FallTech Sling Anchors User Manual

Page 17

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It is important to note that improper use of this equipment can be just
as dangerous as not using it at all. Failure to read, understand and
follow these instructions may result in serious injury or death.

Section 7: Fall Protection Plan


Title 29 CFR, section 1926.500 – 503 requires that an employer have
a written fall protection plan where fall hazards exist. The best way to
address a fall hazard is to eliminate it entirely or to employ a passive
system to restrict access to the hazard (i.e. guardrails, netting, covers,
etc.) Fall arrest products are the last line of defense in the hierarchy of
fall protection, and should be used as a last resort by employees who
have been thoroughly trained. The accepted fall protection hierarchy is
as follows:

 Eliminate the fall hazard.

 Passive fall protection (guardrails, safety nets, barriers, etc.).

 Fall Restraint (prevent the worker from having access to the fall

hazard by using a fixed lanyard which is short enough to restrict
access to the hazard).

 Fall Arrest (utilizing Personal Fall Arrest Systems).

 Administrative Controls (use of warning lines, controlled access

zones or monitors).


Two exceptional resources for developing a written fall protection
plan are OSHA 1926 Subpart M, Appendix E and ANSI Z359.2-2007. All
ANSI standards are available for purchase at www.ansi.org in the e-
standards store.


7.1: The Fall Protection Plan

As a minimum, a fall protection plan should identify and/or address
the following points:

 Any and all fall hazards which may exist on your job-site

or in your facility.

 Steps that have been taken to eliminate each fall hazard.

 Equipment that has been or will be employed to address

each fall hazard.

 Provisions for 100% continuous fall protection in the

vicinity of all fall hazards.

 Training procedures for all authorized persons.

 Identification

of

acceptable anchorages for positioning,

restraint and fall arrest.

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 Clear-fall

requirements.

 Use and egress from the system.

 Limitations on use of the system (maximum Free-fall,

arrest force and maximum number and permitted
locations of authorized persons who may use the system).

 Procedures for installation, use and removal of the

system.

 Detailed instructions for inspection of systems and system

components to include rejection criteria and replacement
procedures.

 A detailed plan and procedures for the rescue of a worker

who may be involved in a fall event.


7.2: Rescue Plan

In the event of a fall, OSHA requires that a prompt rescue be
provided. In order to facilitate a prompt and effective rescue, it is
important to have a Rescue Plan as part of your overall Fall Protection
Plan.

The rescue plan should include detailed procedures for summoning a
professional rescue agency (such as the local fire department) and/or for
performing self-rescue or in-house rescue.

For detailed assistance in formulating and maintaining an effective
rescue plan, see ANSI Z359.2-2007.

7.3: Suspension Trauma

Suspension Trauma (also referred to as orthostatic intolerance) is a
condition that can arise from being suspended in a full-body harness for
a prolonged period of time while awaiting rescue after a fall. Under these
circumstances, blood circulation can be restricted allowing a large
volume of blood to accumulate or pool in the veins of the workers legs.
This condition can result in a variety of symptoms, some of which include
light-headedness, loss of consciousness, difficulty concentrating and
palpitations.

Following a rescue, Suspension Trauma can be so acute as to cause
cardiac arrest when the large volume of un-oxygenated blood
overwhelms the heart. This severity of this condition can be greatly
reduced by using any one of a variety of devices offered to alleviate
Suspension Trauma, such as FallTech’s ReliefPak and by providing a
prompt rescue in the event of a fall.

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