they are clearly visible
from all possible access points. When a sign is used, it should clearly indicate
the entry requirements, potential hazards, and personal protective equipment
requirement.

17.3 HARD HAT/HARD CAP REQUIREMENTS

Hard hats/ hard caps must comply with ISEA Z89.1, 1997 Type I, Class E & G
and shall be required when workers are exposed to falling/flying objects.
Furthermore, select one additional measure:

Hard hats/Hard caps must be worn any time that employees are working below
other employees and/or the potential exists for falling objects to strike the
employees working below. In addition to hard hats, one additional preventive
measure must be implemented.

For example, when using hard hats/hard caps, the employee must use additional
form(s) of protection from falling objects, such as: barricading the area or
employing protective canopy structures or platforms with toe boards.

17.4 CLOTHING AND SAFETY SHOES

Suitable clothing shall be worn. Sufficient and proper clothing shall be

worn to assist in preventing scratches, abrasions, slivers, sunburn, or
similar hazards. Loose or ragged clothing or ties shall not be worn while
working around moving machinery. At a minimum, employee must wear a
short-sleeved shirt and long trousers.

Employees shall wear substantial footwear made of leather or other

equally firm material whenever there is a danger of injury to the feet from:
falling or moving objects, or from burning, cutting, penetration, or similar
hazards. The soles and heels of such footwear shall be of a material that

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will not create a slipping hazard. Footwear that has deteriorated to the
point where it does not provide the required protection shall not be used.

17.5 EVACUATE AREA BELOW

All non-essential personnel below a construction area must be cleared or

protection provided.

17.6 SECURE THE STORED MATERIAL

All construction materials and equipment stored on a roof or other

exposed areas must be secured against inclement weather conditions.
Before the end of the workday, all loose materials must be secured to
prevent injury or property damage from falling objects. Caution must also
be taken not to overload the roof. Materials shall not be stored within six
feet of the edge of the roof unless guards are erected on the roof edge.

17.7 TRAFFIC CONTROL

Where working over or adjacent to a roadway, traffic control measures must be

implemented. Employees working adjacent to roadways must wear vests that
are highly visible, and have reflective markings. Where working adjacent to
transportation aisles, traffic control measures should be reviewed to ensure the
safety of the personnel on the job site.

17.8 CONTROL FALLING OBJECTS

Where employees are working over other employees, all tools and equipment
shall be secured so that they will not fall. Tethers should be used to tie off tools
and equipment. Employees must wear hard hats whenever there is a potential
for falling objects. Toe boards and solid floor surfaces without any openings shall
be provided to prevent objects from falling through the openings.

17.9 DEBRIS CONTROL

Measures shall be taken to control debris in the construction area. Debris shall
not be allowed to accumulate on walking/working surfaces.

17.10 RADIO COMMUNICATION OR SAFETY MONITOR

Wherever work is performed on a roof, lift, or other area where potential for falls
exists, a safety monitor or two-way radio communication is recommended.

17.11 SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS

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 DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY FALL PROTECTION GUIDE
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Establish/maintain contact/communication with your Activity Safety Manager or
competent person wherever roof top work is being performed and the possibility
of adverse weather conditions exist.

17.12 LOCK-OUT/TAG-OUT/TRY-OUT

Where working near energy sources, lock-tag/try-out must be used to eliminate

any potential hazards.

17.13 CRANE RAIL STOPS

Implement the crane rail stops as mandated by the Activity WHE-certifying

official.

17.14 CATCH PLATFORM (Falling Object Protection)

A substantial catch platform shall be installed below the working area of roofs
more than 20 feet from the ground to eaves with a slope greater than 4 in 12
(vertical to horizontal and without a parapet). The platform shall extend 2 feet in
width beyond the projection of the eaves, and shall be provided with a safety rail,
mid rail, and toe-board. This provision shall not apply to workers engaged in
work upon such roofs who are protected by a harness attached to a lifeline.

Where work is in progress above workers, a catch platform or other means shall
be provided to protect those working below. All workers shall be notified. One
completed floor shall be maintained between workers and steel or concrete work
above.

Requirements

(1) A catch platform shall be installed within six vertical feet of the work area.

(2) The width of the catch platforms shall equal the distance of the fall, but
shall be a minimum of 45 inches wide. The catch platforms shall be equipped
with standard guard on all open sides.

17.15 EGRESS FALL PROTECTION

Wherever a fall hazard of 4 feet or greater is encountered by employees moving

from one elevated area to another, fall protection shall be provided (for example,
utilizing a scissors lift to gain access to a roof or intermediate platform; the
employee must be protected when exiting the scissors lift). This can be
accomplished by using a double lanyard or a Y lanyard. One hundred percent
fall protection is required at all times.

End of Section
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18.0 AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARDS

INSTITUTE, ANSI Z359 FALL PROTECTION
CODE/STANDARDS
ANSI is responsible for the development of voluntary consensus standards in the
United States. The collection of several ANSI Z359 fall protection standards is termed
Fall Protection Code. Originally The American National Standards Institute ANSI Z359
Committee developed ANSI Z359.1 as personal fall-arrest system standard. All the
testing and criteria was based on complete fall-arrest systems rather than components.
In order to harmonize the US FP standards with ISO, Europe, Canada, etc., ANSI is
changing the system standards to equipment/component standards. Every component
shall have its own standard (i.e. Harnesses, Connectors, etc.) When all
product/component standards are finalized and published, ANSI Z359.1 standard will be
updated to be the directory for all the standards. Eventually there will be 18 fall
protection standards as part of the FP Code.

18.1 Completed and Published ANSI Z359 FP Standards

ANSI Z359.0 Definitions and Nomenclature Used for Fall Protection and Fall-arrest

ANSI Z359.1 Safety Requirements for Personal Fall-arrest Systems, Subsystems and
Components

ANSI Z359.2 Minimum Requirements for a Comprehensive Managed Fall Protection

Program

ANSI Z359.3 Safety Requirements for Positioning and Travel Restraint Systems

ANSI Z359.4 Safety Requirements for Assisted- Rescue and Self Rescue Systems,
Subsystems and Components

ANSI Z359.06 Specifications and Design Requirements for Active Fall Protection
Systems

ANSI Z359.7 Certification Testing of Fall Protection Products

ANSI Z359.11 Safety Requirements for Full Body Harnesses

ANSI Z359.12 Connecting Components for Personal Fall-arrest Systems

ANSI Z359.13 Personal Energy Absorbers and Energy Absorbing Lanyards;

ANSI Z359.14 Requirements for Self Retracting Devices

ANSI Z359.15 Requirements for Single Anchor Vertical Lifelines and fall-arrestors

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18.2 ANSI Z359 Fall Protection Standards under Development

ANSI Z359.5 Not Selected

ANSI Z359.8 Requirements for Suspended Rope Access

ANSI Z359.9 Safety Requirements for Descent Control Devices

ANSI Z359.10 Not selected

ANSI Z359.16 Safety requirements for Climbing Ladder Fall-arrest Systems

ANSI Z359.17 Safety Requirements for Horizontal Lifelines for PFAS

ANSI Z359.18 Requirements for Anchorage Connectors for PFAS

ANSI Z359.19 Rigid Rail Anchorage Subsystems for Personal Fall arrest System

The equipment/product requirements prescribed in the completed and published standards

above, supersedes the requirements prescribed in ANSI Z359.1 (2007) standard, except the
anchorage connector requirements from the Z359.1 standard are still applicable. Eventually,
when the anchorage connector requirements in Z359.18 standard are published, it will
supersede the anchorage connector requirements prescribed in Z359.1 (2007) standard.

End of Section

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 DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY FALL PROTECTION GUIDE
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19.0 REFERENCES
19.1 29 CFR 1926.500, Subpart M, Fall Protection in the Construction Industry.

19.2 29 CFR 1910, Occupational Safety and Health Standards.

19.2.1 29 CFR 1910 Walking-Working Surfaces and Personal Protective Equipment

(Fall Protection Systems); Proposed Rule

19.3 29 CFR 1915.159, Personal Fall-arrest Systems.

19.4 US Department of Labor, OSHA 3124 1993 (Revised) Stairways and Ladders.

19.5 American National Standard Institute Standards

19.5.1 ANSI Z359, Fall Protection Code/Standards.

19.5.2 ANSI A10.32 (2012) Personal Fall Protection Used in Construction and
Demolition Operations.

19.5.3 ANSI A1264.1 Safety Requirements for Workplace Walking/Working Surfaces

and Their Access, Workplace Floor and Wall Openings, Stairs and Guardrail
Systems.

19.6 Introduction to Fall Protection, J. Nigel Ellis, PHD, CSP, PE, (Third Edition:
American Society of Safety Engineers).

19.7 US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Safety and Health Requirements Manual,
EM 385-1-1, current edition.

19.8 NAVFAC P300: Management of civil Engineering Support Equipment.

19.9 NAVMC DIR 5100.8: Marine Corps Occupational Safety and Health Program.

19.10 MCO 5100.29 Series: Marine Corps Safety Program.

HOW TO OBTAIN INFORMATION

1. OSHA Regulations/Standards from OSHA Web Page: http://www.osha.gov/

2. DoD employees can acquire at no cost the Construction Criteria Base (CCB) from
the National Institute of Building Sciences. CCB is an electronic collection of over
10,000 documents used in building design and construction, including guide
specifications, manuals, handbooks, regulations, reference standards and other
essential design and construction criteria documents. CCB comprises multiple CDs
226
 DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY FALL PROTECTION GUIDE
May 2015
covering Codes of Federal Regulations, OSHA Standards, Specifications, DOD Manuals
and Design Criteria and other relevant information. These CDs are updated quarterly.
The P.O.C for Navy employees to order the CCB CDs is:

The CCB website can be accessed at: http://www.wbdg.org/ccb/ccb.php Specifications

can also be downloaded from the SpecsIntact website (with helpful links, including the
CCB website) at:
http://specsintact.ksc.nasa.gov/

3. To acquire Introduction to Fall Protection (Third Edition) by Dr. Nigel Ellis, Ph.D.,
the handbook can be purchased for approximately $85 plus shipping and handling
from:
American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE)
1800 East Oakton Street
Des Plains, IL 60018-2187
Phone: (847) 699-2929

4. ANSI Standards can be purchased from ASSE at the above address.

5. Some of the published ANSI Z359 Standards can be accessed thru DHS from the
WBDG

6. This Guide can be found at the following Web Sites:

https://portal.navfac.navy.mil/portal/page/portal/navfac/navfac_ww_pp/navfac_hq_pp/na
vfac_sf_pp/navfac_sf_fall/tab109972/fall%20protection%20guide%2015%20february%20
2012.pdf

http://www.public.navy.mil/navsafecen/Documents/OSH/FP/Shore_FP_Guide.pdf

Prepared By:

DON Fall Protection Working Group

For Questions/comments contact:

Basil Tominna, P.E.

Naval Facilities Engineering Command, HQ
1220 Pacific Highway
San Diego, CA 92132-5190
Phone: Commercial (619) 5332-3041, DSN 522-3041

Email: basil.tominna@navy.mil

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 DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY FALL PROTECTION GUIDE
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APPENDIX A

FALL PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS

COMPARISON AMONG VARIOUS OSHA STANDARDS, DON and
EM-385 REQUIREMENTS

Navy FP Chapter 29 CFR 1910 USACE EM385-1-1 29 CFR 1926

Requirements 13 of OPNAVINST (2014)
5100.23 Series General Industry Construction
and DON Fall Standard OSHA Section 21 Fall Standard
Protection Guide Notices of Proposed Protection
for Ashore Rulemaking
Facilities Requirements of
March 2010
Marine Corps
Chapter 18, of Subpart D and I
NAVMC DIR
5100.8, Fall
Protection
Program

Threshold Height Above 4 feet Above 4 feet Contractors - Above Above 6 feet
6 feet
FP is required
USACE- Personnel
Above 4 feet

Development of Each Activity Not addressed Every Contractor Not addressed

Fall Protection which has and USACE
Program personnel owned/operated
exposed to fall permanent facility is
hazards shall responsible for
establish a establishing,
managed fall implementing and
protection managing a fall
program. protection program

DOD Activities Contractors having

shall conduct personnel working
fall hazard at heights, exposed
surveys and to fall hazards and
prepare survey using FP equipment
reports. shall develop a site
specific Fall
Navy Activities Protection and
shall prepare a Prevention Plan
site specific Fall (FP&PP) and
Protection & submit it to GDA for
Prevention Plan review and
(FP&PP). acceptance as part
of APP.
The FP & PP
shall be The FP &PP shall
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 DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY FALL PROTECTION GUIDE
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Navy FP Chapter 29 CFR 1910 USACE EM385-1-1 29 CFR 1926
Requirements 13 of OPNAVINST (2014)
5100.23 Series General Industry Construction
and DON Fall Standard OSHA Section 21 Fall Standard
Protection Guide Notices of Proposed Protection
for Ashore Rulemaking
Facilities Requirements of
March 2010
Marine Corps
Chapter 18, of Subpart D and I
NAVMC DIR
5100.8, Fall
Protection
Program
developed be developed by
either by a QP either CP or QP.
or CP.
USACE-
Owned/Operated
Permanent
Facilities having
personnel working
at heights are
required to develop
a written FP
program and a site
specific FP&PP.

Each USACE-
Owned/Operated
Permanent facility
shall conduct a Fall
Hazard Survey and
prepare survey
Report at existing
buildings or
structures.

Preferred Order of Elimination Not addressed Elimination Not addressed

Control Measures
or Hierarchy of Prevention Prevention
Controls for Fall
Engineering Work Platforms
hazards
Controls
(design change Personal Protective
or using Systems and
different Equipment
techniques or
Administrative
equipment (i.e.
Controls
Work
Platforms))
Administrative
Controls

Personal
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 DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY FALL PROTECTION GUIDE
May 2015
Navy FP Chapter 29 CFR 1910 USACE EM385-1-1 29 CFR 1926
Requirements 13 of OPNAVINST (2014)
5100.23 Series General Industry Construction
and DON Fall Standard OSHA Section 21 Fall Standard
Protection Guide Notices of Proposed Protection
for Ashore Rulemaking
Facilities Requirements of
March 2010
Marine Corps
Chapter 18, of Subpart D and I
NAVMC DIR
5100.8, Fall
Protection
Program
Protective
Systems and
Equipment.

Guardrails Consists of top Consists of top- Consists of top-rail, Consists of top-

rail, midrail, rail, mid-rails, midrail, posts, and rail and midrail,
posts, and posts, and toe- toeboard. posts, and
Constructed from toeboard boards toeboard
(toeboard as Top rail shall have
wood, structural Top edge of a vertical height of Top edge of
steel, pipe or steel applicable).
railing shall be 42 42 +/- 3 inches and railing shall be
cable Top rail shall be + 3/- inches high withstands a force 42 +/- 3 inches
42 +/- 3 inches and withstands a of 200 lbs. high and
high and force of 200 lbs. withstands a
withstands a Mid rails half way force of 200 lbs.
force of 200 Mid rails half way between top rail
lbs. between top and staging, Mid rails half
railing and working platform, way between top
Mid rails half walking/working or runway and railing and
way between level and shall shall withstand a walking/working
top-rail and withstand a force force of 150 lbs. level.
walking/working of 150 lbs.
level and shall Posts spaced no Posts spaced no
withstand a Posts spaced no more than 8 feet more than 8 feet
force of 150 more than 8 feet apart. apart.
lbs. apart.
Toe-boards shall Toe-boards shall
Posts spaced Toe-boards shall be 3 inches high be 3 inches
no more than 8 be 3 inches and shall withstand high and shall
feet apart. high and shall a force of 50 lbs. withstand a force
withstand a force of 50 lbs.
of 50 lbs. For existing
Parapet wall with
Toe-boards height less than
shall be 3 42 inches, may be
inches high used as FP
and shall system if the
withstand a vertical height is
force of 50 lbs. a min of 30 inches
with a width of 18
For existing inches at top of
Parapet walls the wall for a total
with height
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 DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY FALL PROTECTION GUIDE
May 2015
Navy FP Chapter 29 CFR 1910 USACE EM385-1-1 29 CFR 1926
Requirements 13 of OPNAVINST (2014)
5100.23 Series General Industry Construction
and DON Fall Standard OSHA Section 21 Fall Standard
Protection Guide Notices of Proposed Protection
for Ashore Rulemaking
Facilities Requirements of
March 2010
Marine Corps
Chapter 18, of Subpart D and I
NAVMC DIR
5100.8, Fall
Protection
Program
less than 42 width of 48
inches, may inches.
be used as FP
system if the Commercial off
vertical height the shelf
is a min of 30 engineered
inches with a guardrail systems
width of 18 may be used
inches at top instead of
of the wall for constructing a
a total width of system with the
48 inches. materials above
and shall be
designed to meet
the guardrail
criteria.

Work Platforms When working Railing is required FP required above When working >
> 4 feet above when working > 4 feet 6 feet for 6 feet above
the ground, the above the ground contractors. solid surface,
platform must level. platforms must
be equipped For USACE be equipped with
with a standard All work platforms and Operated Facilities a standard guard
guardrail or Scissor lifts comply FP is required or other fall
other fall with 1926 Subpart L above 4 ft. protection
protection system.
Scaffolds shall be
systems.
equipped Suspended
All Types of w/guardrail or other scaffolds require
Suspended FP system. railing and
scaffolds vertical lifeline.
For workers
require railing
and single
erecting and Scissor lifts-
dismantling require railing.
anchor vertical
scaffolds, if it is not
lifeline system.
feasible to provide
Scissor lifts FP, an evaluation
shall be shall be conducted
equipped with by the competent
standard person for fall
guardrails. In protection detailing
addition scissor rationale why FP is

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 DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY FALL PROTECTION GUIDE
May 2015
Navy FP Chapter 29 CFR 1910 USACE EM385-1-1 29 CFR 1926
Requirements 13 of OPNAVINST (2014)
5100.23 Series General Industry Construction
and DON Fall Standard OSHA Section 21 Fall Standard
Protection Guide Notices of Proposed Protection
for Ashore Rulemaking
Facilities Requirements of
March 2010
Marine Corps
Chapter 18, of Subpart D and I
NAVMC DIR
5100.8, Fall
Protection
Program
lift shall be not feasible and
equipped with shall be submitted
anchorages to GDA for review
meeting ANSI and acceptance as
Z359, Fall part of AHA.
Protection
Code/Standard Suspended
s. A restraint scaffolds require
system shall be railing and single
used to prohibit anchor vertical
workers from lifeline.
climbing out of,
or being
ejected from, Self-Propelled
the platform. It Elevating Work
is highly Platforms (Scissor
recommended lifts) shall be
to use equipped with
adjustable standard guardrails.
energy And anchorages
absorbing meeting Z359. A
lanyards All restraint system
suspended with a lanyard
scaffolds sufficiently short
require railing shall be used.
and single Lanyards with built
anchor vertical in EA are
lifeline system. acceptable. SRL
are also acceptable
if permitted by the
manufacturer in
writing and used in
accordance with
strict compliance
w/manufacturer
instructions and as
determined in
writing by the QP.
For FP All
suspended
scaffolds require
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 DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY FALL PROTECTION GUIDE
May 2015
Navy FP Chapter 29 CFR 1910 USACE EM385-1-1 29 CFR 1926
Requirements 13 of OPNAVINST (2014)
5100.23 Series General Industry Construction
and DON Fall Standard OSHA Section 21 Fall Standard
Protection Guide Notices of Proposed Protection
for Ashore Rulemaking
Facilities Requirements of
March 2010
Marine Corps
Chapter 18, of Subpart D and I
NAVMC DIR
5100.8, Fall
Protection
Program
railing and vertical
lifeline.

Covers Install on any Covers shall be Install covers on Install on any

hole 2 inches capable of any hole, 2 inches hole, 2 inches or
or more in its supporting without or more in its least more in its least
least dimension failure the dimension. dimension in
in walking maximum walking working
working intended load of Shall be capable of surfaces.
surfaces. employees, supporting without
equipment and failure, at least Shall be capable
Shall be material combined twice the weight of of supporting,
capable of or 250 lbs. worker, equipment without failure, at
supporting, whichever is and material least twice the
without failure, greater. combined. weight of
at least twice employees,
the weight of Shall be secured equipment, and
employees, and color coded materials that
equipment, and Provide hinged when installed. may be imposed
materials that floor opening on the cover at
may be cover of standard one time. No
imposed on the strength and stipulation for
cover at one construction removal.
time. equipped with
guard or
When covers permanently
are removed, a attached.
guard,
attendant or
other system
shall be
provided to
protect floor
holes or
openings.

Safety Net Shall be Presently not Shall be installed as Shall be installed

Systems installed as addressed in 29 close as practicable as close as
close as CFR 1910. under the walking, practicable under
possible under working surfaces, the walking,
the walking but not lower than working surfaces,
working surface 30 feet. but not lower

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 DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY FALL PROTECTION GUIDE
May 2015
Navy FP Chapter 29 CFR 1910 USACE EM385-1-1 29 CFR 1926
Requirements 13 of OPNAVINST (2014)
5100.23 Series General Industry Construction
and DON Fall Standard OSHA Section 21 Fall Standard
Protection Guide Notices of Proposed Protection
for Ashore Rulemaking
Facilities Requirements of
March 2010
Marine Corps
Chapter 18, of Subpart D and I
NAVMC DIR
5100.8, Fall
Protection
Program
with Maximum size of than 30 feet.
unprotected mesh opening shall
side or edge Addressed only in Minimum braking
not exceed 36 strength of outer
but not lower OSHA 29 CFR square inches and rope or webbing
than 25 feet. 1910 Notices of no longer than 6 shall be 5,000
Proposed inches on any side.
Maximum size Rulemaking of lbs.
of mesh 1990. Minimum breaking Maximum size of
opening shall
strength of outer mesh opening
not exceed 36 Similar to 29 CFR rope or webbing
square inches 1926, Subpart M shall not exceed
shall be 5,000 lbs. 36 square
and no longer requirements
than 6 inches Shall be tested inches and no
on any side. immediately after longer than 6
installation with a inches on any
Minimum side.
400 lbs. sand bag
breaking
dropped from a Shall be tested
strength of
height at least 42 immediately after
outer rope or
inches above the installation with a
webbing shall
walking and working 400 lbs. sand bag
be 5,000 lbs.
surfaces. dropped from a
Shall be tested height at least 42
Inspection:
immediately inches above the
immediately after
after installation walking, working
installation, weekly
with a 400 lbs. surfaces.
thereafter and
sand bag
following any repair Specific limits for
dropped from
or alteration. safety net
the same
Inspection shall be extension below
elevation a
documented. the unprotected
worker might
fall. Specifies limits for side or edge.
safety net extension
Specifies limits
below the
for safety net
unprotected side or
extension
edge
below the
unprotected
side or edge.

Personal Fall Maximum free For walking/working Maximum free fall Maximum free fall
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 DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY FALL PROTECTION GUIDE
May 2015
Navy FP Chapter 29 CFR 1910 USACE EM385-1-1 29 CFR 1926
Requirements 13 of OPNAVINST (2014)
5100.23 Series General Industry Construction
and DON Fall Standard OSHA Section 21 Fall Standard
Protection Guide Notices of Proposed Protection
for Ashore Rulemaking
Facilities Requirements of
March 2010
Marine Corps
Chapter 18, of Subpart D and I
NAVMC DIR
5100.8, Fall
Protection
Program
Arrest System fall distance of surfaces, PFAS distance of 6 feet. distance of 6
(PFAS) 6 feet. requirements are feet.
Requirements addressed in OSHA Maximum arresting
Maximum 29 CFR 1910 Notices force of 1,800 lbs. Maximum
arresting force of Proposed arresting force of
of 1,800 lbs. Rulemaking of 1990. Shall stop the fall 1,800 lbs.
with a deceleration
Shall stop the Maximum free fall distance of less Shall stop the fall
fall with a distance of 6 feet. than 42 inches. with a
deceleration deceleration
distance of less Maximum Prevent a person distance of less
than 42 inches. arresting force of from contacting than 42 inches.
1,800 lbs. lower level or
Prevent a object. Prevent a person
person from Shall stop the fall from contacting
contacting with a Body belts are not lower level or
lower level or deceleration authorized. object.
object. distance of less
than 42 inches. Body belts are
Body belts are not authorized
not authorized. Prevent a person
from contacting
lower level or
object.

Body belts are

prohibited.

Fall Protection Navy activities Employers should Selection of The type of fall
Equipment should use only obtain equipment shall be arrest system
Selection Criteria manufacturer comprehensive based on type of selected should
certified instructions from work; work match the
equipment and the suppliers. environment, particular work
meet ANSI weight, size and situation and any
Z359. FP Code/ shape of the free fall distance
Standards. worker, type and should be kept to
position/location of a minimum.
Any equipment anchorage and
meeting ANSI length of lanyard. Consideration
A10.14 shall should be given
not be used. Use only equipment to a particular
meeting ANSI work
Only the Z359.FP environment.
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 DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY FALL PROTECTION GUIDE
May 2015
Navy FP Chapter 29 CFR 1910 USACE EM385-1-1 29 CFR 1926
Requirements 13 of OPNAVINST (2014)
5100.23 Series General Industry Construction
and DON Fall Standard OSHA Section 21 Fall Standard
Protection Guide Notices of Proposed Protection
for Ashore Rulemaking
Facilities Requirements of
March 2010
Marine Corps
Chapter 18, of Subpart D and I
NAVMC DIR
5100.8, Fall
Protection
Program
qualified person Code/Standards
for fall Standard. Any
protection can equipment meeting
make the ANSI A10.14 shall
determination not be used.
of increasing
the free fall Frontal D-ring
distance more attachment point
than 6 feet. located at the
sternum can be
Frontal D-ring used for fall arrest
attachment provided the free
point located at fall distance is less
the sternum than 2 feet and
can be used for maximum arrest
fall arrest force does not
provided the exceed 900 lbs.
free fall
distance is less Only the qualified
than 2 feet and person for fall
maximum protection can make
arrest force the determination of
does not increasing the free
exceed 900 lbs. fall distance more
than 6 feet.

Definition of Qualified Person Qualified Person Qualified Person for Qualified: means
Qualified Person for Fall Protection: means one with a Fall Protection (New - one who, by
A person with a recognized degree or see Appendix Q): A possession of a
recognized professional certificate person with a recognized degree,
engineering or extensive recognized degree or certificate, or
degree or knowledge and professional certificate professional
professional experience in the and with extensive standing, or who by
certificate and with subject field who is knowledge, training, extensive knowledge,
extensive capable of design, and experience in the training, and
knowledge, training, analysis, evaluation fall protection and experience, has
and experience in and specifications in rescue field who is successfully
fall protection and the subject work, capable of designing, demonstrated his
rescue field, who is project, or product. analyzing, evaluating ability to solve or
capable of and specifying fall resolve problems

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 DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY FALL PROTECTION GUIDE
May 2015
Navy FP Chapter 29 CFR 1910 USACE EM385-1-1 29 CFR 1926
Requirements 13 of OPNAVINST (2014)
5100.23 Series General Industry Construction
and DON Fall Standard OSHA Section 21 Fall Standard
Protection Guide Notices of Proposed Protection
for Ashore Rulemaking
Facilities Requirements of
March 2010
Marine Corps
Chapter 18, of Subpart D and I
NAVMC DIR
5100.8, Fall
Protection
Program
performing design, protection and rescue relating to the subject
analysis, and systems. matter, the work, or
evaluation of fall the project.
protection rescue
systems and
equipment.

Definition of Competent Person Competent Person: Competent Person for Competent Person:
Competent Person for Fall Protection: Means a person who Fall Protection (New Means one who is
A person designated is capable of See Appendix Q): A capable of identifying
by the Command to identifying hazardous person designated in existing and
be responsible for or dangerous writing in the AHA by predictable hazards
the immediate conditions in any the employer to be in the surroundings or
supervision, personal fall arrest responsible for the working conditions
implementation and system or any immediate supervision, which are unsanitary,
monitoring of the fall component thereof, as implementation and hazardous, or
protection program, well as in their monitoring of the fall dangerous to
who through training application and use protection program, who employees, and who
knowledge and with related through training, has authorization to
expertise is capable equipment. knowledge and take prompt
of identifying, experience in fall corrective measures
evaluating and protection and rescue to eliminate them.
addressing existing systems and
and potential fall equipment, is capable
hazards and in the of identifying, evaluating
application and use and addressing existing
of personal fall and potential fall
arrest and rescue hazards and, who has
system or any the authority to take
component thereof, prompt corrective
AND who has the measures with regard to
authority to take such hazards.
prompt corrective
measures to
eliminate or control
the hazards of
falling.

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 DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY FALL PROTECTION GUIDE
May 2015
Navy FP Chapter 29 CFR 1910 USACE EM385-1-1 29 CFR 1926
Requirements 13 of OPNAVINST (2014)
5100.23 Series General Industry Construction
and DON Fall Standard OSHA Section 21 Fall Standard
Protection Guide Notices of Proposed Protection
for Ashore Rulemaking
Facilities Requirements of
March 2010
Marine Corps
Chapter 18, of Subpart D and I
NAVMC DIR
5100.8, Fall
Protection
Program

Fall Arrest Capable of Capable of Anchorages shall

Anchorages supporting a supporting at least be capable of
minimum of In the PRM, 5,000 lbs. per supporting at
5,000 lbs. references the worker attached or least 5,000 lbs.
attached; or anchorage designed by a per employee
shall be strength for qualified person for attached, or shall
designed, personal; FP fall protection for be designed,
installed and system as 5,000 twice the maximum installed and
used under the pounds arrest force on the used as part of a
supervision of a body. complete fall
qualified person arrest system
and shall All HLL anchorages which maintains
maintain a shall be designed by a a safety factor
safety factor registered PE qualified of least 2 and
of at least two. in designing HLL under the
systems. supervision of
qualified person.

The Gates of The gates of The Gates of The gates of

Snaphooks and snaphooks and Snaphooks and snaphooks and
carabiners shall carabiners shall carabiners shall carabiners shall
withstand a withstand a side withstand a force of withstand a side
force of 3,600 loading of 350 3,600 pounds in all loading of 220
pounds in all pounds and face directions pounds and face
directions loading of 220 loading of 220
pounds Snaphooks and pounds
Snaphooks and Carabiners
Carabiners manufactured per
manufactured ANSI Z359.1 (1992-
per ANSI R1999) shall not be
Z359.1 (1992- used
R1999) shall
not be used

Energy Absorbing The 6 ft. FF SRLs that The 6 ft. FF Energy SRLs that
Single and Y Energy automatically limit Absorbing (EA) automatically limit
Lanyards Absorbing (EA) free fall distance Lanyards shall be free fall distance
Lanyards shall to 2 feet or less, used when the tie- to 2 feet or less,
be used when must withstand a off point is above must withstand a
the tie-off point min tensile load of the dorsal D ring. min tensile load
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 DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY FALL PROTECTION GUIDE
May 2015
Navy FP Chapter 29 CFR 1910 USACE EM385-1-1 29 CFR 1926
Requirements 13 of OPNAVINST (2014)
5100.23 Series General Industry Construction
and DON Fall Standard OSHA Section 21 Fall Standard
Protection Guide Notices of Proposed Protection
for Ashore Rulemaking
Facilities Requirements of
March 2010
Marine Corps
Chapter 18, of Subpart D and I
NAVMC DIR
5100.8, Fall
Protection
Program
is above the 3,000 pounds The average arrest of 3,000 pounds
dorsal D ring. force on the body
The average SRLs that do not shall not exceed No reference to
arrest force on limit the FF to 2 900 lbs. SRLs that do not
the body shall feet or less must limit the FF to
not exceed 900 be capable of The 12 ft. FF EA less
lbs. sustaining a min Lanyard shall be
tensile load of used when the tie-
The 12 ft. FF 5,000 pounds, off point is below
EA Lanyard the dorsal D ring
shall be used creating a FF
when the tie-off distance of more
point is below than 6 feet. The
the dorsal D average arrest force
ring creating a on the body shall
FF distance of not exceed 1,350
more than 6 lbs.
feet. The
average arrest The 12 ft. FF EA
force on the lanyard may also be
body shall not used when the free
exceed 1,350 fall distance is less
lbs. than 6 ft.

The 12 ft. FF The length of all EA

EA lanyard may lanyards used in FA
also be used shall not exceed 6
when the free feet.
fall distance is
The 6 ft. and 12 ft.
less than 6 ft.
EA Lanyards shall
The length of meet the
all EA lanyards requirements of
used in FA ANSI Z359.13
shall not Standard.
exceed 6 feet.

The 6 ft. and 12

ft. EA Lanyards
shall meet the
requirements of
ANSI Z359.13

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 DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY FALL PROTECTION GUIDE
May 2015
Navy FP Chapter 29 CFR 1910 USACE EM385-1-1 29 CFR 1926
Requirements 13 of OPNAVINST (2014)
5100.23 Series General Industry Construction
and DON Fall Standard OSHA Section 21 Fall Standard
Protection Guide Notices of Proposed Protection
for Ashore Rulemaking
Facilities Requirements of
March 2010
Marine Corps
Chapter 18, of Subpart D and I
NAVMC DIR
5100.8, Fall
Protection
Program
Standard.

Training Workers States that Workers exposed to States that FP

exposed to fall employer must fall hazards from training is
hazards from provide training to heights and using required.
heights and each employee FP equipment shall
using FP who uses be trained by
equipment shall personal FP competent person
be trained by a equipment. for fall protection
competent who is qualified in
person for fall Retraining is delivering FP
protection who required. training.
is qualified in
delivering FP Retraining shall also
training. be provided as
necessary.
Retraining shall
also be Employer shall
provided as verify worker
necessary. training by a written
certification record
Refresher including name of
training will be worker, date of
provided at an training and
interval signatures of trainer
determined by and trainee.
the activity.
Training of all
Training of all personnel involved
personnel in the FP program
involved in the including associated
FP program trainers shall be in
including accordance w/ANSI
associated Z359.2
trainers shall be
in accordance
w/ANSI Z359.2.

Horizontal Lifeline Designed prior Shall be designed HLL shall be Designed,

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 DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY FALL PROTECTION GUIDE
May 2015
Navy FP Chapter 29 CFR 1910 USACE EM385-1-1 29 CFR 1926
Requirements 13 of OPNAVINST (2014)
5100.23 Series General Industry Construction
and DON Fall Standard OSHA Section 21 Fall Standard
Protection Guide Notices of Proposed Protection
for Ashore Rulemaking
Facilities Requirements of
March 2010
Marine Corps
Chapter 18, of Subpart D and I
NAVMC DIR
5100.8, Fall
Protection
Program
to use by a and installed as installed and used installed, and
registered part of a complete under the used under the
professional fall arrest system supervision of supervision of a
engineer with which maintains a qualified person for qualified person
experience in safety factor of at fall protection only, and used as part
designing least 2 under the as part of a of a complete
horizontal supervision of a complete fall arrest personal fall
lifeline systems qualified person. system that arrest system
and as part of a maintains a safety that maintains a
complete fall factor of at least safety factor of at
arrest system two. least two.
that maintains a
safety factor of
at least two.

Positioning Limit the free Not addressed in Be rigged such that Shall be secured
System fall distance to 29 CFR1910. a worker cannot to an anchorage
Requirement 2 feet. free fall more than 2 capable of
Addressed only in feet. supporting at
Secured to an the OSHA least twice the
anchorage Proposed Secured to an potential impact
capable of Rulemaking of anchorage capable load of an
supporting 1990. of supporting at employees fall or
twice the least twice the 3,000 lbs.
potential impact The potential impact whichever is
loading or Requirements are load of a workers greater.
3,000 lbs. similar to 29 CFR fall or 3,000 lbs.
whichever is 1926, Subpart M. whichever is Shall be rigged
greater. greater. such that an
Anchorages for
employee cannot
In addition to personal FP In addition to free fall more
positioning system must be positioning system, than 2 feet.
system, capable of requires the use of
requires the supporting at least a separate system
use of a 5,000 lbs. that provides back-
separate up.
system that
provides back-
up.

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 DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY FALL PROTECTION GUIDE
May 2015
Navy FP Chapter 29 CFR 1910 USACE EM385-1-1 29 CFR 1926
Requirements 13 of OPNAVINST (2014)
5100.23 Series General Industry Construction
and DON Fall Standard OSHA Section 21 Fall Standard
Protection Guide Notices of Proposed Protection
for Ashore Rulemaking
Facilities Requirements of
March 2010
Marine Corps
Chapter 18, of Subpart D and I
NAVMC DIR
5100.8, Fall
Protection
Program

Restraint Anchorage Anchorage Anchorage strength Anchorages shall

Anchorages strength strength is not requirement shall have the capacity
requirement specified in 29 be 3,000 lbs. or to withstand at
shall be 3,000 CFR 1910 designed by a least 3,000 lbs.
lbs. or Standard qualified person for of force or twice
designed by a FP for two times the maximum
qualified person No reference to the foreseeable expected force.
for FP for two Anchorage force. (*)
times the strength
foreseeable Restraint system
force. shall be used only
on sloped surfaces
Restraint equal or less than
system shall be 18.4 degrees (4:12
used only on slope).
sloped surfaces
equal or less
than 18.4
degrees (4:12
slope)

Inspection, Before each FP equipment Equipment shall be Personal fall

storage, care, and use, the user shall be inspected inspected by the arrest system
maintenance of FP shall carefully prior to each use; end-user prior to shall be
equipment inspect the FP employer should each use. inspected prior to
equipment. obtain each use for
The competent comprehensive A Competent wear, damage
person must instructions from person for FP shall and other
inspect the FP the supplier inspect the deteriorations.
equipment at method of equipment at least
least annually inspection, use once semi-annually
with cleaning and and whenever
documentation. storage. equipment is
subjected to a fall or
impacted.

Competent persons
inspection shall be
documented.

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 DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY FALL PROTECTION GUIDE
May 2015
Navy FP Chapter 29 CFR 1910 USACE EM385-1-1 29 CFR 1926
Requirements 13 of OPNAVINST (2014)
5100.23 Series General Industry Construction
and DON Fall Standard OSHA Section 21 Fall Standard
Protection Guide Notices of Proposed Protection
for Ashore Rulemaking
Facilities Requirements of
March 2010
Marine Corps
Chapter 18, of Subpart D and I
NAVMC DIR
5100.8, Fall
Protection
Program

Climbing Ladder Installed on Installed on fixed Installed on fixed Installed on fixed

Fall Arrest System fixed ladders ladders more than ladders more than ladders more
(Requirements more than 20 20 feet in length. 20 feet in length. than 24 feet in
(Previously called feet in length. length.
Ladder Climbing LCD shall meet Anchorage strength
Device (LCD)) Anchorage the design 3000 lbs. Capable of
strength 3000 requirements of withstanding a
lbs. the ladders which Free fall distance drop test of 500
they serve. shall not exceed 2 lbs.
Free fall feet.
distance shall Free fall distance
not exceed 2 Length of connector shall not exceed
feet. between D-ring and 2 feet.
LCD shall be 9
Length of inches. Length of
connector connector
between D-ring 100% transition at between D-ring
and LCD shall top of ladder. and LCD shall be
be 9-12 inches 9 inches.
Do not install LCD
100% transition on ladders having
at top of ladder. inch rungs unless
they are designed
Do not install to withstand fall
LCD on ladders forces.
having inch
rungs unless
they are
designed to
withstand the
fall forces.

Rescue When using fall The employer Requirement to The employer

procedures arrest shall provide for provide prompt shall provide for
equipment, prompt rescue of rescue to all fallen prompt rescue of
ensure mishap employees in the workers. employees in the
victim can self- event of a fall or event of a fall or
rescue or can shall assure the A rescue plan shall shall ensure that
be rescued self-rescue be prepared and employees can
promptly should capability of maintained. rescue
a fall occur. employees. themselves.
Personnel
conducting rescue
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 DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY FALL PROTECTION GUIDE
May 2015
Navy FP Chapter 29 CFR 1910 USACE EM385-1-1 29 CFR 1926
Requirements 13 of OPNAVINST (2014)
5100.23 Series General Industry Construction
and DON Fall Standard OSHA Section 21 Fall Standard
Protection Guide Notices of Proposed Protection
for Ashore Rulemaking
Facilities Requirements of
March 2010
Marine Corps
Chapter 18, of Subpart D and I
NAVMC DIR
5100.8, Fall
Protection
Program

Personnel shall be trained.

conducting Anchorages for self-
rescue shall be rescue and
trained. assisted-rescue
Anchorages for shall be identified
self-rescue and and selected.
assisted-rescue Anchorages
shall be selected for rescue
identified and shall be capable of
selected. withstanding static
Anchorages loads of 3,000 lbs.
selected for or 5 times the
rescue shall be applied loads as
capable of designed by
withstanding qualified person for
static loads of fall protection.
3,000 lbs. or 5 Buddy system
times the (Safety person or
applied loads spotter) is required.
as designed by
qualified person If other methods of
for fall rescue are planned
protection. (Fire Department) it
shall be indicated in
Buddy system the rescue plan.
(Safety person
or spotter) is All FBHs shall be
required. equipped
w/suspension
trauma preventers
such as stirrups,
relief steps or
similar in order to
provide short term
relief from the
effects of orthostatic
intolerance.

244
 DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY FALL PROTECTION GUIDE
May 2015
Navy FP Chapter 29 CFR 1910 USACE EM385-1-1 29 CFR 1926
Requirements 13 of OPNAVINST (2014)
5100.23 Series General Industry Construction
and DON Fall Standard OSHA Section 21 Fall Standard
Protection Guide Notices of Proposed Protection
for Ashore Rulemaking
Facilities Requirements of
March 2010
Marine Corps
Chapter 18, of Subpart D and I
NAVMC DIR
5100.8, Fall
Protection
Program

Warning Line Consists of wire The OSHA Consists of wire Consists of wire
system/Designated rope or chains Notices of rope or chains 34- rope or chains
Area 34 -39 inches proposed 39 inches high. 34-39 inches
high. Rulemaking uses high.
the designated Tensile strength of
Tensile area which is the line shall be min Tensile strength
strength of the similar to the 500 lbs. of the line shall
line shall be requirements of be min 500 lbs.
min 500 lbs. warning line Stanchions shall be
system. capable of Stanchions shall
Stanchions withstanding a force be capable of
shall be The line shall be of 16 lbs. applied withstanding a
capable of established 6 feet horizontally 30 force of 16 lbs.
withstanding a away from the inches from the applied
force of 16 lbs. unprotected edge walking working horizontally 30
applied of a roof with a surfaces. inches from the
horizontally 30 100% transition walking working
inches from from the point of For roofing work, surfaces.
the walking access to the the line shall be
working designated area. erected 6 feet away For roofing work,
surfaces. from the edge. For the line shall be
other trades the line erected 6 feet
For roofing shall be 15 feet away from the
work, the line away from the edge. For other
shall be erected edge. trades the line
6 feet away shall be 15 feet
from the edge. away from the
For other edge.
trades the line
shall be 15 feet
away from the
edge.

Controlled Access Not addressed Not addressed Prohibited as a fall Allowed by

Zones in OPNAVINST protection method. Subpart M.
5100.23H, The
system is
addressed in
the FP Guide.

The system
shall not be
245
 DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY FALL PROTECTION GUIDE
May 2015
Navy FP Chapter 29 CFR 1910 USACE EM385-1-1 29 CFR 1926
Requirements 13 of OPNAVINST (2014)
5100.23 Series General Industry Construction
and DON Fall Standard OSHA Section 21 Fall Standard
Protection Guide Notices of Proposed Protection
for Ashore Rulemaking
Facilities Requirements of
March 2010
Marine Corps
Chapter 18, of Subpart D and I
NAVMC DIR
5100.8, Fall
Protection
Program
used as a fall
protection
method.

Monitoring system Monitoring Not addressed. Prohibited as a fall Allowed per

system shall protection system. Subpart M.
not be used by
itself as a fall
protection
method. May
be used in
conjunction
with other fall
protection
system.

Not addressed
in OPNAVINST
5100.23H.
Addressed in
the FP Guide.

Prohibited as a
fall protection
system.

(*) As per OSHA Interpretation Letter

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 DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY FALL PROTECTION GUIDE
May 2015

APPENDIX B
CALCULATING TOTAL FALL DISTANCE AND CLEARANCE

B.1 CALCULATING TOTAL FALL DISTANCE

The total fall distance is the sum of free fall distance and deceleration.

If a worker is connected to an anchorage using a six-foot free fall energy-absorbing lanyard

and the anchorage is located 2 feet above the workers Dorsal D ring, what is the total fall
distance?

The maximum free-fall distance is:

6 ft. (length of FA Lanyard 2.5 ft. = 3.5 feet

The deceleration distance is 4 feet maximum

The Total Fall Distance is: 3.5 feet + 4 feet = 7.5 feet

B.2 CALCULATING THE CLEARANCE

To determine what is the clearance requirement in Paragraph B.1 above, measured

from the anchorage to the ground below. Assume the worker's "D" ring location is five
feet from his toe at the instant of the worker's fall until he comes to a complete stop. A
three-foot safety buffer is required between the bottom of the worker's shoe (After
arresting a fall) and the ground below.

The D ring location after stopping the fall is:

7.5 feet 5 feet (From d ring location to the working surface) = 2.5 feet

The minimum required clearance below the working surface is:

2.5 feet + 1 foot (harness stretch) + 5 feet (D-ring to toe of worker) + 3 feet safety
buffer = 15 feet

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DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY FALL PROTECTION GUIDE
May 2015

B.3 Total Fall Distance Schematics

248
 DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY FALL PROTECTION GUIDE
May 2015
Total Fall Distance When using 6 Ft Free Fall Energy Absorbing
Single Lanyard

249
 DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY FALL PROTECTION GUIDE
May 2015
Total Fall Distance when using 6 Ft Free Fall Energy Absorbing
Y Lanyard

250
 DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY FALL PROTECTION GUIDE
May 2015

Total Fall Distance when using 12 ft. Free Fall, Energy

Absorbing Single or Y Lanyard
(TFD for single or Y lanyard is identical)

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 DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY FALL PROTECTION GUIDE
May 2015

APPENDIX C
DISCUSSION, EXAMPLES/PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS TO FALL
HAZARDS
The following examples/problems, questions, and solutions to fall hazards are included to help
safety personnel, Resident Officers in Charge of Construction (ROICC), design engineers,
contractors, and subcontractors to address fall hazard issues and concerns in the workplace,
especially during the performance of work:

C.1 PRODUCT OR MATERIAL DELIVERY TO A CONSTRUCTION SITE

Question: Are vendors delivering products or materials to a construction site covered by 29

CFR 1926.500, Subpart M, where the products and material are delivered to a location on the
construction site six feet or more above lower level?

Answer: Yes, they are required to comply with Subpart M. Vendors and others are
considered engaged in construction activities when they deliver products or materials to a
construction site that are used during construction work or when they are engaged in an
activity that completes the construction work, such as final cleanup of buildings and structures.
If the construction contractors picked up the products or materials at the vendors outlet (store,
warehouse, etc.) the vendor, depending upon the type of facility, may not be regulated by 29
CFR 1926.500, Subpart M.

C.2. DELIVERY AND PLACEMENT OF ROOFING MATERIALS

Question: What are the obligations of suppliers of roofing materials when they deliver roofing
materials to a construction site and place the material on the roof?

Answer: Because the products will be used during construction activities, the suppliers will be
required under Subpart M to protect their employees from falls of six feet or more to lower
levels when possible. Therefore, employees shall be provided with personal fall-arrest
equipment to attach to an anchor point if available. In case of delivering roofing materials, the
following is required.

Gaining Access to a Roof: Where a vendor or suppliers employee gains access to a roof is
a handhold (rope, chain, or other railing) required to be attached to the conveyor belt in order
for the employee to have a support with which to steady him or hers; or a ladder shall be used
to gain access to the roof?

Discussion: Distribution of Roofing Materials: Once on the roof, the vendors employee will
receive roofing products from a conveyor belt (lift truck or similar equipment), and then
distribute the products onto the roof at various locations. During this distribution, OSHA does
not require the vendors employees to install anchorage point for fall-protection equipment,

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 DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY FALL PROTECTION GUIDE
May 2015
regardless of the slope of the roof or the fall distance. The construction contractor shall
establish/identify properly designed anchorages to be used by vendors employee.

Additional Discussion: It is recommended that the employee be tied to an anchorage point

at the ridge or the highest point on the roof. The anchorage point can have a post four to five
feet high attached to it, so that a self-retracting lanyard or lifeline attachment to the D ring will
be high enough and wont become a tripping hazard.

C.3. FALL PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS FOR SCAFFOLDS

Question: What type of fall protection equipment will be required for work on scaffolds?

Answer: A fall-arrest system, vertical lifeline, and temporary guardrail system will be required
on movable or suspended scaffolds. For a scaffold attached to a building or structure
(stationary), workers shall use temporary guardrail systems. However, fall-arrest systems or
horizontal or vertical lifelines on stationary scaffolds are recommended. A warning-line system
is required at the lower level.

C.4 REQUIREMENTS FOR INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATION PROCESS FOR

HORIZONTAL LIFELINE (HLL) SYSTEMS

Question: What is the difference between the inspection and certification process?

Answer:

Inspection: The act of verifying conditions of a system, assembly, or component. Inspection

should be per established standards and criteria with a means in place to correct deficient
conditions. The inspector shall be trained for the inspection task.

At DON Ashore facilities, the horizontal lifelines shall be considered fall protection equipment
requiring annual inspection. Inspection of HLL components should include anchorage
connectors, lifeline tensioner, thimble, cable, fittings, snaphooks, self-retracting lanyard shock
absorber, lanyards, and full-body harness. Inspection should follow ANSI Z359 Fall Protection
Code/ standards inspection process or OEM instructions, or if produced locally, by the qualified
engineer.

Certification: The process resulting in documentation that the criteria established for the
design of the system and inspection requirements is met. Each activity that installs HLL shall
develop a certification process that evaluates the design of the assembly and provides
inspection criteria.

Standards and requirements: Certifying HLL Systems is carried out by testing or applying
proven analytical methods under the supervision of a qualified person.

The responsibility of certifying HLL lies with the activity that owns or uses the system.
Navy activities should take into consideration when selecting or designing HLL systems
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 DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY FALL PROTECTION GUIDE
May 2015
that these systems will require annual or periodic inspection. The system will also
require certification and recertification by a qualified person/engineer. Navy Activities
should budget funds for this effort. The frequency of re-certification shall be provided
by the designer of the system. The duration of re-certifying the system shall not exceed
5 years.

C.5 RISK OF EXPOSURE TO HIGH WINDS

Question: What is the maximum wind velocity to which an employee should be exposed while
performing a task?

Answer: Not all fall-protection standards address exposure to high winds; however, 29 CFR
1910.269, titled Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution; Paragraph (x) (5)
defines: High Winds as a wind of such velocity that the following hazards would be present:
[1] An employee would be exposed to being blown from an elevated location, or
[2] An employee or employee operating material-handling equipment could lose control of
the materials being handled, or
[3] An employee would be exposed to other hazards not controlled by the standard
involved.

Where work is performed on roofs when the possibility of adverse weather conditions
may be present, such as wind, ice, or rain; extra caution must be exercised. The Safety
manager or a Competent Person must be consulted where the work is occurring, with
consideration of the duration of work, the number of employees, and whom to contact in case
of adverse weather.

Note: Winds exceeding 40 miles per hour or 30 miles per hour where material handling is
involved, is normally considered as meeting this hazard-prevention criterion, unless
precautions are taken to protect employees from the hazardous effects of the wind.

C.6 REQUIREMENTS WHEN ACCESSING AND PERFORMING WORK ON ROOFS

Question #1: Can a "Competent" Person for Fall Protection access a rooftop through a
Hatch/door, close the hatch/door and proceed directly to the area of work without a warning
line system/designated area, and tie off at destination?

Answer: Yes, for Government work (General industry work) per Navy requirements and
guidelines and 29 CFR 1910 Proposed Rule for walking working surfaces, a competent person
for fall protection or an end user can enter a rooftop thru a hatch/door, close the hatch/door,
and proceed directly to the work location with no fall protection. This however, is only for
accessing the work location, but when the work or inspection is being performed on HVAC
equipment a FP method is required. A warning line system is only used for construction work,
for general industry work (i.e. inspecting or maintaining HVAC equipment); "Designated Area"
is used. The requirements for designated area is similar to a warning line system (WLS); in
addition to WLS requirements, an access to the designated area from the hatch/door must be
established by a clear path formed by two lines attached to stanchions. Requirements for this

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 DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY FALL PROTECTION GUIDE
May 2015
safe access are similar to the requirements for designated area. That being said, the first-
person-up can access the work location and establish an anchorage or install a designated
area FP is not required during this process. This is called "The First-person-Up". However,
when the work or inspection is being performed on the equipment then fall protection is
required (this is after installing a FP method).

No matter how far the work location is from an unprotected roof edge or the duration of the
work, fall protection will be required. As Per the OSHA interpretation letter and Navy
instructions and guidelines, we have included the following paragraphs:
a. There is no safe distance from an unprotected side or edge of a roof or floor. The
distance alone is ineffective to protect personnel from unprotected sides and edges.

b. There is no minimum time duration that allows exclusion of fall protection requirements.
(e.g. if a 2 minute job requires 15 minutes to establish fall protection).

Question #2: Can a Contractor proceed in the same manner as above?

Answer: The answer to the second question is yes; the contractor performing construction
work (only the first person up) can proceed in the same manner for accessing the roof or other
high locations and said contractor can install a fall protection method or an anchorage without
being protected. The first person up has ONLY one job, and that is installing a Fall Protection
method. And again, when the work is being performed on equipment FP has to be in place.
There are other feasible FP methods that can be used, other than a warning line system or the
designated area method, for example; a temporary railing and restraint system if anchorages
are available.

Question #3: Once "Tied Off" at a designated tie off point, is a Warning Line System still
required if the Government/Contractor employee remains tied off until their work is completed?

Answer: When a person is tied off using the proper personal FP equipment a warning line
is not required, one system is adequate. The only time fall protection is not required is during
inspection and investigation work conducted on roofs for the purpose of replacing roofing
material or inspecting (i.e. a puddle of water). This applies to Government personnel and
contractor worker, and this requirement is included in the FP Guide and EM 385. Such an
inspection would fall under the "Construction Exemption". If a person is conducting a roof
inspection and investigation work, and said work is within 6 feet from an unprotected roof edge
then fall protection is required. Any inspection and investigation work conducted more than 6
feet away from the unprotected side or edge fall protection is not required. Any work involving
equipment inspection or maintenance work on roofs (other than roof inspections) falls under
the general industry standard and again FP is required.

As a point of note; the EM 385 Section 21 and Navy FP Requirements are almost identical,
any differences that exist will only be in the application of the requirements and not the
substantive directives.
End of Section

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 DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY FALL PROTECTION GUIDE
May 2015

APPENDIX D
MAN OVERBOARD PLAN
1. REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

a. Personal Floatation Devices: U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket or buoyant work
vests will be provided for employees working over or near water, where the danger of drowning
exists. PFDs (life preservers, life jackets, or work vests) worn by each affected employee shall
be United States Coast Guard (USCG) approved pursuant to 46 CFR part 160, Coast Guard
Lifesaving Equipment Specifications (Type I, II, III, or V PFD) and marked for use as a work
vest for commercial use, or for use on vessels. Prior to each use, personal flotation devices
shall be inspected for dry rot, chemical damage, wear, moisture damage, and ultraviolet
deterioration that may affect their strength and buoyancy. Defective personal flotation devices
shall not be used.

b. Ring Buoys: USCG-approved 30-inch ring buoys (life rings/safety buoys) with at least 90
feet of 600 pound capacity line shall be provided and readily available for emergency rescue
operations. Distance between ring buoys shall not exceed 200 feet. Prior to each use,
personal ring buoys shall be inspected for dry rot, chemical damage, wear, moisture damage,
and ultraviolet deterioration that may affect their strength and buoyancy. Defective ring buoys
shall not be used.

c. Lifesaving-Skiff: At least one lifesaving-skiff shall be available immediately at locations

where employees are working over or adjacent to, water where the danger of drowning exists.
It is intended that the lifesaving-skiff shall be able to retrieve an employee from the water within
no more than three (3) to four (4) minutes from the time of entrance into the water. Additional
hazards such as very cold water, strong current, heavy winds, and/or wave conditions shall be
noted. The ability to retrieve an employee before injuries are sustained as a result of these
additional hazards, and whether it is powered by an inboard engine, will determine the size of
the lifesaving-skiff. The lifesaving-skiff shall be properly maintained, ready for emergency use,
equipped with oars & oarlocks attached to the gunwales, boathook, anchor, ring buoy with 50
feet of 600-pound capacity line, and two life preservers. (Oars are not required on a lifesaving-
skiff powered by an inboard engine.) The lifesaving-skiff shall be manned at all times when
employees are working near or over the water. The lifesaving-skiff operator must be trained
never to reverse the skiffs engine and approach an employee who has fallen into the water by
backing the skiff stern-first, as the propeller may strike the victim. The lifesaving-skiff shall
carry a boarding ladder so that the person, if able, can climb into the skiff.

d. Fall Protection Temporary Guardrail System or Personal Fall Arrest System: Fall
protection shall be provided during construction/erection activities where employees are
working 6 feet above lower level surfaces, including water. In cases where 100% fall
protection, including the use of temporary guardrail systems or personal fall arrest systems, is
used to prevent employees from falling into the water, the drowning hazard effectively will have
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been removed; therefore life jackets or buoyant work vests are not required. Ring buoys and a
skiff shall be used as a backup in the event of a failure of the operation of fall protection
devices, or a lapse in their use (therefore, ring buoys and a lifesaving-skiff shall be provided,
irrespective of the fall protection provided on the construction/erection site).

e. Available Ladder: There shall be at least one portable or permanent ladder in the vicinity
where the work is being performed so that in the event that an employee falls into the water,
and if the employee if not injured, exhausted, or unconscious, will be able to use the ladder
to climb out of the water. The ladder shall be of sufficient length so that the employee can step
onto the ladder rungs, regardless of the height of the tide.

f. Lifejacket Rescue Light: Employees working over (or near) deep water after dark shall
have a flashing/strobe or constant beam (visible for at least 1 mile in clear dark conditions)
light attached to their PFD. [Note: some PFD lights are activated automatically upon contact
with water].

g. Emergency Whistle: Employees working over (or near) deep water in foggy conditions
shall have attached to their PFD a pea-less omni-directional whistle with at least a 115 decibel
volume capacity (at 10 feet). [Note: pea-less whistles have no cork ball or pea that can swell
up or stick when immersed in water].

2. SAFETY TOOL BOX MEETING

The Man Overboard (Person Overboard) Plan shall be discussed at an employee safety
meeting, with all involved employees in attendance, prior to work near or over water. It shall
be pointed out at the meeting that employees who fall into the water face a number of dangers,
including panic and injury during the fall; and if the fall is into cold water, the employee may
experience hypothermia. Quick thinking and coordinated action are essential to an effective
rescue. Rehearsal of reaction method(s) is vital to a successful and safe recovery of an
individual who falls off a pier, dock, or platform into deep water. Man Overboard Rescue
Procedures shall be discussed at the Safety Tool Box Meeting. This discussion shall include
addressing the visibility conditions (working in a foggy environments or after dark), weather
conditions (high wind and/or high waves), and climate conditions (winter months in Northern
climates). If the work is being performed near or over cold water, there shall be a discussion
on the water survival skills to be utilized to increase the chances for surviving cold water
immersion, including the following:

a. Immediately upon falling in the water, try to catch your breath, and become oriented to
the surrounding area.

b. Try to get onto the pier or on board the lifesaving skiff, as soon as possible, to shorten
the immersion time. (Body heat is lost many times faster in the water than in the air.)

c. While afloat in the water, DO NOT attempt to swim unless you are able to quickly
reach the piers safety ladder, or get to the lifesaving-skiffs rescue ladder. (Unnecessary
swimming will pump out any warm water between the body and the layers of clothing, and will
increase the rate of body-heat loss. Also, unnecessary movements of arms and legs send
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warm blood from the inner core to the outer layer of the body, resulting in more rapid heat
loss.)

3. MAN OVERBOARD RESCUE PROCEDURES

a. Shout Man Overboard: The first construction/erection crew member to observe the
incident or the person overboard calls out Man Overboard! (Even if there is only one person
on the shore in the immediate area, shouting "Man Overboard", it may provide reassurance to
the person in the water).

b. Maintain Sight of the Victim: The person who has fallen into the water must be kept in
sight at all times. One employee on shore shall continuously point (open handed) to the
individual in the water. (Even the best of swimmers can become disoriented when
unexpectedly falling into the water.) Immediate action is of primary importance when a person
falls overboard. Every second counts, particularly in windy conditions or cold weather. The
condition of the person in the water will dictate the type of recovery procedure used.

c. Throw Ring Buoy: A tethered ring buoy immediately shall be thrown to the person who
falls into the water. Throw the ring buoy directly in front of the person in the water (ahead of
the person in the direction of the moving water); do not throw it directly at the person because
it could cause further injury if it hits the individual. The person in the water will be directed to
hold onto the line and be hauled in for recovery by the person on the shore tending the line.

d. Sound a Signal: Where there are boats in the area, sounding five or more short blasts
on a sound signal, horn, or whistle (e.g., hand-held emergency whistle) will alert boats in the
area that a danger exists (i.e., a person is overboard). (Boats in the vicinity may not be aware
of what the signal means, but at least they will realize something unusual is happening.)

e. Call 911: Call 911 by using a mobile or land phone, or contact emergency personnel by
Marine VHF radio. Assume that the person who is in the water is suffering from shock, may be
unconscious, and possibly injured.

f. Lifesaving-skiff: If the person who falls into the water easily and quickly cannot be
pulled via the ring buoy to an available ladder to climb out of the water, or if the person who
falls into the water is weak, injured, exhausted or unconscious; then the lifesaving-skiff shall
proceed to rescue the person in the water. If, however, wind, wave conditions,
maneuverability of the skiff, or maneuvering space restriction prevents the safe approach to
the individual in the water by the lifesaving-skiff; then rescue by a surface swimmer shall be
considered.

g. Water Rescue by Swimmer: Employees who attempt a rescue shall be counseled that
they are to go into the water after the victim only as a last resort. Surface swimmers are any
swimmers not trained as rescue swimmers. Their training is accomplished through Personnel
Qualification Standard (PQS). They are deployed from floating units, piers, or the shore. A
surface swimmer must wear a PFD (with dry suit or wet suit in cold water) and a swimming
harness with a tending line. Another person will tend the harness whenever the swimmer is in
the water. When the surface swimmer has reached the unconscious or injured victim and has
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obtained a secure hold on the person, the person tending the harness line will haul both back
to the shore. (Water rescue by a swimmer without a personal floatation device should never
be attempted unless the person doing the rescue has had advanced training in lifesaving. Too
often the would-be rescuer becomes another drowning victim.)

h. Getting Victim onto the Shore or into the Skiff: Getting the person onto the shore
(pier) or onto the skiff can be difficult. A person is light in the water due to buoyancy; however,
once free from the water the person becomes dead weight. Keep this in mind and be
especially careful when recovering injured persons.

(1) Where the pier has a ladder to the water and/or the skiff has as a boarding ladder and
the person in the water is able to climb out, use it if it is safe to do so.

(2) If the person in the water needs assistance, two people could be used to pull the
person up out of the water and onto the pier or the lifesaving-skiff, by each placing a hand
under the persons armpit or the use of a recovery strap (the strap should cross the chest,
pass under each arm, and up behind the head). The rescuers should physically pick the
person straight up out of the water to a sitting position on the pier or on the gunwale of the
lifesaving-skiff. Be careful not to drag the persons back across the rail.

(3) If the victim is unconscious or exhausted, and the person is corpulent, a form of lifting
gear with appropriate lifting slings and necessary rigging needs to be considered. A short rope
or strap with its ends spliced to form a loop used in conjunction with a block and tackle rigged
on the end of a halyard would make it easier for a heavy casualty to be lifted onto the pier.

End of Section

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APPENDIX E
GUIDANCE DOCUMENT-DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS FOR
MANAGEMENT OF FALL HAZARDS
INTRODUCTION
Architects, engineers, and other designers, whether DON or contract (A/E) personnel, can play
a major role in assisting contractors to protect their workers during the construction phase, and
also in making it safe to manage fall hazards associated with working at heights on existing
buildings and facilities during the maintenance phase. Designers should play a major role in
making it easier and safer to manage fall hazards associated with working at heights.
Falling from height is the most common cause of fatal mishaps on construction sites, and one
of the leading causes in general industry. Often mishaps occur because fall protection had
either not been provided, or used incorrectly.
In many cases, the design is such that the provision of fall protection either is not practicable,
or requires workers to work beyond the confines of the protection provided. In such
circumstances, designers should attempt to prevent the development of conditions in which an
accident can happen.
Nevertheless, in many instances work at height is necessary and cannot be avoided. Even so-
called low-rise buildings and structures have some components or equipment on roofs (e.g.
HVAC equipment, chimneys, penetrations, etc.) that require working at heights.
Information from mishap reports show that there are five main reasons why workers fall to
lower level. These are:
a) Poor workplace design;
b) Means of access collapsed (e.g., scaffolds, ladders etc.);
c) The worker was required to work beyond the confines of the protection provided; thus
exposing him to fall hazards;
d) Edge protection was inadequate, not provided, or of poor design or construction; or
e) Restrictions placed on the movement of workers did not accommodate the
construction activities, and hence were ignored.

It is of the utmost importance for architects and engineers to know how a contractor will build
or construct a building or facility, and to understand the required subsequent maintenance
work. Knowledge of construction and maintenance operations will help architects and
engineers to design safer buildings and facilities, and to specify the proper materials and
equipment. These efforts will help contractors during construction operations, and protect
DON and contract personnel who perform maintenance work after construction is complete.

Management of other hazards is also addressed in this guidance document because

the hazards are either directly or indirectly related to fall hazards.

End of Section
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1. MANAGEMENT OF FALL HAZARDS DURING CONSTRUCTION

(DESIGN FOR CONSTRUCTION SITE SAFETY)

1.1 MANAGING FALL HAZARDS DURING ROOF CONSTRUCTION

Roofs are hazardous places to work, because they are at height and utilize roofing materials
which are lightweight and often fragile, and may deteriorate over time due to weather exposure
and other environmental factors. While work on roofs is an infrequent activity, the risk of a
fatal or serious mishap is very high. Designers who see roofs only as a means of making the
building water-tight may exacerbate the situation. They may forget that people have to
construct roofs and maintain them. Consequently, inadequate consideration may be given to
worker safety. Workers often are killed or injured when falling from heights; therefore,
designers should consider alternative designs to ensure that repeated roof work can be
eliminated or significantly reduced. Falls from roofs can occur either from an unguarded edge
or through a fragile surface (premature collapse).
The following considerations can make A/Es aware of these issues, and may provide
information on how they can assist contractors to make roof work safer by design.

1.1.1 FALLS FROM UNGUARDED EDGES

Roof construction can create an advancing unprotected leading edge, and the risk from falling
from this edge; therefore, designers should consider the following provisions to protect the
workers from this hazard:
a) Provide effective anchorage points for attachment of safety nets;
b) Where (a) is not possible, make provision for anchoring a personal fall arrest
system to structural members with sufficient strength; and
c) Optimize the locations of close-under-the-roof obstructions (i.e. service ducts that
are in the deflection zone or path of fall arrest equipment); and
d) Consider the provision of parapets. This will eliminate unprotected roof edges for
some construction workers and for those who perform subsequent maintenance work.

1.1.2 FALLS THROUGH ROOFS

Specify roofing substrate materials of appropriate strength and rigidity. For other than
temporary structures, avoid materials subject to rot or damage by insects or other vermin.
Specify plywood sheets (do not specify particle board for roofing material).

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1.1.3 FALLS CAUSED BY PREMATURE COLLAPSE OF STRUCTURES

Individual plywood sheets do not weigh a lot. However, the weight of a stack of sheets is
significant. Therefore, ensure that the roof structure can carry these loads and make sure the
roof decks can provide adequate support for workers as they are being installed.

1.1.4 PROVIDING FOR CRANE PLACEMENT OF MATERIALS

Site the building to ensure that there is enough space to locate and use a crane so that every
part of the building is within its lifting capacity.

1.1.5 MINIMIZING THE RISK OF MATERIAL MANUAL HANDLING

Decking materials must be maneuvered into position by contractors workers. Try to limit their
size.

1.1.6 CONVEYING FALL HAZARD INFROMATION TO THE CONTRACTOR

After completing the design, designers shall provide contractors with sufficient information to
allow them to control residual or other hazards, including information about the issues
discussed above.

1.2 MANAGEMENT OF FALL HAZARDS IN OTHER PARTS OF BUILDINGS

OR STRUCTURES

1.2.1 DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS WHEN WORKING AT HEIGHTS

Designers have a major role in providing safe design, and in eliminating or preventing the need
to work at height, to the extent possible. For example:
a) Excavation for retaining walls can be designed as contiguous bored piles installed from
existing ground level. This would eliminate shuttering and pouring concrete at height.

b) Trusses and other structural members should be designed to allow pre-assembly and
lifting (this also will reduce construction cost by eliminating field assembly).

c) Floor height in buildings should be designed so that temporary support structures

needed during construction can be installed from the floor below; however, if work at
height cannot be avoided, designers should aim to assist the Contractor by applying the
following control measures:
1) Facilitate the provision of fall prevention measures to make temporary work at
height during construction safe (e.g., install temporary guardrails at the perimeter of
the structure prior to erection);
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2) Facilitate the use of temporary access equipment (e.g., scaffolds).

3) Facilitate the provision of fall arrest measures.

4) In addition, the design should eliminate any requirement for personnel to work
outside the confines of the edge protection.

1.2.2 FACILITATING THE PROVISION OF FALL PROTECTION MEASURES

Workers are most vulnerable when working near the perimeter of a structure or when working
close to leading edges inside the structure. The design should limit the exposure of workers to
such fall hazards. As an example, designers can:
a) Specify composite flooring which will support erection loads, to allow placing of
formwork immediately after the support frame is complete. Designers should minimize
the need for people to work at height to erect false-work to temporarily support floors.
(False-work is any temporary structure built to provide support for permanent structure
until it becomes self-supporting.)
b) Specify attachments for temporary edge protection on perimeter members (e.g., tubes
welded to structural steel members or securely attached to cast concrete members);
c) Position splices for steel columns at approximately 42 inches above floor level. This
will allow splicing from a completed protected floor, and will also serve as guardrails;
d) Consider specifying pre-cast concrete for slabs and other components of the building
and structure, potentially to reduce the time and expense of working at height;
e) Specify permanent stairways to be installed early in the construction phase to avoid
the need for temporary access.

1.2.3 FACILITATING THE PROVISION OF SAFE AND TEMPORARY ACCESS TO WORK

AT HEIGHT DURING CONSTRUCTION
Temporary access equipment (e.g., scaffolds and towers) need to be tied to the building or
structure at regular intervals; to provide restraint against buckling and overturning. This is
particularly important with faades where glazing predominates.

1.2.4 FACILITATING THE PROVISION OF SAFETY NETS, FALL ARREST AND OTHER
PROTECTIVE MEASURES
The most commonly used fall protection systems are safety nets and personal fall arrest
systems.

1.2.4.1 Safety Nets

When safety nets are considered as a fall protection measure, designers should reference
ANSI A10.11 Standard regarding the use, testing and certification requirements of safety nets.

General considerations include:

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a) Comparison of the capacities and applications of safety net systems offered by
several suppliers before developing the design;

b) Where safety nets are to be attached to a structural grid, designers should:

i) Check that the grid will resist lateral loads, especially when nets are
attached to steelwork in composite construction or to purlins in roof work;

ii) Ensure that the net installation attachment points are located as close as
practicable under the walking working surface to minimize the distance of the fall.
In addition, ensure that the safety net can deflect safely when a worker falls into it.

c) Consider restricting service runs to limited areas such that they cannot obstruct a
fall into a net or prevent the net from deflecting;

d) Consider restricting the net area enclosed by the grid.

Safety nets are often installed from mobile elevating work platforms; therefore, designers
should allow for the concentrated loads applied by the platform wheels/outriggers of the
equipment on the ground.

1.2.4.2 Fall Arrest System

Fall arrest systems must be attached to suitable and sufficient load-bearing anchors; therefore,
contractors should:

a) Provide anchorages capable of supporting 5,000 lbs., or designed for twice the
maximum arrest force;

b) Be aware that:

i) Energy absorbing lanyards should be as short as possible (Six feet or less),

ii) Impact of fall forces are minimized when the anchorage is located above the
worker;

iii) Lanyards can be cut by sharp edges (Chafing material will be required);

c) Show clearly where these anchorage are located;

d) With horizontal lifelines the forces imparted by a fallen worker on the anchorages
may be greatly in excess of 5,000 lbs.; therefore, the manufacturer of the horizontal
lifeline system should be consulted for advice.

1.2.4.3 Other Control Measures

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For steel erection, designers should consider the provision of holes in flanges of columns and
beams, where:

a) Holes in columns should be drilled at 21 and 42 inches above the beams, so that a
cable can be strung between the columns and used as a temporary guardrail system;

b) Holes in beams should be at a maximum of 6 feet on centers.

For pre-cast concrete, designers should specify anchorages and requiring the following
information:

a) Depth of embedment in concrete;

b) Anchorages should be located as far as possible behind the leading edge.

1.3 MANAGEMENT OF HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ERECTION

OF STRUCTURES
Designers can play a major role in making it easier to manage fall hazards associated with
erecting structures. Some designers have been found to have a narrow view of design, that it
requires structural analysis followed by detailed design. This is not adequate, the designers
need to take into consideration that something will be erected or constructed followed by how it
will be maintained and, in due course, demolished.

1.3.1 HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH STRUCTURAL ERECTION

The erection of structures requires contractors workers to work on partially complete

structures, where they are exposed to hazards associated with instability and working at
height. In addition:

a) Workers often have to work in proximity with equipment or machines (e.g.,

cranes) which are used during the erection of the structures;

b) Sometimes, unplanned work exposes them to health hazards, which arise from
the application of a remedial process (e.g., cleaning and then painting corroded steel);
and

c) Delays in construction could mean that many tradesmen are working in close
proximity, under or above others.

Therefore, hazards associated with erecting structures and associated temporary works may
be summarized as including:

a) Temporary instability;

b) Falls from height;

c) Lifting: Overturning of cranes;

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d) Working on or near fragile or unstable materials;

e) Handling heavy unwieldy loads;

f) Collapse of temporary equipment;

g) Danger to adjacent properties.

WHAT SHOULD DESIGNERS DO?

In order to prevent, (as much as possible), workers exposure to fall hazards, designers should
consider the following:

1.3.2 DESIGNING TO MINIMIZE TEMPORARY INSTABILITY

Structures in their temporary state could become unstable for many reasons, these may
include:
a) Omission of temporary support work, which usually occurs when the design is out-of-
the-ordinary and usual erection practices are insufficient. Examples of out-of-the-ordinary
designs may include the following:
i) Slender rafters, which require additional bracing until the strength of the
roof is adequate;
ii) Portal frames where the cladding contributes to sway stability;
iii) Long-span structural members, which require bracing until another one is
connected (e.g., some bridge beams).
b) The partially-erected structure is inherently unstable, which could occur when:
(i) It is stabilized by other (remote) parts of the permanent parts or
components (e.g., shear walls, shear cores or adjacent structures);
(ii) Provision for lateral stability is either by asymmetrical bracing or contributed
by other structural members to be added later (e.g., cladding);
(iii) Due to design, the structure is subjected to significant un-anticipated
construction loads (e.g., when the assembled roof is being lifted or when
masonry walls are loaded too soon);
(iv) A structural member has inadequate seating when placed on another
member in the temporary state, because erection tolerances add up
unfavorably, such as:
Pre-cast slabs on narrow-flange beams,
Purlins on main rafters,
Beams erected on corbels.
(v) Structural members in isolation cannot sustain normal erection loads such
as:
Pinned-base columns under lateral loads from ladders,

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Long-span beams and trusses

c) Temporary support structures are removed prematurely, which usually occurs

when a structure is apparently complete, such as where:

(i) Composite beams and panels support green concrete,

(ii) Portal frames rely on ties into the floors to carry significant horizontal thrust
at their base;

(iii) When the guying systems are the supporting columns.

While it is desirable for designers to eliminate these hazards by design, at a minimum the
designers should:

a) Advise the Contractor that these hazards exist; and

b) Inform the contractor about design assumptions and design forces, such as
the magnitude of construction loads allowed, portal base, horizontal thrusts, etc.

1.3.3 DESIGN TO MINIMIZE FALLS FROM HEIGHT

During the erection of structures, workers often find themselves in precarious positions (e.g.,
straddling unattached beams, working towards an open unprotected edge, etc.). Although
these hazards are the liability of contractors on site, designers should give consideration to
details, which could help to limit workers exposure to fall-hazards, or provide other prevention
or control measures, for example by:

a) Contacting multiple suppliers of temporary edge protection, and discussing with

them methods for features of their products to be integrated into the design of the
permanent components of the structure;

b) Designing structural components or elements which will allow the attachment of

anchorages for using fall arrest/restraint systems or safety nets, where appropriate;

c) Accounting for erection and manufacturing tolerances to minimize the need for
vigorous material manhandling while slung at height, such as: placing concrete slabs
on steelwork or erecting steel beams between columns;

d) Specifying a good quality sub-base for concrete slabs on ground, which would
carry the loads from the necessary cranes and mobile platforms required for the
erection of the building envelope;

e) Removing the need for some work at height (e.g., getting rid of sag bars for
purlins).

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1.3.4 DESIGN TO MINIMIZE HAZARDS WHEN USING CRANES

This usually means being aware of the conditions under which a crane could overturn or
collapse. While it is not always possible to limit the weight of components: members or frames,
or the radius over which they have to be lifted into position, designers should give
consideration to the following:

a) Cranes need working room; therefore, avoid heavy lifts or large lifting radii on
congested sites;

b) The radius of a lift limits the weight that a mobile crane can lift; even moderate
weights lifted over a large radius could create a lifting hazard;

c) It is always helpful to know the weight of the loads being lifted. Therefore, inform
the crane operator about maximum loads of components;

d) It is essential to know where the center of gravity is, especially if it is not in the
center of the load;

e) Identifying lifting points is always helpful;

f) Cranes need good foundations therefore do not specify designs loads which
require heavy lifting on sites where the soil is poor;

g) On exposed sites, the effect of wind velocity on assemblies with large effective
areas could create a lifting hazard;

h) Long-span and large section beams have a significant momentum when they
start to swing.

Where the design includes heavy or moderately heavy loads to be lifted over a large radius,
discuss the options with the manufacturer and supplier of the crane to be used.

1.3.5 WORK ON OR NEAR FRAGILE OR WEAK MATERIALS

This is a problem largely, but not solely, associated with roofing. Designers should specify
only non-fragile and strong components and assemblies.

1.3.6 HEAVY OR UNWIELDY LOADS

This is a problem of specification. If lighter weight alternatives exist, specify them instead. For
example:

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a) Use light weight concrete blocks or bricks instead of heavy ones. Where heavy
blocks are unavoidable (i.e. for acoustics, specify half size blocks to reduce the
weight).
b) Where steel sections must be lifted manually (e.g., some lintels), consider the
most appropriate sections which satisfy the loading requirements.
c) Where standard details govern the specification, discuss the possibility of moving
heavy objects with the lift equipment.

Where it is not possible to specify less-massive alternative products, inform the contractor
about their weight, or investigate whether or not mechanical installers exist, and design these
components to be compatible with their use. For example, machines are available to install
heavy glazing units and concrete curbs.

Even light weight components can be unwieldy and difficult to manhandle if their shape is
unusual or the center of gravity is far away from the geometric center. Therefore designers
should consider:

a) Providing seating cleats for such members;

b) Incorporating lifting points, which allow vertical and horizontal members to be

dropped into position vertically and horizontally.

1.3.7 COLLAPSE OF TEMPORARY WORK STRUCTURES

While it is not the duty of architects and engineers designing the building or structure, it is
recommended that consideration be given to the design of temporary support structures;
especially when the design incorporates components which could be used to stabilize the
temporary support structures (e.g., by recommending methods for tying the scaffold to the
structure).

1.3.8 DESIGN TO MINIMIZE DANGER TO EXISTING ADJACENT STRUCTURES

Sometimes, the location of existing buildings or structures can limit or make erection
processes difficult. For example:

a) Noise and ground vibrations may not be acceptable (e.g., near hospitals);

b) Excavation may not be possible close to canals or other watercourses;

c) Crane operations may be restricted by a number of constraints. Designers

should include measures into the design to protect adjacent structures.

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1.4 MANAGING HAZARDS DURING STEEL ERECTION
Erecting steelwork can expose workers to several fall hazards. During construction, it is the
contractors duty and responsibility to protect workers exposed to such hazards. However,
designers can help contractors by taking into consideration other alternative measures, which
will reduce workers exposure to these hazards.
Designers should be aware that the state-of-the-art in erecting steelwork is changing.
Increasingly, it is being erected using work platforms, and designers should be aware of how
this might affect their design or using horizontal lifeline systems on pre-installed beams (such
as using stanchions).

1.4.1 HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH ERECTING STEELWORK

The erection of steelwork requires people to work on partially complete structures, and usually
the work is performed at height. In addition, steel erectors are often exposed to other hazards
associated with:

a) Working in proximity to machines or equipment (e.g., cranes);

b) Unplanned work (e.g., remedial processes that could expose workers to health
hazards); and

c) Program delays, which could result in trades working near, beneath, or above
others.

The hazards associated with erecting steel structures and working on associated temporary
works may be summarized as follows:

a) Temporary instability;

b) Falls from height people and objects;

c) Lifting components (exacerbated by site constraints);

d) Handling heavy loads; and

e) Collapse of temporary equipment or inadequately connected structures.

WHAT DESIGNERS SHOULD DO

Designers should give consideration to measures which either will remove or lessen or
minimize these hazards.
1.4.2 DESIGN TO MINIMIZE TEMPORARY INSTABILITY
Usually, steelwork is erected piece-by-piece. Therefore, at any time there is a chance for
frame instability. However, the risk of instability can be reduced by some fairly simple
measures, which include:

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a) Provide bracing between the first two bays to be erected, to form the basis of a
braced erection;

b) Checking all structural steel members for assumed erection loads. Particularly
vulnerable structural members may include:

i) Long-span (slender) members;

ii) Floor beams, especially when they are part of a composite system, due to:

Stacks of profiled steel forms;

Torsional effects of placing concrete panels on one side of the flange;

Concrete discharged in a heap; or

Other foreseeable storage;

iii) Roof beams, especially portal rafters, for stacks of profiled roofing assembly
materials;

c) Design bracing to be symmetrical;

d) Ensuring that plan bracing connects into vertically braced bays;

e) Design columns as free-standing cantilevers during erection, to resist short-term

erection loads such as wind loads, ladder lateral forces, etc., meaning that pinned
columns (e.g. Two bolt connections) may not be adequate;

f) Ensuring that design effective lengths can be achieved by assumed construction

techniques;

g) Ensuring that slender members can resist the compression imposed by lifting/rigging
slings (e.g. the components of the sling forces). If there are restrictions on sling angle,
inform the contractor, to allow for the design of the lifting points;

h) Consider the workers fall arrest forces;

i) Design bases for portal and arch-type structures to resist the lateral thrusts
developed at their bases;

j) Where aerial work platforms are to be used, their loads on the partially erected
structure must be accounted for.

After performing these checks, designers should:

a) Inform the contractor about all design assumptions including erection load allowances,
lateral stability when it is by other means (e.g., diaphragm action of floors or cladding, or
by shear cores or when symmetry cannot be achieved), and the magnitudes of the forces.

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1.4.3 DESIGN TO REDUCE THE HAZARD OF FALLING FROM HEIGHT

Falls from height can occur from any unprotected side or edge. Designers should give
consideration to measures which would protect workers from fall hazards, by reducing the time
they have to spend at height and by designing provisions for worker protection.
To reduce the time workers spend at height, designers could:

a) Design to maximize prefabrication (i.e. portal frames to be erected flat and lifted to
vertical);

b) Limit the number of bolts in connections;

c) Minimize components (e.g. purlins);

d) Design buildings with fewer members;

e) Use concrete floor construction in preference to profiled steel forms, which need
bolting down.

Workers are most vulnerable when the steel is ready to receive subsequent components (e.g.,
concrete floor units, profiled steel formwork, roof assemblies, etc.), which create an advancing
unprotected leading edge. Therefore, designers should consider means for attachment of the
fall arrest system. For example, designers could:

a) Design parapets at the roof edges having minimum height of 39 inches (instead
of 30 inches, for example), which would act as compliant guardrail. This increase in
height to 39 inches will increase the wind load at the base of parapet. The parapet
has to be evaluated structurally because the wind stresses at the base will be
proportional to the square of the height.

b) Provide holes in column flanges at least 6 feet above floor steel level for
connecting the lanyards to the anchorage which is capable of supporting 5,000 lbs.
force;

c) Specify the provision of anchorages in sequential components, (e.g., concrete

units and profiled steel forms);

d) Ensure that the structural steel members can resist the loads from safety net
anchorages, and specify net anchorage components;

In addition, access to the work place at height, should, wherever possible, be provided by
permanent staircases, which have been designed for construction loads (possibly as free-
standing structures).

To assist erectors in making structural connections at height, designers should consider the
provision of seating cleats, pre-attached to columns.

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Where structural steel sections are to be connected to other components (e.g., concrete) the
brackets for these connections should be installed in the process of construction of the other
component (e.g., cast into the concrete). This could be more of a problem in existing buildings.

To prevent falls through roofs, designers should only specify non-fragile assemblies, in which
all the components are non-fragile. [This would also mean that removal of components for
maintenance work would not render the remaining assembly non-fragile].
Where the steelwork is to support horizontal lifelines, designers should consult fall protection
experts about the magnitude of the fall forces that may need to be resisted by the steel
stanchions or the structural members.

1.4.4 REDUCTION OF HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH CRANES

To facilitate the lifting of structural steel members, designers should:

a) Consider the space requirements for cranes;

b) Consider the provision of lifting points and specify these as an item for the fabricator to
design;

c) Design structural members to resist loads from lifting points (e.g., sling component
loads);

d) Where necessary, ensure that the spacing of purlins allows for the largest component
to be lowered between them with sufficient clearance;

e) Show on shop drawings, the maximum length of the piece or weight to be lifted and its
location (to allow the contractor to select the appropriate crane);

1.4.5 MANHANDLING OF LOADS

This problem occurs mainly, though not exclusively, on renovation projects, where, due to the
situation of the work (e.g., inside an existing building where cranes cannot be used), workers
are often required to manhandle steel members into position. To facilitate this, the weight of
the individual structural steel members should be minimized by:
a) Designing beams with splices, to allow piecemeal installation of the beam, and
maneuvering in limited spaces;

b) Replacement of one section with two, instead of a single section;

In addition, structural steel members should be detailed with site constraints in mind. For
example, where members must be transported through corridors, their length should be
compatible with maneuvering spaces, especially around corners.

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Erection tolerances should be taken into consideration in detailing structural members for
fabrication. This is more of a problem in existing buildings into which steel sections are being
installed. In these circumstances, a detailed survey of the building should provide the
necessary dimensional accuracy. Designers/Steel detailers also should be aware that erection
tolerances for various materials (other than steel) are different.

In the connection of steel to other materials, it is likely that fin-type connections will pose less
of a handling problem than end-plate type connections.
It should be possible vertically to lift members that are to be installed vertically.

1.4.6 DESIGN TO REDUCE HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH TEMPORARY WORK

PLATFORMS AND OTHER EQUIPMENT

Temporary work platforms must be stabilized. Designers (Detailers) should consider the
provision of attaching structural members to the temporary work platforms. For example:
a) Cladding side rails could be designed with scaffold ties, to carry the lateral loads that
might be applied;

b) Eave members should be designed to carry lateral loads imposed by the future
attachment of mobile towers;

c) Profiled steel forms and supporting steel beams should be designed to carry the
concentrated leg loads that could be applied by a mobile tower;

The ability of structural members to support the fall-arrest forces by fall-arrest equipment
should be verified. Structural members that are not designed for fall-arrest forces should be
clearly labeled with warnings.

In order to assist a contractor to detail temporary supports, designers should provide sufficient
information to ensure that a contractor has a clear understanding of the needed stability.

On multi-story buildings, much of the steelwork is erected with aerial lift equipment. Therefore,
designers should consider the provision of space around the building perimeter, to
accommodate such equipment.

In addition to design to make steel erection safer, designers should consider minimizing
maintenance work in order to reduce the exposure of workers to health and safety hazards
when performing maintenance work after the completion of construction.

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2. MANAGEMENT OF HAZARDS DURING MAINTENACE PHASE

Falls from height are a major cause of work-related injuries and fatalities. Engineers,
architects, designers, detailers, and planners are responsible for designing safe buildings,
facilities, structures and equipment. They should strive to eliminate, minimize or prevent the
hazards of falling at work places. Post-construction, the facility should protect personnel
during normal work operations and should help maintenance personnel to conduct their work
safely and without exposure to fall hazards.

FALL PREVENTION PHILOSOPHY FOR DESIGNING NEW BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES:

New buildings, facilities, or structures should be designed to the extent possible to eliminate
the need to work at heights. When fall hazards cannot be eliminated or prevented, designers
should provide alternative remedies such as installation of anchorage points.

Any location or part of a building, structure, facility or equipment will eventually require
maintenance, remodeling, modification or replacement work. Engineers and architects should
consider these factors in the design of new buildings.

2.1 FACILITATION OF FUTURE MAINTENANCE WORK

Designers should take into consideration future maintenance of the proposed building or
facility, because they are in a strong position to eliminate and/or minimize the requirement to
work at height during maintenance operations. For example, designers could:
a) Ensure that any equipment requiring maintenance work is not located at height
(e.g., on roofs with unprotected sides or edges);

b) Specify high durability materials;

c) Locate system/process pipe-work at ground level where practical;

d) Avoid locating high maintenance items above stairwells and other deep recesses;

e) For cleaning/washing, specify reversible windows above the first or second floor.
Where this is not appropriate, ensure that provisions for access equipment are
incorporated at the design stage.
The designer should apply the principles of prevention to assure that, where reasonably
practical, the hazard of working at height is eliminated, removed, minimized, or finally
controlled.

2.2 HAZARDS OF MAINTENANCE WORK ON ROOFS

The benefits of eliminating, or at least minimizing, the need for personnel to access and
perform work on roofs is not restricted to protecting personnel from falls; although that is a
major one. Other benefits include the easing of frequent maintenance by locating equipment
at grade level; the elimination of foot-traffic or equipment-induced damage to roofing materials;

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and reduction of the time required for access to equipment. It should be unnecessary to
perform a cost-benefit analysis, in most cases, to illustrate the truth of these statements.

2.2.1 BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON ROOFS

Even non-fragile assemblies can be made fragile if the wrong type of material is specified.
Therefore, pay careful attention to the environment in which the building is being erected.
Known harsh environments include:

a) Coastal areas, which are highly corrosive;

b) Industrially-polluted areas, which contain airborne agents of deterioration;

c) Industrial processes which release harmful agents;

d) Areas of intense solar exposure, snow or ice loading, and rain ponding. Each of
these environments exists in locales of various DON installations.

With respect to maintenance, there are three basic types of roofs:

a) Low maintenance roofs, which require very infrequent access or simple duo-
pitched roofs requiring maintenance that can be done only from ladders or aerial work
platforms;

b) Medium maintenance roofs, which require regular access for maintenance but only
by experienced roof workers;

c) High-maintenance roofs, which require frequent access for maintenance (e.g.,

roofs with penetrations for machinery exhausts stacks, etc.).

Manufacturers' recommendations for compatible components in non-fragile assemblies should

not be changed without consultation with the manufacturers.

2.2.2 DESIGN TO MINIMIZE THE NEED FOR ACCESS AND WORK ON ROOFS
This can be achieved either by minimizing the number of items requiring maintenance on a
roof or minimizing the number of times people have to go on a roof, for example by:

a) Routing vent stacks through the building side instead of the roof;

b) Combining exhausts flues into a single vent enclosure;

c) Assure that process by-products are effectively removed and discharged high
enough above the roof to allow effective dissipation;

d) Avoid specification of materials for which the manufacturers warranty requires

annual inspections;

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e) Optimize the number and position of roof-lights, taking into consideration the
requirements for providing natural light;

Note: Roof-lights will require periodic cleaning to maintain correct light levels within a
building.

f) Position gutters so that cleaning can be carried out using either articulated boom lifts,
or from other designated means of safe access.

The resealing of joints is a common reason for the presence of personnel on roofs.
Therefore, specify durable seals and details at penetration points and flashings, to minimize
the need for such repetitive maintenance.
Robust structural details for areas of the roof exposed to high wind suction should ensure that
damage is minimized during predictable windstorms, to minimize the need for maintenance
after such storms.

2.2.3 MINIMIZE THE RISK OF FALLING FROM UNGUARDED EDGES

Where it is not possible to eliminate the need for roof access, items that need maintenance
should be located at least:

a) Six feet away from skylights, or the skylights should be protected;

b) Fifteen feet away from the edges of roofs to make it unnecessary for people to
work close to the edge of the roof, and impossible to carry out the work from a
ladder; and

c) Skylights should not be within 6 feet of an edge.

In addition, provide dedicated walkways to access the items to be maintained, which should
be:

a) Non-fragile and slip-resistant for the life of the roof; and

b) Provided with a hand-rail, if possible. Where this is not feasible, a horizontal

lifeline to which a lanyard can be attached should be installed.

Workers also are vulnerable at gables and eaves. Where parapets are not desirable, design
brackets to which temporary edge protection can be fixed. Discuss solutions with suppliers of
temporary edge protection.

Where horizontal lifelines are provided, design the anchorages for the system to withstand the
fall forces. If dead-weights (ballasted or free standing anchors) are the intended means of
anchorage, check that the roof can support the weight of the anchor taking into consideration
the friction of the roofing material. Restraint systems are preferred to fall arrest systems.

2.2.4 MINIMIZE THE RISKS OF FALLS FROM WORK AREAS

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Gutters will, inevitably, require regular cleaning; therefore,

a) Where possible, cove the top of gutters to prevent leaves from accumulating, such that
dirt will not clog the gutters. Only rain water should enter the gutters.

b) At eaves gutters, consider provision of a solid base around the building perimeter.
Only when this is impractical should ladders be used, with provision of ladder-tying points
at 6 feet on centers close under the gutter, with a hard and level base for the ladder for
the full length of the gutter.

c) Design valleys strong enough and wide enough to allow walking safely.

2.2.5 MINIMIZE THE RISK OF FALLING THROUGH ROOFS

To prevent falls through roofs, specify non-fragile assembly/materials.

Where frequent traffic on roofs is necessary (e.g., high-maintenance roofs), the pitch should
not exceed 4 in 12, and dedicated access points, and walkways with hand-rails, should be
provided to the work area.

Prohibit foot traffic on skylights; otherwise the surface may be damaged to the extent that it
impairs light transmission. Skylight layouts should allow cleaning from clearly defined traffic
areas with travel across the roof in straight lines without the necessity of walking on skylights.

Highlight the hazardous and non-walk areas by clearly visible pathways.

When incorporating skylights in the roof design, investigate the effects of weather (e.g., Will
intense solar exposure change the color of the roof and the skylights?). For this reason,
always specify skylights to have a non-fragile design life greater than that of the opaque area
of the roof, and select an opaque color to avoid a monochromatic roof surface (Avoid the
whole roof looking the same).

Where fragile assemblies are unavoidable; for such translucent assemblies, design systems
for their safe cleaning and maintenance.

2.3 ADDITIONAL DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

Preventive considerations for selective listing of design issues and examples:

Where feasible, design roofs of buildings or facilities with minimum slope, rather than steep
slopes; minimize the slope of the roof as much as possible. Of course, it may be desirable
in regions with deep annual snow accumulations to have steep sloped roofs to shed the
weight.

Always incorporate edge protection (e.g., standard guardrails or 42-inch parapets) around
all open sided floors or openings. Consider designing roof parapets, at least 39 inches high,
to serve as permanent guardrails along the roof edge. Provision for snow load on the roof
structure should be considered when designing parapets.
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Where the design includes installation of a fall arrest system or horizontal lifeline, always be
alert to the existence of other equipment operating in the same area (e.g., interference
between the use of a fall arrest system or horizontal lifeline with crane operations, such as
inside hangars or other buildings).

In the design of flat roofs, incorporate guardrails or parapets 42 3 in height, around the
perimeter.

Locate equipment (e.g., HVAC) away from the edge of the roof, or provide standard
guardrails around it. Roof vents, mechanical equipment, and communications equipment
should be located at least 15 feet away from the roof edge. Although the distance alone is
ineffective to protect personnel from unprotected roof edge, the 15-foot distance reduces
the risk of a fall during equipment maintenance. Specify permanent guardrails when
equipment must be located closer to the roof edge.

Use luminaires that can be replaced or maintained without exposing the personnel to the
hazard of fall. As an example: in a gymnasium, use luminaires that can be lowered to the
ground for changing lamps; or provide catwalk or platform to access such fixtures.

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Where windows must be operable, consider inward operating sash above second floor, so
that window washing can be performed from the inside of the facility.

Locate water valves, meters and other equipment and instrumentation at locations where
the employee can perform necessary service without being exposed to a fall hazard.

Where the design of buildings and facilities does not allow the use of conventional methods
of fall prevention (such as the use of guardrails or other methods) design or select anchor
points to withstand a force of 5,000 pounds per person, at any location with the potential of
a fall from height.

Stairs are preferable to ladders for elevation changes of 20 feet or greater.

Always provide safe access to service equipment, instrumentation and other amenities
within the building or facility.

Design guardrails or specify covers for utility holes, even if only a few feet deep. A fall into
a shallow utility hole such as those for steam or electrical lines might expose a person to
other hazards such as scalds or electrocution.

Plan on providing fall-prevention/control methods including safe access of future

maintenance for any equipment, fixture, or part of a building or facility.

Study maintenance procedures, work practices, and building and facility operations, to
minimize the potential for falls by maintenance personnel.

Provide safe access and egress to every location inside or outside of buildings or facilities.

Understand the governing safety regulations and standards.

In addition to design knowledge, the designer should be familiar with construction

operations for a facility, and have the knowledge of the logistical operations during
occupancy and any maintenance required afterwards.

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Minimize the width of parapets or short walls, or provide steeply sloped cap flashing. Some
occupants of buildings have a tendency to sit on wide parapets; thereby exposing
themselves to fall hazard.

In the selection of fixtures, equipment, or other items to be installed on roofs, such as

projectors, flagpoles, or surveillance cameras, always keep in mind maintenance
requirements of such equipment or fixtures. As an example, install cameras or luminaires
on tracks that can be pulled away from the edge of the roof for maintenance or service.

Understand and identify the delivery of material or equipment procedures during

construction operations. This will help in siting the building and access roads for vehicles or
equipment to deliver such material safely.

Try to eliminate any blind spots in the design.

All hatches and openings shall be protected either by a cover or guardrail and the access
ladder shall extend above the hatch. Specify the roof hatch safety system as soon as
possible. The new hatches can provide for a standing access either out onto the roof or into
the opening which fits the human condition and walking posture in work situations such as
access to and from roofs. Existing hatches can be retrofitted in the same way. Provide
guardrails around the hatch with a swing gate, or provide horizontal grab bars.

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Provide adequate lighting for maintenance work within a building at locations near or within
close proximity of a fall hazard.

Provide fall protection where an exposure exists for falling into water (e.g., working from a
pier).

In the design of elevated pier lighting standards, place any needed utility covers on the
inside (safer location, so that the person performing maintenance service on the pole will
not be exposed to a fall hazard).

For skylights, either incorporate guardrails around the perimeter, or build the skylight at
least 42 inches above the roof level.

If needed, specify permanent roof anchors to provide convenient tie-off points for work near
the edge of the roof.

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Specify roof materials that do not require frequent inspections.

Locate gutters such that they can be cleaned using articulating lifts, or in other safe access
areas.

Specify durable seals at roof penetrations to minimize the need for maintenance.

For fixed roof-access ladders attached to the side of building, specify a ladder-climbing
system instead of a cage. Cages are allowed by OSHA, but protect no one from falling.
Even if a ladder-climbing device is used inside a cage, rescue of a person inside a cage will
be very difficult.

In hangars, where horizontal lifelines (HLLs) are used as the fall protection solution for
aircraft maintenance, make sure that there will be no interference between the crane
envelope inside the hangar and the HLL system. The cranes usually are 30 to 40 feet
above the working level. Additionally, incorporate a Power Tagline System to bring the
snaphook of the self-retracting lanyard (which is attached to the HLL) to the working level.

Power Tagline System

For safer maintenance work, service runs could be designed for access from the floor
above.

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APPENDIX F
FALL PROTECTION TRAINING COURSE SYLLABUS

FOR
COMPETENT PERSONS

Day 1
Course Introduction

Course Objective
Safety Briefings
Instructors, Students introduction
Fall Mishap Statistics for Navy, Industry and construction
Applicable trigger heights (When Fall Protection is required?)
Examples of fall related hazards
Various types of falls (From roofs/ladders/etc.)

Regulations, Standards and Instructions

Applicability
OPNAVINST 5100.23 Series, FP program requirements
DON Fall Protection Guide for Ashore Facilities
NAVMC DIR 5100.8 Chapter 18, FP Program
USACE EM 385-1-1, FP program requirements
29 CFR 1910, 1926, 1915, 1918 and 1960 Standards
29 CFR 1910 OSHA Notices of proposed Rulemaking (May 2010)
American National Standards Institute, ANSI Z359 Fall Protection
Code/Standards
FAR Clause 52.236-13
Similarities and Differences between various standards

Roles and Responsibilities

Program Manager, Qualified person, Competent person and End Users

(Authorized Persons)
o Definitions in General Industry vs. Construction standards and ANSI
Z359 FP Code
o Comparison of duties/responsibilities and required skills/qualifications

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Hierarchy of Fall Hazard Controls

Preferred Order of control measures (DON)

o Elimination
o Prevention
o Engineering controls (Design change or using different techniques or
equipment such as movable or stationary work platforms)
o Administrative controls including examples
o Personal protective systems and equipment
Comparison among DON, EM 385 and ANSI hierarchy of fall hazard
controls

Elimination of Fall Hazards

Best practices of Hazard elimination

Examples and exercise of hazard elimination

(The instructor is required to provide examples of best practices and

considerations for eliminating fall hazards. The students shall be required to
perform an exercise on how to eliminate the fall hazard.)

Prevention systems (Traditional/Conventional Fall Protection Systems (Passive

Systems))

Definitions and requirements for:

o Guardrails(requirements, strength, minimum material of construction
and examples)
o Covers and Barricades
o Safety nets
o Stair rails and handrails
Applicable regulations, Standards and instructions
Examples of prevention/conventional systems
Prevention System Exercise

(The instructor shall show a variety of slides/photos of prevention systems.

The students will be asked to identify requirements and/or deficiencies.)

Fall Arrest System

Definitions
Components of the system

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o Anchorage system
o Connecting means
o Body support
Applicable regulations/standards/requirements
Verification and certification testing requirements of the equipment

Anchorage System (Anchorages and Anchorage Connectors)

Definitions/Applications
Maximum arresting force/impact forces/requirements for: FA positioning
and restraint
Engineered vs. improvised anchorages
Applicable regulations/Standards
Certified vs. non certified anchorages
How to identify safe anchorages and tie-off points for various systems
(Non Certified anchorages)
Examples of unsafe anchorages
Compatibility between anchorages and anchorage connectors
Swing fall hazards
Demonstration of various anchorage connectors and tie off techniques

Continue Anchorage System

Workshop

(The instructor is required to demonstrate variety of anchorage connectors,

including photos/slides on how to identify safe anchorages and the method
for attaching anchorage connectors to the anchorages.)

Day 2

Connecting Means (Snaphooks, Carabiners and other connectors)

Definition/application
Snaphooks and Carabiners (Types, applicability, Compatibility and misuse)
Hazards associated with various connectors (roll-out/forced roll-out,
Regulations and standards/requirements
Proper use of and examples
Navy prohibited use of snaphooks and carabiners meeting ANSI Z359.1
(1992, R1999)
Exercise and Demonstration of equipment

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(The instructor shall show variety of snaphooks, carabiners and other
connectors including use and misuse examples and the students will be asked
to identify requirements.)

Connecting Means (Lanyards and Energy Absorbers)

Definitions/Applications
Various types of lanyards (FA, Positioning, Restraint)
Proper use and examples of lanyards and energy absorbers
Requirements for 6 ft. and 12 ft. free fall energy absorbers (single leg or Y-
lanyard)
Hazards associated w/energy absorbers (Weather, type, increased fall
distances, location/rigging and safe practices
Applicability of the standards
Correct installation techniques
Hazards and warnings associated with the use of Y- lanyards
Exercise and demonstration on the use of various equipment

(The instructor will demonstrate various energy absorbing lanyards and the
students will be asked to identify requirements and proper usage.)

Connecting Means (Fall Arresters)

Definitions/Applications
Proper use and examples of site specific energy absorbers
Hazards associated w/fall arresters (Type, fall distances, location/rigging
and safe practices
Applicability of the standards
Exercise and demonstration of equipment

(The instructor shall demonstrate various fall arresters and the students will
be asked to identify requirements and proper usage.)

Self-Retracting Devices (SRDs)

Definition/Application
Proper use including examples of various SRDs
Various SRDs used in horizontal and vertical applications
Inspection requirements of SRDs Hazards associated with SRDs Factory
authorized Inspections
Applicable regulations/Standards/Requirements
SRD exercise and demonstration of various types and classes of SRDs
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(The instructor will demonstrate various SRDs and the students will be
asked to identify requirements and how to inspect the equipment.)

Body Holding Devices

Definition/Application
Types of body holding devices (full body harness, body belts, sit harness,
etc.)
Hazards associated /body holding devices suspension hazards and
misuse
Donning and doffing of the equipment
Prohibited uses of body belts and sit harnesses
Proper use and examples of site specific body holding devices
Applicable regulations/Standards/requirements
D-ring locations on the full body harness including uses
Capacity range of the equipment including overweight and underweight
users

Hands-On and Practical Demonstrations

Workshop (Attendees use various FP equipment)

Exercise and Demonstration of the equipment

(The instructor will demonstrate various types of harnesses on how to

connect a complete personal fall arrest system to anchorages using various
scenarios. Each student shall demonstrate how to don the harness safely. The
students shall also be suspended from a tripod wearing the harness. While
suspended, the students should also use suspension straps to increase
suspension time.)

Drop Test Demonstration

How the body reacts to fall arrest forces

Articulating manikin demonstration
Variety of drop tests

(The instructor will show a video of various drop tests of manikins wearing a
harness and various lanyards.)

Day 3

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Single Anchor Vertical Lifelines

Definitions/Application
Proper use of the equipment and examples of various applications
Hazards associated with misuse of the system/equipment
Applicable regulations and standards
Single anchor vertical lifeline exercise

(The instructor will show video/slides/photos of vertical lifeline and associated

equipment used in the process.)

Review and exam #1

Horizontal Lifelines

Definition/Application
Impact of fall forces
Proper use of the system
Critical elements of the system
Factors affecting design of the system (# of workers, span length,
intermediate anchors, material of components, sag and tensioning of the
line, clearance)
Need to be engineered system, designed and used under the supervision of
a qualified person
Roles of CP and QP/Professional Engineer during use, assembly and
inspection of the system and selection, design, use and certification of HLL
anchorages
Applicable regulations and standards
HLL exercise

(The instructor shall show video/slides/photos on how to install, use and

inspect HLLs. The instructor shall also demonstrate some of the
components of the system.)

Raising & Lowering Devices

Definition/Application
Various types of raising/lowering devices
Proper use and operation of the system
Hazards associated with the system
Raising/lowering devices exercise

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(The exercise addresses various devices including video and slides)

Positioning System

Definition/application
Various types of devices
Application, uses and proper operation of the devices
Hazards associated with and misuse of the system (hooking, unhooking
and fall distances)
Applicable regulations/standards/requirements
Work positioning exercise and demonstration

(The students will be required to use equipment to be tied off to a vertical

surface at heights attached to fixed ladder.)

Restraint system

Definition
Examples of various uses of the system
Proper use of the equipment
Hazards associated with the use of the system
Applicable regulations and standards
Exercise and practical demonstration

(The instructor will demonstrate how to use the system and the students
will be required to assemble safe system using the equipment.)

Inspection Care & Maintenance of Fall Protection Equipment

Type of inspection
Daily and inspection (prior to each use)
Equipment Markings and Labels
Annual/Semi-annual (by a competent person with documentation)
Re-certification (by the manufacturer/qualified person)
Equipment removal from service
Applicable regulations/standards
Exercise and Demonstration of equipment inspection with examples

(The instructor will demonstrate how to inspect the equipment in detail

and document the inspection. The students shall also identify defects in
the equipment.)

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Day 4

Climbing Ladder Fall Arrest System

Definition/application/requirements
Types of ladder climbing devices
o Rigid rail
o Rope
o Cable
Proper attachment of the system and best practices
Operation and uses
Hazards associated w/ladder climbing devices
Applicable regulations/Standards and requirements
climbing ladder FA system exercise/demonstration

(The instructor will demonstrate various climbing ladder FA devices. See

also positioning system for additional exercise.)

Rescue/Assisted Rescue

Definition/applicability
Basic rescue methods and procedures (manual descent, automatic decent
control)
Rescue planning (Rescue plan Development)
Rescue equipment
Applicable regulations/standards/requirements
Rescue scenario exercise/demonstration

(The instructor will oversee the students demonstrate of an actual rescue

exercise of a fallen and arrested worker.)

Aerial Lift Equipment, Work Platforms, Staging/scaffolds

Definitions/application/requirements
Applicable regulations and standards
Hazards associated with the use and or misuse of Supported, Self-
Supported and Suspended Scaffolds
FP requirements for AWP/Scaffolds

Warning Line System/Designated Area/Controlled Access Zone/Monitoring

System and Fall Protection Plan

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Definition/requirements and Applications
Prohibited and permitted uses
Hazards associated with using the above systems, prohibition and
permitted uses
Applicable regulations and standards

Fall Protection Problem Solving

Workshop, students are presented with as many working at height

scenarios as possible
Students must demonstrate applied learning by solving fall hazard
scenarios presented by applying hierarchy of fall protection
Students perform Navy fall hazard analysis (per OPNAVINST 5100.23
series), erect, use and dismantle fall protection systems under the
supervision of the instructor
How to calculate free fall distance, total fall distance and clearance
requirements

Day 5

Engineered System

Specifications for engineered systems

Testing of anchorage system
Off the shelf vs. custom solutions
Documentation and certification
Recommendations for engineered system requirements

Preparation of Fall Protection & Prevention Plans

(Written work Procedures per ANSI Z359.2)

Components of the plan

How to write fall protection & Prevention plans (Work Procedures)
Written SOP Exercise

(The students shall develop a fall protection and prevention plan of an actual
fall hazard location.)

Preparation of Fall Hazard Rescue plan

Components of the plan

How to develop the plan
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Written SOP Exercise

(The students shall develop a rescue plan of an actual fall hazard location.)

Requirements, Best Practices and Fall Hazard Issues associated with:

Portable ladders
Fixed ladders
Working over water

Final Exam and course Conclusion

Written Examination
Review and marking of the exam course evaluation
Questions and answers
Conclusion

Note:

At the completion of the training the attendees shall be able to demonstrate their
working knowledge of fall arrest equipment, procedures and requirements through
handson and practical demonstrations.

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APPENDIX G
HUMAN SYSTEM INTERFACE WITH PERSONAL FALL ARREST
SYSTEM
(Medical Aspects)

Unlike most PPE, the Personal Fall Arrest System is a complex system that on the surface has
a very simplistic interface with the human body but many aspects of this interface must be
considered to ensure optimal protection of user.

First and foremost is the users size or weight. When working at a given height there is the
application of simple physics in that the greater the weight of the worker the greater the
potential energy. In the event of a fall the greater the potential energy will convert to greater
kinetic energy that must be arrested by the PFAS.

Weight

Per the ANSI Z359.11 Harness standard user weight (capacity) is identified as 130 lbs. to 310
lbs. If users at the extremes of this range use an 1800 lbs. MAF lanyard they will absorb
different forces on their respective bodies. The 130 lb. users may experience up to 13.8 Gs
(1800 lbs. /130 lbs.) on their body vice the 310 lbs. user who may see as much as 5.8 Gs
(1800 lbs. /310lbs.). These forces are of extremely short duration and generally considered
acceptable due to short duration.

The greater weight of an individual the more potential energy in a fall. The greater the
potential energy the greater the kinetic energy in the event of a fall and therefore the higher the
forces which may be seen.

With a lighter weight worker a different phenomenon is experienced. As equipment is

designed to arrest a fall with dissipation of energy and that is based on the higher weights. As
there is an excess of energy dissipation available, less energy dissipated therefore transferring
that energy into the body of lighter weight individuals, subjecting them to higher arresting
forces.

The ANSI Z359.1 fall protection standard has suggested a limit of 10Gs for gravitational force
tolerance for human body based on the Eiband Curves and testing by Col J.P. Stapp in the
late 1950s. It is important to note that no testing occurs to determine predictable G forces
imparted by any component of PFAS.

Height

Height too is an important consideration in the user interface with PFAS. There are no
minimum or maximum height requirements prescribed by ANSI standard or regulation. That
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said, considering demographics of population, it is reasonable to expect a difference in overall
height, and therefore height of dorsal d ring, between shorter and taller workers. In some
cases this may be in excess of 2 feet. That in itself is not an issue but does begin to potentially
infringe on safety factor within clearance calculations.

Gender and Shape

Within the diverse workforce it is expected to see users of same height and weight that have
varying body shape. The performance of the PFAS is directly related to appropriate fit and
adjustment. It is feasible that two workers of equally height and weight will not be able to get
same fit with identical harnesses even with adjustment. This is an important consideration for
supervisors. Human tolerance and threshold is individual attribute and will differ among
workers of same gender let alone opposite gender.

Fitness

Depending upon the type of work environment and environmental conditions fitness too will
play a factor in workers ability to use PFAS.

Mental State

Fitness for work at height should be a consideration as various phobias, fears and other
illnesses and conditions may predispose workers at height too problems. Balance issues may
cause the onset of a fall. Are workers afraid of heights? DO they get vertigo? These are
factors that should be known prior to sending worker aloft vice after a fall or an incident at
height. If you are knowingly putting workers at height in PFAS then more people are potentially
exposed considering those that must respond.

Fall Injuries

The use of PFAS may reduce poetical injuries but cannot eliminate the potential juries. For
this reason it is worth taking a closer look at potential injuries. The most basic injury will be
from impact to ground or lower surface from the fall. Those impact forces imparted on the
body may present in a variety of ways three categories of injury breaks, soft tissue
neurological.

Breaks

Breaks are largely considered caused by impact or secondary impacts. The geometry
of the fall will dictate tremendously the injury from impact or collision this should be less
than fall but may involve swing on multiple variables. Breaks and fractures due to
secondary impact may require rapid rescue and medical intervention post fall. Breaks
are not expected from arrest as the duration of force is so low.

Soft Tissue

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Soft tissue injuries may present in a variety of ways. The most common will be in areas
of poorly adjusted harness which may incur abrasion and bruising. Higher forces or
asymmetric forces may cause internal injuries. The human tolerance to soft tissue
injury in fall arrest needs to be further explored.

Neurological injury

Arrest forces are largely focused in the vertical axis of the body along the spine. The
application of arrest force is in pelvis but that force will translate to spine. The possibility
of hyper-flexion of neck and concussive forces may lead to concussion of fracture of
vertebrae in the event of fall arrest. Although human tolerance of spine in vertical arrest
is understood from Eiband research it only considers forces in vertical axis of body. The
Seddon Study by the Health Safety Executive of the UK is an excellent source of further
information on this subject

After the fall has been arrested it is critical that the victim be rescued rapidly. The longer the
victim remains in the suspended position there is a possibility of what is known as suspension
trauma or orthostatic intolerance. In this scenario blood pools in the legs, blood pressure
decreases and the brain in turn gets decreased oxygen. The bodys way of compensating for
this is syncope or fainting. Fainting brings the body, in theory, to the ground and the heart is
now at same level as body thus allowing blood to resume normal path. Unfortunately the body
response in a suspended harness does not result in return of oxygen and further and changes
self-rescue or assisted rescue into a rescue.

Many harness manufactures have equipped harnesses with suspension straps that allow
worker to step into strap to take pressure off of leg straps and allowing increase in blood flow,
thus preventing fainting.

Post Rescue

Once the fall victim is on the ground they must continue to be evaluated by medical
professionals. If blood has pooled for a period of time it may become toxic and shock other
parts of the body during flow of toxic blood. This is known as reflow syndrome. Dr. Roger
Mortimer did research into this phenomenon. There are unfortunately differing schools of
thought on treatment as to if harness should be removed or not or if victim should remain in
seated vice prone position.

Engage Medical Staff

The risks of PFAS must be articulated to medical personnel such that they can provide the
required insight and recommendations to ensure the required protection of workers using
Personnel Fall Arrest Systems.

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