Roof Considerations for Fall Protection

Jim CorradoMed-Tex Services, Inc.

Andy DeLairMSA Safety

November 18, 2015

Agenda

• Introductions

• General Information

• Fall Protection Equipment Considerations

• Anchor Points

• Guardrail Systems

• Horizontal Lifelines

• Rescue Plans

OSHA(Occupational Safety and Health Administration)

OSHA accident facts state that 33% of all construction work-related deaths are the result of

falls from elevations.

Hierarchy Of Controls

• Engineering

• Administrative

• PPE

Types of Fall Protection Systems

•Passive System is a physical barrier thatrestricts a worker from entering a fallhazard.

•Active System will stop employees fall andlimit the fall to specified distance and willlimits the amount of force a person issubjected to in the event of a fall.

Examples of Fall Protection Systems

•Passive fall protection systems include: Perimeter guardrails Safety Net

•Active Fall Protection Systems include: Life lines Work positioning device Personal Fall Arrest Equipment

This photo shows equipment located on a roof. Positioning equipment at least 15 feet back from the roof edge will reduce the risk of falling when installing and servicing the equipment.

Warning Line SystemsWarning line systems, used as a physical barrier to keep workers outside a fall hazard zone, shall comply with the following provisions:

•shall be erected around all affected roof work areas at a distance of at least 10 feet (3 m) from the roof edge, which is parallel to the warning line;

•consist of ropes, chains or wires and supporting stanchions

•the rope, chain or wire shall be flagged at not more than 6 foot (1800 mm) intervals with high-visibility material

No employee shall be allowed in the area between a roof edge and a warning line unless the employee is equipped with a complete fall arrest system.

GuardrailsGuardrails

• A barrier system erected to prevent workers from falling to lower levels.

• Components must meet specific minimum strength requirements

42” ± 3”21”

Personal Fall Restraint System

Enables workers to move around however, as they approach the fall hazard like the edge of the roof, the equipment prevents them from going near or being exposed to the hazard.

•Positioning devices shall be rigged such that an employee cannot free fall more than 24 inches.

•Positioning devices shall be secured to an anchorage capable of supporting at least twice the potential impact load of an employee's fall or 3,000 pounds, whichever is greater.

Personal Fall Arrest System

•A personal fall arrest system describes those components that when assembled, stop the fall. In other words, the worker has already fallen.

•Fall arrest equipment will prevent them from falling further than 6 feet and typically consists of a lifeline, harness, lanyard and rope grab.

•All workers shall use a full body harness as a part of their complete fall arrest system and all components of that fall arrest system shall comply with ANSI Z359.1.

Anchor Points• Select your anchoring point in

relation to where you are working should be above you

• Must be compatible with equipment

• Must be rated for 5000 pounds (or designed by an engineer)

Must be independent of anchor points for workstations (floating scaffolds)

DO NOT USE A GUARDRAIL, CONDUIT, PIPING, ETC.

Anchor Points

Kevlar for high heat Cable

Chain

Wire Clasp

Anchor Points

This photo shows permanent roof anchors. Specifying multiple roof anchors will provide convenient tie off points when working near the edge of the roof.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

•Roof anchors should be inspected by a qualified person on an annual basis. The report of this inspection should be included in the building’s logbook and distributed to contractors prior to starting work.

•Anchors should be re-certified when there is re-roofing or renovating, or at periods not to exceed 10 years. The report of this inspection shall be included in the building’s logbook.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS (Continued)

•If the structural integrity of a roof anchor becomes suspect at any time, a test procedure shall be performed under the approval of a registered Professional Engineer (PE).

•Post installation testing should include applying a minimum static load equal to half the maximum capacity of the anchor in the most adverse loading direction that the load might be applied. For example, an anchor designed for a 5000 pound ultimate load should be tested at 2500 pounds.

Skylight Fall Protection

OSHA CFR 1910.23(a)(4) •Every skylight floor opening and hole shall be guarded by a standard skylight screen or a fixed standard railing on all exposed sides.

OSHA CFR 1910.23(e)(8) •Skylight screens shall be of such construction and mounting that they are capable of withstanding a load of at least 200 pounds applied perpendicularly at any one area on the screen. They shall also be of such construction and mounting that under ordinary loads or impacts, they will not deflect downward sufficiently to break the glass below them. The construction shall be of grillwork with openings not more than 4 inches long or of slatwork with openings not more than 2 inches wide with length unrestricted.

FALL PROTECTION• Before you can begin a fall protection program you

must identify the potential fall hazards in your workplace.

• Fall protection must be provided at: four feet in general industry six feet in construction

• Regardless of the fall distance, fall protection must be provided when working over dangerous equipment and machinery.

• Working on the roof levels of buildings is one area that provides the greatest exposure to fall hazards.

Is fall protection required here?

Scissor Lift Aerial Lift

Basics...• Aerial lifts ALWAYS require fall protection to

be in place• Scissor Lifts generally do not require fall

protection, but you must review your site specific plan because the job-site or facility may require it

• You should have proper training in the safe operation of equipment

• You should be familiar with the safety features (tie-off points, mid-rail chains…)

VEST STYLE PULL OVER STYLE

THE HARNESS

Considerations:•Leg Straps•Chest Straps•Harness Size•Job Descriptions•Appropriate Sizing Adjustments

LANYARDS

Tie-BackNo Metal to Worker

Twin Leg

Proper Material?•Kevlar, Polyester, Nylon

Adjustable?

Self Retracting Lanyards (SRL)

Note: Older SRLs are intended tobe used within a 30 degree vertical angle!!

10’ SRL

20’ SRL

Lifelines• Vertical - connected to an anchorage at

one end to hang vertically.

• Horizontal - connected to anchorages at both ends to stretch horizontally.

Connectors• A Connector is a device which is used to couple (connect)

parts of the system together. It may be an independent component of the system (such as a carabiner), or an integral component of part of the system (such as a buckle or D-ring sewn into a body harness, or a snap-hook spliced or sewn to a lanyard).

• The following are considered acceptable connectors: Self-locking snap hooks Autolocking & screwgate carabiners Quick-links connectors, etc.

• Snaphooks shall be a double locking-type.• Screwgate carabiners and quick-link connectors must be fully

threaded.

Inspection of Equipment!

• *Pre-use by the employee (always inspect your equipment)

• *Every six months (by a competent person)• *Should be documented• Must refer to manufacturers recommendation

for different types of equipment• When impacted (should be removed from service)

*according to ANSI A10.14

Inspection of Equipment!

• Inspection also depends on use of equipment, treatment, storage, age, elements exposed to…

• Look at D-rings, connectors, webbing, stitching, signs of loading, stains, discoloration, cuts, burns...

Emergency Response to an Arrested Fall

Rescue???Rescue???

? What plans are in place to retrieve a person that has fallen and is hanging by their lifeline/lanyard???

RESCUE

Now what?

Considering the persons’ age, weight, and physical health may determine how long that individual can remain suspended after a fall.

Circulation and Respiratory systems are both directly affected by falls and subsequent suspension above the ground

*U.S. Air Force Aerospace Research Lab studies have found that the average person cannot withstand suspension times greater then fifteen minutes.

*Air Force Aerospace Research Lab

Suspension Trauma

• Term used to identify a fatality as a result of orthostatic intolerance. Also known as “harness-induced pathology”.

OSHASafety and Health Information Bulletin

SHIB 03-24-2004Suspension Trauma/Orthostatic Intolerance

• Orthostatic Intolerance:– The development of

symptoms such as lightheadedness, palpitations, tremulousness, poor concentration, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, headache, sweating, weakness and occasionally fainting during upright standing.

• May be experienced by workers who fall and are wearing fall arrest systems.

Trauma

• The previous signs and symptoms are in addition to any trauma that may have occurred when the worker fell– Stuck head

– Fractured bones

– Wounds

Rescue Procedures

• If self-rescue is impossible, or if rescue cannot be performed promptly, the worker should be trained/instructed to “pump” his/her legs frequently to activate the muscles and reduce the risk of venous pooling.

• Footholds can be used to alleviate pressure, delay symptoms, and provide support for “muscle pumping.”

Rescue Procedures

Continuously monitor the suspended worker watching for signs of suspension trauma and orthostatic intolerance.

Ensure that the worker receives standard trauma resuscitation once rescued. Transporting with the upper body raised is suggested by some.

Workers who are unconscious should have their airway passages kept open and obtain first aid as soon as possible.

All workers should be evaluated after an incident. Onset of some problems can be delayed.

Recommendations• Rescue suspended workers

as quickly as possible.

• Be aware that suspended workers are at risk of orthostatic intolerance and suspension trauma.

• Be aware of signs and symptoms of orthostatic intolerance.

• Be aware that orthostatic intolerance is potentially life threatening. Suspended workers with head injuries or who are unconscious are particularly at risk.

• Be aware of factors that can increase the risk

• Be aware that some authorities advise against moving the rescue workers to a horizontal position too quickly.

THE END

TRAINING DISCLAIMER

These materials are intended to assist employers, workers, and others as they strive to improve workplace health and safety. While we attempt to thoroughly address specific topics, it is not possible to include discussion of everything necessary to ensure a healthy and safe working environment in a presentation of this nature. Thus, this information must be understood as a tool for addressing workplace hazards, rather than an exhaustive statement of an employer’s legal obligations, which are defined by statute, regulations, and standards. Likewise, to the extent that this information references practices or procedures that may enhance health or safety, but which are not required by a statute, regulation, or standard, it cannot, and does not, create additional legal obligations. Finally, over time, regulators may modify rules and interpretations in light of new technology, information, or circumstances; to keep apprised of such developments, or to review information on a wide range of occupational safety and health topics, you can visit regulatory web sites.