When the leaves start changing color, and the breeze gets slightly nippy, we can feel that fall is in the air. Do you know what else it brings? A spike in the workplace accident rate.
With the season change, workers forget about the associated risks. Many safety tips are seasonal. Our workplace safety guidelines are no different.
Read on to learn more about the ABC of fall protection.
Types of Protective Gear
The ABC of Fall Protection is a quick guide for workplace safety. It outlines the basics of protecting workers from falls while on the job. Protective gear is an integral part of this system.
The most common types of protective gear are hard hats, eye protection, harnesses, lanyards, and lifelines. Hard hats protect the head from falling debris and other objects. Eye protection prevents hazardous particles from entering the eyes and is especially important when working in an area with moving parts.
Harnesses and lanyards can be combined to restrain a worker from reaching dangerous areas and possibly falling. A lifeline is a rope or system of cables and anchors to keep the worker attached to a secure spot.
You can also use Spectra for additional protection. This is used for abrasion and cut resistance, and it ensures that you are fully protected when you are working.
Safety Rules and Regulations
Fall protection is an essential component of workplace safety. The ABC of Fall Protection includes Awareness, Barriers, and Connectors. Awareness is the first step to fall protection safety.
Employees must be aware of the risk of falls and take the necessary steps, like using the following:
- guardrails
- lifelines
- protective equipment
Barriers must be put in place to prevent falls from happening in the first place. Connectors can be used to connect fall protection equipment and ensure the system is secure. Remember, it is essential to follow safety rules and regulations regarding fall protection.
Employers must ensure their workers have the proper training and understanding of workplace safety protocols. They must also make sure the safety equipment is regularly inspected and maintained.
Different Fall Protection Classes
Class A Fall Protection provides the most components and best suits employees working from heights above 6 feet. This type of protection must include a full-body harness, two shock-absorbing lanyards, and a secure anchor point.
Class B Fall Protection utilizes tie-off systems that restrict workers’ movement when accessing elevated areas and require only a single body-worn connector. This type of Fall Protection must also include a secure anchor point.
Class C Fall Protection is the least restrictive of the three, including guard rails, safety nets, ramps, and stair rails. It does not require a full-body harness or other body-worn devices.
All three classes offer protection against the hazards of working at heights but having a quick guide like the ABC of Fall Protection can ensure workplaces are up-to-date on the current standards and regulations for optimal safety.
Understanding the ABC of Fall Protection
Fall protection is essential for workplace safety. Companies must ensure they take the necessary steps to protect their workers and support them in practicing safety.
Make sure to use this guide to understand the ABC of fall protection and how to ensure it is present in the workplace.
To learn more helpful tips, check out the rest of our site today!
