Fall Protection Hierarchy

Interpreted Requirements

Templates, Examples

§          The following hierarchy, or preferred order of control, shall be used to choose methods to eliminate or control fall hazards. 

§          The Fall Protection Hierarchy shall be considered when designing fall protection solutions for both existing and new facilities.

§          The fall Protection Hierarchy is:

o         Elimination or Substitution - Removing the hazard or hazardous work practices.

o         Passive Fall Protection - Isolating or separating the hazard or hazardous work practice from employees or others.

o         Fall Restraint - Securing the authorized person to an anchorage using a tether short enough to prevent the person's center of gravity from reaching the fall hazard.

o         Fall Arrest - A system designed to stop an Authorized Person after a fall has begun.

o         Administrative Controls - Work practices or procedures that reduce the risk of a person falling.

General Requirements for Fall Protection Systems

Interpreted Requirements

Templates, Examples

§         All components used in a fall protection or rescue system for which requirements have been established in ANSI Z359.1 - 1992 (R1999) shall be:

o   Certified as conforming with the requirements, and

o   Be incorporated into the system in a way that is consistent with its manufacturer's instructions.

§         The design and installation of the following fall protection systems or components shall be performed under the direct supervision of a Qualified Person:

o   Fall arrest anchorages other than non-certified fall arrest anchorages, and

o   Horizontal Lifelines.

§         The adequacy of the fall protection system shall be demonstrated by:

o   Test, or

o   Engineering methodology performed in accordance with this standard.  All load cases and magnitudes of force which may be reasonably anticipated must be considered.  

§         When specific design loads are prescribed for particular systems or components in this standard or by other governing documents, the design loads shall be used as minimum requirements.

§         All fall arrest systems shall limit the maximum arrest force to 1500 pounds (6.7 kN) or less.

Design Requirements for Fall Protection Systems in New Facilities

Interpreted Requirements

Templates, Examples

§         When planning and designing new buildings or facilities, architects, planners, engineers, and designers, including the owner and managers of such facilities, shall:

o   Provide a safe design, and

o   Protect all workers and Authorized Persons who will be exposed to fall hazards during performance of their work, including construction, maintenance and normal work operation. 

§          Selection of a control measure shall follow the fall protection hierarchy.

§          Maintenance and Occupancy Phase fall protection issues shall be considered during the design phase.