INDEX

1. Scope of Works

2. Management Commitment regarding working at Heights

3. Roles and Responsibilities

4. Definitions

5. Abbreviations

6. Mitigation of Risk

7. Competency Training and awareness training of personnel

8. Gear Control

9. Medical fitness

10. Work site Procedures

11. Emergency and rescue procedure

12. Review of plan

13. Engineered safety system

14. Anchor Points

15. Drop Zone

16. Suspension Syncope

17. References

18. Annexures

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 Annexure A
…………………………………………………………………………..Appointments

Annexure B
…………………………………………………………………..Inspection Registers

Annexure C
…………………………………………………………………………………Training

Annexure D
………………………………………………………………………………...Medicals

Annexure E
……………………………………………………………………..Risk assessments

Annexure F
…………………………………………………………………Work Site Information

Annexure G
…………………………………………………………………Safe work procedures

Annexure H
……………………………………………………………………Rescue Procedures

Annexure I
………………………………………………………………Amendments Register

1. Scope of Works
A Fall Protection Plan is a documented plan to identify and evaluate all risks relating to working from
a fall risk position, considering the nature of work undertaken, setting out the correct procedures
and methods to be applied in order to mitigate, eliminate or reduce the risk(s) to acceptable level.
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 This plan includes a rescue plan and rescue procedures from any of the work at height areas
identified.

Description of work detail focusing on site specific working at heights:

• Site Location
• Description of the Building/Structure
• Company Name
• Workforce
• Scope of Work
• Additional Comments / information
• Work Site Description (Layout of Site Condition)

2. Management Commitment regarding working at heights

List your designations and responsibilities of appointed competent persons here .Refer to Annexure
A

3. Roles and Responsibilities

The following appointments need to make part of the fall protection plan:

3.1 Project Manager 16.2

You will be responsible and accountable for the implementation of the fall protection plan. In
writing, according to your own discretion, assign competent persons under your control to assist
you in performing your duties.

3.2 Fall protection plan developer 8.1

Construction regulations 8.1(a) A contractor shall cause the designation of a competent

person, responsible for the preparation of a fall protection plan

3.3 Risk assessor. Construction regulations 7.1

Every contractor performing construction work shall before the commencement of any
construction work and during construction work cause a risk assessment to be performed by a
competent person appointed in writing and the risk assessment shall form part of the health and
safety plan to be applied on the site.

3.4 Construction regulations 6.1

The contractor shall appoint a full-time competent employee in writing as the construction
supervisor, with duty of supervising construction work.

3.5 Construction regulations 6.2

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 The contractor may in writing appoint one or more employees to assist the appointed
construction supervisor.

3.6 Construction regulations 6.6

The contractor shall upon having considered the size of the project, the degree of the dangers
likely to be encountered or the accumulation if hazards or risks on the site, appoint a full-time or
part-time construction safety officer.

3.7 Equipment controller

In line with SANS 10333-[Link]; 2006 equipment will be regularly inspected and maintained.
The responsibility for enforcing this procedure is ultimately that of the site supervisor, but he may
delegate the actual task to the equipment controller.

3.8 First aider at Height (GSR 3.4)

At least two first aiders shall be appointed per work team at height. The reason for this is that
there is a risk of the first aider himself falling from a height and requiring first aid. Thus is the
need for a second first aider to be available to administer first aid.

3.9 Construction regulations 14.2

Competent person will be appointed for the erection and inspection of all scaffolding

4. Definitions

• Anchor point
An attachment point at an anchor for anchor lines or persons (SANS50795 or EN 795)
All Permanent Anchor devices shall be clearly marked on or near the device.

• Competent person:
Competent person for any task is a person who has acquired, through training, experience,
qualifications and/or experience, or a combination of them, the knowledge and skills to carry out
that task, provided that where appropriate qualifications and training are registered in terms of the
provisions of the South African Qualifications Authority Act, 1995 (Act No. 58 of 1995), these
qualifications and training shall be deemed to be the required qualifications and training.

• Design:
In relation to any structure and includes drawings, calculations, design details and specifications;
(a) A person who prepares a design;
(b) A person who checks and approves a design;
(c) A person who arranges for any person at work under his control
(Including an employee of his, where he is the employer) to prepare a design
(d) An architect or engineer contributing to, or having overall responsibility for the design;
(e) Building services engineer designing details for fixed plant;
(f) Surveyor specifying articles or drawing up specifications;
4
 (g) Contractor carrying out design work as part of a design and building project;
(h) Any competent person designing false work, including its components, form work and
support work;
(i) Interior designer, shop-fitter and landscape architect.

• Energy absorbing lanyard:

The connecting element or component of a fall arrest system. A lanyard may be of synthetic fibre
rope or webbing. It must have an energy absorbing component incorporated into it, which will keep
the impact force below 6 kN shock force in the event of a fall.

• Fall prevention equipment:

Equipment used to prevent persons from falling from a fall risk position, including personal
equipment, body harness, lanyards, lifelines or physical equipment such as guardrails, screens,
barricades, anchorages or similar equipment.

• Fall arrest equipment:

Equipment used to arrest the person in a fall, including personal equipment such as body harness,
lanyards, deceleration devices, lifelines or similar equipment, but excludes single belts.

• Fall arrest system:

An assembly of components joined together so that, when connected to a suitable anchor point
with sufficient clearance from the ground or other obstacles, it operates as a complete arrangement
of equipment able to fulfil its function in use of arresting a fall.
Examples include:
- The safe use of a climbing helmet with chin strap (SANS 1397)
- Full body Harnesses (SANS 50361, 50358, 50813)
- Energy absorbers (SANS 50355)
- Vertical lifelines (SANS 50353 and SANS 50795
- Horizontal Lifelines (SANS 50353-1 & 2) and SANS 50795)
- Retractable lifelines (SANS 50360)
- Using a work positioning (SANS 50358) lanyard as body support

• Fall protection plan:

A documented plan of all risks relating to working from a fall risk position, considering the nature of
work undertaken, and setting out the procedures and methods to be applied in order to eliminate
the risk and must include a rescue plan and procedures.

• Fall risk:
Refers to any potential exposure to the risk of falling. (Items falling on workers, workers falling from
an elevated position or workers dropping items onto other workers). Work cannot continue on site
unless this fall risk(s) has been mitigated, reduced and controlled to acceptable levels.

• Fixed barricade:
Barricading provided to prevent persons from entering areas where there is a fall risk, falling
objects, slipping, open trenches or manholes.

• Full body harness:

Body support primarily for fall arrest purposes, i.e. a component of a fall arrest system. Full body
harness may comprise of straps, fittings, buckles or other elements, suitably arranged and
assembled to support the whole body of a person and to restrain the wearer during a fall and after
the arrest of a fall.(SANS50361)
5
• Hazard identification:
The identification and documenting of existing or expected hazards to the health and safety of
persons, which are normally associated with the type of construction work being executed or to be
executed

• Low Level Work Restraint:

Using specific work at height equipment and procedures to prevent a fall or keep the fall distance to
a minimum in low level work areas from 2 to 6m above ground level or work platform level.

• Medical fitness:
Refers to being declared medically healthy and fit to work safely in a fall risk position or such similar
environment and being in possession medical certificate of fitness.

• Medical certificate of fitness: (Medical and Mental certificate of fitness)

A certificate valid for one year issued by a medical health practitioner registered with the Health
Professions Council of South Africa. Such a certificate will become invalid, temporarily or
permanently, subject to a consultation with a health practitioner, if medical or mental conditions
occurred or emerged during the period.

• Method statement:
A written document detailing the key activities to be performed in order to reduce, as reasonably as
practicable, the hazards identified in any risk assessment.

• Minimum free space (MFS):

Fall arrest system is designed to limit the force on the body during a fall. This is achieved by
absorbing the energy generated in the fall, by applying an arresting force to the faller over a
distance i.e. the “arrest distance”. In order to prevent the possibility of a collision, there must be
sufficient free space under the user for the fall to be arrested in, i.e. the free space must be greater
than the arrest distance. Free space means that the path of fall is free from obstacles.

• Non-building structure:
Refers to bridges, viaducts, overpasses, towers, tanks, bill boards, antennas, and other similar
structures.

• Permanent barricade:
Barricading which is permanently fixed to prevent falling, or to provide support when ascending or
descending stairways using three points of contact system, such as hand-railing etc.

• Pre task risk assessment:

Is a risk assessment that is completed by the site supervisor at the work site before work can
commence.

• Power tools:
All Portable electrical equipment including but not limited to welders and cutting torches, angle
grinders and drills etc.

• Risk assessment:
A process of determining all risks associated with all hazards at a specific construction site, in order
to identify the steps needed to be taken to eliminate, mitigate, and or control such hazards.

6
• Rope access:
A technique using ropes, normally incorporating two separately secured systems, one as a means
of access and the other as back-up security, used with a harness in combination with other devices,
for getting to and from the place of work and for work positioning.

• Suspended platform:
A working platform suspended from supports by means of one or more separate ropes from each
support.

• Steel erection:
Refers to any steel construction, part of a steel member or building or non-building structure that
needs to be erected.

• Toolbox talks:
Communicating the daily hazards and risks on site to the workers and it provides an opportunity to
reinforce the safe working procedures and PPE for that specific daily task; it is the most practical
step in connecting paperwork and actual work force.

• Team leader:
The Site Supervisor (CR 6.1) of all Rope Access work on site.

• Working platform:
A platform whose purpose is to support the combined imposed loads of workers, materials and
plant. The number of working platforms permitted in simultaneous usage on scaffolding frameworks
is limited.

• Work:
Any task, observation or inspection performed by an Eskom employed person at Medupi power
station.

• Drop Zone
Open Area wear working at elevated positions are in progress and the risk of equipment or material
falling is possible.

• Work at height:
Any work performed above or below a stable work surface, or where a person puts himself/herself
in a position where he/she exposes himself/herself to a fall hazard from or into an area that will
result in an injury.

• Work positioning:
A technique that enables a person to work supported in tension or suspension by personal
protective equipment in such a way that a fall from a height is prevented or restricted.

• Work restraint:
A technique whereby a person is prevented by means of a harness and other devices from
reaching zones where the risk of a fall from a height exists.

• Work at height awareness training:

A Training program designed to:

7
 Induct managers on the minimum OHS act requirements regarding a fall protection plan
- Induct them on the work at height risk assessment for work at height hazards and risks
expected for the site.
- Induct them in the correct implementation of the Fall Protection Plan, using safe work
procedures to mitigate the risks identified during the work at height risk assessment.
- Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the various options available for fall
prevention, Low level work restraint, fall protection, Fall Arrest and rope access methods
used on site.
- Discuss a guideline for work at height audits to ensure that the FPP is implemented
correctly on site.

This induction training can only be presented by a Competent Fall Protection plan
developer with a current Unit standard 229994 certificate

5. Abbreviations

- C.R: Construction Regulations of OHS act 85 of 1993

- SANS: South African National Standards

- SABS: South African Bureau of Standards

- PPE: Personal Protective Equipment

- FPP: Fall Protection Plan

- SOP: Standard Operating Procedure or SWP Safe Worksite Procedures

- FAS: Fall Arrest System.

- MEWP: Mobile Elevated Work Platforms

- MBS: Minimum Breaking Strain.

- SWL: Safe working Load (normally with a safety factor of 10 for PPE i.e. MBS =

22kN/2200kg SWL =220kg or 1500kg and SWL of 150kg).

- OHS Act: Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993

- OEM: Original Equipment Manufacturer.

- MFS: Minimum Free Space

- IWH: Institute for Work at Height

- HIRA: Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment

8
 6. Mitigation of Risk (Annexure E )
Construction Regulation 8.1(a)
Construction Regulation 7.2

Can the work be done at ground level so that there is no Fall Risk?

7. Competency Training and awareness training of personnel working at

heights (Annexure D )

Description Training for work at height

Using Portable ladders Safe use of ladder course

shorter than 4m

Using Portable ladders Safe use of ladder course and SAQA NQF unit Std no 229998
longer than 4m

Using Fall Arrest SAQA NQF unit Std no 229998

systems

Installing Temporary SAQA NQF unit Std no 229995 ( This is also the required training for at least
Fall arrest systems two members in the fall arrest work team)(

Basic fall Arrest SAQA NQF unit Std no 229995

Rescues

Advanced Fall arrest SAQA NQF unit Std no 230000 and 229999 Or High angle rescue 1 and 2
Rescues

Low level work and fall SAQA NQF unit Std no 229998 ( note at least two people per team shall have
prevention or work 229995 for rescue and supervisory requirements)
restraint

SAQA NQF unit Std no 229998 and 230001 and IWH Rope Access level 2 or
Rope Access 3 depending on site requirements Supervised by a IWH level rope access
level 3, Note: by the end of 2012 all Rope access will be as SAQA
required training ( Level 2=229996 and level 3= 229994+229997+230001)

SAQA NQF unit Std no 229995 AND induction training on the Fall Protection
Fall Protection plan plan by the competent CR 8.1.a FPP developer. And HIRA training as for a
implementer CR7.1. ( it is also recommended that the Implementer do the SAQA unit Std
229994, but it is not compulsory)

Fall Protection plan SAQA NQF unit Std no 229995 and SAQA NQF unit std 229994
Auditor

9
 SAQA NQF unit Std no 229995 and 229994 and if applicable IWH Rope
access level 3 or 229997 and 230001
Fall protection Plan
The competent CR 8.1.a. to give induction training to the Sec 16.2 or section
Developer (CR 8.1) 16.1 on the fall protection plan and how it will be implemented the Sec 16.2
ultimately approves the fall protection plan as part of the HSE plan to protect
workers on site

SAQA NQF unit Std 229995 and induction training by the CR 8.1 in the
CR 6.2 correct implementation of the FPP with regulars audits by the CR 8.1 to
ensure [Link] 8.1 to give induction training to the Sec 16.2 on the fall
protection plan and how it will be implemented

SAQA NQF unit Std 229995 and an equipment/gear inspected course

approved by the CR8.1.a for fall arrest equipment inspection.
Appointed work at SAQA NQF unit Std 230000 and an equipment/gear inspected course
height PPE inspector approved by the CR8.1.a for rope access equipment inspector.
CR 8.2.d and SANS
10333 And any OEM required gear inspection training. If training is not available the
items must be sent to the OEM for inspection every 3 months. The Section
16.2 or CR 6.1 of Eskom Medupi Power station must have general control
over these inspections.

SAQA NQF unit Std 229995 and an equipment/gear inspected course

approved by the CR8.1.a for fall arrest equipment inspection.
Appointed work at SAQA NQF unit Std 230000 and an equipment/gear inspected course
height PPE inspector approved by the CR8.1.a for rope access equipment inspector.
CR 8.2.d and SANS
10333 And any OEM required gear inspection training. If training is not available the
items must be sent to the OEM for inspection every 3 months. The Section
16.2 or CR 6.1 of Eskom Medupi Power station must have general control
over these inspections.

Description Training for worker

SAQA NQF unit Std no 229995 or for large construction sites: induction
CR 6.1 training by the CR 8.1 in the correct implementation of the FPP with regulars
audits by the CR 8.1 to ensure compliance

CR 6.6 SAQA NQF unit Std no 229995 and induction training by the CR 8.1.a in the
correct implementation of the FPP

CR 7.1 appointed to do SAQA NQF unit Std no 229995 and induction training by the CR 8.1 in the
work at height risk correct use of the work at height risk assessment and implementing the
assessments approved FPP.

SAQA NQF unit Std no 229995 AND induction training on the Fall Protection
OHS Staff plan by the competent CR 8.1 FPP developer and do Monthly Audits (CR 4d)
on site with the CR8.1.a to ensure that the plan is correctly implemented on
site

Project Managers Work at height awareness training AND induction training on the site specific
Fall Protection plan by the competent CR 8.1a: FPP developer

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 Senior Management on Work at height awareness training AND induction training on the site specific
projects Fall Protection plan by the competent CR 8.1 FPP developer

Design Engineers Work at height awareness training

SAQA NQF unit Std no 229995 and 230000 and 229999 and 229994 and/or
High angle level 1 and 2 The CR 8.1 to ensure compliance to Safe work
procedures with regulars audits on correct implementation of the FPP on site
Fall Protection plan
design training for The safe work procedures set out during the work at height risk assessments
must receive regular audits by the CR 8.1 to ensure compliance to the FPP
229994 and records must be kept of these audits.

The CR 8.1 and the CR 7.1 can increase the level of training to the
supervisors and rescues to help mitigate the additional hazards on site.

Ladder course Trainer SAQA NQF unit Std no 229995 and 230000 and 229999

Fall Arrest Trainer SAQA NQF unit Std no 229995 and 230000 and 229999

Trainers assistant SAQA NQF unit Std no 229995 and or 230000

Rope Access Trainer IWH approved trainer and Rope access Level 3( closing date December
2012) then a SETA approved trainer and assessor will be required.

Unit std assessor The assessor of each course must be a SETA accredited assessor for that
specific unit std that is being assessed

Self Griping Clamps On site training of use of self gripping Clamps

Applicable SAQA Unit Standards:

Unit Std
Unit std name NQF Level Credits
number
Explain and perform fall arrest techniques when working at
229998 NQF Level 01 2
height
Install, use and perform basic rescues from fall arrest
229995 systems and implement the fall NQF Level 02 3
protection plan
Assess a worksite for work at height and prepare a fall
229994 NQF Level 04 3
protection plan

229999 Perform a range of advanced fall arrest rescues NQF Level 04 4

230000 Perform a limited range of rope access tasks and rescues NQF Level 02 6
Rig working ropes, undertake rescues and perform a
229996 range of rope access tasks NQF Level 03 6

229997 Select equipment and rig ropes for rope access projects NQF Level 4 6

11
 Supervise rope access teams and perform advanced
230001 NQF Level 4 6
manoeuvres and rescues

263224 Supervising and Erecting Access Scaffolding NQF Level

263205 Scaffold Inspector NQF Level

263245 Scaffold erection use and Dismantling NQF Level

(If any of your activities are not mentioned above it should be added)

8. Gear Control

Introduction
For safety reasons it is vital that personnel who intend to use personal protective equipment and
other equipment to control the potential fall related risks associated with access ,climbing and
working at height are aware of how to use that equipment [Link] is essential that personal are
trained ,assessed as competent and are given written instruction which enable them to select , use,
maintain and carry out periodic examinations on PPE or other equipment correctly, and to be aware
of limitations , precautions and the dangers of miss use.

Selection of gear/PPE
The risk assessment will indicate the type of PPE you are going to use because it will differ from
task to task.

(Provide a list and or photos of PPE/Gear which you have identified and going to use.)

Inspections
According to SANS 10333-[Link]; 2006: In addition, equipment shall be inspected daily on site by
the work team before access work commences. On long duration jobs, (rope access) equipment
shall be subjected to a further weekly inspection and a weekly equipment inspection form shall be
completed.

Every person working at height, in a fall risk position, must do a pre-use inspection of all his PPE
using the pre-use inspection form before work commences. The site supervisor must control and
supervise these inspections.

OR

Pre-use inspections can be done per kit and the equipment controller must mark and record all kits
with a unique kit no and the supervisor to ensure that all equipment inside this kit has been
inspected. The site supervisor must also control and supervise these inspections.

All ropes must be inspected individually.

The site supervisor or equipment controller shall also inspect all the work at height equipment on
long duration jobs and or harsh environment work as per Risk Assessment e.g. continues hot metal
work etc. This inspection shall be done with-in a maximum of 7 days or before work commences on

12
 the 8th day for the duration of the job. This is a full inspection and the Fall Arrest or Rope access
inspections forms must be used.

The site supervisor is to decide on the interval for the above. On some jobs it might be everyday
due to the harsh environment that the work is being completed.

If the environment and or work being performed are too aggressive/volatile or dangerous for the
current PPE used an alternative means of access must be found and Fall Arrest/work restraint or
rope access equipment must and cannot be used. Work must be stopped until it is safe to continue.

The Equipment Controller must use the Fall Arrest or Rope Access inspection forms to inspect all
work at height equipment every 3 months.

The 3-monthly full inspection shall be carried out on the premises of the company who owns the
equipment.

The equipment controller must correctly schedule these inspections to minimise down time without
affecting the safety of the users.

Rejected Equipment

• Rejected, suspect or sub-standard equipment must be taken out of service immediately and
marked clearly to prevent re-use.

• This suspect/rejected equipment must be taken to the equipment controller for further inspection
and repair or disposal.

• The equipment controller needs to record the serial number of this item and remove it from the
inventory list and kit list and record the destruction of the item.

• It is the responsibly of the equipment controller to replace the item as soon as possible following
the correct procedures.

• If an item has fallen from height or has absorbed a shock load it must be marked clearly and taken
out service and given to the equipment controller. The equipment controller must be notified in
writing of the history of the item when doing the inspection of the fallen item. It is the site
supervisors and or safety officer’s responsibility to ensure that all PPE are used with-in the
operating limits set by the manufacturer for all chemicals, materials or work procedures used on
site.

Identification

• Equipment used for work at height must be correctly identified, certified, marked by the Equipment
Controller and in line with SANS 50365 procedures.

• Must be marked with a suitable method not having a harmful effect on the material.

Maintenance

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 • PPE requirements need to be bought after a task specific risk assessment has been done and
training needs to be done on the use of PPE.

• The maintenance instructions shall be clear, legible and unambiguous, and shall contain
appropriate detail, supplemented by diagrams if necessary, to enable the PPE or other equipment
to be maintained correctly and safely.

The maintenance instructions shall include:

• Cleaning procedures, including disinfection where applicable, without causing adverse effect on the
materials used in the manufacture of the equipment, or to the user, and a warning that the
procedure is to be strictly adhered to;

• Where appropriate, a warning that when the equipment becomes wet, either from being in use or
when due to cleaning, it shall be allowed to dry naturally, and shall be kept away from direct heat;

• Storage procedures, including all necessary preventative requirements where environmental or

other factors could affect the condition of components, e.g. damp environment, sharp edges,
vibration, ultraviolet degradation;

• Other maintenance procedures as relevant to the equipment, e.g. lubrication.

• Harnesses must not be stored on the ground. They must be kept in a designated dry area where the
employees work. When in storage they shall be hanging.

9. Medical fitness
Construction regulations 8.2 (b):

The fall protection plan contemplated in sub regulation 8.1, shall contain the processes for evaluation of the
employees’ physical and physiological fitness necessary to work at elevated positions and the records
thereof .Employers must make sure that employees are asked at toolbox talk if they are feeling mentally an
physiological fit.
Only Registered occupational Practitioners are to be used for working at height medicals.
Every employee needs to have a Man Job specification.

10. Work site Procedures(Annexure G)

• All relevant documentation pertaining to Scope of Works (focussing on work at height) must be
used by the risk assessor when preparing the DSTI or Pre Task Risk Assessment.
• Planned Task Observations need to be done to make sure employees are working according to
Safe work procedures.
• Make sure that supervisors do ask if Employees are feeling mentally an physiological fit for the
days task
• Planned Task Observations need to be documented and done on a weekly basis on all height
activities
• Safe work platforms
• Stairs
• Lifts

14
 • Designated walk ways
• Scaffold and scaffold ladders
• Cherry pickers
• Walk ways protected via horizontal life lines
• Suspended access platforms accompanied by a competent operator
• Low level fall restrain areas
• Over reaching from behind hand rails i.e. any area where work/sampling is done where elbows of
the sampler/inspector is on the outside of the handrail.
• Night work at height
• Work from a fall risk position
• Rope access (not currently an access method but could be in the future)
• Stringing
• Climbing towers
• Roof work
• Working on trucks or trailers
• Safe Work procedures need to be put in place and documented for all activities on site.
• List of site specific Safe Work procedures.

11. Emergency and rescue procedure

• All rescue exercises (procedures) need to be practiced quarterly.

• Minimum of two employees need to be competent in height rescues and trained on all site specific
rescue procedures.

• Working in a team allows for a rescue to be initiated and emergency services to be notified.

• All your work at height activities need to be assessed and the necessary rescue procedure be
developed and documented to safely rescue a fallen employee.

• If a casualty is conscious, uninjured, and within reach of the structure, the rescuer can supply the
casualty with a new shock absorber to climb back to safety.

• Competent Fall Arrest Rescuer must be on site to assess the situation and decide on the correct
rescue procedures.

• The casualty needs to be treated for any possible injuries and suspension syncope.

• This procedures need to be trained and [Link] on the time duration of [Link] to be
recorded and done at least quertarly,

12. Review of plan

The fall protection plan developer will give monthly feedback on the fall protection plan to the section 16.1
or 16.2 as part of the monthly reviews of the Fall Protection Plan and after every major incident, fatality,
change of work scope review the Fall Protection Plan.

13. Engineered safety system

15
 • All work at height equipment purchased shall comply with SANS 33.

• In line with SANS 10333-3.4.3 all work at height equipment shall have a certificate/label/marking
stating:

a) To which standard they were manufactured and all anchor points will comply with the relevant
SAANS Codes or Engineered specifications
b) Their safe working load or failure load; or
c) Other certification that proves their reliability. If the supplier provides no such certification, the
item shall be type tested to failure by a recognized testing institution.

• Life lines shall be installed, erected, inspected and used as according to SAANS 50353

• Ropes, slings, harnesses and other equipment made from polymeric materials (nylon and Poly
propylene etc.) shall not be used beyond the manufacturers recommended service period Max of 10
years with regular inspection intervals according to the environment it is/was used in.

All safety systems that are used on site have to be approved or designed by a
competent engineer.

14. Anchor Points

• A device that has been purposefully manufactured and installed as an anchor point to support a
personal fall protection system.

• A substantial structure, such as a beam, column or similar substantial portion of the structure,
selected as an anchor point where no dedicated anchor point is available. These anchor points
generally require some supplemental rigging, such as a sling or bracket, to allow the anchor point
connector of a personal fall protection system to connect to the anchor point.

Various beam sizes that may be used as anchor points are shown in the Table below.
For each beam size, the Table shows the maximum span on which it may be used as an anchor point, as
well as the minimum number of bolts required to be used at each end of the beam.
If the span exceeds that shown in the Table, or if the beams ends have fewer bolts than shown in the
Table, or if the beam has been damaged in any way (such as by corrosion or impact) then the beam shall
not be used as an anchor point.
Steel angle sections, cold formed sections, cable trays, guard rail sections and the like shall not be used as
anchor points. If any doubt exists, then a Structural engineer shall be consulted to specify adequate anchor
points.

The actual strength of an anchor point is dependent on:

• The design of the anchor point

• The orientation of the anchor point relative to the direction of loading
• The condition of the anchor point
• The connection of the anchor point to the supporting structure
• The adequacy of the structure to resist the imposed loading

Beams that may be used as anchor points:

Maximum Span Minimum no. of bolts

Section Size
allowed allowed
Beams 203x152 J 4/M16 bolts
3m
(I sections) 203x133 I 2/M20 bolts
16
 203x152 J
4m
254x146 I
203x152 J
5m
356x171 I
6/M16 bolts
406x178 I 6m
4/M20 bolts

457x191 I 7m
4/M20 bolts
533x210 I 8m

203x203x52 H 3m
4/M16 bolts
2/M20 bolts
203x203x71 H 4m

6m 5m
Columns
(H sections)
254x254x89 H 6m
4/M20 bolts
254x254x107 H 7m

305x305x97 H 8m

140x60 C 1,0 m

200x75C 2m
Channels 4/M16 bolts
(C sections) 2/M20 bolts
260x90 C 3m

300x100 C 4m

Very Important:
• Unless approved by a Structural Engineer, channels shall only be used as anchor points for vertical
or near-vertical lanyard orientation.
• Channels shall not be used as anchor points where the lanyard has an angle of more than 30° from
the vertical.
• Where channels are used as columns, they shall not be used as anchor points.

The following requirements shall be complied with when any temporary anchor point is attached to
existing steelwork:

• Where holes must be made for the attachment of brackets or eye-bolts, they shall be drilled and not
burned. Anchor points shall not be attached to any beam supporting vibrating equipment (such as
screens, large motors, crushers, scrubbers and the like) without the approval of a Structural engineer.
• All beams used as anchor points shall be supported at both ends. Cantilever beams shall not be used
without the approval of a Structural Engineer.
• A temporary anchor point should be removed upon completion of the work for which it was intended.

Anchor points may be attached to beams and columns using:

a) Anchor straps

17
Anchor strap connected to a beam
(Note that the strap must be protected from sharp edges, not as shown here).

b) Eyebolts

Only eyebolts having a Supplier’s specified strength of not less than 15kN shall be used.

c) Brackets

• All welding on these brackets shall be done by welders who are qualified in terms of AWS.
• A Structural Engineer shall be appointed to specify a design for the anchor point brackets.
• People working at height shall be aware that the anchor point shall be located in such a way to
minimize swinging of the worker that can occur during a fall.
• If any obstruction exists in the path of the swing fall, the force generated by such a fall is the same
as the force in a vertical fall.
• All sites must ensure that ladder rungs, handrail components and cable trays are not used as
anchor points as their load limit will not withstand a fall.
• All sites shall ensure that all permanent anchor points are inspected by a competent person at
intervals not exceeding six months.
• These inspections must assess whether the strength of the anchor point may have deteriorated due
to corrosion, loosening of bolts, bending or other damage, and whether any changes to operational
requirements or to plant layout may have rendered the anchor point ineffective (e.g. re-routing of
pipes or cables may lead to anchor points being behind the pipes or cables, and thus not
acceptable as an anchor point).

Guide for selection and safe use of anchor points

1. Before use, anchor points shall be designed and approved by a registered professional engineer or
another qualified person with appropriate education and experience, with experience in designing
fall protection systems. If there is a need to devise an anchor point from existing structures such as
beams, or eyebolts, a qualified person shall be used to evaluate these anchor points.

2. A qualified person will be able to calculate the forces generated by arresting a fall, the total loading
and the impact on the structural members the line is attached to. The qualified person can thus
determine the optimal and safe location where and how to tie-off.

3. The strength of a personal fall arrest system depends on its subsystems and components, as well
as the points of anchor point and how strongly such a system is attached to the anchor point. Such
attachment shall not significantly reduce the strength of the system, including the structural
members such as beams, columns, or any rigid structure.

4. All components and sub-components of the selected fall arrest system shall be compatible with
each other.

5. When tying off to a beam or column, do not attach the anchor point connection to a hole in the
beam or column unless evaluated by a qualified person. The hole will weaken the beam or column
structure. Do not drill a hole for tying off. This attachment will weaken the beam.

6. Do not tie a knot in the anchor point connection.

18
 7. The anchor point shall be located in such a way to minimize swinging the worker (pendulum-like
motion) that can occur during a fall.

8. Select the point of anchor as high as possible above head height of the worker. This will ensure that
the lanyard or lifeline remains as near vertical as possible, thus reducing the likelihood of a
pendulum fall.

9. Always specify the number of authorized users that are allowed to attach to a specific point of
anchor.

10. When planning and selecting an anchor point location, take into consideration the accessibility and
ease of securing to it, and its proximity to an unguarded edge.

11. Fall arrest anchor points that will be in place for a period of longer than one month shall be
signposted in accordance with the requirements of relevant standards.

12. All anchor points shall be visually checked prior to use.

13. Any anchor points identified as being damaged or insecure shall be removed, repaired or replaced
as soon as possible. They shall not be used until they have been repaired.

14. If an eyebolt is selected as a point of anchor, it should be rated along its axis. Eyebolt strength is
greatly reduced if the force is applied at an angle to the eyebolt axis. Eye bolts shall not be used
transverse to their axis. Eyebolts shall be screwed right up to the end of their threaded length when
installed.

15. Ladder rungs, handrail components and cable trays shall not be used as anchor points.

16. When using a vehicle as an anchor, always attach to parts securely fixed to the vehicle, and which
do not allow the lanyard or lifeline to slip off. Do not attach to towbars or roof racks. Use an anchor
point between the four wheels as low as possible. Before commencing work, ensure that the gears
of the vehicle are engaged and do not rely only on the brakes.

15. Drop Zone

• Clearly marked drop zones need to be demarcated where working at heights activities are taking
place.
• Drop zone demarcating needs to be a third of the height from the base of the activities at height.
• Construction regulation 25 (e)

16. Suspension syncope (trauma)

(As compiled by MOYA MEDICS)

What is Suspension Syncope?

It is when a person becomes UNCONSCIOUS as a result of IMMOBILITY while suspended in a harness

AT HEIGHTS.

Possible causes:
The lack of movement whilst suspended upright in a harness

What happens?
19
 • A person falls from height and remains in a static upright position for a long period of time without
any movement of their legs.

• Lack of movement means lack of blood circulation.

• Lack of blood circulation causes blood to pool in the legs.

MUSCLE PUMPS

The heart pumps blood to the body, and blood is pumped back from the body to the heart by muscle
pumps.

Illustration R2

Blood starts to pool in the body, especially the legs when a person remains still for too long. This then leads
to decreased blood volume, which in turn results in a decreased flow of oxygenated blood to the brain and
the rest of the body.

The brain is then starved of oxygen and causes pre-syncope signs and symptoms:

1. Light headedness
2. Nausea
3. Tingling
4. Numbness in limbs
5. Anxiety
6. Headache
7. Pale, cold and clammy skin
8. Increased heart rate
9. Increased Blood Pressure

These signs and symptoms are easily be corrected by applying any of the following steps:

1. Moving all limbs every few minutes when working in a harness

2. Use of a work-seat when working in a harness for extended periods of time
3. Use of a sling to stand in when suspended in harness after a fall

20
 4. Lifting your legs into a sitting position to alleviate the pressure of the harness straps on the legs

If pre-syncope signs and symptoms are not treated then UNCONSCIOUSNESS occurs. Normally when a
person becomes unconscious they will fall to the ground and this automatically corrects the blood ‘pooling’
and allows the blood to flow back to the heart. This then means that the brain will receive oxygen in a few
short minutes and the person will recover quickly.

In the case of suspension syncope due, to the fact that a person is in a harness and is restrained in an
upright position, the blood ‘pooling’ cannot be corrected and in a short space of time the brain will be
damaged permanently due to a lack of oxygen. Eventually the end result is death if suspension syncope is
not corrected in as little time as possible.

17. References

• OHS act 85 of 1993

• SANS 33:1999, Equipment for use in industrial rope access work
• SANS 10333-1:1999, Industrial rope access Part 1: Worksite procedures
• SANS 10333-3:1999, Industrial rope access Part 3: Inspection, certification and management
procedures for equipment
• SANS 10085: Design, erection, use and inspection of access scaffolding
• SANS 50795: Protection against falls from height- Anchor Devices- Requirements and tests
• SANS 50353-2: Guided type fall arresters (flexible lines)
• SANS 16368 Mobile Elevating work platforms
• SANS 18893 Mobile Elevating work platforms
• SANS 1304: Ladders.
• SANS 1397: Industrial safety helmets.
• SANS 10295-2 Temporary Suspended platforms
• SANS 51808: Safety Requirements on suspended access equipment

• SANS 50365:PPE against fall from height- General requirements for instructions for use,
maintenance, periodic examination, repair, marking and packaging

• SANS 51808: Safety Requirements on suspended access equipment.

• 32-136 Construction safety
• 32-418 Working from hights

21
 18. Annexures

Annexure A (Appointments)

DESIGNATION 1.1

Section 16 (1)
Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993

In terms of the above-mentioned act; we (for Employer) appoint

you as Chief Executive Officer responsible for Occupational Health and
Safety.

Your responsibilities are as follows:

1. You will be responsible and accountable for Occupational Health and Safety at this plant /
premises / company;
2. Familiarise yourself with the various aspects of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and
the Construction Regulations;
3. Comply with all statutory requirements at all times;
4. Ensure that, in the event of any accident or incident, appropriate steps are taken according
to the OHS Act;
5. In writing, according to your own discretion, assign competent persons under your control to
assist you in performing your duties as per Section 16 (2);

Signatures: (for employer)

1) 2) 3)

Designation: Board of Directors

Date:

Acceptance

I, accept this appointment. I am familiar with the OHS act and the
construction regulations as well as the associated duties and responsibilities.

Signature: Date:

22
 DESIGANTION 1.2

Fall Protection Plan Developer / Supervisor

Construction Regulation 8 (1) (a)

In terms of the above-mentioned regulation:

I, (for employer) appoint you as the Fall
Protection Plan Developer / Supervisor for the period from ………………….. to ……………………...

Please ensure that the following is included in the fall protection plan:

1. A risk assessment of all work carried out from an elevated position;

2. The processes for evaluation of the employee’s physical and psychological fitness necessary to
work at elevated positions;
3. The programme for the training of employees working from elevated positions and records thereof;
4. The procedure addressing the inspection, testing and maintenance of all fall protection equipment;
and
5. Steps to be taken in order to ensure the continued adherence to the fall protection plan;

You are also reminded that you are required to be conversant with all relevant statutory provisions
and regulations of the OHS Act and Construction Regulations with regard to Fall Protection.

Signature:
(For employer)

Designation: Contracts Director/CEO

Date:

Acceptance

I, accept this appointment. I am familiar with The OHS act and the
construction regulations as well as the associated duties and responsibilities of this appointment.

Signature: Date:

DESIGNATION 1.3

23
 Risk Assessor
Construction Regulation 7 (1)

In terms of the above-mentioned regulation: I, (for employer)

appoint you to conduct risk assessments of all activities taking place on this
site for the period from …………………………… to ……………………………….

Your responsibilities are as follows:

1. Identification of the risks and hazards to which persons may be exposed to;
2. Analysis and evaluation of the risks and hazards identified;
3. Drawing up a documented plan of safe work procedures to mitigate, reduce or control the risks and
hazards that have been identified;
4. Communicating the results of such assessments to all employees who may be exposed to such
risks;

You are also reminded that you are required to be conversant with all relevant statutory provisions
and regulations of the OHS Act and Construction Regulations.

Signature:
(For employer)

Designation: Contracts Director/CEO

Date:

Acceptance

I, accept this appointment.

I am familiar with the OHS act and the construction regulations as well as the associated duties and
responsibilities of this appointment.

Signature: Date:

DESIGNATION 1.4

Construction Work Supervisor

Construction Regulation 6 (1)

24
In terms of the above-mentioned regulation: I, (for Employer) appoint
you as Construction Work Supervisor for the period from
……………………… to ……………………….

Please ensure that:

1. All construction work is carried out in accordance with the OHS Act and Construction Regulations;
2. All employees are afforded the right to a safe and healthy work environment;

You are also reminded that you are required to be conversant with all relevant statutory provisions
and regulations of the OHS Act and Construction Regulations.

Signature:
(For employer)

Designation: Contracts Director/ CEO

Date:

Acceptance

I, accept this appointment.

I am familiar with the OHS act and the construction regulations as well as the associated duties and
responsibilities of this appointment.

Signature: Date:

DESIGNATION 1.5

SUB-ORDINATE CONSTRUCTION WORK SUPERVISOR

CONSTRUCTION REGULATION 6 (2)

25
IN TERMS OF THE ABOVE-MENTIONED REGULATION: I, ……………………………………(FOR

EMPLOYER) APPOINT YOU …………………………….. SUB-ORDINATE

CONSTRUCTION WORK SUPERVISOR FOR THE PERIOD FROM ………………………………………….

TO …………………………….

PLEASE ENSURE THAT:

1. You report on any deviations to the Construction Work Supervisor;

2. All construction work is carried out in accordance with the OHS Act and Construction Regulation;
3. All employees are afforded the right to a safe and healthy work environment;

You are also reminded that you are required to be conversant with all relevant statutory provisions
and regulations of the OHS Act and Construction Regulations.

SIGNATURE: …………………………….
(FOR EMPLOYER)

DESIGNATION: CONTRACTS DIRECTOR/ CEO.

DATE: ……………………………………..

ACCEPTANCE

I, ……………………………………….. THIS APPOINTMENT. I AM FAMILIAR WITH THE

OHS ACT AND THE CONSTRUCTION REGULATIONS AS WELL AS THE ASSOCIATED DUTIES AND

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS APPOINTMENT.

SIGNATURE: ……………………………….. DATE: ……………………………….

26
 DESIGNATION 1.6
CONSTRUCTION SAFETY OFFICER
CONSTRUCTION REGULATION 6 (6)

IN TERMS OF THE ABOVE-MENTIONED REGULATION: I, ……………………………. (FOR

EMPLOYER) APPOINT YOU ……………………………….. AS CONSTRUCTION

SAFETY OFFICER FOR THE PERIOD FROM 10 SEPTEMBER 2011 TO 10 SEPTEMBER 2012.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. Develop and Maintain the Occupational Health and Safety program;

2. Ensure that the company complies fully with OHS Act and Construction Regulation requirements;
3. Identify and measure Health and Safety Hazards or risks in the workplace and take, or cause to be
taken, positive action in order to prevent occupational accidents, injuries or diseases;
4. Conduct a monthly inspection of the site and submit a written report on your findings to the relevant
person/s and committees;
5. Serve on the Health and Safety Committee meetings at prescribed times and venues;

You are also reminded that you are required to be conversant with all relevant statutory provisions
and regulations of the OHS Act and Construction Regulations.

SIGNATURE: …………………………….
(FOR EMPLOYER)

DESIGNATION: CONTRACTS DIRECTOR/CEO

DATE: ……………………………………..

ACCEPTANCE

I, ……………………………………. ACCEPT THIS APPOINTMENT. I AM FAMILIAR WITH

THE OHS ACT AND THE CONSTRUCTION REGULATIONS AS WELL AS THE ASSOCIATED DUTIES

AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS APPOINTMENT.

27
 SIGNATURE: ……………………………….. DATE: ……………………………….

DESIGNATION 1.7

EQUIPMENT CONTROLLER
IN TERMS OF THE ABOVE-MENTIONED REGULATION: I, Jose Corei (FOR

EMPLOYER) APPOINT YOU ERIC GUMEDE AS THE EQUIPMENT

CONTROLLER FOR THE PERIOD FROM 10 MARCH 2011 TO 10 MARCH 2012.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES ARE AS FOLLOWS:

To be in charge of the equipment as described in the Fall Protection Plan with regards to the
management and inspection of equipment.

You are also reminded that you are required to be conversant with all relevant statutory provisions
and regulations of the OHS Act and Construction Regulations.

SIGNATURE: …………………………….
(FOR EMPLOYER)

DESIGNATION: CONTRACTS MANAGER/CEO.

DATE: ……………………………………..

ACCEPTANCE

I, ERIC GUMEDE ACCEPT THIS APPOINTMENT. I AM FAMILIAR WITH

THE OHS ACT AND THE CONSTRUCTION REGULATIONS AS WELL AS THE ASSOCIATED DUTIES

AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS APPOINTMENT.

28
 SIGNATURE: ……………………………….. DATE: ……………………………….

DESIGNATION 1.8

TEAM MEMBER
IN TERMS OF THE ABOVE-MENTIONED REGULATION: I, Jose Corei (FOR

EMPLOYER) APPOINT YOU CHRIS AWIY AS A TEAM MEMBER FOR

THE PERIOD FROM 10 MARCH 2011 TO 10 MARCH 2012.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. To assist the Team Leader to carry out the tasks assigned to him, and report directly to the
appointed Team Leader;
2. To assist the Team Leader in performing risk assessments;
3. To assist the Team Leader in enforcing the Fall Protection Plan whilst Construction work is
performed at heights;

You are also reminded that you are required to be conversant with all relevant statutory provisions
and regulations of the OHS Act and Construction Regulations.

SIGNATURE: …………………………….
(FOR EMPLOYER)

DESIGNATION: CONTRACTS DIRECTOR/CEO

DATE: ……………………………………..

ACCEPTANCE

I, CHRIS AWIY ACCEPT THIS APPOINTMENT. I AM FAMILIAR WITH

29
THE OHS ACT AND THE CONSTRUCTION REGULATIONS AS WELL AS THE ASSOCIATED DUTIES

AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS APPOINTMENT.

SIGNATURE: ……………………………….. DATE: ……………………………….

DESIGNATION 1.9
SCAFFOLDING
CONSTRUCTION REGULATIONS 14 (2)

IN TERMS OF THE ABOVE-MENTIONED REGULATION: I, Jose Corei (FOR

EMPLOYER) APPOINT YOU VUSI MAGQALA AS THE SCAFFOLD:

Supervisor 

Team Leader 

Inspector 

Erector 

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 10 SEPTEMBER 2011 TO 10 SEPTEMBE 2012.

PLEASE ENSURE THAT:

1. All scaffolds are erected and dismantled by trained, competent persons and in accordance with the
requirements as set out in SANS 10085-1:2003;
2. The scaffold framework is inspected weekly and every time after inclement weather;
3. All relevant registers / checklists are completed;

You are also reminded that you are required to be conversant with all relevant statutory provisions
and regulations of the OHS Act and Construction Regulations with regard to explosive powered
tools.

SIGNATURE: …………………………….
(FOR EMPLOYER)

DESIGNATION: CONTRACTS DIRECTOR/CEO.

30
DATE: ……………………………………..

ACCEPTANCE

I, ………………………. ACCEPT THIS APPOINTMENT. I AM FAMILIAR WITH THE

OHS ACT AND THE CONSTRUCTION REGULATIONS AS WELL AS THE ASSOCIATED DUTIES AND

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS APPOINTMENT.

SIGNATURE: ……………………………….. DATE: ……………………………….

DESIGNATION 1.10

FIRST AIDER
GENERAL SAFETY REGULATION 3

IN TERMS OF THE ABOVE-MENTIONED REGULATION: I,…………………….. (FOR

EMPLOYER) APPOINT YOU …………………… AS A FIRST AIDER FOR THE

PERIOD FROM 10 MARCH 2011 TO 10 MARCH 2012.

PLEASE ENSURE THAT:

1. All employees receive prompt first aid treatment for injuries sustained on duty;
2. The first aid box/es contain suitable and sufficient first aid equipment at all times and in terms of the
minimum contents of a first aid box;
3. All first aid rendered is recorded in the first aid dressing record register;
4. You familiarise yourself with all material safety data sheets for those chemical substance that are
used on this site;

You are also reminded that you are required to be conversant with all relevant statutory provisions
and regulations of the OHS Act and Construction Regulations with regard to First Aid.

31
SIGNATURE: …………………………….
(FOR EMPLOYER)

DESIGNATION: CONTRCTS DIRECTOR/ CEO.

DATE: ……………………………………..

ACCEPTANCE

I, …………………….. ACCEPT THIS APPOINTMENT. I AM FAMILIAR WITH THE OHS

ACT AND THE CONSTRUCTION REGULATIONS AS WELL AS THE ASSOCIATED DUTIES AND

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS APPOINTMENT.

SIGNATURE: ……………………………….. DATE: ……………………………….

DESIGNATION 1.11

STACKING AND STORAGE SUPERVISOR

CONSTRUCTION REGULATION 26 (a)

IN TERMS OF THE ABOVE-MENTIONED REGULATION: I, ………………. (FOR

EMPLOYER) APPOINT YOU …………………………… AS THE PERSON

RESPONSIBLE FOR STACKING AND STORAGE FOR THE PERIOD FROM 10 MARCH 2011 TO
10 MARCH 2012.

PLEASE ENSURE THAT:

1. Adequate storage areas are provided;

2. There are demarcated storage areas;
32
 3. Storage areas are kept neat and under control;
4. All stacks are safe and do not exceed maximum permissible height;

SIGNATURE: …………………………….
(FOR EMPLOYER)

DESIGNATION: CONTRACTS DIRECTOR/CEO.

DATE: ……………………………………..

ACCEPTANCE

I, NIMROD SHAVHANI ACCEPT THIS APPOINTMENT. I AM FAMILIAR WITH THE

OHS ACT AND THE CONSTRUCTION REGULATIONS AS WELL AS THE ASSOCIATED DUTIES AND

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS APPOINTMENT.

SIGNATURE: ……………………………….. DATE: ……………………………….

DESIGNATIONT 1.12

INCIDENT ACCIDENT INVESTIGATOR

GENERAL ADMINISTARTION REGULATION 9.2

Dear
(Full name)

(Full name)

33
Having been appointed in terms of section 16 (2) of the Occupational Health and Safety
Act (85 of 1993) to ensure full compliance with the Act. hereby appoint you as an
accident investigator.

In this capacity you are required to:

1. Investigate all incidents that occur on the premises.

2. Record the findings of those investigations on an internal incident investigation
form.
3. Record the findings of the investigation on an Annexure 2 form, if the incident
resulted in a claim, report to the Compensation Commissioner (Compensation
of Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act -130 of 1993), as required in terms of
General Administrative Regulation 8 of the OHS Act (85 of 1993).
4. In terms of Section 24 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act - 85 of 1993,
report all incidents to the Divisional Inspector of Machinery.
5. Report the findings of all investigations to your Employer/SHE Committee.
6. Ensure that the record of each incident is endorsed by the employer and the
chairman of the SHE Committee.
7. Keep a register of all incidents - Annexure 1 summary.

Please confirm your acceptance of this appointment by signing and returning the
duplicate copy of this letter to the undersigned.

This appointment will become effective on the date of acceptance thereof and will be
for a period of 3 years.

Please confirm your acceptance of this appointment by signing and returning to me

the duplicate copy of this letter.

SIGNATURE - MANAGER DATE

(Section 16 (2) )

I understand the implications of this appointment and confirm my acceptance thereof.

SIGNATURE DATE

Annexure B
34
 Inspection Registers

Pre-use inspection Form For Fall Arrest and Rope Access

equipment

Reference number (use with the DSTI or Pre Task Risk Assessment):
ID NUMBERS OF EQUIPMENT ID NUMBERS OF
EQUIPMENT
IN A SAFE WORKING CONDITION REJECTED EQUIPMENT
Full Body harness
Helmets
Shock-absorbers
Work Positioning lanyards
Anchor sling
120cm Slings
60cm Slings
Karabiners
Karabiners
Karabiners
Karabiners
Ascenders
Chest ascenders
Back-up devices(Fall
Arrestors)
Descender
Static 100m ropes
Static 50m ropes
Static 25m ropes
Dynamic ropes (cow tail's)
Chest harnesses
Sit harnesses
Pulleys
Ladders
Maillons
Rope Protectors

ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION:

Name Position Signature Date

Inspected by :

Inspection supervised by:

NOTE: [Link] or suspect equipment must be taken out of service immediately by the Site
Supervisor and marked clearly to prevent re-use. This suspect/rejected equipment/item must be
35
 taken to the equipment controller for further inspection, repair by manufacturer or disposal.

2. Pre Use inspections should be done by employee on a daily basis

3. Weekly inspections to be done by Supervisor
[Link] monthly inspection to be done by Gear Controller

5. Develop Inspection Checklist according to SAANS 10333-3

Annexure C
Training Certificates And Registers

ROLE NAME ID EMPLOYEMENT WORK AT HEIGHT SIGNATURE

NUMBER NUMBER TRAINING
TEAM
LEADER
TEAM
MEMBER
TEAM
MEMBER
TEAM
MEMBER
TEAM
MEMBER
TEAM
MEMBER
TEAM
MEMBER
TEAM
MEMBER
TEAM
MEMBER
TEAM
MEMBER
TEAM
MEMBER
TEAM
MEMBER
TEAM
MEMBER
TEAM
MEMBER

Training register
Technician Fall Arrest, Rope Access and or Basic Rescue training Register

36
 Type of Signed by
Certificate Next
Training or CR 6.1 or
Name: ID no: Expiry Training
Unit Safety
Date Date
Standard no Officer

37
38
Annexure D
Medical Fitness

39
Annexure E
40
Risk assessments

41
 Pre Pos t
1 Safety Hazard: Ye s /No
Risk
Preventative Action Required: Ye s /No Additional Notes: Risk
Technicians falling from Height: TL/CR6.1 if NO then correctly secure ladder before
Is ladder longer than 4m Ye s /No use,if YES then use correctly instaled lifeline or
lifeline system (Alw ays use Appendix J)
Technicians falling to a low er level. , height Where scaffolding is required, it must be
and or fall risk associated w ith the TL/CR6.1 to follow the correct Inspection SOP as
erected by a competent scaffold erector Ye s /No
fall:_____m? resulting in injury or death of per SANS and Safe use SOP of the SANS and FPP
according to SANS 10085 requirements
ow n technicians and damage to property
TL/CR 6.1 To Ensure that All medicals are up to
√ Tick off possible causes: date. TL/CR 6.1 to ensure site is safe to w ork and
Medical, ps ychological Staff Health management plan. Ye s /No no chemicals or Gasses w ill adversely affect

□ em ergency or Phys ical

Exhaus tion of worker
Fragile surfaces, roof,
w orkers at height

TL/CR 6.1 To implement to correct SOP and specify

□ floor or unprotected
edges
SOP Roof top work Ye s /No safe hook-up points and install, inspect and use life
lines w here needed.

TL/CR 6.1 to Ensure that the client/ow ner of the

Ladder and Structure
□ failure or collapse
Follow the Permit to work at height SOP Ye s /No
site has given permission for w ork on site and that
site is safe for w ork w ith correct procedures in
place.
Over Reaching from TL/CR 6.1 To implement to correct SOP as per FPP
SOP for safe work from behind barricade or

1
□ behind s afe barricade or
hand rails
Workers not trained to
hand rails, unprotected edges.

Training management plan for work at

Ye s /No and identify and notify w orkers of safe hook-up
points on site
TL/CR 6.1 to ensure that all w ork at height training
certificates are up to date and that the PPE is

□ work at height, resulting

in incorrect use of PPE
height and including the safe use of PPE
on site(minimum free space dangers etc)
Ye s /No
correctly used on site and that it w ill safely arrest a
fall from height

Un-Supervised Work from TL/CR 6.1 To must alw ays be on site and that all
All work mus t be s upervis ed by a com petent

□ a fall risk position and

unauthorised entry
pers on when doing work at height.
Unauthoris ed s ite entry prohibited.
Ye s /No
w orkers w ere present during the site induction
training , w orkers and visitors must sign site
induction register
SOP Mobile or remotely operated access TL/CR 6.1 To implement to correct SOP and OHS
Mobile plant or large
□ Vehicle work
equipment( MEWP, Buckets, cranes,
suspended platforms, beam Crawls etc)
Work during adverse weather conditions
Ye s /No act requirements DMR 18. AND follow FPP SOP for
Mobile Plant, Trucks and Heavy Vehicles

TL/CR 6.1 To implement to correct SOP as per FPP

(Use Beaufort scale 5 as a guideline to and to stop w ork w hen w ork is too dangerous OR

□ Environmental factors
judge wind condition recommended max
wind speed is 39km/h)
Ye s /No w hen a rescue w ill not be possible due to
dangerous site conditions

TL/CR 6.1 To establish site as per SANS 10333 and

SOP for Rope Access and/or Fall arrest FPP requirements. To visually inspect all anchors or
Rope access anchors,
and/or Low level fall Restraint work;
□ Anchor bolt or life line
failure
including Anchor bolt/point placement and
inspection as per SANS 10333 and 50795
Ye s /No
all anchor systems before use and ensure that all
permanent anchor bolt/life line certificates are up to
date and that the anchors/bolts are used/rigged
safely.

Annexure F
42
 WORKSITE INFORMATION

INDEX:

A- Complete facade scaffolding

G erected according to SANS
10085/1( 8 meters high)
B- Distance between scaffold
working platform and roof of
E F B building is 3 meters.
C- Distance between scaffold top
working platform and ground
level is 7 meters.
H D- Distance between ground level
and first floor and first floor and
second floor is 3 meters.
E- Distance between second floor
A and roof slab is 5 meters.
C F- Window size is 2mx2m.
G- Busy with balustrade
installation on roof slab.
H- Distance between scaffold and
D building is 300 mm.

SCOPE OF WORK:
The following work will be performed from 8 meter facade scaffolding:
43
 • Silicon sealant around a 2m x 2m window between second floor and roof slab.
• The silicon container weighs 5kg and will be moved from ground level to top
scaffold working platform by rope.
• The façade scaffolding been erected by qualified scaffold erectors and will be
certified and inspected. Will comply with SANS 10085/1.
• There will be a team working on the roof installing balustrades on the roof
edges. This includes welding and grinding activities.
• The sealant will be done by Tiber and will make use of a team of three people.
• Weather conditions will be monitored before commencing the activities and also
during the activities.
• Ground level at least 2 meters around the access façade scaffolding will be
demarcated.
• The silicon is not a flammable liquid and complete water-based and not toxic to
employees doing the sealant.

Annexure G
Safe work procedures
• All Safe work Procedure’s shall be site specific.

Guardrails

1. Guardrails are often the best and most convenient means of fall protection.
2. Where possible and practical, guardrails must be installed as per risk assessment
recommendation:
• Along the open edges of roofs and floors
• on formwork, scaffolds, and other work surfaces
• openings in floors and roofs
• wherever workers are exposed to the risk of falling.
3. Guardrails must be installed, by a competent person, no more than 30 cm (1 foot) from the
open edge. They must be able to withstand all loads specified in the risk assessment and
SANS 10160 sec 8.4 Horizontal loads on parapets, partitions walls and guardrails acting
as barriers.

44
 4. Guardrails and/or Handrails are not considered to be safe anchor points for fall arrest
equipment, unless it has been designed as such by the manufacturer or competent person.
5. Well-anchored posts are essential. You can use vertical shoring jacks, screw-clamp posts,
clamp binding posts, or posts that fit into sleeves cast right in the slab.
6. Sometimes guardrails have to be removed to land material or make installations along floor
or roof edges. The open edge should be roped off and marked with warning signs. Workers
inside that area must wear fall protection and use the correct restraint or fall arrest system
as indentified in risk assessment.
7. All guardrails should be inspected regularly.
8. Guardrails are the best method of protecting workers around openings in floors and roofs,
but sometimes they’re not practical. You may have to use securely fastened suitable covers
installed by a competent person. Covers must be strong enough to support any weight to
be reasonably expected.
9. DANGER: There’s always the danger that someone will pick up the plywood to use
somewhere else. That’s why temporary covers should be clearly marked in bright paint with
warning signs. DO NOT REMOVE. DANGER! HOLE IN FLOOR.
10. Review types of guardrails used on site. The CR6.1 or CR6.6 to ask workers/client where
else guardrails should be installed.

Discharge of Material from heights

1. No material or equipment may be thrown from heights.
2. Specially constructed chutes must be erected as prescribed in the OHS Act 85 0f 1993;
3. Alternatively such material must be lowered with cranes or hoists, or carried down by hand in a suitable
tool-bag or pouch.
4. If there is a need to hoist equipment/ material, all necessary precautions should be taken to secure them
during the activity.
All the correct safety signs must be in place and the correct barricade and or access procedure
must be followed at all times to prevent unauthorised entry to the site.

Workers working above you

1. No work can be done directly below other workers.
2. Ensure that your team is protected by either erecting the correct barricade with the
appropriate signage in the area above you to prevent workers working above you OR erect
the barricade on the same level as your workers to keep your workers out of the drop zone
while they are working.
3. If work cannot be done safely please contact the FPP implementer for advice before work
can continue.
45
4. It is recommended that the CR6.6 of the workers below you is notified during the DSTI
before work starts to ensure work is carried out safely

Workers working below you

1. Ensure that proper barricade with the appropriate signage is erected in the drop zone.
2. Do not allow any workers below you in the drop zone.
3. If work cannot be done safely please contact the FPP implementer for advice before work
can continue.
4. It is recommended that the CR6.6 of the workers below you is notified during the DSTI
before work starts to ensure work is carried out safely.
5. If there a dispute on who has the right to work in the area the Project manager should be
contacted to ensure work is planned correctly.

Assembling and dismantling of scaffolding and of

suspended scaffold.
1. A ratchet rescue or Fall Arrest lift and lower rescue as determined by the risk assessment
2. All Scaffold used must be designed and erected according to SANS 10085 OHS act 85 of
1993 C.R.14 for Scaffold and where applicable C.R.15 for Suspended platforms.
3. All Scaffold erecters and users to have received Fall Arrest training (See training
management.)
4. Use the DSTI or Pre Task Risk Assessments and Equipment Selection Guide Sheets for
the correct Fall Arrest Equipment to use on scaffold. See Appendix C Risk Assessment.
5. All Scaffolds to be signed off before use, SANS 10085
6. Use double lanyards with large scaffold or pylon hooks to fit over scaffold structures.
7. Attachment of the lanyard hooks to the structure must start once the scaffold erector or user
reached the maximum height before fall arrest systems must be utilised. The height is
usually 2 meters from feet to ground or platform.
8. Only attach (hook-up) to supported or fixed scaffold structures/members.
9. Tall scaffolds may collapse or fall over, especially if subjected to a dynamic force (of a
faller). Always secure the scaffold to the main construction or building if used as a fall arrest
anchor, as per SANS 10085.
10. Attach lanyard hooks above the user’s head or use a mechanical fall arrest device or
temporary vertical safety line, which is attached above the user’s head. A fold back type
lanyard which can be shortened is better than a fixed length lanyard.
11. Use the correct length lanyard for the task (See Appendix C Risk Assessment).
12. Drop zone establishment with proper warning signs, the attachment of tools and safe
rigging systems are vitally important around scaffolding area.
13. Find out who to notify if any defects need to be remedied or modifications need to be made
and keep them informed

46
Self Identified Anchor Point Selection for Protection Against
Fall From Height
1. Purpose:
To identify safe anchor points on structures for the sole use of connecting your personal fall
arrest shock absorbing lanyard(SANS 50355) to, to protect the user from a fall to a lower level
at height, otherwise known as a ground fall
Note this does not included anchor points or devices installed to protect against falls from
height.

2. Shock absorber definitions:

2.1. Dynamic performance: When tested as described in SANS 50355 sec 5.2 with a rigid
steel mass of 100 kg or a torso dummy of 100 kg mass, the braking force F max shall not
exceed 6 kN and the arrest distance H shall be H < 2 Lt + 1,75 m, depending on the total
length Lt of the energy absorber including lanyard.
2.2. Static strength: When tested as described in SANS 50355 sec 5.3 with a force of 15 kN,
the fully developed energy absorber shall withstand the static strength test without tearing
or rupture.
2.3. LT; Length of energy absorber including a lanyard: Total length in metres from one
load bearing point to the other load bearing point, measured in an unloaded but taut
condition of the energy absorber including lanyard [EN 363]
2.4. Braking force: maximum force Fmax in kilo-newtons, measured at the anchor point or the
anchor line during the braking period of the dynamic performance test [EN 363]
2.5. Self- identified anchor point: Anchor point that is not designed specifically for fall arrest
anchoring, but is identified by the user or engineer as being sufficiently strong enough to
act as an anchor point for fall arrest purposes.

3. Specific requirements for installed anchor devices (SANS 50795).

3.1. SANS 50795 sec [Link] Type test for all anchor devices designed to be secured to
vertical, horizontal and inclined surfaces.
3.1.1.A static test shall be carried out as described in SANS 50979 sec 5.2.1. with a force of 10kN applied in
the direction in which the force can be applied in service. The force shall be maintained for 3min.
The anchor shall hold the force
3.1.2.A dynamic strength test shall be carried out as described in SANS 50975 sec 5.3.3. the dropped mass of
100 kg shall be arrested.

4. Hand railing specifications SABS 0400 and SABS 0162: Part 1 and SA steel construction
handbook Sec 12.30 and 12.31
4.1. A concentrated force of 1.0 kN acting in any direction between vertically downward and
horizontally inward or outward, applied over a length of 100mm.

47
 4.2. A distributed horizontal force applied at the top of the railing or balustrade acting outward,
of
[Link].5kN/m for roof accessible only for maintenance purposes.
[Link].5kN/m for places of public assembly, except for grandstands.
[Link].0kN/m for grandstands.

5. Self identified anchors:

Scenario: A worker is moving around at height (in a fall risk position) on a structure that does
not have installed anchors points for protection against fall from height. Thus the worker has to
identify structural members to use as anchor points as he is moving along to do the work.
Currently there is no SANS document for a self identified anchor point.

6. Recommendation:
6.1. As can be seen from the above specifications:
6.1.1. Hand-railings are not designed to withstand the forces that could be imparted
onto the hand-railing by the shock absorber when arresting a fall from height.
6.1.2. The designed hand rail spec is a point load of 1.0 kN over a 100mm length of the
handrail. (Limit state design has a safety factor of 1.6 times that of the design load(
live load) 1.0kN x 1.6 = 1.6 kN. (This will then be the expected buckle load).
6.1.3. The recommended serviceability load is only 1.1 x 1kN(Live load) (note: self weight
and wind load has been left out of this equation) where the south African steel
construction industry strongly recommends that the handrail should not be loaded
by a point load more of than 110kg spread over 100mm on the handrail.
6.2. A self identified anchor should logically be the same strength of the shock absorber being
connected to it: Normally the industry uses SANS 50795 for installed anchor points for
protection against falls from height but this is not reasonably practical for the above
scenario.

Shock absorbing lanyard specifications.(SANS 50355)

6.2.1.A Static strength of 15kN
[Link] deployment it will not apply a force more than 6kN
[Link] factor with PPE is about a factor of 10.
6.2.4.A shock absorber will impart a point load to a smaller surface area as required in design spec. The pylon
hook has about a 12 to 13mm surface contact with the handrail.
[Link] an extra person is connected to the structural member the SWL of the Member shall be 150kg+100kg=
250kg.
[Link] more than two people are connected to the same structural member then a competent person shall
approve this member for safe use.

7. Thus a static strength (MBS) of 15kN is required for a self-identified anchor point.
Thus the recommendation is that all self identified anchors should have a MINIMUN breaking
strain (MBS), applied by a static force in direction of expected load, of at least 15kN (and the a
SWL of 150kg= a 10 x safety factor) when used as a self identified anchor for personal fall arrest
or work restraint purposes. When two people are connected to the same member it shall be 15kN
plus 6kN = 21kN (AS/NZS 1891.4:2000 used as a guide). A competent person shall determine
the safety of the member if more than two people are attached to the same structural member.
48
Note: This excludes tensioned members or unstable structures that can fall over because
of this extra imposed load from the Shock absorber while arresting a fall. If there is any
uncertainly on the strength of the structural member and or the integrity of the whole
structure a competent engineer shall approve all proposed self identified anchor points and
the stability of the whole structure or anchors shall be installed and certified as per SANS
50795.

Mobile Elevated Work Platforms(MEWP), Man-cages,

Buckets and “Cherry Pickers”
1. All MEWP users must use of work restraint or Fall Arrest equipment. (See Appendix C Risk
Assessment.
2. It is critical that users of scissors lifts and other mobile lifting machines to do complete full
daily inspections and function testing before works starts.
3. These inspections must be in line with the manufacturer's recommendations contained in
the Operation and Safety Manual of each lifting machine or platform. These inspections can
only be made by a competent person as per manufacturers’ recommendations.

Lifting and lower areas or any area where over reaching is a

risk.
1. A ratchet rescue or Fall Arrest lift and lower rescue as determined by the risk
assessment
2. Hook-up points be provided (Identified by the team leader) and area to be barricaded
as per health and safety plan.
4.

5. Failure to undertake daily tests and inspections can result in safety critical faults going
undetected and can lead to potential for the MEWP/mobile lifting machine to overturn
resulting in serious of fatal injuries.
6. Always follow OHS act Driven Machinery regulations on site when using mobile lifting
machines and platforms
7. Emergency escape abseil or ratchet rescue as determined by the risk assessment
8. All MEWP operators will have a valid operating licence
9. Secure hook-up points must be provided by the manufacturer and inspected annually and
proof of these inspection must be provided by the supplier/manufacturer.
10. All Hook-up points must be clearly marked and inspected every three months by a
competent person and every time before use by the operator.
11. The hook up points must be placed in such a way that even when the bucket fails, the
hook-up points will prevent a ground fall.
12. Fall protection is not an effective control measure for overturn situations, where the person
and the MEWP will fall. The only effective measures are elimination or prevention, through
control measures using the safe site, safe vehicle and safe operator approach.

49
13. As a general principal it is recommended that the use of work restraint systems is
encouraged. Ensure that operators are trained, practiced and accustomed to working with
such equipment on MEWPS.
14. Working Near Water
14.1 Water rescue team and equipment must be available to perform the rescue.
14.2 When operating a MEWP close to a body of water in to which it could overturn, fall protection equipment
should not be used but a life jacket should be worn instead.
14.3 It is recommends that only a lifejacket should be worn when working near water if there is a foreseeable
risk that the either MEWP or the occupant could end up in the water.
14.4 If harnesses need to be worn for other reasons (e.g. movement/work elsewhere or to aid
rescue/recovery) this is acceptable but the occupant should not be connected to the MEWP whilst
activities near to or over water are taking place.
14.5 As soon as the MEWP moves away from such areas the occupant should connect him/herself to the
attachment point.
14.6 In these circumstances the standard of instruction and supervision should be such that inappropriate
work activity that might lead to a person falling from the basket or the MEWP overturning is avoided.

50
 Suspended platforms
1. Emergency escape abseil or ratchet rescue as determined by the risk assessment
2. Construction Regulations 15 of the OHS act must be adhered to at all times.
3. Persons using suspended platforms need to be competent in the use of these, and be
connected to the supplied hook-up points with a full body harness and lanyard. All
technicians to use fall arrest equipment on these Platforms (See Appendix C Risk
Assessment.
4. All technician to be have received Fall Arrest training (See Training Management.)
5. Suspended platforms can create practical platforms for work at height; it does however
depend on the erectors’ and users’ competence.
6. These can mostly only work in the vertical, and thus overhangs usually pose a great
problem for the use of these platforms.
7. Technicians using suspended platforms must be trained in effective rescue methods.
8. A competent person must be appointed to supervise SAE work (CR 15.1).

9. ALL work carried out on SAE must comply to the OHS act and relevant SANS requirements
including but not limited to:
9.1 Construction Regulations 7: Risk assessment
A competent person must evaluate the hazards and risk regarding TSP use onsite and the
implement safety devices and or procedures to mitigate these risks on site, including but
not limited to:

a) Health and safety Plan.

b) Task specific method statement specific to work being performed from SAE.
c) Compliance plan.
d) Fall Protection plan.
e) Roof rig inspection reports
f) Daily check sheets before use completed by a competent person.
g) Anti tilt device.
h) Anti- collision device.
i) No-load device.
j) Ultimate limit switch.
k) Over load switch.
l) Restraint systems.
m) Wind speed meters.
n) SAE fall arrest devise.
o) Anchor points.
p) Isolation procedure at end of shift.
q) Installation procedures.
r) Maintenance procedures.
s) Operating procedures.
t) A risk assessment and method statement(s) to ensure other activities on site
do not endanger the SAE or the workers inside.
u) Rescue plan and kit specific to the site and task.
v) Emergency plan.
51
 NOTE: All the above must be developed, approved and implemented by a competent
person(s)

The following regulations shall be implemented on site by the Fall protection plan
implementer and CR6.1

9.2 Construction Regulations 15: Suspended access platforms

9.3 SANS codes including but not limited to:
9.3.1 SANS 51808: Safety requirements on suspended access equipment
9.3.2 SANS 10295-2:Temporary suspended Platform( TSP)
9.3.3 SANS 1903: Safety requirements on suspended access equipment-design
calculation, stability criteria, construction – Tests
9.3.4 SANS 50365: Personal protective equipments for instructions for use, maintenance,
periodic examinations, repair, marking and packaging.
9.3.5 SANS 50795: Protection against falls from height- anchor devices-requirements
and testing.
10. A compliance plan must be developed by a competent person to ensure that all the OHS
act requirements are met on site for all the TSP’s used on site.
11. All operators should be trained and assessed by a recognised training provider(s) that can
prove competency of the operator and installer and rescuer. The supervisor shall have the
necessary training and competence to ensure that SAE is used safely on site as per OHS
act and SANS requirements.
12. All inspections and maintenance work must be completed by an OEM authorised
competent person.
13. Daily pre-use checks must be completed by a competent person as per SANS 51808 and
SANS 10295 requirements.
14. It is the duty of the operator to ensure that he understands the rescue procedures and is
able to perform a rescue at any time.
15. The supervisor is responsible to ensure that all procedures are correctly implemented on
site and to stop work immediately if work is unsafe or if there is a scope of work change that
falls outside the risk assessment.
16. Suspended access equipment must have only one entrance and exit point. It may not be
used to transport good or people form one level to another.
17. Regular audits and site visits should be conducted by the CR6.6 and the FPP implementer
to ensure that the operators are implementing the fall protection plan and the compliance
plan as designed and proof should be available. Records of these audits should be kept for
future reference.

Cranes and overhead cranes.

1. Emergency escape abseil or ratchet rescue as determined by the risk assessment
2. Site supervisor to follow ESKOM SHEQ SECTION OF MEDUPI POWER STATION
SHE/HSE crane safe working procedure no: 203-15442
3. No technician will be allowed to use a crane without a pre task Risk assessment, completed by a
competent site supervisor, identifying the correct Fall Arrest system(s) to be used, safe hook-up
points and safe work and rescue procedures accordingly (See Appendix C Risk Assessment.
4. OHS Act: General Safety Regulations, Sections 16, 17 and 20 to be adhere to at all times

52
 5. OHS act 85 of 1993 Driven Machinery Regulations must be followed at all times.
6. Operators to be trained in Fall Arrest and Basic self-rescue.
7. Operator to be trained in the correct Escape abseil system if access is barred to the ladders.
8. For maintenance work on the overhead crane a certified horizontal lifeline must be installed and
inspected every time before use and a complete inspection must be done annually by a
competent person/engineer.
9. Ensure that a safe lifting plan is compiled by a competent person and that measures are put in
place to ensure that no scaffold or fall arrest system will be put into danger by the crane
movement or lifting task.

Mobile Plant, Trucks and Heavy Vehicles

1. Safe access must be provided to all Mobile Plant, Trucks and Heavy Vehicles.
2. All operators should regularly inspect the security and condition of all access/egress steps
on all Mobile Plant and Heavy Vehicles.
2.1 Site Mobile Plant Inspection schemes should include a section to ensure compliance with
these checks
3. If work on vehicles/mobile plant presents a fall hazard to the worker a Fall Hazard risk
assessment must be done before work starts and a WAH permit to work must be issued.
4. All Mobile plant excavations must be correctly planned and supervised by a competent
person to prevent material falling onto the mobile plant from above and/or mobile plant
falling into excavations themselves.
5. Edge protection (Berms) for mobile plant in the quarry area or any area that represents a
fall hazard for the vehicle to a lower area must be designed and build by a competent
person that will prevent the mobile plant from falling into the quarry.
5.1 Edge protection should be built out of suitable material as determined by a competent person
and the correct vehicle SOP must be developed and implemented by a competent person to
prevent falls from height of mobile plant with the operator inside them, The distance that
vehicles can approach edges and position of edge protection must be clearly stated in the
SOP’s and what kind of supervision is needed when work is done close to an edge by mobile
plant.
5.2 When working close to the edge on mobile plant the worker will be connected to a safe anchor
point or a correctly installed and certified lifeline. i.e. if the worker is closer than 2m to an
unprotected edge or when a fall hazard has been identified during the risk assessment due to
external factors;. Soil conditions, surrounding environment etc.
5.3 Edge protection should be placed around any water filled excavation and rescue facilities
provided, as identified during the risk assessment.

53
6. Access to Large construction equipment/ mobile plant:

6.1 To climb on and off construction equipment safely, always maintain three points of contact.
That means two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand on the equipment at all
times( See picture attached on the next page).

• Break 3-point contact only when you reach the ground, the cab, or a stable platform.
• Mount and dismount facing the equipment.
• Climb on and off only when the equipment is stationary.
• Use the parts designed by the manufacturer for mounting and dismounting—steps, running-
boards, traction strips, footholds, handgrips, etc.
• Keep these parts clear of mud, snow, grease, and other hazards that can cause slips, trips,
or falls.

54
 Three point climbing System

[Roof top work OR Fragile surface work OHS Act: General

Safety Regulations section 8.5
Where roof work is being performed on a construction site, the site supervisor and FPP implementer shall
ensure that in addition to the requirements set out in section 8 of OHS Act: General Safety Regulations, it
is furthermore indicated in the fall protection plan:
55
1. A ratchet rescue or Fall Arrest lift and lower rescue as determined by the risk ssessment.

2. No Roof work OR Fragile Surface work can be done without a proper Base line Risk
assessment by a competent person. All roofs and other unknown surfaces or platforms
should be treated as a fragile surface(see point no 7) until the risk assessment has been
completed. When new machinery/plant is installed on a roof/floor a competent person must
ensure that the floor or roof is strong enough to support the new load. See SANS 10160 for
more detail (old SABS 0160).

3. All workers to be trained in Fall Arrest and applicable rescue techniques(See Training

Management)

4. If hand rails are not reasonable and practical the use of life lines is strongly recommended

when working close to an edge where there is a fall risk hazard.

5. During Rope access and or fall arrest work on rooftop sites the CR6.1/TL must ensure that

workers are using the correct fall restraint or fall arrest systems and that the safe use of

these systems have been communicated to all workers on site during the induction

training/DSTI or Pre Task Risk Assessment toolbox talk.

6. The CR 6.1 on site must also ensure the following:

6.1 that the roof work has been properly planned and communicated;
6.2 that the roof erectors are competent and trained to carry out the work;
6.3 that no employees are permitted to work on roofs during inclement weather conditions
or if weather conditions are a hazard to the health and safety of the employees;
6.4 that prominent warning notices are to be placed where all covers to openings are not of
sufficient strength to withstand any imposed loads and where fragile material exists;
6.5 that suitable and sufficient platforms coverings or other similar means of support have
been provided and designed in such a way that the weight of any person(s) passing
across or working on or from fragile material is safely supported; and
6.6 that there is suitable and sufficient guardrails or barriers and toe-boards or other similar
means of protection to prevent, so far reasonably practicable, the fall of any person,
material or equipment.
6.7 When installing floors or floor boards or floor shuttering, the unfinished floor must be
considered as a fragile surface until the installation is complete and has been signed off
by a competent person as safe for use.

7. Use one or a combination of the fall restraint and/or fall arrest systems listed below to
prevent or catch a worker from falling to the level below, installed by a competent person:

7.1 Horizontal life line, Temporary or permanent life lines can be used.

56
 7.2 Low level Fall restrained system(s). This system has many applications and must be

installed correctly and safely by a competent user. Can also be used on Roofs.

Inclined and horizontal roofs/surfaces.

7.3 Retractable Lanyards connected to a higher level. Be careful of pendulum situation that

can cause serious injuries.

7.4 Vertical lifeline connect to a higher level, Be careful of pendulum situation that can

cause serious injuries.

7.5 Rated Safety nets installed below the floor/fragile surface before work on the

floor/fragile surface starts. Note ensure that the support structure for the safety net is

strong enough for all the hazards prevalent on site as identified in the risk assessment.

Fall Risk Excavation work

1. Any excavation deeper than 1.8m must be considered as a FALL RISK.
2. If there is a fall risk because of the excavation a fall risk assessment must be done before
work can be done inside the excavation and the correct fall arrest procedure and or safe
ladder procedure must be followed at all times (See Appendix J for safe Ladder use).
3. Use the correct barricading procedures to prevent workers falling into exaction.
4. The correct design of the excavation and shoring procedure must be followed as per OHS
act requirements by a competent person.
5. The sides must be sloped in such a way that a worker can be extracted easily from the
excavation after he has been stabilised on a stretcher. (See basic stretcher rescues:)

SOP for Industrial Rope Access:

1. Introduction:

“Industrial rope access” means techniques used whereby access is gained to buildings,
other structures or geological features (such as cliff faces), by means of a double ropes
system anchored to the structure or the features concerned. It is generally applied to situations
where the rope system supports one man (or one piece of equipment) at a time, and where
ropes are used as:
a) the primary means of support;
b) a means of primary protection and positioning; and
57
 c) a means for personnel to descend, ascend and move horizontally.

The Main rope’s primary purpose is not that of a fall arrest system but rather one that can be
used in work-positioning operations using SANS 33 approved equipment or equivalent. The
second rope is used for back-up. If the main rope anchors, the rope or the equipment
attached to it fails a second rope will then arrest the workers fall safely. The second rope is
also crucial in the rescue situations etc

All rope access work shall be done according to SANA 10333:

2. Safe Work Site Procedures:

2.1. Technicians performing basic rope access to be trained to IWH Rope Access Level 1 by a
SETA accredited training provider
2.2. Site criteria for Level 2 Technicians performing rope access supervision work. If ALL the
following criteria cannot be met a level 3 Rope access technician must be on site at all
times;
2.2.1. Sites where sufficient certified (SANS 50795) anchor bolts are used to anchor the
ropes to per abseil point/drop; where each rope is attached to two separate anchors; or
2.2.2. Where sufficient clearly suitable anchors, such as structural beams or columns can
be utilised.
2.2.3. The site/structure is less than 100m above ground level.
2.2.4. No horizontal rope movement is done and
2.2.5. Where not more than 100kg will be lifted by the rope access technicians.
2.2.6. Each of the remaining team members is capable of rescuing the others from any
anticipated situation.
2.2.7. Notice shall be taken here of the requirement that, in terms of training, a level 1
technician may only perform a simple snatch rescue in descent mode. This means that
there shall be no anticipated requirement for a rescue in ascending mode.
2.2.8. It is permitted for the team leader to perform access work at the same time as the
technicians, provided that he (the team leader) is at all times able to fulfil his
supervisory duties and effect a rescue, if required. Furthermore,
2.2.9. the team leader shall only perform access work provided the other team members
are capable of rescuing him, if required.
2.2.10. Personnel shall always be secured by a safety line when approaching or
working close to edges
2.2.11. Under no circumstances shall rope access work be carried out by one
man working alone.
2.3. Rope access supervisors/Team Leaders shall also receive training on performing a DSTI
or Pre Task Risk Assessment and how to implement the fall protection plan.
2.4. All equipment used in industrial rope access work shall comply with SANS 33, or accepted
equivalent international standard.
2.5. All equipment used in industrial rope access work shall be certified, inspected and
maintained according to the procedures described in SANS 10333-3. Where applicable,
the requirements of the relevant national legislation shall be observed

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 2.6. . All personnel engaged in this type of work are individually responsible for ensuring that
safety aspects are observed to the full extent of their powers and duties.

3. General Site Procedures:

3.1. A rope access work team shall consist of two or more persons:
a) a team leader; and
b) one or more rope access technicians.
3.2. No rope access work shall be allowed to take place without the direct supervision of the
team leader,
3.3. During the DSTI or Pre Task Risk Assessment Team leader is responsible for identifying:
3.3.1. Safe and certified anchor points;
3.3.2. Potential hazards and Risks, above and below working level and
3.3.3. set out safe work procedures and the correct use of PPE to mitigate or remove these
risk/hazards before work can start.
3.3.4. length of drops and ensuring all ropes have stopper knots on the ends ;
3.3.5. equipment requirements; and
3.3.6. rescue scenarios
3.3.7. If there is any risk of falling objects to persons on the ground, an exclusion zone shall
be established below the worksite.
3.3.8. The boundaries of the exclusion zone shall be at the discretion of the team leader
and shall be appropriate to the risk condition.
3.3.9. The possibility of objects deviating from a straight fall because of wind or of bouncing
off the structure shall also be taken into account.
3.3.10. The exclusion zone shall be secured and demarcated by appropriate means
which may include, but not be limited to, the following:
a) warning signs;
b) the erection of appropriate barriers;
c) the posting of sentries;
d) the installation of alarms; and
e) the locking of access ways or doors leading to the exclusion zone.

3.3.11. The team leader shall then complete a rope access operation plan and a
access notification form (see annexes A and C of SANS 10333). The former shall be
kept in the job file, while the latter is used to obtain a work permit from the site client.

3.3.12. No access work shall normally take place before a work permit has been
issued. However, if work is being undertaken for a client who does not operate a work
permit system, a completed rope access notification form accompanied by the DSTI or
Pre Task Risk Assessment shall suffice.

3.3.13. The team leader shall then brief the rope access technicians concerning the
scope of work, proposed rigging, potential hazards and rescue procedures (in case of
an emergency) before the start of each assignment.

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 3.3.14. Attendance at this initial briefing to the pre task risk assessment shall be
compulsory for all team members and all team members must sign the Pre task risk
assessment.

3.3.15. The team leader shall determine the layout of the ropes and shall set up the
anchor points, giving due consideration to the following:
a) any person doing rope access work shall do so with two completely independent
ropes – a working rope and a safety rope – which are each attached to two
separate anchors;
b) the ropes shall be rigged in such a way as to avoid sharp edges, etc. Rope
protectors may be used, if necessary;
c) the anchors shall be such that they are adequate to the task, and have safety
factors that exceed those of the total suspended weight. Handrails and excessively
corroded structures shall not be used as anchor points. If bolts are required, refer to
8.5; of SANS 10333-1 for the correct installations and SANS 50795 for the correct
inspection and testing criteria.
d) the anchor shall be such that the anchor attachment (sling or wire strop) cannot
slip off;
e) the strength of the anchor attachments shall at least equal the strength of the
ropes attached to them; and
f) exclusion zones shall be set up around the rigging area and below the work area,
if necessary.

3.4. Team members shall only begin access work on direct authorization from the team leader
and shall first organize their equipment well back from any edge.
3.5. Non-team members shall take no part in any rope access procedure whatsoever.
3.6. The principle of double protection shall always apply to the manner in which the technician
is attached to the working ropes and back-up ropes, whether ascending, descending or
climbing.
3.7. Before committing weight to the ropes the access technician shall carry out a final
inspection of the access system about to be used.
3.8. Team members shall be properly dressed and equipped, appropriate to the work situation
and conditions.
3.9. Being determined by the risk assessment the relevant safety and protective clothing might
include, but not be limited to:
a) helmets, with chin strap;
b) gloves;
c) goggles;
d) safety footwear;
e) close-fitting overalls;
f) life jackets (if working over water); and
g) any other articles specified by the client (M.S.D.S.)or required by the nature of the job.

3.10. Loose equipment, up to a maximum of 8 kg, may be directly attached and

transported by the access technician in a secure and safe fashion.
3.11. Equipment exceeding 8 kg shall be transported on a separate rope system.
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 3.12. A stand-by vessel shall always be available, for rescue purposes, when work is
being carried out over water.
3.13. The team leader shall at all times ensure that other activities (identified during the
DSTI or Pre Task Risk Assessment being conducted on the structure do not interfere with
the access work under his supervision. If an access technician's safety is being
compromised in any way, then that technician shall stop work and attain a secure position
until the danger has passed.
3.14. Communication between members of the team shall be maintained at all times. The
methods by which this will be achieved shall be discussed and understood by all team
members during the DSTI or Pre Task Risk Assessment or toolbox talk.
3.15. Hand or voice signals are liable to be misunderstood, therefore any special signals
shall be agreed on and shall be well rehearsed before work begins. Various forms of
communication are suitable, and the team leader shall decide on the most suitable method
depending on the nature of the particular job.
3.16. The team leader shall also be responsible for checking the current validity of the 3-
monthly equipment inspection form for the access equipment about to be used.
3.17. The team leader shall complete a weekly equipment inspection form for work taking
longer than one week on the same site, and all access equipment shall be inspected and
declared fit for use on this form.
3.18. Any equipment found to be substandard during these inspections shall be put aside
and returned to the equipment manager. The details shall be noted in an appropriate
equipment reject record book.
3.19. Individual team members shall ensure that the rope access equipment they will be
using is complete and in good working condition. In addition,
3.20. Each team member shall ensure that he has the appropriate PPE, tools and rope
access equipment before commencing any work.
3.21. Rigging left over night must be properly checked by the team leader before work
commences

4. Companies involved in rope access work shall appoint trained officers to fulfil a number
of roles with regard to the management of safety of personnel and equipment:

4.1. Rope access manager (CR 16.2)

The rope access manager shall be responsible for:

a) ensuring the correct overall execution and implementation of rope access methods and
the fall protection plan;
b) ensuring the suitability, testing and examination of load-bearing rope access equipment;
c) the arrangement of rescue exercises at regular intervals;
d) conducting safety audits at worksites;
e) the monitoring of competence and skill levels of access technicians;
f) constantly reviewing procedures relating to the application of rope access with a view to
maintaining and upgrading safety matters; and
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 g) acting as a team leader when required.

4.2. Equipment controller

The equipment controller shall be responsible and be declared competent for:

a) carrying out full inspections and keeping records of load-bearing equipment. (See
SANS 10333-3);
b) ensuring full traceability of all equipment; and
c) ensuring proper cleaning, maintenance and storage and Pre-use inspections of all rope
access equipment.

4.3. Team leader (CR 6.1 or 6.2)

a) complying fully with all safety regulations as set out in the fall protection plan and pre
task risk assessment , including those laid down in the SANS 10333 and OHS act
b) The team leader( At Least a level 2 Rope access technician and a Level 1 First aider)
c) Is responsible for implementing the Fall Protection Plan.
d) To perform an onsite DSTI or Pre Task Risk Assessment which must include a rope
access operation plan and rescue plan before work can start.
e) ensuring that all rope access equipment at the worksite is fit for purpose and safe to
use;
f) the selection of safe anchor points and rope rigging and that the knots used are
correct, safe and secure.
g) to ensure anchor bolts are safe for use and that they have current certification before
using them
h) applying for a work permit where required;
i) ensuring that routine safety checks are performed before commencing any rope
access activity;
j) supervision rope access technicians and ensuring all the rope access technician’s
training and medical certificates are up to date.

4.4. Responsibilities of individual rope access technicians

k) complying fully with all safety regulations as set out in the fall protection plan and pre
task risk assessment , including those laid down in the SANS 10333, and with
l) the instructions of the team leader;
m) the daily personal inspection of their rope access equipment and PPE, to ensure that
the equipment is fit for use before commencing rope access work;
n) reporting any unsafe working condition or hazard to the team leader; and
o) reporting any suspect or defective equipment to the team leader; and
p) ensuring that rope access equipment is used properly.

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 Annexure H
Rescue Procedures

Safe Operating Procedure for Cut Away Rescue

Proper training is essential before conducting any rescue!

1. In case of an emergency send for help, call emergency personnel, ESKOM SHEQ
SECTION OF MEDUPI POWER STATION Fire Rescue team.
2. Stay in contact with person, make sure he is in an upright position (thighs horizontal) and
ensure proper airway, breathing, and blood circulation (“ABC”).
3. Keep patient calm to reduce shock.
4. Attach the rope to the patient at the chest connection point, only if no chest connection
point is available, use rear attachment point. Rear attachment point can increase risk of
suspension syncope.
5. Attach anchor lanyard to a secure point (MBS 1500kg) above patient.
6. Attach the double action Descender (I'D or Lory or INDY), to the anchor sling.
7. Fit the rope inside the Descender, if it is not fitted already (this can also be done on the
ground with about 4m of slack in the rope).
8. Check that rope is correctly placed into Descender and double check safe attachment to
patient.
9. Remove all slack from the rope system, i.e. pull hard on the loose rope, or work the rope
through the Descender.
10. Install extra friction; ensure that it is fitted to the loose end and not standing end.
11. Ask bystander (if available) if they can see two secure attachment points, rope and lanyard.
Alternatively, check again yourself.
12. Remove knife from sheath, cover the cutting edge to avoid blade cutting accidentally.
13. Take hold of the free end of the rope and hold on tightly (if the rope in the I’D is fitted
incorrectly the extra friction will make the I’D function as a fig of 8).
14. Warn patient before cutting.
15. Cut the Lanyard ensure that the cut direction is away from your ropes and Lanyards.
16. Put the knife back in the sheath.
17. Take hold of loose rope.
18. Do not let go of the loose end of the rope, while lowering the patient.

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19. Lower and watch patient continuously to ensure that the patient's appendages (arms or
legs) and gear are not caught in the structure.
20. Lower the patient to the standard 1st aid Recovery position on the ground. NOTE: Assume
patient has spinal injuries and follow 1st aid guidelines when stabilising him/her.
21. Remind Paramedic/rescue team of possible suspension syncope, blood pooling in the legs
or refill syndrome.
22. When patient is in expert care (EMT / ambulance), please fill in the incident report, and
hand it over to correct authorities.

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 Annexure I
Amendment register

Amendments and new FPP implementation Register

Document Approved by Approved by Implementati Review
Date
No: CR8.1 Sec 16.2 on Date Date:

65
1. Elements Of a Fall Hazard 9

2. Fall Arrest Equipment 16

3. Safe Operation and Use of Fall Arrest Equipment 22

4. Rescue 25

5. Height Works 33

6. Training for employees working at elevated positions. 46

Annexure – Risk Assessment for Working at Heights

-Inspection Check list
- Register
- Co-ordinates

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1. MANAGEMENT COMMITMENT
KPTL shall cause:
1. The designation of a competent person, responsible for the preparation of the fall protection plan.

2. The fall protection plan to be implemented, amended where and when necessary and maintained as
required

3. Steps to be taken in order to ensure the continued adherence to the fall protection plan.

The Fall Protection Plan shall include:

1. A risk assessment of all work carried out from an elevated position which shall include the
procedures and methods used to address all the risks identified per location;

2. The processes for evaluation of the employees' physical and psychological fitness necessary to work
at elevated positions and the records thereof;

3. The programme for the training of employees working from elevated positions and records thereof

4. The procedure addressing the inspection, testing and maintenance of all fall protection equipment.

5. Shall ensure that the construction supervisor is in possession of the most recently updated version of
the fall protection plan.

KPTLshall ensure that:

1. All unprotected openings in floors, edges, slabs, hatchways and stairways are adequately guarded,
fenced or barricaded or that similar means are used to safeguard any person from falling through
such openings

2. No person works in an elevated position, unless such work is performed safely as if working from a
scaffold or ladder

3. Notices are conspicuously placed at all openings where the possibility exists that a person might fall
through such openings

Fall Prevention and Fall Arrest Equipment is:

1. Suitable and of sufficient strength for the purpose or purposes for which it is being used having
regard to the work being carried out and the load, including any person, it is intended to bear; and
securely attached to a structure or plant and the structure or plant and the means of attachment
thereto is suitable and of sufficient strength and stability for the purpose of safely supporting the
equipment and any person who is liable to fall;

2. Fall arrest equipment shall only be used where it is not reasonably practicable to use fall prevention
equipment

3. Suitable and sufficient steps shall be taken to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, that in the
event of a fall by any person, the fall arrest equipment or the surrounding environment does not
cause injury to the person (rescue plan).
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 4. No scaffold will be constructed, dismantled or altered substantially, except -
(a) Under the supervision of a competent person; and
(b) By competent employees possessing adequate experience in the construction or removal of
scaffolding.

Where roof work is being performed on a Construction Site KPTLshall ensure:

1. That the roof work has been properly planned

2. That the roof erectors are competent to carry out the work

3. That no employees work on roofs during inclement weather conditions or if weather conditions are a
hazard to the health and safety of the employees

4. That prominent warning notices are placed where all covers to openings are not of sufficient strength
to withstand any imposed loads and where fragile material exists and the areas mentioned are to be
barricaded off to prevent persons from entering

5. That suitable and sufficient platforms, coverings or other similar means of support are provided to be
used in such a way that the weight of any person passing across or working on or from fragile
material is supported; and

6. That there is suitable and sufficient guard-rails or barriers and toe-boards or other similar means of
protection to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, the fall of any person, material or
equipment.

Training
1. A competent person will train workers in the following: Risks of Falling, Types of Fall Hazards,
How to Protect Yourself, Using Fall Protection Equipment, Suspension Trauma and Rescue.

2. The workers will be informed about medical conditions that can endanger their lives when being
suspended after a fall.

3. If the worksite changes or the type of fall protection equipment is changed, workers using the new
equipment will be retrained.

Physical and Psychological Fitness

Only workers that have passed a physical and psychological fitness examination will be allowed to
work at elevated positions.

2. DEFINITIONS

"Competent person" means any person having the knowledge, training, experience and qualifications
specific to the work or task being performed

"Fall prevention equipment" means equipment used to prevent persons from falling from an elevated
position, including personal equipment, body harness, body belts, lanyards, lifelines or physical equipment,
guardrails, screens, barricades, anchorages or similar equipment

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"Fall arrest equipment" means equipment used to arrest the person in a fall from an elevated position,
including personal equipment, body harness, lanyards, deceleration devices, lifelines or similar equipment,
but excludes body belts

"Fall protection plan" means a documented plan, of all risks relating to working from an elevated position,
considering the nature of work undertaken, and setting out the procedures and methods to be applied in order
to eliminate the risk

"Risk assessment" means a program to determine any risk associated with any hazard at a construction site,
in order to identify the steps needed to be taken to remove, reduce or control such hazard

"Hazard identification" means the identification and documenting of existing or expected hazards to the
health and safety of persons, which are normally associated with the type of construction work being
executed or to be executed

"Health and safety specification" means a documented specification of all health and safety requirements
pertaining to the associated works on a construction site, so as to ensure the health and safety of persons

"Material hoist" means a hoist used to lower or raise material and equipment, and includes cantilevered
platform hoists, mobile hoists, friction drive hoists, scaffold hoists, rack and pinion hoists and combination
hoists

"Medical certificate of fitness" means a certificate valid for one year issued by an occupational health
practitioner, issued in terms of these regulations, whom shall be registered with the Health Professions
Council

"Method statement" means a document detailing the key activities to be performed in order to reduce as
reasonably as practicable the hazards identified in any risk assessment

"Mobile plant" means machinery, appliances or other similar devices that is able to move independently,
for the purpose of performing construction work on the construction site

"Person day" means one day for carrying out construction work by a person on a construction site for one
normal working shift

"Principal contractor" means an employer who performs construction work and is appointed by the client
to be in overall control and management of a part of or the whole of a construction site

"Professional engineer or professional certificated engineer" means any person holding registration as
either a Professional Engineer or Professional Certificated Engineer

"Professional technologist" means any person holding registration as a

Professional Technologist

"Provincial director" means the provincial director as defined in regulation 1 of the General Administrative
Regulations under the Act;

"Risk assessment" means a program to determine any risk associated with any hazard at a construction site,
in order to identify the steps needed to be taken to remove, reduce or control such hazard;

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"Roof apex height" means the dimensional height in meters measured from the lowest ground level abutting
any part of a building to the highest point of the roof

"Scaffold" means any temporary elevated platform and supporting structure used for providing access to and
supporting workmen or materials or both

"Shoring" means a structure such as a hydraulic, mechanical or timber/steel shoring system that supports the
sides of an excavation and which is intended to prevent the cave-in or the collapse of the sides of an
excavation, and "shoring system" has a corresponding meaning

"Structure" means-

any building, steel or reinforced concrete structure (not being a building), railway line or siding, bridge,
waterworks, reservoir, pipe or pipeline, cable, sewer, sewage works, fixed vessels, road, drainage works,
earthworks, dam, wall, mast, tower, tower crane, batching plants, pylon, surface and underground tanks,
earth retaining structure or any structure designed to preserve or alter any natural feature, and any other
similar structure;

Any formwork, false work, scaffold or other structure designed or used to provide support or means of
access during construction work; or

any fixed plant in respect of work which includes the installation, commissioning, decommissioning or
dismantling and where any such work involves a risk of a person falling two meters or more;

"Suspended scaffold" means a working platform suspended from supports by means of one or more
separate ropes from each support;

3. INTRODUCTION
Fall protection is the backup system planned for a worker, who could lose his or her balance at a height, in
order to control or eliminate injury potential.

It is the planned response to foreseeable fall hazards. It can be applied by:

1. Keeping the fall distance to a minimum by using a scaffold platform, an aerial platform, or a
workbasket, for example.
2. Installing personnel safety nets.
3. Use of Personal fall protection equipment with pre-designated anchorage points that fit the required
work task mobility, including travel to and from the workstation.

The objective of elevated fall protection is to convert the hazard to a slip or minor fall at the very worst
where hopefully no injury occurs.

Difference between Slips, Trips and fall from Elevation

When one falls the sudden energy release and subsequent absorption during impact with one or more body
parts often produces injury.

Falls are classified into four categories, namely Slips, Trips, fall on stairs, and falls from elevation. Slips
and trips occur on the same level. Stair and elevated falls occur from one level to another.

Frequency of slips and trips is very high but injuries consist mainly of sprains and strains. Conversely an
elevated fall that occurs every two to three years at a particular site usually results in serious or fatal injury.

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Fall Arrest Terms and Definitions
Anchorage
Means a secure point of attachment for lifelines, lanyards or deceleration devices, and which is independent
of the means of supporting or suspending the employee.

Body belt
Means: a strap with means both for securing it above the waist and for attaching it to a lanyard, lifeline, or
deceleration device.

Body harness
Means: a design of straps which may be secured about the employee in a manner to distribute the fall arrest
forces over at least the thighs, pelvis, waist, chest and shoulders with means for attaching it, to other
components of a personal fall arrest system.

Buckle
Means any device for holding the body belt or body harness closed around the employee’s body.

Competent person
Means: a person who is capable of identifying hazardous or dangerous conditions in the personal fall arrest
system or any component thereof, as well as in their application and use with related equipment.

Connector
A connector means a device that is used to connect parts of the system together. It may be an independent
component of the system or an integral component of part of the system (such as a buckle or Dee-ring sewn
into a body belt or body harness, or snap-hook spliced or sewn to a lanyard or self-retracting lanyard).

Deceleration device
Means: any mechanism, such as a rope grab, rip-stitch lanyard, specially woven lanyard, tearing or
deforming lanyard, or automatic or self-retracting lifeline/lanyard, which serves to dissipate a substantial
amount of energy during a fall arrest, or otherwise limits the energy imposed on an employee during fall
arrest.

Deceleration distance
Means the additional vertical distance a falling employee travels, excluding lifeline elongation and free fall
distance, before stopping, from the point at which the deceleration device begins to operate. It is measured
as the distance between the location of an employee’s body belt or body harness attachment point at the
moment of activation of the deceleration device during a fall, and the location of that attachment point after
the employee comes to a full stop.

Equivalent
Means alternative designs materials or methods which the employer can demonstrate will provide an equal
or greater degree of safety for employees than the methods, materials or designs specified in the standard.

Free fall
Means the act of falling before the personal fall arrest system begins to apply force to arrest the fall.

Free fall distance

Means the vertical displacement of the fall arrest attachment point on the employee’s body belt or body
harness between onset of the fall and just before the system begins to apply force to arrest the fall. This
distance excludes deceleration distance, lifeline and lanyard elongation but includes any deceleration device
slide distance or self-retracting lifeline/lanyard extension before they operate and fall arrest occurs.

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Lanyard
Means a flexible line of rope, wire rope, or strap, which is used to secure the body belt or body harness to a
deceleration device, lifeline, or anchorage.

Lifeline
Means a component consisting of a flexible line for connection to an anchorage at one end to hang vertically
or for connection to anchorage’s at both ends to stretch horizontally and which serves as a means for
connecting other components of a personal fall arrest system to the anchorage.

Personal fall arrest system

Means a system used to arrest an employee in a fall from a working level. It consists of an anchorage,
connectors, a body belt or body harness and may include a lanyard, deceleration device, lifeline, or suitable
combinations of these.

Qualified person
Means one with a recognized degree or professional certificate and extensive knowledge and experience in
the subject field who is capable of design, analysis, evaluation and specifications in the subject work,
project, or product.

Rope grab
Means a deceleration device which travels on a lifeline and automatically frictionally engages the lifeline
and locks so as to arrest the fall of an employee. A rope grab usually employs the principle of inertial
locking, cam/lever locking, or both.

Self-retracting life line/lanyard

Means a deceleration device, which contains a drum, wound line which may be slowly extracted from, or
retracted onto, the drum under slight tension during normal employee movement, and which, after onset of a
fall, automatically locks the drum and arrests the fall.

Snap-hook
Means a connector comprised of a hook-shaped member with a normally closed keeper, or similar
arrangement, which may be opened to permit the hook to receive an object and, when released,
automatically closes to retain the object. Snap-hooks are generally one of two types:
1. The locking type with a self-closing, self-locking keeper which remains closed and locked until
unlocked and pressed open for connection or disconnection, or
2. The non-locking type with a self-closing keeper which remains closed until pressed open for
connection or disconnection.

Tie off
Means the act of an employee, wearing personal fall protection equipment, connecting directly or indirectly
to an anchorage. It also means the conditions of an employee being connected to an anchorage.

A momentary loss of balance resulting from a slip or trip can often lead to an elevated fall. Grabbing onto
something to catch oneself, after balance is accidentally, lost is rare.

If we consider that a hazard is the potential to incur harm, what is it about falling that makes it so
dangerous? Many are quick to point out that “it’s not the fall that hurts you, it’s the sudden stop!” That

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sudden stop at the end, or lack of adequate shock absorption at impact, is one of the three main elements of a
fall hazard. You have all heard “the heavier they are, the harder they fall”

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4. ELEMENTS OF A FALL HAZARD

1. Free-Fall Distance.
2. Shock Absorption at Impact.
3. Body Weight.

1. Free Fall Distance

Free Fall Distance refers to the uncontrolled length of travel before the person either
reaches the ground level of his fall arrest equipment is activated. Free fall is measured
from foot level before the fall to foot level after the fall. Since free falling is the transfer from potential
energy to kinetic energy, the higher the free-fall distance, the higher the forces generated on impact. The
object then is to limit the amount of free fall to less than 600mm.

The distance of the fall from the point of attachment to the activation of the equipment, e.g. a 1,5m lanyard
at waist level can result in a 1,5m fall.

2. Shock Absorption at Impact

This can vary dramatically. A World War II pilot that was able to walk away from a parachute failure,
having landed in a snow bank, is quite a different situation from a fall onto cement or gravel at a
Construction site.

The equipment from the activation of the equipment to a complete stop – slowing down or breaking to a stop
– e.g. one type of shock absorbing lanyard may tear open 300mm to absorb the energy of a fall depending on
the free-fall distance and bodyweight.

3. Body Weight
The weight of the worker makes falling so hazardous. This is of particular concern at
heights for those workers who weight more than 100 – 130 kg. The concern stems primarily from the need
to support the body properly during a fall arrest. Overweight users tend to have larger stomachs and waist
lines that “disappear”, which makes adjusting a body belt properly between the pelvic girdle and rib cage
extremely difficult if not impossible. Most of the users tend to push the body belt down around the hips,
which causes them to be “top heavy”. Catastrophic fall-out thus can be the result if belts are used. Post-fall
suspension in belts, including harnesses with belts, is much more distressing for heavier people.

4. Total fall distance

The combination of the three above, plus any other condition, such as a sliding D-ring on a harness or the
reversible elongated stretch of a rope.

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Prevention of Fall Arrest as a Means of Fall Protection?

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When exposure to a fall hazard cannot be practically prevented during access to a work task, or at a work
task, through such measures as floors, walls, aerial lifts, bucket trucks, guardrails, perimeter cables, etc, then
personal fall arrest equipment can be selected to control a fall or provide a reliable means of escape.

In general, personal protective equipment is designed as a backup safety system for an individual during a
work task. In the event of an emergency, the equipment should function automatically to help protect the
worker from harm. A personal fall protection system should, therefore, provide continuous and complete
protection without interfering with required work task mobility.

Setting Fall Arrest Equipment Objectives

Fall hazard control being by setting specific objectives on the elements of a fall hazard. To control the
energy generated through a fall, the free fall distance should not exceed 600mm.
Additionally, reducing the total fall distance (free-fall plus deceleration distance) can help decrease the
possibility of striking an obstruction within the fall path. Where free falling cannot practically be held
below 600mm, adequate shock absorption and proper body support become more critical, along with rapid
rescue techniques.

For shock absorption at impact, the objective should be to limit the potential forces on the body during an
arrest. Standards limit the force on the body to 600kg. A fall arrest with a steel cable lanyard following a
2m free fall can result in forces exceeding 10 times body weight. A worker weighing 100kg could
experience more than 1000kg in dynamic force.

As opposed to a narrow body belt around the soft, vulnerable mid-section, a full body harness is designed to
distribute arresting forces primarily over the buttocks and to some extent over the thighs, chest and
shoulders. It can provide proper body support during an arrest as well as during suspension after a fall. A
harness also helps eliminate the excessive whipping of the neck associated with long free-fall arrests in a
body belt.

As discussed for overweight workers, the body belt is impossible to fit causing severe problems, i.e. falling
out the harness, difficulty in breathing after a fall if the harness restricts the diaphragm.

The Personal Fall Arrest Equipment Triangle

Anchorage Body Support

Connecting Means

Anchorage
This component makes fall protection equipment unique amongst most other forms of personal protective
equipment. Unlike hard hats, safety glasses or safety shoes that the worker wears, fall arrest equipment must
be attached to something.

The anchorage point must be carefully planned into the job in order to provide continuous and complete
protection during the work task, including travel to and from the elevated workstation.

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 MYTH VS. FACT

THE MISCONCEPTION THE REALITY

Hooking up below your feet is the Improper planning – it doesn’t take much planning for waist-high
best we can do! or overhead anchorage.
Guard rails are O.K. to tie off to. Very few guardrails are designed for use as an anchorage point for
lifelines.
Hook off to anything solid. The random anchorage responsibility put in the hands of a worker
is irresponsible.
Tie-off to a hand line is O.K. Provided that the cable has been designed and approved for fall
protection.
Ground built scaffolds have no A well-designed tube and clamp or frame scaffold erection will
provision for tie-off during already have the anchorage point at waist height minimally.
erection.
Tie-offs are more dangerous than Planning to get the work done with fall protection is better than
doing the work, need mobility. last moment decision making.
There’s nothing left to tie off to. Planning sorts this one out fairly easily for a specific work method.
A worker is responsible in the end Must be true. What are we doing to make it easier to achieve
for his own safety. usable anchorage points? What training is being done on fall
protection?
Contractors want to get the job This fall hazard issue must be tactfully raised. Practical solutions
done A.S.A.P. may include constructive proposals.
I’ll take my chances and jump clear This is a bit like the argument for not wearing seat belts for certain
if the whole building collapses. types of motor vehicle collisions. The question will remain until
the individual concludes that being hooked in is an overwhelming
safety advantage compared to the relatively remote question of
surviving or not surviving a collapse with or without attachments.
No person should be required to work on any structure that has not
been engineered sufficiently to support him.

MYTH VS. FACTS ABOUT BELT USE

THE MYTH THE REALITY

Belts will “cut you in half” if you fall. You may indeed be injured by a narrow belt in a long fall.
Belts are better than nothing. This may be true… provided that the fall is approximately
600mm maximum and the operator can regain his position
within 1 to 2 minutes.
Belts are lifesavers. Belts have indeed saved lives but harnesses allow the
credibility necessary for training.
You can’t fall out of a properly fitted belt. Should be true, but improper wearing, such as a loose fit to
allow of attachment of tools, may also permit the wearer to fall
out of the belt, head first or feet first depending on the type of
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 fall or his centre of gravity.
The D-ring location does not matter. Slow-motion films show the side D-ring and front D-ring
attachment can be much worse than the back D-ring for a 2m
fall, because of the pivoting action of the body. The upper
back D-ring location produces the least limb movements.
Body pads do not matter. Body pads do to some extent spread the shock load over the
waist area and provide better support (provided the strap is
45mm minimum width) but the effect is small.
Belts do not produce injury from a fall This was and clearly has been proven a fiction. Serious
arrest. injuries have occurred as a direct result of falling in a body
belt. There is much greater chance of neck injury from a fall
in a belt than in a harness, in addition to limb injuries.

Body Support
For almost all applications, the full body harness is preferable over the body belt because of its ability to
spread arresting forces primarily under the buttocks, as opposed to concentrating them to the soft, vulnerable
mid-section. Prolonged suspension in an upright manner without restriction is also possible with a full body
harness. A full body harness with a sliding back D-ring helps to avoid excessive whipping of the neck
during an arrest.

Not all harnesses are alike, therefore, several critical design factors should be considered:

1. An integral waist belt which stops the worker falling out of the harness.
2. A seat strap that can distribute arresting forces more suitably over the buttocks.
3. A sliding back D-ring providing additional shock absorption. Able to adjust harness to fit more
comfortably.
4. Colour coding of the top and bottom straps makes it easier to put on.
5. Lightweight and soft webbing material will make it comfortable to wear all day if necessary.

Body belts: used to retain a worker in a hazardous work position and to reduce the probability of a
fall.
.
Body harnesses: used to arrest the most severe free falls.

Connecting Means
Whether to use a device or a lanyard as the connecting means is often dictated by the nature of the work.
The choice is the key to controlling the fall hazard. To provide complete and continuous protection, the
connecting means should:

1. Keep the free-fall distance to a minimum, preferably to 600mm or less. Choose a method that can
provide the least possibility of injury should a fall occur.
2. Maintain arresting forces at an average of below 600 Kg to minimize injuries and to enable first-hand
live training.
3. Not create prolonged suspension after a fall arrest when an automatic, controlled descent system is
feasible for use. A lifeline system should be used to allow the worker to descend at a constant rate to
ground level.
4. Eliminate creation of pendulum-like swing falls that can result from a worker’s falling after moving
away from directly under a fixed anchor point. A horizontal lifeline should then be used.
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 5. Allow ease of retrieval after a fall. Confined space entry, attach a lifeline before entering.
6. Make possible continuous and complete protection. By utilizing various items one can get 100%
protection with 100% mobility.

Consideration in the selection of an anchor point should minimally include:

1. An independence of the work surface whenever possible, e.g. scaffolding.
2. Anchor points that can be identified for workers by a qualified person and are clearly marked e.g.
painted.

3. A shoulder-level minimum attachment for a harness-lanyard combination, and overhead for devices.

4. Sufficient strength based on national or local requirements and manufacturers guidelines.(The

strength depends on the potential forces on that point along with an acceptable safety factor).

5. Horizontal lines for lateral protected mobility, e.g. pendulum fall.

6. Minimum clearance requirements established above grade or any obstruction, different for different
systems.

7. Self-recovery that is possible within a few seconds, relieving any stress on his body caused by a body
harness.

(Non-engineered anchorage point 10 kN for lanyards, 10 kN for retracting lifelines. Engineered system,
twice the maximum arrest force of the fall system, minimum).

FALL PROTECTION BY MANDATE?

THE EXCUSE THE REALITY
“If you want this building finished on A threat to safety planning to be overcome early in the game.
time …!”
“The workers will get tired.” They’ll become more confident.
“We’re going to have trouble with the Not if they are trained and you are interested in their personal
workers.” safety.
“There’s no place to hook up.” Often correct … without planning.
“We can only get them to hook up if we The whole system is not credible.
stop in one place for a short while.”
“It’s going to put the price up.” May appear to at first, but will cut premiums and lower costs
very quickly.
“There’s one thing you forget. We gotta Without planning, this comment may well be heard and you
get this building built!” may be pressured to compromise in the short run. But never
give up the planning process! Don’t give up!

5. FALL ARREST EQUIPMENT

FALL PROTECTION KIT CONSISTING 0F HARNESS 2

POINT REAR & FRONT ANCHORAGE MEDIUM/LARGE
GALVANISED SCREW GATE KARABINERWITH 17MM
OPENING, MANYARD 1.5 M, MINILITE FALL ARRESTER ,
ANCHORAGE STRAP, PLASTIC STORAGE CASE
79
FALL PROTECTION KIT CONSISTING OF AUTO/MANUAL
ROPE GRAB FOR 14/16MM ROPE WITH LANYARD AND
KARABINER 10M X 14MM POLYAMIDE ROPE

MILLER MA04 2 POINT DURAFLEX HARNESS FRONT

AND REAR ANCHORAGE MEDIUM/LARGE

WORK POSITIONING BELT MEDIUM/LARGE TO BE USED

WITH FULL BODY HARNESS

MANYARD 1.5 M WEBING SHOCK-ABSORBINGLANYARD

WITH SCAFFOLD HOOK AND KARABINER

MINILITE FALL ARREST BLOCK WITH 3.1 M X 25MM

RETRACTABLE WEBBING KARABINER AND SNAP HOOK

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AUTO/MANUAL ROPE GRAB FOR 14/16MM ROPE WITH
LANYARD AND KARABINER

10M X 14MM POLYAMIDE ROPE

TEMPORARY HORIZONTAL LIFE LINE

DOUBLE LEG WEBBING SHOCK ABSORBING LANYARD

GALVANISED SCREW GATE KARABINER

0.6M X 23MM WEBBING ANCHORAGE STRAPMILLER

Fall Arrest Equipment Inspection.

Personal fall arrest systems shall be inspected for mildew, wear, damage and other deterioration, and
defective components shall be removed from service if their strength or function may be adversely affected.
• Every 3 months – it will be company responsibility
• On a daily bases by the climber on a checklist then visual before and after use when he/she has taken
it off.

The low frequency of elevated falls has contributed to complacency in the industry. There hasn’t been a fall
for years so why worry. In industry the most common policy is the policy of tying off. This is a partial
form of safety. A tie-off fall protection program gives a company a false sense of security because
managers believe fall hazards have been fully addressed and workers simply use what is given to them.

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The training so crucial to proper use of personal protective equipment is missing. Workers need to know
how their equipment will perform in an emergency. They need to understand the capabilities and limitation
of their equipment with firs-hand experience. Once proper training is received, workers see that tying off, as
we know it, is a false concept.

Fall-arrest system
• Full-body harness
• Buckle
• Check that buckle tongue overlaps buckle frame and moves freely. Buckle tongue must not be bent
out of shape or worn down.
• Inspect roller. It should turn freely on buckle frame. Check for distortion and sharp edges.

D-RingInspection
• Inspect for cracks, breaks, and sharp or rough edges.
• Ensure that fasteners are not cracked, burned, or cutting into the belt or harness. A damaged fastener
can fail under stress.

WebbingInspection
• Look for cuts, fraying, or other damage.
• During welding or cutting, check for burns from welding splatter and cutting sparks.
• Inspect tongue area of belt or harness. Buckling and unbuckling can cause normal wear and tear.
Ensure that grommets are not loose, broken, or misshapen.
Check for worn, cut, or frayed fibres where buckle attaches to belt or harness.

Shock Absorbing Lanyard Inspection:

• Check webbing material for wear, tear, and fraying.
• If absorber is made with tear-away stitching designed to gradually absorb fall-arrest load, check to
make sure that stitching is intact.

Lifeline Inspection
• Vertical lifelines should
be at least 16mm-diameter
polypropylene or other material
of equal strength. Nylon stretches more than polypropylene; polyester stretches less. These properties
must be considered when selecting lifelines for a particular job.
• Inspect lifelines from end to end before installing them.
• Check for wear, abrasion, cuts, and burns. On polypropylene lifelines, check for deterioration from
the sun's ultraviolet light.

Rope grab inspection:

• Make sure that grabs are installed right-side up. Most grabs feature a directional arrow to indicate
proper orientation.
• Check for corrosion, distortion, and secure mounting. Make sure that cams show no signs of having
been subjected to a fall-arrest load.

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Lifeline Anchorage Inspection:
• Make sure that anchors can withstand a load 10 times heavier than the weight of the person using the
fall-arrest system.
• Check that lifelines are securely attached to anchors before using the system.
• Make sure that, wherever possible, only one lifeline is attached to each anchor.

Snap hook Inspection:

• Check for cracks and corroded or pitted surfaces.
• Ensure that bill and eye sections are not twisted or bent.
• Check that locking mechanism works properly. Push the keeper into the
open position with the mechanism still engaged. If the keeper opens, discard the snap hook
immediately.
• Ensure that spring has enough tension to close keeper securely.
• Open the keeper and release. The keeper should sit into the bill without binding.

Rope Grab Inspection:

• Make sure that grabs are installed right side up. Most grabs
feature a directional arrow to indicate proper orientation.
• Ensure that proper size lifeline is used. The required size is
marked on the rope grab.
• Mount the grab on the lifeline. Pull the grab down
sharply. The grab should lock within 30 cm (12 inches).

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Lifeline Inspection:

• Lifelines must be at least 16mm diameter polypropylene or material of equal strength.

• Inspect lines from end to end before installation.
• Look for cuts, burns, fraying, and chemical or heat damage.
• Signs of decreased diameter may indicate that line has been involved in a fall arrest and should be
discarded.

Lifeline Anchorage Inspection:

• Ensure that lifelines are securely attached to solid anchor points.
• Whenever possible, attach only one lifeline to each anchor.
• Never anchor to bundles of material that may be moved or depleted through use. Do not anchor to
exposed rebar unless embedment length is adequate.

6. SAFE OPERATION, USE AND

MAINTENANCE OF FALL
ARREST EQUIPMENT

Choosing a Harness
Learn about the types of fall hazards on your job.
Choose the right type of fall protection for each type of fall hazard. Never use a body belt, seat-only
harness or chest-only harness for fall protection. Use a full-body harness instead.
You can use a harness with an anchorage, a lanyard, a retractable lifeline, a vertical lifeline, a travel rail, a
horizontal lifeline, a fall arrester, and/or a shock absorber. A fall-arrest system should let you fall no more
than 1.8 meters. A work-positioning device should let you fall 600 mm or less.
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A registered professional engineer should design a fall protection system. A qualified person must supervise
the setting up.
Make sure the harness fits you and is comfortable, to prevent body strain. You can get shoulder and back
pads to reduce harness pressure. Full-body cross-chest harnesses are more comfortable for women and can
reduce bruising when falls are stopped.

Using a Harness
Follow manufacturers' instructions for wearing harnesses. Your employer must keep these instructions so
you can see them when you ask. For most full-body harnesses, every time you use one, do this:
Carefully look over the harness.
Hold the harness by the back D-ring and shake it so all straps fall in place.
Slip the straps over your shoulders so the D-ring is in the middle of your back.
Connect the chest and/or waist straps. These straps should fit snugly.
Reach between your legs and connect one long strap to the buckle or closure on your thigh. Repeat with the
second strap.
After you connect both straps, pull them tight. The harness should be snug but let you move freely.
Connect the harness to the right fall-protection system.
Make sure your anchor point is approved for the way you will use it. If you are not sure, check with the
competent person for the job.

Never use gear that has already been in a fall, unless it has been
recertified by the manufacturer.

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Fall Arrest Standard
• Where a worker is exposed to the hazard of falling and the surface to which he or she might fall is
more than two meters below the position where he or she is situated,
• The worker shall wear a serviceable safety belt or harness and lifeline adequately secured to a fixed
support and so arranged that the worker cannot fall freely for a vertical distance of more than 1.5
meters; and

The fall arresting system described shall,

• Have sufficient capacity to absorb twice the energy and twice the load that under the circumstances
of its use may be transmitted to it, and
• Be equipped with a shock absorber or other devices to limit the maximum arresting force.

When to Wear Fall Arrest

• When working above2 meters to the next level.
• Roof work.
• Ariel Platform cradle.
• Scaffolding or Ladder.
• Bosuns chair/ Boatswain`s

Types
Group A - Fall arresting

Group D - Controlled descent

Group E - Confined entry and exit (raising and lowering)

Group L - Ladder climbing

Group P - Work positioning

Care and use

1. Snap-hooks, unless of a locking type designed and used to prevent disengagement from the
following connections, shall not be engaged:
i. Directly to webbing, rope or wire rope
ii. To each other
iii. To a Dee-ring to which another snap-hook or other connector is attached
iv. To a horizontal lifeline, or
v. To any object which is incompatibly shaped or dimensioned in relation to the snap-hook such
that the connected object could depress the snap-hook keeper a sufficient amount to release
itself.

2. Devices used to connect to a horizontal lifeline, which may become a vertical lifeline, shall be
capable of locking in either direction on the lifeline.

3. Personal fall arrest systems shall be rigged such that an employee can neither free fall more than
1.8m, nor contact any lower level.

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4. The attachment point of the body belt shall be located in the centre of the wearer’s back.
The attachment point of the body harness shall be located in the centre of the wearer’s back near
shoulder level, or above the wearer’s head.

5. When vertical lifelines are used, each employee shall be provided with a separate lifeline.

6. Personal fall arrest systems or components shall be used only for employee fall protection.

7. Personal fall arrest systems or components subjected to impact loading shall be immediately
removed from service and shall not be used again for employee protection unless inspected and
determined by a competent person to be undamaged and suitable for re-use.

8. The employer shall provide for prompt rescue of employees in the event of a fall or shall assure the
self-rescue capability of employees.

7. Before using a personal fall arrest system and after any component or system is changed, employees
shall be trained in the safe use of the system.

Maintenance of fall arrest equipment

Fall arrest equipment used must be used and maintained properly; failure to follow these instructions may
result in serious deterioration or premature failure of the harness:

1. Harnesses should be stored in a clean and dry area and should not be exposed to excessive heat,
sunlight or corrosive materials.
2. When cleaning the harness use warm water and mild soap to remove grease and dirt. Excess
moisture should be removed with a clean dry [Link] the soap solution with water and hang to
dry.
3. All harness repairs will be made by harness service provider.
4. Any damaged harness should be tagged and moved from site.
5. All harness which has been subject to a fall should be moved immediately until it has been inspected
by a qualified person.
6. Never modify or repair your safety harness without input from the supplier and manufacturer.

7. RESCUE PLAN.

Facts of Nature
Falling has been a concern of man’s since we’ve attempted to take out first steps as a child. Gravity always
seems to win.

Matter attracts one another for example the attraction between you and the Earth. This is a Force that cannot
be seen but you can feel and measure it. It is called Gravity, Gravitational Pull, g-force, etc.

Gravity is a strong force. If you blink your eye (0.3 seconds) you would freefall ± 0.5 meters. In 2 eye
blinks time (0.6 seconds) you fall 1.8 meters – the length of a person. Is there time to think, work out where
to grab.

It’s not the fall that hurts – it’s the sudden stop.

As we remember the statement, “it’s not the fall that hurts – it’s the sudden stop”, we must consider the
present “tie-off” principle that we work with today. Tie-off means to secure ourselves once we have reached
our work destination. Workers need to have freedom of movement when working and the fall protection
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provided them must allow for that freedom. Fall protection should be from the point we first start to elevate
ourselves, not just when we get there. Most falls occur prior or post “tie-off”.

“Raise the bar” on your fall protection policy to a 100% policy. Select equipment that a worker can have
freedom to perform their job tasks. Employee buy-in is critical to a successful program.

Harness-Induced Death
What is little known however is that these harnesses can also kill. Harnesses can become deadly whenever a
worker is suspended for duration over five minutes in an upright posture, with the legs relaxed straight
beneath the body. This can occur in many different situations in industry. A carpenter working alone is
caught in mid-fall by his safety harness, only to die 15 minutes later from suspension trauma. An electrical
worker is lowered into a shaft after testing for toxic gases. He is lowered on a cable and is positioned at the
right level to repair a junction box. After five minutes he is unconscious--but his buddies tending the line
don’t realize it, and 15 minutes later a dead body is hauled out. The cause of this problem is called
“suspension trauma.”

Suspension Trauma
Suspension trauma death is caused by orthostatic incompetence (also called orthostatic intolerance).
Orthostatic incompetence can occur any time a person is required to stand quietly for prolonged periods and
may be worsened by heat and dehydration. What happens in orthostatic incompetence is that the legs are
immobile with a worker in an upright posture. Gravity pulls blood into the lower legs, which have a very
large storage capacity. Enough blood eventually accumulates so that return blood flow to the right chamber
of the heart is reduced. The heart can only pump the blood available, so the heart’s output begins to fall. The
heart speeds up to maintain sufficient blood flow to the brain, but if the blood supply to the heart is restricted
enough, beating faster is ineffective, and the body abruptly slows the heart. In most instances this solves the
problem by causing the worker to faint, which typically results in slumping to the ground where the legs, the
heart, and the brain are on the same level. Blood is now returned to the heart and the worker typically
recovers quickly. In a harness, however, the worker can’t fall into a horizontal posture, so the reduced heart
rate causes the brain’s blood supply to fall below the critical level. Orthostatic incompetence doesn’t occur
to us very often because it requires that the legs remain relaxed, straight, and below heart level. If the leg
muscles are contracting in order to maintain balance and support the body, the muscles press against the leg
veins.

This compression, together with well-placed one-way valves, helps pump blood back to the heart. If the
upper-legs are horizontal, as when we sit quietly, the vertical pumping distance is
greatly reduced, so there are no problems. In suspension trauma, several unfortunate things occur that
aggravate the problem. First, the worker is suspended in an upright posture with legs dangling. Second, the
safety harness straps exert pressure on leg veins, compressing them and reducing blood flow back to the
heart. Third, the harness keeps the worker in an upright position, regardless of loss of consciousness, which
is what kills workers.

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89
Fall Arrest Rescue
Employees shall not be involved in construction, repair, or maintenance operations on roofs during periods
of high winds (such as when a wind advisory has been issued), lightning storms, snow storms, or other
potentially hazardous weather conditions.

A study on elevated fall injuries found that most workers were “unwilling or unable to connect their safety
belts because they were moving around. The scenario of a fall incident usually goes like this:

1. Management has established a tie-off rule such as “If you are more than 2 meters above ground level,
you must be tied off”.

2. A body belt and a 2-m lanyard is made available to the worker.

3. Because of time constraints imposed, and lack of available anchorages, the worker elects not to tie
off during the performance of a short-term work task. Management overlooks the hazard.

4. The worker loses his balance, falls from the elevation, and is injured.

5. Company states that the worker did not follow procedure by not having been tied off.

6. The worker later states that management either never provided proper equipment or enforced its use,
or never trained him effectively.
7. The worker states that he/she was given the fall arrest that was not inspected.

8. Management did not have a system to dispose of defective fall arrest and give the employee the fall
arrest that was supposed to be discarded by mistake.
9. The worker states that the fall arrest was not comfortable the time he was wearing it

Phases of Fall Protection

There are four phases of fall protection:
Before the fall, at fall arrest, suspension, and post-fall rescue. Each phase presents unique safety challenges.
Suspension trauma can be influenced by all aspects of the fall, so they are all important. As with many
aspects of safety, increasing the safety in one phase can compromise the safety of the others. Whatever
training workers have received will determine how they respond to different phases. Here is a brief
discussion of each aspect of fall protection.

Before the fall

The key issue of fall protection before the fall is compliance. If a harness is too uncomfortable, too
inconvenient, or interferes too much with task completion, workers may not use the equipment or may
modify it (illegally) to make it more tolerable. A second major point is the length of the attachment lanyard
or, how far can a worker fall before his fall is arrested?

The longer the fall, the greater the stress on the body will be when the fall is arrested. The shorter the
lanyard, the more often it will have to be repositioned when workers are mobile. A moveable safe anchor is
one solution, but this situation is only occasionally available.

Fall arrest
The whole concept of fall protection is that workers who fall will be stopped by the tethering system. The
longer the attachment lanyard, the greater the acceleration time during the fall and the greater the stress on
the body at arrest. Unfortunately, the posture of the falling worker is unpredictable. Depending on the
harness attachment point and the position of the worker’s body at arrest, different harness attachments offer

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different advantages. An attachment near the shoulders means that any drag from the lanyard will serve to
position the worker’s body in an upright position so the forces are distributed from head to foot. The head is
somewhat protected if the legs and body precede it in the fall, but this offers some disadvantages after the
fall arrest is completed.

Suspension
Many safety professionals naturally assume that, once a fall has been arrested, the fall protection system has
successfully completed its job. Unfortunately, this is not the case. A worker suspended in an upright position
with the legs dangling in a harness of any type is subject to suspension trauma.
Fall victims can slow the onset of suspension trauma by pushing down vigorously with the legs, by
positioning their body in a horizontal or slight leg-high position, or by standing up. Harness design and fall
injuries may prevent these actions, however.

Rescue
Rescue must come rapidly to minimize the dangers of suspension trauma. The circumstances together with
the lanyard attachment point will determine the possibilities of self-rescue. In situations where self-rescue is
not likely to be possible, workers must be supervised at all times. Regardless of whether a worker can self-
rescue or must rely upon others, time is of the essence because a worker may lose consciousness in only a
few minutes.
If a worker is suspended long enough to lose consciousness, rescue personnel must be careful in handling
such a person or the rescued worker may die anyway.
This post-rescue death is apparently caused by the heart’s inability to tolerate the abrupt increase in blood
flow to the right heart after removal from the harness. Current recommended procedures are to take from 30
to 40 minutes to move the victim from kneeling to a sitting to a supine position.

Interference among Phases

An arrest harness attachment on the front of the body facilitates self-rescue after a fall. However, a front
attachment means the arresting lanyard may be in the way for many work tasks. An attachment point near
the centre of gravity (CG) makes post-fall body positioning much easier and increases the likelihood that a
fallen worker will not be suspended in an upright vertical position.

Yet a front near-CG attachment point can greatly increase the bending stress on the spine at the instant of
arrest, raising the possibility that the arrest itself results in serious injury. The most protective harnesses for
suspension can be the least comfortable.

Recommendations
Safety harnesses save many lives and injuries. However, continual vigilance is needed to train and supervise
workers to ensure harnesses are used safely. All phases of fall protection need to be examined for each
particular application. Workers and emergency response personnel must be trained to recognize the risks of
suspension trauma.

Before the potential fall:

• Workers should never be permitted to work alone in a harness.
• Rope/cable tenders must make certain the harness user is conscious at all times.
• Time in suspension should be limited to less than five minutes. Longer suspensions must have
foothold straps or means for putting weight on the legs.
• Harnesses should be selected for specific applications and must consider: compliance (convenience),
potential arrest injury, and suspension trauma.
• Tie-off lanyards should be anchored as high and tight as work permits.

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After a fall:
• Workers should be trained to try to move their legs in the harness and try to push against any
footholds.
• Workers hanging in a harness should be trained to try to get their legs as high as possible and their
heads as close to horizontal as possible (this is nearly impossible with many commercial harnesses in
use today).
• It the worker is suspended upright, emergency measures must be taken to remove the worker from
suspension or move the fallen worker into a horizontal posture, or at least to a sitting position.

For harness rescues:

• The victim should not be suspended in a vertical (upright) posture with the legs dangling straight.
Victims should be kept as nearly horizontal as possible, or at least in a sitting position (lift legs).
• Rescuers should be trained that victims who are suspended vertically before rescue are in a
potentially fatal situation.
• Rescuers must be aware that post-rescue death may occur if victims are moved to a horizontal
position too rapidly.

Recommendations on harnesses:
• It may be advantageous in some circumstances to locate the lanyard or tie-off attachment of the
harness as near to the body’s centre of gravity as possible to reduce the whiplash and other trauma
when a fall is arrested. This also facilitates moving legs upward and head downward while
suspended.
• Front (stomach or chest) rather than rear (back) harness lanyard attachment points will aid uninjured
workers in self-rescue. This is crucial if workers are not closely supervised.
• Any time a worker must spend time hanging in a harness, a harness with a seat rather than straps
alone should be used to help position the upper legs horizontally.
• A gradual arrest device should be employed to lessen deceleration injuries.
• Workers should get supervised (because this is dangerous) experience at hanging in the harness they
will be using.

Rescue plan:

Scope

This describes the procedure to be followed when a person falls and how rescue the employee

Responsibilities

• Supervisor- to ensure that every one remains calm during the whole process when rescuing and that
is done in a safe manner
• Rescuer- an individual designated by the employer by training, knowledge who is responsible for
rescuing a person exposed to a fall

Rescue Equipment
• Rescue harnesses
• Rescue lanyards
• Rescue hoists
• Anchorage connectors

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• Rope and tackle system

A) Steps of the rescue plan when ‘fallen from a tower’:

1) Initial staging and setup of rescue equipment
2) Determine the extent of any injury to fallen worker
3) Location and strength of the rescue anchor
4) Identification of the nearest safe working level
5) Locate and select an anchor point as directly over the fallen worker as possible
6) Select and attach the anchor connector to the anchor point
7) Select and attach the top of the rescue block and tackle to the anchor connector
8) Attach the bottom of the rescue block and tackle to the anchor connector
9) Lower the remote hook to the fallen workers D-ring. Once engaged pull in an upward motion to lock
the remote hook in place
10) Begin to raise fallen worker by pulling on the free end of the rope on the rescue block and tackle
11) Pull the fallen worker to safety
12) Assess the fallen workers injury
13) Provide appropriate First aid measures to prevent further injury and prepare transport
14) Accompany the fallen worker to the assigned medical facility and calm the person assuring him that
he will be safe.
15) Always have the emergency number and co-ordinates ready.

B) Steps to follow when ‘fallen in a foundation’.

1) Due to the short distance, the lanyard will not deploy fully.
2) The injuries of the fallen person should be determined.
3) The fallen person can be lifted up by another worker.
4) Whilst the fallen person is being lifted the lanyard can be unbuckled or cut to free the fallen
person.
5) With the assist of 2 people the fallen person is to be laid down gentle on to the ground to assess
the severity of the injuries if any.

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 6) If there are no injuries sustained the fallen person can then get up and climb out of the excavation
by means of the ladder.
7) If the fallen person has sustained any injuries, he is to be kept in the lay down position until the
professional emergency take over.

Rescue: Victim Conscious:

- Take set out of bag
- Put sling around anchor which can hold 1000kg
- Hook top pulley to sling
- Lower bottom pulley to Victim
- Victim attach short sling to front D-Ring
- Ensure that the rescue line is secure
- Cut the Victim’s lanyard
- Lower or raise the Victim to safety

Rescue: Unconscious
- Take set out of bag
- Put sling around anchor which can hold 1000kg
- Hook top pulley to sling
- Hook short sling to Rescuer
- Lower Rescuer to Victim
- Rescuer attach second short sling to back D-Ring
- Ensure that the rescue line is secure
- Cut the Victim’s lanyard
- Lower or raise the Victim to safety

Emergency Numbers:

Site Manager: Shaun Penney 0723793997

Safety Officer: Pretty Mhlongo 0781440794
Emergency Coordinator: Fannie Thwala 0782613845
Co-ordinates of the towers(see annexure 4)

8. HEIGHT WORKS

LADDERS

Ladder accidents occur frequently in industry statistics release by the Workmen’s Compensation
Commissioner give the number of serious ladder accidents/injuries which
occurred in one year in industry as some 3 500 cases. One can only guess at the number of ladder accidents,
with serious injuries, occurring at private homes.

Workers Lost Balance

27%
Ladders broke
8%
Ladders tipped over
4%
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Workers knocked off
2%

Ladder accidents usually result from faulty care or improper use of ladders and not from manufacturing
deficiencies. Some of the most frequent causes of accidents are using a broken ladder, improper climbing
procedure, improperly securing the ladder, and selecting the wrong ladder for the task to be done. Other
specific causes of ladder accidents are: reaching too far to the side; hand-carrying loads up or down the
ladder; improper positioning of the ladder.

A ladder is a climbing device consisting of two side rails joined at regular intervals by crosspieces called
steps, rungs, or cleats, on which a person may step in ascending or descending.

Ladders are constructed from five basic materials; aluminum, wood, glass fibre, reinforced plastic, steel.
Although the price varies considerably with the construction material used, the primary consideration should
be selecting the ladder best suited to the job.

Non-slip bases and devices must be securely bolted, riveted, or attached by equivalent construction to the
side rails. Non-slip bases are strongly recommended when there is any danger of the bottom of the ladder
slipping or skidding during use and are particularly important on metal, glass fibre, reinforced plastic, or
epoxy resin ladder. If slip-resistant feet are used on stepladders they should be attached to the bottom of all
four rails.

Portable ladders are designed as “one-man” working devices with sufficient strength to support the person as
well as his tools and materials.

Types

Folding stepladders
Stepladders – are self-supporting, nonadjustable, and easily portable ladders. They are not designed to be
used as straight ladders. A tool tray or pail rest can be attached to the top of stepladders.

Platform stepladders – are self- supporting, nonadjustable portable

ladders. A platform stepladder is a modification of a portable stepladder,
with a working platform provided near the top.

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Double stepladders – have side rails made of heavier material, with steps on both sides. This allows the user
to ascend or descend from either side. Double stepladders do not normally have tool trays or pail rests near
the top.

Straight and Extension Ladders

Single or straight ladders are designed to lean against a wall or the edge of a roof, beam, or other solid top
support. These are neither self-supporting nor adjustable. Single ladders are not supplied in lengths greater
than 9 meters.

Two section or extension ladders are non-self supporting and consist of two sections one fitting within the
side rails of the other and arranged in such a manner that the upper section can be raised and lowered.

Extension ladders may be equipped with a rope and pulley to facilitate extension and retraction. The rope
must be sufficient length for the purpose intended.

Extension ladders, when extended, should always be erected so that the upper section is resting on the
bottom section and have sufficient overlap to
transmit all forces safely from one section to the
next.

The top section of a wood extension ladder should

not be used as a single ladder, because the bottom
ends are not equipped with non-skid feet or shoes,
and because the top section is less stable.

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Trestle ladders
Trestle ladders and extension trestle ladders are not designed for climbing. They are self-supporting,
nonadjustable rung ladders consisting of two similar sections of identical length hinged at the top to form an
equilateral triangle when spread for use. Trestle ladders are designed to support planks of scaffold boards.
The rungs are not wide enough to support the user’s feet properly for climbing or for working.

Office and Stockroom Ladders

Shelf ladders are designed especially for use against shelves. Shelf ladders are designed with flat steps,
flared legs, and top cap similar to the climbing side of a stepladder. They are non-self-supporting and
nonadjustable. They must lean against a solid side support in the same manner as the straight of extension
ladders.

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SAFE LADDER PROCEDURES
Inspection

Ladder inspection
• Are all the rungs, cleats, or steps in good condition?
• Are the side rails intact without any cracks, bends, or breaks?
• Do the rungs, cleats, or steps fit snugly into the side rails?
• Is the ladder free of corrosion?
• Are the side rails and steps free of oil or grease?
• Are the ladder's hardware and fittings secure and undamaged?
• Do moveable parts operate freely without binding or excessive play?
• Are the ropes on extension ladders intact without fraying or excessive wear?
• Are damaged ladders removed from service and marked "Do not use"?

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Ladder Inspection Check list
Use this list to remind yourself of what you should look out for in order to prevent accidents.
Needs Date
General repair O.K. repaired

Loose steps or rungs (considered loose if they

can be moved at all with the hand)?

Loose nails, screws, bolts, or other metal parts?

Cracked, spilt, or broken uprights, braces, or

rungs?

Slivers on uprights, rungs, or steps?

Damaged or worn non-slip bases?

Step ladders

Wobbly (from side strain)?

Loose or bent hinge spreaders?

Stop on hinge spreaders broken?

Loose hinges?

Broken, split, or worn steps?

Extension ladders

Loose, broken, or missing extension locks?

Defective locks that do not seat properly while

extended?

Worn or rotted rope?

Maintenance
Proper Ladder Care and Storage
• Maintain ladders in good condition.
• Keep all ladder accessories, especially safety shoes, in good condition.
• Wood ladders, which are to be used outside, should be treated to prevent weather damage. A clear finish
or transparent penetrating preservative should be used. Linseed oil is a good treatment for a wood ladder,
although it does add some weight to the ladder. An oil treatment also helps to rustproof the metal parts of
a wood ladder.
• Never paint a wood ladder. This will cover dangerous cracks or fill and hide them.
• Never sit on ladder side rails.
• Never use a metal or fibreglass ladder which has been exposed to fire or strong chemicals, it should be
discarded.
• Never store materials on a ladder.
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• Store wood ladders where they will not be exposed to excessive heat or dampness. Store fibreglass
ladders where they will not be exposed to sunlight or other ultraviolet light sources.
• Be sure that ladders are properly supported and secured when in transit. Vibration and bumping against
other objects can damage them.
• Store ladders on racks, which give them proper support when not in use.

Setup/Using the ladder

General
• All ladders used on the Mine shall be designed, constructed, used and maintained according to
relevant regulations.

• Wherever ladders are required to provide access to places where people need to work, they shall be
provided and be properly maintained.

Ladder Selection
• Remember that the sections of an extension ladder should overlap enough to retain the strength of the
ladder using the following table:
Length of Ladder Required Overlap
Up to 12 m 1 meter
Over 12 to 16 m 1.3 meter
Over 16 to 20 m 1.6 meter
• Of course, the usable length of the ladder is shortened by the amount of the overlap.
• Never splice or tie two short ladders together to make a long section.
• Top support for a ladder is as important as good footing. The top should rest evenly against a flat, firm
surface. If a ladder is to be leaned against roof gutters, the strength and stability of the gutters should
first be tested.
• When a ladder is used for access to an upper landing surface, it must extend three rungs, or at least three
feet above the landing surface.
• A ladder used for access to an upper landing surface should be secured against sideways movement at
the top or held by another worker whenever it is being used.
• Extend an extension ladder only from the ground. Determine the needed height, extend and lock the fly
section securely in place then set it up against the wall. Check for stability and support before climbing.
• If possible, the base of a long ladder should be secured to the ground and the top should be tied to the
upper landing surface.
• The technically proper angle for a non-self-supporting ladder is about 75 degrees above horizontal. This
means that the base should be set out one-fourth of the ladder's height to its top support point.
• If ladders are set up at a steeper angle than 75 degrees above horizontal they are more likely to tip
backward in use. As a minimum they must be tied off at the top to prevent this from happening.
• If ladders are set up at an angle less than 75 degrees above horizontal they are more likely to slide out
from the bottom. Safety ladder shoes or base tying is a must in this case.
• The distance from the foot of a ladder to the wall should never be more than one-half the height to the
support point, an angle of about 63 degrees above horizontal. Otherwise, more strain will be put on the
side rails than they are designed to carry.

Placement
• Ladders, including step ladders, shall be placed so that each side rail (or stile) is on a level and firm
footing and so that the ladder is rigid, stable and secure.

• The side rails (or stiles) shall not be supported by boxes, loose bricks, or other loose packing.

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 • No ladder shall be placed in front of a door opening towards the ladder unless the door is fastened
open, locked or guarded.

• Wherever possible, ladders shall be used at such an angle that the horizontal distance from the foot of
the ladder to the structure the ladder rests against is one quarter (1/4) of the length of the ladder.

• Whenever possible, a ladder used as a place from which a person has to work shall rise to a height of
at least 1 m above the highest rung upon which the person must stand to work. If a height of 1 m
above the working height cannot be achieved, then the ladder should reach as far as possible above
the level at which the person is required to work.

• Every ladder or run of ladders rising a vertical distance of 6m or more shall be provided with an
intermediate landing place or places so that the vertical distance between any two successive landing
places is not more than 6 m.

• Ladders shall rise to a height of at least 1 m above any landing place for people using those ladders.

• Where a ladder passes through an opening in the floor of a landing place, the opening shall be as
small as is reasonably practicable.

• A ladder placed such that its top end rests against a window frame shall have a board fixed to its top
end. The size and position of this board shall ensure that the load to be carried by the ladder is evenly
distributed over the window frame.

Setting Up A Straight Or Extension Ladder

It is very important to learn the proper methods for setting up ladders. Unless setting up is done correctly, it
can cause damage to the ladder and excessive physical strain on the user.

Step 1. Lay the ladder on the ground with the base resting against the bottom of the wall and the top pointing
away from the wall.

Step 2. Starting at the top of the ladder, lift the end over your head and walk under the ladder to the wall,
moving your hands from rung to rung as you go.

Step 3. When the ladder is vertical, and the op touches the wall, pull out the base so that the distance away
from the wall is about one-fourth of the height to the point of support.

Step 4. Reverse this process to take down the ladder. Remember that you will be walking backwards, so
check for obstacles in your path before starting. Also be careful to lower the ladder slowly so that you can
keep it under control and prevent its falling on you.

• Only one person at a time may use or work from a single ladder.
• Always face the ladder when ascending or descending it.
• Keep three limbs on the ladder at any one time, i.e. both hands and one foot or both feet and one hand.
• Carry tools in a tool belt, pouch or holster, not in your hands, so you can keep hold of the ladder.
• Wear fully enclosed slip resistant footwear when using ladder.
• Do not climb higher than the third rung from the top of the ladder.
• When working from a ladder, always work within an easy arm's reach from the ladder.
• Don't "walk" a ladder whilst standing on it. Get down off the ladder to move it to another location.
• Do not use a ladder or step ladder if:
- there is a missing or a weakened, broken or otherwise defective rung or tread, or a broken or defective

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 stile; or
- any rung or tread depends for its support solely on nails, spikes, or other similar fixing device.
• Only a "trestle ladder" shall be used to support a plank upon which a person has to work.
• Ladders made by fastening cleats across a single rail or stile shall not be used.

• No metal ladder and no ladder reinforced with wire shall be used in the vicinity of any electrical
conductor or of any electrified equipment or apparatus that may result in a person receiving an electric
shock.
• Ladders shall not be joined together to form a longer ladder. Extension ladders should conform to the
requirements of SABS. Maximum lengths of ladders are listed in SABS.
• A ladder shall not be used as a guy, brace, strut, beam, skid, or for any use other than its correct use as a
ladder.
• When there is significant traffic on ladders used for building work, separate ladders for ascent and
descent could be provided, designated and used.
• Ladders, like many other pieces of equipment that are used often and taken for granted, require care.
Every worker needs to be certain that the ladder being used is strong enough to support him and the load
that may be carried without fear of tipping over. Workers who think of a ladder as a tool will be more
aware of ladder safety and less likely to take chances when using a ladder. Use the following checklist as
a guide, first for inspecting a ladder and second for ensuring that safety precautions are taken when using
the ladder.

Securing
• Ladders shall be securely fixed at the top and foot so that they cannot move either from their top or
from their bottom points of rest. If it is not possible to secure a ladder at both the top and bottom then
it shall be securely fixed at the base. If this is not possible, then a person should stand at the base of
the ladder and secure it manually against slipping.

• Ladders set up in public thoroughfares or other places (where there is potential for accidental
collision with them) must be provided with effective means to prevent the displacement of the
ladders due to collisions, for example, use of barricades.

Planning Ladder Selection

Before YOU start.
Not every job can be done with just a ladder – or by you on your own.
So always check:

Are YOU up to the job?

Don’t kid yourself by over estimating your abilities. If you are not
completely certain that you can manage everything involved in doing
the jobs properly, get professional help. This is particularly important if
you are elderly, or not fully fit, or not good with heights – think about
getting someone else to do it for you.

Is a LADDER up to the job?

Ladders should only be used for work of short
duration. As a guide a ladder should only be used
in one position for a maximum of 30 minutes.
Think ahead to what you will have to do at every
stage. If you will need to move around while you
are up there, or carry lots of materials, or use
heavy equipment, a ladder may not be sufficient.
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You might be better off using a mobile tower or
scaffolding.

Is it STRONG enough?
New ladders are rated according to their safe
working load (SWL). Currently there are
three categories of ladders available.

Industrial Duty (class 1)

SWL - 175 Kg

Trade Duty (class 2)

SWL - 150 Kg

Domestic Duty (class 3)

SWL - 125 Kg

Domestic ladders are not recommended for commercial use. Although

they are lighter to carry they are not durable and if they are used,
particular care must be paid to maintenance checks and regular
replacement will be necessary.

Is it LONG enough?
The overall length of a ladder is not the same as its usable length:
• Allow 1m of ladder length above the highest rung you use.
• Avoid standing on the top three rungs.
• Current best practice is to limit ladder length to a maximum of 9m.

• Did you select a ladder with adequate length and load limits? Don't use metal ladders near electrical
lines.
• Are you using the ladder for its intended purpose?
• Don't use a ladder as a brace, skid, lever, gangway, platform, scaffold, plank, or material hoist.
• Don't tie ladders together to make them longer.
• Don't use a stepladder as a straight ladder.

Safe Working Practices

• Did you set up the ladder on a firm, solid surface?
• Don't place a ladder on boxes or blocks to make it taller.
• Don't set up a ladder on a scaffold to gain extra height.
• Don't set up a ladder on a slippery or icy surface.
• Are you securing or barricading the ladder to protect it from being bumped when you have to work in
doorways, passageways, or driveways?
• Is the area around the top and bottom of the ladder clear?
• Is your stepladder fully opened with the spreaders locked to keep the ladder stable?
• Have you set up your straight ladder using the 4 to 1 rule? (1 foot from the wall for each 4 feet of ladder
length.)
• Have you set up your straight ladder so the rails are supported equally at the top?
• Is the straight ladder set up so the top extends at least 3 feet above the support point?

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• Are you using your extension ladder so the upper section overlaps the lower section, and the overlap is
on the climbing side with the rungs locked in place?
• Do you face the ladder when ascending or descending?
• Do you use both hands to grip the side rails whenever possible? Always use at least one hand to grasp
the ladder when climbing, and don't carry any object or load that could cause you to lose balance.
• Do you use a ladder safety device when needed on fixed ladders?
• Do you stay off of the top 2 steps of a stepladder?
• Do you stay off the back section of a stepladder?
• Do you stay off the top 4 rungs of a straight ladder?
• Is only one person allowed on the ladder at a time?
• Do you hoist tools or other materials up to you after you've reached the top of the ladder? Wear a tool
belt to help you manage tools while you're working on a ladder.
• Do you work within the side rails? If your belt buckle goes past the side rail, you are leaning too far.
Descend and move the ladder as needed to stay close to your work.
• Do you store the ladder in a secure designated area after use?

How to Climb
Make sure hands, shoes and ladder rungs are dry; use a second person to hold the bottom of the ladder and
prevent others from disturbing ladder; keep a three-point grip on the ladder at all times (two hands and one
foot or one hand and two feet); avoid distractions that make you turn away from the front of the ladder;
climb slowly with weight centred between side rails; do not lean back; and never stand on the top two rungs
of a stepladder or top four rungs of an extension ladder.

Weather
Employees shall not be involved in construction, repair, or maintenance operations on roofs during periods
of high winds (such as when a wind advisory has been issued), lightning storms, snow storms, or other
potentially hazardous weather conditions.

VERY IMPORTANT:
• Never use a ladder when under the
influence of alcohol, on drugs or
medication, or in ill health.
• If you get sick, dizzy or panicky while on a
ladder, do not try to climb down in a hurry.
Wait. Drape your arms around the rungs; rest
your head against the ladder until you feel better.
Then climb down slowly and carefully.

What to do if you fall from a ladder

• Calmly assess the situation and determine if you

are hurt.
• Get up slowly.
• If you feel that an injury has occurred which
prevents standing or walking, don't panic. Call for
assistance. If the injury is serious, call
emergency services.

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 • If you are not injured, rest for awhile and regain your composure before climbing again.
• Ladders are useful tools, but they must be used properly to avoid turning a work session into a trip to
the emergency room or a physician's room.

Use of lifting supports with Fall Arrest Equipment at elevated heights.

Legal Aspects
The definition of a "cradle" means a platform enclosed on all sides but open at the top, designed for the
purpose of raising and lowering persons by means of a lifting machine;

“No user shall permit or require persons to be raised or lowered by means of a lifting machine unless the
permission of an inspector is obtained in writing”.

This means you may raise or lower a person with a Lifting Machine provided you have written authorisation
from the Inspector and the person is contained in a cradle.

Catch Platforms
Catch platform are fixed safety nets
A substantial catch platform shall be installed below the working area of roofs more than 6 meters from
ground to eaves without a parapet, or 4 meters from ground to eaves with a slope greater than 1 in 4 without
a parapet. The platform shall extend 60cm in width beyond the projection of the eaves and shall be provided
with a safety rail, mid-rail, and toe board. This provision shall not apply where employees engaged in work
upon such roofs are protected by a safety belt attached to a lifeline.

Safety Belts, Lifelines, and Lanyards

Where catch platforms are not in place, employees performing duties on a roof more than 7 meters from
ground to eaves without a parapet, or 5 meters from ground to eaves with a slope greater than 1 in 4 without
a parapet, shall be secured by an approved full body harness attached to a lifeline.
The full body harness lanyard shall be approved, with a maximum length to provide for a fall of no greater
than 2 meters. The rope shall have a nominal breaking strength as approved.

Lifelines shall be secured above the point of operation to an anchorage or structural member capable of
supporting a minimum dead weight as approved. One employee acting as anchor for another does not fulfil
this requirement.
Lifelines used in areas where they may be subjected to cutting or abrasion shall be a prescribed rope.
Lifelines, harness, and lanyards shall be used only for employee safeguarding. Ropes used for hoisting lines
and other purposes shall not be used as lifelines. Any lifeline, harness, or lanyard actually subjected to in-
service loading, as distinguished from static testing, shall be immediately removed from employee
safeguarding.

Safety Nets

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Where the use of ladders, scaffolds, catch platforms, temporary floors, safety lines, or safety belts is
impractical, safety nets shall be provided when workplaces are more than 6 meters above the ground, water,
or other surface.

Roofing Brackets
Roofing brackets shall be constructed to fit the pitch of the roof.
In addition to the pointed metal projections, brackets shall
be secured by nailing in place. The nails shall be driven full length into the roof. When rope supports are
used they must be as approved.

Crawling Boards Or Chicken Ladders

Crawling boards must be approved by the engineer. Nails shall be driven through and clinched on the
underside. The crawling board shall extend from the ridge pole to the eaves when used in connection with
roof construction, repair, or maintenance.
A firmly fastened lifeline of an approved rope shall be strung beside each crawling board for a handhold.
Crawling boards shall be secured to the roof by means of adequate ridge hoods or equivalent effective
means.

Use of Hoisting Lines

When hoisting lines are used to raise tools or materials to a roof greater than 5 meters from ground to eaves
without a parapet (or with a parapet less than 75 cm in height), the employee on the roof shall be secured by
an approved safety belt attached to a lifeline.

Work Site Isolation

Prior to the start of roof construction, repair, or maintenance, the crew chief, foreman, or person in charge of
the project shall insure that the area below the work site is isolated against entry by the use of barrier tape or
other means.

9) Training of employee’s working on elevated positions:

• All employees required to work at heights, great than 2meters will be require to be medical and
psychologically fit to perform the task.
• Man job specification must be supplied to the medical practitioner.
• The training has to be done by an accredited training institution.
• All the employees climbing will be issued with a full body harness.

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• All employees will be trained in the correct use and maintains of the safety harnesses and proof of
the training will be kept on file.
• Defective harnesses will be removed.
• Employees must ensure that tools used to work with on heights are secure and fall free.

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