Fall Protection Program

Walking-Working Surface Access Doors

It is the responsibility of the person(s) who opens the walking-working surface access door, thereby creating a hole, to ensure that employees are protected from falling through the opening to a lower level. Entrances shall be protected on all exposed sides by a standard guardrail system with toeboards and a self-closing gate at the entrance to the hole.

 

Low-Slope Roofs

This program is for low-slope roofs not designed for public access. As defined by OSHA, low-sloped roofs are those that have a slope less than or equal to a ratio of 4 in 12 (vertical to horizontal). All Work on Low-Slope Roofs will follow Subpart D, 29 CFR 1910.28 (b)(13).

Work Performed Less Than 6 Ft from the Roof Edge

When work is performed less than 6 feet from the roof edge employees shall be protected from falling by a guardrail system, safety net system, travel restraint system, or personal fall arrest system.

Work Performed at Least 6 Ft but Less Than 15 Ft From the Roof Edge

When work is performed at least 6 feet but less than 15 feet from the roof edge, employees shall be protected from falling by using a guardrail system, safety net system, travel restraint system or personal fall arrest system. A designated area may be used when performing work that is both infrequent and temporary. A designated area is defined as a distinct portion of a walking-working surface delineated by a warning line in which employees may perform work without additional fall protection. Designated areas can be found on various campus roofs.

Work Performed 15 Ft or More from the Roof Edge

When work is performed 15 feet or more from the roof edge, employees shall be protected from falling by a guardrail system, safety net system, travel restraint system, or personal fall arrest system or a designated area. Fall protection is not required for work that is both infrequent and temporary. Employees shall not go within 15 feet of the roof edge without using fall protection. 

Weather Considerations

When adverse weather conditions exist, a risk assessment should be conducted. Adverse weather conditions may include high winds, heavy rain or snow, or when the accumulation of ice or snow on surfaces significantly increase the risk of slips and falls when performing tasks. Where possible the work may be postponed until better conditions prevail or other precautions are taken.

Personal Responsibility

It is the responsibility of every individual working on roofs to ensure that they fully comply with all required safety instructions and have the proper safety equipment. The cooperation of every individual is vital to the success of this safety program. If work cannot be performed safely, the individual shall not proceed until provisions have been made to conduct the work in a safe manner. Each individual should keep in mind these basic duties and responsibilities for safety:

Observe all safety rules

• Work in accordance with established safety procedures.
• Report unsafe conditions and practices to your supervisor immediately.
• Conduct work activities in a manner that will not endanger yourself or others.
• Assist new employees in safely carrying out their job duties.
• Report injuries immediately to your supervisor.
• Only undertake jobs that you understand.

Training Requirements

All employees who wish to access roofs must complete roof access training which will include roof fall protection. Retraining will be required every year, when new hazards are discovered, changes in the building roof due to construction or remodeling, or changes in the program which affect the procedures required for access. All employees who may work on roofs are required to complete the training annually.

Personal Fall Restraint Systems (PFRS)

Personal fall restraint system (“PFRS”) means a system used to prevent (restrain) an employee from falling off a walking-working surface. It consists of a body harness, anchorage, and connector. The means of connection include a lanyard.

All work utilizing PFRS will follow OSHA standards, including 29 CFR 1910.140.

PFRS Design, Installation, and Procurement

A PFRS must be designed and installed by a qualified person. PFRS components will be procured through reputable fall protection equipment vendors and installed according to the instructions included with such components.

All PFRS utilized by university employees must meet the test methods outlined in Appendix D to Subpart I of Part 1910.

Personally owned harnesses and body belts are prohibited as part of a PFRS.

PFRS Maintenance and Inspections

It is the responsibility of the department to maintain all fall protection systems at their locations.

PFRS equipment including restraint lanyards and body harnesses should be stored in a clean, dry area free from temperature and humidity extremes, corrosive materials or other contaminants

All PFRS system components must be visually inspected before each use. This pre-use inspection will be accomplished by the user. Annual inspections of all PFRS components including anchorages are required to be completed and documented. Defective equipment shall be taken out of service and rendered not usable.

PFRS Lifespan

PFRS shall be taken out of service after ten years, upon a duration specified by the manufacturer (whichever is sooner), upon being subject to a fall, or if damage is observed upon inspection.

Training

Before using personal fall restraint equipment, each affected employee shall be trained to understand the application limits of the equipment and proper hook-up, anchoring, and tie-off techniques. Affected employees shall also be trained so that they can demonstrate the proper use, inspection, and storage of their equipment. In addition, these employees shall receive competent person training that includes identifying existing and predictable hazards in any PFRS or any component of it, PFRS application and uses with related equipment, how to take prompt, corrective action to eliminate the identified hazards.

Contractors

Contractors performing work on university property shall follow all OSHA guidelines. Contractors are responsible for supplying and maintaining their equipment as required by OSHA regulations and standards.

Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS)

Personal fall arrest system (“PFAS”) means a system used to arrest (stop) an employee in a fall from a walking-working surface. It consists of a body harness, anchorage, and connector. The means of connection may include a lanyard, deceleration device, lifeline, or a suitable combination of these.

All work utilizing PFAS will follow OSHA standards, including 29 CFR 1910.140. PFAS will only be utilized as a last resort when employees cannot be protected from falling using a passive or restraint system.

PFAS Design, Installation, and Procurement

A PFAS must be designed and installed by a qualified person. PFAS components will be procured through reputable fall protection equipment vendors and installed according to the instructions included with such components.

All PFAS utilized by university employees must meet the test methods outlined in Appendix D to Subpart I of Part 1910.

Body belts and personally owned harnesses are prohibited as part of a PFAS.

PFAS Maintenance and Inspections

It is the responsibility of the department to maintain all fall protection systems at their locations.

PFAS equipment including restraint lanyards and body harnesses should be stored in a clean, dry area free from temperature and humidity extremes, corrosive materials or other contaminants

All PFAS system components must be visually inspected before each use. This pre-use inspection will be accomplished by the user. Annual inspections of all PFAS components including anchorages are required to be completed and documented. Defective equipment shall be taken out of service and rendered not usable.

PFAS Lifespan

PFAS shall be taken out of service after ten years, upon a duration specified by the manufacturer (whichever is sooner), upon being subject to a fall, or if damage is observed upon inspection.

PFAS Rescue

All workers using PFAS must be monitored and promptly rescued in the event of a fall. Employees cannot be working alone while utilizing a PFAS.

Rescue plans should be developed for specific operations and should be based on the job being performed to ensure the safest method of rescue is employed. The rescue plan must describe how employees will be promptly rescued in the event of a fall or must assure the self-rescue capability of employees. Rescue Plans should be thoroughly thought out for each area where PFAS are utilized. A “one plan fits all” approach will not result in a successful Rescue Plan.

Departments may use this Rescue Plan Template as a guide.

Training

Before using personal fall arrest equipment, each affected employee shall be trained to understand the application limits of the equipment and proper hook-up, anchoring, and tie-off techniques. Affected employees shall also be trained so that they can demonstrate the proper use, inspection, and storage of their equipment. In addition, these employees shall receive competent person training that includes identifying existing and predictable hazards in any PFAS or any component of it, PFAS application and uses with related equipment, how to take prompt, corrective action to eliminate the identified hazards, and how to develop a rescue plan.

Contractors

Contractors performing work on university property shall follow all OSHA guidelines. Contractors are responsible for supplying and maintaining their equipment as required by OSHA regulations and standards.