Working at Heights

Working at heights is common in many industries, whether on roofs, scaffolding, ladders, or other raised work platforms. However, working at height presents a major workplace hazard–the risk of falling. Falls from elevation can result in serious injuries and fatalities. In Canada, over 44,000 workers suffer fall-related injuries annually. Understanding fall distance is crucial for implementing proper fall prevention and protection measures. Fall distance refers to the total vertical distance a worker travels during a fall before a fall arrest system stops the fall. The greater the fall distance, the higher the risks and potential impact forces on the worker's body.

Factors such as the height of the elevated work surface, any pendulum-like swing during the fall, and even reaction time to activate safety gear can all increase fall distance. Precautionary measures should be taken to minimise total fall distance. Proper calculation of potential fall distance can inform the appropriate selection and configuration of fall protection systems. For example, fall arrest systems must be rigged to ensure adequate clearance below the work surface to arrest the fall before the worker strikes the ground or other objects. Accurately estimating fall distance can be a matter of life, serious injury, or even in some cases, death.

Understanding Fall Distance Fall distance is a crucial concept for developing safety procedures and selecting appropriate equipment when working at heights. It is defined as the total vertical distance travelled by a worker during a fall event before the fall protection system fully arrests the fall. There are several important factors that contribute to calculating the total potential fall distance. Height of the fall The initial height at which a worker is positioned before a fall has the greatest influence on fall distance. Fall distance increases proportionally as height increases.

Type of fall protection system The kind of fall protection gear used affects deceleration distance. Some systems activate faster, and arrest falls sooner than others. Lanyard length and type Shock-absorbing lanyards elongate to absorb forces, contributing to a longer fall distance. The length of standard lanyards also impacts distance. Deceleration device Some devices have activation distances of only inches, while others require several feet for activation and deceleration. These distances directly add to the total fall distance. Calculating Fall Distance Accurately estimating potential fall distance requires accounting for various factors that add distance throughout a fall. Key elements include:

Free fall distance The Vertical distance travelled by a worker from the start of a fall to the initial activation of the arresting component. This depends on the anchor point height.

Deceleration distance Additional falling distance needed for fall arrest systems to fully activate and stop the worker's descent. This factor varies by device type. It's important to note that while a maximum value is typically indicated on the device, a competent person or user should reference the manufacturer's product manual for more accurate values based on worker weight and test data.

Harness stretch and dorsal D-ring shift Harness webbing and straps will stretch and elongate under force, contributing to fall distance. Dorsal attachment points also shift. Safety factor Since weight, clothing, and positioning vary, a 2-3 feet safety margin covers additional distance. Formula for calculating total fall distance: Total Fall Distance = Free Fall Distance + Deceleration Distance + Harness Stretch + Safety Factor An example calculation: Anchor height: 10 ft Deceleration distance: 4 ft Harness stretch: 1 ft Safety factor: 2 ft Total Fall Distance = 10 ft + 4 ft + 1 ft + 2 ft = 17 feet By considering all factors, any competent person can determine the required clearance for fall arrest systems.

Hierarchy of Fall Protection To effectively manage fall hazards, it's crucial to understand and implement the hierarchy of fall protection. This hierarchy provides a structured approach to fall prevention and protection, prioritising the most effective methods:

1. Elimination or Substitution: The primary goal is to remove the fall hazard entirely or substitute the task with a safer alternative that doesn't require working at height.

2. Passive Fall Protection: If elimination is not possible, the next step is to isolate the hazard from workers using methods like guardrails, safety nets, or fully enclosed work platforms.

3. Fall Restraint: This involves connecting a worker to an anchorage point and preventing them from reaching the fall hazard. It's a proactive approach that stops falls before they can occur.

4. Fall Arrest: When the above methods are not feasible, fall arrest systems are used. These systems are designed to stop a fall after it has begun, minimising the impact and preventing the worker from striking lower levels or the ground.

5. Administrative Controls: The final level involves implementing work practices or procedures designed to warn workers before they approach a fall hazard. This includes training, signage, and restricted access zones.

Fall Protection Systems There are several categories of equipment and safeguards used to protect workers from falls at elevation. The selection and configuration of fall protection influences fall distance factors. Guardrails Guardrails provide a barrier around the edges to prevent workers from going over the edge. They don't arrest falls but avoid fall initiation. As a passive fall protection method, guardrails are high in the hierarchy of fall protection. Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS) PFAS is worn by each worker, with full-body harnesses tied off to anchors.

A fall arrest system is a combination of components designed to safely arrest a worker's fall, reducing the chances of impacting obstructions, lower levels, or the ground. PFAS stops falls after initiation, absorbing some impact. Components of a Personal Fall Arrest System PFAS must contain these vital components:

● Anchorage: Secure structural anchor points are used to connect harness lanyards and arrest fall forces. Anchors typically support over 5,000 lbs per worker attached.

● Full-body harness: Harnesses distribute fall impact across thighs, pelvis, chest, and shoulders rather than concentrating on the body's midsection alone.

● Connectors: Lanyards, lifelines, deceleration devices, self-retracting devices, or rope grabs connect harnesses to anchors, activating to arrest falls.

Energy absorbers reduce the impact force transferred to the worker. Restraint Systems Restraint systems keep workers from reaching unprotected edges via harnesses, lanyards, and anchors. They prevent falls rather than arresting them, making them a preferred option when feasible. Safety Nets Strategically placed safety nets provide a last line of defence across or under work areas, intended to catch falling workers and absorb force.

As a passive system, safety nets are an important consideration in the fall protection hierarchy. Self-Retracting Devices (SRDs) Self-Retracting Devices, also known as Self-Retracting Lifelines (SRLs), are an increasingly popular fall protection option. SRDs offer several advantages:

1. Reduced Fall Distance: SRDs typically activate within inches, significantly reducing free fall distance compared to standard lanyards.

2. Increased Mobility: The automatic retraction feature allows workers greater freedom of movement while maintaining protection.

3. Leading Edge Applications: Many modern SRDs are designed for leading edge work, where the lifeline may come into contact with a sharp edge during a fall. These devices often incorporate additional wear protection and energy absorption mechanisms.

4. Variable Working Length: SRDs can accommodate a range of working heights without requiring different lanyard lengths. When calculating fall clearance for SRDs, it's crucial to consult the manufacturer's instructions, as the requirements can differ significantly from traditional lanyards.

Factors to consider include:

● Device location (overhead vs. at foot level)

● Potential for swing fall

● Leading edge considerations

● Worker's weight

● Any additional deceleration distance specified by the manufacturer Components of a Personal Fall Arrest System PFAS must contain these vital components: Anchorage Secure structural anchor points are used to connect harness lanyards and arrest fall forces. Anchors typically support over 5,000 lbs per worker attached.

Full-body harness Harnesses distribute fall impact across thighs, pelvis, chest, and shoulders rather than concentrating on the body's midsection alone. Connectors Lanyards, lifelines, deceleration devices, self-retracting devices, or rope grabs connect harnesses to anchors, activating to arrest falls. Energy absorbers reduce the impact force transferred to the worker.

Importance of Proper Equipment Selection After calculating the total potential fall distance, the fall protection system can be selected and tailored to the specific work environment. Choosing the right fall protection system The type of system, such as harnesses, guardrails, and nets, must match the application and hazards.

Considering weights, anchor points, fall distances, and force impacts ensures the system has the capacity to safely arrest falls. Selecting appropriate lanyard length and type Lanyards must be short enough to limit free fall yet long enough to avoid striking lower levels in a fall. Shock-absorbing lanyards add fall distance but reduce arrest forces. Movement away from the anchorage increases the potential for swing fall and negatively impacts fall distances. For leading-edge work, special consideration must be given to the potential for the lanyard or lifeline to come into contact with sharp edges.

In these cases, edge-tested equipment should be used. Ensuring compatibility of components All PFAS components like harnesses, connectors, anchors, and deceleration devices must be interoperable. Manufacturers test integrated systems for functionality. Mixing some elements risks incompatibility. Proper selection provides a crucial line of defense against fall impacts. Consultation with qualified safety experts is advisable when configuring PFAS systems.

Regular inspection and maintenance of gear also minimizes failure risks. Safety managers should seek to understand fall factors fully when bolstering fall protection. Training and Preparedness Careful calculations and equipment checks are no substitute for comprehensive training to keep workers safe at heights. Proper training is vital for controlling fall hazards.

To develop competent fall protection practices, employers must institute formal training programs that cover:

● Types of fall hazards and risks

● Correct selection and use of fall arrest systems

● Inspection, maintenance, and storage procedures

● Certification in equipment like scaffolds or lifts

● Policies and regulations for working at heights In addition to classroom instruction, impactful hands-on training should include:

● On-site equipment demonstrations

● Job simulations using fall protection gear

● Rescue simulations and response tactics

● Practicing fall emergency scenarios

Many industry associations and equipment manufacturers offer training curricula, seminars, and certifications on competent fall protection. Instilling fall safety awareness empowers workers to apply smart practices and make decisions, reducing their risk of working aloft. Preventative training paired with PFAS mastery is the best defence against tragic falls. Important Considerations It's crucial to dispel common misconceptions about fall dynamics.

Contrary to popular belief, the weight of a worker does not significantly affect their fall speed. Both lighter and heavier workers fall at approximately the same speed due to the acceleration of gravity. However, heavier workers do have more kinetic energy when falling the same distance, which results in a longer deceleration distance and higher impact forces. This is why it's essential to always consult manufacturer guidelines and select equipment rated for the worker's weight.

Ensuring Fall Protection Safety with Soucie Salo Working at heights poses serious risks that require comprehensive fall protection programs. At Soucie Salo, we provide customised solutions to fully safeguard your elevated worksites and employees against tragic fall hazards. With over 60 years of safety experience, Soucie Salo is a trusted leader in fall protection equipment, training, and guidance. Carring top brands of PFAS gear, including harnesses, SRLs, anchors, lanyards, and rescue systems.

Our experts can conduct thorough worksite assessments and risk analyses to identify proper equipment needs and configurations specific to your industry, workers, environments, and fall factors. By leveraging our full capabilities around fall arrest, restraint, netting, and ladder/scaffold protections, Soucie Salo provides end-to-end fall safety oversight. Our hands-on approach gives you unmatched technical guidance plus the gear to keep work teams protected when operating aloft. Don't leave fall protection to chance. Call on Soucie Salo to safeguard your overhead workers with proven and professional fall prevention solutions.