Fall Protection

Preface

This policy is designed to provide a standard operating procedure for the recognition of a fall hazard and the use of protective equipment. Although Bodine is not directly involved in the construction or erection of buildings or sites, personnel may be required to work elevated areas where fall hazards exist.

Equipment

All personnel who may work in elevated areas will be issued harnesses and lanyards. Upon hiring and annually thereafter, personnel will receive training on the use, operation and inspection. Body belts will not be issued or permitted for use.

Other fall protection equipment include self retracting life lines, beam anchors, pass through tie off adapters, tripods, carabiners and in some cases winches.

All employees are responsible for the condition of their equipment. Equipment misuse or abuse may significantly reduce or eliminate its effectiveness. Altering or abusing equipment will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Bodine will only purchase fall protection equipment from manufacturers who ensure compliance with current standards and regulations.

Mandatory Equipment Specifications

• Lanyards will have a minimum breaking strength of 5000 pounds.
• Self-retracting lifelines and lanyards which automatically limit free fall distance to two feet or less shall be capable of sustaining a minimum static tensile load of 300 pounds.
• Anchorages to which personal fall arrest equipment is attached shall be capable of supporting at least 500 pounds per employee attached.

Equipment Inspection

Prior to use, all fall protection must be inspected. Any component with any significant defect such as cuts, tears, abrasions, mold, undue stretching, alterations, damage due to deterioration, contact with fire, acids, or other corrosives, distorted hooks or faulty hook springs, tongues unfitted to the shoulder of buckles, loose or damaged mountings or non functioning parts must be removed from service and disposed of or destroyed.

All equipment defects or damage must be reported to the Safety Manager immediately for replacement.

Use

Prior to working at elevated heights, the work area must be evaluated for fall hazards so that the proper equipment requirements, other than the lanyard and harness, can be determined to ensure the safest possible operation.

Tie-offs must be at such a height to limit free fall to no more than two feet. If work requires the use of a motorized lift or scaffolding, every attempt should be made to secure to a tie off point at least two feet overhead.

Floor and wall openings, which are not normally exposed, shall be covered or properly barricaded at all times.

Host employers or construction contractors are required to have fall prevention plans in place. They are required to inform all other personnel or sub contractors of the requirements of the plan. Bodine personnel are required to follow such plans to ensure compliance and personal safety.

Failure or neglect to use fall protection equipment when it is required will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.