ADMS Electronic Source Document HeaderADMS Services

Ames Procedural
Requirements

APR 8715.1

Effective Date: 09/12/2012
Expiration Date: 09/12/2017

COMPLIANCE IS MANDATORY

Ames Health and Safety Manual

Chapter 40 - Fall Protection Program

Table of Contents

40.1 Responsibilities
40.2 Fall Protection Training
40.3 Fall Protection Hierarchy
40.4 Fall Protection Work Plan
40.5 Fall Hazards and Assessments
40.6 Selection and Use of Fall Protection Equipment
40.7 Inspection of Fall Protection Systems
40.8 Storage and Maintenance of Fall Protection Equipment
40.9 Walking and Working Surfaces
40.10 Aerial Lifts
40.11 Ladders and Stairs
40.12 Scaffolding
40.13 Rescue Procedures/Methods

Appendix A: Definitions and Acronyms

40.1 Responsibilities

40.1.1 Center Fall Protection Program Administrator shall:

  1. Meet the responsibilities listed ANSI Z359.2 and NASA Procedural Requirement (NPR) 8715.3C section 3.18 for Fall Protection Program Administrator.
  2. Develop and manage the Center Fall Protection Program.
  3. Maintain working knowledge of current fall protection regulations, standards, fall protection equipment and systems.
  4. Determine where fall protection is required at the Center by ensuring a Center-wide Fall Hazard evaluation is conducted and the evaluation is maintained current.
  5. Provide direction when needed to ensure that NASA fall protection requirements are included in contracts where contractor employees utilize fall protection equipment.
  6. Provide direction when needed to ensure that NASA and ANSI fall protection requirements are included in work instructions where employees will be working in situations that require fall protection.
  7. Provide oversight for situations (NASA or contractor led) involving a fall hazard and ensure a competent person has been assigned to each situation.
  8. Participate in all incident investigations involving falls from heights.
  9. Ensure the Center's fall protection program is compliant with regulatory requirements by conducting an annual review.
  10. Meet training requirements listed in section 40.2 for Fall Protection Program Administrator.

40.1.2 Qualified Person shall:

  1. Meet responsibilities listed in ANSI Z359.2 for Qualified Person.
  2. Prepare fall hazard assessments.
  3. Serve as a subject matter expert in support of the Center's fall protection program. Expertise may include designing fall protection systems, structural analysis and calculation of impact forces depending on the Center’s needs.
  4. Identify and evaluate unique situations and nonstandard equipment.
  5. Support the competent person when needed in selecting an appropriate anchorage for a fall arrest or restraint system.
  6. Design and document any permanent anchorage, fall arrest system, fall restraint system, or lifeline system.
  7. Consider fall protection practices, equipment, regulations, engineering principles, and the effects that permanent fall protection systems will have on the surrounding structure.
  8. Participate in incident investigations involving falls from heights.
  9. Meet training requirements listed in section 40.2 for qualified person.

40.1.3 Competent Person shall:

  1. Meet responsibilities listed in ANSI Z359.2 for competent person.
  2. Maintain knowledge of current fall protection regulations, standards, fall protection equipment and systems
  3. Conduct a fall hazard survey to identify potential fall hazards in the workplace prior to commencing work.
  4. Conduct and document annual inspections of fall protection equipment and systems.
  5. Ensure fall protection procedures are written and approved based on the scope of work preformed.
  6. Ensure fall protection procedures including limitations and rescue are communicated to all authorized employees involved in the identified work.
  7. Monitor work conditions involving fall protection and take prompt corrective action where unsafe conditions or practices have been identified.
  8. Provide expertise in the selection and use of fall protection equipment and non-certified anchorage points.
  9. Ensure fall protection work plan is generated based on the scope of work, see section 40.4.
  10. Meet training requirements listed in section 40.2 for competent person.

40.1.4 Authorized Person shall:

  1. Meet responsibilities listed in ANSI Z359.2 for authorized person.
  2. Follow safe work procedures and policies as they relate to fall protection.
  3. Follow manufacturer instructions, OSHA requirements, and local policy in the inspection, installation, and use of fall protection equipment.
  4. Utilize fall protection practices where potential fall hazards exists.
  5. Inspect fall protection equipment prior to each use.
  6. Report unmitigated fall hazards to the supervisor and/or competent person.
  7. Meet training requirements listed in section 40.2 for authorized person.

40.1.5 Supervisor shall:

  1. Enforce Center's fall protection procedures.
  2. Budget time and resources to address identified fall protection issues under their control.
  3. Identify and evaluate fall hazards in the work place and obtain engineered safety features where feasible.
  4. Provide fall protection systems, equipment, and training for exposed personnel, where engineered safety features are not present.
  5. Ensure identified fall hazards are addressed in work instructions and the work instruction includes NASA Fall Protection Requirements.
  6. Ensure employees understand and follow work procedures and policies as they relate to fall protection.
  7. Ensure that employees have a complete understanding of the rescue plan procedures in case of emergency.
  8. Ensure fall protection systems are used in a safe manner and in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.
  9. Ensure that each situation (NASA or contractor led) involving a fall hazard has a competent person assigned to manage each situation.
  10. Observe workers, work practices and site operations and correct when necessary.
  11. Ensure employees receive fall protection training when required.
  12. Attend Fall Protection training class for authorized users.
  13. Appoint a Competent Person within the organization that has the knowledge, training and authority to manage the organizations fall protection program.

40.1.6 Facilities Engineering Division shall:

  1. Utilize the Fall Protection Hierarchy (40.3) when addressing fall hazards identified in new designs, renovation, maintenance and repair projects.
  2. Maintain working knowledge of OSHA regulations and ANSI standards as they pertain to fall protection equipment, systems and manufactures recommendations.

40.1.7 Acquisition Division shall:

  1. In coordination with the Center's Fall Protection Administrator, ensure NASA fall protection requirements are included in contracts where contractor employees will be utilizing fall protection.

40.1.8 Construction Contractors shall:

  1. Follow and apply the policies and safe work practices contained in this chapter in its entirety where fall protection is utilized.
  2. Ensure written Fall Protection Plan is developed for situations involving falls from heights. Fall Protection Procedure(s) includes but not limited to:
  1. Identification of Fall Protection competent person assigned.
  2. Description of situation requiring fall protection.
  3. Description of fall protection method selected to ensure a safe working environment.
  4. A written rescue plan to retrieve a fallen or suspended worker from the area.
  1. Ensure that employees have been trained and follow the Fall Protection Procedure(s).
Back to Table of Contents

40.2 Fall Protection Training

40.2.1 Fall Protection training programs shall meet the following requirements:

  1. Be provided by an industry recognized trainer, training center, or locally developed training program which meets or exceeds ANSI and OSHA training requirements.
  2. Be re-administered when the nature of the work, the workplace, or the methods of control change to an extent that prior training is not adequate or it has been determined the authorized person does not have the required skill level and knowledge or is not conforming to the required means and methods.

40.2.2 Center Fall Protection Program Administrator shall:

  1. Be trained to the level of Competent Person or Qualified Person.
  2. Receive training in:
  1. Development and maintenance of fall protection program.
  2. Development of fall protection procedures and training programs.
  3. Performing fall hazard surveys.
  4. Selection of fall protection equipment and systems.
  5. Fall protection engineering system standards.
  1. Maintain working knowledge of applicable regulations as they pertain to Fall Protection.
  2. Understand responsibilities and requirements listed in ANSI Standards and OSHA regulations for each designated person.
  3. Receive refresher training least every 2 years.

40.2.3 Qualified Person shall:

  1. Be trained by a qualified person trainer.
  2. Maintain engineering degree in good standing.
  3. Receive training in:
  1. Hazard identification, elimination, and control method selection as they relate to fall hazards.
  2. Inspection of fall protection equipment component and systems.
  3. Determining system clearance.
  4. Design and selection of anchorages.
  5. Designing new horizontal lifelines and be capable of evaluating existing horizontal lifelines.
  6. Assessing fall protection systems and be capable of determining when a system is unsafe.
  7. Development of fall protection procedures and rescue procedures.
  8. Determining arresting forces for falls, including swing fall arresting forces.
  9. Investigation of fall protection related accidents/incidents/near misses.
  10. Determining when fall protection systems are not feasible.
  1. Maintain working knowledge of applicable regulations as they pertain to Fall Protection
  2. Understand responsibilities and requirements listed in ANSI Standards and OSHA regulations for each designated person.
  3. Receive refresher training at least every two years.

40.2.4 Competent Person shall:

  1. Be trained by a competent person or qualified person trainer.
  2. Receive training in:
  1. Identification and elimination of fall hazards and determine methods of control.
  2. Assessment of fall protection system and be capable of determining when a system is unsafe.
  3. Component compatibility.
  4. Installation requirements.
  5. Determining free-fall distances.
  6. Determining total required clearance.
  7. Development of fall protection procedures and plans.
  8. Development of fall protection rescue procedures.
  9. Inspection of fall protection equipment components and systems.
  10. Proper storage procedures,
  11. Selection of a non-engineered anchorage.
  1. Maintain working knowledge of applicable regulations as they pertain to Fall Protection.
  2. Understand responsibilities and requirements listed in ANSI Standards and OSHA regulations for each designated person.
  3. Receive additional training meeting the requirements of ANSI Z359.2 when identified as a Competent Person Rescuer.
  4. Receive refresher training at least every two years

40.2.5 Authorized Person shall:

  1. Be trained by a competent person or qualified person trainer.
  2. Attend NASA Ames Fall Protection Training for Authorized User or a class meeting the requirements of 40.2.a
  3. Receive training in:
  1. Recognizing fall hazards associated with their job sites.
  2. Methods of control for fall hazards.
  3. Utilizing appropriate fall protection measures.
  4. Inspection and use of fall protection equipment and systems utilized in the workplace.
  5. All components of this fall protection program.
  1. Understand responsibilities and requirements listed in ANSI Standards and OSHA regulations for each designated person.
  2. Receive additional training meeting the requirements of ANSI Z359.2 when identified as an Authorized Rescuer.
  3. Receive refresher training at least every two years

40.2.6 Construction Contractors shall:

Provide at the workplace a written certification record showing employee has been trained in fall protection meeting the requirements of ANSI Z359.2.

If fall protection training is provided by an outside trainer or external organization, the written certification record is required to contain at least the following information.

  1. Trainer or evaluator name
  2. Student’s name
  3. Training or evaluating organization’s name
  4. Date of completion for training or evaluation
Back to Table of Contents

40.3 Fall Protection Hierarchy

The hierarchy outlined in this section, or preferred order of control, shall be considered when designing fall protection solutions for both existing and new facilities. This hierarchy is emphasized in fall protection training and practiced in field work to eliminate or control fall hazards.

40.3.1 Elimination or Substitution

Whenever possible, attempts should be made to change the nature of the task so that it is not necessary to use fall protection. Examples may include relocation valves, gauges and lubrications points moving the task to ground level. Another example may include the use of remote-sensing equipment, or redesign of equipment, process or facility rather than having to send a person into harm's way to make a measurement.

40.3.2 Passive Fall Protection

A passive fall protection system consists of components and systems that do not require any action on the worker's part. Examples of passive fall protection systems may include physical barriers between the worker and the fall hazard when established prevents the worker from falling (i.e., guardrails, vertical netting, covers, etc.)

40.3.3 Fall Restraint

Fall restraint is a fall protection system (permanent or temporary) that is designed to prevent a worker from reaching the fall hazard.

40.3.4 Fall Arrest

Fall Arrest is a fall protection system (permanent or temporary) that allows a worker to fall, but arrests the fall safely before the worker strikes the ground. Examples of fall arrest may include a Layard or Self Retracting Life line with a shock pack system.

40.3.5 Administrative Controls

Administrative Controls can be a safe work practice or procedure designed to warn a person they are approaching a fall hazard. Administrative controls may include training, warning signs, audible alarm or other method. Where all other fall protection methods are deemed infeasible and a worker is located near a fall hazard, work procedures will be established. Administrative controls are reserved for situations where all other fall protection methods are deemed infeasible. This option is available only to employees engaged in leading edge work or precast concrete erection work. Administrative controls shall meet the requirements of 29CFR 1926.502 and be approved by a competent or qualified person.

Back to Table of Contents

40.4 Fall Protection Work Plan

40.4.1 The Fall Protection work plan shall meet the following requirements:

  1. Be based on the scope of work and the findings of the Fall Hazard and Assessment.
  2. Use a qualified or competent person per Z359.2 to prepare and sign a written Fall Protection Plan that is site specific and meets the minimum requirements for a comprehensive managed Fall Protection program.
  3. Include the following but not limited to:
  1. The scope of work.
  2. Address any fall hazards in the work place during different phases of construction.
  3. Address how to protect and prevent workers from falling to lower levels.
  4. Responsibilities, equipment and methods employed, assisted rescue, self-rescue and evacuation procedures, training requirements, and monitoring methods.

40.4.2 Projects/Contractors working at Ames are required to submit a Site Specific Work Plan which addresses identified fall hazards.

Back to Table of Contents

40.5 Fall Hazards and Assessments

40.5.1 Fall Hazard Assessments shall be completed for work falling under OSHA's General Industry classification. This assessment is required were work may take place near an unprotected edge/opening and were work is 4 feet or greater above the lower level. A fall hazard and assessment is also required to be completed for work which falls under OSHA's Construction work classification. This assessment is required where work may take place near an unprotected edge/opening and were work is 6 feet or greater above the lower level. Examples of task or operations where fall protection may be required include but are not limited to the following:

  1. Work requiring employees to be closer than 6 feet from any unprotected edge or opening of greater than 12 inches, positive fall protection (Guardrail system or personal fall protection to include harness w/arrest or restraint system) or the use of other means such as vehicle mounted work platforms and/or scaffolding is required.
  2. When employees are working over or near water, an assessment by a competent person is always required.
  3. Work that requires personnel to climb towers. Unique hazards are involved therefore tower climbers will need the skills and knowledge capable to carry out the job. There are many factors to consider prior to tower climbing including that the following have been addressed:
  1. Weather conditions.
  2. Development of a rescue plan.
  3. Coordination with designated rescue entity.
  4. Safe transport of equipment/tools.
  5. Tower energy sources have been properly locked and tagged out.
  6. At least two climbers are present and trained to climb towers.
  1. Roof Work - Fall Protection Requirements, Low-sloped or flat roofs (less than or equal to a 4:12 pitch):
  1. From unprotected edge to 6 feet: Positive fall protection required.
  2. From 6 feet to 15 feet: In lieu of positive fall protection a warning line and safety monitor system may be used.
  3. Fifteen feet or more from unprotected edge: In lieu of positive fall protection a warning line may be used without a monitor.
  4. Steep roofs (greater than a 4:12 pitch) require positive fall protection at all times, such as a personal fall arrest system or restraint system, guardrails or use of other means such as aerial lifts or scaffolding.
  1. Non-Roof Work on Roofs
  1. All work on steep roofs (greater than a 4:12 pitch) requires positive fall protection such as a personal fall arrest system or restraint system, guardrails or use of other means such as aerial lifts or scaffolding.
  2. Work on roofs with a pitch less than 4:12 above 6 feet requires:
  1. From unprotected edge to 6 feet: Positive fall protection is required.
  2. From 6 feet to 15 feet: A warning line may be used.
  3. (Fifteen feet or more from unprotected edge: No warning line is required.
  1. Roof Inspections and Assessments:
  1. Employees needing to access roofs for the sole purpose of performing roof inspections or assessments may do so only during pre and post construction work, the policy for "Non Roof Work on Roofs" applies.
  2. If access is required during construction activities, the policy for "Roof Work on Roofs" applies.
  1. Scaffolds: See section 40.12.
  2. Ladders: See section 40.11.
  3. Aerial lift platforms: See section 40.10.
  4. Permanent and temporary working platform.
  5. At excavation sites fall protection is required to protect employee from falling 6 ft or more to lower level. Fall Protection may include guardrail systems, fences, barricades, or covers. Where walkways are provided to permit employees to cross over excavations, guardrails are required on the walkway if the fall would be 6 ft.
  6. At hoist areas fall protection is required to protect employee from falling 6 ft or more to lower.
  7. At ramps, runways and walkways guardrail systems may be utilized to protect employees when working on ramps, runways or walkways 6 ft above lower levels.
  8. At wall openings each employee working on, at, above, or near wall openings 6 ft or more above lower levels are required to be protected.
  9. Working over dangerous equipment fall protection is required when working over dangerous equipment regardless of the working height.
  10. Holes fall arrest systems, covers, or guardrail systems may be utilized to protect employees when working 6 ft above lower levels near holes (including skylights and roof hatches).
Back to Table of Contents

40.6 Selection and Use of Fall Protection Equipment

40.6.1 The Selection and Use of Fall Protection Equipment and System shall meet the following:

  1. OSHA and ANSI Fall Protection Standards.
  2. Current ANSI Z359.1 requirements at the time of purchase for new equipment.
  3. Be used in accordance with manufacturer instructions.
  4. Be inspected in accordance with manufacturer's instructions, at a minimum prior to use by the authorized user and at least annually by a competent person.
  5. Be removed from service if involved in a fall.
  6. Be removed out of service and returned to the manufacturer if found to be defective.
  7. Not be used without prior documented approval of a qualified person and be labeled, if the equipment is not designed for fall protection use.

40.6.2 Anchorage shall:

  1. Be independent of any anchorage being used to support or suspend platforms and be capable of supporting at least 5000 pounds per employee attached, or be designed, installed (temporarily or permanently), and used as part of a complete fall arrest system which maintains a factor of two and under the supervision of a qualified person.
  2. Be capable of supporting at least twice the potential impact load of an individual's fall or 3,000lbs, whichever is greater when anchorage is used for fall restraint and positioning purposes.
  3. Meet the appropriated load rating based the number of persons using the anchorage at one time. For anchorages used for fall restraint and positioning purposes, the 3000lbs requirement is multiplied times the number of persons utilizing the anchor.
  4. Be identified and certified by a qualified person, permanent anchorage will be properly marked based on manufacturers recommendation.
  5. Be identified by a Competent Person or Qualified Person were the anchorage is deemed as a non-certified anchorage.

40.6.3 Fall Restraint Systems shall:

  1. Be designed to prevent a worker from reaching the unprotected edge.
  2. Meet ANSI requirements of 1,000 lbf static strength for noncertified anchor or static strength two times foreseeable for certified anchor.
  3. Not use a waist belt as part of the restraint system.

40.6.4 Fall Arrest Systems shall:

  1. Be designed and used to limit the free fall distance to 6 feet or less and to limit the maximum arresting force to 900 pounds or less, except when designed by a qualified person.
  2. Be used in accordance with the manufacturer instructions. Approval and documentation by a qualified person is required if equipment is used outside the manufacturer instructions.
  3. Be installed with a qualified person oversight, the arresting force and the total required clearance of the system will be known prior to installation.
  4. Be used in conjunction with a work positioning system when needed.
  5. Use an acceptable anchorage that is capable of holding 5,000 pounds per person or designed by a qualified person with a safety factor of 2. Acceptable structures may include I-beams, columns, tower legs, stairwell support structure, or other structure.
  6. Not be attached to guardrail systems or hoist system.

40.6.5 Engineered Lifeline shall:

  1. Be designed and approved by a designated qualified person.
  2. Be engineered to have appropriate anchor points, line strength designed to hold the number of individuals connected to it.

40.6.6 Guardrails shall:

  1. Meet the requirements of OSHA and be made of steel, wood, and/or wire rope.
  2. Be built so the top edge of top rail or equivalent guardrail system member is 42 inches 3 inches above the walking/working level.
  3. Have mid rails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, or equivalent intermediate structural member between the top edge of the guardrail system and the walking/working, surface when there is no wall or parapet wall at least 21 inches high. Mid rails and other intermediate structural members are required to meet the following requirements:
  1. Installed midway between the top edge of the guardrail system and the walking/working level.
  2. The top edge of all guardrail systems (at any point) are capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 200 lbs when applied in any outward or downward direction.
  3. Guardrail systems are free of protruding objects that may result in injury (punctures or lacerations) to an employee or snagging of employees clothing.
  4. Where wire rope is used for top rails, verify that it is flagged at not more than 6ft intervals with high visibility material.
  5. Guard rail access openings at hoisting areas are closed by a chain, gate, or removable guardrail section when hoisting operations are not taking place.
  6. When used at holes, guardrail systems are erected on all unprotected sides or edges of the hole.
  7. When the hole is not in use, a cover or a guardrail system is required
  8. When Guardrail systems are used around holes that are used as points of access (such as ladder ways, roof hatch), verify that they are provided with a gate, or are so offset that a person cannot walk directly into the hole.
  9. When a guardrail system is used on ramps and/or runways each unprotected side or edge is required to be protected.

40.6.7 Warning Line Systems shall:

  1. Meet the requirements of 29 CFR 1926.501 and 29 CFR 1926.502.
  2. Be used to protect employees engaged in "Roofing Work" on low-slope roofs if other preferred methods are not available. Other methods include but not limited to the use of guardrail systems, safety net systems, personal fall arrest systems or a combination of warning line system and guardrail system, warning line system and safety net system, or warning line system and personal fall arrest system, or warning line system and safety monitoring system.
  3. Not be erected less than 6ft from the leading edge and placed on all sides of the roof work area.
  4. Consist of ropes, wires, or chains with supporting stanchions.
  5. Be flagged at 6-ft intervals with high-visibility materials along the rope, wire, or chain.
  6. Be capable of resisting, without tipping over, a force of at least 16 lb when applied horizontally against the stanchion.
  7. Consist of stanchions which are at least 36" above the walking/working surface.
  8. Be perpendicular to the stanchions and in the direction of the edge.
  9. Be capable of supporting the loads applied to the stanchions and maintain the minimum of tensile strength of 500 lb as required for rope, wire, or chain.

40.6.8 Safety Monitoring Systems shall:

  1. Meet the requirements of 29 CFR 1926.501 and 29 CFR 1926.502.
  2. Apply only to employees performing low-slope "roofing work" or employees covered by a fall protection plan.
  3. Be used when no other fall protection method has been implemented.
  4. Have a competent person assigned to monitor workers safety.
  5. Allow safety monitor to be close enough to communicate orally with workers and not have responsibilities that take their attention from the monitoring function.
  6. Warn workers of fall hazard and in identifying unsafe work practices
  7. Not be used for storage or use of mechanical equipment in areas where safety monitoring systems are being used to monitor employees engaged in roofing operations on low-slope roofs.
  8. Be permitted on roofs 50-feet or less in width without the use of a warning line system.

40.6.9 Control Access Zones shall:

  1. Meet the requirements of CFR 1926.502, Safety and Health Regulations for Construction, Subpart M.
  2. Be used in overhead bricklaying, leading edge, and precast concrete erection operations.
Back to Table of Contents

40.7 Inspection of Fall Protection Systems

40.7.1 Inspection of Fall Protection Systems shall meet the following:

  1. Conducted by the authorized user prior to each use, and annually by a competent or qualified person in accordance with applicable regulatory standards or manufacturer’s recommendations, whichever is more stringent.
  2. Documentation of annual inspection is maintained during the life of the equipment.

40.7.2 Full Body Harnesses shall:

  1. Be free of burn marks on nylon webbing which could weaken material.
  2. Not exhibit signs of torn, frayed, or broken fibers: pulled stitches: or frayed edges anywhere on the harness.
  3. Not exhibit signs excessive wear, discoloration, pits, deterioration, or cracks on the D rings.
  4. Not exhibit signs that buckles are deformed or cracked and they operate correctly.
  5. Have each grommet (if present) secured to harness and not deformed from abuse or a fall.
  6. Not exhibit signs holes were punched into the nylon webbing.
  7. Not exhibit signs of deformed rivets.
  8. Not exhibit signs of excessive tongue and strap wear from repeated buckling.

40.7.3 Lanyards/Shock-Absorbing Lanyards shall:

  1. Not exhibit signs of cuts, burns, abrasions, kinks, knots, broken stitches, and excessive wear.
  2. Not exhibit signs of distortions in the hook, locks, eye and snap hook.
  3. Not exhibit signs of carbineer excessive wear, distortion, and lock operation.
  4. Be free of defects where the lanyard attaches to the snap hook.
  5. Have locking mechanisms seat and lock properly.
  6. Be designed and fully functional so that once locked, locking mechanism should prevent hook from opening.

40.7.4 Self-Retracting Lanyards/Lifelines shall:

  1. Not exhibit signs of physical damage to the body and retracts freely.
  2. Not exhibit signs the length of the nylon strap/wire rope has suffered from cuts, burns, abrasions, kinks, knots, broken stitches/strands or excessive wear.
  3. Have only nuts and rivets that are tight.
  4. Be tested by pulling sharply on the lanyard/ lifeline to verify that the locking mechanism is operating correctly.
  5. Be returned to the manufacturer for scheduled inspections or maintenance if required by the manufacturer.

40.7.5 Snap Hooks and Carabiners shall:

  1. Not exhibit signs of hook and eye distortions.
  2. Not exhibit signs of cracks or pitted surfaces.
  3. Not exhibit signs the keeper latch is bent, distorted, or obstructed.
  4. Have a keeper latch that seats into the nose without binding.
  5. Have a keeper spring that securely closes.

40.7.6 Tie-Off Adapters/Anchor Points shall:

  1. Be inspected for integrity.
  2. Be inspected by a competent or qualified person annually and documentation of inspection maintained.
  3. Be destroyed after a fall.
Back to Table of Contents

40.8 Storage and Maintenance of Fall Protection Equipment

  1. Employees charged with storage and maintenance of fall protection equipment shall:
  1. Follow manufacturer instructions.
  2. Never store the personal fall arrest equipment in the bottom of a toolbox, on the ground, or outdoors exposed to the elements (e.g., sun, rain, snow, etc.).
  3. Hang equipment in a cool, dry location in a manner that retains its shape.
  4. Clean with a mild, nonabrasive soap and hang to dry.
  5. Never force dry or use strong detergents in cleaning.
  6. Never store in an area with exposures to fumes or corrosive elements.
  7. Avoid dirt or other types of buildup on equipment.
  8. Never use this equipment for any purpose other than personal fall arrest.
  9. Remove equipment from service immediately when exposed to fall.
Back to Table of Contents

40.9 Walking and Working Surfaces

  1. a. Employees shall:
  1. Keep workplace walking surfaces clean, orderly, sanitary and as dry as possible.
  2. Ensure good drainage is maintained and/or non-slip surfaces or mats are provided in areas which are constantly wet and where workers may walk or work.
  3. Ensure obstructions that could create a hazard are not permitted in aisles.
  4. Ensure guardrail system with a standard toe board is provided where open sides of a platform or similar structure is present and employees are required walk over, near or beneath the structure.
  5. Not use items such as boxes, chairs, buckets, desks or any other devices to extend ones reach.
  6. Maintain floors, working place, and ensure passageway are free from protruding nails, splinters, holes, and loose boards.

40.9.1 Skylights shall:

  1. a. Be provided Protection by a standard railing, skylight screen, grill work with 4 by 4 inch openings or slatwork with 2-inch openings.
  2. b. Be capable of withstanding minimum load of 200 pounds applied perpendicular to any point on the screen and will not deflect under ordinary loads and impacts and break glass.

40.9.2 Covers for holes shall:

  1. a. Be capable of supporting, without failure, at least twice the weight of employees, equipment, and materials that may be imposed on the cover at any one time:
  2. b. Be capable of supporting, without failure, at least twice the maximum axle load of the largest vehicle expected to cross over it when located on roadways and vehicular aisles.
  3. c. Be seated properly and secured when installed to prevent accidental displacement by the wind, equipment, or employees:
  4. d. Be marked with the word "Hole" or "Cover" to provide warning of the hazard when it is not readily apparent.
  5. e. Be protected by removable railing or attendant on all exposed sides while a cover is not in place.

40.9.3 Roof Hatches shall:

  1. a. Be closed or protected by guardrails when personnel are on the roof.
Back to Table of Contents

40.10 Aerial Lifts

  1. Employees operating aerial lifts on site shall:
  1. Follow the requirements of Ames Health & Safety Procedural Requirements: Chapter 17 Lifting Devices and Equipment. The most stringent requirements govern when inconsistencies arise.
  2. Use a full body harness with an adjustable lanyard or Self Retracting Lifeline (SRL) connected to an approved anchor point in the basket while working.
  3. Adjust the lanyard length or use a SRL that it reduces the possibility of the worker falling over the guardrails yet permits the work to be accomplished.
  4. Utilize fall protection when operating lift equipment with vertical-only movement capability and lift is provided a certified anchor point. If lift is not equipped with anchor point fall protection is not required.
Back to Table of Contents

40.11 Ladders and Stairs

40.11.1 Portable Ladder General Rules

  1. Contractors and employees utilizing ladders on site shall:
  1. Select a ladder long enough to provide access to the work area.
  2. Be alert and cautious to slippery surfaces. Although ladder may be equipped with a nonslip base, it is not a substitute for safety in placing, lashing, or holding a ladder on oily, metal, concrete, or other slippery surfaces.
  3. Always face the ladder and use both hands while ascending and descending.
  4. Not exceed the rated capacity of the selected ladder.
  5. Not place ladders on boxes, barrels, or other unstable bases to gain additional height.
  6. Not use a metal ladder when working on or near electrical equipment.
  7. Not use the top two steps and platform of a stepladder, or the top three rungs of a straight ladder.
  8. Not over-reach, jump or slide a ladder while on it.
  9. Not use the back side rails of stepladders which are designed for increasing stability, not for climbing.
  10. Not use ladders horizontally as platforms, runways, or scaffolds.
  11. Ensure the side rails of a straight ladder extend at least at least three feet above the support point at the eave, gutter, or roof line.
  12. Ensure the ladder is placed on a level surface. Although ladder feet or shoes provide an important measure of safety, they cannot compensate for uneven ground unless they are designed with adjustable feet.
  13. Ensure straight ladders are secured with a rope or wire at the top and blocked at the bottom where possible.
  14. Ensure tools or materials are raised by means of a rope after reaching the working position. Carrying heavy loads up or down ladders is prohibited.
  15. Ensure barricades and warning signs are placed in the immediate area when ladders are placed near doors or other locations where they could be struck.
  16. Ensure the buddy system is used when handling and set-up extension ladders.
  17. Ensure that both automatic locks of the extension ladder are in proper position before ascending the ladder.
  18. Ensure area is kept clear at the top and bottom of the ladder.
  19. Ensure hard hats are worn within an area beneath elevated work where objects could fall from a height and strike a worker.
  20. Ensure extension ladders have proper overlap.
  1. Three foot overlap for 32 foot ladder:
  2. Four foot overlap for 32 to 36 foot ladder:
  3. Five foot overlap for 36 to 48 foot ladder: and
  4. Six foot overlap for 48 foot ladder.
  1. As a general rule a thumb the distance from the bottom of a straight ladder to its support wall should be one-quarter the working length of the ladder.

40.11.2 Inspection of Ladders

  1. Contractors and employees utilizing ladders on site shall:
  1. Inspect ladder looking for visible defects, free of shakes, warpage, decay or other irregularities prior to each use and after any occurrence that could affect their safe use.
  2. Inspect ladder looking for broken or missing rungs or cleats, broken side rails, and other damaged parts.
  3. Ensure all cleats, rungs, and side rails are free of grease, oil, paint, or other slippery substances.
  4. Ensure ladders equipped with feet are secured in place.
  5. Ensure the joint between steps and side rails are tight, and all hardware and fittings attached firmly.
  6. Ensure movable parts should operate freely without binding or undue play.
  7. Ensure all wood parts be free of sharp edges and splinters.
  8. Ensure metal ladders are free of sharp edges, burrs and corrosion.

40.11.3 Maintenance and Storage of Ladders

  1. Contractors and employees maintaining and storing ladders on site shall:
  1. Ensure ladders are removed from service if found damaged and either repaired or destroy ladder.
  2. Ensure wooden ladders are not painted with solid color paints. Paint may mask cracks in the wood. Clear wood preservative can be used to protect bare wood.
  3. Ensure ladders are removed from service if exposed to greases, oils or other slippery substances and are thoroughly cleaned prior to use.
  4. Ensure ladders are secured in manner that they will not fall in work area.
  5. Tag or mark ladders found to be defective or unsafe condition so that it will not be used until the corrective action is taken.
  6. Store ladders where they can be inspected easily and can be reached without causing accidents.

40.11.4 Fixed ladders

  1. Contractors and employees utilizing fixed ladders on site shall:
  1. Ensure ladder is designed to withstand a single concentrated load of at least 200 lbs.
  2. Ensure ladder is designed to have rungs with a minimal diameter of three quarters when ladder is metal.
  3. Ensure ladder is designed with rungs at least 16 inches wide and be spaced 12 inches apart.
  4. Ensure ladder is designed with a pitch between 75 to 90 degrees for a safe descent.
  5. Ensure ladder has a 2.5 foot clearance on the climbing side of a ladder that have been installed with a 90 degree pitch.
  6. Ensure ladder maintains a 3 foot clearance on ladders installed with a 75 degree pitch.
  7. Ensure ladder has at least a seven inch clearance in back of the ladder to provide adequate toe space.
  8. Ensure ladder has a clearance width of 15 inches on each side of the center line of the ladder, unless the ladder is equipped with a cage or well.
  9. Ensure ladder is equipped with a climbing cage if they are longer than 20 feet. Landing platforms are to be provided on ladders greater than 20 feet long.
  10. Ensure ladder is equipped with a platform at every 30 feet for caged ladders and every 20 feet for unprotected ladders.
  11. Ensure ladder has side rails extending at least 42 inches above the landing.

40.11.5 Fixed Industrial Stairs

  1. The following applies to all stairs around equipment, machinery, tanks, etc. It does not apply to stairs used for fire exits.
  2. Fixed Industrial Stairs shall meet the following requirements:
  1. Be designed so riser height and tread width is uniform throughout any flight of stairs.
  2. Have a minimum width of 22 inches and have slip resistant treads.
  3. Be designed with an angle to the horizontal made by the stairs between 30 and 50 degrees.
  4. Have open risers if the tread is less than 9 inches wide.
  5. Be equipped with railing on each opened side for flights of stairs having four or more risers.
  6. Be equipped with at least one handrail, preferably on the right side descending, if the stairway is less than 44 inches wide and both sides are enclosed.
  7. Be equipped with a handrail on each side if the stairway is greater than 44 inches wide.
  8. Be equipped with an intermediate stair railing located midway if the stairway is greater than 88 inches wide.
  1. Spiral stairways are not permitted except for special limited usage and secondary access situations where it is not practical to provide a conventional stairway.
Back to Table of Contents

40.12 Scaffolding

40.12.1 Scaffold Training Requirements

  1. Competent Person shall receive training by an industry recognized trainer, training center, or locally developed Training Program which meets or exceeds OSHA training requirements. Note: A scaffolding-competent person is not the same as a fall protection-competent person
  2. Construction Contractors and personnel working with scaffolding shall:
  1. Receive training by a competent person qualified in the subject matter to recognize the hazards associated with the type of scaffold being used and to understand the procedures to control or minimize those hazards.
  2. Receive re-training when the nature of the work, the workplace, or the methods of control change to an extent that prior training is not adequate or it has been determined the authorized person does not have the required skill level and knowledge or is not conforming to the required means and methods.

40.12.2 All Scaffold Assemblies - General Requirements

  1. Competent Person shall:
  1. Inspect the jobsite prior to commencing work, the following conditions require evaluation:
  1. Determine ground conditions.
  2. Proximity of electric power lines.
  3. Overhead obstructions.
  4. Wind conditions.
  5. The need for overhead protection.
  6. Weather protection coverings.
  1. Inspect scaffolding at the beginning of each work shift. Inspection should include but not limited to:
  1. Scaffolding is correctly assembled.
  2. Scaffolding is level and plumb.
  3. Base plates are in firm contact with sills.
  4. Bracing is in place and connected.
  5. Platforms are fully planked.
  6. Guardrails are in place.
  7. Safe access is provided.
  8. Properly tied and/or guyed.
  9. No overhead obstructions or electric lines within 12 ft of the scaffold assembly.
  1. Construction Contractors and personnel working with scaffolding shall:
  1. Use only the safe means of access that is provided. Do not climb bracing or frames not specifically designed for climbing. If such access is not provided, insist that it be provided.
  2. Climb safely, face the rungs as you climb up or down, use both hands, do not try to carry materials while you climb.
  3. Not work on slippery rungs to avoid slipping.
  4. Ensure working heights are not extended by planking guardrails or by use of boxes or ladders on scaffold platforms.
  5. Ensure fall protection is provided in cases where the employee is working on scaffolding more than 10 feet above a lower level. Fall protection may include guardrails or a fall arrest system.
  6. Ensure that scaffold or work platform erectors have fall protection during the erection and dismantling of scaffolding or work platforms that are more than six (6) feet in height.
  7. Ensure each employee working on a single-point or two-point adjustable suspended scaffold is protected by personal fall arrest system and a guardrail combination.

40.12.3 Erection of Fixed Scaffolds

  1. Construction Contractors and personnel erecting or dismantling fixed scaffolding shall:
  1. Follow the requirements of CFR 29 1926.451 scaffold erectors and dismantlers.
  2. Ensure a competent person is assigned to supervise the erecting, moving, dismantling, of scaffolding.
  3. Ensure hardhats are worn by all persons erecting, moving, dismantling, or using scaffolding.
  4. Ensure mud sills are adequate in size to distribute the loads on the scaffolding to the soil or supporting structure.
  5. Ensure sills are level and in full contact with the supporting surface.
  6. Ensure base plates or screwjacks with base plates are in firm contact with both the sills and the legs of the scaffolding.
  7. Make adjustments for uneven ground using screwjacks with base plates. The use of unstable objects such as blocks, loose bricks, etc., is prohibited.
  8. Ensure scaffolding is plumb and level throughout the erection process.
  9. Ensure minimum requirements are followed when utilizing ties, guys, bracing, and/or outriggers for a safe stable scaffolding assembly:
  1. Always secure scaffolding when the height of the scaffold exceeds four times the minimum base width.
  2. Place bottom tie no higher than four times the minimum base width and every 26 ft vertically thereafter.
  3. Place ties as close to the top of the scaffold as possible, in no case, less than four times the minimum base width of the scaffold from the top.
  4. Place vertical ties at the ends of scaffold runs and at no more than 30 ft horizontal intervals between.
  5. Install ties as the erection progresses and do not remove until the scaffold is dismantled to that height.
  1. Ensure work platforms are fully planked either with scaffold-graded, solid-sawn, or laminated plank and the planks are in good sound condition.
  2. Ensure there is a minimum of a 6 inch overlap over the support for each plank, or be cleated, that is, 8-ft planks on 7-ft spans are to be cleated.
  3. Ensure the overhang for planks do not extend beyond the support by more than 18 in. In cases where an overhang is more than 18 inches it should be separated from the work platform by guardrailing so that they cannot be walked on.
  4. Ensure planks on continuous runs extend over the supports and overlap each other by at least 12 in.
  5. Ensure the scaffold-grade planks of full thickness, 2- by 10-in never exceed 10 ft in span.
  6. Ensure the rated load capacity for scaffold and scaffolding plank(s) is never exceeded.
  7. Ensure planks and/or platforms are secured to scaffolding when necessary to prevent uplift of displacement because of high winds or other job conditions.
  8. Ensure scaffold platforms are equipped with guardrails on all open sides of platform.
  9. Ensure toeboards are installed wherever people are required to work, pass under or around scaffold platforms.
  10. Ensure access is provided to work platform. If access is not provided by the structure, then an access ladder, frames with built-in ladders or stairways are to be provided.
  11. Ensure plank is cleated or fabricated plank used at platform level to minimize or eliminate platform overhang when frames with built-in ladders are used.
  12. Ensure access ladder extends at least 3 ft above platforms.
  13. Ensure materials or tools are never placed on a cantilevered platform unless the assembly has been evaluated or designed by a qualified person.
  14. Ensure the use of material hoist towers are prohibited unless it has been evaluated and approved by a qualified person.

40.12.4 Erection and Use of Rolling Scaffold

  1. Construction Contractors and personnel erecting or dismantling rolling scaffold shall:
  1. Ensure the height of the tower does not exceed four times the minimum base dimension. Outrigger frames or units on both sides of the tower may be used to increase base width dimension when necessary.
  2. Ensure casters are secured to frame legs or screwjacks with a nut and bolt or other secure means.
  3. Ensure the rated load capacity of the casters is not exceeded.
  4. Ensure screwjacks do not extend more than 12 in. above the caster base.
  5. Ensure tower is kept level and plumb at all times.
  6. Ensure horizontal/diagonal bracing is used at the bottom and top of the tower and at intermediate levels of 20 ft. Fabricated planks with hooks may replace the top diagonal brace.
  7. Ensure all frames are fully cross braced.
  8. Ensure only prefabricated planks or cleated planks are used.
  9. Ensure casters are locked at all times when the scaffold is not being moved.
  10. Not ride on manually propelled rolling scaffold. No personnel should be on the tower while it is being moved.
  11. Work only within the platform area: do not try to extend overhead work area by reaching out over the guard rail.
  12. Not build a bridge between two rolling towers with planks or stages.
  13. Ensure floor surface is clear of obstructions or holes before moving scaffold.
  14. Ensure there are no overhead obstructions or electric power lines in the path of rolling scaffold.
Back to Table of Contents

40.13 Rescue Procedures/Methods

  1. A competent person shall establish and maintain written rescue procedures for fall protection were work involves working at heights. Rescue procedures at a minimum shall:
  1. Establish a chain of command.
  2. Identify critical resources, including first responders, medical supplies, and rescue equipment.
  1. Ames Fire Department is trained and provides fall protection rescue. The Fire Department can be reached by calling Ames Dispatch Center at 650-604-5555
  2. Notify the Ames Safety, Health & Medical Services Division immediately at 650-604-5602.
  1. Address communication issues.
Back to Table of Contents

Appendix A: Definitions and Acronyms

Anchorage - A secure point of attachment for lifelines, lanyards, or deceleration devices that is capable of supporting 5000 pounds per person (exception is a fall restraint system which requires an anchorage of 1000 pounds) or designed by a Qualified Person with a safety factor of 2.

Authorized person (user) - Employee required to use fall protection in performance of their work and trained and certified to use fall protection PPE and systems. Body Harness - Straps secured about the employee in a manner that distributes the fall arrest forces over the thighs, pelvis, waist, chest, and shoulders with means for attaching it to other components of personal fall arrest system.

Certification - The process to determine that criteria established by a designated standard has been met, and the documentation that records that the criteria was met. The process includes testing and is performed under the supervision of a qualified trainer or entity.

Competent Person for Fall Protection - Employee trained and certified in fall protection and who is capable of identifying hazards, has the authority to take corrective actions, is knowledgeable of applicable regulations, standards, equipment, and systems, and understands the mandatory requirements for fall protection equipment and systems.

Competent Person for Scaffolding - Employee trained and certified in scaffolding and who is capable of identifying hazards, has the authority to take corrective actions, is knowledgeable of applicable regulations, standards, equipment, and systems, and understands the mandatory requirements for scaffolding.

Connector - A device which is used to couple (connect) parts of the personal fall arrest system and positioning device systems together. It may be an independent component of the system, such as a carabineer, or it may be an integral component part of the system (such as a buckle or D-ring sewn into a body belt or body harness, or snap-hook spliced or sewn to a lanyard or self-retracting lanyard.)

Dangerous Equipment - Equipment (i.e., galvanizing tanks, degreasing units, machinery, electrical equipment, and other types) which, as a result of form or function, will be hazardous to employees who fall onto or into such equipment.

Deceleration Device - Any mechanism, such as a rope grab, rip-stitch lanyard, specially-woven lanyard, tearing or deforming lanyards, automatic self-retracting lifelines/lanyards, etc., which serves to dissipate a substantial amount of energy during a fall arrest, or otherwise limit the energy imposed on an employee during fall arrest.

Deceleration Distance - The additional vertical distance a falling employee travels, excluding lifeline elongation and free-fall distance, before stopping from the point at which the deceleration device begins to operate. It is measured as the distance between the location of an employee's body harness attachment point at the moment of activation (at the onset of fall arrest forces) of the deceleration device during a fall, and the location of that attachment point after the employee comes to a full stop.

Drop Line - A vertical line from a fixed anchorage, independent of the work surface, to which the lanyard is affixed.

Engineered Fall Protection System - A fall protection system that has been designed and approved by a Qualified Person.

Fall Arrest System - A system designed to stop one or more persons from striking a lower level or obstructions if a fall occurs. Fall Arrest Systems require the use of a Full Body Harness, a Connecting Means, a suitable Anchorage, planned rescue procedures, and proper training of all users.

Fall Protection - Any equipment, device, or system that prevents an accidental fall from elevation or mitigates the effect of such a fall.

Fall Protection Plan - A plan prepared by a qualified person, developed specifically for the site where work at heights is performed. The Fall Protection Plan is to be kept up to date and meet the requirements of 29 CFR 1926.502 and ANSI Z359.2.

Fall Protection Program - Policy and guidelines established by an organization to protect all employees engaged in work activities exposing them to potential falls from elevation. The program covers all company facilities, jobsites, and employees of that company. The Fall Protection Program is used to develop the site-specific fall protection plan for individual jobsites.

Fall Restraint System - A fall protection system that prevents them from reaching an unprotected edge. The system is comprised of a body harness along with an anchorage, connectors, and other necessary equipment. The other components typically include a lanyard and may include a lifeline and other devices.

Floor Opening - An opening measuring 12 inches or more in its least dimension in any floor, platform, pavement, or yard through which persons may fall.

Free Fall - The act of falling before a personal fall arrest system begins to apply force to arrest the fall.

Free Fall Distance - The vertical displacement of the fall arrest attachment point on the employee's body harness between onset of the fall and just before the system begins to apply force to arrest the fall. This distance excludes deceleration distance, and lifeline/lanyard elongation, but includes any deceleration device slide distance or self-retracting lifeline/lanyard extension before they operate and fall arrest forces occur.

Guardrail System - A barrier to prevent employees from falling to lower levels.

Institutional Activities - Routine work on items that are secured to the actual facility or are used to directly support the facility such as HVAC equipment, vacuum chambers, overhead cranes, etc.

Lanyard - A flexible line of rope, wire rope, or strap which has a connector at each end for connecting a body harness to a deceleration device, lifeline, or anchorage.

Leading Edge - The edge of a floor, roof, or formwork for a floor or other walking/working surface (such as a deck) which changes location as additional floor, roof decking, or formwork sections are placed, formed or constructed. A leading edge is considered to be an unprotected side and edge during periods when it is not actively and continuously under construction.

Lifeline - A component consisting of a flexible line for connection to an anchorage at one end to hang vertically (vertical lifeline), or for connection to anchorages at both ends to stretch horizontally (horizontal lifeline), and which serves as a means for connecting other components of a personal fall arrest system to the anchorage.

Low Slope Roof - A roof having a slope less than or equal to 4 in 12 (vertical to horizontal). Mobile Aerial Platforms - Equipment with the capability to move horizontally and vertically while elevated. Examples include articulating boom lifts and bucket trucks.

Non-Engineered Anchorage - An anchor point for which no engineering calculations have been performed.

Non-roof Work - Preventive maintenance (PM), repair of equipment on roofs such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, (HVAC), lightning protection systems, rigging of fall protection systems, maintenance of roof drains, etc.

Opening - A gap or void 30 inches (76 centimeters) or more high and 18 inches (46 centimeters) or more wide, in a wall or partition, through which employees can fall to a lower level.

Personal Fall Arrest System - Used to arrest a person in a fall from a working level. It consists of an anchorage, connectors, body harness and may include a lanyard deceleration device, lifeline or suitable combinations of these.

Positioning Device System - A body harness system rigged to allow an employee to be supported on an elevated vertical surface, such as a wall, and work with both hands free while leaning. It is not a fall protection system.

Positive Fall Protection - Fall protection by the use of a guardrail system or personal fall protection to include harness with a fall arrest/restraint system or the use of other means such as vehicle mounted platforms and/or scaffolding.

Program Administrator - A person designated in writing to manage the Fall Protection Program.

Qualified Person - A person in possession of a recognized engineering degree and a formal training certificate from an industry recognized trainer, training center, or an equivalent OSHA training program, who has successfully demonstrated their extensive knowledge and experience to perform structural engineering for design, evaluation, and approval of fall protection systems.

Roof Work - The hoisting, storage, application, and removal of roofing materials and equipment, including related insulation, sheet metal, vapor barrier work, and leading edge work.

Rope Grabs - A deceleration device that travels on a lifeline and automatically engages the lifeline, by friction, and locks to arrest the fall.

Safety Monitoring System - A system in which a competent monitor is responsible for recognizing and warning employees of fall hazards. The person monitoring the other workers is to be on the same walking\working surface as employees being monitored: is to be within visual sighting distance of the employees being monitored: is to be close enough to communicate orally with the employees being monitored: is not have responsibilities which could take the monitoring attention from the monitoring function.

Scissor Lift Mobile scaffolding that can be manual or powered that has vertical-only capabilities. Powered scissor lifts may have minor horizontal adjustment.

Self-Retracting Lifeline/Lanyard - A deceleration device containing a drum-wound line which can be slowly extracted from, or retracted onto, the drum under slight tension during normal employee movement, and which, after onset of a fall, automatically locks the drum and arrests the fall.

Steep Roof - A roof having a slope greater than 4 in 12 (vertical to horizontal).

Toe-Board - A low protective barrier that prevents material and equipment from falling to lower levels and provides protection from falls for personnel.

Tower - Free-standing or guy-supported structure that is essentially vertical with access via vertical ladder or ships ladder: used to support antennas, boresite instruments, weather instruments, cameras, radars, lightning protection systems for protection of launch complexes, etc.

Tower Climber - Employee trained and certified as a Tower Climber and who, by possession of formal training certificate from an industry recognized trainer, training center, or an equivalent ANSI/OSHA training program, has successfully demonstrated their extensive knowledge and experience to perform tower climbs.

Unprotected Sides or Edges - Any side or edge (except at entrances to points of access) of walking/working surface (e.g., floor, roof, ramp, or runway) where there is no wall or guardrail system at least 39 inches high.

Walking/Working Surface - Any surface, whether horizontal or vertical on which an employee walks or works, including but not limited to floors, ramps, bridges, runways, formwork, and concrete reinforcing steel. Does not include ladders, vehicles, or trailers on which employees are located to perform their work duties.

Warning Line systems - A barrier erected on a roof to warn employees that they are approaching an unprotected roof side or edge, and which designates an area in which roofing work may take place without the use of guardrail or personal fall protection system to protect employees in the area.

Back to Table of Contents