when and how to use fall protection systems and devices. Fall protection systems
must be in place before work commences. There are several fall protection options,
including personal fall arrest systems (PFAS), guardrails, and safety nets. Training is
required on how to use PFAS, including the anchorages, lifelines, and body
harnesses.
Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS)
Properly using PFAS, such as anchorages, lifelines, and body harnesses requires
education and training.
Guardrails
Open-sided floors and platforms require the use of guardrails
to protect workers. The top rails must be between 39 and
45 inches tall. The guardrails also must have a mid rail. The
lower rail, or toe board, should be at least 3 1/2 inches high.
Safety Nets
Work sites at least 25 feet above ground require safety nets.
Safety nets catch falling workers and reduce fall-related
injuries.
Stairways and Ladders
On a job site, OSHA requires stairways and ladders at elevation breaks of 19
inches or more.
Stairs
Many job sites involve stairs. OSHA provides specific requirements in this area,
such as:
Install stairs at an angle of between 30 and 50 degrees.
Handrails are required for stairways with four or
more risers.
Stairways with vertical rises every 12 feet are required to
have landings that are at least 30 inches deep and
22 inches wide.
All unprotected landings are required to have the
customary 42-inch guardrail on all sides.
Landings need to extend 20 inches if there is a door or
gate to allow for the pivot of the door or gate.
Ladders
Use ladders only on dry, firm, and even surfaces.
Do not paint wooden ladders.
NOTE
Safety nets shall be provided when
workplaces are more than 25 feet above
the ground or water surface, or other
surfaces where ladders, scaffolds, catch
platforms, temporary floors, safety lines,
or safety belts are impractical. (OSHA
1926.105(a))
NOTE
Handrails and the top rails of stair
rail systems shall be capable of
withstanding, without failure, a force
of at least 200 pounds (890 n) applied
within 2 inches (5 cm) of the top edge,
in any downward or outward direction,
at any point along the top edge. (OSHA
1926.1052(c)(5))
CHAPTER 2 Essential Safety Practices for Designing and Installing PV Systems 27
..................Content has been hidden....................
You can't read the all page of ebook, please click here login for view all page.