Identify and Evaluate Fall Hazards
Wherever possible, you need to try to eliminate fall hazards, but in many situations, you won't be able to do that.
Try to eliminate fall hazards whenever possible.
In these cases, the use of fall protection will be required.
Make sure you identify hazards that you can't eliminate and evaluate each one. The evaluation will help you determine appropriate fall-protection systems for your work site. Consider the following:
- What is the fall distance from the walking/working surface to the next lower level?
- How many workers are exposed to the hazard?
- What tasks and work areas are associated with the hazard?
- How will the workers move - horizontally, vertically, or in both directions - to do their tasks?
- Are secure anchorages available or can they be easily installed near the hazard?
- Are there other hazards near the work area, such as overhead power lines?
- How will workers be promptly rescued if they are suspended in a personal fall-arrest system?
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
5-3. What should be your first priority when identifying and evaluating fall hazards in the workplace?
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