Why do you need a site specific fall protection plan?
Although your company has a Safe Work Practice for Fall Protection, there may be instances where a job specific fall protection plan is required. Some of those circumstances may be;
- If the client that you’re working for requests a site-specific fall protection plan
- The work at heights is different than work already identified in your safe work practice
- The job requires an assessment of the area for fall risks/hazards
What should a job specific fall protection plan include?
- The job details, location, start date, length, etc.
- Contact information for supervision and emergency personnel
- Site specific hazards noted at the work location (completed by supervisor prior to writing plan)
- The type of fall protection system to be utilized (restraint, arrest, control zone, etc.)
- Fall protection/arrest equipment inspection (pre-job inspection and ongoing pre-use inspections)
- Control zone set-up diagram, if applicable
- Ladder or other access method set-up description
- Fall protection system assembly procedures
- Rescue procedures
Once the site-specific fall protection plan is complete, it must be approved by management and then reviewed by workers involved in the task. Whether a fall protection safe work practice is utilized or a site-specific fall protection plan, it’s important that the hazards are assessed. The best method for the protection of the workers that is reasonably practicable is the method that should be selected. And remember, ignorance is no defense!
