503 EM 385-1-1 SECTIONS 20-26

21.B.03 Competent Person for Fall protection.

1. Be trained to the applicable level, as described in Section 21.C;
2. Conduct a fall hazard survey to identify all fall hazards before End Users are exposed to those hazards;
3. Identify, evaluate and impose limits on the workplace activities to control fall hazard exposures and swing falls and communicate all limitations to all employees authorized to utilize the fall protection system;
4. Have the authority to stop the work immediately if it is determined to be unsafe and take prompt corrective measures to mitigate fall hazards;
5. Prepare, update, review and approve fall protection and prevention plans as directed by the Program Manager.
6. Review procedures as workplace activities change to determine if additional practices, procedures or training need to be implemented;
7. Ensure a rescue plan has been developed for all activities;
8. Specify in the fall protection and prevention plan, the fall protection systems, anchorage locations, connecting means, body supports and other equipment that End Users are required to use when exposed to a fall hazard;
9. Supervise the selection, installation, use and inspection of non-certified anchorages;
10. Verify End Users who work at heights are trained and authorized to do so;
11. Review, periodically and as needed, fall protection and prevention plan/rescue plan and procedures, to insure the End User is adequately informed about the fall protection and prevention plan/rescue plan and procedures for workplace activities;
12. Ensure prompt rescue of End Users can be accomplished via the rescue plan and procedures to be used;
13. Participate in investigation of all mishaps related to falls from heights;
14. Ensure all damaged or deployed fall protection equipment, is removed from service immediately;
15. Inspect all fall protection equipment at the frequency required by the manufacturer.

21.B.04 End User.

The End User must have understanding of workplace activities and follow the policy and procedures and the instructions of the CP regarding the use of fall protection and rescue systems and equipment. >See Section 21.C for training requirements. The End User must:

1. Bring all unsafe or hazardous conditions or actions that may cause injury to them or others, to the attention of the CP;
2. Properly use, inspect, maintain, store and care for their fall protection equipment and systems;
3. Inspect all fall protection equipment or damage or defects, prior to each use. End User must notify the CP of those problems and must not use that equipment.

21.B.05 Competent Rescuer.

The Competent Rescuer is responsible for anticipating the potential for planned rescue and ensuring effective rescue plan/procedures and methods are in place before End Users starts any work at heights. This function may be performed by local emergency services, in-house professionals, competent or qualified persons or contractor services. In addition, they must:

1. Be trained appropriately so they have a working knowledge through experience and training of current fall protection and planned rescue regulations, standards, equipment and systems. > See Section 21.C for all training requirements;
2. Prepare, update, review and approve the rescue plan and procedures before End
3. Users start work at heights;

7. Verify the rescue equipment is protected against damage;
8. Verify rescue plans, procedures, and performances are, at a minimum, evaluated annually and any deficiencies have been corrected.

21.B.06 Authorized Rescuer.

The Authorized Rescuers is responsible for performing and/or assisting in workplace rescues for personnel suspended in, or attached to fall protection systems. They must:

1. Through experience and training, have a working knowledge of and experience in the selection, use, storage and care of all equipment necessary to perform a rescue;
2. Inspect the rescue equipment according to procedures developed by the Competent Rescuer and ensure it is protected, in proper working condition, and safe for rescue use;
3. Trained to the appropriate level and must be aware of the hazards that may endanger the rescuer during rescue operations. >See Section 21.C for Authorized Rescuer training requirements.

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