FALL PROTECTION PROGRAM

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Index

PURPOSE 4

OBJECTIVE 4

DEFINITIONS 4

FALL PROTECTION LOCATIONS 6

FALL PROTECTION GENERAL GUIDELINES 6

ENGINEERING CONTROLS 6

GUARDRAILS 6

PERSONAL FALL PROTECTION SYSTEMS 7

INSPECTION OF FALL PROTECTION SYSTEMS 8

FULL BODY HARNESS 8

LANYARDS/SHOCK ABSORBING LANYARDS 9

SNAPHOOKS 9

SELF-RETRACTING LANYARDS/LIFELINES 10

TIE-OFF ADAPTERS/ANCHORAGES 10

ARTICULATING MAN LIFE 10

HORIZONTAL LIFELINES 11

GUARDRAILS 11

STORAGE & MAINTENANCE OF FALL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT 11

RESCUE PROCEDURES 12

RESCUE METHODS/OPTIONS OF FALLEN PERSONNEL 12

COMMUNICATION ISSUES 12

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FALL INVESTIGATION 13

PROGRAM EVALUATION 13

CONTRACTORS 13

FORM - FULL BODY HARNESS CHECKLIST 14

FORM – LANYARDS CHECKLIST 16

FORM – SNAPHOOKS/CARABINERS CHECKLIST 17

FORM – SELF RETRACTING LANYARD/LIFELINE CHECKLIST 18

FORM – FALL PROTECTION SAFETY TRAINING RECORD 20

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PURPOSE
The purpose of this “Fall Protection Program” is to establish guidelines to protect all employees
engaged in outdoor or indoor work activities that expose them to potential falls from elevations

The supervisor having the responsibility of ensuring the employee(s) under their direct supervision
will develop standard operating procedures for specific jobs requiring work activities which expose
employees to falls from heights of 3 m (10 ft) or more or where a fall from a height of less than 3 m
(10 ft) involves a risk of injury greater than the risk of injury from the impact on a flat surface.

Each standard operating procedure must specify:

 the fall hazards expected in the work area;

 the fall protection system or systems to be used in the area;

 the procedure to assemble, maintain, inspect, use and disassemble the fall protection system or
systems, and

 procedures for rescue of an employee who has fallen and is suspended by a personal fall
protection system or safety net, but is unable to effect self rescue.

 procedures to follow prior to performing a task where fall protection is required.

OBJECTIVE
The objective of this Fall Protection Program is to prevent the occurrence of falls from elevations of
3 m (10 ft) or higher or where a fall from a lesser height involves an unusual risk of injury. This
objective will be accomplished through effective education, engineering and administrative controls,
use of fall protection systems and enforcement of the program.

DEFINITIONS
ANCHOR – means a secure point of attachment for a lifeline or lanyard.

CARABINER – means a link with a gate that is normally closed or that automatically closes, and is
used to connect components of a personal fall protection system.

CONTROL ZONE – means the area between an unguarded edge of a building or structure and a line
which is set back a safe distance.

FALL ARREST SYSTEM – means a system that will stop an employee’s fall before the employee
hits the surface below.

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FALL PROTECTION SYSTEM – means any of the following when used to protect an employee
from a fall or minimize the risk from falling:

 Guardrails;

 A safety belt or full body harness with a lanyard and/or lifeline and an anchor, and their related
equipment;

 A safety net;

 A control zone;

 A safety monitor with a control zone;

 Other procedures acceptable to the WCB.

FREE FALL RESTRAINT SYSTEM – means a work positioning system to prevent an employee
from falling from a work position, or a travel restriction system such as guardrails or a personal fall
protection system to prevent an employee from traveling to an edge from which the employee could
fall.

FALL DISTANCE – means the distance from the point where the employee would begin to fall to
the point where the fall arrest system would begin to cause deceleration of the fall.

FULL BODY HARNESS – means a body support device consisting of connected straps designed to
distribute a fall arresting force over at least the thigh, shoulders and pelvis, with provision for
attaching a lanyard, lifeline or other components.

HORIZONTAL LIFELINE SYSTEM – means a system composed of a synthetic or wire rope,

installed horizontally between 2 anchors, to which an employee attaches a personal fall protection
system.

LANYARD – means a flexible line of webbing, or synthetic or wire rope that is used to secure a
safety belt or full body harness to a lifeline or anchor.

LIFELINE – means a synthetic or wire rope, rigged from one or more anchors, to which an
employee’s lanyard or other part of a personal fall protection system is attached.

PERSONAL FALL PROTECTION SYSTEM – means an individual employee’s fall protection

system, composed of a safety belt or full body harness, and lanyard, lifeline, and any other
connecting equipment that is used to secure the employee to an individual anchor or to a horizontal
lifeline system.

SAFETY BELT – means a body support device consisting of a strap with a means for securing it
about the waist and attaching it to other components.

SAFETY MONITOR SYSTEM – means a system in which a trained employee is designated to

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monitor work activities in a control zone to ensure that work is done in a manner that minimizes the
potential for an employee to fall.

SAFETY STRAP – means a pole strap or similar support strap, used with a work positioning
suspension belt, for climbing trees or structures such as utility poles.

SHOCK ABSORBER – means a device (in the lanyard system) intended to limit deceleration of
during fall arrest.

SWING-FALL HAZARD – means the hazard to an employee of a swinging and colliding with an
obstruction following a fall when connected to a lanyard or lifeline that runs at an angle off vertical.

TOTAL FALL DISTANCE – means the distance from the point where the employee would begin to
fall to the point where the fall would be stopped.

UNUSUAL RISK OF INJURY – means, with respect to the risk of injury from a fall, there is a risk
of injury greater than the risk of injury from impact on a flat surface; for example, from a fall onto
operating machinery or into a tank of chemicals.

FALL PROTECTION LOCATIONS

Fall protection is required wherever the potential to fall 3 m (10 ft) or more exists. Emily Carr
Institute has identified the following examples where fall protection is required:
1 – Working within 8 feet of an unprotected roof edge.
2 – Working on various Air Handling Units mounted from the ceilings throughout the Institute.
3 – Mounting of exhibition material at heights greater than 10 feet.

FALL PROTECTION GENERAL GUIDELINES

ENGINEERING CONTROLS
This should always be the first option selected.

GUARDRAILS
Only guardrails made from steel, wood, and wire rope will be acceptable. All guardrail systems will
comply with current safety standards. These guardrails will be placed in the following areas, if
necessary or feasible, based on job location or requirements:
 On all open sided floors (move than 4 feet in elevation).
 Around all open excavations or pits (where a fall could be greater than 4 feet or where the pit
contains something harmful).

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  On leading edges of roofs or mezzanines (more than 10 feet above grade).

If a guardrail must be removed to accommodate work, only that portion of the guardrail necessary to
allow the work to be done may be removed, and employees exposed to a fall hazard must be
protected by another fall protection system when the guardrail is absent.

The guardrail must be replaced when the unguarded area is left unattended, and after the work is
completed, if the circumstances still require guardrails.

PERSONAL FALL PROTECTION SYSTEMS

Employees required to wear a personal fall arrest or fall restraint system will follow these guidelines:

Employee(s) must wear a full body harness or other harness acceptable to the Workers’
Compensation Board when using a personal fall protection system. A full body harness must meet
the requirements of Standard CAN/CSA Z259.10-M90, Full Body Harness, or other standard
acceptable to the board.

Employee(s) must wear a safety belt, a full body harness, or other harness acceptable to Workers’
Compensation Board when using a personal fall protection system for fall restraint. A safety belt
must meet the requirements of Z259.1-95 Safety Belts and Lanyards or other standard, appropriate to
the type of belt involved.

CONNECTING EQUIPMENT – Employees must ensure that the following connecting equipment
meets standards as noted:

LANYARDS – a lanyard must meet the requirements of CSA Standard CAN/CSA-Z259.1-95, Safety
Belts and Lanyards or other standard acceptable to Workers’ Compensation. When a tool is used that
could sever, abrade or burn a lanyard or safety strap, the lanyard or safety strap must be made of wire
rope.

SNAP HOOKS – a snap hook on a lanyard or lifeline must be self-locking.

SHOCK ABSORBERS – a shock absorber must be used with a lanyard made of wire rope or other
inelastic material and when a wire rope vertical lifeline is used unless the lifeline is part of a ladder
safety system. A shock absorber must meet the requirements of CSA Standard CAN/CSA Z259.111-
M92, Shock Absorbers for Personal Fall Arrest Systems or other standard acceptable to Workers’
Compensation. When a shock absorber is used in a fall arrest system, allowance must be made for
the potential increase in the total fall distance (so the worker will not hit the ground).

CARABINERS – a carabiner or similar connecting hardware must be secured to prevent inadvertent

opening. Carabiner links and rings must have an ultimate load capacity of at least 22 kN (5,000 lbs)
and be clearly marked with their load capacity and the manufacturers name.

OTHER EQUIPMENT – a decent device, harness, safety strap, rope grab, shepherd’s hook,
connecting hardware, shock absorber and other fall protection equipment used as part of a fall

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protection system and not covered by one of the standards noted above must be of a type acceptable
to Workers’ Compensation Board.

ANCHORS – a lifeline, or a lanyard used without a lifeline must be secured to an anchor. Anchor
plates with multiple attachment points designed to support combinations of suspension lines etc.,
must be certified by a professional engineer. Temporary anchors must be removed upon completion
of the work for which it was intended.

A temporary anchor used for a vertical lifeline, or a lanyard without a lifeline must have an ultimate
load capacity of at least 3.5 kN (800 lbs) in any direction in which a load may be applied.

An anchor for a vertical lifeline or for a lanyard used without a lifeline must have an ultimate load
capacity of at least 22 kN (5,000 lbs) in any direction required to resist a fall and if permanent be
certified in writing by a professional engineer.

INSPECTION OF FALL PROTECTION SYSTEMS

The following criteria will be utilized to maintain all equipment in good working condition:

FULL BODY HARNESS

Inspect before each use.

Closely examine all of the nylon webbing to ensure there are no burn marks which could weaken the
material.

Verify there are no torn, frayed or broken fibers, pulled stitches, or frayed edges anywhere on the
harness.

 Examine the D-ring for excessive wear, pits, deterioration, or cracks.

 Verify that buckles are not deformed, cracked and operate correctly.

 Check to see that each grommet (if present) is secure and not deformed from abuse or a fall.

 The harness should never have additional punched holes.

 All rivets should be tight and not deformed.

 Check tongue/straps for excessive wear from repeated buckling.

A competent person will complete an annual inspection of all harnesses and documentation will be
maintained.

Storage will consist of hanging in an enclosed cabinet, to protect from damage.

All harnesses that are involved in a fall will be removed from service and destroyed.

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LANYARDS/SHOCK ABSORBING LANYARDS
 Inspect before each use:

 Check lanyard material for cuts, burns, abrasions, kinks, knots, broken stitches and excessive
wear.

 Inspect the snaphooks for distortions in the hook, locks, and eye.

 Check carabiner for excessive wear, distortion, and lock operation.

 Ensure that all locking mechanisms seat and lock properly.

 Once locked, locking mechanism should prevent hook from opening.

 Visually inspect shock absorber for any signs of damage, paying close attention to where the
shock absorber attaches to the lanyard.

 Verify that points where the lanyard attaches to the snaphooks are free of defects.

A competent person will complete an annual inspection of all lanyards and documentation will be
maintained.

Storage will consist of hanging in an enclosed cabinet, to protect from damage.

All lanyards that are involved in a fall will be removed from service and destroyed.

SNAPHOOKS
Inspect before each use.

 Inspect snaphook for any hook and eye distortions.

 Verify there are no cracks or pitted surfaces.

 The keeper latch should not be bent, distorted, or obstructed.

 Verify that the keeper latch seats into the nose without binding.

 Verify that the keeper spring securely closes the keeper latch.

 Test the locking mechanism to verify that the keeper latch locks properly.

A competent person will complete an annual inspection of all snaphooks and documentation will be
maintained.

All snaphooks involved in a fall will be removed from service and destroyed.

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SELF-RETRACTING LANYARDS/LIFELINES
Inspect before each use.

 Visually inspect the body to ensure there is no physical damage to the housing of the unit.

 Make sure all nuts and rivets are tight.

 Make sure the entire length of the nylon strap/wire rope is free from any cuts, burns, abrasions,
kinks, knots, broken stitches/strands, excessive wear and ensure that the line retracts freely.

 Test the unit by pulling sharply on the lanyard/lifeline to verify that the locking mechanism is
operating correctly (it should lock immediately if pulled sharply).

 If the manufacturer requires, make certain the retractable lanyard is returned to the
manufacturer for scheduled annual inspections.

A competent person will conduct monthly inspection of all self-retracting lanyards/lifelines and
documentation will be maintained.

Service the unit as per manufacture specifications (every 1-2 years).

Inspect for proper function after every fall.

TIE-OFF ADAPTERS/ANCHORAGES
Inspect for integrity and attachments to solid surface.

A competent person will complete an annual inspection of all tie-offs and anchorages and
documentation will be maintained.

All tie-offs and anchorage points will be destroyed after a fall (or, they must be recertified by a
Professional Engineer).

ARTICULATING MAN LIFT

Inspect before each use.

Inspect/service as per manufacturer guidelines. Forklift, scissors lifts, and safety nets will be
inspected at the beginning of each shift in use. Structural integrity of the forklift basket will be
checked according to the same schedule.

A competent person will complete an annual inspection of the forklift basket and documentation will
be maintained.

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HORIZONTAL LIFELINES
Inspect before each use for structural integrity of line and anchors.

A competent person will complete an annual inspection.

A temporary horizontal lifeline system may be used if the system is:

 manufactured for commercial distribution and installed and used in accordance with the
written instructions and drawings from the manufacturer or authorized agent, and the
instructions and drawings are readily available in the workplace,

 installed and used in accordance with written instructions and drawings certified by a
professional engineer, and the instructions and drawings are readily available in the
workplace, or

 designed, installed and used in a manner acceptable to the Board.

EQUIPMENT CERTIFICATION
The following types of equipment and systems, and their installation, must be certified by a
professional engineer:

(a) permanent anchors,

(b) anchors with multiple attachment points,

(c) permanent horizontal lifeline systems, and

(d) support structures for safety nets.

GUARDRAILS
Temporary systems – daily visual inspection will be completed by a competent person.

Temporary systems – weekly, a complete structural inspection will be completed by a competent

person.

Permanent systems – annual structural inspections will be completed by a competent person.

STORAGE & MAINTENANCE OF FALL PROTECTION

EQUIPMENT
 Never store personal fall arrest equipment in the bottom of a toolbox, on the ground, or
outdoors exposed to the elements.

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  Hang equipment in a cool, dry location in a manner that retains its shape.

 Always follow manufacturer recommendations for inspections.

 Clean with a mild, nonabrasive soap and hang to dry.

 Never force dry or use strong detergents in cleaning.

 Never store equipment near excessive heat, chemicals, moisture, or sunlight.

 Never store in an area with exposures to fumes or corrosive elements.

 Avoid dirt or other types of build-up on equipment.

 Never use this equipment for any purpose other than personal fall arrest.

 Once exposed to a fall, remove equipment from service and replace it.

RESCUE PROCEDURES

RESCUE METHODS/OPTIONS OF FALLEN PERSONNEL

In the unlikely event that a fall arrest occurs, employees using an articulating man lift or ladders will
effect rescue. Alternate rescue would be through the local community emergency services.

COMMUNICATION ISSUES
In the event of a fall, the following people will be immediately notified.

 Designated ECI Rescue personnel (i.e., maintenance personnel)

 ECI Facility Manager

 ECI Safety & Security Coordinator

 Fire Department and emergency medical services if necessary.

At the beginning of any work activity where fall protection is an issue, a rescue plan must be
identified and discussed with the employees concerned. The supervisor in charge of operations for
the area will develop rescue plan(s).

All employees involved in a fall arrest or fall will be sent immediately for a medical evaluation to
determine the extent of injuries, if any (the sudden stop may cause damage to internal organs).

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FALL INVESTIGATION
All fall investigations will be conducted by the Facility Health and Safety Committee.

The following documentation will be completed as part of the fall investigation:

 Interviews with employees involved and witnesses.

 Employee injury/accident report.

 Supervisor injury/accident report.

PROGRAM EVALUATION
This Fall Protection Program will be evaluated on an annual basis to determine its effectiveness. This
evaluation will be conducted by the Safety & Security Coordinator in consultation with the Joint
Health and Safety Committee. The following criteria will be used to evaluate its performance:

 Accident reports.

 Number of accidents.

 Management/employee compliance with program components.

 Periodic on-site audits.

 Employee feedback and interviews.

CONTRACTORS
All outside contractors working in any of the Emily Carr Institute’s premises will be required to
follow the guidelines set out in this Fall Protection Program and all regulations dealing with Fall
Protection from the Workers’ Compensation Board. Contractors in the pre-job meetings will be
informed of these requirements as well as the on-site construction rules that apply.

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 FORM - FULL BODY HARNESS CHECKLIST
Annual Inspection

Model:____________________________ Approval Agency: ______________________

Serial Number: _______________________ Lot Number: ___________________

Date of Manufacture: __________________ Date of Purchase: _______________

Comments:

General Factors Accepted/Rejected Comments

HARDWARE: Includes D-rings,
buckles, keepers and back pads. Inspect
for damage, distortion, sharp edges,
burrs, cracks and corrosion.

WEBBING: Inspect for cuts, burns,

tears, abrasions, frays, excessive soiling
and discoloration.

STITCHING: Inspect for pulled or cut

stitches.

LABELS: Inspect, making certain all

labels are securely held in place and are
legible.

OTHER:

OVERALL DISPOSITION: ACCEPTED  REJECTED 

Inspected By: ___________________________

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Date Inspected: _________________________

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 FORM – LANYARDS CHECKLIST
Annual Inspection
Model:____________________________ Approval Agency: ______________________
Serial Number: _______________________ Lot Number: ___________________
Date of Manufacture: __________________ Date of Purchase: _______________

Comments:

General Factors Accepted/Rejected Comments

HARDWARE: Includes snaphooks,
carabiners, adjusters. Keepers, thimbles and
D-Rings. Inspect for damage, distortion,
sharp edges, burrs, cracks, corrosion and
proper operation.
WEBBING: Inspect for cuts, burns,
tears, abrasions, frays, excessive soiling and
discoloration.

STITCHING: Inspect for pulled or

cut stitches.
SYNTHETIC ROPE: Inspect for pulled or
cut yarns, burns, abrasions, knots, excessive
soiling and discoloration.
ENERGY ABSORBING COMPONENT:
Inspect for elongation, tears and excessive
soiling.
LABELS: Inspect, making certain all labels
are securely held in place and are legible.
OVERALL DISPOSITION: ACCEPTED  REJECTED 

Inspected By: ___________________________

Date Inspected: _________________________

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 FORM – SNAPHOOKS/CARABINERS CHECKLIST
Annual Inspection
Model:___________________________ Approval Agency: _______________________
Serial Number: _______________________ Lot Number: ___________________
Date of Manufacture: __________________ Date of Purchase: _______________

Comments:

General Factors Accepted/Rejected Comments

PHYSICAL DAMAGE: Inspect for
cracks, sharp edges, burrs, deformities
and locking operations.

EXCESSIVE CORROSION: Inspect

for corrosion which affects the operation
and/or the strength.

MARKINGS: Inspect and make certain

marking(s) are legible.

OTHER:

OVERALL DISPOSITION: ACCEPTED  REJECTED 

Inspected By: ___________________________

Date Inspected: _________________________

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 FORM – SELF RETRACTING LANYARD/LIFELINE CHECKLIST
Annual Inspection
Model:______________________________ Approval Agency: ____________________
Serial Number: _______________________ Lot Number: ___________________
Date of Manufacture: __________________ Date of Purchase: _______________

Comments:

General Factors Accepted/Rejected Comments

IMPACT INDICATOR: Inspect indicator
for activation (rupture of red stitching,
elongated indicator, etc.)
SCREWS/FASTENERS: Inspect for
damage and make certain all screws and
fasteners are tight.
HOUSING: Inspect for distortion, cracks
and other damage. Inspect anchoring loop
for distortion or damage.
LANYARD/LIFELINE: Inspect for cuts
burns, tears, abrasion, frays, excessive
soiling and discoloration.
LOCKING ACTION: Inspect for proper
lock-up of brake mechanism
RETRACTION/EXTENSION: Inspect
spring tension by pulling out fully and
allowing to retract fully.
HOOKS/CARABINERS: Inspect for
physical damage, corrosion, proper
orientation and markings.
LABELS: Inspect, making certain all labels
are securely held in place and legible.
OVERALL DISPOSITION: ACCEPTED  REJECTED 
Inspected By: ___________________________
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Date Inspected: _________________________

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 FORM – FALL PROTECTION SAFETY TRAINING RECORD

Training Topic: ____________________________________________________

Instructor Name: __________________________________________________

Date of Training: __________________________________________________

EMPLOYEE NAME (Print) EMPLOYEE NAME (Signature) FACILITY

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