Planning for Working at Heights
Risk Assessment
Before starting any work at height:
- Identify all fall hazards
- Evaluate the risks
- Determine appropriate controls
- Document your plan
- Share with all workers
Hierarchy of Fall Protection
Address fall hazards in this order:
- Eliminate the hazard (work from ground level)
- Passive protection (guardrails, barriers)
- Fall restraint (prevents reaching the edge)
- Fall arrest (stops a fall in progress)
- Administrative controls (warning lines, monitors)
Weather Considerations
- Check forecasts before starting
- Postpone work in high winds or storms
- Take precautions for wet or icy conditions
- Consider heat stress in hot weather
- Allow for more breaks in extreme conditions
Types of Fall Protection Systems
Guardrail Systems
- Top rail 42 inches (±3 inches) high
- Midrail halfway between top rail and working surface
- Toeboard at least 3.5 inches high
- Must withstand 200 pounds of force
- No openings larger than 19 inches
Safety Net Systems
- Installed as close as possible to work area
- No more than 30 feet below working level
- Extend 8-13 feet beyond edge of work surface
- Inspected weekly at minimum
- Tested after initial installation
Personal Fall Arrest Systems
- Full-body harness
- Connecting device (lanyard, lifeline, deceleration device)
- Secure anchor point (5,000 pounds per worker)
- Free fall limited to 6 feet
- Must prevent contact with lower level
Fall Restraint Systems
- Similar components to fall arrest systems
- Designed to prevent reaching fall hazard
- Must adjust length to keep worker from reaching edge
- Requires less fall clearance than arrest systems
Positioning Device Systems
- Allows hands-free work on vertical surfaces
- Limits free fall to 2 feet
- Often used for rebar work, form work, etc.
- Not a substitute for fall arrest when needed
Safe Work Areas at Heights
Controlled Access Zones
- Designated areas where certain work can be done without conventional fall protection
- Marked by control lines
- Access limited to authorized workers
- Warning lines clearly visible
- Requires safety monitor
Warning Line Systems
- Physical barriers marking safe work zones
- Set 6-15 feet back from edge (depending on work)
- Lines flagged every 6 feet
- Set 34-39 inches above surface
- Clearly visible to workers
Safety Monitoring Systems
- Designated safety monitor watches workers
- Monitor has no other duties
- Must be on same walking/working surface
- Must be close enough for verbal communication
- Only used when no other protection is feasible
Safe Access to Heights
Ladders
- Extend 3 feet above landing surface
- Secured at top and bottom
- Placed at proper angle (4:1 ratio)
- Used on stable, level ground
- Inspected before each use
Scaffolds
- Fully planked with proper decking
- Guardrails when 10+ feet high
- Proper access built in
- Inspected by competent person
- Properly braced and tied to structure
Lifts and Platforms
- Only operated by trained personnel
- Maintained according to manufacturer specs
- Never moved with elevated workers
- Outriggers deployed when required
- Fall protection still used as needed
Stairs and Ramps
- Handrails on all stairs with 4+ risers
- Minimum width of 22 inches
- Uniform riser height and tread depth
- Non-slip surfaces
- Proper lighting
Hole and Opening Protection
Floor Holes
- Covered with material that supports 2x expected load
- Secured to prevent displacement
- Marked with "HOLE" or "COVER"
- Guardrails installed if cover isn't feasible
Wall Openings
- Protected if drop is 6+ feet and opening is 18+ inches
- Guardrail, screen, or mesh required
- Fall arrest system if other protection not feasible
Skylights
- Treated as holes in walking surface
- Never sat or stepped on
- Protected by covers, screens, or guardrails
- Warning signs not sufficient protection
Safe Work Practices
Equipment Inspection
Before each use, inspect all fall protection equipment for:
- Cuts, tears, abrasions
- Stretching or deformation
- Rust or corrosion
- Missing parts or tags
- Impact indicators
- Proper function of moving parts
Proper Use Techniques
- Never tie knots in lanyards (weakens them)
- Don't wrap lanyards around sharp edges
- Connect snap hooks only to compatible connectors
- Don't connect multiple lanyards together
- Stay directly under anchor points when possible
- Remove damaged equipment from service
Housekeeping
- Keep work areas clean and organized
- Immediately clean up spills
- Store tools and materials away from edges
- Secure tools to prevent drops
- Mark and barricade dangerous areas
Fall Protection for Specific Tasks
Roofing Work
- Different requirements for low-slope vs. steep roofs
- Warning lines with safety monitors in some cases
- Slide guards on steep roofs in limited circumstances
- See roof-specific guidelines
Steel Erection
- Fall protection at 15+ feet in most cases
- Specialized connectors' rules apply
- Controlled decking zones have specific requirements
- Perimeter safety cables or guardrails required
Residential Construction
- Conventional fall protection required at 6+ feet
- Alternative methods only with written plan
- Slide guards not sufficient alone on steep roofs
- Proper training required for each method used
Emergency Response
Rescue Planning
- Must have plan for prompt rescue
- Self-rescue options identified
- Assisted rescue methods established
- Proper equipment available
- Regular practice of rescue procedures
Suspension Trauma
- Can occur within minutes of suspension in harness
- Can lead to serious injury or death
- Prevention includes trauma straps on harnesses
- Movement of legs if suspended
- Rapid rescue is essential