TRAINING MODULE

WORKING AT HEIGHTS
Dangers of Heights Safety Measures Available Hazards at Height What If.....?
WORKING AT HEIGHTS - INTRODUCTION SHEET 1

WORKING AT HEIGHTS
This Training Module comes to you courtesy of :

Site Safe would like to acknowledge Fletcher Constructions on-going support

TRAINING
SUBJECT: HEIGHTS
PURPOSE: To provide all employees at all levels with a sound basic understanding of the risks involved in working at height, concentrating on personal safety measures required. NUMBERS: Up to 20 persons, dividing them into groups of four to six as may be required.

METHOD: First - A brief question session on the potential and real dangers of working at height on construction sites. Second - A brief outline of safety principles and equipment which is required to be followed and used for the safety of all on site. Third Participants will discuss the several rules which apply in the explanatory notes, and discover why - those rules exist. (Because participants are finding the answers themselves, they will accept an ownership of those answers, and the process of learning will be clarified because the participants have talked through the pertinent points involved.) Fourth A brief evaluation will conclude the session to indicate how well the participant has absorbed the points discussed. This will comprise a simple multiple-choice questionnaire which will be identified and passed to the Trainer for marking. MATERIALS: Hand-outs. Slideshow of good - and bad - practices. Whiteboard Pens and paper for participants Copies of assessment OSH Guidelines for Prevention Of Falls DURATION: One hour maximum. DEVELOPMENT: No further development is envisaged. NOTES: This session does not extend to cover specialised rigging techniques, but concentrates on basic construction methods at any height in excess of 3 metres.

WORKING AT HEIGHTS - TRAINING NOTES

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WORKING AT HEIGHTS
High-rise construction is a major component of our work. Working several stories up in the air presents its own specific challenges, but with training in the safety rules, heights need never be unsafe. Regulation 21 states that "at heights of more than 3 metres, every employer shall take all practicable steps to ensure, in relation to every place of work under the control of the employer, that, where any employee may fall more than 3 metres a) means are provided to prevent the employee from falling, and b) any means so provided are suitable for the purpose for which they are to be used." This module discusses methods of managing the hazards which exist when working at heights. It also focuses on the use of equipment for minimising the danger of a fall.

WORKING AT HEIGHTS - INTRODUCTION

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WORKING AT HEIGHTS ... 1

"What are the hazards likely to be encountered?"

1. Wind. The higher you work, the stronger the wind seems. When conditions are considered dangerous, obviously work stops, but the sudden gusts can be dangerous to people and unsecured materials. Make sure both are secured. 2. Access. To get up high will usually involve ladders, and often involve dodging falsework, formwork and the like. Be alert to these hazards.

3. Over-reaching. Very common, and very unnecessary. For the sake of a few minutes in shifting a ladder or shifting position, people will try to stretch that little extra. Over-reaching means over-balancing.

4. Slipping and/or tripping. The jungle of reinforcing, falsework, scaffolding, formwork and everything else, is a hazard at ground level. Up high, the hazard is multiplied. Plan your movements - before you move.

5. Obstructions. The same jungle of "everything" is more often than not just at head height. Watch where you're going, and keep your hard hat on - at all times!!!

WORKING AT HEIGHT - HAZARDS

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WORKING AT HEIGHTS ... 2

"What other hazards are likely to be encountered?"
Yes - there are more.

6. Wet or frosty conditions. Ice, rain, dust, pollen or dew on a flat surface makes that surface slippery and hazardous. Take your time, and be sure of your footing before you go clambering around.

7. Strong sunlight. What - a risk? You bet it is! First, chances are the sun will be in precisely the wrong angle for you, and you'll be squinting - if not momentarily blinded. Second, that sun can create havoc with your skin. Sunburn and skin cancer are ever-present dangers. Remember, though - sunglasses are NO substitute for safety glasses! 8. Others working nearby. You need to be aware of what others are Doing particularly these that may be below you. Their actions may well affect you. Be a part of the team - keep your workmates advised of what you're up to. Isolate work areas where necessary.

9. Guardrails. Sometimes, a guard rail will seem to be in the way of your working. NEVER remove a guard rail - you may be aware it's missing, but someone else may not.

10. Falling objects. Keep your hard hat on - all the time. There is always the chance of a timber off-cut being blown over the edge of that slab above you.

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WORKING AT HEIGHTS ... 3

THE SAFETY HARNESS
Safety harnesses are used to minimise the effect of a fall. Obviously, they are only effective if they are worn, and are attached to an anchor via a lanyard or some other device. The harness should be manufactured to AS / NZS 1891, and identified by an individual serial number.

Lanyard attaches to this ring at the back, or front at chest height:

BACK VIEW: Harness put on over shoulders

FRONT VIEW: Leg straps and chest strap secured

Having clipped the harness on, you will need to adjust it to your personal body size snug, but not restrictive. The harness should be comfortable to work in. Too loose - you may fall out of it. Too tight - the discomfort may lead to its removal.

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WORKING AT HEIGHTS ... 4

THE SAFETY HARNESS
Means of attachment is by a lanyard: - Used to connect the harness to an anchoring point. - Maximum 2 metres in length. - Made from rope or webbing. - Equipped with a shock absorber, which limits the load on the wearer to 6KN. - Attached with the shock absorber closest to the harness. - Attachment devices at each end - these can vary, BUT must be double-acting.

Note that every harness has a "Use-By" date marked on it. No harness can be used if it is more than 10 years old, regardless of condition, and if a harness reaches that age, it is disposed of. (Of course, should the harness be stressed at all, it must be returned to the manufacturer for a thorough check before being used again.)

The shock absorber: Stitching

Looped webbing

The energy absorber will operate by progressively ripping the stitching as the shock load comes on, lessening the load on its wearer.

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WORKING AT HEIGHTS ... 5

THE LANYARD
An important elements are the connectors on the lanyard which secure you. There are four main types in use:

The snap hook. Note the safety latch which must be pressed in to allow the hook latch to be disengaged.

The carabiner. This device has a spring-loaded arm (shown on the right hand side) which has a pin that engages in a slot on the main shank (bottom right). By screwing the collar tight against the main shank, a perfectly secure connection is made.

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WORKING AT HEIGHTS ... 6

THE LANYARD
Carabiner hook Available in varying sizes, designed for connecting to structural members too large for carabiners or snaphooks.

Manulink. Made from stainless steel, complete with carabiner. An alternative to the hook or carabiner, and can be clipped around anysuitable structural member.

Retractable Lanyard. Used where a loose lanyard could be hazardous,.

Shock Absorber Lanyard. Uses a connector top and bottom, and prevents sudden stopping shock in the event of a fall. Overall length 2 metres.

Fall Arrest device Available in varying cable lengths It locks in the event of sudden movement. When using this type of device, is designed for vertical use only.

WORKING AT HEIGHTS - HAZARDS

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WORKING AT HEIGHTS ... 7

HARNESS ANCHOR POINTS
Any harness requires an anchor point which will provide security in the event of a sudden shock load resulting from someone falling and the harness taking the load. Anchorages must take 15 KiloNewtons per person. There are several points which must be noted to ensure anchor points are secure and safe as intended.

DO:
Use compatible hardware. Always make sure that the snaphook will fit the anchor point with plenty of room. If the snaphook is too small, use a carabiner.

Check the locking devices before use. Especially check the latching springs on snap-hooks, and the threads on carabiners.

Always use packing on sharp edges and corners. Prevent any chafing, cutting or other damage by using packing on the bearing edges.

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WORKING AT HEIGHTS ... 8

HARNESS ANCHOR POINTS
While safety harness systems are generally very safe, there are some possibilities for "clipping on" which are NOT safe, and you need to be aware of these.

DO NOT "clip back" on the lanyard using the snap-hook. This places a great strain on the latch mechanism, and in the event of a fall load, the latch could twist and fail. If clipping-back is necessray, use a purpose-designed lanyard. DO NOT use a carabiner with the load on the screwgate.

DO NOT allow a carabiner or snaphook to rest on an edge. Any loading could damage the latch or screwgate.

Pull down, and the latch could be damaged.

BEWARE OF "roll-out" of the rope or anchor. This can occur with small-diameter eye-bolts or ropes, when the snaphook rolls over them, and under some conditions the latch could become sprung. For this reason, single-action snaphook latches are not used.

Roll the snaphook further, and the latch could open.

DO NOT allow a carabiner to rotate so the load is no longer in line with its spine. The example shows how using several ropes can put the screwgate under load.

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WORKING AT HEIGHTS ... 9

THE PENDULUM EFFECT
Should someone suffer a fall from height, and they are attached to an anchor cable, they could find themselves in serious trouble UNLESS precautions are taken. The diagram below will explain:

2 3

1. 2.

3.

Working away happily, until.... Whoops - a fall over the side! The anchor cable starts to take the load, and already has appreciably dipped at the moving load point. Ouch! Our unfortunate flier could have either hit the ground, or hit some other solid object.

How to overcome this?

Use a second lanyard, to prevent too much movement. (This lanyard is addition to main lanyard!) in the WORKING AT HEIGHTS - HAZARDS PAGE 11

WORKING AT HEIGHTS ... 10

FALL CLEARANCE
The positioning of anchor points or lifelines becomes critical. The previous sheet showed the effect of a fall height which was greater than the clear distance. The importance of minimum fall clearance is developed here.

Lanyard length = 2.0m

Energy absorber length = 1.75m

Height of person = 1.75m

Allow 1.0m minimum clearance

Minimum fall clearance here is (2.0 + 1.75 + 1.75 + 1.0) = 6.5m. Where a lifeline is used, it becomes more complex:

Deflection

Lanyard length = 2.0m

Energy absorber length = 1.75m

Height of person = 1.75m

Allow 1.0m minimum clearance

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WORKING AT HEIGHTS ... 11

HARNESS CHECKLISTS
A simple inspection checklist of your safety harness will highlight any potential problems. A sample checklist is shown: OK WEBBING Cuts or tears Abrasion damage - especially where hardware contacts Damage from heat, corrosives or solvents Deterioration through rot, mildew or UV rays Distortion of hook or latch Cracks or forging folds Wear at swivel and latch pivot pin Open rollers Free movement of latch over its full travel Broken, weak or badly fitting latch springs (Note 1) No dirt or other foreign material (e.g; rust) Excess movement of the 'D' ring straight section (Note 2) Cracks where direction changes Distortion or other physical damage Reduction of ring thickness through wear Distortion or other physical damage Cracks and forging laps where applicable bent tongues Open rollers Broken, cut or worn threads Thread damage through corrosion, heat, mildew, etc. Cuts Abrasion or fraying Stretching Damage through heat, solvents, corrosives, etc. Deterioration through UV rays or mildew Physical damage Security of attachments to snap hooks, rings and similar. NO!

SNAP HOOKS

'D' RINGS

BUCKLES AND ADJUSTERS

SEWING

ROPES

CHAINS

NOTES: 1. Compare when possible with a new unit. 2. Should the belt, where it is wrapped around the 'D' ring, become creased or otherwise expose too much of the straight part of the 'D', it could prevent the snap hook from fully engaging, or allow the snap hook to "roll"free under extreme conditions. WORKING AT HEIGHTS - HAZARDS PAGE 13

WORKING AT HEIGHTS ... 13 EMERGENCY PLANS Rescue technique / Time

Research has shown that a person hanging unmoving in a safety harness can get into serious strife within minutes. The current time limit to achieve a rescue is 10 minutes, preferably a lot sooner. Why? Because a safety harness comprises, in part, two straps which go between your legs and carry most of the body's weight when hanging in a harness, the pressure points in your groin (one each side at the top of each inside leg, which are arteries close to the skin surface, may become constricted and slow down the flow of blood. In addition, lack of muscle movement reduces veinous blood being pumped back. Pooling of blood in the legs reduces the flow of blood to and from your brain, which could cause a loss of consciousness.

Pressure points affected:

The body's pressure points If you should find yourself hanging in a harness, try to get yourself into a sitting position. Shift your backside so you are sitting on the leg straps, and keep moving your legs . YOU WILL NOT SLIP OUT OF THE HARNESS DOING THIS. By taking the pressure off your blood supply, and maintaining muscle movement, you will reduce risk of blacking out.

Shift straps to under your thighs.

You will then see that time is a critical factor in rescuing anyone who has had a fall and is hanging in their safety harness. WORKING AT HEIGHTS - HAZARDS PAGE 14

WORKING AT HEIGHTS ... 13 EMERGENCY PLANS

Because of the short time a person may hang safely in a harness, a rescue plan is essential. You have a maximum of 10 minutes to rescue a fall victim. A considerable number of factors will affect the way an emergency plan is formed. These factors can include:

SELF-RESCUE

Do we train and maintain our own height rescue team? If so, what equipment will they need? If so, what training will they need? If so, who will be the key personnel?

FIRE BRIGADE

Can they do it? Do they have equipment to reach the uppermost heights? What is their response time? (remember 10 minutes MAXIMUM!) What equipment would they want us to have on site?

OTHER EMERGENCY SERVICES

Is there immediate access to a helicopter rescue service? Are there trained height rescue workers in the area? Can they be on site within six minutes?

FIRST AID

What is the response time for an ambulance? Should we have a specially trained First Aider on site?

THE OVER-RIDING NEED IS TO GET ANYONE HANGING IN A HARNESS TO A SAFE LOCATION WHERE THE HARNESS NO LONGER SUPPORTS THEM. THE RULE OF THUMB TO USE IS TEN MINUTES MAXIMUM, UNLESS THE PERSON IS CONSCIOUS AND ABLE TO ATTAIN A SEATED POSITION. EVEN THEN, SPEED IS OF THE ESSENCE. WORKING AT HEIGHTS - HAZARDS PAGE 15

WORKING AT HEIGHTS: ... 14 HAZARD MANAGEMENT

HAZARD IDENTIFICATION AND RISK ASSESSMENT Identify the hazards - for example, a fall - and assess the likelihood and consequences of each hazard. HOW TO ACHIEVE IT: ELIMINATION Eliminate the need to access the fall-risk area. SUBSTITUTION Provide alternative means of access to the work area which avoids the the risk of a fall. ISOLATION Isolate or secure the fall risk area so that it cannot be reached. MINIMISING Provide personal protective systems which either prevent a fall, or reduce the risk or severity of a fall, or in the event of a fall, minimises the risk of injury. In order of selection: FALL RESTRAINT Equip operators with personal restraint gear which will allow access to work areas without the risk of a fall. WORK POSITIONING Use safety devices such as stages, EWP's or maintenance gantries, OR support them by cable suspension harnesses so the risk of a fall is minimised. LIMITED FREE-FALL ARREST Provide personal free-fall systems which will not prevent a fall, but which will limit the distance and severity of a fall. FREE FALL ARREST Provide fall-arrest systems which will not prevent a fall but which will minimise the risk of injury in the event of a fall. EXCLUSION AREA: NO ACCESS Safety nets, harnesses, fall arrest equipment. Handrails, barricades, and covers. Alter the method of construction. Scaffolding, and/or elevating working platforms.

SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK

PROVISION FOR RESCUE

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WORKING AT HEIGHTS: ... 15 DESIGN OF ANCHORAGES

This section shows the way that design for anchorage points for static lines is to be carried out.
1. A harness must not subject its wearer to a load of more than 6kn in the event of a fall.

This is equivalent to a 600KG shock load on a 100-kg person. An arrested fall will induce in excess of 6KN, depending on the flexibility of the lanyard and /or anchor points. To ensure the loading is limited to 6KN (600kg for a 100-kg person), all lanyards should be fitted with shock-absorbing devices.
2. Anchorage points must be capable of taking a static load of up to 15KN. This includes all components in the fall-restraint system.

Eye bolts, shackles, static lines, chains and any other items which a harness may be clipped to, must meet this minimum requirement. Harness users will be advised what may, and what may not, be used. Harnesses and lanyards must comply with AS/NZS 1891, and will have tags confirming compliance fixed to them. No tag - no use!

IF YOU ARE NOT SURE ABOUT ANCHORAGES, OR ANY PART OF THE FALL RESTRAINT SYSTEMS, ASK! WORKING AT HEIGHTS - HAZARDS PAGE 17

WORKING AT HEIGHTS: ... 16 DESIGN OF ANCHORAGES

This page contains some of "the fine print" covering design requirements for anchorages and the like. In any instance of uncertainty, refer to AS/NZS 1891 Part 1. Note - these are NOT a summary of all design requirements, but indicate the scope of factors which must be taken into account when carrying out a design or planning.

Where work operations such as gas cutting, grit blasting or using sharp cutting tools is being carried out, precautions must be taken to prevent wear and damage to any of the equipment. Protection could include the use of short steel wire lanyards, protective covers around lines, or other measures.

The arresting force applied to a worker should a fall occur must be less than 6kn using a 2-metre lanyard with a personal shock-absorber. The lanyard or anchor line must be attached to the top dorsal or sternal position and where possible always attached above head height (within easy reach).

Static lines fixed between 2 horizontal fixings should be fitted with shock absorbing units to reduce the forces generated through a fall.

Anchorage points must have a minimum static breaking strength of 15kN including any sling, shackle, eye bolt, hook, chain or similar required to attach the anchorage line to the anchor points.

When using inertia reels (spring-loaded reels that fix to an anchorage), do notuse a lanyard because the anchorage line attaches directly to the harness.

All tools and other items shall be attached by a cord to the worker or the harness, unless another effective method is used to prevent falling hazards.

All suspension equipment must be individually identified and should be checked on a daily basis by a competent person. Many equipment items will have specific inspection and maintenance requirements and service records will need to be kept.

IF YOU ARE NOT SURE ABOUT ANCHORAGES, OR ANY PART OF THE FALL RESTRAINT SYSTEMS, ASK! WORKING AT HEIGHTS - HAZARDS PAGE 18

HOW WELL DID YOU DO?

This quick test has been designed to show you how well you have remembered the points covered in this session. Tick the answer which you believe is the correct one for each question.

1. What is notifiable work? Work over 50 metres in height. Work over 5 metres above the ground. Any work where a hard hat has to be worn. 2. What modifications can you make to your safety harness? Replace the cable with bungee cord. None at all. Punch extra holes for the buckle because of your growing girth. 3. What is the greatest danger from wind ? Blowing materials over the side. Blowing your hard hat off. Your mates will tell you to lay off the beans. 4. What is terminal velocity? The sound barrier. The maximum speed a falling body will reach. Foot to the floor in your rusty old HQ. 5. What is one easy way to stop your tools falling? Glue them to your gloves. Dont use them when working at heights. Use a simple wrist strap. 6. What is the greatest hazard with harness cables? They can be tripped over. They interfere with your radio reception. Youll get the job of tidying them up. 7. What is the danger in clipping a snap hook back to the safety line? It can be hard to undo at smoko time. The safety latch could be bent and may weaken. Youll be strangled if it tightens.

WORKING AT HEIGHTS - ASSESSMENT

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9. What is the problem in hanging in a harness? Birds may sit on you. You might not be seen for days. The blood supply can be disrupted. 10. How can you stop yourself falling? Tie yourself to your mate. Grow long fingernails to hang on with. Make sure your safety harness is both worn, and connected. 11. What is the first priority if things go wrong Get outta there!. Have a good emergency plan. Phone your lawyer.

Now check your answers with the correct answers which are on the next sheet.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Name:

............................................................... ...............................................................

Current job:

Score:

..................

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THANK YOU FOR YOUR CO-OPERATION.

Now lets find out how you did. Question: Correct Answer 1 Work over 5 metres above the ground. 2. None at all. 3. Blowing materials over the side. 4. They both fall at the same rate. 5. The maximum speed a falling body will reach. 6. Use a simple wrist strap. 7. They can be tripped over. 8. The safety latch could be bent and may weaken. 9. The blood supply may be disrupted. 10. The wind can get inside them and they act like a sail. 11. Make sure your safety harness is both worn, and connected. 12. Have a good emergency plan

If you got all answers correct- youre a safe operator. Well done! If you got 8 correct , you have done pretty well but need to pay attention to , those areas where your answer was not correct. Its your life were trying to protect here! If you got five right you can do better and will need to if you want to keep safe. ,

WORKING AT HEIGHTS - ASSESSMENT ANSWERS

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