Hazard:
VSC employees working from ladders above first floor levels of buildings are exposed to these fall hazards:
When Guard rails are in use they must be within 39” to 45” in height from walking or working surface (at your feet) to the top rail for unprotected sides or edges of buildings, elevator openings, holes and stairwells. When working from a ladder near these areas the guard rail will not protect you from the fall hazard. Just the first rung of a portable ladder can elevate you 10”above the top rail. Plus the impact of you and the ladder will break the guardrail.
Preventative Measures:
When working from ladders near these fall hazards a personal fall arrest system (PFAS) must be used. After ascending to working height on the ladder attach your lanyard to an appropriate anchorage point.
When the distance between the ladder and a fall hazard is equal to or less than the height of the ladder and the height of the person on the ladder then PFAS must be in use. See illustration……