Scaffolding Fall Protection Requirements
Personal Safety Equipment | September 29, 2022
Shoring and access scaffolding systems are effective and reliable solutions for various commercial, industrial, and residential job sites. While the utility of these systems cannot be understated, it is crucial to ensure that every worker is sufficiently trained, equipped, and protected before they use any type of scaffolding. As a leading provider of quality scaffold system rentals, safety training solutions, and safety supplies, the team at United Scaffold Supply knows how important safety is for every project. That is why we have put together some information on scaffolding fall protection requirements to help project managers and workers understand what they need to stay safe on the job.
Read our scaffold safety checklist to ensure that your system is safe for use.
Required Fall Protection Training
Before purchasing safety equipment and using a scaffold system, workers must be properly trained and certified. There are two types of scaffold fall protection safety courses: general and industry specific. A general fall protection course provides workers with a solid foundation for safe operating techniques, but it does not cover many (or any) site-specific procedures. Industry-based courses focus on the challenges and procedures associated with the specific application (construction, window washing, etc.). This provides workers with more detailed knowledge that can be applied to their daily tasks. Fall protection training courses often cover:
- The manufacturer’s instructions (or a professional engineer’s instructions) related to the fall protection system and equipment.
- Proper methods of donning, adjusting, and interconnecting any personal protective equipment that is part of the fall protection system.
- The correct attachment points for equipment.
- Compatibility of components and potential limitations of the system.
- Anchor installation, use, attachment points, maintenance, inspection, strength, and layout.
- Site-specific fall protection procedures (if applicable).
- Fall protection plans and emergency response procedures.
Do you need to rent confined space equipment for your job?
Required Fall Protection Equipment
In BC, fall protection equipment must be used in areas from which a fall of 10 ft or more may occur. There are some exceptions to this rule, however, as some surfaces may be hazardous to land on regardless of the height. Most sites require the use of fall protection systems even if guard rails are in place to minimize the risk of a fall-related injury. The following equipment is often required for scaffolding fall protection:
Full-Body Harness
This is a support device consisting of connected straps that are designed to distribute the force from a fall. The harness is worn over the thighs, shoulders, and pelvis.
Lanyard
Lanyards are comprised of a flexible line of wire, rope, or webbing that is used to secure a safety belt or full-body harness to an anchor.
Lifelines
A lifeline is an additional connection between the worker and the anchor. Multiple lifelines can be used and attached to multiple anchor points to further reduce the risk of a fall. This can be especially useful for extremely tall scaffolding systems.
Each piece of equipment must be provided by the employer and meet applicable CSA or ANSI standards. In addition to equipment, an employer must ensure that operators are properly trained in how to use fall protection when on scaffolding.
For more information on fall protection equipment and scaffolding training, please reach out to the experts at United Scaffold Supply. We can be reached by phone at 1-866-820-6341 or through our online contact form and will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our services.
Shoring and access scaffolding systems are effective and reliable solutions for various commercial, industrial, and residential job sites. While the utility of these systems cannot be understated, it is crucial to ensure that every worker is sufficiently trained, equipped, and protected before they use any type of scaffolding. As a leading provider of quality scaffold system rentals, safety training solutions, and safety supplies, the team at United Scaffold Supply knows how important safety is for every project. That is why we have put together some information on scaffolding fall protection requirements to help project managers and workers understand what they need to stay safe on the job.
Read our scaffold safety checklist to ensure that your system is safe for use.
Required Fall Protection Training
Before purchasing safety equipment and using a scaffold system, workers must be properly trained and certified. There are two types of scaffold fall protection safety courses: general and industry specific. A general fall protection course provides workers with a solid foundation for safe operating techniques, but it does not cover many (or any) site-specific procedures. Industry-based courses focus on the challenges and procedures associated with the specific application (construction, window washing, etc.). This provides workers with more detailed knowledge that can be applied to their daily tasks. Fall protection training courses often cover:
- The manufacturer’s instructions (or a professional engineer’s instructions) related to the fall protection system and equipment.
- Proper methods of donning, adjusting, and interconnecting any personal protective equipment that is part of the fall protection system.
- The correct attachment points for equipment.
- Compatibility of components and potential limitations of the system.
- Anchor installation, use, attachment points, maintenance, inspection, strength, and layout.
- Site-specific fall protection procedures (if applicable).
- Fall protection plans and emergency response procedures.
Do you need to rent confined space equipment for your job?
Required Fall Protection Equipment
In BC, fall protection equipment must be used in areas from which a fall of 10 ft or more may occur. There are some exceptions to this rule, however, as some surfaces may be hazardous to land on regardless of the height. Most sites require the use of fall protection systems even if guard rails are in place to minimize the risk of a fall-related injury. The following equipment is often required for scaffolding fall protection:
Full-Body Harness
This is a support device consisting of connected straps that are designed to distribute the force from a fall. The harness is worn over the thighs, shoulders, and pelvis.
Lanyard
Lanyards are comprised of a flexible line of wire, rope, or webbing that is used to secure a safety belt or full-body harness to an anchor.
Lifelines
A lifeline is an additional connection between the worker and the anchor. Multiple lifelines can be used and attached to multiple anchor points to further reduce the risk of a fall. This can be especially useful for extremely tall scaffolding systems.
Each piece of equipment must be provided by the employer and meet applicable CSA or ANSI standards. In addition to equipment, an employer must ensure that operators are properly trained in how to use fall protection when on scaffolding.
For more information on fall protection equipment and scaffolding training, please reach out to the experts at United Scaffold Supply. We can be reached by phone at 1-866-820-6341 or through our online contact form and will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our services.