Preparing for Safety Audits in Fall Protection

Compliance with safety standards is important in industries that require fall protection. Preparing for a safety audit demonstrates compliance and promotes a safe workspace. This article offers guidance on preparing for fall protection safety audits, including inspections, implementation of fall protection systems, and future compliance maintenance. 

  Understanding Fall Protection Requirements  

It is essential to know the requirements that apply to your industry. These standards are set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and ensure you meet internal safety protocols and external regulations. 

To comply, you must know what equipment is required, how to use it, and how to implement inspection and maintenance practices. The fall protection standards are designed to prevent accidents caused by falls, and they also include regulations for fall protection equipment like anchor points, harnesses, and fall arrest systems. 

  Conducting Regular Fall Protection Equipment Inspections  

A common issue during safety audits is insufficient or irregular inspection of fall protection equipment. Regular inspections are important for identifying wear and tear, damage, or malfunctioning components that could jeopardize work safety. 

• Visual Inspection: Check fall protection gear daily before each use. Look for signs of damage such as fraying, corrosion, or worn-outs. This practice is extremely important for items that support workers’ weight, like fall protection harnesses, SRL (Self-Retracting Lifelines) fall protection, and leading-edge equipment like lanyards.
• Annual Inspection: Schedule an inspection at least once a year, conducted by a Competent Person who understands the equipment and can confirm whether it meets safety standards. Make sure to document each inspection for compliance purposes.

   Ensuring Compliance with OSHA Fall Protection Standards  

Compliance with OSHA standards is essential when preparing for a fall protection audit. OSHA regulations require specific documentation of inspections, maintenance, and use of fall protection systems. Failure to comply with these standards could result in fines and put workers at risk. 

• Fall Protection Measures: Implement the proper fall protection measures, which include Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) like harnesses and guardrails. It is also important to make sure everything is up to date and maintained according to guidelines. 

  Implementing a Complete Fall Protection System  

Complete fall protection systems utilize active and passive protective measures. These include fall arrest systems, guardrails, and anchor points to secure workers at height.  

• Active Systems: Equipment like harnesses, lanyards, and SRL fall protection are all active systems workers wear to prevent or stop falls.
• Passive Systems: Guardrails, netting, and other equipment that prevent falls without worker interaction are considered passive systems. Both systems should be inspected and maintained to guarantee proper function. 

  Conducting Internal Safety Audits  

Conducting internal safety audits helps identify gaps in your fall protection system before official inspection. These audits should review all aspects of your fall protection program, including inspections, worker training, and documentation. 

• Internal Audit Steps: Walk through worksites to inspect equipment, assess workers' adherence to safety protocols, and check maintenance records. Make sure all equipment is well labeled, properly stored, and maintained. 

  Training on Personal Fall Protection Equipment  

 Training is a critical component of preparing for a fall protection audit. Workers need training on the use of personal fall protection equipment.

 Training should cover:

• Harness Fit and Use: Workers should know how to fit their fall protection harness correctly, ensuring it works as intended.
• Inspection Procedures: Workers should be trained to conduct pre-use inspections, identifying damages or wear that could compromise safety.
• Proper Anchorage: Workers need to know how to properly anchor their fall protection equipment. This includes identifying suitable anchorage points and understanding the weight limits they can support.
• Correct Use of Lanyards: Training should cover selecting the appropriate lanyard for the task at hand and proper attachment and adjustment techniques.
• Rescue Procedures: In case of a fall, workers must know how to self-rescue or assist in rescuing a fellow worker. Training should cover basic rescue techniques and the importance of keeping first aid kits and emergency contact information on site.

See the ANSI/ASSP Z359.2 Fall Protection Program Requirements for more detailed information. 

  Preparing for the Safety Inspection  

Before the official audit, conduct a final review of your fall protection program. Confirm all fall protection equipment has been inspected, workers are well trained, and all safety procedures are followed. 

• Final Checklist: Verify all documentation is up to date, including logs, maintenance records, and training certificates. This will make the audit process smoother and demonstrate your commitment to compliance. 

  Maintaining Compliance Beyond the Audit  

Audit preparation does not end when the audit is over. To maintain compliance and guarantee continuous safety, your company should establish continuously improved practices for your fall protection programs. 

By following these steps and ensuring your fall protection audit preparation covers all necessary aspects, you can establish compliance and promote a safer working environment.