Working from Scaffolds

1. Scaffold platforms must be fully planked.
2. Guardrails consisting of a top rail, mid-rail and toe board are required wheneverthe working platform is 2.4 metres (8 feet) or more above floor level.
3. Wheels and casters must be locked when personnel are working on the scaffold.
4. If the scaffold is more than 2.4 metres (8 feet) high, it must not be moved withpersonnel on it unless:
   1. they wear full body harness with lanyard and shock absorber tied off to anindependent fixed support, and
   2. the floor is firm and level.

Working from Ladders

A worker must wear a full body harness with lanyard and shock absorber tied off toeither an independent fixed support or a lifeline whenever the worker is:

1. 3 metres (10 feet) or more above the floor, or
2. above operating machinery, or
3. above hazardous substances or objects.

Working from Swing Stages

A worker must wear a full body harness with lanyard and shock absorber tied off to:

1. an independent lifeline, if the swing stage has only two independentsuspension lines, or
2. the swing stage, if it has four independent suspension lines (two at eachend)

Working Beside Unprotected Openings and Edges

A worker must wear a full body harness with lanyard and shock absorber tied off toan independent fixed support whenever the worker is more than 3 metres (10feet) above the next level or whenever the worker is above operating machinery,hazardous substances or objects regardless of the possible fall height.

Full Body Harnesses, Lanyards, and Shock Absorbers

1. All full body harnesses, lanyards, and shock absorbers must be CSA-certified. Lookfor the CSA label.
2. Full body harnesses must be snug-fitting and worn with all hardware and strapsintact and properly fastened.
3. Lanyards must be 16 millimetre (5/8") diameter nylon or equivalent.
4. Lanyards must be equipped with a shock absorber.

Lifelines

All lifelines must be:

1. 16 millimetre (5/8") diameter polypropylene or equivalent;
2. used by only one worker at a time;
3. free from any danger of chafing;
4. free of cuts, abrasions and other defects;
5. long enough to reach the ground or knotted at the end to prevent thelanyard from running off the lifeline; and
6. secured to a solid object

Rope Grabbing Devices

To attach the lanyard of a full body harness to a lifeline, use a mechanical ropegrab that has been CSA-certified. Look for the CSA label.

Type of Fall Protection System/Equipment to be utilized:

• Standard guardrails
• Scissor lift
• Safety harness and lanyard
• Safe job procedures
• Safe work practice

Method for prompt safe rescue of an injured worker:

1. Ladders on site
2. Emergency personnel ambulance dial 911

The rescue of a worker who has fallen and is being suspended in his/her safety harness needs to be undertaken as quickly as possible for several reasons:

1. The worker may have suffered injuries during the fall and may need medicalattention.
2. Workers suspended in their safety harness for long periods may suffer from bloodpooling in the lower body and this can result in “suspension trauma.” (Seeattached information on treating suspension trauma – have this available on site toprovide to First Aid team and to external emergency crews.)
3. The suspended worker may panic if they are not rescued quickly.
4. The event that led to the fall may create additional risks that need to be addressed.

General Rescue Procedures:

A.If Elevating Work Platform is available on site:

• Bring it to the site and use it to reach the suspended worker.
• Ensure that rescue workers are protected against falling.
• Ensure that the EWP has the load capacity for both the rescuer(s) and the victim.
• If the victim is not conscious, 2 rescuers will be probably be needed to safely handlethe weight of the victim.
• Position the EWP platform below the worker and disconnect his lanyard when it issafe to do so.
• Treat the victim for Suspension Trauma and any other injuries.
• Arrange for transport to nearest hospital.

B.If no Elevating Work Platform is available:

• Where possible, use ladder(s) to reach the victim.
• Rig separate lifelines for rescuers to use while carrying out the rescue from theladder(s).
• If worker is not conscious or cannot reliably help with his/her own rescue, at least 2rescuers may be needed.
• If worker is suspended from a lifeline, where possible, move the suspended victim toan area that can be safely reached by the ladder(s).
• If victim is suspended directly from his/her lanyard or from a lifeline, securely attacha separate lowering line to the victim’s harness.
• Other rescuers should lower the victim while he/she is being guided by the rescueron the ladder.
• Once the victim has been brought to a safe location, administer First Aid and treatthe person for Suspension Trauma and any other injuries.
• Arrange for transport to nearest hospital.

C.If the injured person is suspended near the work area and can be safely reached from thefloor below or the area they fell from:

• Ensure that rescuers are protected against falling.
• If possible, securely attach a second line to the workers’ harnesses to assist in pullingthem to a safe area. (Note: at least 2 strong workers will be needed to pull someoneup.)
• Ensure that any slack in the retrieving lines is taken up to avoid slippage.
• Once the victim has been brought to a safe location, administer First Aid and treatthe person for Suspension Trauma and any other injuries and arrange for transportto the nearest hospital.