Fall Protection Plan

Principal Contractor:

Contractor:

Site Name:

pg. 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Scope

2. Purpose

3. References

4. Definitions

5. Responsibilities

6. Risk Assessment

6.1 Information for Risk Assessments

6.2 Controlling the risks
6.3 Preferred order of control measures to eliminate or reduce the risk of falls
6.4 Common Fall Hazards Checklist

6. 4.1. Surfaces
6. 4.2. Levels
6. 4.3. Steel Structures
6. 4.4. Ground
6.4.5. Raised working area.
6.4.6. Scaffolding — provided by Principal Contractor.
6.4.7. Proximity of employees to unsafe areas
6.4.8. Movement of elevated working platforms (Cherry Picker)
6.4.9. Access to, aggress from and movement around the working area.
6.4.10. Manual Handling
6.4.11. Lighting
6.4.12. Weather Conditions
6.4.13. Footwear and Clothing
6.4.14. Ladders
6.4.15. Young, new or inexperienced employees

7. Training

8. Training Programs

9. Induction

10. Prevention of Fall Training

11. Instructions

12. Fall Protection Devise

12.1 Primary Fall Protection System: Scaffolding and walkways provided by Principal Contractor.
12.2. Secondary Fall Protection Systems: Full-Body safety harness
12.3. Lifelines
12.4. Lifeline Placement installation
12.5. Ladders used as access method.

12.6. Steel Structures (Beam Crawling)

12.7. Scaffolding used as access method.
12.8. Man, Cage used as access method.
12.9. Elevated working platform (cherry picker)

13. Attachments
a. General Inspection for fibre ropes — Fall Protection Information

14. Suspension Trauma

15. Preventing Suspension Trauma

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16. Training for Rescues

17. Procedure for the evaluation of physical and psychological fitness

18. Training Method Statement

18.1. Training
18.2. Retraining

19. Fall Prevention / Protection Training Program

20. Recognition of Potential Fall Hazards

21. Overview of written Procedure

22. Procedure for Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of all Fall Protection Equipment

23. Emergency Equipment and availability

24. Fall Rescue Equipment

pg. 3
 1. SCOPE
To achieve a safe working environment for personnel working at heights in accordance with the Occupational Health and
Safety Act 85 of 1993 the Construction Regulations.

1.1) Sesitfutfukile Trading & Projects shall cause:

a) The designation of a competent person, responsible for the preparation of a fall protection plan.
b) The fall protection plan contemplated in CR10 (a) to be implemented, amended where and when
necessary and maintained as required.
c) Steps to be taken in order to ensure the continued adherence to the fall protection plan.

1.2) The fall protection plan contemplated in CR 10, shall include:

a) A risk assessment of all work carried out from an elevated position which shall include the procedures and
methods used to address all the risks identified per location.
b) The processes for evaluation of the employees' physical and psychological fitness necessary to work at
elevated positions and the records thereof.
c) The program for the training of employees working from elevated positions and records thereof; and
d) The procedure addressing the inspection, testing and maintenance of all fall protection equipment.

1.3) Sesitfutfukile Trading & Projects shall ensure that the Construction Supervisor appointed in terms of regulation
8(7) is in possession of the most recently updated version of the fall protection plan.

1.4) Notwithstanding the provisions 1.1 and 1.2, Sesitfutfukile Trading & Projects shall ensure that:

a) No person works in an elevated position above 1.5 meters, unless such work is performed safely as if
working from a scaffold or steel structure or lifeline and 100% tie off is maintained at all times when working
at heights.
b) Fall prevention and fall arrest equipment is:
i. Suitable and of sufficient strength for the purpose or purposes for which it is being used having
regard to the work being carried out and the load, including any person, it is intended to bear.
ii. Securely attached to a steel structure or scaffolding or lifeline and the means of attachment thereto is
suitable and of sufficient strength and stability for the purpose of safely supporting the equipment and
any person who is liable to fall.
c) Fall arrest equipment shall only be used where it is not reasonably practicable to use fall prevention
equipment; and
d) Suitable and sufficient steps shall be taken to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, that in the event of
a fall by any person, the fall arrest equipment or the surrounding environment does not cause injury to the
person.

2. PURPOSE
To provide a detailed standard necessary for the provision of maximum fall protection for all workers working in elevated
locations at Witbank Paxton Prison.

3. REFERENCES
3.1. Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 and the Construction Regulations.

3.2. SABS EN Standards

SABS NO. TITLE

pg. 4
SABS -EN 353-1 F.A. Sys. Guided type on rigid line.

SABS – EN 353-2 F.A. Sys. Guided type on flexible line.

SABS – EN 360 Retractable fall-arrest systems.

SABS EN 361 Full-body harnesses.

SABS – EN 362 Connectors.

SABS – EN 363 Fall-arrest systems.

SABS - EN 795 Anchor devices.

SABS - EN 813 Sit harnesses.

Snatcher Basic Kit

Equipment Carry Bag Black and orange Cordera backpack with

adjustable shoulder straps. Capable of
carrying a 50-meter rescue system. Small
see-through pouch to front section for users'
instructions.

Descender Double action descending device. Single

hook up point. Operating handle for
descending. Locks when too much force is
applied to handle or when handle is not
operated. Single centre point release pin and
top swivel for opening and closing the Once
the connecter is in the device it cannot be
opened.

SANS EN 50566 45mm nylon webbing; D-ring side attachment

points; Durable PVC protective cover; weight:
50 cm anchor sling 80grams Total Length 50 cm.

SANS EN 50362 + D-shape self-locking karabiner made from

SANS steel. 35KN

EN12275

Karabiners

pg. 5
 No standard required 5 Step tape ladders made from polyester
not load bearing I webbing.
Artier / Tape Ladder

Low stretch kern Low stretch kern mantle rope. Outer -

mantlerope50 meters. Polyester; Inner - Core Polyamide; Rope
type - A Grade; static strength test 22kN;
SABS EN 1891 dynamic test 4,1kN

4. DEFINITIONS

Competent Person: It means any person having the knowledge, training, experience and
qualifications specific to the work or task being performed:
Provided that where appropriate qualifications and training are registered in
terms of the provisions of the South African Qualifications Authority Act, 1995
(Act No. 58 of 1995), these qualifications and training shall be deemed to be
the required qualifications and training.
Fall Prevention Equipment: It means equipment used to prevent persons from falling from an elevated
position, including personal equipment, body harness, body belts, lanyards,
lifelines or physical equipment, guardrails, screens, barricades, anchorages
or similar equipment
Fall Arrest Equipment: It means equipment used to arrest the person in a fall from an elevated
position, including personal equipment, body harness, lanyards,
deceleration devices, lifelines or similar equipment, but excludes body belts

Fall Protection Plan: Means a documented plan, of all risks relating to working from an elevated
position, considering the nature of work undertaken, and setting out the
procedures and methods to be applied in order to eliminate the risk

5. RESPONSIBILITIES
5.1. Sesitfutfukile Trading & Projects shall enforce all aspects of the procedure and approve all systems to be
used.
5.2. Sesitfutfukile Trading & Projects fall protection plan shall include:

5.2.1. A risk assessment of all work carried out from an elevated position that shall include the
procedures and methods used to address all the risks identified per location.
5.2.2. The certificates for the training of employees working from elevated positions; and
5.2.3. The procedure addressing the inspection, testing and maintenance of all fall protection
equipment.

5.3. Scaffold supplied by Principal Contractor, Inspectors and Supervisors shall inspect and tag all scaffolding,
prior to use. The Principal Contractor's Scaffolding, Erectors and Supervisors shall ensure the safe provision
of any temporary access ways.
5.4. Fall Protection Planner shall be responsible for the provision, installation, testing and maintenance of all
lifeline systems, i.e., wire ropes, fibre ropes, nets, connectors, anchorage points, etc.
5.5. Man cage, baskets and other aerial lifting equipment is the responsibility of rigging personnel.

6. RISK ASSESSMENT
This involves looking at the chance or likelihood of a fall occurring and, if a fall did occur, the extent of any harm or injury
(i.e., the consequences). This is a way of deciding which hazards need to be addressed first (i.e., where there is the
highest risk of falls).

pg. 6
This step should provide information on:
 Where, which and how many employees are likely to be at risk of incurring injuries.
 How often this is likely to occur; and
 The potential severity of any injuries.

Risk assessment is not an absolute science — it is a 'best estimate' on the basis of the information available. It is
therefore important that:

 A person undertaking a risk assessment has the necessary Information, knowledge and experience of that work
environment and work process; or
 The risk assessment involves people with information, knowledge and experience in the process.

In carrying out a risk assessment, it is necessary to break down each activity or process into a series of parts or smaller
tasks and assess each one separately. A Daily Safety Task Instruction can assist with this.

6.1. INFORMATION FOR RISK ASSESSMENTS

Ways to determine the likelihood and potential consequences of each hazard include:
• Looking at similar workplaces or processes.
• Looking at the workplace's previous incident and injury reports and data for falls.
• Consulting with safety and health representatives (if any) and other employees.
• Looking at the way tasks/Jobs are performed.
• Looking at the way work is organised.
• Determining the size and layout of the workplace.
• Assessing the number and movement of all people at the workplace.
• Determining the type of operation to be performed.
• Identifying the type of machinery/plant to be used.
• Assessing adequacy of inspection and maintenance processes.
• Examining the way all materials and substances are stored and handled.
• Assessing what knowledge and training is needed to perform tasks safely and the adequacy of current
knowledge and training (e.g., gap analysis); and
• Examining adequacy of procedures for all potential emergency situations (e.g., accidents and rescues).

6.2. CONTROLLING THE RISKS

The next step is to implement control measures to eliminate or reduce the risk of a person being injured or harmed (e.g.,
eliminate or reduce the likelihood of a person falling) and to ensure those measures are monitored and reviewed on an
ongoing basis. There is a preferred order of control measures, ranging from the most effective to the least effective in
eliminating or reducing the risk of falls. This is outlined below. The preferred way of controlling risk is by design,
substitution, redesign, separation or administration. These control measures generally eliminate, reduce or minimise risk
more effectively than personal protective equipment. Specific regulations set out certain mandatory methods that are
required to control the risk and some of these, such as the protection of holes and openings, are outlined later in this
document.

6.3. Preferred order of control measures to eliminate or reduce the risk of fans:

Elimination: removing the hazard or hazardous work practice from the Workplace (e.g., eliminating the need
to access the fall risk area.
Substitution: substituting or replacing a hazard or hazardous work practice with a less hazardous one (e.g.,
providing an alternative means of access such as a safe walkway so the risks of falls are
avoided; or installing an elevating work platform for work at heights).
Isolation: isolating or separating the hazard or hazardous work practice from people involved in the work or
people in the general work areas (e.g., barricading the fall risk area with snow netting).

pg. 7
Engineering control: if the hazard cannot be eliminated, substituted or isolated, an engineering control is the next
preferred measure. This includes the use of a fall injury prevention system designed to restrain or
arrest a person's fall from one level to another and minimise the risk of injury or harm to a person
if they fall (e.g., a restraint system or fall-arrest system, catch platforms, safety nets and safety
mesh). It may also include modifications to plant or providing guarding to machinery and
equipment; and
Administrative control: this includes introducing work practices that reduce the risk, such as implementing measures to
ensure that procedures, instruction, training and warning signs are in place to warn and protect
persons exposed to falls. This could also include limiting the amount of time a person is exposed
to a particular hazard. These controls should be used in conjunction with physical controls and
appropriate supervision.

6.4. COMMON FALL HAZARDS CHECKLIST

Key things to check at the workplace include:

6.4.1. Surfaces:
 The stability.
 The fragility or brittleness.
 The slipperiness (e.g., where surfaces are wet, polished, glazed or oily in the case of new steelwork).
 The safe movement of employees where surfaces change.
 The strength or capability to support loads.
 The slope of work surfaces (e.g., where they exceed 7 degrees)
6.4.2. Levels (where levels change, and employees may be exposed to a fall from one level to another
ensure 100% tie off)
6.4.3. Steel Structures (the stability of steel structures).
6.4.4. Ground (the evenness and stability of ground for safe support of scaffolding or working Platform).
6.4.5. Raised working area (whether it is crowded or cluttered).
6.4.6. Scaffolding provided by Principal Contractor (the correct erection and dismantling).
6.4.7. Proximity of employees to unsafe areas:
 where loads are placed on elevated working areas.
 when objects are below a work area, such as re-bars and equipment.
 where work is to be carried out above workers (e.g., potential hazards from falling objects).
6.4.8. Movement of elevated working platforms (Cherry Picker) or Mobile Crane (ensuring there is no
sudden acceleration or deceleration)
6.4.9. Access to, egress from and movement around the working area (checking for obstructions)
6.4.10. Manual handling (checking safe work practices for carrying awkward steel members, which may be
caught by the wind)
6.4.11. Lighting
6.4.12. Weather conditions (when heavy rain, dew or wind are present)
6.4.13. Footwear and clothing (suitability for conditions)
6.4.14. Ladders (where and how they are being used)
6.4.15. Young, new or inexperienced employees (i.e., employees unfamiliar with a task).

7. TRAINING
Employers must provide proper safety and health instruction and training to employees. Instruction and training are an
important part of ensuring safe systems of work and should take into account the functions of each employee and provide
them with the necessary skills and knowledge to enable them to do their work safely. In providing training, it is also
essential to address the intent of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1993 and Construction Regulations so that
employees
understand that, in some instances, the prevention of falls depends on them doing a particular work activity in a particular
way, such as when using ladders, scaffolding, steel structures (beam Crawling), elevated working platforms (Cherry
Pickers) and fall injury prevention systems.

The type of instruction and training given should include:

 general safety and health induction, including the 'duty of care' responsibilities under the Occupational Health
and Safety Act 1993 and Construction Regulations and workplace policies and procedures.
 Task specific induction.

pg. 8
  'On the job' training.
 'In house' training programs designed to address specific needs, such as specific training for working from
heights and correct use of ladders; and
 Industry-based or formal training, such as accredited or certificated courses.

8. TRAINING PROGRAMS
In developing and implementing an effective training program, employers should include:

 Analysis of training needs, including the identification of the tasks to be performed and associated
hazards and risks.
 Identification of any pre-requisites or entry standards.
 Definition of learning objectives and clear identification of the extent/level of competencies to be
achieved, such as what will be covered.
 Selection of appropriate training aids depending on the environment and the targeted trainees (use of
hardware, graphics, videos and printed materials).
 Adequate assessment (e.g., the assessment includes a practical component where the trainee has to
demonstrate applied skills).
 Recognition of skills attained where applicable (e.g., accreditation or certification).
 Delivery of training by a competent person; and
 Evaluation of effectiveness of training.

9. INDUCTION:

Induction programs are essential:

 For new employees.

For examples of regulations for specific work activities,

 Where work situations have changed; and

 Where work practices are being introduced for the first time.

In addition to providing general safety and health information, an induction should include.

 'On the job' training, including how to carry out a job or task in a safe manner and not be exposed to
falls.
 information on the hazards and risks from falls at that workplace.
 Information on the selection, fitting, use, care, maintenance and storage of personal protective
clothing and equipment, such as fall injury prevention equipment; and
 Emergency rescue procedures.

10. PREVENTION OF FALL TRAINING:

Training in the prevention of falls should include:

 Safe work systems and practices to prevent falls, including how the systems installed prevent falls;
Hazard and incident/accident reporting systems.
 The correct selection, fitting, use, care, maintenance and storage of personal protective equipment
(see the following page for fall injury prevention systems).
 Correct selection, use, care and storage of tools and equipment to be used (for example, using a tool
belt instead of carrying tools).
 Emergency rescue procedures.
 Maintaining record keeping procedures and systems.

11. INSTRUCTIONS:

11.1. All workers on Site Name shall wear an approved full body harness conforming to SABS EN 361: Full-
Body Harness.
11.2. Each harness is to be equipped with an energy absorbing double lanyard.

pg. 9
 11.3. Each lanyard is to be terminated with a locking connector conforming to SABS EN 362. Double action
automatically locking connectors ("Scaffold Hooks").
11.4. Workers shall make maximum use of primary fall protection systems provided by the Principal Contractor
such as scaffolds, etc. These systems shall be equipped with complete working and walking surfaces free
of openings. Standard guardrail systems must be installed, and safe means of access and egress must
be provided.
11.5. Personnel traveling or working in elevated areas where a fall exposure exists shall make use of
secondary fall protection in securing their safety lanyard at all times to a secured steel structure, lifeline,
scaffolding, elevated working platform or approved fall arresting device capable of supporting 1000 kg.
11.6. Personnel being hoisted in approved hoisting devices shall also properly secure their safety lanyards.
11.7. All fall protection devices (such as lifelines, safety harnesses, connectors and lanyards, etc.) shall be
inspected daily for damage and or deterioration. All defective equipment shall be immediately removed
from service and replaced.
11.8. Fall protection devices and systems shall not be used for any other purpose other than what they have
been designed for.
11.9. All workers of Sesitfutfukile Trading & Projects working at heights above 1.5meters, shall comply with the
requirements in this program.

12. FALL PROTECTION DEVICE:

12.1. Primary Fall Protection System: Scaffolds and Walkways provided by Principal Contractor:
12.1.1. These systems provide walking and working surfaces in elevated areas that are free from floor
openings and are equipped with standard guardrail systems on all open sides and with closure
apparatus for ladder openings. These systems include scaffolds.
12.1.2. Standard guardrail systems and other work platforms and surface protection shall be in accordance
with the Construction Regulations.
12.1.3. Hole covers are to be used to close openings and holes in floors, platforms and walkways. These
covers must be capable of supporting a load similar to that of the surrounding surfaces. The cover
must completely cover the opening and be secured against accidental displacement. These covers
must be marked "HOLE COVER - DO NOT REMOVE".

12.2. Secondary Fall Protection Systems: Full-body Safety Harnesses

12.2.1. These systems shall be worn and used as a backup to primary fall protection systems noted above.
12.2.2. These systems shall be used in the absence of primary systems.
12.2.3. Lanyard systems
12.2.3.1. The fall protection lanyard shall be attached to the steel D-ring located in the upper back of the safety
harness (dorsal attachment), or to the steel D-ring located in the upper chest area of the harness
(sternal attachment).
12.2.3.2. The D-ring located at the waist shall only be used for positioning and with rope grabs traveling on
approved vertical lifelines.
12.2.3.3. Work positioning lanyards are to be attached to the D-ring at the waist belt location. Positioning
lanyards need not be of shock absorbing type and shall not be used for fall protection. The positioning
lanyard shall always be backed up by a properly secured shock absorbing fall protection lanyard.

12.3. Lifelines:

12.3.1. Lifeline systems are points of attachment for fall protection lanyards and must be capable of supporting
at least 1000 kg. Lifelines may be mounted either vertically or horizontally and are generally intended
to provide mobility to personnel working at elevated areas.
12.3.2. Horizontal lifelines must be of at least 8 mm diameter wire rope cable properly supported to withstand
at least 1000 kg impact. 11 mm diameter low stretch rope conforming to SABS EN 1891 may also be
used for temporary lifelines, subject to having only one person attached to the rope at any one time.
Energy absorbers shall be used to reduce shock loading in the event of a fall.
12.3.3. Horizontal lifelines should be positioned so as to provide points of attachment at waist level or higher
for personnel utilizing them.
12.3.4. Intermediate support shall be adequate to minimize sag and vertical deflection under loading and
softeners shall be used.
12.3.5. Lifelines shall not be used for any purpose other than fall protection.

pg. 10
 12.3.6. All lifelines shall be installed and maintained by the Fall Protection Planner or an appointed competent
person. Lifelines must be recorded on register and be inspected and approved on a daily basis before
work starts or at the beginning of a new shift.
12.3.7. Vertical lifelines are used for personnel fall protection when vertical mobility is required. They may be
comprised 8 mm diameter wire cable or 11 mm diameter low stretch rope conforming to SABS EN
1891. They must be equipped with approved sliding rope grabs designed for use with the wire rope or
low stretch rope being used. They may also consist of self-retracting reel type lanyard and lifelines,
which are attached directly to safety harness.
12.3.8. Sliding rope grabs approved for the size of wire rope or low stretch rope being used are the only
methods for securing a safety lanyard to vertical lifeline. Lanyard shall not be attached to lifelines by
means of knots or loops.
12.3.9. Rope grabs shall be attached directly to the waist or sterna! (chest) D-ring of the harness using an
approved connector. A lanyard shall not be included in this system, as it increases the distance that the
worker will fall before the rope grab is activated.

12.4. Lifeline placement installation:

12.4.1. Priority shall be given to lifeline placement as steel structures are erected.
12.4.2 Lifelines shall be arranged to provide adequate mobility in all areas of the steel structure while
maintaining 100 % fall protection for personnel.
12.4.3. Workers installing lifelines shall be protected from falls at all times by tying off to structural steel, etc.
12.4.4. The Fall Protection Planner or appointed competent person shall schedule regular documented
inspections of all lifelines at least weekly.
12.4.5. Lifelines shall be of wire rope.
12.4.6. Lifelines shall be used with approved rope grabs for lanyard attachment.
12.4.7. Lifelines must be anchored at the top by anchorages capable of supporting a minimum loading of 1000
kg.
12.4.8. Note: Care should be taken to protect ropes where they contact sharp edges.
12.4.9. Each retractable lifeline device shall be equipped with a rope tag line for extending the device to
elevations below the point of attachment.
12.4.10. Retractable lifelines were considered necessary shall also be used to provide fall protection to
structural steel workers during erection prior to installation of other fall protection systems.

12.5. Ladders:

Employees will apply the following rules with regards to ladders taken onto site: -

12.5.1. Ladder will be soundly constructed and of a material of adequate strength and suited for the purpose.
12.5.2. Ladder will be fitted with non-skid devices at the bottom and top extremities or lashed, held or secured at
the bottom and top.
12.5.3. The maximum length does not exceed 9 meters (excluding extension ladders).
12.5.4. Use only wooden ladders that have been constructed of straight grain wood free from defects.
12.5.5. Ensure that stiles are provided with indentations to house rungs. (Except for welded ladders and ladders
where rungs are fixed with bolts, rivets.)
12.5.6. Wooden ladders are only varnished, not painted to hide defects on the wooden ladder.
12.5.7. Ladders with broken or missing rungs or hinges Will be removed from service and repaired before it used
on site.
12.5.8. Place ladder so that its feet are a quarter of its length to the top support from the object it is resting
against.
12.5.9. Unless the ladder is securely tied at the top, it should always be held in position by another person at the
bottom whilst in use.
12.5.10. Wherever possible ladders will extend 1 meter above the landing.
12.5.11. Ladders will not be used as horizontal walkways or as scaffolding.
12.5.12. The correct ladder for the job must be used, employees must not overreach when working from a ladder.
12.5.13. Only one person should use a ladder at a time.
12.5.14. Employee must use both hands when climbing.
12.5.15. Employees should never leave a ladder where it may fall and are not to use a ladder behind closed
doors unless the door Is locked.
12.5.16. Employees should not reach too far from their work positions or to jump the ladder along the wall.
12.5.17. Employees must take care when moving or carrying a ladder, care must be taken for what might be
overhead, in particular the danger of live wires and cables especially when using metal ladders.

pg. 11
 12.6. Steel Structures (Beam Crawling):

12.6.1. All workers are required to wear an approved full body safety harness with double lanyards.
12.6.2. Personnel working or traveling in incomplete permanent steel structures where fall risks exist, shall be
properly tied off.
12.6.3. Personnel climbing ladders shall keep both hands free of any material at all times. One foot and one hand
shall be on the ladder at all times while climbing.
12.6.4. When employees have accessed the secured steel structure, they will hook the hooks into each other
and move around on the structure while sitting on the structure.

12.7. Scaffolding will be erected by the Principal Contractor.

12.7.1. Personnel erecting Scaffolding shall achieve 100 % fall protection through use of safety harness.
12.7.2. Access to Scaffolding shall be obtained by means of a proper staircase.
12.7.3. Scaffolding which has been inspected and declared safe to use by a competent scaffolding inspector can
be accessed by using the ladder provided.
12.7.4. Employees climbing up a scaffold tower need to hook onto the ladder as they are climbing towards the
top.
12.7.5. Employees need to hook onto the scaffolding as soon as they reach the platform with both hooks.
12.7.6. The employee can now move to the required are of the structure and hook loose from the scaffolding and
hook onto the secured steel structure with both hooks before accessing the structure.
12.7.7. When the employee needs to return to the scaffolding tower, he will lower himself back onto the
scaffolding platform and then unhook himself and hook back onto the scaffolding tower.
12.7.8. The same action that was used to climb up the scaffolding tower will be used to climb down the
scaffolding tower.

13. ATTACHMENTS
a. GENERAL INSPECTION FOR FIBRE ROPES - FALL PROTECTION INFORMATION

i. Base your estimate of a rope's condition on the section showing the most deterioration.
ii. Check outside for broken fibres and yarns.
iii. Cuts, nicks, burn and signs of abrasion or un-laying are indicative of deterioration and possible loss
of critical strength.
iv. A rope must be condemned if:
 Strands are excessively loose.
 Internal wear is evident.
 Yarns can be pulled out of the interior.
 If any fibres can be broken by hand.
 If the rope has lost its elasticity.
 Any other major strand damage is evident.
v. Inspections should be carried out by experienced, competent and appointed personnel, since each
portion of wear and tear is a judgment call as to the rope's ability to perform its function.
vi. If there is any doubt as to the rope's integrity, it must be discarded.

14. SUSPENSION TRAUMA

'Suspension trauma' can occur when a person's legs are immobile in an upright posture for a prolonged period because
the lower legs have a large storage capacity for blood and gravity pulls blood into them. The return blood flow to the heart
is reduced as blood accumulates in the legs. Because the blood supply to the heart is then restricted, the body suddenly
slows the heart causing the person to faint. With the use of a fall-arrest system, suspension trauma may occur when a
person has an arrested fall because they are suspended and caught in an upright, vertical position and the harness
straps cause pressure on the leg veins. The blood flow to the heart is reduced, resulting in fainting, restriction of
movement or loss of consciousness in a few minutes. This may lead to renal failure and eventually death, depending on a
person's susceptibility. The condition may be worsened by heat and dehydration. Susceptibility to suspension trauma
may be unrelated to fitness level or any other obvious physical conditions. Therefore, the quick rescue of a person
suspended in a full body harness, as soon as is possible, is vital. For this reason, workers should be capable of
conducting a rescue of a fallen worker and be familiar with onsite rescue equipment and procedures. Workers and
emergency response personnel must be trained in the rescue procedures and be able to recognise the risks of
suspension trauma and act quickly in the rescue of a person.

pg. 12
 15. PREVENTING SUSPENSION TRAUMA
Recommendations for preventing suspension trauma as a result of an arrested fall include:

 Workers should never work alone when using a harness as fall protection.
 Workers spending time hanging in a harness should use a sit type harness, which allows legs to be
kept horizontal.
 The time a worker spends in suspension after a fall should be limited to less than a few minutes.
 When a suspension is longer than five minutes, foothold straps or a way of placing weight on the legs
should be provided.
 Workers should be trained to do the following when they are hanging in their harness after a fall:
 Try to move the legs in the harness and push against any footholds, where these movements are
possible. In some instances, the harness design and/or any injuries received may prevent this
movement; and try to move the legs as high as possible and the head as horizontal as possible,
where these movements are possible. These movements are not possible in some of the harnesses
available.
 This factor should be considered when selecting a harness for use at the workplace; and
 Harnesses should be selected for specific applications, with consideration given to comfort, potential
injuries and suspension trauma.

16. TRAINING FOR RESCUES

The training for rescues of persons who have fallen and are suspended in an upright position should address the
following factors to prevent suspension trauma:
 The rescue process should be quick to start because a suspension in an upright position for longer
than five minutes has the potential to cause death; and
 The victim should be moved from suspension in stages, i.e., the procedure should take 3040 minutes
with the victim moved first into a kneeling position, then into a sitting position, and finally into a
horizontal position. The victim should not be moved too quickly into a horizontal position because this
can kill them.

17. PROCEDURE FOR THE EVALUATION OF PHYSICAL FITNESS

17.1 Objective
To as far as reasonably practicable establish and ensure that employees that are required to work in elevated positions
are physical fit to perform their duties.
17.2 Scope
All personnel performing any work in elevated positions due to the nature of their occupation and task at hand.
17.3. Method
17.3.1. Where the service of a competent psychologist is not available senior management will follow the
following procedure.
17.3.2. Explain to the employee the purpose of the interview with emphasis on the fact that the employee
can share all fears and concerns without being afraid of being discriminated against.
17.3.3. Discuss all risk and hazards regarding the scope of work of the employee and possible scenarios
that the employee would have to deal with.
17,3.4. Question employee regarding his/her fear of heights, claustrophobia etc.

On completion of the interview, all facts derived from the interview must be taken into consideration and an evaluation
made on the psychological fitness of the employee. All employees working in elevated positions will obtain a fitness
certificate from an approved occupation health institution approved by the department of public works. Such medical
records shall be scrutinised ensuring that employees have been found fit for work.

18. TRAINING METHOD STATEMENT

18.1. Training
 Each project shall provide specific training for each employee that has the potential to be exposed to a fall
hazard.
 Employees that have the potential to be exposed to a fall hazard shall be trained prior to starting work.
 A competent person designated by the project manager and site safety personnel must conduct training.
 As a minimum training shall include the following:

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  Fall Prevention Training Program.
 Risk Assessment Training specific to the task at hand.
 Training must be documented with a written certification record.
 Certification records must include the following information:

1) Title and summary of the training.

2) The identity of the employee(s) trainer (name, signature and I.D number).
3) Date and location of the training (project name, number, and location).
4) Name and signature of the competent person that conducted the training.

Personnel performing the training shall be designated in writing with documentation being maintained by the project SHE
representative/Construction Supervisor.

Personnel performing the training must be qualified in the following areas:

 The nature of fall hazards in the work area.
 The correct procedures for erecting, maintaining, disassembling, and inspecting the fall protection
system to be used.
 The use and operation of guardrail systems, personal fall protection systems, safety net systems,
warning tines systems, and other protection to be utilized.
 The limitations on the use of mechanical equipment during the performance of roofing work on low-
sloped roofs.
 The correct procedures for the handling and storage of equipment and materials and the erection of
overhead protection.

18.2 Retraining
 Retraining in fall protection must be conducted anytime there is a reason to believe that an employee
does not have the necessary knowledge and skills to comply with the Fall Protection/Prevention Program.
 A Designated Competent Person must conduct retraining.
 Retraining is required under the following circumstances:
 Changes in the workplace render previous training obsolete.
 Changes in the types of fall protection system or. equipment to be used render previous training obsolete.
 Observations of inadequacies in an affected employee's knowledge or use of fail protection
systems/equipment indicate that the employee has not retained the requisite understanding or skill.
 Employee infractions of the Fall Prevention/Protection Program must be documented, and the employee
retrained in the applicable area of the program violated.
 Retraining must be documented with a written certification record (same requirements as for initial
training).

19. FALL PREVENTION / PROTECTION TRAINING PROGRAM

Falls are the leading cause of work-related death in the construction industry. Fails account for 40,000 to 75,000 work
related injuries and 80 to 100 fatalities annually. The use of a body belt for fall arrest is prohibited. The use of a non-
locking snap hook as part of personal fall arrest systems and positioning device systems is prohibited.

20. RECOGNITION OF POTENTIAL FALL HAZARDS

 Unprotected Sides and Edges
 Platforms
 Walkways and ramps
 Floor Openings
 Wall Openings
 Pipe Racks and Skeletal Steel
 Scaffolds
 Ladders
 Extensions
 Step
 Roofs
 Vertical Walls

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  Reinforcing steel work
 Concrete form installation
 Excavations
 Pits, Shafts and Manholes
 Equipment (crane booms, maintenance, etc.)

21. OVERVIEW OF WRITTEN PROCEDURE

Be sure to add any project specific procedures, equipment, or hazards that are not included in the Procedure. Emphasis
should be placed on elimination of the exposure first and utilization of fall protection equipment as a last resort.

IF FALL PROTECTION TIE-OFF IS NOT AVAILABLE, DO NOT ACCESS THE AREA!

ALWAYS connect the second lanyard before unfastening the first lanyard when traveling in elevated areas. Explain and
demonstrate use of anchorage devices such as straps, connector toggles, etc.

22. PROCEDURE FOR INSPECTION, TESTING AND MAINTENANCE OF ALL FALL

PROTECTION EQUIPMENT
Objective
The purpose of this standard is to ensure that all equipment related to the fall protection program are inspected and
maintained in an acceptable condition.
Scope
All equipment used by the Sub - Contractor Name to carry work out in elevated positions and include but are not limited
to:
 Safety Harnesses and attachments
 Lifelines and attachments
 Rescue Equipment
Method
 All fall protection equipment will be made available free of charge to all persons who have
been trained in the correct and safe usage of such equipment and who are required to
perform work in elevated positions.
 Wilful damage to fall protection equipment will lead to disciplinary action that may result in
dismissal.
 All falls protection equipment that becomes damaged or lost due to circumstances beyond
the control of the employee must be replaced immediately. Old/damaged equipment must be
destroyed as to prevent the use of such equipment.
 All personal protective equipment and clothing must be returned on termination of service.
 All fall protection shall be inspected on a monthly basis by a competent person appointed in
writing for the inspection of such equipment.
 Records of inspections must be updated on a monthly after inspection.
 Lifeline systems shall be inspected on a monthly basis and prior to use. On installation of the
lifeline system, a competent person on a daily basis prior to use shall inspect the system and
record findings in the appropriate register.
 Height Rescue equipment shall be inspected on a monthly basis, taking into account the
minimum contents of the rescue system as well as condition of equipment. Such inspections
shall be recorded in the appropriate register by the competent appointed person.

23. EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT AND AVAILABILITY

Objective
The purpose of this standard is to identify the minimum requirements for fall rescue equipment, availability of the
equipment including rescue teams.
Scope
Fall protection equipment required for successful rescue operations as identified during the risk assessment process for
working at elevated positions for Site Name. Adequate fall rescue personnel to perform sufficient rescue procedures
utilizing above mentioned equipment.

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 24. FALL RESCUE EQUIPMENT
Fall rescue equipment will comprise the following minimum contents:

 Telescopic pole with relevant attachments

 Pulley system with ropes, pulleys and attachments
 Attachment devices for securing of rescue system Rescue equipment will be available in the immediate working
area or suitable location to ensure rapid response to any potential emergency. A competent person will inspect
rescue equipment on a monthly basis and complete applicable registers.

Approved By:
Company Name: Name and Surname: Contact Number: Designation: Date: Signature:

Sub - Contractor Name

Sub - Contractor Name

Sub - Contractor Name

Sub - Contractor Name

Communication Sheet

Document Name: - Fall Protection Plan

The undersigned state that I have received training on the contents of the Document mentioned above and
that I clearly understand the contents of it and that I will abide by its contents.

Date Name & Surname Signature

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