Did you know fall hazards killed more workers in the construction industry than any other type of incident in Washington area during the years of 1998-2005. They account for 40 out of one hundred and fourteen , or thirty percent of construction deaths . The workers fell from ladders, scaffolding, roofs, unguarded building edges. And through roof , floor openings and skylights.
Did you know on any given day, a trip to any work site in the country will unveil fall protection product being used that is possibly dangerous because of wear, neglect, misuse or age/exposure. The combination of fall hazards not addressed and ignored fall protection equipment is deadly.
As stated in WAC 296-24-88050(6), personal fall arrest systems must be on a regular basis inspected. Any component with any significant defect, such as cuts, tears, abrasions, mold or overdue stretching; alterations or additions which could impact its efficiency; damage due to deterioration, contact with fire, acids or other corrosives; distorted hooks or faulty hook springs; tongues unfitted to the shoulder of buckles; loose or damaged mountings; non-functioning parts; wearing or internal deterioration in the ropes must be withdrawn from service immediately , and should be labeled or marked as unusable, or destroyed. WHEN IN QUESTION THROW IT OUT !
Please note each product in your fall arrest system will have particular inspection criteria and required inspection dates. For example full body harnesses have tags like these pictured at:
http://www.osha-safety-regulations.com/fall-protection/fall-arrest-systems-must-be-inspected-regularly
Each tag gives instructions for right on fit, safe fall clearance distances and an inspection grid, that has the serial publication number of product . These tags are also clearly marked DO NOT REMOVE LABEL. You must inspect your harness and lanyard before each use; it takes all of three minutes. A competent person must inspect your harness and lanyard every six months and mark or poke your grid on the tag. Don’t forget to mark your initial date of service you put it into use. This is very important if you purchased fall protection equipment and it sat on the shelf in your warehouse for 18 months. We always mark our harnesses with DOS (date of service): and the date, so there is no question when these components went into service.
It clearly states in the ANSI A10.32-2004 service life of fall protection equipment manufactured of synthetic fiber shall be 5 years unless otherwise specified by manufacturer. (from date of 1st use DOS ) and Semi-annual product inspection is the law . Who’s responsible for inspection and proper use ? It’s the employers responsibility. Adopt a smart policy; train your workers , inspect your equipment, review job site hazards and have a fall protection plan. Safety Training Works, Inc. can help you with Site Audit(s) .
If you need more information regarding fall protection or more information concerning Fall Arrest Systems call our Office: (503) 356-0403 Ext. 210 (Oregon) or (425) 531-2246 (Washington). We also have open enrollment training in Beaverton, Oregon by calling Safety Training Works, inc. or we can also schedule on site training if that is more convenient for your company and workers. We service statewide in bot Oregon and Washington. Visit our website at: http://safetytrainingworks.com or our on – line store at: http://safetytrainingworks.biz.
