User Training; Section 7: Fall Protection Plan; The Fall Protection Plan - Falltech 7262 Instructions Manual

It is important to note that improper use of fall arrest equipment can be just as
dangerous as not using it at all. Failure to adequately train and supervise your
employees may result in serious injury or death. It is critical to have a training program
supported by documentation, refresher/remedial training and to establish best
practices where the employment of all PPE is concerned.
6.2: User Training
It is the responsibility of the user of this equipment to read and fully understand
these instructions before employing this product as part of a Personal Fall Arrest System
(PFAS). Every user of fall protection should be provided a four to eight hour course of
instruction for the Authorized User. Training must also be provided in the use of each
component of the user's PFAS and in the recognition of fall hazards. During the course
of this training, the user may not be exposed to a fall hazard.
In the absence of a formal training program, FallTech has designed these
instructional materials to act as an abbreviated course of instruction in an effort to give
the user an over‐view of fall arrest. This manual does not constitute a comprehensive
training program, and it is not all‐inclusive. Be sure to consult www.osha.gov for details
on OSHA requirements for training. FallTech has additional services available to assist
with end‐user training – contact a FallTech sales professional for additional details.
As a minimum, training should address the following points:
 ABCD's of Fall Arrest (as discussed in Section 2).
 Recognition of fall hazards.
 Fall hazard elimination and control methods.
 Applicable fall protection regulations and standards.
 The responsibilities of designated persons (Authorized, Competent, Qualified).
 How to use written fall protection procedures.
 Inspection of equipment components and systems before use.
 Fall protection rescue procedures.
 Installation and use of products common to your duties, job‐site or facility.
It is important to note that improper use of this equipment can be just as dangerous
as not using it at all. Failure to read, understand and follow these instructions may
result in serious injury or death.
Section 7: Fall Protection Plan
Title 29 CFR, section 1926.500 – 503 requires that an employer have a written fall
protection plan where fall hazards exist. The best way to address a fall hazard is to
eliminate it entirely or to employ a passive system to restrict access to the hazard (i.e.
guardrails, netting, covers, etc.) Fall arrest products are the last line of defense in the
hierarchy of fall protection, and should be used as a last resort by employees who have
been thoroughly trained. The accepted fall protection hierarchy is as follows:
 Eliminate the fall hazard.
 Passive fall protection (guardrails, safety nets, barriers, etc.).
 Fall Restraint (prevent the worker from having access to the fall hazard by using a
fixed lanyard which is short enough to restrict access to the hazard).
 Fall Arrest (utilizing Personal Fall Arrest Systems).
 Administrative Controls (use of warning lines, controlled access zones or monitors).
Two exceptional resources for developing a written fall protection plan are OSHA
1926 Subpart M, Appendix E and ANSI Z359.2‐2007. All ANSI standards are available for
purchase at www.ansi.org in the e‐standards store.
7.1: The Fall Protection Plan
As a minimum, a fall protection plan should identify and/or address the following
points:
 Any and all fall hazards which may exist on your job‐site or in your facility.
 Steps that have been taken to eliminate each fall hazard.
14