Fall Protection

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A fall hazard at work is working in an area [Fall Protection Regs., S. 2 (1)]

  • with a risk of falling 3 m or more to nearest surface or water,
  • above a surface or thing where a fall could result in injuries, or
  • above an open tank, pit or vat containing hazardous material.

Which form of fall protection is required depends on the unique circumstances of each workplace and the job task. Ideally you want to remove the risk of falling entirely. Guardrails and temporary floors both eliminate the risk of falls if installed correctly. If you cannot eliminate the risk, the next step is to provide personal protective equipment such as a travel restraint system, which prevents a worker from going near a fall hazard area. If workers need to work where an actual fall could occur, a fall arrest system can safely halt a fall. Types of fall protection systems outlined in the Regulations include:

General Fall Protection Responsibilities for Employers and Workers

Where there is a fall hazard in the work area, employers must provide fall protection. This protection may mean installing guardrails or temporary floors, or providing personal fall protective equipment like safety belts or fall-arrest systems. Employers are also responsible for making sure workers follow all safety procedures and that all equipment is used safely and properly.

Workers are responsible for

  • Actively participating in all provided training.
  • Wearing the provided fall-arrest system and other fall protection equipment, while the worker is in a work area with a falling hazard.
  • Wearing all provided personal floatation devices when required.
  • Using all personal protective equipment safely and according to any instructions or training.

Fall protection requirements for employers and worker also apply to self-employed people.

Training Requirements

Employers must [Fall Protection Regs., S.2.1]

  • Have a competent person train all workers who use personal fall protection in the use, care and inspection of the fall arrest system, and a review all Prince Edward Island fall protection regulations and requirements.
  • Keep records of each worker’s training for two years after his or her employment, including:
    • the name of the worker who was trained;
    • date training took place;
    • the name of the competent person who provided training; and
    • all training materials provided to the worker.

Fall Protection Plan

Before using a fall arrest system or a personnel safety net, the employer must develop a written fall protection plan. Fall protection plans will be specific to each worksite as the safety requirements and equipment needs are unique to each work site. A fall protection plan must specify all procedures for: [Fall Protection Regs., S. 3(11)]

  • assembling, maintaining, inspecting, using and taking down the fall arrest system or personnel safety net, or
  • rescuing of a fallen worker suspended by a fall arrest system or caught by the safety net (if the worker is unable to return themselves to the ground or another safe surface).

Guardrails and Temporary Flooring

Guardrails must: [Fall Protection Regs., S. 4]

  • extend around any uncovered openings in floors or other surfaces;
  • be constructed around the perimeter or open side of a mezzanine, balcony or other surface; and
  • have posts constructed according to the Regulations, including when made from wood or wire rope.

Manufactured guardrails may be used but they must provide an equivalent level of protection as any wood railings. [Fall Protection Regs., S. 4 (4)] Where there is no work platform installed, guard the building shafts with guardrails. They must also be marked with a warning sign. [Fall Protection Regs., S. 5]

Temporary flooring is used where there is large opening in the floor or no permanent flooring to allow workers to walk across that area without risk. It is common safety practice on construction projects to mark on a temporary floor where there is an opening underneath to warn others of the hazard.

  • Install temporary flooring on each level without permanent flooring where work is being done.
  • Temporary flooring must cover the whole work area. If openings are needed for any work, they must have a guardrail.
  • Make sure the temporary flooring, including its support structure, must be strong enough to withstand four times the maximum expected load. [Fall Protection Regs., S. 9]

Personal Safety Nets and Debris Nets

If it is not practical or impossible to install guardrails, proper anchoring and lifelines for fall arrest systems can be installed. Safety nets are often used during bridge work or structural steel erection projects. Set up the safety net to ensure falling workers will not come in contact with other surfaces or objects when falling into the net. [Fall Protection Regs., S.6]

Debris nets catch materials, debris and even tools that drop work areas that are at heights. Use debris nets when workers may be at risk of being hit by falling objects or debris from a work area above. [Fall Protection Regs., S.7]

Fixed ladders

Provide a fixed ladder with:

  • A safety rail secured to the ladder and the worker with a safety belt meant to be attached to the rail.
  • Cage guards with offset platforms at intervals not greater than 9 144 mm (30 ft.).
  • Adequate fall arresting equipment.

Provide fall arresting equipment when workers are on fixed ladders more than 6 096 mm (20 ft.) in length. [OHS General Regs., S. 23.7]

Fall Arrest Systems

The travel restraint system or guardrails are designed to prevent a fall. Fall arrest systems are designed to stop or halt worker’s fall.

Inspection requirements for fall arrest systems include that a competent person must inspect the fall arrest system before each shift. Immediately report to the employer all defective components or deficiencies. Employers must make sure that the arrest system is not used until it is replaced or repaired. After a fall arrest system has stopped a worker’s fall, it must be inspected before it is used again. [Fall Protection Regs., S.3 (5) - (8)]

Fall arrest systems must:

  • be secured to an anchor point or lifeline. In turn, a lifeline must be fastened to an anchor point or attached to a static line that is fastened to an anchor point capable of withstanding either the maximum load likely to be imposed on the anchor point or a load of 17.8 kN, whichever is greater;
  • include a lanyard attached to an anchor point or lifeline above the shoulder of the worker, where it is practical. The lanyard must comply with CSA Standard Z259.11-17 Personal Energy Absorbers and Lanyards;
  • must prevent free falls of more than 1.22 m when the fall arrest system is not equipped with a shock absorption system that complies with CSA Standard Z259.11-17 Personal Energy Absorbers and Lanyards, and when the combined free fall and shock absorbed distance is greater than the distance between the work area and a safe surface;
  • includes a full body harness attached to a lanyard that is adjusted to fit the user and complies with CSA Standard Z259.10-18, Full Body Harnesses; [Fall Protection Regs., S.3]
  • use ropegrabs that comply with CSA Standard Z259.2.5-17 Fall Arresters and Vertical Lifelines. [Fall Protection Regs., S. 3(4)]
  • use a self-retracting device that complies with CSA Standard Z259.2.2-17, Self-Retracting Devices; and [Fall Protection Regs., S. 3 (4.1)]
  • use components for fall arrest systems that comply with CSA Standard Z259.12-16, Connecting Components for Personal Fall-Arrest Systems (PFAS). [Fall Protection Regs., S. 3 (4.2)]

Fall arrest systems including a lifeline must have a lifeline that complies with CSA Standard Z259.2.4-15 Fall Arresters and Vertical Rigid Rails or CSA Standard Z259.2.5-17, Fall Arresters and Vertical Lifelines, as applicable. Lifelines must: [Fall Protection Regs., S. 3(2)]

  • extend to a safe surface below the work area;
  • be secured at the bottom to prevent tangling or disturbance of the line;
  • be attached to an anchor point;
  • have no knots, lubricants or imperfections;
  • only have splicing if needed to connect the lifeline to an anchor point;
  • have softeners at all sharp edges or corners to protect workers against cuts or chafing; and
  • be clearly identified as a lifeline by colour or another way that provides an equal level of safety.

Do not: [Fall Protection Regs., S.3 (3)]

  • Use a lifeline in a fall arrest system being used by another worker.
  • Use rope as a lifeline if it has been used for other purposes. Use new rope only.

Static lines are a horizontal lifeline attached to at least two fixed anchor points. They must comply with CSA standard Z259.13-16 Manufactured Horizontal Lifeline Systems and CSA standard Z259.16-15 Design of Active Fall Protection Systems. Static lines must meet specific requirements. [Fall Protection Regs., S.3 (9)]

Fall Arrest Systems for Arborists

Arborists are those trained workers who climb trees during the course of their work or for scientific purposes. Fall arrest systems for arborists must include a tree climbing or tree trimming harness or saddle. Secure the harness or saddle to an anchor point or a lifeline that is, in turn, securely fastened to anchor point or attached to a static line that is securely fastened to an anchor point. Body belt must comply with CSA Standard Z259.1-05, Body Belts and Saddles for Work Positioning and Travel Restraint. [Fall Protection Regs., S. 8]

An arborist’s fall arrest system must also include a climbing rope or safety strap and, if it is practical, second climbing rope or safety strap providing additional stability and additional protection. Estimate the maximum load likely to be imposed on this system and make sure it can hold it. A fall arrest system for arborists must be able to hold at least 17.8 kN. [Fall Protection Regs., S.3 (10)]

Body Belts and harness with lifelines

NEVER use body belts as part of a fall arrest system! Body belts put stress on unprotected internal organs in the abdomen and a fall arrested by a body belt could result in serious internal injuries.

Body belts are only for work positioning or travel restraint, and are meant to limit a worker’s movement by preventing them from being within 1 m of an opening or edge where there is a risk of falling. In a travel restraint system the safety belt is secured to a lifeline or lanyard with a predetermined length which is then attached to a secure anchor point. [Fall Protection Regs., S.8]

Provide safety harnesses attached to properly anchored life lines when workers are entering bins, hoppers, chambers or vessels and when they could fall into pits, shafts or moving machinery or be trapped or buried by the movement of material. [OHS General Regs., S. 14.2] When workers may be in bins, hoppers, chambers or vessels they are at risk of contaminated air, lacking enough air, or being buried by the movement of the vessel’s contents. [OHS General Regs., S. 14.4] When workers may be entering bins used for storing dry bulk material provide a safety belt attached to an approved lifeline that is as short as practical and securely fastened to a fixed object outside the bin. [OHS General Regs., S. 43.33] Always station an employee as a sentinel (or “watch”) while this work is being done to so that there can be an immediate rescue of a worker when necessary. [OHS General Regs., S. 14.4]

Lifelines must comply with CSA Standard Z259.2.4-15, Fall-Arresting and Vertical Rigid Rails or CSA Standard Z259.2.2-17, Fall Arresters and Vertical Lifelines, as applicalbe. Connect lifelines with the least possible amount of slack in the line to limit the possible distance fallen during a free fall. Do not attach multiple workers to one lifeline. [OHS General Regs., S. 14.4]

Risk of Drowning After a Fall

Often, we only consider the risk of drowning when working on, or around, a boat, wharf or bridge. However, water is not the only liquid in which workers can drown. Vats of oil or other liquids can also pose a risk of drowning. There is also a risk of suffocating if a person falls in a large amount of sand or grain.

If there is a risk of drowning after a fall: [Fall Protection Regs., S. 10]

  • Provide a lifejacket or personal floatation device to each worker when the work area is less than 3 m above the surface of the water.
  • Provide a working boat that can provide a safe and quick rescue and a boat hook.
  • Provide a life buoy attached with 15 m of rope that is at least 10 mm in diameter and made from polypropylene or any other material that can provide equivalent level of protection.
  • Provide an audible alarm system to use in case of an accident or emergency which will initiate established rescue procedures.
  • Designate workers to perform specific rescue tasks and make sure there are enough workers to safely execute any established rescue procedures.

Properly inform workers of all rescue procedures related to drowning and train to perform a safe rescue with the provided safety equipment. [Fall Protection Regs., S. 10(1)(c)]

The employer must make sure that lifejackets or personal floatation devices are inspected and maintained following the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations. Records must be kept of the inspections and maintenance for the device's life. [Fall Protection Regs., S.10(3)]

When the work is being done over water that has a fast current, and when possible, the employer must place a line across the water that is at least 10 mm in diameter or is made of polypropylene or equivalent, and has a buoy or other flotation device attached. [Fall Protection Regs., S. 10(4)]

If there are other means of fall protection to provide the worker protection, the employer is not required to provide a worker with a lifejacket or personal flotation device. [Fall Protection Regs., S. 10(5)]

"fall arrest system" means a collection of equipment components configured to arrest a fall;
NOTE: Safe entrances and exits from a working area with falling hazards do not require the use of a fall arrest system or other personal protective equipment.
"competent person" means a person who is (i) qualified because of that person's knowledge, training and experience to do the assigned work in a manner that will ensure the health and safety of persons in the workplace, and (ii) knowledgeable about the provisions of the Act and the regulations that apply to the assigned work, and about potential or actual danger to health or safety associated with the assigned work; [Fall Protection Regs., S. 1 (g)]
Posts must:
  • be spaced at intervals of at least 2.4 meters.
  • The posts must be secured by an attachment to the structure being worked on. If this is not feasible, then by another means that can be shown to have an equivalent level of safety.
  • The top railing must be between .91 and 1.06 m above the surface workers are working from. It must be securely fastened to the posts.
  • A toe board is required and must be securely attached to the posts. The toe board should be 102mm high.
  • An intermediate railing must be on the inner side of the posts, midway between top rail and the toe board.
    Wooden Guardrails must:
  • be made of lumber at least grade two spruce or better;
  • have top and intermediate railings and posts that are at least 51 mm by 102 mm; and
  • have a toeboard that is at least 25 mm by 75 mm.
  • Wire Rope Railings must have:
  • High visibility markings every 1.5 m on the top railing.
  • Toe board and posts must be made of wood, following the requirements of those in fully wooden guardrails or made steel.
  • Top and intermediate railings must be at least 8 mm in diameter.
  • Turnbuckles to provide enough tension to be equal to the strength of the wood rails.
  • Safety nets:
    - Personnel safety nets must comply with ANSI Standard A10.11-2010 Safety Requirements for Personnel Nets.
    - Install personnel safety nets within at least 4.6 m below the work area.
    - Nets must extend 2.4m beyond the work area, on all sides.
    - Lace the nets with a lacing material equal in strength to the mesh rope or webbing when connecting two or more nets.
    Debris nets must,
    - Meet ANSI/ASSP Standard A10.37-2016 Debris Nets Systems Used During Construction and Demolition Operations.
    - Do not use debris nets more than 4.6 m below the work area.
    "anchor point" means a secure point of attachment for a lifeline or lanyard.
    "lifeline" means a vertical line attached to a fixed anchor point or a static line and to which a lanyard and a ropegrab may be attached.
    "static line" means a rope (i) that is attached horizontally to two or more fixed anchor points; and (ii) to which a fall arrest system is attached.
    "lanyard" means a flexible tether used to secure a worker to a lifeline, anchorage, or anchorage connector
    CSA is the Canadian Standards Association Group. Certain CSA standards are available for online viewing.

    To access these, you must first create an account with "CSA Communities".

    Go to: https://community.csagroup.org/login.jspa?referer=%252Findex.jspa

    Once you are logged in, click on the text below the "OHS Standards / View Access" graphic.

    Click on the jurisdiction of your choice to see the CSA Standards as referenced in that legislation.

    Standards may also be purchased from CSA Group: https://store.csagroup.org/

    "full-body harness" means a body-holding device that includes shoulder, chest, sub-pelvic, and thigh straps
    "ropegrab" means a mechanical fall-arrest device that (i) is attached to a lifeline and a lanyard; and (ii) locks itself immediately on the lifeline in the event of a fall.
    These requirements are listed in:
  • J386 Seat Belts for Construction Machines;
  • J117 Dynamic Test Procedure - Type 1 and Type 2 Seat Belt Assemblies;
  • J800C Motor Vehicle Seat Belt Assembly Installations.
  • "arborist" means a worker trained and employed, in whole or in part, to climb trees for any economic or scientific purpose, including; (i) detection and treatment of disease, infections or infestations; (ii) pruning, spraying or trimming; (iii) repairing damaged trees; (iv) assessing growth or harvesting potential; or (v) scientific research.
     "body belt" means a body support device that encircles the body at or about the waist
    "lifejacket" means a device that
    (i) provides a specified buoyancy that will turn the wearer face-up on entry to water and keep the wearer in that position, and
    (ii) is approved by Transport Canada, or an agency permitted by Transport Canada to approve lifejackets, and bears a mark or label indicating that approval

    Fall Protection Regulations
    EC2004-633

    Part 1 Definitions and Application

    Section 1 Definitions

    1. (1) In these regulations

    (a) "Act" means the Occupational Health and Safety Act ;

    (b) "anchor point" means a secure point of attachment for a lifeline or lanyard;

    (c) "ANSI" means the American National Standards Institute;

    (d) "arborist" means a worker trained and employed, in whole or in part, to climb trees for any economic or scientific purpose, including

    (i) detection and treatment of disease, infections or infestations,

    (ii) pruning, spraying or trimming,

    (iii) repairing damaged trees,

    (iv) assessing growth or harvesting potential, or

    (v) scientific research;

    (d.1) "ASSP" means the American Society of Safety Professionals;

    (d.2) "body belt" means a body support device that encircles the body at or about the waist;

    (e) Repealed. [EC2021-125, s. 2]

    (f) "CSA" means the Canadian Standards Association (CSA Group);

    (g) "competent person" means a person who is

    (i) qualified because of that person's knowledge, training and experience to do the assigned work in a manner that will ensure the health and safety of persons in the workplace, and

    (ii) knowledgeable about the provisions of the Act and the regulations that apply to the assigned work, and about potential or actual danger to health or safety associated with the assigned work;

    (h) "debris net" means a net that is used to catch material and debris that can drop from work areas;

    (i) "fall arrest system" means a collection of equipment components configured to arrest a fall;

    (j) "full-body harness" means a body-holding device that includes shoulder, chest, sub-pelvic, and thigh straps;

    (k) "guardrail" means a temporary system of vertical and horizontal members that warn of a fall hazard and reduce the risk of a fall;

    (l) "lanyard" means a flexible tether used to secure a worker to a lifeline, anchorage, or anchorage connector;

    (l.1) "lifejacket" means a device that

    (i) provides a specified buoyancy that will turn the wearer face-up on entry to water and keep the wearer in that position, and

    (ii) is approved by Transport Canada, or an agency permitted by Transport Canada to approve lifejackets, and bears a mark or label indicating that approval;

    (m) "lifeline" means a vertical line attached to a fixed anchor point or a static line and to which a lanyard and a ropegrab may be attached;

    (n) "means of fall protection" means a harness, net, rope, structure or other equipment, or device or means of

    (i) restraining a worker who is at risk of falling, or

    (ii) stopping a worker who has fallen;

    (n.1) "personal flotation device" means a device that

    (i) provides a specified buoyancy that will support a conscious person in an upright or backward-leaning position in water, and

    (ii) is approved by Transport Canada, or an agency permitted by Transport Canada to approve personal flotation devices, and bears a mark or label indicating that approval;

    (o) "personnel safety net" means a net that is used to catch a worker during a fall;

    (p) "practicable" means physically possible in light of current knowledge and invention;

    (q) "reasonably practicable" means practicable unless the person on whom a duty is placed can show that there is a gross disproportion between the benefit of the duty and the cost, in time, trouble and money, of the measures to secure the duty;

    (r) "ropegrab" means a mechanical fall arrest device that

    (i) is attached to a lifeline and a lanyard, and

    (ii) locks itself immediately on the lifeline in the event of a fall;

    (s) "safe means of access and egress" means equipment or a structure that is built to prevent falls by workers entering or leaving a work area;

    (t) "safe surface" means a surface at a workplace that

    (i) has sufficient size and strength to adequately support a worker who falls on to the surface, and

    (ii) is sufficiently horizontal to prevent a further fall from the surface by a worker who has fallen on to the surface;

    (u) Repealed. [EC2021-125, s. 2]

    (v) "softener" means padding or hoses that are used with a lifeline or static line to prevent a rope from being cut or chafed;

    (w) "static line" means a rope

    (i) that is attached horizontally to two or more fixed anchor points, and

    (ii) to which a fall arrest system is attached;

    (x) "temporary flooring" means a horizontal working surface that

    (i) is designed to give access to areas that do not have permanent flooring, and

    (ii) will prevent a worker from falling;

    (y) "work area" means a location at the workplace at which a worker is, or may be required or permitted to be, stationed and includes a work platform;

    (z) "work platform" means a temporary horizontal working surface that provides access to a work area and support to a worker at the work area.

    (2) Where there is an inconsistency between a provision of these regulations and a standard or a manufacturer's specification incorporated by reference in these regulations and a requirement of this Part, the provision of these regulations prevails to the extent of the inconsistency.

    (3) A duty or requirement that is imposed on an employer or a worker under these regulations applies to a self-employed person, with such modifications as the circumstances require.

    (3.1) The Director may waive the application of these regulations to a particular workplace or work area if the Director is satisfied that acceptable safety standards will be observed at that workplace or work area.

    (4) Measurements of lumber in these regulations are nominal for dressed dimensions, unless rough lumber or dimensions are specified.

    [EC2021-125, ss. 1, 2]

    PART 2 - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

    Section 2 Employer required to provide means of fall protection

    2. (1) Where a worker is exposed to the hazard of falling from a work area that is

    (a) 3 m or more above the nearest safe surface or water;

    (b) above a surface or thing that could cause injury to the worker if the worker were to fall on the surface or thing; or

    (c) above an open tank, pit or vat containing hazardous material,

    the employer of the worker shall ensure that

    (d) the worker is provided with a fall arrest system that meets the requirements of section 3;

    (e) a guardrail that meets the requirements of section 4 is constructed or installed at the work area;

    (f) a personnel safety net that meets the requirements of section 6 is installed at the work area;

    (g) temporary flooring that meets the requirements of section 9 is constructed or installed at the work area; or

    (h) the worker is provided with another means of fall protection that provides a level of safety equal to or greater than a fall arrest system that meets the requirements of section 3.

    (2) Where, in accordance with subsection (1), an employer provides a worker with a fall arrest system, or with another means of fall protection that includes a harness, or other item that is designed to be worn by the worker using it, the worker shall wear the fall arrest system or means of fall protection while the worker is in the work area.

    (3) Where a worker is entering or exiting a work area by a safe means of access and egress, subsections (1) and (2) do not apply to the worker or the employer of the worker.

    (4) Notwithstanding subsections (1) and (2), where, at a work area,

    (a) a worker must perform work on or from a vehicle or other mobile equipment;

    (b) it is only practicable for a worker to perform work from a ladder and it is not practicable for the worker to maintain three points of contact while performing the work from the ladder; or

    (c) a worker who is an arborist must perform work from a tree and the density of tree branches prevents the arborist from crotching,

    the employer of the worker shall provide a means of fall protection, and the worker shall wear it if it may be worn, only where and to the extent that is reasonably practicable.

    [EC2021-125, ss. 3, 4]

    Section 2.1 Required training in use of a means of fall protection

    2.1 (1) Where, in accordance with subsection 2(1) or (4), an employer of a worker provides the worker with a means of fall protection for use at a work area, the employer shall ensure the worker is trained in the use of the means of fall protection by a competent person and that the training includes

    (a) training in the use, care and inspection of the means of fall protection; and

    (b) a review of the provisions of these regulations that apply to the means of fall protection.

    (2) An employer shall

    (a) maintain a training record for each worker during, and for a period of two years following, the worker's employment with the employer; and

    (b) make the record available to an officer upon the officer's request.

    (3) A training record referred to in subsection (2) shall include

    (a) the name of the worker who received the training;

    (b) the date on which the training took place;

    (c) the name of the competent person providing the training; and

    (d) any training material provided to the worker.

    [EC2012-304, s. 1]

    PART 3 - FALL ARREST SYSTEMS

    Section 3 Fall arrest systems

    3. (1) A fall arrest system that is provided, in accordance with subsection 2(1), to a worker at a work area as a means of fall protection shall

    (a) be adequately secured to

    (i) an anchor point, or

    (ii) a lifeline that is

    (A) securely fastened to an anchor point, or

    (B) attached to a static line that is securely fastened to an anchor point that is capable of withstanding either the maximum load likely to be imposed on the anchor point or a load of 17.8 kN, whichever is greater;

    (b) include a lanyard

    (i) that is attached to an anchor point or lifeline, where practicable, above the shoulder of the worker, and

    (ii) that complies with CSA Standard Z259.11-17 Personal Energy Absorbers and Lanyards;

    (c) prevent a free fall greater than 1.22 m where

    (i) the fall arrest system is not equipped with a shock absorption system that complies with CSA Standard Z259.11-17 Personal Energy Absorbers and Lanyards and that reduces the shock level of any fall to less than 4 kN, or

    (ii) the combined free fall and shock absorbed deceleration distance exceeds the distance between the work area and a safe surface; and

    (d) include a full body harness that

    (i) is attached to a lanyard,

    (ii) is adjusted to fit the user of the harness, and

    (iii) complies with CSA Standard Z259.10-18 Full Body Harness.

    (2) Where a fall arrest system provided to a worker includes a lifeline, the lifeline shall

    (a) comply with CSA Standard Z259.2.4-15 , Fall Arresters and Vertical Rigid Rails or CSA Standard Z259.2.5-17 , Fall Arresters and Vertical Lifelines, as applicable;

    (b) extend to a safe surface below the work area;

    (c) be secured at the bottom of the lifeline to prevent tangling or disturbance of the line;

    (d) be securely attached to an anchor point;

    (e) be free of knots, lubricants and imperfections;

    (f) be free of splices, except as are necessary to connect the lifeline to an anchor point;

    (g) be provided with softeners at all sharp edges or corners to protect against cuts or chafing; and

    (h) be clearly identified as a lifeline by colour or by another means that provides an equivalent level of safety.

    (3) No worker shall

    (a) use a lifeline in a fall arrest system while that fall arrest system is being used by another worker; or

    (b) provide a rope for use, or permit a rope to be used, as a lifeline in a fall arrest system if the rope has been used for another purpose.

    (4) Where a fall arrest system provided to a worker includes a ropegrab, the ropegrab used shall comply with CSA Standard Z259.2.5-17 , Fall Arresters and Vertical Lifelines.

    (4.1) Where a self-retracting device is used as a component of a fall arrest system, the device shall comply with CSA Standard Z259.2.2-17 , Self-Retracting Devices.

    (4.2) The employer shall ensure the components of a fall arrest system provided to a worker comply with CSA Standard Z259.12-16 , Connecting Components for Personal Fall-Arrest Systems (PFAS).

    (5) An employer who provides a worker with a fall arrest system shall ensure the fall arrest system is inspected by a competent person prior to each work shift undertaken by the worker.

    (6) A competent person who carries an inspection of a fall arrest system shall advise the employer as to whether any of the components of the fall arrest system are defective in condition or function.

    (7) Where an employer is advised by a competent person that any of the components of a fall arrest system are defective in condition or function, the employer shall ensure that the fall arrest system is not used until every defective component is replaced or repaired.

    (8) Where a fall arrest system has arrested the fall of a worker at a work area, the employer of the worker shall ensure that the fall arrest system

    (a) is removed from service and inspected by a competent person; and

    (b) is repaired, before it is reused, to the original manufacturer's specifications, if the inspection of the competent person reveals that any component of the fall arrest system is defective.

    (9) Where a fall arrest system provided to a worker includes a static line, the static line shall

    (a) have a nominal diameter of at least 12.7 mm;

    (b) be equipped with vertical supports at least every 9 m;

    (c) have a maximum deflection, when taut, of no greater than 381 mm for a 9 m span;

    (d) be equipped with turnbuckles or other comparable tightening devices that provide an equivalent level of protection, at the ends of the static line;

    (e) be made of Improved Plow Wire Rope;

    (f) be equipped with softeners at all sharp edges or corners to protect against cuts or chafing;

    (g) be made only of components that are able to withstand either the maximum load likely to be imposed on the components or a load of 8 kN, whichever is greater; and

    (h) comply with CSA Standard Z259.13-16 , Manufactured Horizontal Lifeline Systems and CSA Standard Z259.16-15 , Design of Active Fall Protection Systems.

    (10) Where a fall arrest system is provided to a worker who is an arborist, the fall arrest system shall

    (a) include a tree climbing or tree trimming harness or saddle;

    (b) be adequately secured to

    (i) an anchor point, or

    (ii) a lifeline that is

    (A) securely fastened to an anchor point, or

    (B) attached to a static line that is securely fastened to an anchor point;

    (c) include a climbing rope or safety strap;

    (d) where practicable, include a second climbing rope or safety strap that

    (i) provides additional stability, and

    (ii) back-up fall protection; and

    (e) be capable of withstanding either the maximum load likely to be imposed or a load of 17.8 kN, whichever is greater.

    (11) Where an employer uses a fall arrest system or a personnel safety net as a means of fall protection, the employer shall have a written fall protection plan that specifies

    (a) the procedure to assemble, maintain, inspect, use and disassemble the fall arrest system or personnel safety net; and

    (b) the procedure for the rescue of a worker who has fallen and is suspended by the fall arrest system or personnel safety net, but is unable to effect self rescue.

    [EC2021-125, ss. 3, 5]

    PART 4 - GUARDRAILS

    Section 4 Construction and installation requirements

    4. (1) A guardrail that is constructed or installed at a work area, in accordance with subsection 2(1), shall

    (a) extend around

    (i) any uncovered opening in a floor or other surface, and

    (ii) the perimeter or other open side of a floor, mezzanine, balcony or other surface, at the work area from which a worker may be exposed to the hazards of a fall described in clauses 2(1)(a) to (c);

    (b) have posts that

    (i) are spaced at intervals of not more than 2.4 m; and

    (ii) are secured against movement by the attachment of the posts to the structure under construction or that is otherwise being worked on, or by another means that provides an equivalent level of safety;

    (c) have a top railing that is between 0.91 and 1.06 m above the surface of the protected working area and that is securely fastened to posts secured in compliance with subclause (b)(ii);

    (d) have a toeboard, securely attached to the posts and the structure to which the posts are secured, extending from the base of the posts to a height of 102 mm; and

    (e) have an intermediate railing on the inner side of the posts midway between the top railing and the toeboard.

    (2) Where a wooden guardrail is constructed or installed at a work area, the guardrail shall, in addition to the requirements of subsection (1),

    (a) have top and intermediate railings and posts that are at least 51 mm by 102 mm;

    (b) have a toeboard that is at least 25 mm by 75 mm; and

    (c) be made of

    (i) Grade Two or better spruce, or

    (ii) other lumber that provides an equivalent level of safety to the type of lumber referred to in subclause (i).

    (3) Where a guardrail that is constructed or installed at a work area has wire rope railings, the guardrail shall, in addition to the requirements of subsection (1),

    (a) have top and intermediate railings that are at least 8 mm in diameter;

    (b) be identified with high visibility markings placed every 1.5 m on the top railing; and

    (c) have top and intermediate railings that are equipped with turnbuckles or other means that provide adequate tension to ensure an equivalent level of protection to that provided by the wooden railings required under subsection (2).

    (4) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in subsection (1), an employer may have a manufactured guardrail installed or constructed at a work area if it provides an equivalent level of protection to that provided by a wooden guardrail that complies with the requirements of subsections (1) and (2).

    [EC2021-125, s. 3]

    Section 5 Building shafts

    5. Where, at a work area,

    (a) there is no work platform installed at the level of a doorway or opening in a building shaft; and

    (b) the employer is required by these regulations to have a guardrail constructed or installed at the work area,

    the employer shall ensure that the guardrail is marked with a warning sign that indicates the presence of an open building shaft.

    PART 5 - SAFETY NETS

    Section 6 Personnel safety nets

    6. (1) Where an employer has a personnel safety net installed at a work area, in accordance with subsection 2(1), the employer shall ensure that

    (a) the personnel safety net is installed not more than 4.6 m below the work area;

    (b) the personnel safety net extends 2.4 m on all sides beyond the work area;

    (c) the personnel safety net is installed and maintained so that the maximum deflection when arresting the fall of a worker does not allow any portion of the worker to contact another surface;

    (d) the personnel safety net is installed to ensure that no obstructions or intervening members may be struck by a worker during a fall between the work area and the personnel safety net; and

    (e) where two or more personnel safety nets are connected to form a larger unit, they shall be laced with a lacing material equal in strength to the mesh rope or webbing.

    (2) Subject to subsection (1), an employer who has a personnel safety net installed at a work area shall ensure it is manufactured, used, maintained, inspected and stored in accordance with ANSI/ASSP Standard A10.11-2010 Safety Requirements for Personnel Nets.

    [EC2021-125, ss. 3, 6]

    Section 7 Debris nets

    7. (1) Where a worker having access to an area below an elevated work area is exposed to the hazard of falling objects or debris from the work area, the employer of the worker shall ensure that

    (a) a debris net is installed below the work area in accordance with subsection (2); or

    (b) some other means of protection is provided that provides an equivalent level of protection from falling objects and debris.

    (2) An employer who, in accordance with subsection (1), has a debris net installed below an elevated work area shall ensure it

    (a) is manufactured, used, maintained, inspected and stored in accordance with ANSI/ASSP Standard A10.37-2016 Debris Nets Systems Used During Construction and Demolition Operations; and

    (b) is installed not more than 4.6 m below the elevated work area.

    [EC2021-125, s. 3, 7]

    PART 6 - BODY BELTS

    Section 8 Standards

    8. Where an employer provides a body belt to a worker, the employer shall ensure that the body belt complies with CSA Standard Z259.1-05 , Body Belts and Saddles for Work Positioning and Travel Restraint.

    [EC2021-125, ss. 3, 8]

    PART 7 - TEMPORARY FLOORING

    Section 9 Requirements

    9. Where temporary flooring is constructed or installed at a work area, in accordance with subsection 2(1), it shall

    (a) be constructed or installed at each floor level of the work area where work is in progress;

    (b) extend over the whole work area except for any openings necessary for the carrying out of work;

    (c) be able to withstand four times the maximum load likely to be imposed on it; and

    (d) be securely fastened to and supported on members that are able to withstand four times the maximum load likely to be imposed on them.

    [EC2021-125, s. 3]

    PART 8 - MEASURES REQUIRED WHERE RISK OF DROWNING

    Section 10 Risk of drowning

    10. (1) Where a worker is exposed to the hazard of falling from a work area and there is a risk of drowning if the worker does fall, the employer shall

    (a) provide to the worker a lifejacket or personal floatation device where the work area is less than 3 m above the surface of the water;

    (b) provide rescue equipment that includes

    (i) an adequate boat to ensure a safe and timely rescue,

    (ii) a life buoy attached with 15 m of rope that is at least 10 mm in diameter and that is made from polypropylene or other material that provides an equivalent level of protection,

    (iii) a boat hook,

    (iv) an audible alarm system to notify of an accident and to initiate the rescue procedure; and

    (c) ensure that workers who are

    (i) designated to perform specific rescue tasks,

    (ii) properly informed as to the proper rescue procedures, and

    (iii) trained in the use of the rescue equipment in order to perform rescue operations in a safe manner,

    are available in such numbers as are needed in the circumstances to perform rescue operations safely.

    (2) Where, in accordance with subsection (1), an employer provides a worker with a lifejacket or personal floatation device, the worker shall wear the personal floatation device while the worker is in the work area.

    (3) Where inflatable lifejackets or personal flotation devices are used, the employer shall ensure that

    (a) the lifejackets and devices are inspected and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations; and

    (b) records of all inspections and maintenance are maintained for the life of the lifejacket or device.

    (4) Where work is being performed above water that has a fast current and where it is practicable, an employer shall ensure that a line is placed across the water that

    (a) is at least 10 mm in diameter or is made of polypropylene or other material that provides an equivalent level of protection; and

    (b) has a buoy or some other flotation device attached.

    (5) For greater certainty, an employer is not required to provide a worker with a lifejacket or personal floatation device under subsection (1) where the worker is protected by a means of fall protection in accordance with subsection 2(1).

    [EC2021-125, ss. 3, 9]

    General Regulations
    EC180/87

    Part 14 BINS AND HOPPERS

    Section 14.2 Safety harness with life line

    14.2 Workers shall be provided with and shall wear approved safety harnesses with a lifeline attached and properly anchored when entering bins, hoppers, chambers or vessels where there is a danger of being trapped or buried by the movement of material, or where there is a danger of falling into pits, shafts or moving machinery.

    [EC2021-126, ss. 3, 23]

    Section 14.4 Sentinel

    14.4 (1) Where a worker is required to work in a bin, hopper, chamber or vessel where there is a danger of being overcome by contaminated air or lack of oxygen or where there is a danger of being buried by movement of material, another worker shall be stationed in a position where he or she can readily effect the rescue of the worker exposed to the hazardous condition.

    (2) The employer shall ensure that ropes for lifelines meet the requirements specified in subsection 3(2) of the Fall Protection Regulations (EC633/04) made under the Act.

    (3) Lifelines shall be connected for use by a worker to ensure there will be the least practicable amount of slack line in order to limit the free fall of the worker.

    (4) No more than one worker shall be attached to one lifeline.

    [EC2020-147, ss. 6, 25]

    14.5 Repealed. [EC2020-147, s. 26]

    Part 23 LADDERS

    Section 23.7 Fixed ladders

    23.7 (1) The employer shall ensure that a fixed ladder more than 6 096 mm (20 ft.) in length is provided with

    (a) a safety rail secured to the ladder; or

    (b) cage guards with offset platforms at intervals not greater than 9 144 mm (30 ft.); or

    (c) adequate fall arresting equipment.

    (2) The employer shall ensure that workers working on fixed ladders more than 6 096 mm (20 ft.) in length shall wear adequate fall arresting equipment.

    (3) Workers working on fixed ladders more than 6 096 mm (20 ft.) in length shall wear adequate fall arresting equipment.

    (4) Where a safety rail is used, the employer shall provide an approved safety belt designed to be attached to the rail and all workers shall wear the safety belt and attach it to the rail.

    [EC2021-126, s. 3]

    Part 43 HANDLING & STORAGE OF MATERIALS

    Section 43.33 Lifebelts

    43.33 Where it is necessary for workers to enter bins used for storing dry bulk material, each worker shall be provided with, and shall use, an approved safety belt attached to an approved lifeline that is as short as practicable and securely fastened to a fixed object; and another worker shall be stationed outside during the entire operation to render such assistance as is needed.

    [EC2021-126, s. 3]