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Publication: October 2005. For information about changes, please see the Revision History.

Chapter 45: Fall Protection

Overview

Unprotected falls from elevation usually result in serious debilitating injury or death. Falls can be prevented through the use of proper prevention and arrest systems. All work from elevated work surfaces will be accomplished without any risk of falling to a lower level. This goal is achieved by adhering to the following fall protection hierarchy:

1. Remove the hazard: avoid working at heights. Bring the work down to the ground level whenever possible.
2. If work at heights is unavoidable, secure the elevated work area with a passive fall prevention barrier system, such as guardrails.
3. When a barrier system is not feasible because of the physical characteristics of the work environment or the infrequency of access, use an approved fall restraint system.
4. If no other option is feasible, a properly engineered and approved fall arrest system can be used in conjunction with a rescue plan.

Hazards/Impacts

Falls and subsequent injury may occur because of

• Lack of fixed, guarded, work platforms
• Inadequate lighting or space to conduct tasks
• Difficult access because of the proximity of other equipment
• Lack of a solid base for portable ladders
• Carrying tools and equipment to elevated locations
• Inadequate training
• Improper use of fall protection equipment

Scope

The fall protection program and its requirements apply to all personnel who access unprotected elevated work areas (see Definitions).

• Fall protection relating to scaffold erection, articulating boom type aerial lifts, scissors lifts, excavations, motor vehicles, or personnel hoists is not addressed in this chapter. (See Resources for related chapters.)
• This chapter does not apply to work performed from ladders when used properly according to SLAC training and manufacturer's instructions (see ES&H Manual, Chapter 15, "Ladder Safety"). If ladders are used properly, additional fall protection measures are generally not necessary.

The requirements of this chapter address many situations at SLAC where personnel work at elevated locations, including

• Climbing onto or working from unprotected elevated work locations such as the top of tanks, transformers, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment, and cranes
• Accessing roof-mounted equipment such as beam shut-off ion chambers (BSOICs), air abatement equipment, and HVAC units
• Repairing leaks on rooftops
• Pulling in hoisted equipment at elevated levels
• Installing or repairing elevated plumbing lines, electrical conduit, lighting fixtures, and exhaust ductwork