The only official copy of this file is the one on-line in the NSLS ESH website. Before using a printed copy, verify that it is the most current version by checking the document issue date on the NSLS ESH website.
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Number: |
LS-ESH-PRM-1.8.0 |
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Section: |
FALL PROTECTION |
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Date: |
08/15/2005 |
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Revision: |
1 |
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Prepared by: |
J. Aloi and R. Casey |
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Approved by: |
Steve Dierker, Department Chairman |
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1.0.0
INTRODUCTION
The policy of the Light Source is to protect its staff, users, and contractors from falls off elevated walking/working surfaces. This is accomplished by providing a standard rail system (e.g., a guardrail) on normally accessed walking/working surfaces that are 4 or more feet above the adjacent floor or ground level. These frequently accessed elevated walking/working surfaces at the Light Source shall comply with the OSHA General Industry Standard 29 CFR 1910.23 “Guarding Floor and Wall Openings and Holes.”
There exist many infrequently accessed elevated walking/working surfaces (e.g., hutch roofs, X-Ray tunnel roof, booster shielding, magnets, etc.) that may not be equipped with a standard guardrail system due to structural and mechanical obstructions (e.g., HVAC equipment, fire protection equipment, cranes, and electrical cable trays). These obstructions prevent complete compliance with the requirements for a standard rail system. In addition, these areas are accessed on an other than “predictable and regular basis” therefore these areas are not considered platforms and a standard rail system is not required based on the OSHA compliance directive STD 01-01-013. Nevertheless, a means of fall protection must be provided to workers who access these areas. This procedure provides guidance on how NSLS personnel shall comply with OSHA standards.
2.0.0 SCOPE: This procedure sets forth the responsibilities and elements of the NSLS fall protection policy and applies to all work performed at the NSLS.
3.0.0
RESPONSIBILITIES
3.1.0
NSLS Department Chairman is responsible for
ensuring implementation of this procedure.
3.2.0
NSLS ES&H Staff is responsible for the
direct execution of this procedure. Specifically, they shall:
a. Evaluate unprotected elevated areas for fall protection
b. Maintain a log of evaluated areas
c. Provide guidance on attachment points
3.3.0
NSLS Users, staff and contractors must comply with the requirements set forth in this PRM.
As such, all workers and supervisors must ensure that work on unprotected
surfaces greater than four feet above an adjacent surface are evaluated and
protected as determined by safety review prior to start of the work. These evaluations will be conducted as part
of the NSLS work-planning program.
4.0.0
ELEVATED AREA
REQUIREMENTS
4.1.0 All work on an unprotected surface greater than four feet above an adjacent surface must be evaluated by a “competent” ESH person designated by the NSLS Associate Chair for ESH/Q (appropriate experience and training in OSHA regulations is required for this designation). In many cases, a practical solution can be established by installation of a temporary guardrail system or by working from a ladder, scaffold, or man lift. In some cases with the approval of the ESH person, existing barriers such as cable trays or ductwork may be deemed to constitute an adequate guardrail. It should be noted that supervisors and ESH personnel are permitted to inspect these work locations without the use of fall protection for purposes of work planning and safety review.
4.2.0 Fall Arrest System - If it is not possible to use the above-mentioned equipment, then the worker shall be protected by a personal fall arrest system, preferably a self-retracting lifeline. Self-retracting lifelines significantly limit the free fall distance, thus lowering the risk of trauma to the worker in the event of a fall. If a fall arrest system is used, the following conditions must be adhered to:
4.2.1 Training: BNL fall protection training (GE-FALLPROTECT) must be completed before working on an elevated surface while wearing a fall arrest system.
4.2.2 The work location shall be evaluated by the designated member of the ES&H Staff for proper attachment of the fall arrest system (The ES&H Specialist is normally the first point of contact, followed by the NSLS Safety Engineer and then the NSLS Safety Officer.)
4.2.3 Once an area has been evaluated, a record of the evaluation shall be recorded in the NSLS Fall Protection database that is located on the ES&H server. Subsequent accesses to the same area shall comply with the initial evaluation, unless conditions have changed that present additional or modified hazards.
4.2.4 While using a fall arrest system a second person (safety watch) must observe the work from the lower level so that he/she can call for help in case of an emergency.
4.2.5 The attachment point of a body harness shall be located in the center of the wearer’s back near shoulder level, and the anchor attachment should be above the wearer’s shoulders.
4.2.6 Anchorages used for attachment of personal fall arrest equipment shall able to support a minimum of 5,000 pounds per worker. For self-retracting lifelines that limit the free falls to 2 feet or less, the anchorage point must be able to support a minimum of 3,000 pounds per worker. For engineered systems employing shock absorbers, lower anchorage strengths may be possible when approved by a qualified person (Professional Engineer) and as long as they meet the 2:1 safety factor.
4.2.7 Prior to each use, the fall arrest system shall be inspected for wear, damage and other deterioration, and defective components shall be removed from service.
4.2.8 Personal fall arrest systems and components subjected to impact loading, e.g. a fall, shall be removed from service and shall not be used again for employee protection until inspected and determined by a competent person (the manufacturer) to be undamaged and suitable for reuse.
4.2.9 If the installation of the fall arrest system creates a greater hazard than performing the work, the use of a safety monitor is permitted. See section 4.3.0 for safety monitoring guidance.
4.2.10 Body harnesses, lanyards, beam clamps, and self-retracting lifelines are available to be borrowed by properly trained personnel. This equipment is located in room 1-150.
4.3.0 Safety Monitoring System - In situations where it is infeasible to use a fall arrest system, a safety monitoring system as described in this section can be used. It should be noted that a fall arrest system is not always possible. In some cases, obstructions or the required length of line make use of a fall arrest system impossible. However, inconvenience of using fall arrest equipment does not justify use of a safety monitoring system.
Definition: A safety monitoring system requires a knowledgeable person to be assigned as a safety monitor whose sole responsibility is to observe work in progress and to recognize and warn employees of fall hazards.
4.3.1
Requirements/Responsibilities of safety monitor:
4.3.1.1 The safety monitor and the worker(s) must complete the BNL fall protection training (GE-FALLPROTECT).
4.3.1.2 The safety monitor shall wear an orange safety vest.
4.3.1.3 The safety monitor shall: