b'OPERATIONS AND SAFETYpotentially partner with a fall protection expert to certify the Fall protection training: Review of the training provided to anchorages.the authorized and competent persons involved in the use of the system.Focus on proper use of fall protection equipmentFor example, how much of your training is hands-on? For all individuals working at heights, fall protection equipment misuse continues to be a significant safety challenge.Benchmarking your fall protection programDespite the advancements made in equipment technology and related training, fall protection equipment is not intuitive andWhile OSHA is focusing heavily on fall protection, the can be easily defeatedunknowingly much of the time.regulations still dont provide prescriptive answers on how to best manage a comprehensive fall protection program. The ANSI No matter if a fall protection system was installed twoZ359.2 standard was reissued in 2017 and is no longer just weeks ago or two decades ago, its sole purpose is to save afocused on general industryand now conveys industry best falling worker. Thats why it is critical to have active systemspractices for construction as well. certified and re-certified regularly. Changes in personnel and environments, which happen in every workplace, can renderOSHA regulations tell you what active systems ineffective and unsafe.needstohappen,theANSI For a variety of reasons, recent inspections have revealedstandards provide information inadequate systems that would have suffered catastrophic failure in the event of a fall. This is why the fall protection industry on howincluding guidelines from OSHA and ANSIare moving toward certified systems, rather than just viewing fall protectionMany organizations have found that they can benchmark equipment as individual components.their fall protection program with the Z359.2 standard, which provides significantly more guidance on program elements. With a certified system, the following aspects need to beWhile the OSHA regulations tell you what needs to happen, consideredwhich extend beyond just inspecting to ensurethe ANSI standards provide information on how to develop equipment components are in working order: and maintain an effective fall protection program. Although Overall assessment of the fall protection system: Is thefollowing ANSI isnt a compliance requirement, organizations current fall protection system appropriate for the hazardscan find assurance that they will be compliant with OSHA if identified?they follow the guidance provided in ANSI. And, the ANSI For example, do you know the arrest distance for leadingrequirements provide a better strategy for managing risk in your edge SRLs (SRL-LE) are often 14-20+ feet? In either case,organization.how does this compare against the clearance you haveSome of the key aspects of the Z359 standard that assist available? organizations in improving a fall protection program include: Anchorages: Evaluation of the condition and capacity of theCreating an overall strategy for protecting your workers at structural support for the fall protection system.heightFor example, how do you know whether the anchorageProviding details that allow you to get beyond OSHAs will support the forces of your fall? In either case, are youbroad requirements (assessments, training, certified systems, willing to bet your life on it?etc.) Fall protection equipment: Results of the competentDefining roles and responsibilities, along with training person inspection, to ensure that equipment is functional,topicscompatible and in good condition.Outlining requirements and details for fall protection For example, how often do you perform buddy checksprocedureson one anothers equipment fitting?And, have you ever suspended in a harness before? With the ongoing focus on fall protection for both OSHA Fall protection use and rescue procedures: Review ofand building owners, roofing contractors will benefit from procedures to ensure they are functional and being used sounderstanding the new regulations and helping their clients that the fall protection system functions in accordance withapply the new rules during roofing projects. In addition, original design. focusing on proper equipment use and meeting ANSI Z359 standards improves a contractors overall fall protection program For example, what do your procedures require for rescue? and makes them a more attractive partner for clients that focus How confident are you that rescue will come in a timelyon safety performance.manner?www.mrca.orgMidwest Roofer 43'