Title: Fall Protection Standard BOS-SHE-003

FALL PROTECTION STANDARD

Purpose and Scope

This SH&E standard is intended to prevent injuries associated with work activities at
elevated heights in all Cabot locations including laboratories, office buildings, warehouses
and manufacturing facilities worldwide. Where Cabot employees and/or contractors may be
required to work at elevated heights, facilities shall comply with the requirements of this
standard, and any local regulation, whichever is more stringent.

Key Requirements
Develop a written program to include:
 Fall protection identification and hazard evaluation
 Methods to ensure that the minimum requirements established in this standard are
met
 Scaffold permit system
 Hazard-specific fall protection procedures for routine tasks
 Safe work permits for non-routine tasks involving work at height
 Training and communication
 Contractor management
 Emergency rescue

Definitions
Anchorage - A secure point of attachment for lifelines, lanyards or deceleration devices.
Barricades – Barriers placed around and/or beneath the perimeter of the work area to
ensure unauthorized personnel do not enter the work area.
Body Harness - A group of connected straps which are secured about the employee in a
manner that will distribute the fall arrest forces over at least the thighs, pelvis, waist, chest
and shoulders with means for attaching it to other components of a personal fall arrest
system. Note: Body belts are not approved for use in Cabot facilities.
Competent Person - A person who is capable of identifying hazardous or dangerous
conditions in any personal fall arrest or restraint systems or any component thereof, as well
as in their application and use with related equipment. This individual is also in charge of
any fall protection rescue plans, which may be needed as required by this standard.
Connector - A device used to connect parts of a personal fall arrest and positioning device
system.
Deceleration Device - Any mechanism with a maximum length of 1 meter, such as a rope
grab, rip stitch lanyard, tearing or deforming lanyards, or self-retracting lifelines, which
serves to dissipate a substantial amount of energy during a fall arrest, or otherwise limit the
energy imposed on an employee during fall arrest.
Elevated Height – Any work area 6 feet (1.8 meters) or more above a protected work
platform or adjoining surface.
Energy Shock Absorber - A device that limits shock-load forces on the body.
Failure - Load refusal, breakage, or separation of component parts.
Fall Arrest System - A system specifically designed to secure, suspend, or assist in
retrieving a worker in or from a hazardous work area. The basic components of a fall arrest
Printed: 2/27/2024 Controlled Documents are kept electronically.
All Printed versions of this document are uncontrolled.
Owner: Richard D’Ermilio
Revision: 10
Date: 02/22/13
Page 1 of 12
 Title: Fall Protection Standard BOS-SHE-003

system include anchorage, anchorage connector, lanyard, shock absorber, harness, and
self-locking snap hook.
Fall Hazard - A source of risk for any employee or contractor working at a height of 6 feet
(2 meters) or more above an adjoining, protected surface (e.g., any roof without a rail,
work in a powered lift or scaffold, etc.). [Note: Fall hazards are present regardless of the
height when work is conducted above dangerous equipment or processes i.e. above
surfaces that may cause injury like: hot surfaces, sharp edges, fluids/powders.]
Fall Restraint System - Equipment specifically designed to keep an employee from
reaching a fall point, such as the edge of a roof or the edge of an elevated working surface.
The most commonly utilized fall restraint system is a standard guardrail. A tie off system
that "restrains" the employee from falling off an elevated working surface is another type of
fall restraint.
Free Fall - The act of falling before a personal fall arrest system begins to apply force to
arrest the fall.
Free Fall Distance - The vertical displacement of the fall arrest attachment point on the
employee’s body harness between onset of the fall and just before the system begins to
apply force to arrest the fall (maximum of 6 feet or 2 meters). This distance excludes
deceleration distance, and lifeline/lanyard stretch, but includes any deceleration device,
slide distance or self-retracting lifeline/lanyard extension before they operate and fall arrest
forces occur.
Guardrail – A fall restraint barrier system capable of withstanding – without failure – a
force of at least 200 pounds (90 kilograms) in any outward or downward direction, erected
to prevent employees from falling to a lower level. Minimum height must be 42 inches (107
cm)
Hole - A gap or void 2 inches (5 cm) or more as its smallest dimension, in a floor, roof, or
other walking/working surface.
Lanyard - A flexible line of rope, wire rope, or strap which generally has a connector at
each end for connecting the body harness to a deceleration device, lifeline or anchorage.
Leading Edge - The edge of a floor or roof, or formwork for a floor or other
walking/working surface which changes location as additional floor, roof, decking, or
formwork sections are placed, formed or constructed. A leading edge is considered to be an
unprotected side and edge during periods when it is not actively and continuously under
construction.
Lifeline - A component consisting of a flexible line for connection to an anchorage at one
end to hang vertically or for connection to anchorages at both ends to stretch horizontally,
and which serves as a means for connecting other components of a personal fall arrest
system to the anchorage.
Load Refusal - The point where the ultimate strength is exceeded and results in a failure.
Opening - A gap or void 24 inches (60 cm) or more high and 12 inches (30 cm) or more
wide, in a wall or partition, through which employees can fall to a lower level.
Positioning Device System - A body harness system rigged to allow an employee to be
supported on an elevated vertical surface, such as a wall, and work with both hands free
while leaning.
Retractable Lifeline - A fall arrest device that allows restricted travel by locking instantly
when a fall begins.
Printed: 2/27/2024 Controlled Documents are kept electronically.
All Printed versions of this document are uncontrolled.
Owner: Richard D’Ermilio
Revision: 10
Date: 02/22/13
Page 2 of 12
 Title: Fall Protection Standard BOS-SHE-003

Rope Grab - A deceleration device that travels on a lifeline and automatically, by friction,
engages the lifeline and locks so as to arrest the fall of an employee. A rope grab usually
employs the principle of inertial locking, cam/level locking, or both.
Self-Retracting Lifeline/Lanyard - A deceleration device containing a drum-wound line
that can be slowly extracted from, or retracted onto, the drum under slight tension during
normal employee movement, and which, after fall onset, automatically locks the drum and
arrests the fall.
Snaphook - A locking connector comprised of a hook-shaped member with a normally
closed keeper, or similar arrangement, which may be opened to permit the hook to receive
an object and, when released, automatically closes to retain the object. Non-locking
snaphooks shall not be permitted in Cabot facilities.
Toeboard - A low protective barrier that will prevent the fall of materials and equipment to
lower levels and provide protection from falls for personnel.
Walking/Working Surface - Any surface, whether horizontal or vertical on which an
employee walks or works, including, but not limited to, floors, roofs, ramps, bridges,
runways, scaffolds, formwork and concrete reinforcing steel, ladders, vehicles, or trailers in
order to perform their job duties.
Warning Line System - A fall restraint barrier erected on a roof to warn employees that
they are within 6 feet (2 meters) of an unprotected roof side or edge.

Roles and Responsibilities

Corporate
 Provide ongoing technical assistance related to fall protection requirements and site
program implementation.
 Periodically audit facilities to determine compliance with this standard and more
stringent local regulation, if applicable.

Facility
 Develop a written facility-specific fall protection program that meets the requirements of
this standard, including implementing the various elements of the program (i.e.,
formally evaluating work areas (pre-and post-work), providing supervisor and employee
training in support of the program, ensuring permits are used (where applicable) and
procedures are developed. Assessing compliance with this standard on a regular basis
and implementing corrective actions.
 The FGM has overall responsibility for ensuring this program is effectively developed,
implemented, maintained, and continuously improved.

Elements of this Standard

Facilities shall develop a written site-specific fall protection program. The written fall
protection program must describe how the site will comply with the elements of this
standard and document the site-specific information, as described below.

1. Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment

Prior to performing any work activities at elevated heights, competent persons shall conduct
a documented evaluation of the work area and work activity to determine the hazards, risks
and appropriate controls (height above ground, nature of work surface, safety harness and
lanyard, guardrail, etc.). This can be achieved by conducting and reviewing a job hazard

Printed: 2/27/2024 Controlled Documents are kept electronically.

All Printed versions of this document are uncontrolled.
Owner: Richard D’Ermilio
Revision: 10
Date: 02/22/13
Page 3 of 12
 Title: Fall Protection Standard BOS-SHE-003

analysis (JHA) in conjunction with a safe work permit (SWP) or other similar means, such as
standard operating procedures (SOP) or work instructions.

A documented evaluation of the entire site must be performed to identify tasks and areas
that present fall hazards. The evaluation must be periodically reviewed and updated, as
needed.

The documented work place fall hazard evaluations must include the following information:
 Identification of job task/work or activity to be performed
 Location of the elevated work area
 Equipment/process owner
 Engineering controls, if used, to eliminate the identified fall hazards
 Required personal fall arrest or restraint equipment if engineering controls are not
feasible.

2. General Requirements
 All wall openings, holes, excavations, open-sided floors, platforms and runways, at a
height of 4 feet (1.25 meters) or more shall be adequately protected
 All working surfaces with unprotected sides at heights of 6 feet (2 meters) or more
shall incorporate the use of personal fall arrest or restraint systems
 Lanyards shall be used whenever possible
 Knots shall not be tied into lanyards
 Double lanyards will be used to maintain 100 percent tie-off while moving around on
unprotected elevated areas
 Full body harnesses shall be the only acceptable personal protection to arrest a fall –
body belts are NOT permitted fall arrest devices
 Fall protection equipment must be cleaned and stored in a dry area at normal
temperatures after use
 In hot work operations or those involving the use of corrosives or solvents, the
lanyard shall either be kept clear of the exposure that could burn or weaken the
lanyard, or an alternative lanyard approved for the task shall be used
 Lifelines, static lines, or lanyards shall be securely anchored to a substantial
structure or framework capable of safely suspending the worker in the event of a fall.
Firewater deluge piping, instrument tubing and electrical conduits shall not be used
as anchorage points for fall protection. Scaffold components (including railings,
vertical and diagonal poles and piping) may be used as anchorage pints for fall
protection provided they are properly designed and engineered to meet minimum
load requirements, as determined by a competent person. Absent of local
requirements, the minimum load requirements should be 5,000 lbs. (2,273 kg.) or a
safety factor of 2.

 Height of elevation, personnel height and lanyard length must all be closely
considered to ensure the fall protection system provides proper protection from
impact on lower surfaces
3. Aerial Lifts, Scissor Lifts, Etc.
 Harnesses and lanyards must be utilized when operating aerial lifts, scissor lifts, etc.,
unless adequate guardrail systems are in place, as determined by the competent
person, and there is written assurance from the manufacturer that the equipment
will not tip. Note: Individual must not lean the mid-line of their body (belt buckle)
over the top railing.

Printed: 2/27/2024 Controlled Documents are kept electronically.

All Printed versions of this document are uncontrolled.
Owner: Richard D’Ermilio
Revision: 10
Date: 02/22/13
Page 4 of 12
 Title: Fall Protection Standard BOS-SHE-003

 Where used, lanyards shall be tied off to an appropriate anchorage point, either
within the man basket or an external object, as determined by the competent person
 If an aerial lift is used to access another working surface, 100 percent tie-off must be
maintained
4. Ladder Use
 Portable ladders shall be industrial grade, with a load capacity in excess of 250
pounds (115 kilograms)
 Ladder rungs, cleats and steps must be parallel, level and evenly spaced
 A 1:4 ratio shall be applied to the use of each portable ladder
 Ladders must be inspected prior to and following use and immediately after any
occurrence, which could damage the ladder.
 Documented inspections of all ladders on-site, including noted deficiencies, and
corrective actions or repairs must be performed, at a minimum, annually.
 Defective portable ladders must be clearly tagged or marked for repair or destruction
and must never be used.
 Under no circumstances shall the top three rungs of a portable extension ladder or
top two steps of a step ladder be used.
 Loads must not be hand-carried on a ladder – use a bucket or tool bag to raise tools
 Always have two feet and one hand or two hands and one foot on a ladder (3 points
of contact at all times)
 Don’t lean the mid-line of the body (belt buckle) past the vertical side of a ladder
 Grip ladder rungs with fingers on top not underhanded
 Use required fall protection equipment to perform work from fixed ladders
 Use of home-made or non-industrial ladders are not allowed
 Position ladders properly and tie-off, if there is any chance that the ladder may shift
or move while being used. Use helper to hold extension ladder when climbing to tie it
off.
 Two or more people are not allowed on a single ladder.
 Placing a ladder on a box, barrel or other object to gain additional height is not
allowed.
 Ladders must not be used as bridges, scaffolds, or work platforms
5. Scaffolding
Fall arrest systems must be used at heights of 6 feet (1.8 meters) or greater when erecting
and/or dismantling scaffolding when appropriate guard rail systems are not in place and
unprotected edges exist.

Double lanyards will be used to maintain 100 percent tie-off while moving around on
unprotected elevated areas.

Note: If the competent person determines that fall arrest systems may cause a greater risk
potential, special provisions can be made at the discretion of site management.

 Scaffold Permit System: Facilities shall establish a scaffold permit system which is
described in a written procedure and identifies the conditions under which scaffolds
are inspected, approved and marked for use as fall restraint. At a minimum, the
permit system must include the following:
- Procedures or steps for evaluating the condition of scaffolds and approving their
use
- Criteria for scaffolds which are approved for use (i.e., complete, free of hazards
and safe)
Printed: 2/27/2024 Controlled Documents are kept electronically.
All Printed versions of this document are uncontrolled.
Owner: Richard D’Ermilio
Revision: 10
Date: 02/22/13
Page 5 of 12
 Title: Fall Protection Standard BOS-SHE-003

- Criteria for scaffolds which are conditionally approved for use (only safe for use
with caution and under specified conditions and precautions - e.g., missing hand
rail or gate, 100% tie-off required, etc.)
- Criteria for scaffolds which, under no circumstances are considered safe for use.
(Note: Scaffolds which are under construction are considered unsafe for use until
the erection and evaluation process is completed).
- A system such as tagging to ensure that the state of scaffolds (approved,
conditionally approved, unsafe) is clearly marked.

Appendix A includes guidelines for establishing an effective scaffold tagging system.

6. Roof Work
 Personal fall restraint systems must be used when work occurs at heights of 6 feet
(1.8 meters) or greater where fall restraint systems, such as guardrails, are not
provided
 Portable ladders used to access these areas must be (1) in a 1:4 pitch, (2) secured,
and (3) extend no less than 3 feet (~1 meter) above the work surface
 Fixed ladders used to access roof areas greater than 6 feet (1.8 meters) high must
have an operable chain or swing gate in place, which must remain in the closed
position while individuals are on the roof, unless individuals are actively passing
through the opening to access or exit the roof.
7. Fall Restraint Equipment Inspections
 Facilities must maintain a list which identifies each type of fall restraint equipment
used and/or present on-site. The list shall be updated annually, at a minimum.
 Fall restraint equipment (e.g., safety harnesses, lifelines, lanyards and accessories)
must be visually inspected before each use by the user to determine the condition of
the fall protection device; fall protection devices failing this inspection shall be
tagged and removed from service. Inspections should include a check for breaks,
cuts, cracks, tears, fraying, enlarged eyeholes, loose strands or other signs of wear
that might affect strength.
 All fall restraint equipment must have a documented annual inspection, at a
minimum, in addition to required pre-use inspection.

8. Grating Inspections
Facilities shall develop a formal grating inspection program. The program shall include the
following, at a minimum:
 Inspection schedule including identification of areas to be inspected and frequency
 Inspections must be performed, at a minimum quarterly
 Identification of inspection criteria (loose pins, damaged grates, corrosion, etc.)
 Documentation of inspection results, proposed corrective actions and verification that
corrective measures were taken
 Inspector’s name and the date of the inspection

9. Protection Against Falling Objects

Facilities must ensure that equipment and materials are secure, and individuals working
below elevated work areas are protected. Techniques must be employed to minimize and
manage these risks. See Appendix A for a list of methods to prevent injuries from falling
objects.

10. General Rules for Climbing Safely

 Do not use railings as designated tie-off points
Printed: 2/27/2024 Controlled Documents are kept electronically.
All Printed versions of this document are uncontrolled.
Owner: Richard D’Ermilio
Revision: 10
Date: 02/22/13
Page 6 of 12
 Title: Fall Protection Standard BOS-SHE-003

 Wear shoes with full heels and non-slip soles (see Cabot PPE Standard)
 Stay at ground level if medication or physical condition affects your climbing balance
 Make sure adequate light is available to climb safely
 Keep walking and climbing pathways clear
 Extra precautions should be taken when walking and climbing surfaces are slippery
due to snow, ice or rain
 Running or jumping on or from elevations is not allowed

11. Fall Protection Procedures

Facilities shall develop written procedures that define the conditions, training, selection, and
anchorage points (including inspection of fixed anchorage points where they exist) to be
utilized when personal fall arrest and restraint equipment is necessary for routine
maintenance and operational tasks. These procedures shall ensure the applicable
requirements of this standard are satisfied.
Note: For non-routine tasks involving work at height, a permit must be issued which meets
the requirements of Cabot’s Safe Work Permit Standard, including completion of a job
hazard analysis (JHA) to ensure thorough identification of hazards, assessment of risks and
recommended protective measures prior to working at height.
12. Training and Communication
The appropriate level of classroom and hands-on training that communicates the fall
hazards and controls shall be provided to designated facility personnel prior to conducting
work at heights. At a minimum, the training shall include a review of the following:
 the written plant program and procedures (including fall hazards present on-site)
 the different types of fall arrest, restraint and rescue equipment to be used at the
plant including uses and limitations
 review donning and doffing equipment
 review of equipment inspection and documentation requirements
 field walkthrough of the work area(s) where fall protection is or may be required and
areas on-site where fall hazards exist.
 fall rescue planning requirements and rescue procedures/techniques

Training shall be conducted at an appropriate frequency determined by the facility based on

need and local regulatory requirements, where applicable, but not less than every three
years.
Each individual must successfully pass a documented test demonstrating the effectiveness
of the training.
Newly trained employees must be supervised by a more experienced person until they have
demonstrated the ability to effectively perform their duties.
Refresher training shall be conducted when: (1) a fall protection event occurs resulting in a
first aid, significant near miss, recordable, PSE or environmental release; (2) the fall
protection program is modified; or (3) whenever there are deviations from or inadequacies
in the employee's knowledge or use of the site’s fall protection procedures.
The facility must be able to demonstrate that training frequency is adequate to keep all
affected individuals fully trained on the latest version of the program.
Training shall be documented with the training date, the names of employees trained, the
names of the trainer(s), and content of the training.

Printed: 2/27/2024 Controlled Documents are kept electronically.

All Printed versions of this document are uncontrolled.
Owner: Richard D’Ermilio
Revision: 10
Date: 02/22/13
Page 7 of 12
 Title: Fall Protection Standard BOS-SHE-003

13. Contractors
Since contractors are often used to conduct work in elevated areas of the facility, the facility
shall:
 Ensure that the contractor’s fall prevention and protection program meets the
requirements of this standard, and
 Ensure that contractors and their employees follow, at a minimum, the requirements
described in this program for the use, inspection and maintenance of personal fall
arrest systems, procedures for routine tasks involving work at height and permitting
of work at height when non-routine routine tasks are performed.

14. Emergency and Rescue Operations

When individuals are working at height, facilities must develop written fall protection rescue
plans that are specific to the types of fall rescues that may occur at the site to ensure
prompt rescue of fallen workers. A copy of the rescue plan must be maintained at the work
site. Written fall protection rescue plans must include, at a minimum, the following:
 Areas of risk
Before developing a fall rescue plan, the task-specific hazard analysis should be
reviewed. These areas must be specifically addressed in the rescue plan to ensure
that employees are aware of the risks and the proper procedures to rescue workers.
 Rescue systems
Identify available rescue systems for varying circumstances to save time and reduce
additional injuries from suspension trauma.
 Cost effectiveness
Consideration of cost-effective industrial rescue system that is simple, pre-packed
and pre-engineered rather than the traditional technical rescue approach with a bag
of rope, handful of carabiners and pulleys.
 Response time
Ability to reach a fallen individual within 4 minutes of falling if medical aid is needed
and 15 minutes if no obvious injury exists.
 Simple and safe
Consideration for self-rescue, assisted self-rescue, incorporation of suspension
trauma straps and mechanically aided rescue or, if necessary, intervention by a
competent rescuer to be placed in danger by being lowered to the worker and
performing a rescue pickoff
 Rescue services
Use of external, third-party rescue service providers, if necessary to reach a fallen
individual more safely than individuals already present on-site, is allowed provided
they meet the requirements of this standard and have been briefed in advance of the
work at height activity.

Printed: 2/27/2024 Controlled Documents are kept electronically.

All Printed versions of this document are uncontrolled.
Owner: Richard D’Ermilio
Revision: 10
Date: 02/22/13
Page 8 of 12
 Title: Fall Protection Standard BOS-SHE-003

Appendix A

Specific Fall Protection Guidance

1. Guidelines for Scaffold Tagging System

 Green-Tagged Scaffolds: Approved for use scaffolds are complete, hazard-free
and meet all requirements for safe use. A green scaffold tag must be physically
attached to the scaffold at the point of access (normally the attached ladder). The
“approved for use” or green tag must include the signature of the competent person
and/or, experienced scaffold builder.
 Yellow-Tagged Scaffolds: Such scaffolds are approved for use with CAUTION. A
yellow scaffold tag must be physically attached to the scaffold at the point of access
(normally the attached ladder). The “use with caution” or yellow tag must include the
signature of the competent person and/or experienced scaffold builder and notes
which highlight any special conditions or requirements which must be followed when
using the scaffold such as missing hand rail or gate, 100% tie-off required, etc.
 Red-Tagged Scaffolds: Scaffolds that, due to a construction restriction, or other
problems cannot meet the requirements for being complete or safe for use. The
“unsafe for use” tag must include the signature of the competent person or
experienced scaffold builder and notes which highlight any reasons which make the
scaffold unsafe for use. Scaffolding which is actively under construction or
modification must be tagged with a red tag and are not to be used by personnel
other than the scaffold erectors constructing/modifying the scaffold.

Note: Scaffolds under construction or those without a green, yellow or red tag attached
are to be considered not safe for use and, as such may not be used until the competent
person/experienced scaffold builder evaluates and properly tags the scaffold.

2. Preparation for Working at Height

 Prior to performing any work at height, a permit, which meets the requirements of
Cabot’s Safe Work Permit Standard, including completion of a job hazard analysis
(JHA) must be completed, except for those routine tasks addressed via standard
operating procedures or work instructions.
 All required personal fall arrest equipment and other required PPE identified by the
hazard/risk assessment will be worn.
 All pumps and electrical equipment that are interconnected to the system being
worked on that could create an associated hazard shall be placed in a zero energy
state as required in the Cabot Lock, Tag, and Try Standard.
 The area in the vicinity of the work at height must be barricaded and/or protected to
prevent passersby, persons below, and nearby personnel from exposure to the
hazards of the work.
 Prior to performing any work at height, other permits (e.g., Hot Work, Linebreaking,
etc.) must be issued, as needed, depending on the work being performed.

3. Methods to Prevent Injuries from Falling Objects

 Construct elevated work areas so that materials or objects cannot fall and cause
injury to anyone or damage to anything below.
 If working on grated platforms, take all precautions necessary to ensure materials
cannot fall through the grating (i.e., mesh, netting or plastic sheeting) and that all
grating is well secured and in good condition.
Printed: 2/27/2024 Controlled Documents are kept electronically.
All Printed versions of this document are uncontrolled.
Owner: Richard D’Ermilio
Revision: 10
Date: 02/22/13
Page 9 of 12
 Title: Fall Protection Standard BOS-SHE-003

 Construct toe boards, which should have a vertical height of at least 4 inches, to
prevent items from rolling off or being kicked off the edge of the platform.
 Install a polyethylene sheet in between the boards (e.g., a double-boarded
platform) for work over public areas to prevent small items (e.g., nails, bolts)
from falling.
 During hot work activities, ensure work areas are barricaded and shielded to
prevent debris (i.e., slag, sparks) from contacting other workers, personnel
passing by, or equipment/materials. This includes the use of tarps and fire
resistant materials.
 When working on process towers such as flare stacks, an engineered scaffold
significantly wider than the work area will help reduce the potential for materials
moving past the toe boards and impacting the work below.
 Tether tools, such as drills, screwdrivers and trowels, with safety lines - if they're
accidentally dropped, the line prevents them from falling from the work area.
 Keep smaller tools in a bucket or other high sided container. Make sure the
container has a low center of gravity.
 Prohibit the throwing of any item over the side of an elevated work area or
platform to another employee or into a platform (above or below).
 Keep all elevated work areas clean and free of debris, tools or materials not required
for the work and ensure work areas are well lit.
 Ensure whip checks are in place when using pressurized lines. Should a failure occur
in the line, the whip check will prevent the whipping action thereby minimizing
contact with people, tools or equipment in the work area.

4. Warning and Communications

 Barricade areas under the work area and clearly communicate that work is occurring
above the space. Note that a yellow barrier means “general caution” and a red
barrier means “no entry”. Make these areas as large as possible, recognizing that
materials may not fall straight down, but may strike other objects and be hurled
several feet away. Label these barricaded areas so personnel understand the hazards
and who to contact if entry is required. Post signs indicating the hazard and entry
restrictions or conditions.
 The lifting and moving of objects and related suspended loads must be
communicated to everyone in the work area. Each site engaging in crane activity
should have a crane use policy to include communication expectations.

5. Avoid Injury from Falling Objects

 Always wear your hardhat and safety glasses. Make sure it is structurally sound – no
cracks or deterioration – and that they are worn correctly.
 Avoid walking in areas where overhead work is taking place. NEVER walk under a
crane, aerial lift, scissor lift, or suspended load.
 Avoid walking under an opening in the floor above you.
 Before entering a barricaded area, make contact with the people working in that
area. Understand the work being done, and make sure they understand why you’re
in the area and what you’ll be doing.
 Install a covered walkway, where feasible, to protect people from falling debris.
 Use covered chutes, where feasible, to remove debris from work areas.

Printed: 2/27/2024 Controlled Documents are kept electronically.

All Printed versions of this document are uncontrolled.
Owner: Richard D’Ermilio
Revision: 10
Date: 02/22/13
Page 10 of 12
 Title: Fall Protection Standard BOS-SHE-003

6. Risk-specific Considerations
 Cranes and hoists
People who work in areas where cranes and hoists are in use must always wear head
protection. Always look to see if a crane or hoist is moving a load and avoid working
underneath those areas. Warn co-workers from entering suspended load areas.
Designate a safety watch when lifts occur in high traffic areas.

Inspect cranes and hoists routinely to ensure that all system components (i.e., wire
rope, lifting hooks, chains) are in good condition and properly inspected. Ensure
crane and/or hoist pendant controls are working properly before each use. Always
use the proper material handling device on a crane or hoist hook to secure and lift
the load safely. These lifting devices should be checked routinely to ensure they are
in good operating condition. Identify the lifting equipment’s load limitations and
ensure that lifting capacities are not exceeded. Ensure that an appropriate material
of construction is used for slings/strapping, and that all safety latches are in place.

 Hand tools
- Handing a tool to another person, direct sharp points and cutting edges away from
yourself and the other person.
- Do not carry sharp or pointed hand tools such as screwdrivers, scribes, snips,
scrapers, chisels or files in your pocket unless the tool or pocket is
sheathed/holstered.
- Do not perform "make-shift" or temporary repairs to tools.
- Do not carry tools in your hand when climbing. Carry tools in tool belts or hoist the
tools to the work area with a hand line.
- Do not throw tools from one location to another, from one employee to another, or
between scaffolds and other elevated platforms.
- Do not lift or lower tools by their power cords or cables.
- At the end of each day, proper housekeeping should help ensure that the tools and
equipment are not left in elevated locations

7. Weather and Environmental Factors

Weather can cause difficulties for elevated outdoor work, with wind blowing equipment
off platforms or rain and ice making tool grips or footing slippery. If the weather is
particularly severe and the work area designs are not adequate to prevent
dropped/falling objects, delay the work or take additional precautions to prevent falling
tools or equipment.

Fall Protection Tools

Printed: 2/27/2024 Controlled Documents are kept electronically.

All Printed versions of this document are uncontrolled.
Owner: Richard D’Ermilio
Revision: 10
Date: 02/22/13
Page 11 of 12
 Title: Fall Protection Standard BOS-SHE-003

APPENDIX B

2/22/13 – Revisions made as follows. Changes are noted in red and additions in blue.

Fall Hazard - A source of risk for any employee or contractor working at a height of 6 feet
(1.8 meters) 2 meters or more above an adjoining, protected surface (e.g., any roof without
a rail, work in a powered lift or scaffold, etc.).

Free Fall Distance - The vertical displacement of the fall arrest attachment point on the
employee’s body harness between onset of the fall and just before the system begins to
apply force to arrest the fall (maximum of 6 feet or 1.8 meters 2 meters).

Warning Line System - A fall restraint barrier erected on a roof to warn employees that
they are within 6 feet (1.8 meters 2 meters) of an unprotected roof side or edge.

2. General Requirements
 All working surfaces with unprotected sides at heights of 6 feet (1.8 meters 2 meters
) or more shall incorporate the use of personal fall arrest or restraint systems
 Lifelines, static lines, or lanyards shall be securely anchored to a substantial
structure or framework capable of safely suspending the worker in the event of a fall.
Firewater deluge piping, scaffold cross-members, instrument tubing and electrical
conduits, shall not be used as anchorage points for fall protection. Scaffold
components (including railings, vertical and diagonal poles and piping) may be used
as anchorage pints for fall protection provided they are properly designed and
engineered to meet minimum load requirements, as determined by a competent
person. Absent of local requirements, the minimum load requirements should be
5,000 lbs. (2,273 kg.) or a safety factor of 2.

6. Roof Work
 Personal fall restraint systems must be used when work occurs at heights of 6 feet
(1.8 meters 2 meters) or greater where fall restraint systems, such as guardrails, are
not provided

Printed: 2/27/2024 Controlled Documents are kept electronically.

All Printed versions of this document are uncontrolled.
Owner: Richard D’Ermilio
Revision: 10
Date: 02/22/13
Page 12 of 12