Online Fall Protection and Fall Protection Arrest
Online Fall protection and fall arrest training are vital for any worker who is exposed to a potential fall hazard. The course covers the use of fall arrest and fall protection equipment, as well as the correct procedures for planning and carrying out work in a safe manner.
The course is available online and takes around 1-2 hours to complete. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a certificate that they can print off and keep for their records. The certificate is valid for three years.
The course is available on all devices, including laptops, smartphones, and tablets. It is also possible to retake the exam as many times as necessary.
What is Fall Protection?
Fall protection is a preventive measure taken by employers to ensure their employees are safe and secure when working at heights. It is an essential part of any workplace safety program and includes safeguards such as guardrails, safety nets, and personal fall arrest systems.
Fall protection equipment must be used to reduce the risk of serious injury or death from a fall. It is important to understand how to use the equipment correctly and to be aware of any applicable legislation and standards for using the equipment.
The safety of employees should always be a top priority in any workplace. Fall protection is an important aspect of any workplace safety program and one of the best ways to reduce the risk of falls from heights.
Employers need to understand their responsibilities when it comes to fall protection and ensure their employees have the correct training. Employers must also ensure the equipment they use is appropriate and compliant with the applicable legislation and standards.
Types of Fall Protection Equipment
There is a wide range of fall protection equipment available depending on the situation. The most important type of fall protection equipment is the personal fall arrest system which prevents the person from falling by suspending them in a harness if they slip.
Guardrails and safety nets are also important pieces of fall protection equipment. Positioning systems, such as lanyards, anchor points, and travel limits, are designed to limit a person’s fall and support them in a safe position if they slip.
Ladder safety systems such as ladder fall arrest systems, ladder restraints, and ladder cages provide support and additional safety for people working on ladders.
Workplace Hazards
It is important for employers to understand the potential hazards in the workplace and to take all necessary precautions to prevent accidents from occurring. Common workplace hazards include slips, trips, falls from heights, contact with equipment, and falling objects.
Employers need to assess the risks and provide the necessary protective equipment and training for their employees.
Employees must also be aware of any potential dangers in the workplace and take all necessary precautions to remain safe.
They should be aware of any safety procedures in place, such as fall protection, and have the correct equipment and training to ensure they can carry out their duties safely.
Employer Responsibilities
Under the law, employers are responsible for providing a safe working environment for their employees. This includes ensuring the correct equipment is available and suitable for the task, providing appropriate training and instruction, and ensuring employees are aware of any risks and how to protect themselves.
Employers must also carry out regular risk assessments to identify any potential risks in the workplace and take the necessary measures to reduce them.
Employers should also provide suitable supervision and guidance for employees who are working at heights or in a hazardous environment. There should be someone in authority available to assist in case of any accidents or incidents.
It is important for employers to understand the law concerning fall protection and to ensure their employees have the correct equipment and training.
Employee Responsibilities
Employees have a vital role to play in ensuring they are safe while they are working. Employees should always be aware of any safety procedures in place and should use the appropriate equipment and comply with any instructions and guidelines.
Employees should also understand their rights when it comes to fall prevention, such as the right to refuse to work in adverse conditions that promote a fall hazard.
If in doubt, employees should seek advice from their employer or a qualified health and safety expert.
CSA Regulations
The recently published standard CSA Z1009:22, Management of work at heights, provides an overview of steps organizations need to take to establish and maintain an effective work at heights (WAH) management program. It encourages a preventative approach, bringing work tasks to a safer ground level whenever possible, and sets requirements and recommendations for developing detailed WAH plans, work procedures, and training programs that outline roles and responsibilities at all levels of the organization.
OSHA Regulations
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), employers are required to provide employees with fall protection when they are working in elevated positions or areas.
The regulations include requirements for the use of guardrails, safety nets, and other fall protection systems. Employers must also ensure that all employees are trained in the proper use of fall protection equipment and the correct safety procedures.
Employers must also maintain and inspect their equipment regularly and carry out annual reviews to identify any potential risks.
ANSI Standards
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has developed standards for fall protection equipment, which must be complied with by employers. The standards cover the design, installation, use, and maintenance of fall protection equipment and also list requirements for user training and awareness.
The standards also list requirements for the inspection, testing, and certification of fall protection equipment.
Compliance with the ANSI standards is mandatory and employers must ensure they are in place to protect their employees from potential fall hazards.
Fall Protection Systems
Fall protection systems provide a secure anchorage point for securing workers. These systems include permanent anchor points, such as guardrails, that are installed in fixed positions, and portable or temporary anchor systems that are used for specific tasks.
The most common type of fall protection system is the guardrail system. This consists of a barrier that runs along the edge of the work area or platform, creating a barrier between the worker and the edge of the area.
Guardrail systems must be compliant with the relevant ANSI standards and must be inspected regularly to ensure they are in working order.
Guardrail Systems
Guardrail systems are the most common type of fall protection system and are designed to provide workers with a secure barrier between themselves and the edge of the platform or area they are working on.
The rails can be stationary or temporary, and the height of the guardrail must meet the relevant ANSI standards. Guardrail systems can be used as an effective fall protection system when used correctly and by ANSI standards.
Regular inspections must be carried out to ensure the guardrail system is in working order and fit for purpose.
Personal Fall Arrest Systems
Personal fall arrest systems are designed to prevent a person from falling from a height by suspending them in a harness if they slip.
The system consists of an anchorage point, a personal fall arrest system, and a connecting device, such as a shock-absorbing lanyard. Personal fall arrest systems must be installed and maintained.
What you will learn in the course
- How to properly put on a harness
- Dangers of working at heights
- ABC of the harness
- Fall restraint, prevention, and arresting systems
- Responsibilities
- Anchorage points
- Inspection of equipment
- OSHA and CSA-based training
When the online theory has been completed the employees will receive a license and wall certification. An evaluation of donning the harness must be completed.
