Working From Heights

KEEP SAFETY IN SIGHT WHEN WORKING FROM HEIGHTS!

What are proper tie-off / anchor points for fall protection?

In the past, multiple safety observations have been made where people were not properly protected from a fall hazard.  We have multiple job tasks in pipe racks, on support beams, using ladders and in work areas that were 6ft or greater above ground level.

The most frequent observations are:

• Tied-off near ankle level when an overhead tie-off was available.
• Not using proper anchor points (i.e. insubstantial anchorages, aluminum conduit, etc.)

When fall arrest equipment is used to protect you from striking a lower surface, placement of the anchor point is critical because:

• You are relying on the anchorage to withstand thousands of pounds of shock.
• The anchorage must be positioned so that you will not come into contact with any lower surfaces even if the fall protection device is fully deployed as the result of a fall.

Always select an anchor point, which is as high as practical. The higher the anchor point the less the fall distance if an actual fall occurs and the fall protection equipment becomes deployed.