Fall Protection Program  Environmental Health and Safety    

8/2/2013

 

   

 

                       

           

Ball State University     

     

                 

Fall Protection Program

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FALL PROTECTION TABLE OF CONTENTS    

Purpose Types of Fall Protection Systems Fall Protection Locations Fall Protection Guidelines Engineering Controls Guardrails Personal Fall Protection Systems Calculating Total Distance Engineered Lifeline Warning Line System Inspection of Fall Protection Systems Full Body Harness Lanyards/Shock Absorbing Lanyards and Lifelines Snap Hooks Self-Retracting Lifelines Tie-off Adaptors/Anchorages/Portable Anchorage Systems/Engineered Systems Vertical and Horizontal Lifelines Guardrails Storage and Maintenance of Fall Protection Equipment Training Rescue Procedures Program Evaluation Contractors

  Appendix A: Fall Protection Definitions Appendix B: OSHA 1910.23 Appendix C: BSU Fall Protection Notification

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FALL PROTECTION PROGRAM

 

   

Purpose  

The purpose of this fall protection program is to establish guidelines to protect all employees engaged in outdoor or indoor work activities that expose them to potential falls from elevations.

  This fall protection program includes all institutional buildings and institutional staff. In particular those Ball State University employees engaged in work activities, which expose them to falls from heights of 4 feet or more. The objectives in this plan will be accomplished through effective education, engineering and administrative controls, use of fall protection systems, and enforcement of the program. This fall protection program will be continually improved upon to prevent all falls from occurring.   Types of Fall Protection Systems  

 

1) 2) 3)

Articulating man lifts provided with a restraint system and full body harness to an anchor point below the waist (preferably at the floor level). Guardrails with toe boards. Personal fall arrest systems.

  • • • • • • •

Permanent and mobile anchor points (rated at 5,000 pounds). Full body harness. Restraint line or lanyard. Shock absorbing lanyard. Retractable lanyard. Rope grabs. Connectors (self-locking snap hooks).

  4) 5) 6) 7)

Engineered lifelines. Warning lines. Safety nets. Safety monitor systems.

  Appropriate fall protection will be determined by the task (job) to be performed.                           3   

Fall Protection Locations  

Fall protection is required wherever the potential to fall 4 feet or more exists except scaffolding. The following Ball State University locations have been identified for fall protection:

  1. 2.

All flat and low sloped roof locations when within 6 feet of the roof edge or during roof repair/maintenance (4:12 pitch or less). All exterior and interior equipment platforms, catwalks, antennas/towers, etc.

3.

All exterior and interior fixed ladders above 20 feet.

4.

All mezzanine and balcony edges.

5.

All open excavations or pits greater than 4 feet.

6.

All tasks requiring use of the articulating man-lifts.

7.

All tasks requiring employees to lean outside the vertical rails of ladders (i.e., painting, stairwell light bulb replacement, etc.).

8.

Scaffolding erection - 10 feet in height or greater.

9.

All maintenance work that requires an employee to work at heights 4 feet or more.

10.

Gym-mezzanine/catwalk areas - whenever an employee must step outside the catwalk, additional fall protection (i.e., 6-foot lanyard to full body harness, SRL, or rope grab system) should be used.

               

Ball State University has buildings and areas where fall protection devices and equipment are not available. In those cases employees should stay back from the edge of the building a minimum of 6 feet and stay on the walk path, when provided. No employee or contractor is permitted to work within 6 feet of an edge that has a fall of 4 feet or greater unless fall protection is being used.  

 

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Engineering Controls

  This should always be the first option for selection whenever possible (i.e., light bulb changing, telescoping arm, changing valve, relocate at ground level) or utilizing a contractor in extremely hazardous areas.

  Guardrails

  On all projects, only guardrails made from steel, wood, and wire rope will be acceptable. All guardrail systems will comply with the current OSHA standards (i.e., withstand 200 pounds of force, 39” minimum and maximum 45”. Ideally the top rail should be 42” high, mid-rail, and/or toe board). These guardrails will be placed in the following areas if necessary or feasible based on job location or requirements:

  1. 2. 3. 4.

All open sided floors. All open excavations or pits. Hole in floors Leading edges of roofs or mezzanines.

See Appendix B for guidelines Personal Fall Protection Systems All employees on any project that will be required to wear a personal fall arrest or restraint system will follow these guidelines:

  1) A full body harness will be used at all times. 2) All personal fall arrest systems will be inspected before each use by the employee. Any deteriorated, bent, damaged, impacted and/or harness showing excessive wear will be removed from service by the EHS Office. 3) Connectors will be inspected to ensure they are drop forged, pressed, or formed steel or are made of equivalent materials and that they have a corrosion resistant finish as well as that all surfaces and edges are smooth to prevent damage to interfacing parts of the system. 4) Verify that D rings and snap hooks have a minimum tensile strength of 5,000 lbs. and that the D Rings and snap hooks are proof tested to a minimum tensile load of 3,600 lbs. without cracking, breaking, or taking permanent deformation. 5) Only shock absorbing lanyards or retractable lanyards are to be used so as to keep impact forces at a minimum on the body (fall arrest systems). 6) Only nylon rope or nylon straps with locking snap hooks are to be used for restraints. 7) All lanyards will have self-locking snap hooks. 8) Verify that unintentional disengagement of snap hooks is prevented by either of the following means: a) Snap hooks are a compatible size for the member to which they are connected. b) Locking type snap hooks are used.

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Verify that unless the snap hook is a locking type and is designed for the following connections, snap hooks are not engaged in the following manners: i) ii) iii) iv)

Directly to webbing, rope, or wire rope; To each other; To a D ring to which another snap hook or other connector is attached; to a horizontal lifeline; Or to any object that is incompatibly shaped or dimensioned in relation to the snap hook such that unintentional disengagement could occur by the connected object being able to depress the snap hook keeper and release itself.

  The maximum free fall distance is not to exceed 6 feet. Consideration must be given to the total fall distance. The following factors can affect total fall distance:

  1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Length of connecting means (i.e., lanyard length, use of carabineers, snap hooks, etc.). Position and height of anchorage relative to work platform/area (always keep above head whenever possible). Position of attachment and D-ring slide on the full body harness. Deployment of shock absorber (max 48”). Movement in lifeline. Initial position of worker before free fall occurs (i.e., sitting, standing, etc.).

  Calculating Total Fall Distance

  It is the total length of shock absorbing lanyard 6 feet + height of the person 6 feet + deployment of the shock absorber 4 feet + safety factor of 3 feet. Example: LL Length of the lanyard (6 feet) + DD Deceleration Distance (4 feet) + HH Height of the suspended worker (6 feet on average can vary) + SF Safety Factor (3 feet) = RD Required Fall Clearance Distance (19 feet minimum distance). Fall Distance Standard Lanyard 6 foot lanyard you need 19 feet fall distance. 3 foot lanyard 16 feet fall distance. SRL SRL without a shock pack you need 13 feet fall distance. SRL with a shock pack you need 17 feet fall distance. Always allow a minimum of 3 feet of clearance above the ground, equipment, etc., at the end of the fall from the fall arrest point.

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Engineered Lifeline

  Lifeline systems must be designed and approved by an engineer or qualified person.

  Lifeline systems must be engineered to have appropriate anchorages, strength of line designed to hold X number of individuals connected to it, line strength to aid in the arrest of a fall, and durability to hold a fallen employee(s) suspended until rescue can occur.

  Warning Line System

  All wide flat roofs with less than 4/12 slope having work being performed 6 feet or further back from the edge can utilize a Warning Line or a safety monitor. Warning Lines will consist of the following:

  1. 2. 3. 4.

Will be erected 6 feet from the edge of the roof. Be constructed of stationary posts made of wood or metal. Wire or nylon rope and “Caution” tape will be strung from post to post and must be able to withstand 16 pounds of force. The entire perimeter of the roof where work is being performed will be guarded by the warning line.

  If an employee must access an area within 6 feet of the roof for reasons other than exiting the roof via a ladder or fixed industrial ladder, another employee must monitor that individual and warn him/her of any dangers. If another employee is not available to act as a safety monitor, then the employee must don a full body harness and attach a fall restraint lanyard to an anchor point to prevent reaching the edge of the roof.  

 

Inspection of Fall Protection Systems  

The following criteria will be utilized to maintain all equipment in good working condition. The EHS Office will inspect all fall protection equipment before it is issued. All fall protection will be issued on a permit basis system, which will be managed by the EHS Office. Some equipment including confined space winches and SRL’s will be inspected by a competent person on a monthly basis.    

Full Body Harnesses  

1)

Inspect before each use by. • Closely examine all of the nylon webbing to ensure there are no burn marks, which could weaken the material. • Verify there are no torn, frayed, broken fibers, pulled stitches, or frayed edges anywhere on the harness. • Examine D-ring for excessive wear, pits, deterioration, or cracks. • Verify that buckles are not deformed, cracked, and will operate correctly. • Check to see that all grommets (if present) are secure and not deformed from abuse or a fall. • Harness should never have additional punched holes. • All rivets should be tight, not deformed. 7 

 

2) 3) 4)

• Check tongue/straps for excessive wear from repeated buckling. Annual inspection of all harnesses will be completed by a competent person; documentation will be maintained on file in the EHS Office. Storage will consist of hanging in an area to protect from damage. All harnesses that are involved in a fall will be destroyed and replaced.

 

 

Lanyards/Shock Absorbing Lanyards and Lifelines:  

1)

2) 3) 4)

Inspect before each use. • Check lanyard material for cuts, burns, abrasions, kinks, knots, broken stitches and excessive wear. • Inspect the snap hooks for hook, locks, and eye distortion. • Check carabineer for excessive wear, distortion, and lock operation. • Ensure that all locking mechanisms seat and lock properly. • Once locked, locking mechanism should prevent hook from opening. • Visually inspect shock absorber for any signs of damage, paying close attention to where the shock absorber attaches to the lanyard. • Verify that points where the lanyard attaches to the snap hooks are free of detects. Annual inspection of all lanyards will be completed by a competent person; documentation will be maintained. Storage will consist of hanging in an enclosed cabinet, to protect from damage. All lanyards that are involved in a fall will be destroyed.

 

Snap hooks:  

1)

2) 3)

Inspect before each use. • Inspect snap hook for any hook and eye distortions. • Verify there are no cracks, pitted surfaces, and eye distortions. • The keeper latch should not be bent, distorted, or obstructed. • Verify that the keeper latch seats into the nose without binding. • Verify that the keeper spring securely closes the keeper latch. • Test the locking mechanism to verify that the keeper latch locks properly. Annual inspection of all snap hooks will be completed by a competent person; documentation will be maintained. All snap hooks involved in a fall will be destroyed.

 

   

Self-Retracting Lifelines  

1)

Inspect before each use. • Visually inspect the body to ensure there is no physical damage to the body. • Make sure all back nuts or rivets are tight. • Make sure the entire length of the nylon strap is free of any cuts, burns, abrasions, kinks, knots, broken stitches, and excessive wear and retracts freely. • Test the unit by pulling sharply on the lanyard to verify that the locking mechanism is operating correctly.

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•

2) 3) 4)

Units will be sent back to manufacturer for re-certification purposes every 5 years or as needed. Example would be if the fall protection unit was in a fall. Monthly inspection will be conducted by a competent person with documentation maintained. Service per manufacturer specifications. Inspect for proper function after every fall.

 

   

Tie-off Adaptors/Anchorages/Portable Anchorage Systems/Engineered Systems  

1. 2.

3.

Inspect for integrity and attachment to solid surface. All annual inspections of these systems will either be done by a competent or qualified person(s). Documentation of each inspection will be maintained by the EHS Office. All tie-offs and anchorages will be inspected and re-certified after a fall.

 

   

Vertical and Horizontal Lifelines  

Inspect before each use. • Check material for cuts, burns, abrasions, kinks, knots, broken stitches and excessive wear. • Inspect the snap hooks for hook, locks, and eye distortion. • Check carabineer for excessive wear, distortion, and lock operation. • Ensure that all locking mechanisms seat and lock properly. • Once locked, locking mechanism should prevent hook from opening. • Visually inspect shock absorber for any signs of damage, paying close attention to where the shock absorber attaches to the lanyard. • Verify that points where the lanyard attaches to the snap hooks are free of defects. 2) Annual inspection of all lifelines will be completed by a competent person; documentation will be maintained. 3) Storage will consist of hanging in an enclosed cabinet, to protect from damage. 4) All lifelines involved in a fall will be replaced.   *Certain fall protection shall be removed from service after 5 years (ANSI 2359) or when the competent  person deems the equipment out of service.   

Guardrails  

1. 2.

Temporary systems - Daily visual inspection will be completed by a competent person. Permanent Systems - Annual structural inspection will be completed by a competent person with future frequency of inspection defined based on conditions/controls present.

 

   

Storage and Maintenance of Fall Protection Equipment  

1. 2.  

Never store the 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.). Hang equipment in a cool dry location in a manner that retains its shape. 9

 

3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Always follow manufacturer recommendations for inspection. Clean with a mild, nonabrasive soap, and hang to dry. Never force dry or use strong detergents in cleaning. Never store equipment near excessive heat, chemicals, moisture, or sunlight. Never store in an area with exposures to fumes or corrosives elements. Avoid dirt and build-up on equipment. Never use this equipment for any purpose other than personal fall arrest. Once exposed to a fall, remove equipment from service immediately.

 

 

Training The EHS Office will provide a fall prevention training program for each employee who might have the potential to be exposed to fall hazards. Departmental Supervisors should contact EHS if fall protection is needed. The training program must include recognition of the hazards of failing and procedures to follow to minimize these hazards. Training materials must be reviewed to verify that each employee has been trained, as necessary, by a competent person qualified in the following areas: a) The nature of fall hazards in the work area; b) The correct procedures for erecting, maintaining, disassembling, and inspecting the fall protection systems to be used; c) Use and operation of guardrail systems, personal fall arrest systems, safety net systems, warning line systems, safety monitoring systems; d) The role of each employee in the safety monitoring system when this system is used; e) The limitations on the use of mechanical equipment during the performance of roofing work on low sloped roofs; f) The correct procedures for the handling and storage of equipment and materials and the erection of overhead protection; g) The role of employees in fall protection plans; h) The requirements contained in 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M. i) Understanding and following all components of this fall protection program and identifying the enforceable Department of Commerce/OSHA standards and ANSI standards that pertain to fall prevention.  

EHS Department will maintain a written certification record for employee training. The record must contain the following information: a) the name or other identity of the employee trained b) the date(s) of the training; and c) the signature of the person who conducted the training or the signature of the employer.  

Rescue Procedures As required by 1926.502, when personal fall arrest systems are used, Ball State University will assure that employees can be promptly rescued or can rescue themselves should a fall occur. The availability of rescue personnel, ladders or other rescue equipment will be evaluated by on-site personal including but not limited to the employee, group leader, supervisor or EHS representative. In the unlikely event of a fall, employees should follow the specific rescue plan procedures on the Fall Protection Work Notification. This plan should be tailored to a specific job and location  

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where the employees are performing their work. If a fall occurs most rescues will be of selfrescue or being assisted by another employee by use of man-lift, ladder, or scaffolding where feasible. Alternate rescue would be through the Muncie Fire Department. In the event of a fall the following Departments / People will need to be notified as soon as possible: 1. 2. 3. 4.

BSU Campus Police Department Fire Department or Emergency Medical Services if necessary (The BSU Campus Police Department will call Fire Department or any further Rescue personnel). Maintenance supervisor. EHS Office.

Rescue plans will need to be identified and discussed with all employees at the site before the work begins. The rescue plan will need to be written down on the Fall Protection Work Notification. A copy is provided in Appendix C. In the event of a fall the EHS Office will investigate the incident and provide a written report detailing the events and corrective action. If an employee is involved in a fall they should be sent to the BSU Health Center for immediate evaluation.  

Program Evaluation  

This fall protection program will be evaluated periodically to determine effectiveness. The following criteria will be used to evaluate its performance:

  1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Accident reports, number of accidents. Management/staff compliance with program components. Periodic on-site audits. Staff feedback, interviews. Rule updates and changes to equipment

Contractors  

All outside contractors working in or on the premises of Ball State University will be required to follow the guidelines set forth in this fall protection program. Contractors in the pre-job meeting will be informed of these requirements as well as the on-site construction rules that apply. On-site training by the EHS office may be necessary if a competent person is not available within the contractors organization to properly inform contract employees of the appropriate equipment and potential fall hazards.  

 

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Appendix A Definitions  

 

Authorized Person: A person approved or assigned by the employer to perform a specific type of duty / duties or to be at a specific location / job site, i.e., building maintenance, roof repair, etc.

  Competent Person: A person capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are hazardous or dangerous to employees and who has the authorization to take prompt corrective action to eliminate them.

  Qualified Person: An individual, who by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training, and experience, has successfully demonstrated his ability to solve or resolve problem relating to the subject matter, work, or project.

  Anchor Point: A secure point of attachment for lifelines, lanyards, or deceleration devices. An anchor point must be capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds (3,600 pounds if engineered / certified by a qualified person) per person and must be independent of any anchorage being used to support or suspend platforms.

  Full Body Harness: Webbing / straps which are secured about an employee’s body in a manner that will distribute the fall arrest forces over at least the thighs, pelvis, waist, chest, and shoulders with means for attaching it to other components of a personal fall arrest system, preferably at the shoulders and / or middle of the back.

  Connector: A device which is used to couple (connect) parts of the personal fall arrest system together.

  Deceleration Device: Any mechanism, such as a rope grab, rip-stitch lanyard, a specially woven lanyard, tearing or deforming lanyards, automatic self-retracting lifelines / lanyards, etc., which serves to dissipate a substantial amount of energy during a fall arrest.

  Deceleration Distance: The additional vertical distance a falling employee travels, excluding lifeline elongation and free fall distance, before stopping, from the point at which the deceleration device begins to operate. It is measured as the distance between the location of an employee’s body harness attachment point at the moment of activation of the deceleration device during a fall, and the location of that attachment point after the employee comes to a full stop.

  Free Fall: The act of falling before a personal fall arrest system begins to apply force to arrest the fall.

  Free Fall Distance: The vertical displacement of the fall arrest attachment point on the employee’s body harness between the onset of the fall, and just before the system begins to apply force to arrest the fall. Free fall distance must not exceed 6 feet. This distance excludes deceleration distance and lifeline/lanyard elongation distance.  

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  Total Fall Distance: The maximum vertical change in distance from the bottom of an individual’s feet at the onset of a fall, to the position of the feet after the fall is arrested including free fall distance and deceleration distance.

  Guardrail System: A barrier erected to prevent employees from falling to lower levels. This system includes a midrail and toe board able to withstand 200 pounds applied to the top rail in any direction.

  Lanyard: A flexible line of rope or strap that has self-locking snap hook connectors at each end for connecting to body harnesses, deceleration devices, and anchor points.

  Leading Edge: The edge of a floor, roof, or other walking/working surface, which changes location as additional floor, roof, etc., is placed or constructed. A leading edge is considered an unprotected side or edge when not under active construction.

  Lifeline: A component consisting of a flexible line for connection to an anchorage at one end to hang vertically (vertical lifeline), or for connection to anchorages at both ends to stretch horizontally (horizontal lifeline), and which serves as a means for connecting other components of a personal fall arrest system to the anchorage.

  Low-slope roof: A roof having a slope of less than or equal to 4 in 12 (vertical to horizontal); approximately a roof with a 19.5 degree slope or less.

  Personal Fall Arrest System: A system used to arrest (catch) an employee in a fall from a working level. It consists of an anchorage location, connectors, a body harness, and may include a lanyard, deceleration device, lifeline, or any combination of the before-mentioned items.

  Rope Grab: A deceleration device, which travels on a lifeline and automatically, by friction, engages the lifeline and locks to arrest the fall of an employee.

  Roof Work: The hoisting, storage, installation, repair, and removal of materials or equipment on a roof.

  Safety Monitoring System: A safety system in which a competent person is responsible for recognizing and warning employees of fall hazards. All other fall protection systems must be deemed “infeasible” (through infeasibility study/review) to select/use a safety monitoring system.

  Snap hook: A connector comprised of a hook-shaped member with a closed keeper which may be opened to permit the hook to receive an object and when released, automatically closes to retain the object. Snap hooks must be self-closing with a self-locking keeper which remains closed and locked until unlocked and pressed open for connection or disconnection, thus preventing the opportunity for the object to “rollout” of the snap hook. Steep Roof: A roof having a slope greater than 4 in 12 (vertical to horizontal). A roof with a slope greater than 19.5 degrees.

   

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Toe board: A low protective barrier that will prevent the fall of materials and equipment to lower levels, usually 4” or greater in height.

  Unprotected Sides and Edges: Any side or edge of a walking or working surface, e.g., floor, roof, ramp, runway, etc., where there is no guardrail at least 39 inches high.

  Warning line system: A barrier erected on a roof to warn employees that they are approaching an unprotected roof side or edge, and which designates an area in which work can be conducted without the use of guardrails, personal fall arrest systems, or safety nets to protect employees in the area. This will be utilized on any roof greater than 50” wide and in conjunction with a safety monitor only where the other forms of fall protection have been deemed infeasible to use.

   

 

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Appendix B OSHA 1910.23 Guarding Floor and Wall Openings and Holes

 

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1910.23(a)

"Protection for floor openings." 1910.23(a)(1)

Every stairway floor opening shall be guarded by a standard railing constructed in accordance with paragraph (e) of this section. The railing shall be provided on all exposed sides (except at entrance to stairway). For infrequently used stairways where traffic across the opening prevents the use of fixed standard railing (as when located in aisle spaces, etc.), the guard shall consist of a hinged floor opening cover of standard strength and construction and removable standard railings on all exposed sides (except at entrance to stairway). 1910.23(a)(2)

Every ladderway floor opening or platform shall be guarded by a standard railing with standard toeboard on all exposed sides (except at entrance to opening), with the passage through the railing either provided with a swinging gate or so offset that a person cannot walk directly into the opening. 1910.23(a)(3)

Every hatchway and chute floor opening shall be guarded by one of the following:

..1910.23(a)(3)(i) 1910.23(a)(3)(i)

Hinged floor opening cover of standard strength and construction equipped with standard railings or permanently attached thereto so as to leave only one exposed side. When the opening is not in use, the cover shall be closed or the exposed side shall be guarded at both top and intermediate positions by removable standard railings. 1910.23(a)(3)(ii)

A removable railing with toeboard on not more than two sides of the opening and fixed standard railings with toeboards on all other exposed sides. The removable railings shall be kept in place when the opening is not in use. Where operating conditions necessitate the feeding of material into any hatchway or chute opening, protection shall be provided to prevent a person from falling through the opening. 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. 1910.23(a)(5)

Every pit and trapdoor floor opening, infrequently used, shall be guarded by a floor opening cover of standard strength and construction. While the cover is not in place, the pit or trap opening shall be constantly attended by someone or shall be protected on all exposed sides by removable standard railings. 1910.23(a)(6)

Every manhole floor opening shall be guarded by a standard manhole cover which need not be hinged in place. While the cover is not in place, the manhole opening shall be constantly attended by someone or shall be protected by removable standard railings.

 

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1910.23(a)(7)

Every temporary floor opening shall have standard railings, or shall be constantly attended by someone.

..1910.23(a)(8) 1910.23(a)(8)

Every floor hole into which persons can accidentally walk shall be guarded by either: 1910.23(a)(8)(i)

A standard railing with standard toeboard on all exposed sides, or 1910.23(a)(8)(ii)

A floor hole cover of standard strength and construction. While the cover is not in place, the floor hole shall be constantly attended by someone or shall be protected by a removable standard railing. 1910.23(a)(9)

Every floor hole into which persons cannot accidentally walk (on account of fixed machinery, equipment, or walls) shall be protected by a cover that leaves no openings more than 1 inch wide. The cover shall be securely held in place to prevent tools or materials from falling through. 1910.23(a)(10)

Where doors or gates open directly on a stairway, a platform shall be provided, and the swing of the door shall not reduce the effective width to less than 20 inches. 1910.23(b)

"Protection for wall openings and holes." 1910.23(b)(1)

Every wall opening from which there is a drop of more than 4 feet shall be guarded by one of the following:

..1910.23(b)(1)(i) 1910.23(b)(1)(i)

Rail, roller, picket fence, half door, or equivalent barrier. Where there is exposure below to falling materials, a removable toe board or the equivalent shall also be provided. When the opening is not in use for handling materials, the guard shall be kept in position regardless of a door on the opening. In addition, a grab handle shall be provided on each side of the opening with its center approximately 4 feet above floor level and of standard strength and mounting. 1910.23(b)(1)(ii)

Extension platform onto which materials can be hoisted for handling,and which shall have side rails or equivalent guards of standard specifications. 1910.23(b)(2)

 

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Every chute wall opening from which there is a drop of more than 4 feet shall be guarded by one or more of the barriers specified in paragraph (b)(1) of this section or as required by the conditions. 1910.23(b)(3)

Every window wall opening at a stairway landing, floor, platform, or balcony, from which there is a drop of more than 4 feet, and where the bottom of the opening is less than 3 feet above the platform or landing, shall be guarded by standard slats, standard grill work (as specified in paragraph (e)(11) of this section), or standard railing. Where the window opening is below the landing, or platform, a standard toe board shall be provided. 1910.23(b)(4)

Every temporary wall opening shall have adequate guards but these need not be of standard construction.

..1910.23(b)(5) 1910.23(b)(5)

Where there is a hazard of materials falling through a wall hole, and the lower edge of the near side of the hole is less than 4 inches above the floor, and the far side of the hole more than 5 feet above the next lower level, the hole shall be protected by a standard toeboard, or an enclosing screen either of solid construction, or as specified in paragraph (e)(11) of this section. 1910.23(c)

"Protection of open-sided floors, platforms, and runways." 1910.23(c)(1)

Every open-sided floor or platform 4 feet or more above adjacent floor or ground level shall be guarded by a standard railing (or the equivalent as specified in paragraph (e)(3) of this section) on all open sides except where there is entrance to a ramp, stairway, or fixed ladder. The railing shall be provided with a toeboard wherever, beneath the open sides, 1910.23(c)(1)(i)

Persons can pass, 1910.23(c)(1)(ii)

There is moving machinery, or 1910.23(c)(1)(iii)

There is equipment with which falling materials could create a hazard. 1910.23(c)(2)

Every runway shall be guarded by a standard railing (or the equivalent as specified in paragraph (e)(3) of this section) on all open sides 4 feet or more above floor or ground level. Wherever tools, machine parts, or materials are likely to be used on the runway, a toeboard shall also be provided on each exposed side. Runways used exclusively for special purposes (such as oiling, shafting, or filling tank cars) may have the railing on one side omitted where operating conditions necessitate such omission, providing the falling hazard is

 

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minimized by using a runway of not less than 18 inches wide. Where persons entering upon runways become thereby exposed to machinery, electrical equipment, or other danger not a falling hazard, additional guarding than is here specified may be essential for protection.

..1910.23(c)(3) 1910.23(c)(3)

Regardless of height, open-sided floors, walkways, platforms, or runways above or adjacent to dangerous equipment, pickling or galvanizing tanks, degreasing units, and similar hazards shall be guarded with a standard railing and toe board. 1910.23(d)

"Stairway railings and guards." 1910.23(d)(1)

Every flight of stairs having four or more risers shall be equipped with standard stair railings or standard handrails as specified in paragraphs (d)(1)(i) through (v) of this section, the width of the stair to be measured clear of all obstructions except handrails: 1910.23(d)(1)(i)

On stairways less than 44 inches wide having both sides enclosed, at least one handrail, preferably on the right side descending. 1910.23(d)(1)(ii)

On stairways less than 44 inches wide having one side open, at least one stair railing on open side. 1910.23(d)(1)(iii)

On stairways less than 44 inches wide having both sides open, one stair railing on each side. 1910.23(d)(1)(iv)

On stairways more than 44 inches wide but less than 88 inches wide, one handrail on each enclosed side and one stair railing on each open side. 1910.23(d)(1)(v)

On stairways 88 or more inches wide, one handrail on each enclosed side, one stair railing on each open side, and one intermediate stair railing located approximately midway of the width.

..1910.23(d)(2) 1910.23(d)(2)

Winding stairs shall be equipped with a handrail offset to prevent walking on all portions of the treads having width less than 6 inches. 1910.23(e)

"Railing, toe boards, and cover specifications."

 

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1910.23(e)(1)

A standard railing shall consist of top rail, intermediate rail, and posts, and shall have a vertical height of 42 inches nominal from upper surface of top rail to floor, platform, runway, or ramp level. The top rail shall be smooth-surfaced throughout the length of the railing. The intermediate rail shall be approximately halfway between the top rail and the floor, platform, runway, or ramp. The ends of the rails shall not overhang the terminal posts except where such overhang does not constitute a projection hazard. 1910.23(e)(2)

A stair railing shall be of construction similar to a standard railing but the vertical height shall be not more than 34 inches nor less than 30 inches from upper surface of top rail to surface of tread in line with face of riser at forward edge of tread. 1910.23(e)(3)

[Reserved] 1910.23(e)(3)(i)

For wood railings, the posts shall be of at least 2-inch by 4-inch stock spaced not to exceed 6 feet; the top and intermediate rails shall be of at least 2-inch by 4-inch stock. If top rail is made of two right-angle pieces of 1-inch by 4-inch stock, posts may be spaced on 8-foot centers, with 2-inch by 4-inch intermediate rail.

..1910.23(e)(3)(ii) 1910.23(e)(3)(ii)

For pipe railings, posts and top and intermediate railings shall be at least 1 1/2 inches nominal diameter with posts spaced not more than 8 feet on centers. 1910.23(e)(3)(iii)

For structural steel railings, posts and top and intermediate rails shall be of 2-inch by 2-inch by 3/8-inch angles or other metal shapes of equivalent bending strength with posts spaced not more than 8 feet on centers. 1910.23(e)(3)(iv)

The anchoring of posts and framing of members for railings of all types shall be of such construction that the completed structure shall be capable of withstanding a load of at least 200 pounds applied in any direction at any point on the top rail. 1910.23(e)(3)(v)

Other types, sizes, and arrangements of railing construction are acceptable provided they meet the following conditions: 1910.23(e)(3)(v)(a)

A smooth-surfaced top rail at a height above floor, platform, runway, or ramp level of 42 inches nominal; 1910.23(e)(3)(v)(b)

A strength to withstand at least the minimum requirement of 200 pounds top rail pressure; 1910.23(e)(3)(v)(c)

 

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Protection between top rail and floor, platform, runway, ramp, or stair treads, equivalent at least to that afforded by a standard intermediate rail;

..1910.23(e)(4) 1910.23(e)(4)

A standard toeboard shall be 4 inches nominal in vertical height from its top edge to the level of the floor, platform, runway, or ramp. It shall be securely fastened in place and with not more than 1/4-inch clearance above floor level. It may be made of any substantial material either solid or with openings not over 1 inch in greatest dimension. Where material is piled to such height that a standard toeboard does not provide protection, paneling from floor to intermediate rail, or to top rail shall be provided. 1910.23(e)(5) 1910.23(e)(5)(i)

A handrail shall consist of a lengthwise member mounted directly on a wall or partition by means of brackets attached to the lower side of the handrail so as to offer no obstruction to a smooth surface along the top and both sides of the handrail. The handrail shall be of rounded or other section that will furnish an adequate handhold for anyone grasping it to avoid falling. The ends of the handrail should be turned in to the supporting wall or otherwise arranged so as not to constitute a projection hazard. 1910.23(e)(5)(ii)

The height of handrails shall be not more than 34 inches nor less than 30 inches from upper surface of handrail to surface of tread in line with face of riser or to surface of ramp. 1910.23(e)(5)(iii)

The size of handrails shall be: When of hardwood, at least 2 inches in diameter; when of metal pipe, at least 1 1/2 inches in diameter. The length of brackets shall be such as will give a clearance between handrail and wall or any projection thereon of at least 3 inches. The spacing of brackets shall not exceed 8 feet.

..1910.23(e)(5)(iv) 1910.23(e)(5)(iv)

The mounting of handrails shall be such that the completed structure is capable of withstanding a load of at least 200 pounds applied in any direction at any point on the rail. 1910.23(e)(6)

All handrails and railings shall be provided with a clearance of not less than 3 inches between the handrail or railing and any other object. 1910.23(e)(7)

Floor opening covers may be of any material that meets the following strength requirements: 1910.23(e)(7)(i)

Trench or conduit covers and their supports, when located in plant roadways, shall be designed to carry a truck rear-axle load of at least 20,000 pounds.

 

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1910.23(e)(7)(ii)

Manhole covers and their supports, when located in plant roadways, shall comply with local standard highway requirements if any; otherwise, they shall be designed to carry a truck rear-axle load of at least 20,000 pounds. 1910.23(e)(7)(iii)

The construction of floor opening covers may be of any material that meets the strength requirements. Covers projecting not more than 1 inch above the floor level may be used providing all edges are chamfered to an angle with the horizontal of not over 30 degrees. All hinges, handles, bolts, or other parts shall set flush with the floor or cover surface.

..1910.23(e)(8) 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. 1910.23(e)(9)

Wall opening barriers (rails, rollers, picket fences, and half doors) shall be of such construction and mounting that, when in place at the opening, the barrier is capable of withstanding a load of at least 200 pounds applied in any direction (except upward) at any point on the top rail or corresponding member. 1910.23(e)(10)

Wall opening grab handles shall be not less than 12 inches in length and shall be so mounted as to give 3 inches clearance from the side framing of the wall opening. The size, material, and anchoring of the grab handle shall be such that the completed structure is capable of withstanding a load of at least 200 pounds applied in any direction at any point of the handle. 1910.23(e)(11)

Wall opening screens shall be of such construction and mounting that they are capable of withstanding a load of at least 200 pounds applied horizontally at any point on the near side of the screen. They may be of solid construction, of grillwork with openings not more than 8 inches long, or of slatwork with openings not more than 4 inches wide with length unrestricted

 

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Appendix C BSU Fall Protection Work Notification    

                                                                                                                                            17       

 

 

Ball State University Fall Protection Work Notification Attention: For employee(s) to use fall protection equipment they must go through the fall protection training program and have been trained to use the specific equipment for the job.

General Information Employee(s) Name:________________________________________________________________ Department/Shop:_________________________________________________________________ Current Date:____________________________Date of Project_____________________________ Location/Building:_________________________________________________________________

Equipment Type(s) of Fall Protection Equipment to be Used:_________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________    Other Personal Protective Equipment:_________________________________________________  ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________   

Work/Rescue Plan    Work Description:_________________________________________________________________  ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________  ________________________________________________________________________________    Rescue Plan:______________________________________________________________________  ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________  ________________________________________________________________________________   

Fall Protection Training [ ] Yes  [ ] No    Project End Date:________________________________Time:_____________________________                                                17