ANGLO FATAL RISK GUIDELINE WORKING AT HEIGHTS Estándar Trabajos en... · Working at Heights and it...

WORKING AT HEIGHTS GUIDELINE

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ANGLO FATAL RISK GUIDELINE

WORKING AT HEIGHTS





CONTENTS PAGE

1 AIM 3

2 APPLICATION 3

3 DEFINITIONS 4

4 REASON FOR INCLUSION 11

5 REQUIREMENTS 12

6 PLANT AND EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS 12

7 SYSTEM AND PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS 55

8 PEOPLE REQUIREMENTS 77

APPENDIX A: REFERENCE DOCUMENTS 82

APPENDIX B: RECORD OF AMENDMENTS 82 APPENDIX C: WORKING AT HEIGHTS EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE AND

INSPECTION 83





1 AIM

To eliminate or minimise the risk of fatalities, injuries and incidents arising from working at heights.

This guideline refers to the Group-wide implementation of the Anglo Fatal Risk Standard: Working at Heights and it is intended to be read in conjunction with the respective Standard.

The guidelines contained in this document are considered as "highly recommended" and deviations are to be documented and justified. Full adherence to these guidelines will not be a factor in determining compliance with the Standards, since alternative methods can be available if justified on a risk basis.

In case of conflict with requirements of any other Anglo document or guideline, the following hierarchy will apply:

1. Anglo Safety Way : ASW

2. Anglo Fatal Risk Standard : AFRS

3. Anglo Fatal Risk Guideline : AFRG

It is important that when implementing Standards the organisation takes cognizance of, and comply with the relevant legal requirements in the country of application.

2 APPLICATION

This Standard applies wherever there is potential for any person to fall 2 metres or more, or to gain access to within 2 metres of an open edge from where there is the potential to fall 2 metres or more, including working from various forms of portable and moveable elevated work platforms, cages, ladders, scaffolding and where objects could fall and cause injuries. Risk assessment may identify high potential fall hazards when working at heights of less than 2 metres, in which case this Standard shall be applied. (Note: if local legislation requires more stringent controls, then those controls shall be implemented.) This Standard does not apply to rope rescue situations and abseiling, which are regarded as specialist functions.

This Standard applies to all Anglo American Group managed businesses and operations, including contractors and visitors when involved in controlled activities.

The purpose of this Guideline is to provide guidance and clarity in respect of the requirements of the Anglo Fatal Risk Standard “Working at Heights”, which describes the minimum acceptable requirements for activities where a worker or objects can fall from heights.

The purpose of this Guideline is to provide guidance and clarity in respect of the requirements of the Anglo Fatal Risk Standard “Working at Heights”, which describes the minimum acceptable requirements for activities where a worker or objects can fall from heights.





This guideline has been developed to provide more detail and clarification for the implementation of the requirements of the Standard. This should enable sites to be more aligned with each other on what the boundaries are with regards to meeting the requirements.

This guideline is by no means exhaustive and will be updated periodically and supported by good practice sharing. It is not intended as a template for achieving compliance.

3 DEFINITIONS

Barricading : a physical barrier that prevents inadvertent access to an area (e.g. handrails, access doors and gates or similar installations, whether temporary or permanent). Barrier tape does not qualify as barricading.

Demarcation : any method that indicates that an area is used for a specific purpose or that access is restricted (e.g. barrier tape, painted lines on floor surfaces, portable signs denoting drop zones or no access past a specific point).

Fall arrest system : the use of multiple, approved safety equipment components such as body harnesses, lanyards, deceleration devices, droplines, horizontal and/or vertical lifelines and anchorages, interconnected and rigged to arrest a free fall.

Fall prevention : the design and use of a fall prevention system which ensures no exposure to an elevated fall hazard. This may require more than one fall prevention system or a combination of prevention or protection measures.

Fall restraint : an approved device and any necessary components that function together to restrain a person in order to prevent that person from falling to a lower level.

Fixed lanyard : is a line used as part of a lanyard assembly to connect a harness to an anchorage point or a static line in situations where there is risk of a fall.

Inertia reel : (also known as a self-retracting lanyard or fall-arrest block) is a mechanical device that arrests a fall by locking onto a drop line and, at the same time, allows freedom of movement.

Suspension trauma : is the effect that can occur when a person hangs for a prolonged period in fall-arrest equipment. The restriction of blood flow, especially from the legs, can cause serious cardiovascular problems within five minutes and become fatal shortly thereafter.





Controlled Activities or Controlled Sites

: are those where the Anglo American Group Company has the authority to determine how to manage the operation. It does not include monitored or uncontrolled activities.

Monitored Activities : are those where Anglo American can exercise some influence but cannot set Policies and/or comprehensive Control Standards and/or directly supervise and enforce their application (i.e. contractor and supplier transporting their goods and/or personnel to or from “controlled sites”).

Uncontrolled Activities

: are those where Anglo American does not set or influence Policies or Control Standards and does not supervise safety performance. These include services provided by public Companies, activities performed at supplier or manufacturer shops, etc.

Where there is uncertainty over whether the activity is controlled, monitored or uncontrolled, the matter should be referred to the Safety function for determination.

Uncontrolled Activities

: are those where Anglo American does not set or influence Policies or Control Standards and does not supervise safety performance. These include services provided by public Companies, activities performed at supplier or manufacturer shops, etc.

Where there is uncertainty over whether the activity is controlled, monitored or uncontrolled, the matter should be referred to the Safety function for determination.

Other definitions and abbreviations used in this Standard

Note : Definitions and terminology tend to vary from country to country. The definitions used here clarify terms used in this document. Where relevant, possible alternative terms are included with the definitions.

Administrative Control

: a system of work or safe work method that helps to reduce a worker’s exposure to a fall hazard. Administrative controls are often used to support other fall prevention measures.

Anchor point : a secure point of attachment on a structure to which approved safeties harness, fall restraint device, fall arrest device, lanyard, lanyard assembly or lifeline may be secured. Note: This is also known as an anchorage or attachment point.

Approved Safety Harness:

: a full body harness of the parachute style with, as a minimum, a fall arrest attachment point at the top dorsal position and which was manufactured, has been maintained, and complies with relevant standards. Waist belt type harnesses do not qualify as “approved safety harnesses”.





Arrest Force : the force imposed upon the worker and the anchor point, the moment the fall arrest system stops the fall.

Approved Safety Harness

: a full body harness of the parachute style with, as a minimum, a fall arrest attachment point at the top dorsal position and which was manufactured, has been maintained, and complies with relevant standards. Waist belt type harnesses do not qualify as “approved safety harnesses”.

Body Containment Devices

: designed to contain the body of a falling worker and to distribute forces resulting from an arrested fall to minimise the likelihood of injury. They consist of a full body harness together with associated components such as a lanyard and personal energy absorber. Harnesses can be used for restraint systems and work positioning systems according to relevant standards

Competent Person : a person who has acquired through training, qualification or experience (or combination of these) the knowledge and skills enabling that person to safely perform a specific task. A person needs to be assessed and found competent to perform a specified task or function.

Controlled Access Zones

: areas where certain work may be done without the use of guardrails, personal fall arrest systems or safety nets. However, unlike a warning line, which is a barrier that cannot be crossed, a controlled access zone establishes a boundary that can be crossed, but only by a specifically designated worker.

D-ring : a link used in a harness or a positioning belt as an attachment element or fall arrest attachment. It may also be used in lanyards, energy absorbers, lifelines, and anchor points as an integral Connector. D-rings can be used for work positioning and restraint.

Connector : is a hook that can be attached to anchor points. Connectors come in a variety of shapes, sizes and locking mechanisms. Only self closing, lockable connectors, requiring at least two distinct deliberate consecutive actions to open them are acceptable.

Note : Karabiners, double or triple action hooks, and snap hooks are all specific types of Connector.

Inertia reel : a mechanical device that arrests a fall by locking onto a drop line and, at the same time, allows freedom of movement. Note: This is also known as a fall arrest block.





There are three distinct types:

Type 1 fall arrest device

: a fall arrest device that travels along a lifeline and, when loaded, locks to the line. The user is connected via a short lanyard to the activating lever, which locks the device in the event of a fall. A typical use of a Type 1 device is as a ladder fall arrest system, using a rigid rail or a flexible line attached to the ladder.

Note : This includes rope grabs and rail grabs.


: a mechanical fall arrest device from which a spring loaded lifeline pays out allowing full freedom of movement, and which locks onto a lifeline when loaded and releases when the load is removed.

Note : This is also known as a fall arrest block or a self-retracting lifeline.


: an inertia reel which incorporates a retrieval winch.

Fall Injury Prevention System

: a system designed to arrest or prevent a worker’s fall from one level to another whilst minimising the risk of injury during the fall. The fall injury prevention systems include fall restraint systems, fall arrest systems, catch platforms, scaffolding, safety nets and safety mesh.

Fall Arrest System : the use of multiple, approved safety equipment components such as approved safety harnesses, lanyards, personal energy absorbers, droplines, horizontal and/or vertical lifelines and anchorages, interconnected and rigged to arrest a free fall. It is an assembly of equipment and components, including the necessary connectors, joined together and designed to slow and stop a worker during a fall, in order to prevent the worker from striking a lower level or an obstruction during a fall. The fall arrest system must then support the worker until a rescue can be affected.

Fall Restraint System

: an approved device and any necessary components that function together to restrain a person in order to prevent that person from falling to a lower level. It is a system designed to restrain a worker from reaching an exposed fall hazard. A fall restraint system includes personal fall protection equipment comprising an approved safety harness unless a documented risk analysis shows a waist belt to be adequate, acceptable anchor point systems, and trained worker and administrative procedures.





Fall Prevention : the design and use of a fall prevention system which ensures no exposure to an elevated fall hazard. This may require more than one fall prevention system or a combination of prevention or protection measures. It is the elimination and minimization of potential fall hazards, lessening the chance of worker exposure to falls. Any same-level means used to reasonably prevent exposure to a fall hazard; examples of fall prevention are guardrails, walls, floors, and area isolation

Fall Protection: : actions and procedures required to effectively protect a worker from fall hazards

Fixed lanyard : a line used as part of a lanyard assembly to connect a harness to an anchorage point or a static line in situations where there is risk of a fall.

Free Fall : any fall or part of a fall where the distance before the fall arrest system begins to take any loading is in excess of 600mm either vertically or on a slope on which it is not possible to walk without the assistance of a handrail or hand line. The maximum allowed free fall is 2 metres.

Guardrails : a fixed barrier around working areas or floor areas, consisting of a hand rail, a middle rail, and a Toeboard.

Generally speaking, guardrails are a permanent or temporary portable structural system consisting of a hand rail, a middle rail and toeboard secured to vertical posts and is intended to stop a worker from inadvertently stepping off a working level and falling to a level below. The hand rail should be at a height of between 950 mm and 1100 mm above the walking surface. The middle rail should be midway between the hand rail and the walking surface. The guardrails must be of capable of resisting a static load of 900 Newton's (200 pound force) at any point along the rails.

There are many different variations of guardrails, including wood-slat, wire rope, steel frame, safety fencing, tube and clamp, perimeter netting and others. Any of these variations is acceptable, as long as the system meets the basic design characteristics as mentioned previously.

Note : this may also be referred to as hand railing.

Toe board : a floor level protective barrier that will prevent the fall of materials and equipment to lower levels. It shall project a minimum of 100mm above the floor level. It will also prevent a worker’s foot slipping below the guardrails.

Note : this may also be referred to as a kick plate.





Lanyard : a line usually used to connect an approved safety harness to an anchor point or lifeline in situations where there is a risk of a fall or when used in restraint mode to prevent a fall. Lanyards can be either adjustable or fixed length and can incorporate the use of a personal energy absorber. Single or dual lanyards are available, and are applicable to different working requirements.

Note : a dual lanyard may also be referred to as a twin tail lanyard.

Lifeline : a component consisting of a flexible line or a rail for connection to one or more anchor points. A vertical lifeline has an anchor point at one end and hangs vertically. A horizontal lifeline has an anchor point at both ends and stretches horizontally. Lifelines serve as a means for connecting other components of a personal fall arrest system to the anchor point.

Note: : − a vertical lifeline may also be referred to as a dropline.

− a horizontal lifeline may also be referred to as a static line.

Limited Free Fall : a fall or the arrest of a fall where the fall distance before the fall arrest system begins to take any loading, does not exceed 600 mm either vertically or on a slope on which it is not possible to walk without the assistance of a handrail or handline.

Maximum Arresting Force (MAF)

: the peak force exerted on the body or test weight when a fall protection system stops a fall.

Personal Energy Absorber

: an attachment designed to reduce the deceleration force imposed by a suddenly arrested fall. A Personal energy absorber is designed to be used with a full body harness and lanyard. The Personal energy absorber is usually built in to a lanyard, and the combination of the personal energy absorber and lanyard is called a lanyard assembly. It is typically two metres long overall.

Note : this may also be referred to as a deceleration device or a personal shock absorber.

Pole Strap : a strap securing a worker to a pole to enable work to be carried out.

Positioning Device System

: a combination of equipment that permits the user to have both hands free while being supported on an elevating vertical surface.





Restrained Fall : a fall or the arrest of a fall where the worker falling is partially restrained by a device such as a pole strap, or is sliding down a slope on which it is normally possible to walk without the assistance of a handrail or handline.

Restraint Line : the line-securing worker to a point of anchor point and is used to prevent a worker from reaching a point from which he or she could fall.

Restricted Access Work Area

: an area from which a fall is possible and where work is restricted to workers using fall restraints or fall arrest systems.

Rollout : an action by which a connector unintentionally disengages from the component to which it is attached.

Rope Access : a rope access suspended system consisting of two lifelines independently anchored at the top to protect the authorized worker from falling. The ropes directly suspend the worker. The technique is used on buildings, bridges, and other structures for conducting inspection, cleaning and painting.

Rope Grab : a deceleration device that travels on a lifeline and automatically, by friction, engages the lifeline and locks to arrest the fall of a worker. A rope grab usually employs the principal of inertial locking, cam/level locking, or both.

Suspension Trauma : the effect that can occur when a person hangs for a prolonged period in fall-arrest equipment. The restriction of blood flow, especially from the legs, can cause serious cardiovascular problems within five minutes and become fatal shortly thereafter.

Swing Fall : a pendulum-like motion that can result from moving horizontally away from, or toward, a fixed anchor point and falling. A swing fall will result from any fall where the lanyard or lifeline is not attached to an anchor point directly above the worker. Swing falls generate the same amount of force when falling the same distance vertically. Swing fall has the hazards in both the horizontal direction (swinging into obstructions) and vertical (falling onto obstructions or ground).

SWL : the safe working load that may be applied to an anchor point, or loaded on a working platform.

Note : this may also be referred to as a working load limit (WLL).

Total Fall Distance : the total distance a worker is likely to fall during both the free and restrained parts of a fall and includes the maximum dynamic extension of all supporting components.





Total Restraint : a situation where a fall is not possible. This is achieved through control of a worker’s movement by means of a combination of a belt or harness, a line and a line anchor point which will physically prevent the worker from reaching a position at which there is a risk of a free or limited free fall.

Worker : any person working on an AA plc site, whether a permanent employee of AA plc, a contract worker for AA plc, or an employee or contract worker on the staff of a Contractor.

Working Surface : any surface, whether horizontal or vertical on which an worker walks or works, including, but not limited to, floors, roofs, ramps, bridges, runways, form work, and concrete reinforcing steel (but not including ladders, vehicles, or trailers), on which workers must be located in order to perform their job duties.

Note : this may also be referred to as a walking surface.

Work Positioning System

: means any equipment, other than a temporary platform, which enables a worker to be positioned and safely supported at an elevating work location for the duration of that work.

4 REASON FOR INCLUSION

Falls from heights have contributed to a significant proportion of our fatal and high-potential incidents. The causes of and factors contributing to these incidents have been:

− Lack of job planning and job assessment, including inspection of working areas;

− Failing to wear a harness;

− Wearing the wrong sort of harness;

− The use of a damaged harness;

− Wearing the harness incorrectly;

− Wearing a harness but not attaching the lanyard or fall restraint to an anchor point, or attaching it to an unsuitable anchor point;

− Unstable set-up of elevated work platforms;

− Degeneration of elevated platforms (e.g. corrosion);

− Inadequately-guarded or unbarricaded hole, edges, voids, excavations or walkways;

− Unsafe planking and scaffolding.





5 REQUIREMENTS

Application of the Anglo Fatal Risk Standards is mandatory at all Anglo American managed businesses and operations. This mandatory nature is indicated by the use of the word “shall” within the Standards. In some places, the word “should” is used. This means that the primary intent remains, but specific circumstances may mean that implementation of the requirements is not reasonably practicable.

Any deviation from the specifications set forth in these Standards should be formally approved following an exemption procedure. The exemption procedure comprises the following steps: 1. Documented and detailed description of the implementation difficulties.

2. Documented and detailed risk assessment of the situation under proposed alternative control measures.

3. Documented formal approval from the Divisional Head of Safety and the Divisional Chief Executive Officer that the level of risk as a result of the alternative control measures is understood, tolerable for the organisation and in line with the Anglo American Group vision of Zero Harm.

This section is structured using exactly the same numbering sequence as the Anglo Fatal Risk Standard document. Each requirement is repeated inside a box, followed by a statement of intent. This is followed by discussion and clarification of that particular requirement with reference to other related requirements, Appendices, Communities of Practice, and other relevant documents. Appendices are used to reduce the size of this document, and allow more efficient continuous improvement.

Detail has been added to some, but not all requirements, as some sections were deemed self explanatory.

Links to associated reference material have been given at relevant places in this document. The main source of reference material and examples of leading practice can be found on the Anglo Fatal Risk Standard Quickplace.

6 PLANT AND EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS 1. Equipment design standards

All equipment for working at heights shall comply with, and be used in accordance with, relevant approved design standards and manufacturer’s specifications.

Intent

To ensure that all equipment used for working at heights is fit for purpose. Due to the many standards of design and differences in interpretation, it is very important that a recognised relevant and approved design standard is followed. All sites shall follow the specifications for safe use and maintenance indicated by the manufacturers of the equipment. All working at heights equipment shall be used, inspected and maintained according to manufacturers’ specifications to ensure proper functioning. All manuals and technical information must be readily available for consultation.





All working at heights equipment shall meet the relevant design standards applicable to each country, region or continent. In regions or countries where specific standards for working at heights are not present or specified, the local legislation or regulations shall be followed.

The following International Standards should be considered as a good reference for use or consultation for Working at Heights:

OSHA : Occupational Safety and Health Administration (USA)

www.osha.gov

ANSI : American National Institute of Standards (USA)

www.ansi.org

AS : Australian Standards (Australia) www.online.standards.com.au

BSI : British Standards Institution (UK) www.bsi-global.com

CSA : Canadian Standards Association (Canada)

www.csa.ca

SABS : South African Bureau of Standards (South Africa)

www.sabs.co.za

Note: all standards published by the South African Bureau of Standards are available of theSource under the TechnoLink banner.

2. Anchor points

Single person anchor points shall be capable of withstanding 15kN (approximately 3,372lbf). Where it is not practicable to install dedicated anchor points (i.e. ad hoc work) anchor points capable of withstanding 15kN shall be identified through a risk assessment process and shall be approved by a competent person prior to commencement of work.

Intent

To ensure that anchor points as critical points of attachment for safety lines or lanyards have the capability to support a worker or workers in the event of a fall.

Anchors are the critical point when it comes to fall protection systems as all the harnesses, slings and ropes in the world won’t help if the anchor point fails in the event of a fall. Selection and type of anchor point will depend on the nature and location of the task and the type of construction or supporting structure.

Anchor points can either be engineered or improvised. An anchor point system is a combination of anchor point and anchor point connector(s). Anchor point connectors are usually designed and prefabricated by a manufacturer under the supervision of a qualified person and should meet the relevant standards.





Anchor points must have a minimum strength of at least 15kN. For two people connected to the same anchor point a minimum strength of at least 21kN is required. Note that in some countries, the strength of anchor points for a single worker is required to have a minimum strength of 22,2kN (i.e. 5000 pounds), whereas other countries do not specify the strength. Some countries also allow a lower strength of 6kN for anchor points for fall restraint. The use of this lower strength is not advised, as it can lead to confusion as to what anchor point may be used for what purpose. The AA plc requirement of 15kN should be used in all countries, except where the higher strength applies.

Note: Anchor point SWL values are generally given in units of kg (kilograms) or tonne. 15kN is 1,5tonnes, or 1500kg.

Anchor point with a safe load of 1,5Tonne (15kN)

AS/NZ 1891 - Industrial fall arrest systems and devices

ISO 10333 - Personal fall arrest systems

EN 795 - Protection against falls from a height. Anchor Devices

Types of anchor points considered under the definition of the AFRS No.7 include: a) A device that has been purposefully manufactured and installed as an anchor

point to support a personal fall protection system. b) A substantial structure, such a beam, column or similar substantial portion of

the structure, selected as an anchor point where no dedicated anchor point is available. These anchor points generally require some supplemental rigging, such as a sling or bracket, to allow the anchor point connector of a personal fall protection system to connect to the anchor point. Various beam sizes that may be used as anchor points are shown in the Table below. For each beam size, the Table shows the maximum span on which it may be used as an anchor point, as well as the minimum number of bolts required to be used at each end of the beam. If the span exceeds that shown in the Table, or if the beams ends have fewer bolts than shown in the Table, or if the beam has been damaged in any way (such as by corrosion or impact) then the beam shall not be used as an anchor point. Steel angle sections, cold formed sections, cable trays, guard rail sections and the like shall not be used as anchor points. If any doubt exists, then a Structural engineer shall be consulted to specify adequate anchor points.





The actual strength of an anchor point is dependent on: The design of the anchor point.

The orientation of the anchor point relative to the direction of loading.

The condition of the anchor point.

The connection of the anchor point to the supporting structure.

The adequacy of the structure to resist the imposed loading.

TABLE: BEAMS THAT MAY BE USED AS ANCHOR POINTS Section Size Maximum Span

allowed Minimum no. of bolts allowed

203x152 J

203x133 I

3 m

203x152 J

254x146 I

4 m

203x152 J

356x171 I

5 m

4/M16 bolts

2/M20 bolts

406x178 I 6 m 6/M16 bolts

4/M20 bolts

457x191 I 7 m

Beams

(I sections)

533x210 I 8 m

4/M20 bolts

203x203x52 H 3 m

203x203x71 H 4 m

4/M16 bolts

2/M20 bolts

254x254x73 H 5 m

254x254x89 H 6 m

254x254x107 H 7 m

Columns

(H sections)

305x305x97 H 8 m

4/M20 bolts

140x60 C 1,0 m

200x75C 2,0 m

260x90 C 3,0 m

Channels

(C sections)

300x100 C 4,0 m

4/M16 bolts

2/M20 bolts





NB: Unless approved by a Structural Engineer, channels shall only be used as anchor points for vertical or near-vertical lanyard orientation. Channels shall not be used as anchor points where the lanyard has an angle of more than 30° from the vertical. Where channels are used as columns, they shall not be used as anchor points.

The following requirements shall be complied with when any temporary anchor point is attached to existing steelwork: a) Where holes must be made for the attachment of brackets or eye-bolts, they

shall be drilled and not burned.

b) Anchor points shall not be attached to any beam supporting vibrating equipment (such as screens, large motors, crushers, scrubbers and the like) without the approval of a Structural engineer.

c) All beams used as anchor points shall be supported at both ends. Cantilever beams shall not be used without the approval of a Structural Engineer.

d) A temporary anchor point should be removed upon completion of the work for which it was intended.

Anchor points may be attached to beams and columns using: a) Anchor straps

Anchor Strap Connected to a Beam (Note that the strap must be protected from sharp edges, not as shown here).

b) Eyebolts

Only eyebolts having a Supplier’s specified strength of not less than 15kN shall be used as anchor points.





An eyebolt used as a fixed anchor point (Note that the eyebolt must always be screwed right in as shown here)

c) Brackets

Brackets to be used as anchor attachment points may be made in accordance with the sketches below. All welding on these brackets shall be done by welders who are qualified in terms of AWS D1.1. The brackets shall comply with all details and notes shown on the sketches. Alternatively, a Structural Engineer shall be appointed to specify a design for the anchor point brackets.

Notes: 1. A ll plate 10 thick. 2. A ll plate Grade 250 MPa minimum 3. A ll bolt holes 18 diam eter for M16 bolts4. A ll bolts Class 4.8 minimum 5. A ll edges to be laser cut or m achined

and not burned

70 70 70 70 70 70

40 4040 40

40 40

30

80

60

50

Note that this sketch is not drawn to scale

50 mm diameter hole

50

60

50

270

100

8

8

Sketch of Bracket for Attachment to an I Beam

Sketch of a Bracket for Attachment to a Channel

People working at height shall be aware that the anchor point shall be located in such a way to minimize swinging of the worker that can occur during a fall. If any obstruction exists in the path of the swing fall, the force generated by such a fall is the same as the force in a vertical fall.

All sites must ensure that ladder rungs, handrail components and cable trays are not used as anchor points as their load limit will not withstand a fall.

All sites shall ensure that all permanent anchor points are inspected by a competent person at intervals not exceeding six months. These inspections must assess whether the strength of the anchor point may have deteriorated due to corrosion, loosening of bolts, bending or other damage, and whether any changes to operational requirements or to plant layout may have rendered the anchor point ineffective (e.g. re-routing of pipes or cables may lead to anchor points being behind the pipes or cables, and thus not acceptable as an anchor point).





This anchor point is not acceptable, because in this scenario a fall would result in a swing fall.

Guide for selection and safe use of anchor points a) Before use, anchor points shall be designed and approved by a registered

professional engineer or another qualified person with appropriate education and experience, with experience in designing fall protection systems. If there is a need to devise an anchor point from existing structures such as beams, or eyebolts, a qualified person shall be used to evaluate these anchor points.

b) A qualified person will be able to calculate the forces generated by arresting a fall, the total loading and the impact on the structural members the line is attached to. The qualified person can thus determine the optimal and safe location where and how to tie-off.

c) The strength of a personal fall arrest system depends on its subsystems and components, as well as the points of anchor point and how strongly such a system is attached to the anchor point. Such attachment shall not significantly reduce the strength of the system, including the structural members such as beams, columns, or any rigid structure.

d) All components and sub-components of the selected fall arrest system shall be compatible with each other.

e) When tying off to a beam or column, do not attach the anchor point connection to a hole in the beam or column unless evaluated by a qualified person. The hole will weaken the beam or column structure. Do not drill a hole for tying off. This attachment will weaken the beam.

f) Do not tie a knot in the anchor point connection. g) The anchor point shall be located in such a way to minimize swinging the

worker (pendulum-like motion) that can occur during a fall. h) Select the point of anchor as high as possible above head height of the

worker. This will ensure that the lanyard or lifeline remains as near vertical as possible, thus reducing the likelihood of a pendulum fall.

i) Always specify the number of authorized users that are allowed to attach to a specific point of anchor.

j) When planning and selecting an anchor point location, take into consideration the accessibility and ease of securing to it, and its proximity to an unguarded edge.





k) Fall arrest anchor points that will be in place for a period of longer than one month shall be signposted in accordance with the requirements of relevant standards.

l) All anchor points shall be visually checked prior to use. m) Any anchor points identified as being damaged or insecure shall be removed,

repaired or replaced as soon as possible. They shall not be used until they have been repaired.

n) If an eyebolt is selected as a point of anchor, it should be rated along its axis. Eyebolt strength is greatly reduced if the force is applied at an angle to the eyebolt axis. Eye bolts shall not be used transverse to their axis. Eyebolts shall be screwed right up to the end of their threaded length when installed.

o) Ladder rungs, handrail components and cable trays shall not be used as anchor points.

p) When using a vehicle as an anchor, always attach to parts securely fixed to the vehicle, and which do not allow the lanyard or lifeline to slip off. Do not attach to towbars or roof racks. Use an anchor point between the four wheels as low as possible. Before commencing work, ensure that the gears of the vehicle are engaged and do not rely only on the brakes.

This anchor point is not acceptable because the hand rail is not strong enough





KEY POINT SUMMARY

DO: Ensure use of a proper anchor point.

Visually inspect anchor point prior to use.

Use an anchor point as high as possible overhead.

DON’T: Use ladder rungs, any guardrails component or cable trays as anchor points.

Burn or drill holes in beams or columns for anchor points.

TO BE DONE: List all locations where work is routinely done at heights.

Ensure that all of these locations have clearly designated anchor points, approved by a competent person.

Prepare a procedure for inspection of anchor points at intervals not exceeding six months.

Prepare a procedure for reporting, and repairing or replacing, any anchor point found to be damaged or defective in any way.

3. Fall restraint systems

Where personnel are required to work within 2metres of an opening where they could fall they shall use personal fall restraint equipment such as a fixed lanyard and harness as a minimum which will prevent them from falling over the edge.

Intent

To avoid injuries or fatalities preventing personnel from falling over an edge when working within 2metres of an opening. Prevention of a fall can be achieved by use of physical barriers or a fall restraint system which ensure that workers cannot reach a position where a fall could occur.

Physical Barriers (such as guardrails) are the preferred type of fall prevention systems. If guardrails are not practicable, each worker can use a full body harness attached to a securely anchored lanyard or lifeline. Fall restraint systems consist of a fixed length or adjustable lanyard connected to an anchor point or a fall restraint lifeline. No energy absorber is needed, as being a correctly designed fall restraint system, there is no possibility of a fall. Fall restraint systems shall be rigged to allow the movement of workers only as far as the sides and edges of the working surfaces. So when an adjustable lanyard is used, the worker needs to ensure that the lanyard length cannot be extended to permit entry into an area where a fall is possible. Anchor points for fall restraint systems may not be strong enough to resist the impact loads applied in the event of a fall.

Fall restraint equipment is far more desirable than a fall arrest system as it prevents a fall, thus preventing injury.





Typical uses of fall restraint systems include: a) Fall restraint of workers inspecting an open slope edge

b) Workers cleaning tips in underground haulages

c) Workers working on a low angle (not greater than 5 degrees) pitched roof or within 2 metres of an open edge or opening.

d) Working with a pole strap around a pole.

e) Working at the edge of a floor where guardrails has had to be removed to raise or lower equipment using a crawl beam.

f) Any other location where workers are working within 2metres of an edge where the fall from the height could result in an injury.

This fall restraint system consists of a full body harness attached to a securely anchored restraint lanyard. The lanyard prevents the worker from getting too close to an unguarded edge by limiting the distance the worker can travel

Workers using fall restraint systems shall: a) Have been trained and assessed as competent in the use of such equipment.

b) Perform a visual check on the full body harness prior to fitting it. If any faults are found the equipment shall be tagged “Out of Service” and arrangements made for a competent person to conduct a formal inspection. Ensure that the full body harness has been fully inspected and tagged within the previous 6 months.

c) Perform a visual check on the lanyard for any cuts, abrasions or heat damage. If any faults are found the equipment shall be tagged “Out of Service” and arrangements made for a competent person to conduct a formal inspection. Ensure that the lanyard has been fully inspected and tagged within the previous 6 months.

d) Perform a visual check on the anchor point that will be used. If it has corroded, has loose or missing bolts, has been bent or damaged, or if found unsuitable in any other way, it shall not be used as an anchor point.

e) Connect to the anchor point prior to undertaking any work activity.





f) Ensure that the diameter of the “D” hook on the belt exceeds the throat depth of the attachment hook on the lanyard to prevent “roll out”.

g) Only use a retractable lanyard where its maximum length does not allow approach to a position where a fall is possible.

h) Ensure that all components of the fall restraint system are compatible.

Inspection and testing

All components of fall restraint systems shall be inspected, and if necessary tested, by the Manufacturers at defined regular intervals. The intervals at which equipment must be inspected and tested should not exceed six months, but this may vary depending on Manufacturer requirements and local legislation.

Requirements for inspection and testing are described in more detail in Appendix C.

KEY POINT SUMMARY

DO: Visually inspect all components of the fall restraint system prior to use.

Tag damaged or faulty equipment “Out of Use”.

Ensure the correct length of lanyard to prevent falling.

DON’T: Approach an edge prior to proper connection of all components of the fall

restraint system.

Use any faulty equipment.

TO BE DONE: Ensure that all workers are aware of when fall restraint is required, and what

equipment must be used.

Identify areas where routine work requires the use of fall restraint equipment, and install appropriate signage.

Make an inventory of all fall restraint equipment, with inspection dates.

Prepare a procedure for reporting, and removing from service, any fall restraint equipment found to be faulty or damaged.

4. Fall arrest systems

Where there is potential to fall more than 2metres, personnel shall wear appropriate personal fall arrest equipment. In such circumstances, the use of a full body harness, including shock-absorbing lanyard or inertia reel is mandatory. The use of body belts for fall arrest is prohibited, except for specialised tasks such as pole-climbing belts worn by specially-trained linesmen.





Intent

To avoid injuries or fatalities by protecting personnel working in a workplace where there is a risk of falling more than 2 metres. The use of a fall arrest system will safely slow and stop, and then support and hold the worker in the event of a fall.

Vertical rope fall arrest system

A fall arrest system must always include a full body harness and connecting means between the full body harness and an anchor point. Such connecting means may consist of a lanyard, lanyard assembly, personal energy absorber, Type 1 fall arrest device, lifeline, inertia reel, or suitable combinations of these.

A fall arrest system will not prevent a fall from occurring in the first place, but it will stop a worker’s fall after a short distance, preventing the worker from hitting the surface below, and minimizing the distance and severity of a fall. Due to the high probability of injury, fall arrest must only be selected as a fall protection system once all other systems have been considered and found impractical. An emergency rescue procedure is required for workers using fall arrest as a fall protection system.

Fall arrest systems should be designed so that a worker equipped with a safety harness cannot free fall more than 2metres.

Example of safe fall arrest system

A fall arrest system shall be used instead of a restraint system if any of the following situations apply: a) The user can reach a position where a fall is possible.

b) There is a danger of the user falling through the surface (e.g. roofing material).

c) The slope of the working surface is over 15 degrees.

d) There is any other reasonably likely misuse of the system that could lead to a free fall.





Good use of a fall arrest system

Full body harness

A fall arrest system requires a full body harness. A full body harness consists of straps passed over the shoulders, across the chest, and around the legs. In a fall, a full body harness protects more than a safety belt, because it distributes the force of impact over a greater area of the body. Safety belts have also been known to slip off the body in a fall.

The full body harness must be the correct size and be adjusted securely. The harness instructions must be followed carefully to ensure the correct use of the harness.

Various alternatives and improvements exist. a) Where a sternal (front) attachment point exists, this should be used in

preference to the dorsal (back) point because:

- It is usually easier for the worker to recover themselves with a sternal attachment

- The pendulum effect may be able to be controlled better by the falling worker using this configuration.

Sling used around the anchor point.

Anchor point – structural steel able hold a static force of at least 15kN.

Point of hook attachment is above D ring, ensuring max free fall is less than 2 metres.

Connector used to join sling to lanyard hook

All the attachments are in line, thereby preventing a pendulum fall





b) Some full body harnesses incorporate foot straps. These are straps that can be released in the event of a fall, and the worker’s feet are inserted to support the body weight on the feet rather than on the leg straps. Leg straps restrict blood circulation in the groin area, so rescue must be affected quickly to avoid loss of consciousness. The use of foot straps releases this restriction in blood circulation, thus allowing a longer period for safe rescue. All full body harnesses used on AA plc sites should be fitted with foothold straps to avoid suspension trauma.

Suspension Trauma Strap manufactured by DBI Sala, Spiderwebb and others helps prevent the effects of suspension trauma after a fall

Lifelines

A lifeline is a line made of either webbing or rope (wire or synthetic), which connects two anchors, either vertically or horizontally displaced. Attaching to the lifeline creates a moveable anchor point, permitting the user a degree of freedom in either restraint, work positioning or fall arrest modes.

Only a certified and competent rigger with the authority to do so can install lifelines on sites. However, it is important to understand that it is a simple matter to overload a lifeline by over tensioning or placing too much load on it. Failure of a lifeline would have tragic consequences. When working with lifelines operators should always maintain a positive connection with the lifeline. On lifelines where there are

Sternal

Dorsal

Sternal and dorsal connection points





intermediate anchor points, the operators should have to use either two lanyards or a ‘Y’ or dual lanyard.

The lifeline to be used should be located as high as practicable. It is dangerous to work above the lifeline as the worker could fall more than 2,4metres.

Vertical lifeline systems incorporate a device, which will move freely while ascending, but lockup if there is a fall. As this fall should be less than 600mm, sternal attachment (to the chest) to the full body harness is permitted.

Lanyards

The lanyard used to connect the harness to the lifeline fall arrest device shall incorporate a personal energy absorber.

The maximum length of the lanyard, including the Personal energy absorber should generally not exceed 2,0m

Where a work task can be completed without disconnecting the lanyard from an anchor point or lifeline, a single lanyard may be used. This will be the case, for example, when the work is carried out at one point or over a limited area, or when using a horizontal or vertical lifeline. Where the lanyard has to be disconnected for any reason, a dual lanyard shall be used. This will be the case, for example, when the lifeline is connected to intermediate anchor points and the worker must pass from one side to the other side, or when the worker must transfer from a workbox to an elevating work platform.

Recommendations for safe use of Dual Lanyards

The user of a dual lanyard shall only ever connect to this lanyard by the termination on the Personal energy absorber.

When using a dual lanyard the worker shall ensure that at least one of the lanyards is connected to the structure at all times.





Care must be taken when climbing with a dual lanyard to not ‘over climb’ the lanyard to the extent that the user of the lanyard would be exposed to a free fall greater than 2m.

When climbing or working with a dual lanyard, it is acceptable to have both lanyards connected to the structure provided that the included angle between the two legs of the lanyard does not exceed 120degrees.

When climbing or working with a dual lanyard do not hook the unused lanyard to your full body harness. This can create a situation where, in the event of a fall the ‘parked’ lanyard would interfere with the operation of the Personal energy absorber, resulting in serious injury or death. Instead of hooking the unused lanyard to yourself: Connect the unused lanyard directly to another anchor point or lifeline.

Connect both hooks to the same anchor point or lifeline but guard against roll out from the Connector.

Connectors

Obviously it is vitally important that the lanyard assembly and the full body harness are connected together, and remain so. Equally important is that the lanyard assembly is reliably connected to the anchor point. Often connection is made by a double-locking snap-hook. However some of the available connectors can be easily disconnected from the harness by twisting the gate of the hook against the harness D-ring, while applying gentle pressure on the safety latch, thereby causing "roll-out" of the snap-hook from the D-ring.

Connectors must be self-locking to prevent accidental roll-out. Roll-out can occur when small D-rings, or other attachment hardware, cause the snap-hook gate to push open in a twisting action – thus separating the two components.





Illustration of roll-out

It is also critically important that locking latches are functional. If a locking latch has bent or is stuck because of dirt, it will not provide the safety required.

A damaged, unacceptable hook

Karabiners

Karabiners, which are a D-shaped ring with a spring gate, are also used as connectors. These come with screw-locking, twist-locking, or triple-locking mechanisms. Triple-lock karabiners require the least care in use and are the safest option, provided the locking mechanism operates properly. However this type of mechanism is prone to failure. If the sleeve does not close properly they must be discarded. Twist-lock karabiners are used for anchor connections, but should not be used at the harness end of a lanyard. Screw-lock karabiners require care to ensure that the screw sleeve on the gate remains screwed up.

Each karabiner in a personal fall protection system must be capable of being locked to prevent the gate from opening by accident,

have a breaking strength of at least 22kN (5,000lb.),

have the manufacturer’s identity and load capacity clearly marked on it.

Inertia reels

An inertia reel (or retractable lifeline) is a specific type of vertical lifeline that works somewhat like the seat-belt of a car. The lifeline is coiled inside a protective housing. As a worker moves up or down, the lifeline extends or retracts. The line is under constant tension and leaves no slack. The moment a worker falls, the lifeline locks and stops the fall after a short distance. Many inertia reels have fall indicators on their protective housings. Do not use the lifeline if the indicator shows that a fall has occurred. After a fall, the manufacturer must reset the lifeline.





Inertia reel systems can be used to prevent falls where workers are required to carry out their work on or near an unprotected edge. Inertia reels are not designed for continuous support but become effective in the event of a fall. They should not be used as working supports by locking the system and allowing it to support the user during normal work.

Inertia reels may be less effective for certain applications such as stopping a worker falling down the inclined surface of a pitched roof, because the device requires a sharp pull in order to activate.

A worker using an inertia reel

Work positioning systems

A work positioning system is used when a worker is suspended on a rope.

Examples are: a) A rope access system (in which the worker abseils down the side of a

building);

b) Work on a sloping roof;

c) Pole work performed by electrical workers;

d) Work on broadcast and power transmission towers in which the worker is suspended from the structure;

e) Tree surgery.

Positioning system with Vertical Lifeline





Work positioning systems are considered to be higher than fall arrest systems in the hierarchy of control, because the risks of a fall, with its uncertain consequences, are avoided, as the worker is already partially or completely hanging in suspension. A work positioning system can only be justified if any fall that might occur is a limited free fall, meaning that it cannot be greater than 600mm. A work positioning harness may have attachment points as for a full body harness or an attachment point at the front of the waist, or a pair of attachment points on the hips for attachment to a pole strap, as used by electrical workers.

Inspection and testing

All components of fall arrest systems shall be inspected, and if necessary tested, by the Manufacturers at defined regular intervals. The intervals at which equipment must be inspected and tested should not exceed six months, but this may vary depending on manufacturer requirements and local legislation. Requirements for inspection and testing are described in more detail in Appendix 1.

KEY POINT SUMMARY

DO: a) Ensure the use of appropriate lifelines and lanyards with a Personal energy

absorber.

b) Visually inspect all components of the fall arrest system prior to use.

c) Tag damaged or faulty equipment “Out of Use”.

d) Ensure the correct length of lanyard to prevent excessive fall distance.

DON’T: a) Approach an edge or working at heights location prior to proper connection of all

components of the Fall arrest system.

b) Use any faulty equipment.

TO BE DONE: a) Ensure that all workers are aware of when fall arrest equipment is required, and

what equipment must be used.

b) Identify areas where routine work requires the use of fall arrest equipment, and install appropriate signage.

c) Make an inventory of all fall arrest equipment, with inspection dates.

d) Prepare a procedure for reporting, and removing from service, any fall arrest equipment found to be faulty or damaged.





5. Temporary work platforms

All forms of portable and movable elevated work platforms and suspended work cages shall conform to relevant approved design standards. People in the work platform basket shall each wear a correctly-fitted harness attached by a lanyard to a suitable anchor point. This does not apply to people working within a properly-constructed and certificated scaffold or other structure at height with the requisite handrails and toe boards.

Intent

All types of temporary work platforms (scaffolds and movable work platforms) used on sites shall comply with relevant standards regarding design and operation. Also they must meet legislative requirements. People working on platforms shall be protected from falling.

A temporary work platform is a platform that provides a working area for the duration of the work carried out at height, and which is designed to prevent a worker falling. It encompasses a wide variety of plant and equipment

Scaffolds

Applicable Standards

US : US Department of Labour Scaffold Specifications – 1926 Subpart L App A

South Africa : SANS 10085 – 1 “The Design, Erection, Use and Inspection of Access Scaffolding”

Scaffolds are common means of providing a safe work platform for working at height, and there are specific requirements that apply to the design, construction and erection of scaffolding.

There are different duties for scaffolding and a wide variety of scaffolding systems available. Scaffolding work platforms are generally rated as light, medium or heavy duty. These are described in the Table below.





TABLE: SCAFFOLDING DUTY DESCRIPTION

Loads Width Scaffolding

duty Use US Australia/

NZ South Africa

Australia/NZ

South Africa

Very light This is suitable for inspection, painting and cleaning

N/A N/A 80kg/m2 N/A 625mm to 1150mm

Light This is suitable for plastering, painting, many carpentry tasks, electrical work and other light tasks such as inspections.

1,2kPa

(25 lbs/ft2)

225kg per bay

160kg/m2 Platforms should be 450mm

wide (two planks)

900mm to 1150mm

Medium This is suitable for carpentry and most other general trades work.

2,4kPa

(50 lbs/ft2)

450kg per bay

240 kg/m2 Platforms should be 900mm

wide (four planks)

1125mm to 1150mm

Heavy This is needed for bricklaying, concreting, demolition work, liner replacement and most work tasks involving heavy loads or heavy impact forces.

3,6kPa

(75 lbs/ft2)

675kg per bay

320 kg/m2 Platforms should be 1100mm wide (five planks)

1125mm to 1150mm

These safe load limits include the weight of people (which is taken to be a nominal 100kg per worker) plus the weight of any material, tools and debris on the work platform. Therefore, a properly constructed mobile scaffold with a light duty platform can safely support 1 worker and 125kg of tools and material, or 2 workers and 25kg of tools and material.

All scaffolding must be erected, altered and dismantled by competent persons. Any scaffold from which a worker or object could fall more than 4metres must be erected, altered and dismantled by, or under the direct supervision of, a certified scaffolder.

When work is performed from a scaffold, workers should know: what loads the scaffold can safely take (e.g. how many bricks per bay, or how

many people per bay);

that unauthorised alterations shall not be made to the scaffold (such as removing guardrails, planks, ties, toeboards and braces);

that working platforms need to be kept clear of debris and obstructions along their length;

that incomplete or defective scaffold must never be accessed.

that they are not required to use a fall restraint system





Where mobile scaffolds are in use, workers should know that the scaffold: should remain level and plumb at all times;

should be kept well clear of power lines, open floor edges and penetrations;

should never be accessed until all castors are locked to prevent movement;

should never be accessed up the outside. Use internal ladders only;

should never be moved while anyone is on it.

Scaffold with internal staircase Use of the Scafftag®

Safety requirements and other considerations for scaffolds include:

Design: a) Scaffolding shall conform to relevant design standards. b) Scaffold platforms should be a minimum of 450mm wide. c) Edge protection (hand rails and toeboards) shall be provided at every open

edge of a scaffold work platform. Meshing should be installed over access and egress points.

Erection: d) All scaffolding shall be erected, altered and dismantled by a competent

person. e) A worker shall not alter scaffolding without authority from the person

supervising the scaffold crews, or a competent person. f) All scaffolding shall be tagged to indicate whether it has been approved for

use or not.

The tag shall indicate: the duty of the scaffold (light, medium, heavy)

that it is currently safe or unsafe to use (where Scafftag® is used this requires displaying the green insert)





that it has been inspected within the previous 30 days (check inspection records, or where Scafftag® is used check the yellow side of Scafftag®)

A fully completed Scafftag® contains all the appropriate information, but other tagging systems are permitted provided all appropriate information is displayed.

No worker is permitted to use a scaffold without the proper tag authorizing its use. g) Modular scaffolds shall be of the same type, not mixed components. Mixed

components from different manufacturers have resulted in scaffold incompatibilities and failures, posing significant risks to workers using the scaffolding.

h) Scaffolding exceeding 4 metres in height shall be inspected and tagged by a competent person before use, after any alteration or repair, and at intervals not exceeding 30 days.

i) Safe access to and egress from the scaffold should be provided.

Use and inspections: j) Mobile tower frame scaffolds can be used to provide safe working platforms. k) The maximum load capacity of a scaffold shall not be exceeded. l) Scaffolding that is incomplete and left unattended should have danger tags

and warning signs attached at locations to prevent use, and access points to the incomplete scaffold blocked off.

m) All long term scaffolds, regardless of height, shall be checked for structural integrity by a competent person, at intervals not exceeding 30 days.

n) Additional inspections shall be carried out by a competent person following any incident. Incidents include severe storms, earthquakes, or impact by a vehicle.

o) Scaffolds, including any outriggers used, should not be erected in roadways, or other locations where vehicle impact is possible. If this cannot be avoided, signage shall be placed along the roadway warning vehicle drivers of the use of scaffolding ahead and the scaffolding area shall be demarcated with high visibility cones or a crash barrier.

Elevating working platforms

Elevating work platforms are available in a wide variety of types and sizes. They include scissor lifts, boom lifts, cherry pickers and travel towers. There are battery powered and internal combustion engine types. The engineered additions to mobile equipment such as Baskets for Integrated Tool (IT) are also included within them.

The safety requirements for Elevating work platforms include: a. Any workers operating an elevating working platform shall be competent to

operate it. See further information under section 18 below.

b. All Elevating work platforms shall have a full guardrail around all sides. The guardrail should extend to a height of 1,2m above the floor level.





c. An elevating work platform should only be used as a work platform. Only when there is no safe alternative should an elevating work platform be used as a means of access to and egress from a work area.

d. All Elevating work platforms shall be inspected by their Manufacturer or another competent person, at the intervals required by local legislation or specified by their Manufacturers, but not exceeding two years. A record shall be kept of these inspections and any significant findings.

e. Unless designed for rough terrain, Elevating work platforms should only be used on solid, level surfaces, or on a surface with a slope less than the limit specified by the Manufacturer. Surface areas should be checked to make sure that there are no penetrations or obstructions that could cause uncontrolled movement or overturning of the platform. The surface shall also be capable of supporting both the Elevating work platform and its safe working load. When designed as “rough terrain” Elevating working platforms, the Manufacturer’s instructions shall be consulted for information on safe operation. Elevating work platforms designed as “rough terrain” units may be used on other surfaces provided this is in accordance with their Manufacturers’ directions. All Elevating work platforms used in the underground environment shall be designed for rough terrain use.

f. The safe working load limit or maximum rated capacity shall be clearly marked on a notice on the Elevating work platform.

g. Workers in cherry pickers and other boom type Elevating work platforms shall wear a fall arrest system anchored to the Elevating work platform, as a precaution against mechanical failure of the basket, colliding with another Elevating work platform, soil subsidence, bumps due to the machine standing on an uneven surface, etc. The lanyard should be as short as possible, to prevent movement beyond the edge of the platform.

h. Fall arrest systems are not required to be worn on scissor lift type elevating work platforms. However, workers in scissor type Elevating working platforms shall use a fall restraint system anchored to the platform, unless a risk assessment shows more stringent measurements to be necessary.

i. Elevating work platforms shall not travel while in the elevated position.

j. Elevating work platforms should not be used in high wind conditions or within the dangerous zone around any energized power lines.

k. Elevating work platforms are typically used where access by other vehicles is possible, so precautions against vehicle impact shall be taken. Signage shall be placed along the roadway warning vehicle drivers of the use of Elevating work platforms ahead, and the area in which the Elevating work platforms are being used shall be demarcated with high visibility cones or a crash barrier.





For a boom type Elevating work platform a fall arrest system shall be worn. The lanyard shall be as short as possible and shall be attached directly to a designated anchor point, not to the handrail.

For a scissor type elevating work platform a fall restraint system shall be worn, unless a risk assessment shows more stringent requirements to be necessary.

Work boxes

A work box is a personnel-carrying device designed to be suspended from a crane for the purpose of providing a working area for workers elevating by and working from the box. They consist of a platform, surrounded by an edge protection system.

Note: A work box may also be referred to as a man cage or a boatswain’s chair. Other work platforms should be used instead of work boxes if at all

practicable.

The safety requirements and considerations for using work boxes include: a) The work box shall be designed by a competent person in accordance to

relevant standards. An approved drawing of the work box should be kept on site.

b) All Work boxes shall be inspected at intervals not exceeding two years by a competent person. A record shall be kept of these inspections and any significant findings.

c) The work box shall not be suspended over workers. d) A suitable and adequate work box, designed for the purpose, is used and

securely attached to the crane. The work box, lifting attachments and records should be checked by a competent person before use.

e) The work box should be fitted with a suitable anchor point capable of withstanding fall arrest forces. Workers should be attached to the anchor point by a lanyard and harness.





f) Except in an emergency, workers should not enter or leave the work box when it is elevating unless a risk assessment is conducted.

g) The crane lifting the work box is fitted with the means to safely lower it in an emergency or a power supply failure.

h) An effective means of communication, between any worker in the work box and the crane operator, shall be provided.

i) The crane shall be fitted with a safety hook and moused accordingly. j) A minimum of two workers at any time shall occupy the work box whilst in use.

One of the workers in the work box should be a licensed rigger. k) The crane operator shall be licensed and authorized and remains at the

controls of the crane at all times. l) That the work box shall be clearly marked and tagged with the tare weight and

the safe working load.

A typical work box Workers attached to a point in work box

Mine shaft working platforms

There are various types of working platforms commonly used in mine shafts. Mine shaft inspection baskets (or platforms) are used for regular inspections and certain maintenance or repair tasks in vertical mine shafts. They may be mounted on top of a conveyance (a personnel cage or a rock skip), or attached below it. Mine shaft inspection baskets or platforms generally consist of a platform, surrounded by an edge protection system. They may be permanently mounted, but in most cases are only mounted on or below the conveyance when required. Where possible the mine shaft inspection basket or platform should be mounted below the conveyance to ensure maximum protection to its occupants against objects falling down the shaft. Equipping skeletons and pipe skeletons are platforms specifically intended for installing or maintaining pipes or other equipment in a mine shaft. They are usually attached directly to the hoist rope, after removal of the conveyance usually employed.

The safety requirements and considerations for using mine shaft working platforms include: a) The mine shaft working platform shall be designed by a competent person in

accordance to relevant standards. An approved drawing of the mine shaft working platform should be kept on site.





b) All mine shaft working platforms shall be inspected at intervals not exceeding two years by a competent person. A record shall be kept of these inspections and any significant findings.

c) Where mine shaft working platforms are not permanently mounted on or under the conveyance, there shall be a written procedure for installing them when required. The procedure shall treat this as a specific work task, and shall include all necessary tools and equipment as well as personal protective equipment and fall arrest equipment.

d) Workers shall ensure that all parts of their bodies and any equipment are within the outer perimeter of the mine shaft working platform during travelling in the shaft.

e) Workers shall not perform any work outside of the mine shaft working platform until the winder driver has confirmed that it is clear to do so.

f) Wherever possible, work in a mine shaft must be done from within the mine shaft working platform or other approved working platform. If it is necessary to work out of the mine shaft working platform in a mine shaft, workers shall use dual lanyards, attached to shaft buntons or other anchor point not part of the mine shaft working platform.

g) A designated worker on the mine shaft working platform shall at all times be in voice contact with the winder driver.

h) All workers in the mine shaft working platform shall wear full body harnesses. Lanyards shall have a personal energy absorber, preferably attached to an anchor point directly attached to the hoist rope or conveyance above, and not to the mine shaft working platform.

i) Mine shaft working platforms shall have a tag attached which clearly indicates how many workers and what mass of equipment is permitted to be carried.

j) No other hoisting shall be permitted in the shaft whilst the mine shaft working platform is in use in the shaft. When two or more mine shaft working platforms are used simultaneously for work or inspection in shafts, they shall be kept at the same elevation so that any tools or material falling from one basket will not endanger workers in another platform.

k) When one or more mine shaft working platforms are in use in a shaft, no other work shall be carried out within the shaft at any other elevation.





A typical mine shaft inspection basket

KEY POINT SUMMARY

DO: − Ensure the use of appropriate fall protection equipment together with all

temporary work platforms.

− Ensure that all temporary work platforms have been designed and constructed by a competent person.

− Take appropriate precautions to ensure that temporary work platforms and outriggers will not be struck by vehicles.

− Take appropriate precautions to ensure that elevated work platforms will not strike overhead electricity lines or any live electricity cables.

− Tag defective or damaged temporary work platforms “Out of Use”.

DON’T: − Allow any worker who has not been appropriately trained to operate or

construct any temporary work platform.

− Use any temporary work platform that is not properly tagged or authorized for use.

− Use any defective or damaged temporary work platform.

TO BE DONE: − Ensure that approved drawings are available for all work boxes and mine shaft

inspection baskets in use.

Tag showing 4 persons allowed

Hard edge protection barrier





− Compile an inventory of all temporary work platforms on the site, including date of manufacture and next inspection date.

− Prepare a procedure for reporting, and removing from service, any temporary work platforms found to be defective or damaged.

6. Edge protection

Where there is potential to fall more than 2 metres in unprotected areas, access shall be restricted and controlled through risk assessment (e.g. stockpile feeder chutes, highwalls, water hazards, wharves, etc.)

Intent

To protect people in unprotected areas where they can fall two or more metres, through the implementation of edge protection or a fall arrest system, in order to reduce the risk of a worker falling from one level to another.

Every site must evaluate each working surface to determine if a fall hazard exists, and then decide which fall protection system to use if workers are going to be exposed to the fall hazard. When determining if workers will be exposed to the fall hazard there are a variety of factors that must be considered. One factor is the distance of the worker from the unprotected edge. There are many factors that could affect that distance. Is the working surface sloped, uneven or slippery, or are there tripping hazards? Is there wind or other hazardous weather condition such as ice, snow or rain? Does the work involve activities that could cause a worker to lose their balance, such as pulling, pushing or carrying material? Could the worker stumble and fall over the edge? The distance from the edge must be such that workers will not be exposed to the fall hazard. If this cannot be achieved, then one or more fall protection systems must be provided.

Mine Edge Fall Protection

Mining environments pose a variety of fall hazards.

Surface Operations:

At surface mines, the grounds are often uneven and may feature depressions, broken rock, high wall edges, sloped banks, ponds, voids and cracks near working edges. Tip areas deep bins for receiving material, and generally have at least one edge unprotected to allow haul trucks to tip. In addition, these sites are exposed to the elements of rain, ice, sleet and snow.

Clearly people are only at risk when they approach the edge of a bench or high wall. In normal circumstances there is no need for anyone to be so close to the bench edge as to be liable to fall over it. The area within 2 metres of of the edge of any high wall should be designated as a Controlled access zone. Anyone working within 2 metres of the edge would be liable to fall over it should they trip or accidentally slip while carrying out their work and might be considered at high risk.

All surface tips shall have walls at least 1m high or other fixed barriers along all sides not required being open for tipping. The roadway leading to the open edge of the tip shall be designated as a Controlled access area.





A number of control measures can be taken to minimize the risk off falling from open edge: a) Workers should be instructed to always face towards the open edge of the

bench or high wall so that any inadvertent backward step is away from the edge.

b) A measure that can be taken to reduce the risk of a fall off the edge of the bench is to provide suitable portable rail fencing which can be erected at the edge of the berm.

c) Attach a safety line to the drilling rig or truck and provide a harness for personnel to wear.

d) Prohibit access to the area to all workers except those necessary for the mining operation. This prohibition should be indicated by the use of warning tape or temporary barriers.

Underground Operations

Different underground mining methods pose different hazards. In some, there are high walls. In others there are ore passes into which material is dropped from scrapers, hoppers of trucks. There may be underground tip areas.

High walls in underground mines shall use the same edge protection as that recommended for surface operations.

Underground tips for rail bound hoppers shall have fixed barriers along both sides, and they should have a mechanical device closing the top of the tip while it is not in use. All other underground tips e.g. for trackless vehicles shall have fixed barriers along all sides not required to be open for tipping.

Unauthorised or inadvertent access to ore passes shall be prevented by fixed barriers all around.

Mine Shafts:

Several work tasks in underground mines require that workers are close to open mine shafts.

Applicable Standards:

South Africa : SANS 10208-4 – Structures for the Mining Industry. Part 4: Shaft System Structures

Shift workers must travel down and up the mine shaft daily. All shaft areas that are accessible to shift workers shall be fitted with fixed barriers, designed by a competent person to withstand the required applied loads and prevent any worker falling into the shaft. In South Africa the load to be withstood is required to be a uniform line load of 2,0kN/m applied at 1,5m above the walkway level. Station areas where workers enter and leave personnel cages shall have substantial gates, interlocked with the hoist winder to prevent access to the shaft at all times except when a personnel cage is stopped in the correct position to allow workers to enter or exit. All personnel cages shall have a means (such as a “cow catcher”) of preventing





workers falling below the personnel cage if it is stopped above the station walkway level.

Engineering workers are required to perform some tasks in the shaft, either at shaft stations or elsewhere in the haft. This includes installing or removing conveyances in the shaft, installing or repairing shaft steelwork, cables or pipes, clearing spillage that may have lodged on structures in the shaft, cleaning water rings, etc. The requirements for performing this work safely include: a) A fall arrest system shall be worn.

b) The hoist winding engine driver shall be notified prior to commencement of work in the shaft, and shall be notified when the work has been completed.

c) Whilst any worker is working outside of the mine shaft inspection basket, an anchor point outside of the mine shaft inspection basket shall be used for attaching the fall arrest system lanyard.

A typical “cow-catcher” below a cage during inspection of the cage. Person inspecting guide rollers as shown here to use full fall arrest system

Belt Conveyors

Adequate and properly maintained walkways and working platforms shall be provided along the length of elevated conveyors. Where the conveyor idlers can be accessed from the ground on overland conveyors this is not necessary. The open side of walkways and platforms shall be provided with a suitable hand rail, middle rail and toeboards to prevent workers inadvertently slipping off. All elevated conveyors with belts wider than 750mm should have walkways along both sides to facilitate maintenance and replacement of idlers from both sides.

Holes and Openings

A floor opening is an opening in any floor, platform, pavement, or yard that measures at least 300mm in its smallest dimension and through which a worker can fall. Examples of floor openings are hatchways, stair or ladder openings, pits, large manholes, and lifting wells.





A floor hole is an opening in any floor, platform, pavement, or yard that measures at least 25mm but less than 300mm at its smallest dimension and through which materials, tools, or a worker’s foot can fall. Examples of floor holes are belt holes, pipe openings, and slot openings.

Floor opening requiring toeboard

A floor opening cover is a means of safely covering a floor opening or a floor hole. Floor opening covers may be of any material, but they shall have a non-slip surface. Floor opening covers shall be strong enough to carry a uniformly distributed load of 1,5kN/m2, or a central concentrated load of 5kN. If the floor has access for mobile equipment, then all floor opening covers shall be designed to be strong enough to carry the weight of the mobile equipment. No equipment, ladders, spares, stored materials or spillage are allowed on floor opening covers. Floor covers shall be made in such a way that they are not able to slide off the opening. They may be hinged, or have flanges that project downwards inside the floor opening. Covers that do not project more than 25mm above the floor level may be used, providing all edges are beveled (slanted) to prevent tripping. All hinges, handles, bolts, or other parts of a cover must be set flush with the floor or cover surface.

Floor Opening and Floor Hole Protection

Floor openings and floor holes shall be protected in the following way:

Openings: a) All stairway floor openings, permanent floor openings and temporary floor

openings shall be guarded.

b) All stairway floor openings should be guarded with guardrails. The guardrails shall protect all open sides except the stairway entrance side.





c) All permanent floor openings should be guarded by either guardrails on all four

sides or a floor opening cover. Portions of the guardrails may be removable to facilitate handling of material or other necessary work activities, but the guardrails shall be replaced immediately following completion of the work activity. The floor opening cover may be removed for necessary work activities, but it shall be replaced immediately following completion of the work activity. Where guardrails or a floor opening cover is temporarily removed, warning signs or warning tape shall be used to mark off the hazard area.

d) If work must be undertaken near openings from which a worker could fall 2metres or more, which are unprotected whilst the removable guardrails or floor opening cover is not in place, the area shall be clearly marked as a restricted access work area, and appropriate fall restraint systems shall be used.

e) All temporary floor openings should be guarded by either guardrails or by a worker who constantly attends the opening.

f) The floor opening cover shall be identified to indicate that there is an opening below.

Floor Holes: g) All exposed floor holes into which a worker can accidentally walk should be

guarded by a toeboard on all open sides or a floor hole cover of standard strength and construction that can be hinged in place, or located with flanges.

Guardrail installed around all sides of stairway opening except at the entrance





h) The floor hole cover shall be identified to indicate that there is a hole below.

Floor openings and floor holes shall be guarded and identified by a notice; Floor edges shall be guarded

Warning Barriers

A warning barrier is used to indicate to workers that they are approaching a hazardous work area, where there is a risk of falling. The warning barrier is used where it is not reasonably practicable to provide fixed barrier protection, or a handrail has been temporarily removed from an area.

A warning system is not a substitute for guardrails as it is usually of lesser strength and offers no protection to the worker who must go near the edge of a work area. Workers who are required to go beyond the warning barrier must use a travel restraint or fall arrest system. Lifelines must not be tied to the warning system or barricade.

KEY POINT SUMMARY

DO: Ensure the use of appropriate fall protection equipment when working close to

any unguarded edge.

Ensure that all fall protection equipment is in good condition.

Guardrails Warning barrier

Inertia reel





DON’T: Leave any floor opening or hole uncovered or unprotected.

TO BE DONE: Train all workers in understanding the risks associated with unguarded edges.

Ensure that all floor openings are properly guarded.

Ensure that appropriate fall protection equipment is available wherever guardrails must be temporarily removed for handling materials or equipment.

7. Safe access to plant and mobile machinery

Where operators need to gain access regularly to places at height on large plant and mobile machinery (e.g. to clean windscreens or filters), then access ways should be provided. Ideally, these access ways should have handrails. Where handrails cannot be installed, then fall restraint or fall arrest equipment should be considered, dependent on the outcome of a risk assessment of each situation.

Intent

To provide safe methods to operators or workers when they need to access and move around a work area on large plant and mobile machinery where there is a risk of falling. This should take into account the tools and equipment which operators will require to carry to, from and around the work area and areas where plant and machinery are being used.

Access to large plant

Common means of access and egress include: permanently installed platforms,

ramps,

stairways and fixed ladders,

temporary access ways and temporary stair systems.

Ladders

Ladders have been commonly used to provide convenient access to a higher or lower level and to perform light duty tasks at height. Each year, many serious injuries result from falls from ladders. Overreaching, trying to carry out heavy tasks or simply not setting the ladder up securely is among some of the common causes of falls.

Ladders are placed in the lowest level of control of fall risks. While ladders are not prohibited by the Regulations, if a site chooses a fixed or portable ladder to control the risk of a fall, then the site must ensure that the ladder is appropriate for the task to be undertaken, is appropriate for the duration of the task and it is set up in a correct manner.





Ladders should be used primarily as a means of access to or egress from a work area. The use of ladders for areas requiring frequent access or fast egress for many people should be avoided where practicable. Preference should be given to stairways.

Where possible, working from a ladder should be avoided. Ladders should ONLY be used as a work platform if: Other methods of working at the required height are not practicable.

A risk assessment is carried out to minimize the risks associated with the work to be done from the ladder.

Anyone using a ladder for access should maintain three points of contact at all times

Ladders should not be used by more than one person at a time.

Fixed Ladders

Fixed ladders are vertical or near-vertical ladders fixed to a structure. If a series of fixed ladders is used to gain access to a surface, landing platforms should be provided at no more than 6 metres apart. Vertical fixed ladders should be provided with a means to protect a worker from falling. This may consist of a ladder cage or a fall arrest system.

A ladder cage is a permanent structure attached to a ladder that provides a barrier between the worker and the surrounding space. It serves only as a support to a worker, if the worker needs to rest against the barrier. It does not provide complete fall protection on its own. However, it could be used in conjunction with a full body harness and lanyard. The worker would be able secure to the rung or side rail of the ladder at any time during the climbing of the ladder. This still does not provide complete fall protection.

A much better approach is to provide a complete fall arrest system in the ladder design. This could be a permanently installed metal rail or wire rope anchoring system with an automatic fall arresting device. The automatic fall arresting device would travel freely on the rail or cable, allowing the worker to use both hands while





climbing up or down. Should the worker slip or fall, the device would lock instantly and limit the worker's fall to a matter of centimetres.

Fixed ladders shall be placed clear of roadways, and clear of the path of any mobile equipment such as overhead cranes.

Finally, a risk assessment based on the height of the ladder and the frequency of use will determine the need of installing a fall arrest system for a fixed ladder. The issue of a work permit will depend on the severity of the hazard and the risk involved.

Workers using fixed ladders shall: Visually check the condition of the ladder prior to climbing and continuously

check its condition whilst climbing it.

Ensure that no more than one worker is on any section of the ladder at one time.

Ensure that materials are lifted and lowered in an approved manner.

Ensure that access to, and egress from the ladder, is unobstructed at all times.

Fall protection on fixed ladders

Portable Ladders

Extension or single ladders should be used only as a means of access or egress from a work area. They should not be used as working platforms, many falls resulting in death and serious injury take place when people attempt work from portable ladders.

Any portable ladder used at a workplace should be set-up on a surface that is solid and stable, and set-up to prevent the ladder slipping. Slipping of ladders can be prevented by:





placing single and extension ladders at slope of at least 4 to 1.

securing single and extension ladders at both the top and bottom.

Timber Portable Ladders should not be painted (this can hide cracks or defects in the timber).

Metal Portable Ladders should not be used when carrying out work on live electrical equipment. They should also not be painted as this can hide defects in the welds.

Attachment of ladder

Step and Trestle Ladders

Step ladders should be used only in their fully open position, and a worker should not carry out work from a step ladder if they are standing higher than the third rung from the top.

Trestle ladders should be used only for light duty work and the minimum of the working platform should not be less than 450 mm. Work should not be performed on a trestle that is over two metres above ground level unless edge protection is incorporated.





Trestle Ladders with Safety Rail

Alternatives to trestle ladders should be considered. There is a wide variety of working platforms available for use in all circumstances, including small scissor lifts, light duty aluminium mobile scaffolds and modular scaffolding.

Walkways and platforms

Walkways or permanent work platforms are fixed structures that allow access to a work area at any time. Workers on fixed platforms or walkways assume that the walking surface is safe, adequate to support their weight and properly guarded. It is thus critically important that this is true. The first requirement for walkways and permanent fixed platforms is that they are safe, and well maintained. Anglo American specification AA 114005 (currently in draft) gives further information in this regard.

Adequate clearance (say, at least 600 mm) shall be provided between equipment, structures, materials etc, to provide access for personnel. Walkways and access ways shall be clearly marked and major access ways shall be of sufficient width to allow for the expected traffic, including in the event of emergency evacuation.

Platforms shall be nominally horizontal. Walkways may have a slope up to and including 20degrees. See Anglo American specification AA Spec 114005 for further information on layout of walkways and platforms.

Platforms, walkways and stairways shall be provided with guardrails. Except where otherwise approved by the regulatory authority, the vertical clearance above platforms and walkways shall be not less than 2000mm.

All walkways and stairways shall be kept free of obstructions and any possible trip hazards. All fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders shall be kept free of oil, grease and other slipping hazards.

Walkways shall be constructed of materials suitable for the operating environment.





Qualified persons shall undertake a baseline audit of walkways, followed by regular inspections and maintenance programs. See Anglo American specification AA Spec 114005 for further information on regular inspections and maintenance requirements.

Worker working on fixed platforms and walkways shall: Not stand on any of the handrail structure.

Not overstretch over the hand rails, thus compromising their safe work position.

Ensure that any fitted gate or bar barrier is closed after entering the platform area.

Not erect ladders close to the edge of platforms so that they are higher than the height of the handrail.

Do not stand on the handrail

Stairways

Stairways shall be provided with landing at all points of access and with intermediate landings, as required. The length and width of landings shall be not less than the width of the stairway.

Guardrails shall be provided on the open side of all stairs. Guardrails must be provided on one side of all closed stairs. Stairways wider than 1metre shall have hand rails on each side.

On the open side of stairs, ramps and other similar means of access, proper guardrails must be provided. These serve as both a physical barrier and a means of support to a worker moving up and down the access way.

All stairs should be fitted with a handrail between 800mm and 1,000mm when measured from the nosing of any tread.





Step platform with safety rail

Access to mobile equipment

Operators and maintenance workers of mobile machinery and equipment are frequently required to work at height. The mobile equipment should provide means to the operator and passengers to do a safe boarding and to perform routine inspection/maintenance without the risk of falling.

Wherever an operator is expected to work (such as cleaning windows, checking fire extinguishers, isolating, fuelling, checking fluid levels, loading or unloading, etc) provision should be made for working at heights protection. In some cases the potential drop is less than the 2 metres standard but the risk of fall is still high. These exposures require risk assessment to determine the level of control.

If the task cannot be done on the ground or from a solid platform, it may be necessary to install a passive fall protection device such as a temporary work platform, or handrail. Hand rails on vehicles are becoming more common and popular and are often retrofitted to existing vehicles. Where there is a height or width restriction in the workplaces, hand rails are often designed to fold flat until needed.

It is becoming more common for customers to require some form of fall protection device to be used by the driver before they are allowed to load or unload material at the workplace. This has lead, in some circumstances, to the use of work positioning systems involving the use of harnesses by drivers. Some worksites have installed overhead frameworks that provide anchor points or cables to which the fall protection device is attached before accessing the tops of vehicles. These structures are very effective but rely on drivers to be suitably trained in fall protection and to use the harnesses available.

Manufacturers of equipment and machinery offer ladders as the usual access. These will normally comply with this requirement as long as three-point contact can be maintained, and the ladder is well maintained and free of damage, corrosion or distortion.





Portable step platforms in various shapes and sizes are becoming more common with designs that allow them to be transported more easily. These platforms are more stable than a ladder and where it’s practicable to store them on a truck they can also be used for accessing or checking a load on route. They can also be used in some instances when maintenance is required either on route or at a depot.

Some construction and mining vehicles have a cabin that is higher than 2 metres from ground level. Even for cabins below 2 metres it is common for drivers to injure themselves getting in and out of the cabin. Suitable steps and hand rails should be installed to reduce this risk. Steps should be non-slip and deep enough to provide a stable access platform. Hand rails should be low enough to allow for a comfortable grip and long enough to provide a continuous handgrip up the steps. Drivers should always be facing the cabin when exiting and never jump down.

For other functions, such as major maintenance, it is assumed that roll up work platforms or mobile lifts would be used to reach compliance with this requirement rather than trying to burden this equipment with excessive walkways. As with most working at heights controls it is better to use the hierarchy of controls to use higher order measures such as elimination, or bring the job to the ground, than resort to compliant working at heights platforms.

The AFRS – Surface Mobile Equipment AFRS is a useful source of leading practice concerning this issue. It can be accessed on the AFRS Quickplace on theSource.

Anglo American and other organizations are working with OEM’s to either improve their standard supplied access and working platforms, or, at least offer option packs that reach compliance with this requirement.





Various access and fall restraint solutions for working on vehicles

KEY POINT SUMMARY

DO: Check for any damage to ladders before use. Tag defective ladders “Out of

Use”.

Ensure that ladders are standing firmly on good ground, and cannot sink into the ground or slip backwards.

Use fall protection equipment when working on high vehicles.

DON’T: Carry out any work tasks while standing on the top two steps of step ladders.

Use any defective or damaged means of access.

Use a ladder if stairs or other means of safe access are available.

TO BE DONE: Ensure that all elevated walkways and platforms are safe, as specified in

AA Spec 114005.

Compile an inventory of all heavy mobile machinery and equipment requiring Operator access, and ensure that safe access is available.

Compile an inventory of all heavy mobile machinery and equipment requiring Maintenance worker access, and ensure that safe access is available.





Prepare a procedure for reporting and replacing any access means found to be defective or damaged.

7 SYSTEM AND PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS

8. Hierarchy of controls

The risk of fall shall be eliminated where reasonably practicable utilising the Hierarchy of Controls.

Intent

Before personnel can start an activity where a fall hazard is present, the principles of the Hierarchy of Control shall be applied to eliminate, mitigate or control the risk of being injured.

The hierarchy of control is a method of hazard management for the worksite. The concept is that higher-level methods are always preferred over lower-level methods. The hierarchy of control for fall hazards is as below:

Elimination: the work is performed by a different means that does not expose the worker to the fall hazard. For example, it may be possible to fabricate items on the ground rather than assembling them at height, eliminating the need to access the fall risk area. Another example is that certain equipment (such as air condition units) can be installed at ground level to facilitate installation and maintenance without having to work at heights.

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 or enclosing the fall risk area with edge protection, installing guardrails and covering floor penetrations).

Engineering control: if the hazard cannot be eliminated, substituted or isolated, an engineering control is the next preferred measure. First, the use of a passive fall prevention device should be undertaken. These consider: Scaffolds, Step Platforms, Elevating Work Platforms, Work Boxes, etc.

If this is not possible, consider the use of a fall injury prevention system designed to restrain or arrest a worker’s fall from one level to another and minimise the risk of injury or harm to a worker if they fall. The following hierarchy applies: a) Work Positioning Systems

b) Fall Restraint Systems

c) Fall Arrest Systems

d) Catch Platforms, Safety Nets and Safety Mesh.





Engineering control may also include modifications to plant or providing guarding to machinery and equipment.

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 workers exposed to falls. This could also include limiting the amount of time a worker is exposed to a particular hazard. These controls should be used in conjunction with physical controls and appropriate supervision.

The graphic summarises the hierarchy of controls to be adopted. STEP 1

Try to bring the job to the ground level so that there is not a risk of falling. If you can’t…

STEP 2

Put up a solid barrier or handrail so that there is not a risk of falling. If you can’t…

STEP 3

Use a platform to work such as a scaffold or an elevating work platform (EWP). If you can’t…





STEP 4

Use of a fall RESTRAINT system that will stop people reaching the edge. If you can’t…

STEP 5

Use of a fall ARREST (with energy absorber) that will arrest people if they fall. If you can’t…

STEP 6

…don’t do the job. Go see the supervisor and re-assess the job. 9. Work instructions

Standard work procedures shall be in place for the correct wearing and use of personal fall arrest and fall restraint equipment.

Intent

Standard work procedures aim to document the process for working safely at heights.

These procedures should be well understood by all personnel involved in supervising, planning or carrying out work at height.

The procedures should be intended to address plant and equipment requirements of the AFRS 7 - Working at Heights.

Written procedures must be developed for all elevating work and be known and available to all workers carrying out the work. Standard procedures may be suitable for most work; however, unusual conditions or features may require additional site specific procedures.

The person supervising the work must ensure that safe work procedures are followed at all times.





10. Permit to work system

There shall be a “permit to work” system in place to control all non-routine working at heights not covered by written procedures.

Intent

A work permit system shall be in place to cover all work at height.

The Permit to Work is typically required for non-routine work, which triggers the review and assessment of the scope of work, to identify what other specific system controls are required.

The Permit to Work system should be documented and define the types of work at height including all plant and equipment maintenance work and other non routine operating tasks carried out by workers (whether employees or contractors).

For routine activities a work permit is not required and shall only proceed with the use of a work instruction or procedure accompanied by the associated Job Safety Analysis / Task Hazard Analysis (JSA/THA).

Nevertheless, it is very important to consider the risk exposure of the personnel in each activity, so from the Working at Heights point of view we should consider the following: a) For situations where control measures are implemented that physically

prevent the worker from falling, a Permit to Work is not required. A JSA/THA and Work Instructions would be the minimum requirement. This is the case when we have approved guardrails, work platforms, scaffolds or scissor lifts to minimize the risk of exposure.

b) For situations where the fall protection equipment (100% tie-off) must be used to protect the worker from the effect of a fall, the Permit to Work or Working at Heights Clearance is required. This includes situations in which work is being carried out from an elevating work platform, man lift, sully box, work box or any boom type elevating work platform. In this situation it is critical to identify that the people are trained and competent to use /operate the PPE and equipment, if they are medically capable (checking for epilepsy and vertigo) and if a post-fall recovery plan has been established.

These considerations could be part of an overall site permit to work system that should be consistent with the Isolation AFRS. Refer to the Permit to Work Guideline in the Isolation AFRS for further details. This is available in the AFRS Quickplace on theSource.





11. Documented risk assessment

A documented risk assessment shall be conducted before the commencement of working at heights and at any time the scope of work changes or the risk of a fall increases. The risk assessments shall include:

− consideration for the potential of objects, as well as personnel, to fall

− selection of appropriate control measures using the Hierarchy of Controls

− the possibility for weather and other environmental conditions to influence the working conditions (e.g. wind, rain, snow, dust, gases, poor lighting, temperature, etc.)

− selection of appropriate equipment

− selection of anchor and tie-off points

− condition of supporting structures such as roofs

− selection of appropriate barricading and/or demarcation

− fall clearances i.e. length of lanyard + tear-out distance + height of user + safety margin.

Intent

Prior to commencing any work at height, a documented risk assessment shall be conducted where all hazards related to falls from heights should be identified. The selection of the appropriate procedure will depend on the type of work processes and hazards involved.

Risk management is the process of finding out what can cause an injury such as falls from heights and deciding what could happen as a result (injury to workers at or near a workplace), and doing something about it (control measures).

The steps of risk management for Working at Heights are: Identify the hazards to workplace health and safety arising from construction

activities;

Assess the risks;

Determine and implement control measures to eliminate or reduce the risks; and monitor and review the effectiveness of the control measures.

Identifying Hazards

Identifying hazards involves recognizing things that may cause injury or harm to the health of a worker, such as where a worker may fall from, through or into a place or thing.

A hazard identification process or procedure may range from a simple checklist for specific equipment, such as a ladder or fall arrest system inspection checklist, to a more open-ended appraisal of a group of related work processes. Generally, a combination of methods will provide the most effective results.





Hazard identification tools commonly used vary between different countries. In Australia the Job Safety Analysis (JSA) or Task Hazard Analysis (THA) are commonly used. In South Africa HAZOP studies are often used. The tool is less important than the outcome – a comprehensive assessment of hazards is desired. Any time the conditions of the work change, the hazard identification must be amended or updated.

Risk Assessment

Risk assessment allows appropriate control measures to be developed. Once hazards have been identified, they should be assessed in terms of their potential to do harm. To assess risk, consideration should be given to: The likelihood that harm will occur

The severity (consequences) of the harm should it occur.

For each task identified, workers need to determine whether there is a risk of a fall from height and consider the circumstances that may increase the risk of a fall. To comply with the FRCP requirements, an assessment must involve; looking at how work is done, how often, the conditions or physical surroundings where such work is undertaken and consulting relevant OHS representatives. Consideration should be given to: a) The duration, extent and type of work to be undertaken. (Example: is just a

visual check required or is installation/repair needed? How long will the job take?)

b) What height will workers be required to access or undertake work?

c) Training and experience of workers undertaking the work. (Example: are trainees or apprentices involved?)

d) How to get to the work area. (Consider terrain, travel distance, ease of access for equipment.)

e) The number and movement of people and plant on the work site. (Example: are workers or forklifts nearby that could interfere with fall prevention measures? Do their movements cross paths with one another increasing the likelihood of a fall?)

f) Conditions of work. (Example: Is it windy or slippery?). Hazards such as poor lighting, sloping surfaces or others, including the nature, size and layout of the workplace.

g) Others such as power lines, impaling hazards or trees above or below the work area.

Risk Control

Risk control is the process of eliminating or reducing the risk factors. Control measures should be chosen and implemented to eliminate or reduce the risks as far as possible. When deciding on the most appropriate measures to use, practicability and acceptance of the control measures should be considered.





The preferred way of controlling risk is by design, substitution, redesign, separation or administration (Hierarchy of Controls). These control measures generally eliminate, reduce or minimise risk more than personal protective equipment.

Risk control also involves defining an appropriate course of action given certain events. For example, should it start raining while a job is in progress, there are several possible courses of action. The workers could return to ground and seek cover immediately. They could complete the job, then return to ground and seek cover. They could put on rain gear, and continue with the job. Different circumstances may require different courses of action, so this should be specified.

Control Measures

The control measures to protect a worker from the risk of falling from a height should be in place before any work at the height starts. Several control measures are available to protect workers from the risk of falling from a height when carrying out work at that height. For example ensuring working platforms are in place before formwork is erected. In some circumstances, more than one control measure may be necessary.

A risk assessment of the site must include an analysis of the distance from the working surface that the worker could potentially fall. To this fall distance should be added a margin of safety to make up the total "fall clearance" distance that is required to be certain that the worker will not impact the ground or a solid object.

The three levels of control measures, in order of preference, are: Erecting a physical barrier - the aim should be to prevent a worker from falling

from a height. This is achieved by implementing control measures that provide a physical barrier. Preventing a worker from falling from a height is the preferred control option, as other measures will not always prevent the worker from being injured.

Providing personal fall protection - fall arrest systems may prevent a worker from falling to another working surface. However, the worker using the system may suffer an injury as a result of the load placed on the worker's body by the fall arrest harness when the fall is arrested.

Measures to catch a worker after they have fallen - worker may lose their balance and fall from a working platform and be caught by a catch net. However, because the fall was unexpected the worker may suffer an injury through landing awkwardly in the catch net.

Fall Clearance Calculation

Fall clearance = lifeline deflection + lanyard length + tear-out distance + user height + safety margin.

A fall from height is never a safe proposition. Apart from impact with the ground or major surfaces, there is also the risk of impact with protruding objects. Because of this, the distance to the ground (or a solid object) must not be overestimated. A risk assessment of the site must include an analysis of the distance from the working surface that the worker could potentially fall. To this fall distance should be added a





margin of safety to make up the total "fall clearance" distance that is required for certainty that the worker will not impact the ground or a solid object.

In calculating the fall distance the following factors need to be taken into account: Lifeline deflection, which is usually small, but may be up to 1,1 m for a

horizontal life-line of under 30m length prescribed as in AS/NZS 1891.2;

Static length of the lanyard, which does not usually exceed two metres, but should be shorter if this suits the worksite;

Extension of the personal energy absorber, which may be as much as 1.75m, as provided for in AS/NZS 1891.1.

The height of the worker.

A residual allowance of one metre for the safety margin gives the total fall clearance requirement.

In the simplest case a fall clearance of about 6,5metres is required. With a horizontal lifeline this will increase to about 7,5metres.

If there is rope in the fall arrest system, the extension of the rope must be taken into account, at around 10% of the length of the rope, and also an allowance for slippage of the rope grab of one metre. For a retracting lifeline, an allowance for travel of 1,4metres is needed.

Minimum required fall clearance below the level of the line anchorage.





12. Temporary structure construction by authorised persons

All platforms, scaffolds and any other temporary structures shall be constructed only under the direction of competent and authorised persons.

Intent

Using a competent and authorized person to construct all temporary platforms will ensure that the platforms have sufficient strength for their intended use, that they are stable, and that they have appropriate safe means of access.

The tests required for certification shall be provided only by certified workers or institutions and must follow the manufacturer’s instructions and the relevant national standards.

Refer to the section dealing with Scaffolds above, for further information.

Scaffolds and Proprietary Platform Systems

Various different scaffold systems are on the market. Each has its own joints, spans, bracing, stairway access, and construction procedures. Wherever possible, scaffolds or proprietary platform systems should be used in preference to ad-hoc or special platforms. These shall be constructed by a competent person who: a) has been trained in the specific type of scaffolding or platform system being

used, and is experienced in its use

b) has been assessed and found to be competent in construction of the specific type of scaffolding or platform system being used

c) shall approve the scaffold for use prior to it being used

Ad-hoc or Special Temporary Platforms

Where scaffolds or proprietary platform systems cannot be used, ad-hoc or special temporary platforms may be required. These platforms shall be designed by a registered professional engineer or technologist, who has experience in the design of steel or timber structures, as appropriate. The registered person shall inspect and approve the platform for use prior to its use for any purpose.

13. Equipment registration, inspection and tagging

All equipment shall be fit-for-purpose and undergo pre-use checks and a minimum of six–monthly (bi-annual) documented inspections by a competent authorised person. An equipment register and tagging system shall be in place to indicate compliance with this inspection. Testing shall be done in accordance with recognised standards.

Intent

Registration, inspection and tagging systems ensure that all equipment is in proper condition and ready to use. No failure should occur during a safe use of the gear.





The tests required for certification shall be provided only by certified workers or institutions and must follow relevant national legislation and standards, as well as the manufacturer’s instructions.

Registration

There shall be a system to ensure that all equipment that lifts or supports a worker working at height is recorded on a register that contains the following details: Identification number

Maintenance history

Inspection results

Modification made since purchase

Purchase and disposal dates

Corrective actions

Next inspection date

Inspection and tagging

Fall protection equipment requires careful maintenance and periodic inspections carried out at a specified interval. Typically, this shall be done every six months.

An inspection system should include a record of: Completed inspections

Faults found

Repairs required and completed

Specific equipment identification

Specific inspection checklists.

Means of identifying the currency of the equipment.

Required inspection time frames.

Workers authorized to conduct inspections.

Workers authorized to carry out repairs.

Date next inspection due.

The inspection checklist shall include items such as: Physical damage

Wear

Corrosion / erosion

Distortion and deformation

Metal fatigue

Deterioration





Identification markings

Storage

Labelling and Tagging

The relevant manufacturer’s recommendations and instructions shall also be adhered to.

Refer to Appendix 1 for more detailed information related to the inspection of Working at Heights Equipment.

14. Dual lanyard

Where the work method requires persons to detach and re-attach at height, a dual lanyard system shall be utilised to ensure that at least one connection point is maintained at all times.

Intent

To ensure that a worker is permanently attached when the activity requires detaching and re-attaching at height.

A Dual Lanyard is used to move from one anchor point to the next, with at least one hook always being connected. This means that protection against falls is always in place.

This is an alternative that could be used for some circumstances, like a ladder or tower climb and means that the worker climbing can always be connected to the ladder or structure and, if there is a fall, it should be a short distance. A dual lanyard with a personal energy absorber specifically comprises two lanyards, each terminated at one end with a connector for attachment either to an anchor point or directly to a structure. The other end is attached to a single personal energy absorber in such a way that either lanyard can transmit a load to the energy absorber. The personal energy absorber is fitted with a connector for attachment to the user's harness. This type of lanyard is sometimes referred to as a "Y-shaped" energy absorbing lanyard.

Harness and lanyard displaying coloured inspection tags. This indicates that the harness and lanyard have been inspected by a competent worker and therefore are safe for use.





However, their incorrect use can result in the protection afforded by the energy absorbance being by-passed and the full force of a fall transmitted to the body. This may also cause equipment failure, with potentially fatal consequences.

It is vital that everyone using fall arrest systems based on dual tailed lanyards understands and follows the manufacturer's instructions. Remember that when one of the lanyard legs is connected to the anchor point, the second leg should not be attached to the user's harness, or to their belt or clothing, as this could limit the extension of the energy absorber in the event of a fall. If this happens, excessive arrest forces will be applied to both the user and to the system, which could lead to equipment failure with potentially fatal consequences.

Due to the dual lanyards being easy to misuse, their use should be limited only to activities where a worker requires detaching and re-attaching at height. Adequate training must be provided on their use.

Refer to fall arrest systems above for recommendations for the safe use of dual lanyards.

15. Working alone

Where the use of personal fall arrest equipment is required, a person shall not work alone.

Intent

To prevent fatalities when a worker is working at heights and can fall, another worker shall raise the alarm immediately and begin the rescue procedures.

A worker wearing fall arrest systems shall not work alone. The injuries received in a fall or immobility after a fall may prevent the worker from seeking help.

It is vital that before the commencement of working at heights that all workers working in the area understand the emergency rescue procedures in the event of a fall. A risk assessment associated with the rescue method should also be conducted; a lone worker cannot initiate a plan for rescue if the worker is hurt or unable to reach a means of communication

If the risks are considered high and the implementation of the control measures critical then a “Permit to Work” system should be implemented.

16. Helmets and chinstraps

Persons working at height shall ensure that their safety helmets are secured by using a helmet chinstrap to retain the helmet on the head.

Intent

To prevent serious head injuries to a worker when there is a risk of being injured by falling objects, restricted headroom, or there is a risk of falling when working at height.





An unprotected head during a fall arrest event is at considerable risk of damage during the fall itself and during the subsequent rescue. This is particularly so if a swing back fall has occurred.

Any worker who sustains a fall is likely to sustain a head injury should their helmet either not be suited for the impact (often to the side of the head in a fall arrest event), or fail to remain on their head. Conventional site helmets are designed for an impact from above and are very likely to fall off the wearer’s head during a fall event. An unconscious casualty can die from an obstructed airway in around three minutes, well before any rescue attempt would be likely to be achieved.

A head injury will typically occur when someone falls and strikes the floor, ground or some other object. Head protection must remain in place on the head to provide protection when the head strikes something during or at the end of a fall. This is the reason why helmets have a chinstrap.

Headgear may be accidentally knocked off a worker's head in any situation. Generally speaking, a means of retention should be used when the circumstances of the work create a likelihood of the loss of the headgear. Some examples are work on a ladder or scaffold or during work in an area with high wind (either natural wind or wind created by equipment such as a helicopter); however because of the increased protection against falling objects it is preferable to keep the helmet on whenever workers could be in a drop zone.

The use of chinstraps has three main objectives: To keep safety headgear in place on the wearer's head during a fall,

To keep safety headgear from becoming a falling object and a danger to workers working below,

To ensure the worker remains protected by safety headgear while doing work tasks.

All workers involved in activities related to climbing or working at heights shall wear protective helmets with chinstraps. The chinstrap should be designed to prevent the hard hat from being bumped off the workers' head, but must not be so strong that it presents a strangulation hazard.

Safety helmets should be as comfortable as possible with chin straps (when fitted) which: are fitted with smooth, quick-release buckles, which don’t dig into the skin;

are made from non-irritant materials;

can be stowed on the helmet when not in use.





Helmet with chinstrap with Polycarbonate shell resistant to impact.

17. Tool and object securing systems

A system should be in place to prevent tools, materials and other objects from falling from height.

Intent

All sites should have systems in place to prevent objects falling from heights resulting in serious if not fatal consequences.

Whenever any material or object has the potential to fall and injure a worker, a safe system of working should be adopted. Any hand-held equipment such as drills or saws could be dropped and knocked over the edge of a platform or walkway. Materials such as nails, pieces of wood and debris can also represent a significant hazard.

Key steps to prevent objects falling: a) Platforms should be constructed so that materials or objects can't fall and

cause injury to anyone or anything below. Close-boarded platforms are usually sufficient.

b) For work over public areas, a double-boarded platform with a polythene sheet in between the boards prevents small items such as nails and bolts from falling.

c) Ways of preventing materials and other objects from rolling, or being kicked off the edges of platforms must be provided, such as toeboards, solid barriers and brick guards.

d) If a scaffold is erected in a public place, nets, fans and covered walkways may be needed to provide extra protection to pedestrians.

e) Keeping working platforms clear of loose materials can minimize the risk of falling materials causing injury.

f) When using a cradle, harness or mobile elevating work platform, mesh or netting can be used underneath the equipment to prevent anything falling and causing injury or damage.





g) Covered chutes are an effective and quick method of removing debris from work areas, and much safer than throwing items over the side of a platform into a skip below.

h) Hand tools being used at height must have a secondary securing mechanism such as a lanyard, which must be attached either to the workman or to a fixed point adjacent to the work site.

Tool Lanyard

People working at heights should make a list of all items taken aloft e.g. hand tools, power tools, components and spares. Finally before completing work, the workers should check their original list again to ensure that the only items left at height are the ones that are supposed to be there. People should inspect their own worksite and the adjacent area, to make sure everything is secure, and look out for any loose items which may become a dropped object.

People should inspect all elevated equipment and workspaces periodically to ensure that no other items have worked or vibrated loose. All loose and redundant tools and equipment should be removed on completion of work tasks.

Tools must be carried aloft and returned to ground level using a proper tool belt or other effective means of preventing them from falling.

Effective housekeeping is of utmost importance in all working at heights situations.

Tool pouch Tool belt Jacket equipped with pockets for carrying equipment





Remember that bad weather can cause difficulties for outdoor work, with wind blowing equipment off platforms. If the weather is particularly severe, you may have to postpone work to prevent putting people at risk.

When the controls used to safeguard workers do not prevent objects from falling then means must be used to protect workers under or near the area. These may include the provision of a screen or an overhead protective structure that catches falling objects, cordoning off the area below the worksite or the establishment of a no-go zone with the necessary barriers and training of personnel in its observation. This last method represents administrative means of controlling an identified risk and, in accordance with the principles of risk management, should only be used if it is not reasonably practicable to use others.

18. Barricading

Barricading and warning signage should be placed on all lower levels where personnel or objects may fall.

Intent

To protect personnel by preventing or controlling access to dangerous or high-risk areas through the use of barricades, demarcation and signage and should be applied to all areas where there is a risk of injury from falling or falling objects.

Barricading is a multi-level process. The actual work site must be barricaded to prevent personnel access within 2 metres of any exposed edge. Additionally, all access ways to the work area must be barricaded using solid barricades to prevent access. Also, the drop zone below the work area must be barricaded on any level within reach of anything falling from the work area.

Scaffolding structure used to form a barricade to protect pedestrians from falling objects

Barricade:

Includes all forms of permanent and temporary structures, devices and equipment designed to prevent access to restricted areas or protect personnel from hazardous processes, falling objects, equipment, traffic hazards and high risk areas.





Signage:

Includes barricade tags and warning signs attached to barricades e.g. “Danger no access - workers working above.”

Warning Sign

The following requirements apply: a) Barricades shall be erected and maintained where there is risk of a worker

falling, being struck by falling objects, or where there is risk of injury from equipment, processes or area hazards.

b) All barricades shall have barricade tags attached in sufficient numbers to ensure visibility under all circumstances.

c) Barricading shall be erected to completely isolate the effected area either by integration with existing structures or stand-alone installation.

d) Barricading and warning signs shall be placed on all lower levels where personnel or objects may fall. Barricades shall be removed when works have been completed or when there is no further need to prevent or control access.

e) Where an assessment indicates the need to warn people of the presence of a barricade during darkness, amber-flashing lights shall be used.

f) Barrier or “warning” tape shall not be used as a barricade. It may be used to highlight the existence of a barricade.

g) A fixed barrier must be capable of stopping a worker from proceeding past the edge of a work level or into a floor opening. Barriers may be permanent or temporary, depending on the circumstances at the workplace.

Permanent barricades should be: constructed to a minimum height of 900mm

capable of withstanding a worker inadvertently walking into the barricade

Inspected for damage and integrity prior to use and at a frequency determined by risk assessment





Free Standing Barricade A Fence Barricade

Scaffolding barriers with warning signage

Temporary barricades

A temporary barricade shall be used to prevent entry of personnel and equipment as an immediate and short-term control. Temporary barricades may be constructed of: expanding scissor type barricades, chain, flag type bunting or scaffold tubing.

Meshed barrier panels

Meshed barrier panels shall be used where a high level of protection is required to prevent access to a high-risk area i.e. construction sites.





Mashed barriers being installed with overhead panel protection

Locked Barriers

In specific high-risk areas (e.g. construction sites, mine shaft headgears, and where authorized intermittent access is required) locked barriers shall be used. Keys to open locked barriers shall be kept in the control room/site office and shall be issued by a nominated representative with responsibility for recording details of the key issue.

Purpose built barricade for closure of stairways

19. Elevating work platforms training and certification

Personnel operating elevated work platforms and cages shall be trained and certificated for the specific equipment they are using.

Intent

To ensure that Operators are qualified for the equipment they are using and avoid any injury or fatality originated from an inadequate use of the Elevating Work Platform.





All Operators of any Elevating Work Platform or Scissor Lift must be specifically trained and instructed in safe operating procedures and authorised to operate Elevating Work Platforms and Cages. The Operators must hold a current certificate of competency for the particular brand and type of equipment. In the event that a basket is fitted to an Integrated Tool carrier for use as a work platform, the training and assessment for the operator of the Integrated Tool carrier shall include the correct fitting and operation of the basket. The training provided should include safe use of fall arrest equipment and emergency rescue procedures. Where the boom length exceeds 11 m or the work elevation exceeds 4m the operator shall have been tested and found competent and have a certificate of competency.

Power operated work platforms such a Cherry Pickers, Scissor Lifts, Hoists, etc. are specialised pieces of equipment often designed for particular types of operation. It is essential that the correct type of machine is selected for the intended work.

Certificate of Competency issued by the EWP Association of Australia

The required training for any Elevated Work Platform Operator should cover a least:

Authorization

Operator instructed that they must not operate the EWP without authorization.

Operating Speed

Operator instructed that the EWP must be operated at the speeds they were originally designed for and that under no circumstances should the gearing be modified to increase operating speeds.

Correct Maintenance Procedure

Operator shown hydraulic pressure, pneumatic systems and electrical systems and instructed that a competent person should only adjust these systems.

Operator instructed that a qualified person can only adjust safety devices such as pressure relief valves.

Operator instructed that if any fault with the controls of the EWP is detected, operations must cease, the fault is to be reported and the EWP is to be tagged out of use until the detected fault is addressed.





Machine Stability

Operator instructed that they must always exercise caution when operating near open drains or uneven ground, as a sudden change in EWP centre of gravity could result in the machine overturning causing serious injury.

Operator instructed that they must not overload the work platform area as this will alter the machine’s centre of gravity and may result in the machine overturning causing injury.

Operator instructed to exercise caution when operating the EWP in windy conditions, especially if screens, shelters or signs have been attached to the machine. Increased wind loading can alter the machine’s centre of gravity and may cause it to overturn causing injury.

Operator instructed that if the EWP is used on changes as height above ground increases, with an increased risk of the machine overturning causing serious injury.

Operator instructed not to exceed the safe working limit (SWL) or maximum rated capacity of the EWP.

Operator instructed that the EWP should be operated with the correct ballast (i.e. ¾ fill tyres with water).

Operator instructed not to operate the EWP if counter weights have been removed from their mounting bracket.

Overhead Power Lines

Operators instructed to exercise extreme caution when operating in the vicinity of overhead power lines and keep a minimum distance of 6 metres away. Operator will not work closer than 6 metres from a power line unless they have checked with person in charge of the workplace that it is safe to do so.

Operator Restraint

Operator of boom type EWP instructed to always wear an approved safety harness, unless the EWP is fitted with a secondary cage gate restraint such as a safety chain.

20. Emergency response plans

Emergency response plan/s should be available for the rapid retrieval of personnel in the event of a fall from height as response time is critical if a person is to avoid suspension trauma.

Intent

Every site should have in place within their Emergency Response Plans a rescue plan to be initiated immediately upon a worker falling. An operator suspended in a fall arrest harness must be rescued as soon as possible.





An Emergency Rescue Plan shall be developed PRIOR to any work being conducted at height when using a fall arrest system. Emergency services personnel shall plan, establish and rehearse emergency height rescue procedures.

People can suffer severe effects due to loss of circulation while hanging in a harness. This is believed to cause death, possibly in as little as 10 - 15 minutes' suspension, even in a well-designed harness. This effect is called suspension trauma.

With the use of a fall arrest system, suspension trauma may occur when a worker 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 worker’s susceptibility. The condition may be worsened by heat and dehydration.

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;

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.

The quick rescue of a worker suspended in a full body harness, as soon as is possible, is vital. For this reason, all workers involved in working at heights activities 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 recognize the risks of suspension trauma and act quickly in the rescue of a worker. When personal fall arrest systems are used, the employer must ensure that the workers can be promptly rescued, or can rescue themselves should a fall occur.

The Rescue Evacuation Plan shall include emergency procedures, methods of rescue, equipment used, and training requirements and the procedure should take in consideration the need for: a) A plan and timeframe to carry out any rescue.

b) Detailed location of the work site with any information that will help find the location, building number, floor number; etc.

c. The immediate rescue of a worker after an arrested fall, without the need to rely on emergency services or fire brigade.

c) The necessary equipment required for carrying out a rescue. This should include an emergency rapid response kit with man-made fibre rope.

d) The installation of individual fall arrest systems and individual rope access systems in locations where it is possible to assist or rescue a worker quickly if required;





e) Ensuring that all workers who will be working with the fall injury prevention system receive information, instruction and training in emergency rescue processes and are familiar with fall arrest systems and devices, prior to work commencing.

f) The availability of and access to first aid facilities or services, including trained first aiders. The rescue team should include a worker or people trained in the provision of first aid so that it can be administered to the fall victim in the event of an injury occurring during a fall.

g) The details of additional support facilities, including the location, contact information and availability (hours open) of emergency services, such as fire brigade, ambulance and hospitals.

h) An effective and readily available means of communication.

i) Indicated location of the lift or other equipment that will be used in case of emergency and the location of the key.

j) If self-rescue is used, indicate the type of self-rescue equipment that is available at the job site or will be utilized during rescue operations.

8 PEOPLE REQUIREMENTS

21. Fit to work at heights

Sites shall provide for systems to ensure selected personnel are fit to work at heights. Specific attention shall be given to potential risk factors (e.g. personnel who suffer medical conditions, such as vertigo and epilepsy, and to personnel who are overweight). Note: many harness systems have a maximum weight limit of 136kg/300lbs.

Intent

To ensure that sites would avoid any serious injury / fatality due to working at heights accidents caused by personnel who are not fit for the task. A selection process for personnel is required in determining if people are fit to work at heights.

Generally, these are the categories we should focus on when we assess Working at Heights Medical Fitness: Fitness for the job (e.g. the weight is critical for these activities)

Physical ability to do the job,

History of dizziness, fainting spells, heart problems or other impairments that could make climbing dangerous

Taking medications that could alter the first three items on this list.

A possible site approach for a fitness to work from heights assessment could consider the following, preferably for permanent workers and contractors: a) Use the site annual assessment to evaluate the people fitness to work at

heights. The purpose of such an assessment is to ensure the worker does not have any medical condition which could result in injury to themselves or others while working at heights i.e. risk of falling, etc.





b) An important action that both the worker/patient and the physician need to take is to have a clear and open channel of communication. The worker/patient needs to make sure that the treating physician is aware of, and understands the type of work, and specific aspects of the work that the individual performs, such as working on ladders, roofs, scaffolding and heights in general. The worker/patient should ask the physician specific questions regarding precautions to take in relation to his/her medical condition and medications that he or she is taking. The physician in identifying the worker's occupation should outline the risks and benefits of continued employment in potentially hazardous occupations and how medications may place a worker at an increased risk of injury.

c) The assessment could consist of a medical form to show that the worker is historically free of the conditions listed below:

i. Heart disease / chest pain ii. High blood pressure iii. Epilepsy, fits, blackouts iv. Fear of heights / Vertigo v. Giddiness / difficulty with balance vi. Impaired limb function vii. Alcohol or drug dependence viii. Psychiatric illness / counselling ix. Diabetes x. Pulse, Weight, Blood Pressure, Eye sight, Urinalysis

d) Beyond the fit to work assessments, the most important item to remember is the visual observation of the supervisors for the working at heights team for the day, knowing their team, their ability and their condition for the day. All supervisors should be open to their team who works at heights to let them inform him/her if they do not feel comfortable. According to this information the supervisor should make a decision to keep the worker on the team or replace them with a worker who is comfortable. It is preferable to use the worker at a lower part as the impact of the day might only be for the day and not for the rest of his life.

22. Competency based training

A competency-based training programme, which includes provisions for maintaining competence, shall be in place for employees and supervisors. All persons engaged in work covered by this Standard shall receive appropriate training and be assessed for competence.

Intent

All sites shall have a Competency based training program to develop the skills, knowledge and safe behaviours required for those involved with working at heights activities in order to minimize fall hazards.

Training and competency of designers





All consultants, architects, engineers, and in-house designers involved in planning and designing buildings, facilities, and structures should be trained and experienced in incorporation of fall protection and prevention control measures into their design work. This training should include protection of contractors during the construction phase, as well protection of personnel performing their work during the operational phase.

The training should emphasize that fall hazards should be eliminated, and if they cannot, there should be a mechanism in place for preventing falls or protecting workers from such hazards.

Training of site workers

All personnel who are exposed to working at heights activities shall be competent to recognize the hazards of falling in the workplace and how to minimize such hazards. The Training Programs for personal equipment for working at heights should be delivered in four components:

Awareness:

All personnel should receive a Working at Heights awareness training. This training should cover the safe access and egress to an area, including the safe use of ladders, scaffold or other such installed work platforms that do not require the use of any personal equipment to eliminate the chance of a fall.

Working at Heights – Theory Training:

All personnel who may have a need to use any fall protection system should complete this training. All supervisors who supervise personnel using any fall protection system should also complete this type of training.

Working at Heights – Practical training:

All personnel who may have a need to use any fall protection equipment should successfully complete a practical assessment to demonstrate competence in the safe use of equipment.

Where a fall protection system is used, the theory training practical training given should include at least: a) What each individual piece of equipment is intended for and how it works.

b) The correct selection, fitting, use, care, inspection, maintenance and storage of individual fall arrest and restraint equipment, in accordance to manufacturer’s instructions and relevant design standards, their strengths and weaknesses and the siting of temporary fall arrest systems.

c) The method to be used in carrying out a specified work task, including the access and attachment method.

d) The correct selection, use, care and storage of tools and equipment to be used (for example, using a tool belt instead of carrying tools)

e) Emergency rescue and self-rescue procedures.





f) Maintenance of training undertaken. Retraining shall be provided as necessary for workers to maintain an understanding of these subjects.

Assessment

Competence should be assessed and confirmed by a worker qualified and authorized for the purpose. When assessing competence, consideration should be given to an individual’s psychological and physical capacity to perform work at heights. All personnel must be reassessed at a maximum of 2 yearly intervals.

Assessments can be conducted as a mixture of some or all of written evaluation, oral evaluation and demonstrative evaluation of competency.

Certification or accreditation

There may be occasions when a worker is required to obtain formal accreditation or certification (for example, certificates of competency are required by legislation in some countries for scaffolders, riggers, operators etc.).

Where a particular type of accreditation or certification is required before a job or task can be carried out, supervisors must ensure that such accreditation is valid and current.

A written certification of training is required and shall be maintained at the job site for the duration of the work. The certificate shall identify the worker trained, date of training, and the signature of the trainer. Additionally, a determination shall be made as to whether this has resulted in personnel acquiring the required skills and knowledge.

The possession of a certificate of competency does not provide any exemption from the requirement for fall protection to be provided for a worker working at heights.

Scaffolders and riggers must be in possession of a certificate of competency of the appropriate class for the type of scaffold or work they undertake.

No workers shall use any fall protection system unless they have completed appropriate training and been assessed as competent to do so.

23. Behaviour based observations

Behaviour-based observations shall include activities and tasks associated with working at heights. Any need for additional specific retraining shall incorporate the results of these observations.

Intent

To minimize risk by reducing the "at risk" behaviours that causes incidents by targeting critical behaviours.

Critical behaviours are those behaviours essential for performing jobs safely and can be identified through analysis of incident reports, audits, job safety analyses, standard operating procedures and by discussion with workers on what is safe and at-risk behaviour.





Once site-specific critical behaviours associated with working at heights are identified they should be included in the standard operating procedures and training programs.

Critical behaviours involving working at heights may include: a) Conducting risk assessments (e.g. Job Safety Analysis) before commencing

work.

b) Following the requirements of task specific standard operating procedures.

c) Obtaining approval to conduct non-routine work via a Working at Heights Permit.

d) A correct erection and use of scaffolding (or other types of safe working platforms).

e) A safe means of entering and leaving a restricted area where you are required to work at height.

f) A safe use of guardrails, covers, fender boards or other forms of safeguarding open edges or holes.

g) A correct erection, use and securing of ladders

h) A correct selection and use of fall prevention equipment (such as a safety harness)

i) Not standing on, or walk across, a roof made of fragile material.

j) Not climbing on the outside of a mobile scaffold, as this can cause it to overturn

k) Workers should receive training and development in the recognition assessment, control and elimination of at risk behaviours and situations; including the HSEC consequences of departure from specific operating procedures (behaviour based observation training)

The object is to get the operators and other involved people (including supervisors), to identify for themselves what it is they are doing, or seeing in their work environment what is well done and what is not done so well. Their learning is more effective in this way. They usually can identify more than the observer could identify since they are more familiar with the workplace and its procedures.

An on-the-job observation process that reinforces desired behaviours and corrects at risk behaviours shall be in place. Data from the behavioural observation process shall be analyzed and used to plan initiatives and appropriate corrective actions.

The on-the-job observation process shall be used to observe workplace behaviours to ensure training undertaken has been effective.





APPENDIX A: REFERENCE DOCUMENTS

AA AFRS 000007 : Working at Heights

AA BPG S03 : SIMM Guidelines for Plant Structures.

AA Specification 114005 : Design, Fabrication, Installation and Maintenance of Steel Floors and Walkways, Stairways and Hand railing.

APPENDIX B: RECORD OF AMENDMENTS

Issue 0 : New Document December 2008 (Geoff Krige)





APPENDIX C: WORKING AT HEIGHTS EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION

All equipment used for working at heights shall be inspected. The specific requirements, inspection intervals and discard criteria vary, and should be obtained from applicable legislation or from the Manufacturers. a. Lanyards and Personal Energy Absorbers

User Inspections:

• Inspect the lanyard before each use. Check the rope or webbing, the connectors, and the manufacturer’s label for additional user information.

• Inspect lanyards put under a slight tension on a regular basis.

• Check all components for abrasion, discoloration, cracks, and torn stitching.

• If there is any sign of deterioration, burns, or broken or damaged strands, or if there is any reason to suspect the lanyard, do not use it.

• Check that the Personal shock absorber cover is intact.

Competent Person Inspections:

• A competent person, other than the user, shall inspect lanyards and personal energy absorbers at least twice a year.

Care, Marking and Inventory:

• Wash lanyards and energy absorbers on a regular basis to remove dirt and grit, which can abrade the fibres.

• Store away from sunlight in a cool place.

• Metallic items should be stored in a dry place.

• All equipment should be kept as clean as possible.

• Lanyards and energy absorbers shall have a permanently attached label indicating the manufacture’s name, serial number/lot number, manufacturer date, maximum elongation, maximum arresting force, maximum free fall, and capacity.

• Use and review equipment logbook provided with the equipment to determine the age of the lanyard and energy absorber.

Discard the Lanyard or Personal Energy Absorber:

• After a hard fall.

• When the shock absorber has been even slightly impacted.

• If the lanyard has been used for any purpose other than fall protection.

• If the lanyard shows excessive wear, chemical damage, burn damage, broken or damaged strands and/or ultraviolet deterioration.

• Web lanyards should be discarded if the webbing has cuts or holes, is worn or frayed, or if the load-bearing stitches are damaged.

• After 5 years of use (assuming the new unused lanyard is stored in a climate-controlled





location i.e. in a plastic bag not exposed to fumes and in a cool location out of direct sunlight).

b. Harnesses and Other Webbing Equipment User Inspections:

• Inspect on a daily basis or before each use for frayed threads, cuts, tears, or loose connections.

• Check the buckles, the webbing, the D-rings, and the manufacturer’s label for additional user information.

• Look for wear, frayed, cracked, cut, burned, or damaged webbing, and loose or broken stitching.

• Check for distortion or corrosion of hardware.

• Check correct function of buckles.

• Look for bent, cracked, nicked, or gouged rings.

• Inspect the stitched areas thoroughly.

• Look for burn holes from welding or other heat sources.

• Ensure harnesses are not painted.

• If the harness is damaged or worn, do not wear it.


• A competent person other than the user shall inspect the harness periodically, but at least once a year.


• Store harnesses in a cool, dry, and safe environment; ideally in a locked storage area.

• Wash the harness in a mild soap and rinse multiple times to remove any soap residue and hang to dry out of direct sunlight in a cool, dry environment.

• Maintain a logbook indicating the date of entry into service, the nature of the work performed, washing the harness, or other relevant details.

• The body support harness shall have a permanently attached label indicating manufacturer’s name, serial number/ lot number, manufacture date and capacity.

Discard the body harness:

• After a hard fall

• If the body harness has been used for any purpose other than fall protection

• If the equipment shows excessive wear, chemical damage, burn damage, and/or ultraviolet deterioration

• If the webbing has cuts or holes, is worn or frayed, or if the load-bearing stitches are damaged

• After 5 years of use (assuming the new unused harness is stored in a climate-controlled environment i.e., in a plastic bag not exposed to fumes, and in a cool location out of direct sunlight).





c. Ropes User Inspections:

• Inspect rope periodically, at intervals not exceeding 6 months, for broken fibres, severely worn areas, or change in the consistency of the core.

• Inspect rope under slight tension and check for soft areas, bulges, or excessive stiffness.

• Check for cuts and abrasion damage.

• The rope should have a uniform feel along its length.


• Avoid exposing rope to hazardous chemicals, moisture, acids, or oils.

• Wash the rope on regular basis to remove dirt or grit with lukewarm water and mild detergent, rinse several times to remove soap residue.

• Hang in a dry, cool, dark area.

• Store rope in a strong weatherproof bag. Rope should always be dry before placing in storage.

• Rope shall have a permanently attached label indicating manufacture’s name, serial number/ lot number, manufacture date and capacity.

Discard the Rope:

• After it has been impacted or damaged

• If it is damaged or exposed to chemicals

• If it shows excessive wear, chemical damage, burn damage, and/or ultraviolet deterioration

• After 5 years of use.

d. Connectors User Inspections:

• Connectors should be checked on a regular basis and before each use.

• If sprung latches are not closing properly, they should be cleaned and lubricated carefully, and discarded if the problem cannot be resolved. Triple-lock connectors are particularly prone to closure failure.

• Check for damage, deformities, or excessive wear.

• Damaged connectors shall be tagged and removed from service and the inventory list.

Care, Marking, Use and Inventory:

• Dirty connectors shall be cleaned with kerosene, WD-40, or similar solvent and immersed in boiling water for 30 seconds to remove cleaning agent

• Dry with a soft cloth to ensure that the gate and gatekeeper operate properly.

• Connectors shall not be loaded along the gate side.

• Ensure that only double-locking-type gates are used.





Discard the connector:

• After it has been damaged.

• Discard connectors and all integral components if any discoloration, deformation, cracks, or abrasions are detected.

• If it has sustained any fall.

• If the spring brake and latch are bent, or not closing properly even after cleaning.

• If the gatekeeper no longer engages the slot cleanly .

• If it shows excessive wear, chemical damage, burn damage, and/or ultraviolet deterioration.

• After 5 years of use.

e. Inertia reel User Inspections:

• They should be inspected before each use according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Competent Person or Manufacturer Inspections:

• They shall be inspected by a competent person once every six months

• Inertia reels shall be returned to the manufacturer for servicing and re-certification once a year.

Discard the inertia reel and return to the Manufacturer for repair and re-certification:

• After it has been damaged

• If housing becomes yellow

• If the housing gathers condensation

• If the indicator has been engaged

• If deformation or cracks are detected

• If it has sustained any fall

f. Ladders and Ladder Climbing Systems User Inspections:

• Inspect on a regular basis and as per equipment manufacturer’s requirements or regular intervals determined by local operating conditions.

• Inspect thoroughly as soon as practicable, and prior to further use, following an occurrence that may have affected the stability or adequacy of the ladder e.g. fire, collision, overloading.

• Prior to use following repairs or modifications.

• The sleeve should run freely without hand operations or guidance.

• Check cable and rails for abrasions, wear, looseness, and cracks.

• Before climbing, check integrity of cable, systems, and ground level.

• Ladders shall not be used as planks to span across openings or scaffolding.





g. Anchor points User Inspections:

• Anchor points shall be inspected by the user before each use.

• Pay special attention to any cracks developing around the anchor points.

• Inspect all components of the anchor point systems.

• Check if the anchor points are unstable or loose.

• Observe any abrasions, wear points, damaged threads, or swags in the sling material before use. For synthetic slings and anchor straps inspect all sewing and loops for wear, chemical damage, burn damage, and/or ultraviolet deterioration.

• Inspect cable slings for excessive damage to the steel fibres or kinking.

• Do not tie-off to suspect or unsafe anchor points.

• Bring suspect or unsafe anchor points it to the attention of the competent person.

Competent Person Inspections and Proof Loading:

• Anchor points shall be inspected by a competent person annually

• They should be checked annually by proof testing, in accordance with the Manufacturer’s instructions.

• For permanent anchors in either the underground or an aggressive surface environment proof load testing should be done at intervals not exceeding 3 months.

Certification and Re-Certification:

• A registered professional engineer or a qualified person should certify the structural integrity of all anchor points prior to use.

• Depending on the design, type, location, and the size of the structural member the anchor point is connected to, the environment and weather conditions dictate how often such anchor points shall be inspected and re-certified by a qualified person. For general indoor areas not exposed to the weather, re-certification should be done at intervals not exceeding 3 years. In aggressive chemical or outdoor areas, re-certification may be required at intervals of only 6 months. The registered professional engineer doing the certification should recommend when the next re-certification is required.

• More guidance on structural inspections is provided in the Anglo American best practice guidelines AA BPG S03 “SIMM Guidelines for Plant Structures”.

Discard:

• Refer to the anchor point-attached tags to determine when slings or other attachments should be discarded.

• Discard damaged slings or connectors.





h. Lifelines User Inspections:

• Maintenance of lifelines will depend on frequency of use and where they are used.

• All components shall be checked prior to use, paying particular attention to any fraying, cracking or cuts in the rope or cable.

• The attachments shall be checked for distortion, cracks or sharp edges where the rope contacts.

• The lifeline shall be checked for tightness and kinks.


• Maintenance of permanent lifelines shall incorporate integrity checking of the cable and proof testing of the anchors by a competent person at intervals not exceeding six months. Greater inspection frequency shall occur in aggressive environmental conditions.

Discard the Lifeline:

• After it has been impacted or damaged.

• If it is kinked, distorted or frayed.

ANGLO FATAL RISK GUIDELINE WORKING AT HEIGHTS Estándar Trabajos en... · Working at Heights and it...

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