Page 38 - Occupational Health & Safety, November 2017

FALL PROTECTION
fall protection gates, and access control gates.
A truly prepared workplace understands that falls are not hypo-
thetical. In other words, instead of asking yourself what you would do if a worker falls, make sure you know how they will be protected when they fall.
Determining the Areas of Your
Building That Need Protection
Different parts of your building have different requirements—and it’s important that appropriate safety measures have been imple- mented everywhere necessary. Varying levels, open manholes, pits, vats, roofs, and heavy equipment all call for their own protection.
A standard rule of thumb can be found in the “trigger height.” For workers who are working above ground level or above a lower level, there is a widely recognized trigger height of 4 feet. Once you have workers 4 feet removed from the ground or lower level, you are required to protect them from falls. The trigger height, how- ever, is not the last word on the subject.
Rooftop work sites are especially in need of up-to-date fall pro- tection and prevention. Not only does the average rooftop work site present more risk of falling than other work sites, but there is also a higher propensity for environmental risks. Slipping hazards caused by inclement weather, such as snow, wind, and rain, are of- ten joined by debris from the work site as well as the surrounding environment. As such, rooftop work sites must be outfitted with ODSuHPAo-nctoJm80p0liandt 1sa0f-e2t0y1m7.eqaxspure8s/3, o1ft/1e7n 4m:1ix6inPgMacPtiavgeesa1fety mea-
sures such as harnesses and lines with passive safety measures such as guardrails and safety gates.
OSHA Regulations and You
Because falling is such a common cause of injury and fatality in the workplace, it’s essential to stay informed of OSHA’s regulations sur- rounding fall prevention and protection. Your workforce has the right to a safe, healthy workplace, and your responsibilities include:
■ Providing accessible and thorough training on job hazards ■ Maintaining a workplace that is free of known dangers
■ Providing fall protection and prevention equipment at no
cost to workers
■ Keeping workplace floors clean and, if possible, dry
■ Allowing for open communication and reporting of health
and safety concerns
Keep in mind—OSHA issued a final rule to update general in-
dustry walking-working surfaces and fall protection standards in 2017. According to its website, the updates include the following two protection factors that must be completed by November 2018:
■ Install personal fall arrest or ladder safety systems on new fixed ladders over 24 feet and on replacement ladders/ladder sec- tions, including fixed ladders on outdoor advertising structures (by Nov. 19, 2018)
■ Ensure existing fixed ladders over 24 feet, including those on outdoor advertising structures, are equipped with a cage, well, per- sonal fall arrest system, or ladder safety system (by Nov. 19, 2018)
FREE Quick Quote - Presented by Faztek
Get the app! Save time, guard fast! Request a quote in under 15 minutes.
34
Circle 36 on card.
Circle 2 on card.
Experience the Wise Advantage
Providing a suitable protective barrier against many low-concentration, water-based, inorganic chemicals and particles, down to one micron in size, our new Tyvek® 800 J coverall offers an optimum fit with full freedom of movement. Developed to our highest standards, it is soft, comfortable and lightweight without compromising durability. In a Tyvek® 800 J, you’re comfortably protected.
www.wisesafetyenv.com
DuPontTM
Tyvek® 800 J
You’re Comfortably Protected
Scan to download from Apple Store for FREE
Scan to download from Google Play for FREE
For more information
Request a quote in minutes without the need for a sales guy
Take photos of every side of your machine within seconds
Choose your preferred material type or let our designers choose for you
Take a short video to show operation processes
Receive your FREE quote, BOM, and 3D drawing in 3 days or less
Call Us Now: 877-453-2917| Check Us Out: www.Faztek.net
St. Louis Wise ...... . . 800-727-8541 Jacksonville. . . . . . . . . . . 877-655-7347
St. Louis Reis . ...... . . 800-777-7347 Boston . . . . . . . ...... . . 877-257-3263 Denver. . . . . . . ...... . . 800-677-7347 Houston . . . . . ...... . . 800-234-2377
Kansas City. . . . . . . . . . . 800-888-7347 Little Rock. . . . . . . . . . . . 800-901-4678 Louisville. . . . . . . . . . . . . 502-637-4337 Salt Lake City . . . . . . . . . 800-559-7347