How to Write a Hazard Assessment as Per the Fall Protection Code

Writing a fall rescue plan can be a scary task for some employers. But fear not! These plans are easy to make thanks to this blog and the ASSE Fall Protection Code. For reference purposes, the fall hazard survey report requirements can be found in section 4.2 in ANSI/ASSE Z359.2-2007 of the Fall Protection Code. These requirements were last approved on May 31, 2007. The Fall Hazard Survey Report provides information about all of the different things that need to be considered during the hazard analysis process.

First and foremost, every potential fall hazard needs to be reported upon if an authorized person will be exposed to it. In addition to identifying the hazard, the report must attempt to include at least one way to minimize or remove the identified hazard. These surveys need to be conducted and written by either a Qualified or Competent person because they need to have an understanding of and access to information about the different jobs that will be required within the facility, the environmental factors within the area, and the different hazards involved in the work process.

By understanding the job, the Qualified and/or Competent person can better identify the potential paths that a worker will be traveling during working hours. It is important for the Qualified and/or Competent person to identify those working paths and the various hazards that a worker may encounter in those paths as part of the survey process.

One of the primary reasons for conducting this report is to identify specific hazards that could be a potential problem for workers who need to use fall protection. In order to maintain the longevity of the fall arrest system and to establish a worker’s safety in the event of a fall, it is important to identify the presence of the following hazards: hot objects, chemicals, electrical hazards, environmental contaminants, sharp/abrasive surfaces, moving equipment and materials, unstable/slippery work surfaces, climatic elements, any materials or circumstances that could negatively impact the fall arrest system, and any foreseeable changes to any of the previously mentioned conditions.

The final two requirements of the hazard analysis process mandate that the report be given to the program administrator for review. And finally, the report must be either updated or re-written whenever there are significant changes made in the procedure, structure, equipment, or legislation that would impact previously written reports.

Although this process can be time-consuming, these are very important things that need to be identified in order to establish a well-rounded and ANSI-compliant fall protection plan. Try not to feel overwhelmed by the process. If you need assistance, feel free to contact one of our representatives. We will be happy to help you work on your fall rescue plan. We are now offering consulting and training services for companies who have a need for fall protection solutions. Remember: conducting a proper fall hazard analysis is the first step in providing a thorough and complete fall protection solution.  

Thanks for reading and stay safe! 

Hannah Addison