Quick Start Guide
Chapter 30: Fall Protection Program

Program: Fall Protection Program
Revised 10/12
URL: http://www.lbl.gov/ehs/pub3000/CH30/CH30.html
Revision Record: http://www.lbl.gov/ehs/pub3000/Pub3000Changes.html

Who needs to know about these requirements?

The requirements of the Fall Protection Program apply to:

• Berkeley Lab employees, construction contractors, nonconstruction subcontractors, vendors, and affiliates

Whenever they are:

• Working on any walking or working surface having an unprotected side or edge that is 6 feet or more above a lower level.

  This includes leading edges, roofs, tanks, manholes, unguarded machinery, aerial lifts, ladders, slopes steeper than 2:1 (horizontal to vertical) hillsides, roofs, and surfaces with open holes or skylights.

Why?

Inadequate fall protection may lead to:

• Potential injury or death.

Note: Falls are the leading cause of death and injury in construction occupations.             

What you need to do before performing work:

1. Define work/protocols.
2. Analyze hazards. Perform risk assessment.
• Workers who work at heights higher than 6 feet are required to follow the work processes listed in Section 30.7, Required Work Processes.
• Contact an LBNL Fall Protection Competent Person using the EHSS Division “Whom to Call” directory to obtain assistance in selecting the best work controls for work involving fall protection.
3. Develop controls.
   • Fall-protection work controls and equipment include guardrail systems, safety net systems, personal fall-arrest systems, or other fall-protection measures such as the use of platform ladders. For more information, see Work Process E, Work Control Requirements) and Work Process E.3, Work Control Processes, of PUB-3000 Chapter 30.
   • After your fall-protection system has been selected, inspect your PPE (if used) and follow the work controls specified to ensure your safety. See Work Process B, Fall Protection Equipment Procurement, and Work Process F, Fall Protection Equipment.

Where to find out more:

• LBNL Health and Safety Manual (PUB-3000), Chapter 30, Fall Protection Program

Whom to contact for help:

• For assistance with fall protection controls and systems, Berkeley Lab employees, construction contractors, and nonconstruction subcontractors, vendors, and affiliates should contact LBNL Fall Protection Subject Matter Expert Matthew Rice: ext. 7512 or 510-708-1113 (cell).