Fall Protection: What to Know and What Not to

MissPresented by:

Dan Weber, P.Eng., CCCA, LEED®APProject Engineer

Read Jones Christoffersen Ltd.Victoria, BC.

June 13th, 2013

Overview of Presentation

• Introduction to Fall Protection• Fall Protection Systems• Fall Protection Planning• Site Placement and Positioning

Falls are the leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry

(US Department of Labor)

Top 10 injuries in the Workplace:1. Overexertion2. Falls on the Same Level3. Falls to a lower Level

Introduction:

What is Working at Heights?When work is being done at a place:• from which a fall of 3 m (10 ft)* or more may

occur, or• where a fall from a height of less than 3 m

involves a risk of injury greater than the risk of injury from the impact on a flat surface.

*NOTE: Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) or Site Safety Procedures may have more stringent requirements but cannot change the minimums. Check with your local regulations for the minimums.

Who Governs Fall Protection?Primary Governing Body:

• Provincial Authority having Jurisdiction (WCB/OHS)

Secondary Governing Body:• Site Safety Programs that require more stringent

regulations• Local BylawsOther Governing Bodies:• Federal Projects – Canada Labour Code• Airports, Federal Gov’t Projects, InterprovincialCSA Standards (may not be the most current version)

Jurisdictions in your Area

• Alberta - WCB/OHS Part 9• BC – WCB/OHS Part 11• Ontario – OHSA Part 2• For other Provinces refer to their

local regulations.

*OHS = Occupational Health and Safety

Fall Protection Systems

• Guardrails• Travel Restraint Systems• Fall Arresting Systems• Other Acceptable Methods

Working at Heights HierarchyHierarchy of Fall Protection Systems when working

at heights are as follows:• The employer/owner must ensure that guardrails meeting

the requirements of the AHJ or other similar means of fall restraint are used when practicable.

• If the use of guardrails is not practicable, the employer/owner must ensure that another travel restraint system is used.

• If a travel restraint system is not practicable, the employer/owner must ensure that a fall arrest system is used.

• If the use of a fall arrest system is not practicable, or will result in a hazard greater than if the system was not used, the employer/owner must ensure that work procedures are followed that are acceptable to the AHJ and minimize the risk of injury to a worker from a fall.

Fall Protection Systems

Guardrails:• Permanent:

measuring at least 42” from the surface.

Travel Restraint Systems

Travel Restraint:“travel restraint system" is a system that prevents one or more workers from reaching an unprotected edge or opening. (CSA Z259.16)

• Roof anchors, horizontal lifelines, elevators shafts

Can you spot the problem?

Fall Restraint SystemsNot an anchor

Fall Arrest Systems

Fall Arresting Systems:"fall arrest system" an assembly of components that will arrest a worker’s fall when properly assembled and used together and when connected to a suitable anchorage. (CSA Z259.16)

When do you need a Fall Arresting System?

• When there is no guardrail and a travel restraint system is not available

• When the roof slope exceeds 4:12

• When you are in a position where a fall could take place (i.e. slab/roof edge)

• When you are on a swingstage

• In full suspension i.e. bosun’s chair/harness

Other Acceptable Work ProceduresControl Zones:"Control zone" means the area between an unguarded edge of a building or structure and a line which is set back a safe distance of at least two meters (6.5 feet).

Safety Monitors:"Safety monitor system" means a system in which a trained worker is designated to monitor work activities in a control zone to ensure that work is done in a manner that minimizes the potential for a worker to fall. (Confirm if allowed in your area)

Control Monitor?

How long does it take to fall?

• You will fall 20m (65’) in 2 seconds• At a 6 foot height it will take you 0.8

seconds to hit the ground.• You will not have time to grab

something to prevent a fall.

The Physics of Falling

•  

Clearance Distances• Clearance: is defined as the safe

distance required to prevent the worker from striking the next level or any other obstruction below, in the event of a fall.

• Free Fall: is the distance the worker will fall with no resistance. Typically limited to 1.8m max.

Types of AnchorsWhat is an Anchorage?• A structure that resists the forces applied

by a fall protection, descent control, positioning, rescue, or suspended component/tie-back line system

• Examples: a beam, a roof slab, elevator core

What is an Anchorage Connector (Anchor)?• A component or system of components that

secure fall protection descent control, positioning, rescue, or suspended component/tie-back line system to an anchorage

• Examples: an eyebolt, a baseplate with an attached loop, a loop attached to a platform.

Types of Anchors Cont’d

What about Design Strength?Permanent anchors:• BC: 22kN (5000lbs) fracture load (in any direction)• Temporary anchors have lower design limits

Note: All Permanent Fall Arrest, Travel Restraint and Suspension Anchors all have to be designed for the same ultimate force of 5000lbs (22kN) regardless of activities.

CSA StandardsCSA Z259 vs CSA Z91/Z271 what is the difference?• CSA Z259 “Design of Active Fall

Protection Systems” covers all fall protection requirements for regular duties. (work not in suspension)

• CSA Z91 “Health and Safety Code for Suspended Equipment Operations” /Z271 “Safety Code for Suspended Elevating Platforms” covers suspension type work i.e. swingstages and bosun’s chairs.

• The main difference is the type of anchor you are connecting to, CSA Z91 requires a minimum diameter of 19mm.

Z259

Z91

Horizontal Lifelines

Horizontal Lifelines (HLL):• Allows for maximum

coverage with minimal anchors

Challenges:• Most only allow 2 users at

one time.• Not allowed to suspend

from them• Clearance calculations are

different for HLL’s

The 5 Questions of Fall Protection Planning

• Why do I need anchors?• What do I need?• Who is going to do the work?• When should it be done?• Where should it go?

Why do I need anchors on my building?

Owners Responsibilities: • To provide adequate

anchorage for workers• To ensure contractors are

using adequate anchorage

• To protect the health and safety of people using the systems

What do I need on my building?

• What activities will need to be done after the building is completed.– Do I need window washing only – Do I need full access to all surfaces (brick

repairs/painting)?– Do I only need access to roof edge for maintenance

(gutters)?– Do I need to only access mechanical units?– Do I need swingstages or davit arms?

Who is on my building?

• Who will be working on the building?– Will I have my own forces (VIHA, UVIC)– Window Washers– Roofing Contractors– HVAC Contractors

• Do I need special training for own forces?• Do the contractors need special training?

When should it be done?New Construction:• Needs Assessment – During Initial Design Phase• Design integration & Documents – with Tender

Documents• Construction – During regular construction• Testing/Certification – Post construction prior to

handover

Existing Buildings:• Needs Assessment – Prelim meetings with client• Design review for adequate strength – Prelim with

Assessment• Tender-Construction-Testing – Similar to New

Construction

Where should it go?CSA Z295.16 – Design of Active Fall Protection Systems • Anchors should be located

throughout the roof to provide enough access as required by the task.

• Need to minimize swingfall to less than 1.2m (4’).

Where should it go? Cont’dCSA Z91-02 – Suspended Operations:• Maximum 25˚angle* for life lines• Maximum 12.5˚ angle* for

suspension• Maximum 3.0m (10’) offset• Swingfall restrictions• Swing Stages require more

anchors

*Note: New regulations per April 2013

Typical Anchor Plan

Documentation RequiredCSA Z259.16 – Active Fall Protection - Section 4 – Drawings and Specifications• 4.1 General: must be prepared under a P.Eng• 4.2 Sealing of Drawings: P.Eng who designs system must seal the

drawings• 4.3 Required Information:

a) Type of Systemb) Drawings showing layoutc) Qualification of worker including max weight of workerd) Specs for all components of system (breaking strengths, materials, model #’s)e) Proof testing if requiredf) Environment factors (Snow, wind)g) MAFh) Clearance calculationsi) Assembly instructionsj) Inspection and maintenancek) Safe access to and from system including usagel) Rescue planm) As-built drawings.

Documentation Required Cont’dCSA Z91 – Suspended Equipment Operations –

Section 7.3 – Inspection and Testing of Systems• All new anchor systems shall be inspected and tested by a P.Eng.• Review of existing systems every 12 months• Testing of post installed anchors (epoxy, mechanical) every 5 yearsSection 7.4 – Inspection Reports• All reports reviewed and sealed by a P.Eng.• Must be kept with the equipment log book.Section 8 – Documentation• 8.1 Equipment Log: to be kept by the Owner of the equipment

a) Description and Operating instructions (rigging plans, intended usage)b) Installation recordsc) Records of Inspection and maintenance

Documentation Required Cont’dCSA Z91 – Suspended Equipment Operations –

Section 8 – Documentation Continued• 8.2 Roof Plans: to be kept by the Owner of the equipment

a) Plan showing essential structural members, including anchorsb) Detail of equipment c) Safe working loadsd) All relevant obstructions and hazards on the roofe) Must sealed by a P.Engf) Posted at each entrance to roof level

• 8.3 Work Plans: – Shall be completed for every project (a Written Fall Protection Plan) similar to

WorkSafe BC requirements.

Challenges with Fall Protection System Design:• Ropes deflecting over guardrails• Architectural Appendages (Window Shades, Parapets)• Irregular Shaped Buildings (Pointy)• Interference with Mechanical/HVAC Systems• Not enough or inadequate structure available• Roof Overhangs• Access to the anchors (steep roofs, connecting within control

zones)

What to Watch out for

Summary• As an owner you need to protect yourself and the workers• Select the Fall Protection System based on need• Provide adequate layout and coverage• Ensure adequate structure available• Engage a consultant versed in Fall Protection Requirements

who will look out for the owners best interest from a cost and safety point of view

Questions?

Thank you