Working at Height

and Fall Protection

(Level 1 User)

Safety Moment
No matter what we do, we will do it safely
During the training, If you see somebody acting
in an unsafe manner, even me, you have a responsibility
to intervene.
Remember our motto,

The safer, the better

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Why are we here?

FACT:

WORKING AT HEIGHT IS DANGEROUS!

Working at height is dangerous

Falls from height remain the most common cause
of workplace fatality.

Statistics 2010/ 2011 (UK).

38 recorded fatalities.
3177 major injuries.
3598 3 day injuries.

Aim of the Course

The aim of the course will be to provide delegates with the knowledge &
skills necessary to perform routine work at height activities under
the supervision of a competent person in a safe & effective manner.

Objectives
By the end of the training the delegate will be able to demonstrate
a knowledge of the following:

Legislation & corporate procedures relating to work at height.

What is working at height?
Hazards associated with working at height.
Selection, inspection & use of personal fall protection equipment.
Anchorage.
Self rescue & Suspension Trauma.

Corporate WAH Procedure

Reference documents

The Work at Height Regulations 2005

What is theThere
minimum
at which
a worker MUST
is NOheight
MINIMUM
HEIGHT!
be protected
from
the
consequences
of a fall?
It is based
upon
a RISK
ASSESSMENT!

! ?
?
?! !

Work at height means:

Work in any place, including a place
below ground level.
Obtaining access to or egress from
such a place while at work
(with the exception of a staircase in
a permanent workplace).
.
8

Any Questions?
9

Hierarchy of Control

Avoid.

P
M

Prevent.
Mitigate.
.
10

Any Questions?
11

PFPE Inspection & Donning

Inspection frequency?
Pre- use inspection, visual & function test.

EVERY TIME!!!

Label.
Metalwork.
Webbing.
Stitching.
Keeps.
Buckles, catches, carabineers,
J hooks etc. (function).

BE METHODICAL!
.
12

Working at Height Categories

Work Restraint
Work Positioning

Fall Arrest

13

What do all 3 categories have in common?

They all require a suitable ANCHOR!

Anchor MUST be capable of withstanding the forces
generated by a fall!
.

14

PFPS: European categories

Work Restraint.
The worker is attached to a system
which prevents them from moving into
an area from which a fall is possible.

Typical system consists of:

Work restraint belt or full harness.

Connecting device: i.e. restraint lanyard.
Anchor.

.
15

Restraint

16

Restraint

17

PFPS: European categories

Work Positioning.
Equipment holds the operator in
Position & allows hands free work.

Typical system consists of:

Full body harness (with work belt).

Connecting device: work position
lanyard.
Anchor.

MUST be used in conjunction with

Fall Arrest device.
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Work Positioning

19

PFPS: European categories

Fall Arrest.
Equipment used to prevent the operator
from hitting the ground in a fall event.

Limits fall distance.

Holds the operator in a safe position
following a fall.
Arrests the fall, thus reducing forces
sustained by the operator.

Typical Fall Arrest System Consists of:

Full body harness.

Fall arrestor.
Anchor.

.
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The Fall Factor

Fall
Factor
2

Fall
Factor
1

Fall
Factor
0
21

Retractable Type Fall Arrester

22

Retractable Type Fall Arrester

23

Guided Fall Arrest Systems

Fixed rail.
Fixed wire.
Flexible lifeline.

24

Horizontal lifeline

25

Any Questions?
26

Ladders

Short duration.
Low risk activity.
No other means available.

.
27

Ladders
Level, stable base.
Heel 1/4 of height from
structure.
Footed/ secured.
Belt buckle rule.
Positioning?

4m

1m
28

Any Questions?
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Suspension Trauma (Pre Syncope)

SUSPENSION TRAUMA IS LIFE THREATENING!
Anyone suspended in a harness is at risk!

Signs & Symptoms

Generic trauma caused by fall event?

Light headedness.
Anxious/ frightened/ scared.
Tingling or numbness in arms &/ or legs.
Blurry vision.
Feeling faint.
Unconsciousness.
Respiratory & cardiac arrest.

Death can occur within

10 minutes
of onset of symptoms!
.
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Self Rescue
If you sustain a fall, do the following;
Shout for HELP!!!
If safe to do so, maneuver to a
safe position and deploy work
positioning lanyard.
If unable to maneuver,
deploy Suspension Strap/
R/P lanyard.
Move feet & legs to
maintain circulation.

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Practical
Simulations
Any
Questions?

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