FALL PROTECTION SAFETY, HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT FILE Date: 03-03-2017

PLAN Revision: 0

FALL PROTECTION PLAN

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Site: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

FALL PROTECTION PLAN

Work at height must be minimised and managed where there is a potential to fall two metres
or more, where a fall could result in a significant incident, or where there is the danger of
dropped objects from the work being performed.
To ensure compliance with the requirement of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and
Regulations 85 of 1993 as well as other relevant legislation such as SANS 10085-1:2004.
This procedure does not detract from, nor supersede, any of the requirements of the
Occupational Health and Safety Act as amended, or any other applicable legislation

Responsibilities

16.2

 As per appointment letter

 Is responsible for ensuring that the resources and facilities are available to carry out this
Fall Protection Plan

8.1

 As per appointment letter

 Are responsible for providing assistance during the audit, taking corrective and
preventative actions as agreed on, to close out all audits findings and to provide feedback
to the risk department.
8.7 / 8.8
 As per appointment letter
 Are responsible to communicate and inform personnel and contractors of responsibility of
this Fall Protection Plan and are responsible to ensure compliance.

Safety Officer
 As per appointment letter
 Will be responsible for the maintenance of the System in their area of responsibility and
will be responsible for presenting the necessary information on the request of an auditor.

Site Safety Rep

 As per appointment letter

 Are responsible for providing assistance during the audit, taking corrective and preventative
actions as agreed on, to close out all audit findings and to provide feedback to the Safety Officer.

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Employees

 As per appointment letter if applicable

 Employees are responsible to participate in the audit openly and honestly

Sub-Contractors

 All subcontractors who may be working under Vus Construction are responsible for
compliance to this Fall Protection Plan and associated instructions that pertain to this FPP.

Medical and Psychological Evaluations

Annual Medical Examination Procedure
 All workers shall undergo a medical examination prior to working at heights in order to
determine fitness of each individual.
 Workers must be in a possession of producing a documentary proof of such medical
examination when required. The medical shall comply with Annexure 3 of the
Construction Regulations of 2014.
Daily Medical Checks Procedure
 All workers that will be performing working at heights activities shall be physically fit to
work at height.
 The supervisor shall ensure that no employee under the influence on alcohol, or drugs, or
who’s on medication will be allowed to work at height.
 No pregnant employee shall be allowed to work at height.
Records Keeping
 All medical certificates and training there of shall be kept in the site safety file.

Specific Requirements
Measures to ensure Safety whilst Working at Heights:

No person shall allow or permit any person to work in an elevated position unless such work is
performed safely from a platform, ladder or scaffolding, or from a position where such person
has been made safe by the wearing of an approved safety harness.
No person shall allow or permit any person suffering from acrophobia (fear of heights), to work
in an elevated position.
Every person working in an area or position higher than 2,0 metres from ground or floor level
without a proper platform or footing must be secured by means of a safety harness anchored
to a fixed structure.
The hierarchy of control detailed below should be followed in selecting the best control
measure to manage the risk of falling or being struck by a falling object. The various control
measures are listed in order of decreasing effectiveness, so that measures closest to the top
should be adopted first wherever possible. All design of new plant and equipment must be
designed to minimise the need to work at height.
o Elimination – removing the need to work from heights e.g. bring the work to ground level.

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o Isolation – use of physical barriers to contain or enclose an area e.g. erect hand rails.
o Engineering controls – the use of temporary platforms to gain access to the job e.g.
elevating platforms or scaffolding.
o Administrative controls – to ensure that the other elements of the hierarchy of control are
effective e.g. training, warning signs and fall-arrest systems.
o Personal protective equipment – includes fall-restraint systems and fall-arrest systems.
All working at height equipment shall comply with relevant approved design standards and will
be SABS/EN approved.
All anchor points shall be such that the attachment is made at an elevation to ensure that fall
arrest occurs before hitting the lower elevation.
Anchor points shall be such that they are of the correct strength to be able to absorb shock
loading and suspend the load during fall arrest and must be capable of withstanding at least 15
KN.
Single person anchor points shall be such that it is secure and will not slip or slide to a lower
position.
Specific consideration shall be given to the weight of the person using the harness and the
design parameters shall be adhered to.
Where personnel are required to work within 2 metres of an opening or edge where they
could fall, they shall use personal fall restraint equipment, which will prevent them from falling
to a lower elevation.
Where there is potential to fall more than 2, 0 metres, personnel shall wear appropriate fall
arrest equipment. In such circumstances an approved full body harness shall be worn. The use
of body belts for fall arrest is prohibited.
All forms of portable and movable elevated work platforms and suspended work cages shall
conform to OHS Act standards and specifications. All personnel shall wear appropriate fall
restraint equipment when working in an elevated work platform that is above 2m.
Fall arrest equipment is not required when working from a properly constructed and
certificated scaffold with the requisite handrails and toe boards. However, in the event where
the risk assessment identifies a risk where a person can fall over the side of the scaffold during
use due to the task being performed such a person shall wear fall arrest equipment.
Training shall be carried out for the correct wearing and use of personal fall arrest and
restraint equipment and must include training on use of anchor points and safe attachment of
fixed lanyard to anchor points.
A documented risk assessment shall be conducted before the commencement of work and at
any time the scope of work changes or the risk of a fall increases. (As per Risk Assessment
checklist)
The risk assessment shall include:
o Consideration for the potential of objects as well as personnel to fall
o Selection of appropriate control measures using the hierarchy of controls
o The possibility for weather and other environmental conditions to influence the working
conditions – e.g. wind, rain, lightning, snow, dust, gases, poor lighting, temperature etc.
o Selection of appropriate equipment.

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o Selection of anchor and tie off points.

o Condition of supporting structures such as roofs.
o Fall clearances i.e. length of lanyard + tear-out distance + height of user + safety margin.
All equipment shall be fit for purpose and undergo pre-use checks an equipment register shall
be in place to indicate compliance with this inspection.
Where the work method requires detaching and re-attaching at height, (when 3-point contact
cannot be maintained) a dual lanyard system shall be utilised to ensure that at least one
connection point is maintained at all times.
Where the use of personal fall equipment is required, a person shall not work alone. There
shall be other personnel who can raise the alarm immediately should a person fall.
Barricading and warning signage should be placed on all lower levels where personnel or
objects may fall.
The site emergency response plan will include plans for the rapid retrieval of personnel in the
event of a fall from height.
Handrails may only be removed with permission from the Site Safety Controller.
No area where the handrail has been removed (and not barricaded) shall be left unattended by
the responsible person.

Risk Assessment
For all specified work at heights, a Risk Assessment is to be developed in consultation, by the
persons allocated to perform the work. The RA will determine the most appropriate form of
work platform or where a work platform is not practical, the alternative safe method of work.
Standard RA’s may be developed for routine jobs.

Establishment of Drop Zone

When overhead work is to be performed and there is a risk of equipment, materials or tools
falling from the elevated position, then a drop zone must be established below the elevated
position. The person carrying out the activity shall ensure the provisions set out here are
complied with.
The location of the overhead work shall be assessed, and an estimate and the extent of the
drop zone below, is to be determined with respect to:
o The height of the work above the lower level and
o The possible deflection of falling objects by pipes, structures or equipment in the area.
The drop zone may need to be cleared of all personnel and mobile or portable equipment and
static equipment to be protected in the event of falling objects.
Danger tape or Orange and yellow netting needs to be erected so as to completely surround
the drop zone. The height of the barrier shall be approximately one metre above ground level
and will be kept in place while the hazard is present.
If the overhead work is suspended for any period, (excluding tea or lunch breaks) the
equipment, materials and tools at the elevated workplace are to be secured and the barrier at
the lower level removed and the drop zone re-applied on the resumption of work.

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Where the overhead work is extended or moves outside the drop zone, the drop zone shall be
re-assessed and re-applied before work commences. The drop zone barriers shall be removed
on completion of the overhead work.

Use of Suitable Platforms

Where at all practicable, work at heights is to be carried out from within a suitably decked
structure with handrails. The minimum requirement is a fully decked work platform (at least
450 x 450 mm in size) that is fitted with an edge protection system (Kick Boards). Access to
work platforms is to be by ladders that are secured and rise 900mm metre above the deck or
platform.

Scaffolding
Erection of Scaffolding

Twin Place Trading and Projects shall ensure that scaffolding erection and dismantling is
conducted under the supervision of a competent person appointed in writing.
Persons erecting scaffolds shall use a fall-arrest/ restraint system in situations above 2 metres,
where it is not possible to maintain three points of contact with the scaffold, i.e. using two
hands to perform work. Take into consideration the fall clearance.
Persons who are competent to erect scaffolding by virtue of their experience, training, etc.
shall be appointed by the 16.2 in writing. Erection will be completed level by level from the
ground. Safe access will be ensured for the scaffold erector on each level before progressing to
the next level.
Areas where scaffolding is being erected or dismantled are to be properly barricaded off to
protect fellow employees and the public.
Scaffold standards should be properly propped against displacement and be secured vertically
on firm foundations
Only steel structures are allowed. Special scaffolding like suspended scaffolds or outriggers will
require special approval and risk assessment prior to use. Structures to be securely and
adequately braced in all directions
Scaffolding is to be secured at suitable distances to the structure to which work is being done,
unless it is completely free standing.
Structures to be so constructed that it has a throughout factor of safety of at least two
Scaffolding is to be so constructed that convenient and safe access is provided to every
platform.
Where the access is to be a ladder, the ladder to the first platform, up to a maximum height of
2 metres, can be mounted externally, with the ladder projecting at least 900mm beyond the
top of the platform, and provide safe access to the platform.
From 2 metres upwards, ladders to be mounted internally through access openings in the
working platforms, fitted with trap doors with handles.
Where scaffolding is to be erected in/around structures ladders may only be mounted on the
outside when internal ladders cannot be installed as a preferred option because of the design
of the scaffold around a specific structure.

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Approval of Scaffolding

Scaffolding that has not been approved, is being erected or has been rejected, should be
provided with a red scaffolding label indicating; “Unsafe to Use”
Scaffolding labels should be clearly visible, fully completed at all times and placed at every
stairway or ladder of the scaffold.
A green scaffolding label is to be attached to a scaffold, once it has been inspected and
approved by a qualified person, as safe to use, indicating that the structure is “SAFE TO USE”
The inspection must be carried out using a scaffold inspection checklist by the competent
person and signed off by the competent person before the scaffolding is used.
Regular inspections must be conducted by a qualified person at least once per week, but
additional inspections shall be recorded in the permit every time after poor weather, changed
conditions or changes to the scaffold.
All deviations on scaffolding must be reported and rectified. No substandard scaffolding shall
be used.

Working on Scaffolding

Personnel may only access approved green labelled scaffolding structures.

If working platforms contain openings that can be closed, then these should be closed before
commencement of work
Both hands must be used to climb ladders. Materials and tools must be carried in tool belts or
rucksacks or must be hoisted up to the working platform later, using a safe rope.
Scaffold platforms must be kept neat and tidy. Material or equipment that is not in use must
be removed immediately.
Cables and hoses must be tied out of the way and not be left lying on platform floors or
constitute an obstacle either when ascending or descending the scaffolding.
It is not permitted to use ladders or step ladders on working platforms.
During inclement weather e.g. rain, strong wind, or lightning all activities shall be suspended
and approval revoked.
Scaffolding may not be used for purposes other than a working platform. It is not to be used
for the location or attachment of hoisting gear.

Dismantling and Storage of Scaffolding

Personnel who are engaged in the dismantling of scaffolding structures, at a height that
exceeds 2 metres, and, who are not protected by safety rails or fences, should wear the
prescribed safety harness with a shock absorbing lanyard, hooked up to a safe place.
Dismantling of scaffolding structures must always be under the supervision of a qualified
scaffold erector. Dismantling will take place level by level from the top.
Scaffolding material should always be inspected after dismantling and damaged components
disposed of or repaired.
All scaffolding equipment is to be handed or lowered to ground level and not thrown down.

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Elevating Work Platforms

Approval of Elevated Work Platforms
All personnel operating an elevated work platform must be trained, found competent and
authorised in writing by the 16.2 to operate such platform.
Persons using a sky jack shall use a fall-arrest/prevention system and not leave the confines of
the platform edge protection unless the platform has been fully lowered or the person is
adequately secured /restrained.
Each operator must do a pre-use check as per the mine standard before putting the machine
into operation.
The machine may not be used in strong winds
No work may commence in the direct vicinity of overhead power lines, unless the lines are
switched off and locked out or the work is being done under direct supervision.
Care must be taken to prevent collision between obstructions and the platform to prevent the
Operator from being trapped or injured.
The sky jack must not be used as a crane or hoist for transporting of material or as a jack.
Care must be taken to prevent collision with objects that enter the sky jack’s operating area.
No person will work or travel through underneath the platform of the sky jack.
No one may interfere with the adjustment to the hydraulic circuit to set the machine to
operating speeds outside the range approved by the supplier.
The sky jack may only be used if it’s in good working order.
A suitable vehicle must be used to tow the sky-jack.
The sky jack may only be used when the stabilisers are fully extended and properly turned
down.
The sky jack must be released from the towing vehicle before operation may continue.
The operator is responsible to ensure that all wheel chocks are in place, outriggers are
correctly and safely placed, the pre-operating safety check is done and approved safety and
rescue equipment is fitted
An operator, trained in the use if the equipment, shall remain at the controls whenever the sky
jack is in use.
The sky jack shall be fitted with a lockout facility, which shall be locked at all times when not
being used.

Use of Ladders
Only ladders approved by the Site Safety Controller for Working at Heights shall be used.
All ladders shall be numbered, logged and inspected on a monthly basis.

Portable Ladders
Prohibit the use of portable ladders unless provision of a secure working area is not reasonably
practicable.

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The Site Safety Controller shall ensure every ladder is of sound construction and is suitable for
the purpose of which it is used and:
 No person shall use a ladder, or permit it to be used if it is defective in any way.
 Is fitted with non-skid devices at the bottom ends and hooks or similar devices at the upper
ends of the stiles which shall ensure the stability of the ladder during normal use or;
 Is so lashed, held or secured whilst being used as to ensure the stability of the ladder under
all conditions and at all times.
 Are not to be used on working platforms to gain height above the protected edge.
 To be used in the fully opened position
 To be of a length that ensures a person’s feet are not positioned any higher than the third
highest rung.
 Are not recommended to be used as a working platform
No person may permit-
 A ladder which is required to be leaned against an object for support to be used which is
longer than 9.0 metres.
 The reach of a ladder to be extended by fastening together two or more ladders. This
shall apply to extension of free standing ladders.
In the case of wooden ladders, the Site Safety Controller shall ensure –
 The ladders are constructed of straight grained wood, free from defects and with the
grain running in the length of stiles and rungs
 The ladders are not painted or covered in any manner, unless it has been established that
there are no cracks or other inherent weaknesses. Provided that the ladders may be
treated with clear varnish or wood preservative.
 Glass fibre ladders should be inspected, cleaned and sprayed lightly with a clear or
pigmented liquid or paste and waxed as prescribed by the supplier manual
 Aluminium or steel ladders should be inspected for rough burs and sharp edges, loose
joints and bolts, insecure welds and cracks. Hooks and locks on extension ladders must
be in good condition
 Frayed and worn ropes on extension ladders must be replaced.
When work is done from a ladder, the relevant worker shall:
 Take special precautionary measures to prevent articles from falling off
 Provide suitable sheaths or receptacles in which hand tools shall be kept when not being
used
 A person ascending or descending a ladder is not to carry any item of equipment or tools
unless in a shoulder strapped bag. Any other equipment and tools shall be hauled up
only after secured by a fall-prevention system
 Fall restrain equipment like a full body harness must be used when working at an
elevation of two metres or higher
 Fall restrain equipment anchor points shall be such that they are of the correct strength
to be able to absorb shock loading and suspended load during fall arrest

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Single and extension portable ladders are to:

Be pitched at a slope of not less than an angle of 1 horizontal to 4 vertical or more than an
angle of 1 horizontal to 6 vertical
Extend 1 metre above the surface where a person can gain access
Be secured against movement and supported from a firm, level, non-slip surface (person to
hold ladder while it is being secured)
Not to be used in access areas or within the arc of any door opening unless the access is
barricaded and signed and the doors guarded or securely blocked
When a single or extension ladder is used against a wall or flat surface, where it is not possible
to secure the ladder, an assistant shall foot the ladder all times. Only one person is to be on a
ladder and shall face the ladder having three points of contact with the ladder at all times until
secured by a fall-arrest system.
Where a series of ladders are used to gain access to an elevated surface, landing platforms
shall be provided at every 10 metre interval.

Fixed ladders and Stairways

A proper ladder way is to be used when the inclination from the horizon exceeds 20 degrees.
Where the inclination from the horizontal is more than 20 degrees and less than 70 degrees
the ladder shall not be continuous over a distance greater than 16 metres.
A fixed ladder which exceeds 5 metre in length and is attached to a vertical structure with an
inclination to the horizontal level of 75 degrees or more shall be provided with a cage which:
 Extends from a point not exceeding 2 metres from the lower level to a height of at
least 900 mm. above the top level served by the ladder and:
 Shall afford firm support along it’s whole length for the back of the person climbing the
ladder, and for which purpose no part of the cage shall be more than 700 mm. away
from the level of the rungs
 The rungs shall be at least 250 mm away from the structure to which the ladder is
attached
No ladder shall be fixed in an overhanging or cantilever position.
A steel wire rope ladder shall not be allowed to be used for climbing if the rope or strand is
kinked, knotted or contains broken wires.
Metal or wet wooden ladders conduct electricity and shall not be used when working on
electrical equipment.
All stairways with 4 risers or more shall be fitted with a handrail.

Fixed Ladder Registers

The Site Safety Controller shall be responsible for the regular inspection of all ladders.
All ladders shall be marked and numbered in a clear and legible manner.
All deviations on ladders shall be reported and rectified prior to further use.

Storage and Care of Ladders

Check the condition of a ladder that has been dropped or has fallen before it is used again.

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Ladders should be stored where they will not be exposed to the elements. Wooden ladders
should be kept in a well-ventilated location away from dampness and excessive heat. Store
straight or extension ladders in flat racks or on wall brackets. If long ladders are stored
horizontally, use enough hangers to prevent sag and warp. Return ladders to storage after use.

Mobile Machinery
All other aspects of this Fall Protection Plan shall be adhered to when working at heights on
mobile machinery.
When working on mobile machinery that does not afford adequate protection from falling 2
metres or more, a full body harness shall be worn.
The full body harness shall be connected to the machine such that it is capable of withstanding
at least 15 KN.
If there is no such anchor point available, then an approved anchor point shall be welded in a
practical position to which the harness can be attached.
If the lug or anchor point of the harness is on foot level and not above the head, (which is
ideal) cognisance shall be taken of the length of the lanyard of the harness to prevent a person
falling too far before restraint takes place.

Fall Arrest Systems

Where it is not practicable to work at heights from a work platform, a fall-prevention system or
a fall-arrest system shall be incorporated.

Use of Restraining and Fall-arresting Devices

A full body harness and a fall – arresting device system shall be used by persons working at
height when:
o They are working outside the guard railing or in an area where there is no railing (e.g. a
roof, on beams etc.)
o There is any risk of a fall from height.
No person shall wear a harness or any other fall-arresting device unless they have been trained
in their safe use.
Post Fall Recovery Plans should be considered before fall protection equipment is used, where
rescue may be difficult
o The installation of an approved lifeline system will be incorporated when employees will be
working on open edges on roofs or scaffolding where a possibility of a fall from heights
exists.
o The lifeline must be installed by a competent person to the required specifications as set
out in the Construction Regulations 2014.
o The lifeline must be fixed to secure anchoring points.
o Employees will receive proper instructions on the usage of the lifeline.
o The lifeline will be inspected upon completion of installation and then on a weekly basis or
when any changes are made to the lifeline by a competent person using the required
checklists.

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Suspension Trauma
Suspension trauma is a condition caused by orthostatic incompetence or intolerance (e.g.
following a fall), whereby a person suspended in a harness in a substantially upright position
may experience blood pooling in the legs. Depending on the susceptibility of the individual,
this may lead to loss of consciousness, renal failure and eventually death.
Although safety harnesses may save many lives and injuries, 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 application. Workers and emergency response personnel must
be trained to recognize risks of suspension trauma.

Four Phases of Fall Protection

Before the Potential 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 the task completion, workers may not modify it
(illegally) to make it more tolerable.
A second major point is the length of the attachment lanyard or, how far a worker falls before
he 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 movable safe anchor is one solution, but this option is only occasionally
available.
Workers should never be permitted to work alone whilst 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
foot straps or means for putting weight on the legs.
Harnesses should be selected for specific applications and must consider:
Compliance (convenience)
Potential arrest injury
Suspension trauma
Tie-off lanyards should be anchored as high and tight as work permits.
Fall arrest
The whole concept of fall protection is that worker s’ who fall, will be stopped by a 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 different advantages. An
attachment near the shoulder 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

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is somewhat protected if the legs and body precede it in the fall, but this offers some
disadvantaged after the fall arrest is completed.
After a fall –Suspension
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.
Workers shall be trained to try to move their legs in the harness and try to push against any
footholds.
Workers hanging in a harness should try to get their legs as high as possible and their heads as
close to the horizontal as possible (this is nearly impossible with many commercial harnesses in
use today)
If 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.
All personnel should be trained that suspension in an upright condition for longer than five
minutes can be fatal.

Recommendations on Harnesses
Try 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. However, a front
attachment means the arresting lanyard may be in the way for many work tasks. It should also
be noted that a front – near centre of gravity attachment point - could 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 harness for suspension can be the least
comfortable.
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.
For a worker who 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 it is dangerous) experience at hanging in the harness
they will be using.

Monitoring and Test

The appointed safety harness inspector shall conduct a monthly inspection for the safe
condition of ladders, scaffolds, elevated platforms and stairways.
All checks shall be performed in accordance with standards.
Load testing of the equipment will be performed by an SABS accredited Manufacturer or
Supplier and results recorded and kept on file, with the test certificates.
All safety shall periodically inspect equipment & countersign logbooks
The safety harness inspector / Supervisor shall ensure that proper action and follow-up is
taken on any deviations recorded.

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Training
 All employees that are going to be involved in fall risk training will undergo risk assessment
training and to address all risks related to the activity and ensure they are aware of the
methods they should do to mitigate the hazards prior the work is carried out.

Maintenance and Storage

Maintenance
 All equipment shall be washed in cold water, normally with laundry soap or mild soap
detergent should also be used as textile tends to become very dirty. When soap is used
the text must be rinsed thoroughly. No other chemicals may be sued to clean safety
harnesses other than the once specified above.
 It is recommended that a washing machine is used to wash the equipment. Suitable
steps must be taken (such as begging to prevent the metal items damaging or
becoming damaged when using a washing machine.
 All items must be hung out of direct sunlight to drip dry after washing. The scaffold is
well suitable for this purpose.
 Equipment should be washed in batches so that the specific serial numbers of kits are
washed. This is in case the markings are washed off. After washing and drying the
items must be inspected to ensure that identifying marks are still visible. If needed
these markings must be restored.
 Items with moving metal parts, such a karabiner, must be lightly oiled Q20 after
cleaning and checked for smooth working.
 Cleaning and subsequent inspection is the responsibility of safety officer.
 Any equipment that has been used for the period of 5 years shall be replaced with
immediate effect.
Storage
 No chemicals, acids, and alkalis (no chemicals may be stored with the fall arrest
equipment)
 To be not stored in largely dust and dirty area.
 To be not stored with sharp objects.
 The storage area should be well lit, but the light should be left off when work is not
taking place in the storage area.
 The equipment must be shielded from direct sunlight. The storage area must not be
subjected to extreme of temperature and to moisture (Cool, dry, and ventilated)
 All harnesses shall be inspected prior to issue and after use in order to determine the
condition of the equipment.

Rescue Plan and First Aid

 If a worker falls while wearing a safety harness with shock absorbing lanyard, & is
unconscious, He / She must be rescued an average of 18 minutes by competent rescue

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PLAN Revision: 0

technicians and first aiders. If not rescued within that short period of time, the patient
might sustain fatal health affects due to the suspension trauma.
 Make sure the unconscious suspended patient has no other injuries in the head
or hack due to the pendulum effect.
 If the patient is conscious & alert ask him or her to move his or her legs, body as
if they were biking, this prevents blood building up & becoming stagnant in lower
limbs.
 Patient should be lowered down with gravity usually by the help of cranes, & in
coordination accordance to the site specific rescue plan.
 Patient must be kept in semi – sitting position (Not flat) with knees bent for at
least 30 to 45 minutes unless the patient is unconscious the first aiders must
immediately apply CPR.
 Checks the regular airway, pulse, breathing, & bleeding or any other possible
injuries especially head & back.
 Medics to provide oxygen & the victim to be transferred to hospital for thorough
medical check-up.

Approved by 16.2 / Supervisor

________________________ __________________

Name Date

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