Fall Protection
Person wearing a fall protection harness during elevated work
Fall Protection Quick Links
This program applies to personnel working in a fall hazard situation (i.e. four feet or more to the next lower level at Virginia Tech) in construction and general industry applications, regardless of location. Fall hazards include, but are not limited to:
- Unguarded edges, such as roofs
- Construction activities, including scaffolding
- Holes or openings in floors or walls
- Working above dangerous equipment
- Working near pits
- Fixed ladders with ladder safety systems
- Aerial lift operation
Each department with personnel who work at heights, or who are expected to use a personal fall arrest system, must designate a competent person to provide oversight for related activities, such as inspection of equipment, evaluation of site conditions, and selection of appropriate fall protection methods. Departments must also ensure that any personnel using personal fall arrest systems are properly trained in safe use and recognition of related hazards.
- For the purpose of this program, "work at heights" refers to work locations that are four feet or more above the next lower level, and which are not guarded by an approved means.
- Unguarded work locations more than four feet above the next lower level must be evaluated by a competent person to determine appropriate fall protection.
- One exception to the fall protection requirements exists where "employees are making an inspection, investigation, or assessment of workplace conditions prior to the actual start of construction work or after all construction work has been completed." The basis for this exemption is that personnel will be exposed to a fall hazard for a greater period of time while installing a fall protection system than they would perform the inspection. It is also assumed that the inspector will be able to perform the inspection without going near the danger zone. Inspections made while construction operations are underway must be done under the same fall protection requirements as workers.
- Where the use of traditional means of fall protection is not feasible or creates a greater hazard, departments should consult with Environmental Health & Safety or their designated safety representative (if applicable).
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Fall Protection Program
Responsibilities
Departmental, supervisory, and employee/student roles and responsibilites for fall hazard situations.
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Fall Hazards
At Virginia Tech, a fall hazard exists whenever there is an unguarded working surface more than 4 feet above the next lower level (regardless of whether the work being conducted falls under general industry or construction). This includes work conducted from ladders, roofs, scaffolds, aerial lifts, work above dangerous equipment or areas which may be hazardous if fallen into, such as pickling or galvanizing tanks, degreasing units, unguarded machinery or electrical equipment, a body of water, or other similar situations.
Generally, a permanent means of protection, such as a guardrail system or parapet wall at least 39 inches high, is installed to provide safe access for personnel who must work above or in the vicinity of such hazards; however, where appropriate fall protection does not exist, or where personnel may need to bypass the installed system, other means of protection must be implemented. The designated competent person is responsible for identifying such hazards, evaluating the situation, requiring a feasible means of protecting personnel, and ensuring that the protective system is effective. For assistance, contact Environmental Health & Safety at 540-231-2341.
Note: Access on many roofs is restricted due to potential respiratory exposures from chemical fume hood exhausts. For more information, refer to Roof Access.
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Fall Protection Options
Various fall protection options available for fall hazard situations.
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Contact Information
Robin McCall-Miller, Occupational Safety Program Manager
Phone: 540-231-2341
Email: rmmiller@vt.edu