- All workers who will be working on the sheet metal application task should be well trained and competent. They should also be aware of all the safety measures employed especially the proper and safe use of systems for fall protection.
- Before starting any work, workers should complete a written assessment regarding the work they are going to perform and the site hazard to test their knowledge.
- Personal fall protection system should be should be connected in permanent anchorage points that were already provided in the job site.
- In case of no permanent anchorage points, it is the workers’ responsibility to check and install a temporary anchor for the travel restraint.
- The temporary anchor should be installed immediately, making sure that the written instructions were followed when installing which are provided by the manufacturer. This should be installed across the work area to ensure that there is less fall injury happening on the site.
- The temporary anchor and the workers should have a 1:1 ratio. A worker assigned at the edge of the roof should have his own travel restraint.
- Before connecting the equipment to the anchorage point, it should be fully inspected and should pass the inspection.
- The connectors used such as the lanyard and snap hook should also pass approval and certification.
- The lanyard of the travel restraint should be connected to a full-body harness (A type) with a rear dorsal D-ring which also passed approval. Do not use safety belts as an alternative.
- If any work should be done in the edge of an unguarded roof then the worker should complete the task while kneeling and wearing a travel restraint.
- All workers should always be aware of the edge of the roof while working or walking from the unguarded edge. They should not turn their backs on the edge or even walk parallel to it.
- Good housekeeping should always be maintained in the work area. Start by clearing the work site will all debris and making sure that no materials are stacked near the edge of the unguarded roof.
- If the worker or personnel has no training regarding protection while in the work area, it is best to consult a trained individual to assist the workers.
There are certain requirements for travel restraint anchors which will be used temporarily. First, the anchor should be able to handle a maximum load of 3.5 kilonewtons or an 800 pound-force. The anchor should also be used, installed, and removed in accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Some workers might be confused between a fall restraint anchor and an anchor for fall protection. To avoid any confusion, the temporary anchor should be properly marked with “for travel restraint only” warning. After the work is completed or depending on the timeframe specified by the manufacturer, the temporary anchor should be uninstalled immediately. Once left or forgotten, the temporary anchor’s capability will deteriorate and may not perform as expected.