What is the purpose of Weber State's fall protection program?
The purpose of Weber State's fall protection program is to establish standard operating procedures to protect employees who work in high areas.
Employees are required to use fall protection systems when they:
- Work in areas which are six feet or higher than surrounding levels
- Work with electrical transmission or distribution equipment
What are fall protection systems?
Fall protection systems are devices which prevent employees from falling to lower levels, or which catch them after they fall. There are six types of recommended fall protection systems:
- Guardrails - which prevent employees from falling to lower levels. Standard guardrails have top rails that are 42" high, intermediate rails, and toe boards.
- Personal Fall Arrest Systems - which catch workers after they have fallen. One of these devices consist of a body harness, a lanyard, a lifeline, and an anchorage point capable of supporting at least 5,000 lbs.
- Safety Net Systems - catch workers when they fall. These systems consist of nets installed beneath work areas.
- Safety Monitoring Systems - which use competent persons to monitor workers performing on elevated surfaces. Monitor are responsible for recognizing fall hazards, and warning the workers.
- Warning Line Systems - which use barriers of ropes or lines installed on rooftops to warn employees they are approaching unprotected roof sides or edges.
- Positioning Device Systems - which consist of body belts or harness systems rigged to support employees on elevated vertical surfaces, so they can use both hands to perform their duties.
Are there circumstances when employees are not required to use fall protection systems?
Employees working from the following equipment are not required to use fall protection systems:
- Scaffolds
- Ladders
- Stairways
- Derricks
- Cranes