Walking-Working Surfaces Standard updated
The long awaiting walking/working surfaces standard was published November 2016. The effective date was January 17,2017, and all enforcement dates are
now in effect, with the lone exception being the final implementation of
fall protection on fixed ladders for another 20 years!
The revised walking-working
surfaces standard was published in November 2016. It affects primarily general
industry. It actually brings a lot of the "construction" requirements
to general industry.
Fall Protection Program (OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M and 29 CFR 1910.28(b)):
Required for all construction related activities as defined in Subpart M of CFR
1926.
A written plan is required and should include the following key elements;
1) Conduct Fall Hazard
Assessment,
2) Establish Policy and
Develop Procedures,
3) Determine Appropriate
Hazard Control Measures,
4) Elimination/Engineering
Controls,
5) Selection and use of
Applicable Systems,
6) Orientation and Training,
7) Inspection and
Maintenance,
8) Program Audit.
The new General Industry
standard published November 2016 requires The employer's fall protection plan
and training must meet the requirements of the construction fall protection
standard (29 CFR 1926.502(k) and 1926.503(a) and (c)). The plan must be
prepared by a “qualified” person.
EHS Network conducted
training on the standard changes and invited folks to sign up for Mark Damon's
Competent Fall Protection training (to meet that requirement for a qualified
person to develop your program). How many of you attended either Mark's class
or a similar class? Mark will be holding another class in Kansas City something
spring/summer 2018.
Author:
Deborah Grow, Safety Specialist
Private
Safety Consultant, assistant Damon Fall Protection and Coordinator EHS Network ~
Kansas. Extensive safety experience
in General Industry, Construction, D.O.T. Compliance, and OSHA
consultation project. Contact Deborah if you would like to schedule a consultation
Follow me on: Google-plus Facebook Twitter ChekSafety
