qp29.44 prevention of falls 6 - group - libertyas/nzs 2550.10 cranes, hoists and winches – safe...

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PREVENTION OF FALLS QP29.44 Revision 6 Safety Any PRINTED copies of this procedure are UNCONTROLLED Page: 1 of 13 1.0 PURPOSE This procedure is in place to provide practical guidance to workers and supervisors on how to prevent harm to persons resulting from: Falling from heights or into depths, including top of truck, excavations, pits etc; Removing and installing platforms/portable flooring (attachment??) Being struck by a falling object; Suspension trauma; and Unstable work platforms or mobile elevated work equipment. 2.0 SCOPE This procedure applies to all workers (including employees and contractors) in Liberty Primary Steel Plant areas as defined in the responsibility map (MXD: OSTEG responsibility Map GIS). 3.0 REFERENCES SA Work Health and Safety Act SA Work Health and Safety Regulations OST-OHS-SYS-COP-200 GFG Alliance Codes of Practice QP29.13 Safety Risk Management SafeWork SA Managing the Risk of Falls in the Workplace Code of Practice AS/NZS 1576 Scaffolding series AS/NZS 1657 Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders - Design, construction and installation AS/NZS 1891 Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices series AS/NZS 1892.5 Portable ladders Selection, safe use and care. AS/NZS 2550.10 Cranes, hoists and winches Safe use - Mobile elevating work platforms AS/NZS 4576 Guidelines for scaffolding AS/NZS 4994 Temporary Edge Protection

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Page 1: QP29.44 PREVENTION OF FALLS 6 - Group - LibertyAS/NZS 2550.10 Cranes, hoists and winches – Safe use - Mobile elevating work platforms AS/NZS 4576 Guidelines for scaffolding AS/NZS

PREVENTION OF FALLS QP29.44

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1.0 PURPOSE

This procedure is in place to provide practical guidance to workers and supervisors on how to prevent harm to persons resulting from:

• Falling from heights or into depths, including top of truck, excavations, pits etc;

• Removing and installing platforms/portable flooring (attachment??)

• Being struck by a falling object;

• Suspension trauma; and

• Unstable work platforms or mobile elevated work equipment.

2.0 SCOPE

This procedure applies to all workers (including employees and contractors) in Liberty Primary Steel Plant areas as defined in the responsibility map (MXD: OSTEG responsibility Map GIS).

3.0 REFERENCES

SA Work Health and Safety Act

SA Work Health and Safety Regulations

OST-OHS-SYS-COP-200 GFG Alliance Codes of Practice

QP29.13 Safety Risk Management

SafeWork SA Managing the Risk of Falls in the Workplace Code of Practice

AS/NZS 1576 Scaffolding series

AS/NZS 1657 Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders - Design, construction and installation

AS/NZS 1891 Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices series

AS/NZS 1892.5 Portable ladders – Selection, safe use and care.

AS/NZS 2550.10 Cranes, hoists and winches – Safe use - Mobile elevating work platforms

AS/NZS 4576 Guidelines for scaffolding

AS/NZS 4994 Temporary Edge Protection

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4.0 KEY BEHAVIOURS REQUIRED These behaviours must be conveyed and understood. 1. Follow the prevention of falls hierarchy of controls using the prevention of falls

permit when working at height. 2. Use fall arrest only as an absolute last resort. 3. Where fall arrest is used have a rescue plan in place with the aim of recovery

within 5 minutes. 4. Do not go within 2m of an unprotected edge, where there is a potential fall of

greater than 1.8m, without fall prevention. 5. Position warning barricades a distance of at least 2m from an opening or

unprotected edge of an opening. 6. Implement an exclusion zone below work at heights to protect people from

falling objects.

5.0 DEFINITIONS

5.1 Fall Restraint System A control on a person’s movement by means of a combination of a harness, a lanyard or inertia reel and an anchor point which will physically prevent the person from reaching a position at which there is a risk of a free or limited free fall.

5.2 Limited Free Fall A system by which a lanyard of fixed or variable length or an inertia reel device or self-retracting lifeline, is used in conjunction with a harness to create a situation where if a person were to fall over an exposed edge that the distance of the fall would be limited to 600mm or less.

5.3 Free Fall Arrest A system by which a lanyard or a fall-arrester, fall-limiter, inertia reel device or self-retracting lifeline and an energy absorber (shock absorbing device) are used in conjunction with a harness to create a situation where if a person where to fall over an exposed edge, that the fall would be arrested in a controlled manner. Free Fall arrest systems can allow a fall of up to two metres before commencement of fall arrest. All systems must be set up so that free fall of a person will not be greater than 2.0 metres before the system begins to control the fall. All fall arrest systems must include suspension relief leg straps. For all fall arrest situations, there is a requirement for a rescue plan, rescue kit and relevant rescue training.

5.4 Fall Means a fall by a person from one level to another.

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5.5 Fall Clearance Where a free fall situation exists, there must be sufficient clearance below the fall point so that the person does not strike a lower level surface or obstruction. This is called the Fall Clearance. This is typically 4.6 m plus the Lanyard Allowance. The Fall Clearance is made up of the following:

• Residual Clearance. A minimum allowance of 1.0 m.

• Energy Absorber Allowance. An allowance of 1.8 m for the typical full extension of an energy absorber unless stated otherwise.

• Height of Operator. An allowance of 1.8 m for the height from the ground to a dorsal harness attachment point and allowing for some movement of the wearer.

NOTE: This is different to the “Lanyard Attachment Height” allowance used to calculate Free Fall Distance.

• Lanyard Allowance. The amount the lanyard extends past the fall edge.

5.6 Free Fall Distance This is the distance that a person can travel from a fall edge before the fall arrest system begins to arrest the fall. All systems must be set up so that free fall of a person will not be greater than 2.0 metres before the system begins to control the fall. The Free Fall Distance is made up of the following:

• Lanyard Length. Length of the lanyard (before any extension of the energy absorber).

Minus

• Fall Edge Distance. The straight-line distance from the anchor point to the fall edge.

Plus

• Lanyard Attachment Height. The expected maximum height of the lanyard to harness attachment point with the user standing up. Given as 1.5 m.

NOTE: This is different to the “Height of Operator” allowance used to calculate Fall Clearance.

5.7 Anchor Point A secure point for attaching a lanyard, lifeline or other component of a travel restraint system or fall-arrest system. Anchor points require specific load and impact capacities for their intended use.

5.8 Energy Absorber (Personal) A device which by design reduces the deceleration force imposed by a suddenly arrested fall to 6 kN or less. It is designed to be used in series with a fall-arrest harness and lanyard or other device and must be used where the free fall exceeds 600 mm or the deceleration force is expected to exceed 6 kN. It may be a component of a Total Restraint or Limited Free Fall system but is not specifically required as it is unlikely to function in these situations.

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5.9 Boom-Type MEWP This is a powered telescoping device, hinged device or articulating device, or any combination of these devices, used to support a platform that can be propelled horizontally as well as vertically and on which personnel, equipment or materials can be elevated. Boom type can include self-propelled booms, knuckle booms, trailer lifts, cherry pickers and truck-mounted booms. All personnel in the platform (or basket) of a boom type EWP must wear a fall arrest harness (full harness) with leg straps and lanyard assembly, which is secured to an approved anchor point provided for this purpose.

5.10 Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) A mobile machine (device) that is intended to move persons, tools and material to working positions and consists of at least a work platform with controls, an extending structure and a chassis, but does not include mast climbing work platforms. Includes self-propelled boom lift, scissor lift, vehicle mounted and insulated vehicle mounted.

5.11 Scissor type EWP This is a powered device, used to support a platform that can be manoeuvred, but the platform may be raised only vertically. Fall arrest harnesses are not required in EWPs such as scissor lifts or vertical personnel lifts, unless a risk assessment indicates that they should be worn for risk control purposes.

5.12 Suspension Trauma The physical effects of immobilization in a vertical Position. Can cause fainting, organ damage, and cardiac arrest.

6.0 PROCEDURE

6.1 Safe System of Work Prior to any work at height, a Safe System of Work (SSoW) shall be completed and must include a Prevention of Falls Permit. This permit provides guidance on selection of controls in line with the hierarchy of Controls.

6.2 Prevention of Falls Hierarchy of Control The hierarchy detailed below shall be followed in selecting the best control measure to manage the prevention of falls. The various control measures are listed in order of decreasing effectiveness, so that measures closest to the top are used in preference to controls lower down the list. Attachments 2 and 3 contain examples of the application of the Hierarchy of Control in managing prevention of falls. The Prevention of Falls Permit steps you through the hierarchy of control and selection of appropriate controls for the task.

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o Elimination: Can the work be relocated to ground level to remove the need for any work to be conducted at heights? Can handrails or barriers, be permanently installed to eliminate the falling from heights risk?

o Isolation: Can temporary physical barriers be used to remove the risk of falling from heights? Fixed barriers complying with AS/NZS 1657 can be used at the unprotected edge, or unrestrained temporary barriers can be used a minimum of two metres from an unprotected edge.

o Engineering Controls: Can temporary platforms or scaffolding be utilised to safely access the work? Can elevating work platforms be used to access the work?

o Personal Protective Equipment: ▪ Where higher-level control measures are not applicable then personal

protective measures such as fall restraint or fall arrest systems shall be used.

▪ When using boom type elevating work platforms fall restraint or fall arrest systems must be used.

▪ In all situations where fall restraint or fall arrest systems are used as the control measure then the appropriate Prevention of Falls checklist shall be completed.

▪ A hard hat with a chin strap must be worn for all tasks when working at heights.

▪ Waist belts can only be worn when working on the back of trucks.

o Administrative Controls: This includes measures such as instructions, procedures, and training, which in themselves, are insufficient for addressing prevention of falls risks. However they are commonly used in conjunction with other control measures.

6.3 EWP Prevention of Falls Guideline – Attachment 4

6.3.1 Boom Type Persons operating boom-type EWPs with a boom length of 11 metres or more must hold a National certificate of competency (Class WP)

Whenever a Boom type of elevating work platform is used for working at heights access, the EWP Guideline provides more detailed guidance on completing the Prevention of Falls permit.

Wherever possible Fall Restraint should be used.

Where it is not possible to use Fall Restraint then a Limited Free Fall system or Fall arrest system shall be used, and a Prevention of Falls Permit shall be completed. The clearance beneath the working position must be checked to be greater than the calculated Fall Clearance required ensuring adequate fall arrest clearance, and a rescue plan in the event of an arrested fall must be documented in the permit. A competent standby person must be available to operate ground controls.

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6.3.2 Scissor Lifts Fall arrest harnesses are not required in scissor lifts or vertical personnel lifts, unless a risk assessment indicates that they should be worn for risk control purposes.

6.4 Scaffolding When building scaffolding the access to and from the scaffold platforms should follow the below hierarchy;

1. Install Stairs whenever practicable 2. Use internal ladders up to 4m platform to platform with a hinge gate

for access to the platform 3. External ladders need to be less than 1.8m to the platform with a

hinge gate for access to the platform (Note if it is impractical to install a hinge gate due to space or an impingement from surrounding structures the a swing arm is to be used and if this is not practical then a solid bar at handrail height is to be used)

When scaffolding is being erected the following principles should be used;

▪ All scaffolding requests need to indicate the task its required for (ie do people need to carry things up and down this will help determine of stairs are needed)

▪ All scaffolds to be built in 1 meter lifts (if this is not possible fall restraint needs to be used)

▪ All lifts above 1.8 meters need to have the mid rails installed

6.5 Non-EWP Prevention of Falls Guideline – Attachment 5 Whenever any work at heights is done other than from a scissor type elevating work platform the Non-EWP Guideline provides more detailed guidance on completing the Prevention of Falls permit. The checklist is divided into four parts, designed to encourage the use of control measures as high as possible in the Hierarchy of Control. The use of Fall Restraint is preferred over the use of Limited Free Fall systems, which is in turn preferred over Fall arrest systems.

When using Fall Restraint systems, the combination of lanyard length and attachment point must be such that it is not possible to reach an exposed edge.

Where it is not possible to use Fall Restraint then the next preference shall be to use a Limited Free Fall arrangement. The combination of lanyard length and attachment point must be such that a fall of greater than 600 mm is not possible. Where inertia reel type devices are used to achieve Limited Free Fall the attachment point must be above head height.

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Where it is not possible to use Fall Restraint or Limited Free Fall arrangements then a Fall Arrest system shall be used, in which case a

Prevention of Falls Permit shall be completed. The height below the working position must be checked to be greater than the combination of the Fall arrest system to ensure adequate Fall Clearance, and a rescue plan in the event of an arrested fall must be documented in the Prevention of Falls Permit.

6.6 Inertia Reel Systems Use appropriate inertia Reel systems that are designed to prevent;

• the pendulum effect

• the webbing or other suspension component passing over a sharp edge

• free fall exceeding 600mm

• the person striking an obstruction before their fall is arrested.

6.7 Ladders and Platform Ladders Platform ladders should be used as a preference to extension or a-frame ladders. Platform ladders with a height of 1.8m or greater should have a fully enclosed handrail. Ladders are to be used primarily for access or short duration work under the following conditions;

• the ladder is secured

• three points of contact are maintained when climbing up or down

• the work does not involve restricted vision or hot work

• the person is safely secured within the stiles or a purpose-designed fall protection system is used.

Acceptable conditions for short duration work on a step-ladder include;

• three points of contact are maintained while moving up and down the ladder

• the height that a person is working at is limited to accessing the ceiling or underside of part of a building above the stepladder, or to 1.8m elsewhere

• person using the stepladder does not stand higher than the tread or rung indicated as the highest standing level.

Select appropriate ladders for electrical work. Inspect ladders for damage prior to each use. Painted timber ladders are not to be used, as they do not allow for effective inspection of the timber. Also, inspections are required in the following circumstances;

• when originally purchased, received and put into service and

• after mishaps, drops and impacts. Refer attachment 8.

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All ladders should have the following information permanently marked in a prominent position:

• The name of the Australian manufacturer or importer (whether the ladder has been made for sale or otherwise).

• In the largest lettering practicable, the duty rating (i.e. 'INDUSTRIAL' or 'DOMESTIC' as appropriate), the words

• 'This ladder is intended to carry a maximum load of' and the load rating in kilograms.

• The working length of the ladder (the closed and maximum working lengths for extension type ladders).

• In the largest lettering practicable, the words 'DO NOT USE WHERE ELECTRICAL HAZARD EXISTS' if it is not designed for electrical work.

• On double-sided stepladders, the words 'TO BE USED IN THE FULLY OPEN POSITION ONLY'.

• A warning against standing on those treads or rungs which would represent an unsafe working position. Such markings shall warn against standing any higher than the third top rung on a single or extension ladder and on stepladders, not being a platform stepladder, the second top tread.

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6.8 Anchor Points The following points on the table below should be considered by a person working at height when selecting a suitable anchor point for the purpose of fall arrest or fall restraint.

SELECTING A 15kN SINGLE ANCHOR POINT SUMMARY

Check

Example

☑ The position of the anchor point is safe

to access, there is adequate fall clearance from objects and is positioned as close as practical above the work

Consider "the pendulum affect" and clearance guidelines in attachments 6 and 7 Fall Systems Guidelines

☑ There is adequate fall arrest equipment to secure to the structure and with no potential for damage to the equipment

There are no sharp edges and all equipment is rated to or above 2t (including all D-link, shackles, hooks etc…)

☑ The span, size and support of the structure has been assessed as structurally adequate as per strength rating in attachment 7

Already assessed structures such as a static line anchor point, rescue tripods or four-point suspended scaffolds meet this critera.

☑ Structural bolts are sufficient Greater than M16 Gr.4.6 Hex Bolt (Tension Force Ft = Area 157 mm^2 x 0.6 x 250 MPa = 24 kN)

☑ Structural welds are sufficient Greater than 6mm FW length 40mm (Fw = 0.35 x 410 MPa x 6mm x 0.7 x 40 mm = 24 kN )

☑ The foundation structure is sufficient and in good condition

No cracking, exposed rebar, degradation

☑ There is no structural corrosion evident Any material defect greater than surface rust such as pitting, cracking or heavy rust

☑ Signage should be in place to identify permanent anchor points

Name of installer, installation date and purpose clearly visible at the site

Where these points cannot be met or if any doubt exists as to the structural adequacy of the anchorage, an engineer can make the assessment as per the requirements in AS1891.4.

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6.9 Prevention of Objects Falling Whenever work is being done at height an exclusion zone must be established and maintained below the work area where object may fall. This is commonly achieved with barrier tape set at least at 1m out for every 4m of height. For very short durations tasks (for example from a ladder) a spotter may be used. Implement controls to prevent tools and other objects from falling. Possible controls for consideration are as follows;

o Elimination: Can loose objects that may fall be removed from heights? Can the work be moved to ground level?

o Substitution: Can hard-wired tools that are not easily moved be used as opposed to portable tools?

o Isolation: Can work areas be separated?

o Engineering Controls: Can perimeter screens, debris nets, screened scaffolding, mesh under roofing be used? Are there guard rails with toe boards and wire mesh in use? Can cantilever work platforms be used? Can lanyards be used to secure tools and equipment? Can loose equipment be secured against the effect of adverse weather conditions<

o Personal Protective Equipment: Chin straps on helmets must be used to prevent them from falling.

o Administrative Controls: Provision of exclusion zones Safe access to and from the site Crane hoist zones Protection of adjoining areas and access Location of site facilities Equipment fit for duty Signage

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6.10 Emergency Procedures for Falls Whenever there is a risk of falling from height, appropriate emergency

procedures and facilities, including first aid, must be established and provided. Typical injuries from falls can include unconsciousness and occluded airway, impalement, serious head or abdominal injuries, fractures and suspension trauma.

Recovery / rescue plan should be considered for all working at heights jobs.

Where a fall arrest system is used a rescue plan must be in place which aims to rescue a fallen person within 5 minutes.

The recovery / rescue plan is included in the Prevention of Falls Permit. When developing the rescue plan, you should take into account the

following:

Relevant

considerations

Questions

Location of the work area

Is the work at height being undertaken in a remote or isolated place? How accessible is it in an emergency and how far away is it from appropriate medical facilities? Can the rescue of a person after an arrested fall be provided immediately, without the need to rely on emergency services?

Communications How can workers working at height communicate in an emergency?

Rescue equipment What kinds of emergencies may arise? Selected rescue equipment should be kept in close proximity to the work area so that it can be used immediately.

Capabilities of rescuers Are rescuers properly trained, sufficiently fit to carry out their task and capable of using any equipment provided for rescue Have emergency procedures been tested to demonstrate that they are effective?

First aid Is appropriate first aid available for injuries associated with falls? Are trained first aiders available to make proper use of any necessary first aid equipment?

Local emergency services—if they are to be relied on for rescue

How will the local emergency services (e.g. Security / ambulance) be notified of an incident? What is the likely response time?

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6.11 Rescue of People Following Arrested Fall A worker must not use a fall-arrest system unless there is at least one other person on the site who can rescue them if they fall. The rescuer should be able to rescue a person from a free fall within an aim of 5 minutes. The Rescue Coordinator is to note the time of the fall and initiate the rescue plan. They must not participate in work at heights in a Fall Arrest scenario and must not leave the area while others are working at heights

Log books must be kept with the rescue kit and must be filled in after every use. When equipment has reached its limit for use it must be taken out of service and sent away for inspection. There shall be a system in place to ensure emergency response procedures are tested on a regular basis. The testing program should be captured within the departmental calendars.

6.12 Suspension Trauma Any Risks Associated with Suspension Trauma will be managed by the site

emergency response team. The rescued person is to be laid on their back with minimal movement in case of back and / or neck injury.

6.13 Prevention of Falls Training Any worker who uses a harness as part of a fall arrest or fall restraint system

is required to be trained in Working at Heights as per QP29.28 Critical Safety Training.

6.14 Training for Rescue Coordinators The training for rescuing workers who have fallen is conducted every 2 years

as per QP29.28 Critical Safety Training.

6.15 Fitness for Working at Heights Health assessments are conducted to gauge and employees fitness to work at heights and considers medical conditions such as vertigo, as well as the weight of a person using a harness. Note: Many harness systems have a maximum weight limit of 136kg.

6.16 Reviewing Risk Control Measures

Attachment 1 – Prevention of Falls Permit – must also be completed prior to working at heights is undertaken.

The control measures that are put in place to prevent falls must be reviewed, and if necessary revised, to make sure they work as planned and to maintain an environment that is without risks to health and safety.

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7.0 RESPONSIBILITIES

7.1 Authorising Person A competent person who reviews the Prevention of Falls Permit rescue plan and authorises the fall arrest work to proceed. This will be the work group’s leader or the leader on shift for that plant area.

7.2 Competent Person A person who has the combination of training, knowledge, skills and practical experience necessary to be able to perform a particular task or duty in a safe and correct manner.

7.3 Responsible Manager Have in place a safe system for controlling risks associated with Prevention of Falls within their area of responsibility. Have in place a system to maintain and administer Prevention of Falls records including training records.

7.4 Rescue Coordinator A person who is trained and deemed competent in the skills needed to perform harness based work at heights and to initiate and conduct a first response rescue. This must be a member of the workgroup.

8.0 RECORDS Completed Prevention of Falls Permits shall remain attached to the Safe Systems of Work documentation relating to the work for which they were completed, and maintained for the same duration as those records.

9.0 DOCUMENTATION

Attachment 1 - Prevention of Falls Permit Attachment 2 - Examples of acceptable prevention of falls practices Attachment 3 - Examples of prevention of falls practices from AS1891.4 Attachment 4 - EWP Prevention of Falls Guideline Attachment 5 - Non EWP Prevention of Falls Guideline Attachment 6 - Anchor Points Attachment 7 - Strength Requirements for Anchor Points Attachment 8 – Equipment Pre Use Inspection Prompt Attachment 9 – Platform Removal and Installation Permit

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Attachment 2: Examples of acceptable prevention of falls practices

QP29.44/2 3/07/2015 Page: 1 of 3

Fixed barriers at edge

• Must meet handrail code requirements (AS1657) and be able to support an outward force of 550N (55kg).

• No restraint or harness is required for fully enclosed areas such as scissor lifts, scaffolding or temporary platforms.

• Must ensure people don’t climb onto, or lean out over, the handrails.

Temporary barrier ≥2 metres from the edge.

• Barrier may be water filled plastic type, temporary fencing, cable or chain supported on posts.

• Must be at least waist high and be highly visible.

• More applicable to excavations than working at heights.

Fall restraint system

• Restraint lanyard must be the correct length to prevent you from reaching an exposed edge.

• Can be used with a restraint belt or full harness.

• Lanyard and anchor point must be rated for 6kN (600 kg) force.

0.95m–1.0m

Mid-rail Kickboard

2m

600kg min. strength

for lanyard &

anchor point

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Attachment 2: Examples of acceptable prevention of falls practices

QP29.44/2 3/07/2015 Page: 2 of 3

Limited free fall

• Lanyard length must limit the fall distance from the fall edge to restraint to 600 mm maximum

• Generally requires that the lanyard must be fixed above head height to limit fall distance.

• Requires a full harness to be worn, can be attached at waist or dorsal position

• Inertia reel type devices will limit falls to less than 600mm but only if fixed above head height.

• Lanyard strength 15 kN (1.5 tonne), anchor point strength 12 kN (1.2 tonne)

• Self rescue normally possible

600mm max

Short lanyard

Lanyard as short as

practical but no

more than 1.8 m

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Attachment 2: Examples of acceptable prevention of falls practices

QP29.44/2 3/07/2015 Page: 3 of 3

Fall arrest system

• Typical application requires a Fall Clearance from the fall edge to any

obstruction of 4.6 m plus the amount the lanyard extends below the fall edge (X).

• Application in an EWP would typically

require a clearance of 4.6 m plus the amount the lanyard extends below the basket.

• A rescue plan is necessary

• Lanyard strength 15 kN

• Anchor point strength 15 kN for 1 person, 21 kN) for 2 persons

• Lanyard length in all cases must limit

free fall distance to less than 2 m

• In the case of an EWP the Free Fall distance is measured from the top of the basket.

Fall

Clearance

Obstruction

1.8m

1.8 m

1.0 m

Fall

edge (X)

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Attachment 3: Examples of prevention of falls practices from AS1891.4 – 2000

QP29.44/3 23/10/2014 Page: 1 of 2

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Attachment 3: Examples of prevention of falls practices from AS1891.4 – 2000

QP29.44/3 23/10/2014 Page: 2 of 2

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Attachment 4: EWP Prevention of Falls Guideline

QP29.44/4 3/07/2015 Page: 1 of 2

Can a fall restraint / restricted fall system be used?

Yes Use Box C1 No Use Box C2

Box C1 Fall Restraint or Limited Free Fall System:

(a) The length of the lanyard to be used:

(The lanyard including energy absorber

must be as short as practical and must

not exceed 1.8 m)

________________________ Metres

(b) Lanyard attachment point on harness to

be used:

(The closest harness attachment point to

the EWP anchor is preferred)

Waist

Dorsal

(c) The combination of lanyard length and

attachment point has been checked and

will not allow a fall of more than 600 mm

Yes:

Box C2 Fall Arrest System:

(a) The attachment point in the EWP is

suitable for fall arrest (Marked as

suitable for fall arrest or has a MRC of

1500kg or greater).

Yes:

(b) The length of the lanyard to be used:

(The lanyard including energy absorber

must be as short as practical and must

not exceed 1.8 m)

________________________ Metres

(c) At the intended working height, the

underside of the EWP basket will be (h)

metres above the highest obstruction.

(h) ____________________________________________ Metres

(d) Fall Clearance (h) below the bottom of

the EWP basket is greater than a+b+c+d

(See below)

Yes:

(e) Rescue plan documented in Prevention

of Falls Permit

Yes:

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Attachment 4: EWP Prevention of Falls Guideline

QP29.44/4 3/07/2015 Page: 2 of 2

Calculation of Fall Clearance.

If a Fall arrest system is to be used, it is essential that there be adequate clearance under the system so that in the event of a fall the user of the system will not strike the ground or strike any other obstacle beneath the system. The following diagram and formula is to be used to calculate this distance.

Working Height (h) is greater than or equal to (a) + (b) + (c) + (d)

(a)

(b) 1.8 m

(c)

1.8 m

(d) 1.0 m

Lanyard

(h)

(a) - Amount lanyard extends past the bottom of the EWP bucket.

(b) - Amount the energy

absorber extends. (1.8 m)

(c) – Height of person to

harness attachment. (1.8 m)

(d) – Residual clearance to top of highest obstruction or

the ground (1 m)

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Attachment 5: Non EWP Prevention of Falls Guideline

QP29.44/5 3/07/2015 Page: 1 of 3

Question 1. Can a Fall Restraint system be used?

Yes Use Box D1 No Answer question 2.

Question 2. Can a Limited Free Fall system be used?

Yes Use Box D2 No Answer question 3.

Question 3. Can a Limited Free Fall system (Inertia Type) be used?

Yes Use Box D3 No Answer question 4.

Question 4. Can a Fall Arrest system be used?

Yes Use Box D4 No Seek engineering advice.

Box D1 Fall Restraint System Checklist:

(a) Distance from

attachment point to

exposed edge

(b)=___________Metres

(b) Length of lanyard to be

used

(c)= __________Metres

(c) Distance from

attachment point to

exposed edge is less

than the length of the

lanyard.

Check: (c) is less than (b)

(d) Complies Yes:

Box D2 Limited Free Fall System Checklist: (a) Fall-arrester, fall-limiter,

inertia reel, self-

retracting lifeline to be

used

No:

Continue

Yes:

Go to Box D3

(b) Distance from

attachment point to

exposed edge (b)

(b) = _______Metres

(c) Length of lanyard to be

used (c)

(c) = _______Metres

(d) The length of the

lanyard (c) plus 1.5 m is

less than the distance

from the attachment

point to the fall edge (b)

plus 0.6 m.

Check:

(c + 1.5 m is less than

b + 0.6 m)

(e) Complies Yes:

Attachment Point

b

c

1.5m

(b)

(c)

Note: Effective limited fall can only occur when the attachment point is above head height.

Attachment Point

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Attachment 5: Non EWP Prevention of Falls Guideline

QP29.44/5 3/07/2015 Page: 2 of 3

Non EWP Prevention of Falls Guideline

Box D3 Limited Free Fall Arrest (Inertia Type) System Checklist:

(a)

Is attachment point

above head height?

Yes:

Continue

No:

Go to Box D4

(b) Fall-arrester, fall-limiter,

inertia reel, self-

retracting lifeline to be

used

Yes:

Continue

(c)

Check clearance below

work area exceeds 1.4 m (f)

(f) = ________Metres

(d) Complies Yes:

(c)

(f)

Anchor

Point

Obstruction

Page 24: QP29.44 PREVENTION OF FALLS 6 - Group - LibertyAS/NZS 2550.10 Cranes, hoists and winches – Safe use - Mobile elevating work platforms AS/NZS 4576 Guidelines for scaffolding AS/NZS

Attachment 5: Non EWP Prevention of Falls Guideline

QP29.44/5 3/07/2015 Page: 3 of 3

Non EWP Prevention of Falls Guideline

Box D4 Free Fall Arrest System Checklist: (a)

Is attachment point above head height?

No:

Continue

Yes:

Go to box D2 or D3

(b) Distance from fall edge to attachment point (b)

(b) = ________Metres

(c) Length of lanyard to be used (c)

(c) = ________Metres

(d) Calculate Free Fall distance (d)= (c) – (b) + 1.5 m)

(d) = ________Metres

(e) Check Free Fall distance (d) is less than 2.0 m Yes:

Continue

(f) Check available Fall Clearance (e)

(e) = ________Metres

(g) Calculate required fall clearance (f d + 4.55 m)

(f) = ________Metres

(h) Check (e) is greater than (f) Yes:

Continue

(i) Strength of attachment point checked

(Strength) = ______kN

(j) Document rescue plan in Prevention of Falls

Permit

Yes:

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Attachment 6: Anchor Points

QP29.44/6 23/10/2014 Page: 1 of 1

Page 26: QP29.44 PREVENTION OF FALLS 6 - Group - LibertyAS/NZS 2550.10 Cranes, hoists and winches – Safe use - Mobile elevating work platforms AS/NZS 4576 Guidelines for scaffolding AS/NZS

Attachment 7: Strength requirements for anchorages

QP29.44/7 23/10/2014 Page: 1 of 2

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Attachment 7: Strength requirements for anchorages

QP29.44/7 23/10/2014 Page: 2 of 2

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Attachment 8: Equipment Pre Use Inspection Prompt

QP29.44/8 23/10/2014 Page: 1 of 1

Consider these prompts as you check equipment to ensure that it is in a safe condition to use:

Ladders and Platform Ladders • Is the ladder free from breaks and bends?

• Is the ladder intact, with no parts missing?

• Are the rungs/treads of the ladder firmly fitted and free of excessive dents?

• Are all connections of rungs/treads to the ladder stiles intact?

• Are the internals of the ladder free from rust and/or corrosion?

• Are the feet of the ladder in good condition and fitted securely?

• Are any operating ropes in good condition (i.e. no signs of fraying, wear, rot etc.)?

• Are all pivoting points of the ladder operating correctly?

• Is the ladder free of spilt paint or other opaque deposits?

Metal Ladders:

• Are all bolts and rivets present and secure?

Timber ladders:

• Is the ladder free from breaks, bends, splits, chips, fractures and compression failures?

• Is the ladder free of evidence of termites, borers and decay

• Is a protective coating (such as oil or transparent varnish) regularly applied to the stiles? (especially if the ladder is regularly used outdoors)

Fiberglass & Timber ladders:

• Check for evidence of burns / heat damage

Harnesses and Lanyards • Equipment is tagged with the current inspection color as per the department register

• Equipment is free from cuts or significant wear

• Stitching is on good condition

• Webbing, fibers and rope are free from ingress of contaminants

• Energy absorber is intact has no signs of deployment

• Latch, carabineer and hook mechanisms are in good working order and lock appropriately

• All sprung and self-closing devices function appropriately

• All buckles and lanyard attachment points are free from excessive wear or cracks / fractures

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Attachment 9: Platform Removal and Installation Permit

QP29.44/9 12/10/2018 Page: 1 of 1