The importance of guardrails
Guardrails are usually the first choice for fall prevention. Guardrails that are erected properly can stop a worker from falling because there are no open edges. The reason why guardrails are the first choice is because they provide protection for all the workers in the area. The workers can freely move around the area as though they are on the ground because there is not risk of falling. With guardrails, the need for self retracting lifelines or lanyards is minimized. If the guardrails have to be removed for material delivery or to access equipment, workers have to be trained to use another form of fall protection until the guardrails are back in place.
Travel restraints instead of guardrails
If guardrails cannot be installed for fall protection, the next best thing is the Travel restraint or fall arrest system. The standard fall arrest system consists of a tied-off lifeline that is attached to an anchor that prevents the worker from hitting the ground. The Travel restraint system is a lifeline that measures just long enough to reach the edge of the work area but not long enough to result in falling over. However, both systems have their similarities since they both use full body harness, lanyard, lifeline rope and rope grab. Both systems also require the worker to tie himself to an anchor point. However, the Travel restraint only protects one worker while the guardrails protect all the workers in the area from falling off the edge.
Floor opening covers instead of guardrails
Since the use of guardrails is not always possible, another option is the floor opening covers. If floor opening covers will be used, it is important to ensure that it is:
- Fastened securely
- Adequately identified as an opening cover by using brightly colored paint with bold letters
- Made from a durable material that is strong enough to support all types of loads that it may be subjected to
- Capable of supporting a live load of at least 2.4 kilonewtons per square meter without exceeding the allowable unit stresses for the materials that are used