Basic Electrical Safety
This month the EH&S Spotlight will discuss the dangers associated with working on elevated surfaces and how employees can best protect themselves.
Working at Elevations
Injuries from falls are one of the most common and severe workplace accidents. Between September 2009 and October 2010, 608 employees died from falls in the United States. Employees must understand how to identify fall hazards and the ways they can protect themselves.
Areas Where Fall Hazards Exist:
Any height greater than 4 feet is considered a hazard and must be protected. This includes:
- Roofs
- Floor Openings
- Loading Docks
- Work Platforms
Ways to Protect Employees from Fall Hazards:
The most effective way to protect employees from falls is by eliminating the hazard. Passive systems such as guardrails and covers remove the employee’s exposure to the hazard.
Passive Systems |
Administrative Controls |
Active Systems |
|
| Guardrail / Covers | Boundary Lines Signs / Access Control | Fall Arrest Systems / Positioning Systems | |
| Protection Level | Best |
Fair |
Fair |
| Training Needed | Low |
Medium |
High |
| Maintenance | Low |
Medium |
High |
| Employee Effort | Low |
Medium |
High |
Fall protection equipment must be used and cared for properly:
Guardrails-
- Always work within the confines of the guardrail
- Must meet design requirements (spacing, height, etc.) of OSHA 29 CFR 1910.23
Floor Hole/Opening Covers-
- Must support the intended load or at least 400 lbs. (20,000 lbs. if vehicle traffic)
- Must lay even with the floor; protruding covers create a tripping hazard
Boundary Lines-
- Only used in certain roofing activities; not approved by OSHA
- Must be erected 6 feet from the edge of the roof or fall hazard
- Must be 34 inches high and visible in all weather conditions
Personal Fall Arrest System-
- Inspect lanyard, harness, rings and other components before each use
- Inspect anchors annually and have them tested every 10 years
- Ensure the lanyard is the correct length for the height you will be working at
- Must train employees on how to use, inspect and maintain fall arrest equipment
- Replace equipment that is damaged or subjected to loads from a fall
