Work at height Hazards and its precaution
- 2. Working at Height Learning Outcomes By the end of this session you will understand: 1) What is Working at Height; 2) Hazards of Working at Height; 3) Fall prevention and Fall protection; 4) Use and Inspection of Full Body Harness; 5) 100% Tie off; 6) Roles and Responsibilities. 1 2 3 4 5 During this training please ask questions…
- 3. Understanding Working at Height : Introduction: • Falls are the leading cause of deaths in the construction industry. • Most fatalities occur when employees fall from open-sided floors and through floor openings. • Falls from as little as 4 to 6 feet can cause serious injuries and sometimes death. Note: All work above 1.8 m or 2 m is considered as Working at Height
- 4. Understanding Working at Height : Definition: Work at height means working in a place (except a staircase in a permanent workplace) where a person could be injured by falling from it, even if it is at or below ground level
- 5. Working at Height : Hazards MAIN HAZARD: •Fall of Persons from Height; • Fall of Material from Height; • Poor Working platforms; • Structural Collapse.
- 6. Working at Height : PRECAUTIONS: • Use of Permit to Work System (as required); • Dedicated Training; • Close Supervision; • Provision of Fall Protection (Guard rails etc.); • Provision of Personal Fall protection / arrest systems; • Follow “Three Point Contact” rule while climbing ladders; • Do not overload working platforms.
- 7. Working at Height : Falling Objects: Falling Objects: Objects falling from height are capable of causing considerable injury to people and damage to equipment. How can we prevent this? • Housekeeping; • Good storage practices; • Cover all unprotected edges; • Carry tools in a ‘hands free’ approved tool bag; • Do not use buckets with wire handles for lifting tools or materials; • Adequate barricades and warning signs.
- 8. Working at Height : Full Body Harness: Full Body Harness: • Full Body Harness with double Lanyard with single shock absorber (Self locking/Double action snap hooks); • Full Body Harness required for any work at or above 1.8m; • When any worker risks a potential fall of 1.8 meters or greater; • When it is obvious that a fall of less than 1.8 meters could cause injury.
- 9. Working at Height : Full Body Harness: Types of Full Body Harness - IS 3521: 1999 There are numerous controversies and misconceptions about full body harnesses. This article aims to clear up any doubts regarding the different types of safety harnesses. What is a Safety Harness? A safety harness is a piece of personal protective equipment consisting of a waist belt, shoulder straps with a lanyard, and an anchoring hook. It is used for fall arrest during work at height or for rescue operations. Components of a Full Body Harness: - Shoulder Strap - Fall Arrest Attachment - Shoulder Strap Retainer - Pelvic Strap - Thigh Strap - Buckles - Lanyard - Hook What is a Lanyard? A component of the safety harness used to connect the harness to an anchoring point. What is a Lifeline? A medium to anchor the lanyard hook of the safety harness. Webbing/Material of Safety Harness: Nylon or polyester Width & Thickness of Straps: - Width: 40mm - Thickness: 3mm Strength or Breaking Strength of Straps: - 19 kN (2000 kg) Breaking Strength of Lanyard: - 19 kN (2000 kg) Length of Lanyard: - Maximum 3 meters Types of Full Body Harness There are five main types of full body harnesses: Classification of Safety Harness: 1.Class A - Fall Arresting 2.Class D - Controlled Descent 3.Class E - Confined Entry and Exit (Raising and Lowering) 4.Class L - Ladder Climbing (Frontal Attachment)
- 10. Working at Height : Full Body Harness: Class A - Fall Arresting Safety Harness The most commonly used type, designed to arrest the fall of a person working at height (above 1.8 meters). It is equipped with a D-ring on both shoulder straps at the back or front, to which the lanyard is attached. Class D - Controlled Descent Used to control or support a person while descending or lowering from height. This type also meets the Class A requirements and typically has a single D-ring at the front or side, but not at waist level. Class E - Confined Entry and Exit (Raising and Lowering) Commonly used for rescue operations or confined space entry, it meets Class A requirements and is equipped with D- rings on each shoulder strap. Class L - Ladder Climbing (Frontal Attachment) Used for ladder or tower climbing, it meets Class A requirements and has one or two D-rings at the front of the harness. Class P - Work Positioning Supports a person in a specific position while working at height (in a hanging position). It meets Class A requirements and has a D-ring at waist level.
- 11. Working at Height : ABCs of Fall Protection There are three major components of a fall protection system: 1. A - Anchorage (Lifeline) 2. B - Body Wear (Harness) 3. C - Connecting Device (Lanyard) SWL of Safety Harness? The Safe Working Load (SWL) of a safety harness typically depends on its design and the materials used. However, for most standard harnesses, the SWL is around 140 kg (308 lbs). Diameter of Lanyard? The diameter of a lanyard can vary, but it usually ranges from 10 mm to 12 mm depending on the specific design and application. When Does a Safety Harness Expire? The lifespan of a safety harness is generally 5 years from the date of first use. However, this can vary depending on the manufacturer’s guidelines and the conditions under which the harness is used. Regular inspections are necessary to ensure safety. Validity of TPI for Safety Harness? Third-Party Inspection (TPI) validity for safety harnesses is typically one year. However, it is essential to follow the manufacturer's recommendations and conduct periodic inspections to ensure the harness remains in good condition and safe for use.
- 12. Fall Distance Diagram with calculations. Calculating Fall Clearance Distance: °Using a Shock-Absorbing Lanyard and D-Ring Anchorage Connector • First, add the length of the shock-absorbing lanyard (6 ft.) to the maximum elongation of the shock absorber during deceleration (3-1/2 ft.) to the average height of a worker (6 ft.). • Then, add a safety factor of 3 ft. to allow for the possibility of an improperly fit harness, a taller than average worker and/or a miscalculation of distance. • The total, 18-1/2 ft. is the suggested safe fall clearance distance for this example. † NOTE: Should the shock-absorbing lanyard be used in conjunction with a cross-arm anchorage connector or other, the additional length of the anchorage connector must be taken into consideration. Calculating Fall Clearance Distance: °Using a Retractable Lifeline • First, add the maximum free fall distance (2 ft.) with a retractable lifeline to the maximum deceleration distance (3-1/2 ft.) to the average height of a worker (6 ft.). • Then, add a safety factor of 3 ft. to allow for the possibility of an improperly fit harness, a taller than average worker and/or a miscalculation of distance. • The total, 14-1/2 ft. is the suggested safe fall clearance distance for this example. † NOTE: When using a retractable lifeline, the distance is calculated from the point where the retractable attaches to the back D-ring of the worker’s harness.
- 13. Working at Height : Anchor Point: • A secured point of attachment for lifelines, lanyards or deceleration (grabbing) devices; • Anchor points for fall arrest must be capable of supporting 5000lbs (2200kg) or (22KN). Independent Lifeline Stable Structure Scaffolding Structure
- 14. Working at Height : Anchor Point: • Ensure that your anchor point is always above your shoulder to reduce the impact when you fall.
- 15. Working at Height : Lifeline: • An anchoring wire rope rigged between two fixed anchorage points; • Facilitating the movement of person with their full body harness’s or drop line anchored to it; • The lifeline is used when a person has to move horizontally or vertically on a long length. Horizontal Lifeline Vertical Lifeline
- 16. Recognition of Potential Fall Hazards: Any area that has an exposure to fall and does not have primary fall protection devices in place. The following areas require fall protection when employees are exposed to fall: • Unprotected Sides and Edges; • Scaffolds & Unsecured Platforms; • Walkways and Ramps; • Floor Openings & Wall Openings; • Steep or Low slope roofs; • Excavations, Sewers, Pit; • Precast concrete and skeletal racks
- 17. Working at Height Unsafe Practices:
- 18. Working at Height : Control Measure: Training and Competency: • All work at height working personnel should receive training prior to start work; • Competency is to be checked prior to the task. Supervision: • Supervisor should always be present at the time of work; • Supervisor should make sure all personnel involved are trained and competent; • Conduct STARRT (Safety Task Analysis Risk Reduction Talk) briefing; • Ensure valid PTW (Permit To Work) is in place. Fall Protection: • Ensure working platform or edge are protected from fall; • Provide hand rail, mid rail, and toe board.
- 19. Working at Height : Control Measure: Hole Protection: • Cover all openings by steel plates or hard ply and keep hard barrier around the opening to ensure protection of personnel, tools or materials; • Holes or gaps more than 2 square Inch is to be protected to prevent fall of materials or tools. Safety Net: • Personnel Nets; • Material or Debris protection nets.
- 20. Working at Height : Control Measure: Tools and Material Fall Protection: • Tie all tools while working at height to prevent its fall; • Keep tools in bag or box; • Materials shall be kept in a secured place
- 21. Working at Height : Control Measure: Ladder Safety: • All ladders should be free from damage, inspected and tagged; • All straight ladders shall be correctly installed, footed or tied; • Install ladders at angle of 75O (Ratio of 1:4).
- 22. Working at Height : Control Measure: Ladder Safety: DO • Keep ladders in a safe condition; • Keep the area around ladders clear; • Ensure rungs, cleats, and steps are level and free from damage; • Keep ladders free of slipping hazards; • ONLY use ladders for their designed purpose. DON’T • Tie ladders together to make longer sections, unless designed for such use; • Use A frame ladders as straight ladders; • Use ladders as a working platform.
- 23. Working at Height : Control Measure: Scaffolding – General: • ONLY Certified Scaffolders can Erect, Dismantle or Modify scaffolding; • Scaffolds shall be erected on firm and level ground; • All scaffolds shall have full boarded platforms; • All scaffolds shall have double guard rails and toe boards; • During the erection, area around the scaffolding should be barricaded and Warning signs should be placed; • Scaffolds shall be inspected by Certified Inspector before use - Safe-ftag system shall be used.
- 24. Working at Height : Control Measure: • Scaffolds shall be inspected by Certified Inspector before use. • Safe-tag system shall be used Scaffolding –General (Unsafe Practices):
- 25. Control Measure - Mobile Scaffold: Employees cannot work on mobile scaffolds unless: • Erected by trained Scaffolders; • Supporting ground is firm and level; • Height to base ratio is less than 3 to 1; • Outriggers are installed on both sides of scaffolds; • Green Safe-tag; • Wheels locked. No mobile tower can be moved whilst persons are on them. Mobile Elevated working Platform (MEWP’S): • Do Not operate any machine if you are not authorized, licensed / certified to operate that type of machine; • All operators shall conduct an inspection prior to starting their machine DAILY; • Do Not leave machines running when you exit cab; • Keep away from “LINE OF FIRE” of mobile plant; • Keep out of exclusion zone created around works; • All equipment shall be subject to routine maintenance; • All operators shall use full PPE when outside of cab; • Moving plant shall be escorted by a trained banksman.
- 26. Control Measure: Mobile Elevated working Platform (MEWP’S): Signs and Barriers: • Suitable signs and barrier to be provided to prevent unauthorized entry.
- 27. Control Measure: Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE): • Hemet with Chin Strip; • Full Body Harness with Double Lanyard; • High Visibility Vest; • Hand Gloves; • Safety Shoes; • Safety Goggle; • Ear Plug if required; • Face Shield if required.
- 28. Working at Height Safe Practices:
- 29. Inspection Guideline-Full Body Harness:
- 30. Inspection Guideline-Full Body Harness:
- 31. Working at Height: Supervisors Roles and Responsibilities: • Ensure Permit (Cold Work) is in place prior to start of the job; • Conduct STARRT briefing; • Conduct daily inspection of work area to recognise hazards; • Proper working platform should be provided; • Provide safe access/egress; • Ensure all the workers have received training before start of work at height; • Ensure safety harnesses are inspected and colour coded; • Ensure the workers are using correct lanyard; • Ensure safety harnesses are being correctly worn and tied off at a secure point; • Hard barricading to be used around open shafts and holes; • Adequate signage's.
- 32. Emergency Procedures: Witness: • Report immediately to Site Supervisor or Call 24 Hr. HSE Duty phone; • Raise alarm & surface team call for First Aider / Nurse to attend scene. First Aiders: • Respond to assist of any causalities. Supervisor: • Call for Assistance; • Stop all work, make area safe; • Arrange first aiders to assist casualty; • Send guide to meeting point; • Ensure access is clear; • Control the crowd; • Identify and note witnesses; • Make himself known to E.R.T. Note: Permit cancelled until revalidated by HSE Dept.
- 33. Emergency Procedures: Emergency Response Team: • Emergency/ Quick Response Teams should report to Area Emergency/ Quick Management Team Leader; • QRT systematically control any emergency situation in their area; • Arrange first aiders to assist casualty; • In the event of an evacuation, order all personnel to evacuate and conduct a thorough search of personnel; • Record the location of people that cannot, evacuate, and provide information to the Area Emergency Management Team Leader.
- 34. Working at Height - Learning Review: 1.What are the main hazards related to working at height? 2. What is the responsibility of the Supervisor during an emergency? 3. What is the responsibility of the witness during an emergency? 4. What should be the position of Anchor point? 5. What should be done if the fall arrest system has been used once to arrest a fall?
- 35. Discussion…