The most effective way to protect our employees from falls is to eliminate the hazard through design if reasonable and feasible. Second, is the use of a collective system that requires employees to work in a safe manner, and third is personal fall protection that requires employee participation.
Collective systems do not require the worker to do or wear anything extra. They work all of the time and in all conditions once they are installed. Examples: Stairways, guardrails, platforms. At a minimum, all collective systems shall consist of a guard rail of a 42” minimum height, 21” mid-rail, and a 4” toe-board.
Where hazards cannot be designed out of a work space, and where collective systems are not feasible, access to work above ground level can be provided by the following equipment, man-lifts (JLG, scissors lift, lift truck platforms), scaffolding, and lastly ladders. All of these methods carry their own hazards which can be lessened through proper use and precautions. For all work over 6’ off the ground (as measured at foot level), all of these methods require the use of supplemental fall protection including full body harness / lanyard. All of these methods also require periodic inspections to insure safe use. At the Acheson Port Huron Site, Ladders are considered the least safe method for accessing overhead work. All other methods should be reviewed prior to using a ladder.
EXP Integrated Compliance Management Systems provide all of the necessary tools to implement comprehensive world-class QEHS and GRC programs.
