Fall Protection

According to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, a fall protection system must be used when work is being done at a place from which a fall of 3 metres (10 feet) or more may occur, or where a fall from a height of less than 3 metres involves a risk of injury greater than the risk of injury from the impact on a flat surface.

There are several different types of fall protection systems, each with varying degrees of effectiveness. Guardrails are considered the best option for fall protection, followed by a fall restraint system, then a fall arrest system, and finally, the implementation of work procedures, which is considered the least desirable option. A control zone with a safety monitor is an example of an acceptable work procedure.

Equipment used for a fall protection system must be sufficient to support the fall restraint or arrest forces. It must also consist of compatible and suitable components, and be used in accordance with applicable standards.

Before a worker is allowed into an area where a risk of falling exists, they must be instructed in the fall protection system for the area and the procedures to be followed.

Roof access

Please contact EHS for a copy of the Roof Access Manual for directions on accessing the various building rooftops and terrace plateaus at the Burnaby campus.

Contractors

Prior to commencing work at SFU, contractors who will be working at heights must complete the SFU Fall Protection Work Plan form and submit it along with their Fall Protection Plan to the Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) for review. EHS will not approve the plan but will review the plan to ensure that it is complete and has been tailored to the work being conducted at SFU.