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Ladder Fall Protection Guidelines

This document outlines procedures for fall protection on construction sites. It discusses common fall exposures such as ladders, scaffolds, stairwells, and floor openings. Recommendations are provided for securing these areas, including properly opening step ladders, leveling scaffolds, covering openings, and installing guardrails. Fall protection methods like guardrails, covers, harnesses and nets are described. The document also notes that specific fall protection standards exist for work from ladders, scaffolds, cranes and during erection. A fall protection plan may be used as an alternative to conventional methods if those create greater hazards.

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9 views1 page

Ladder Fall Protection Guidelines

This document outlines procedures for fall protection on construction sites. It discusses common fall exposures such as ladders, scaffolds, stairwells, and floor openings. Recommendations are provided for securing these areas, including properly opening step ladders, leveling scaffolds, covering openings, and installing guardrails. Fall protection methods like guardrails, covers, harnesses and nets are described. The document also notes that specific fall protection standards exist for work from ladders, scaffolds, cranes and during erection. A fall protection plan may be used as an alternative to conventional methods if those create greater hazards.

Uploaded by

jayadush
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

HSE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM SAFE OPERATING PROCEDURE

Doc. Number Rev. Date Page No


FALL PROTECTION HSE/SOP/101 0 10 Oct 03 1 of 1

1 Introduction
Year after year, falls rank near the top of causes of construction-related injuries and deaths. Many serious and disabling falls
occur from less than 10 feet. The most effective countermeasure to job site falls is to minimize workers’ fall exposure that
reduce the situations and conditions which could lead to a serious fall. Below is a list of common fall exposures and
recommendations on how to prevent injuries in these areas.

2 Common Fall Exposures on Construction Sites

2.1 Ladders
A step ladder should be opened fully and set on a level surface. Don’t lean an unopened step ladder against a wall. Never
stand on the top two steps of a step ladder. Straight and extension ladders should be placed on a 4:1 pitch with a foot out for
every four feet up or as per market available ladder. The top of an extension ladder should extend at least three feet above
the step off point wherever practicable. The top or bottom of a ladder must be secured. Ladder rungs should be properly
spaced and secured to the ladder frame.

2.2 Scaffolds
Scaffolds should be as level as possible. Use leveling jacks; never level a scaffold by inserting scrap lumber, bricks, or
blocks under the legs. A mudsill should be placed under each leg to distribute the load evenly. Scaffolds ten feet high or more
require guardrails.

If guardrails are not feasible, other fall protection such as a safety harness and lifeline or lanyard must be used. Job built
scaffolds must follow the requirements of Ministerial Order 32 Safety Standards. For additional information, please refer to
the Procedure for “Scaffolding”

2.3 Stairwells and Floor Openings


Stairwell openings and holes in floors should be covered with plywood or other suitable material and supported underneath.
The cover must be nailed down and labeled with “HOLE,” “COVER,” or a color code. Temporary handrails, constructed with
rebar or any other materials, can also be used to guard openings, as well. Covers and handrails must be kept in place until
stairs and/or walls have been completely installed and the fall exposure no longer exists. If covers and handrails are moved
to accommodate work needs, they have to be reinstalled immediately unless the opening has been eliminated.

2.4 Stairs, Landings, and Mezzanines


Install permanent or temporary guardrails on stairs and around landings and mezzanines with fall exposures of six feet or
more before they are used for general access.

2.5 Window Openings


Unfinished window openings must be guarded if a fall exposure outside the window is six feet or more and the window sill is
less than 39 inches from the floor.

3 Fall Protection Methods

Ministerial Order 32 requires fall exposures of six feet or more be controlled by acceptable methods. Common fall protection
control options include the use of guardrails, covers, lifelines, safety harnesses, lanyards, deceleration devices, and safety
nets. Regulatory standards are very specific about the use of these devices; refer to the appropriate standard to prior to using
this equipment.

The following operations have specific fall protection standards

• Work from ladders or stairways.


• Work from scaffolds.
• Work from cranes or derricks.
• Performing erection works at height.

4 Fall Protection Plan

Fall exposures of six feet or more must be controlled with conventional fall protections systems such as guardrails, safety
nets or personal fall arrest equipment. When the use of conventional fall protection systems is “infeasible or creates a greater
hazard” on a residential construction project, a “Fall Protection Plan” must be used as an alternative.

REVIEWED & APPROVED QA & HSE MANAGER

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